Bachelor's Degrees: Types, Costs, Salaries & Top Programs
A bachelor's degree is a four-year undergraduate degree that typically requires about 120 credits. It's the standard entry credential for most professional careers, the prerequisite for nearly every master's program, and one of the most reliable ways to raise your earning power. This guide covers how bachelor's degrees work, how long they take, what they cost, what they pay, and where to find the right program by subject, format, and state.
Bachelor's degree at a glance
- Typical credits: 120 semester credits (about 40 courses)
- Typical length: 4 years full-time; faster with transfer credit or accelerated terms
- Average published tuition and fees, 2025-26: $11,950 (public, in-state), $31,880 (public, out-of-state), $45,000 (private nonprofit)
- Median weekly earnings, bachelor's degree holders (2024): $1,543 (vs. $930 with a high school diploma)
- Unemployment rate, bachelor's degree holders (2024): 2.5% (vs. 4.2% with a high school diploma)
Sources: College Board, Trends in College Pricing 2025; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Education Pays 2024 (workers age 25+).
What Is a Bachelor's Degree?
A bachelor's degree is the first four-year degree in U.S. higher education. Coursework splits between general education (writing, math, sciences, humanities) and a major, with room for electives or a minor. You can earn one at a public university, private college, or fully online, and in some states you can even earn one at a community college that offers bachelor's degrees.
Not sure it's the right move? Start with whether a bachelor's degree is right for you, or compare it against the alternative of taking free courses instead of a degree.
Types of Bachelor's Degrees
Our overview of bachelor's degree types and popular fields covers every option, but most students choose between two.
Bachelor of Arts (BA). Broader coursework in humanities, social sciences, and languages, with more elective freedom. Learn what a Bachelor of Arts degree is and see the most common BA majors.
Bachelor of Science (BS). More math, lab science, and technical coursework within the major. Learn what a Bachelor of Science degree is and see the most common BS majors.
Specialized degrees such as the BFA, BBA, and BSN focus even more tightly on one field. If you'd rather keep your options open, a generalist bachelor's degree lets you combine several disciplines.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree?
The standard answer is four years of full-time study, but many students take longer and a growing number finish faster. Read how long a bachelor's degree takes, how many years a bachelor's degree is under different schedules, and how long it takes while working full-time.
To speed things up, see how to finish a bachelor's degree in 3 years or in 2 years, the best 3-year bachelor's programs, the fastest 1-year bachelor's degrees online, and ways to get a bachelor's degree fast. Schools offering 90-credit online bachelor's degrees cut a full year of coursework.
Bachelor's Degree Requirements
Most programs require about 120 credits, a minimum GPA, and a set of general education and major courses. Our guide to how many credits you need for a bachelor's degree breaks down the math, and this one covers the requirements for an online bachelor's degree. Starting later in life is common too; see the average age of bachelor's degree graduates.
How Much Does a Bachelor's Degree Cost?
Average published tuition and fees for 2025-26 run $11,950 at public four-year schools for in-state students and $45,000 at private nonprofit colleges, before grant aid. Online programs vary widely; see what an online bachelor's degree costs.
To lower your cost:
- Compare the most affordable online bachelor's degrees, the cheapest online bachelor's degrees, and tuition-free bachelor's degrees online.
- Read about the cheapest way to get a bachelor's degree and how to pay for a bachelor's degree.
- If you're working, check companies with tuition reimbursement for bachelor's degrees.
Online Bachelor's Degrees
Accredited online bachelor's degrees carry the same weight as campus degrees. Learn how a distance learning bachelor's degree works, follow these tips for getting a bachelor's degree online, and see how fast you can finish online. Then compare the best online bachelor's degree programs and accelerated online bachelor's programs.
Format options for working adults include self-paced bachelor's degrees, part-time bachelor's programs, and competency-based bachelor's degrees. For the lowest barrier to entry, see the easiest bachelor's degrees to earn. Service members can start with the fastest online bachelor's degrees for military members.
