Top 7 Free Online Environmental Sciences Degrees 2025

As the planet continues to combat global warming and climate change, the need for environmental science majors is more evident than ever. However, many students choose not to pursue a degree due to time or money.

Online degrees provide flexible options for learners, and there are many affordable online environmental science degrees. Keep reading to discover low-cost and free online environmental science programs.

Free Online Environmental Science Degree Programs

While free tuition is pretty rare in the U.S., there are some tuition-free online colleges and states that cover or reduce tuition costs for qualifying students. We've highlighted some of these online environmental science degrees below.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, AZ. It offers an online bachelor's degree in earth and environmental sciences that features multiple specializations, including:

• climate change
• earth resources
• environmental management
• sustainability

ASU offers free tuition to Starbucks employees enrolled in the Starbucks Degree Achievement Plan. For other students, multiple scholarships are available, and the university accepts federal and state student aid.

2. Grand Valley State University

At Grand Valley State University, students can earn an online bachelor's degree in environmental and sustainability studies. This program includes courses covering ecology, natural resources, renewable energy systems, and sustainable development.

GVSU is a public university in Allendale, MI. It offers a financial aid program called the Grand Valley Pledge that covers tuition costs for students with a family-adjusted gross income (AGI) of $50,000 or less.

3. Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers both a bachelor's and a master's degree in environmental sciences. OSU, a public research university, is based in Corvallis, OR.

In the bachelor's degree program, students can choose from several specializations including applied ecology, aquatic biology, environmental agriculture, and environmental policy and economics. Undergraduate students may qualify for OSU's Bridge to Success program or the E-campus need-based grant.

The master's degree at OSU offers online courses in ecosystem management, environmental sustainability, climate change, sustainable development, and more. While graduate students don't qualify for the Bridge to Success program, they may qualify for the E-campus grant or other financial aid options.

4. Rogers State University

Rogers State University, based in Claremore, OK, is a public institution. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies that includes coursework on:

• bioethics
• environmental geography
• environmental issues and global warming
• environmental policy and regulation

The state of Oklahoma provides the Oklahoma Promise to eligible in-state residents. Through this program, students who meet the income requirements can have their full tuition covered at a public Oklahoma school, like Rogers State, or have a portion of their tuition covered at a private school.

5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can earn a Bachelor of Science in earth, society, and environmental sustainability, a Master of Science in environmental engineering, or a master's degree in environmental geology online. UIUC is a public research university in Champaign, IL.

Students in the BS program can choose the society and the environment concentration (which focuses on environmental problems and social sciences) or the science of the earth system concentration (which focuses on biodiversity, climate change, and environmental challenges). Undergraduate students with a family AGI under $75,000 may qualify for free tuition with the university's Illinois Commitment.

While neither of the master's degree programs qualify for free tuition under this program, the university offers several financial aid programs that graduate students may be eligible for.

6. University of Maine at Machias

The University of Maine at Machias offers an online Bachelor of Science in environmental geographic information science. This program combines topics like computer science, data analytics, and environmental health to train students to understand and create technology that helps people better understand the natural environment.

The public university is located in Machias, ME. It runs the Downeast Promise, which covers tuition costs for undergraduate Maine residents who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant.

7. Washington State University

Washington State University is a public research university in Pullman, WA. It offers an online bachelor's degree in environmental and ecosystem science that covers fundamental topics such as:

• climate change
• natural resource ecology
• oceanography
• sustainability and environmental impact

Washington residents may qualify for the Washington College Grant. This program provides up to the full cost of tuition at Washington universities, including WSU.

FAQs About Free Online Environmental Science Degrees

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about free online environmental science degrees.

What Can You Do With an Environmental Science Degree?

In addition to becoming an environmental scientist, there are several other career paths you can pursue with an environmental science degree. These include:

• climate change activist
• ecologist
• environmental biologist or geologist
• environmental health and safety officer
• environmental specialist or technician
• marine biologist
• meteorologist
• wildlife biologist

Note that some of these careers may require further education, like a master's degree or certificate.

Is an Online Environmental Science Degree Worth It?

For many students, an online environmental science degree is worth it because it allows them to pursue their career goals in a flexible format. If you're not sure if an online degree in environmental science is right for you, start by taking free online courses in environmental science.

Sites like Coursera, edX, and Open University offer a variety of self-paced courses that you can audit for free. You can test out these courses to see if online learning or even the field of environmental science is right for you.

How Much Does an Online Environmental Science Bachelor's Degree Cost?

On average, tuition for an online bachelor's degree usually ranges between $250 and $500 per credit hour. However, several factors can impact the cost of your online environmental science degree, including:

• whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• if you study full-time or part-time
• whether you have an associate degree or transfer credits
• the amount of financial aid you qualify for

Many students qualify for federal, state, or institutional financial aid that can completely cover the cost of their tuition.

Find Online Environmental Science Courses and Degrees Today

Start your journey toward a degree in environmental science today by exploring the accredited programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools today to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.