10 Affordable Online Liberal Arts Degrees (2025)

A bachelor's degree in liberal arts gives students foundational skills that they will use throughout their careers.

Skills such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and time management will be valuable regardless of what context graduates are employed in.

Finding an affordable online degree in liberal arts is a great way to gain a comprehensive education and accelerate your career at a reduced cost.

Students can now earn many high-quality liberal arts degrees in a flexible online format.

List of Affordable Liberal Arts Degrees Online

Here are some great choices for an affordable online liberal arts degree.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a leader in providing affordable online degrees. Students can choose from a wide range of liberal arts degrees in an entirely online format.

WGU is committed to making their degrees accessible and affordable. WGU students have been shown to graduate with a fraction of the national average in student debt.

The average cost of an online bachelor's degree at WGU is $8,010 per year which represents a significant saving compared to traditional programs.

2. Waldorf University

Waldorf University's affordable online liberal arts degrees are perfect for adult students looking to boost their careers.

All classes can be completed online so that students can continue working and attending to other responsibilities.

Tuition for online undergraduate degrees costs $325 per credit and the financial aid team can help students find grants and scholarships.

The Waldorf Book Grant enables students to obtain textbooks and learning materials at no cost.

3. University of the Potomac

The University of the Potomac offers respected liberal arts degrees at a fraction of the cost of many traditional programs.

All classes can be completed online and are taught by experienced industry professionals who will guide students throughout the program.

Undergraduate tuition costs $240 per credit hour and students can often complete the degree for as little as $33,750.

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has been at the forefront of affordable online degrees.

SNHU's online campus offers a vast selection of high-quality liberal arts degrees at a low price.

Tuition fees for online undergraduate students are $330 per credit hour and an entire bachelor's degree can be completed for $39,600.

Students should fill out the FAFSA form to determine their eligibility for grants which can reduce the cost of tuition even further.

5. Colorado State University Global

Students searching for an affordable online liberal arts degree should look into Colorado State University's Global Campus (CSUG).

All programs are offered asynchronously online meaning students can choose study times that suit their schedule.

CSUG has frozen tuition rates for over ten years and all programs are designed to offer students a maximum return on investment.

Graduates report a five-fold return on the investment of tuition cost based on the higher salaries earned after graduation.

6. Franklin University

Accessibility is a core value in Franklin University's online learning program. Affordable tuition rates and flexible classes enable a wide range of students to benefit.

All instructors are experts in their field and trained in online education. Students will receive personalized guidance and support.

A flexible transfer policy helps students minimize costs by reducing the number of credits needed to complete the degree. Undergraduate tuition is $398 per credit hour.

7. Oregon State University

Oregon State University (OSU) offers over 100 flexible degrees through its e-campus platform.

OSU seeks to minimize students' costs while maximizing long-term earning potential and career options.

Textbooks and learning materials are offered at a low cost and industry partnerships help students find jobs after graduation.

The tuition fees for online undergraduate programs are $350 per credit hour.

8. University of Florida

The University of Florida's online program has a history of breaking down barriers and brightening futures.

Florida residents can study online for the extremely low cost of $129 per credit hour.

Active military members and veterans will receive significantly discounted tuition rates.

A helpful student financial aid team will identify available forms of assistance to ensure students can afford the degree.

9. Great Basin College

Great Basin College's (GBC) online platform enables students to earn a fantastic liberal arts degree economically and efficiently.

In-state students will pay between $123 and $197 per credit hour depending on the level of the course. Non-residents will pay $180-292 per credit hour.

GBC will work with students to ensure they receive maximum credit for prior learning and can complete their degree efficiently.

10. Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University is a great choice for students looking for a flexible and affordable online liberal arts degree.

Students can take general education courses while they decide on a major. Tutoring and counseling services are available to support online students.

Undergraduate tuition costs $2,097 per semester for New Mexico residents and $3,087 for non-residents.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts Cost?

The cost of online degrees varies widely depending on the university and the student's place of residence.

Tuition fees are typically lower for students who live in the state, but some online programs offer an in-state rate to all students.

The average total in-state cost for an online bachelor's degree at a public university is $38,496. Out-of-state students paid an average of $54,183, and students attending private universities online paid an average of $60,593.

How To Make an Online Liberal Arts Degree Affordable

Studying online gives students the ability to choose from a larger number of programs and find an affordable online liberal arts degree.

The financial aid department of a potential institution will help students identify grants and scholarships, often utilizing the FAFSA form, that can reduce the cost of tuition.

Between the reduced tuition cost of an affordable online liberal arts degree and forms of aid such as the Pell Grant or academic merit scholarships, many students can earn a degree with little out-of-pocket costs.

Is an Online Liberal Arts Degree Worth It?

A liberal arts bachelor's degree is intended to give students a well-rounded education.

Liberal arts degrees help students understand expansive concepts such as communication, human behavior, and the structure of society.

Graduates of liberal arts programs are valuable employees due to their broad perspectives and strong communication skills.

Find an Affordable Degree in Liberal Arts Online Today

Take advantage of top distance learning programs to earn an affordable online liberal arts degree. Online degrees can save time and money while providing exciting new career opportunities.