Bachelor's Degree Salary: Is It Worth It?
Workers whose highest credential is a bachelor's degree earned a median of $1,543 per week in 2024, about 66% more than high school graduates, and had a lower unemployment rate. Your major drives most of that difference.
- Highest-paying bachelor's degrees
- 4-year degrees that can pay $100K
- Fastest bachelor's degrees that pay well
- Easiest bachelor's degrees that pay well
- Is an online degree worth it?
Already have one? Read about earning a second bachelor's degree and whether two bachelor's degrees are worth it.
Bachelor's vs. Master's Degree
A master's degree is the next step up; see whether a master's is higher than a bachelor's and the advantages of a master's over a bachelor's. Your bachelor's major doesn't lock you in: you can often earn a master's in a different field.
Browse Bachelor's Degrees by Subject
Find programs, rankings, and career guides for your field.
Healthcare & Medical
Rankings
- Accelerated Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Degrees
- Affordable Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Degrees
- Affordable Online Bachelor's in Radiology Technology Degrees
- Easiest Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Degrees
- Fastest Three-Year Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Degrees
- Fastest Two-Year Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Degrees
- Tuition-Free Healthcare Administration Bachelor's Degrees
- Best Online Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering Programs
- Best Online Health & Wellness Bachelor's Degree Programs
- High Acceptance Rate Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration
Program guide
- Bachelor of Science in Holistic Health: Online & Campus-Based Programs
- Bachelor's Degree Programs in Health Information Technology
- Bachelor's Degree Programs in Homeopathy
- Bachelor's Degree Programs in Sports Medicine
- Bachelor's Degrees in Anesthesiology
- Bachelor's Degrees in Occupational Safety and Health
- Bachelor's Degrees in Ophthalmology
- Bachelor's Degrees in Phlebotomy
- Bachelor's Degrees in Physical Therapy
- Bachelor's Degrees in Sonography
- Bachelor's Degrees in Surgical Technology
- Biomedical Engineering Technology Bachelor's Degree
- Health Care Administration Bachelor's Degree
- Health Sciences Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Health Service Administration (BHSA) Bachelor's Degree
- How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration?
- Natural Health Bachelor's Degree Program
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Alternative Medicine
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Health Arts
- Veterinary Technician Bachelor's Degree Programs
- What Are the Courses in a Public Health Bachelor's Degree Program?
Degree comparison
Careers & outcomes
- Bachelor's in Health Care Administration: Career and Salary Facts
- What Can I Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Alternative Medicine?
- What Can I Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Health Administration?
- What Can I Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Sonography?
- What Can I Do with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Health and Wellness?
Nursing
Program directory
Program guide
- How Long Does It Take To Get a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing?
- What Is a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing? Everything You Need To Know
Degree comparison
Business, Management & Finance
Program directory
- Bachelors Degrees in Accounting
- Bachelors Degrees in Business
- Online Bachelors Degrees in Accounting
- Online Bachelors Degrees in Business
Rankings
- Accelerated Accounting Bachelor's Degrees
- Accelerated Digital Marketing Bachelor's Degrees
- Accounting Bachelor's Programs With High Acceptance Rates
- Affordable Business Administration Bachelor's Degrees
- Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Hospitality Management
- Best Accounting Bachelor's Degrees
- Best Bachelor's in Business Administration Degrees
- Best Digital Marketing Bachelor's Degrees
- Best Online Bachelor's in Business Administration Degrees
- Easiest Accounting Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Easiest Bachelor's in Business Administration Degrees
- Easiest Digital Marketing Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Fastest 2-Year Accelerated Accounting Bachelor's Degrees
- Fastest 3-Year Accelerated Accounting Bachelor's Degrees
- Fastest Three-Year Digital Marketing Bachelor's Degrees
- Fastest Two-Year Digital Marketing Bachelor's Degrees
- Most Affordable Accounting Bachelor's Degrees
- Most Affordable Digital Marketing Bachelor's Degrees
- Tuition-Free Digital Marketing Bachelor's Degrees
- Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Digital Marketing
- Digital Marketing Bachelor's Programs With High Acceptance Rates
- Free Online Bachelor's in Business Administration Degrees
Program guide
- Acquisition and Contract Management Bachelor's Degree
- Administration of Justice Bachelor's Degree
- Administrative Office Assistant Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting: Description & Courses
- Bachelor's Degree Programs in Logistics and Distribution
- Bachelor's Degree in Applied Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor's Degree in Applied Human Resources Management
- Bachelor's Degree in Digital Marketing
- Bachelor's Degree in Economics
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance
- Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management - Casino and Gaming
- Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management - Food and Beverage
- Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management
- Bachelor's Degree in Logistics
- Bachelor's Degree in Marketing
- Bachelor's Degree in Project Management
- Bachelor's Degree in Risk Management
- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management
- Bachelor's Degrees in Auditing
- Bachelor's Degrees in Financial Planning
- Bachelor's in Business Administration
- Bachelors Degree in Event Management and Planning
- Banking Bachelor's Degree Program
- Financial Management Bachelor's Degree
- Food Service Management Bachelor's Degree
- General Business Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Management and Leadership Bachelor's Degree
- Management of Information System (MIS) Bachelor's Degree
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Event Planning and Management
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Travel and Tourism Management
- Quality Control Bachelor's Degree Program
- Restaurant Management Bachelor's Degree
- Typical Classes Required for an Accounting Bachelor's Degree
- What Is a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration?
- What are the Core Courses of a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting?
- What's the Curriculum of a Business Management Bachelor's Degree?
Degree comparison
Careers & outcomes
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting: Salary and Career Facts
- Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Entertainment Management: Courses, Careers & Financing
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Accounting: Courses, Careers & Payment
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Finance: Courses, Careers & Payment
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management: Courses, Careers & Payment
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management: Courses, Careers & Payment
- What Can I Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance?
Computers, IT & Data
Program directory
- Bachelors Degrees in Computer & Information Technology
- Online Bachelors Degrees in Computer & Information Technology
Rankings
- Accelerated Data Analytics Bachelor's Degrees
- Best Data Analytics Bachelor's Degrees
- Fastest Three-Year Data Analytics Bachelor's Degrees
- Most Affordable Data Analytics Bachelor's Degrees
- Tuition-Free Data Analytics Bachelor's Degrees
- Easiest Data Analytics Bachelor's Degrees
- Fastest Two-Year Data Analytics Bachelor's Degrees
- Best Online Bachelor's in Information Technology (IT) Degree Programs
- Best Online Management Information Systems (MIS) Bachelor's Degrees
- Best Online Math Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
- Top Easiest Online Bachelor's Data Science Degree Programs
Program guide
- Bachelor's Degree in Applied Business Analytics
- Bachelor's Degree in Applied Business Information Systems
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Analytics
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Information Systems
- Bachelor's Degree in Data Analytics
- Bachelor's Degree in Drafting Technology - AutoCAD
- Bachelor's Degree in Software Development
- Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Technology
- Bachelor's Degrees in Drafting: Online and Campus-Based Programs
- Bachelor's Degrees in Network Engineering: Online & Campus-Based Programs
- Bachelor's Programs in Computer Repair Technology
- Computer Graphics Bachelor's Degree Program
Degree comparison
Careers & outcomes
- Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics for Secondary Education: Courses, Careers & Financing
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Business Analytics: Courses, Careers & Payment
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Data Analytics: Courses, Careers & Payment
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems: Courses, Careers & Payment
Cybersecurity & AI
Program directory
Rankings
- Accelerated Bachelor's in Cybercrime Degrees
- Affordable AI Bachelor's Degrees Online
- Affordable Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degrees Online
- Best Bachelor's in Cybercrime Degree Programs
- Easiest Bachelor's in Cybercrime Degree Programs
- Most Affordable Bachelor's in Cybercrime Degrees
- Tuition-Free Bachelor's in Cybercrime Degrees
- Fastest Three-Year Online Cybercrime Bachelor's Degrees
- Fastest Two-Year Online Cybercrime Bachelor's Degrees
- Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Cybersecurity
- Best Online Bachelor's in Artificial Intelligence Degrees
- Easiest Online AI Bachelor's Programs To Get Into
- Easiest Online Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs
- Fastest Online AI Bachelor's Degrees
- Fastest Online Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degrees
- Free Online AI Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Online Bachelors In Cybersecurity
Program guide
- Admissions Requirements for Cybersecurity Bachelor Degrees
- Bachelor's Degree in Applied Cybersecurity Management
- Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity Management
- Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity
- How To Earn Your Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree
- Is a Bachelor's Degree Required for Cybersecurity?
Degree comparison
Careers & outcomes
Education
Program directory
Rankings
Program guide
- Becoming a Teacher with a Bachelor's Degree: 5 Steps
- Can I Be a School Counselor With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology?
- Can You Become a Teacher with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology?
- Do I Need a Bachelor's in Special Education To Teach It?
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education
- What Are the Courses in a Bachelor's of Library Science Degree Program?
Careers & outcomes
- Bachelor's Degree in Christian Education: Courses, Careers & Financing
- Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education: Courses, Careers & Financing
- Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education - STEM Emphasis: Courses, Careers & Financing
- Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education: Courses, Careers & Financing
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education: Courses, Careers & Payment
- Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education: Courses, Careers & Payment
Psychology, Counseling & Social Work
Program directory
- Bachelors Degrees in Psychology
- Bachelors Degrees in Social Work
- Online Bachelors Degrees in Psychology
- Online Bachelors Degrees in Social Work
Rankings
- Accelerated Bachelor's Social Work Degrees
- Best Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) Degrees
- Best Online Bachelor's Degree in Human Services
- Easiest Bachelor's in Social Work Degrees
- Most Affordable Bachelor's in Social Work Programs
- Accelerated Psychology Bachelor's Degrees Online
- Alternatives to a Bachelor's in Psychology Degree
- Best Online Bachelor's in Behavioral Science Degrees
- Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
- Easiest Psychology Bachelor's Degrees
- Tuition-Free Psychology Bachelor's Degrees
Program guide
- Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
- Bachelor's Degree in Social Work
- Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Psychology
- Can You Be a Therapist With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology?
- How Hard Is It To Get a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work?
Careers & outcomes
- Careers You Can Do With a Bachelor's in Psychology
- Bachelor's Degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Courses, Careers & Financing
- What Can I Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Counseling?
- What Jobs Do a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services Prepare You For?
Criminal Justice, Law & Security
Rankings
Program guide
Careers & outcomes
Engineering, Trades & Technology
Program directory
Rankings
Program guide
- Audio Visual Technology Bachelor's Degree
- Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering and Technology
- Bachelor's Degree in Applied Technology
- Electronics Engineering Bachelor's Degree
Arts, Media & Communication
Program directory
Rankings
Program guide
- Bachelor's Degree in Cosmetology
- Corporate Communications Bachelor's Degree
- Digital Arts Bachelor's Degree
- English Bachelor's Degree Program
- Fashion Design Bachelor's Degree
- Media Arts and Animation Bachelor's Degree
- Media Production Bachelor's Degree
- Multimedia and Animation Bachelor's Degree
- What is a Bachelor Degree in Animation?
Social Sciences, Humanities & Religion
Rankings
Program guide
Careers & outcomes
Science & Environment
Rankings
Program guide
- Bachelor's Degree Programs in Laboratory Science
- Bachelor's Degree Programs in Physical Sciences
- Bachelor's Degrees in Biotechnology
- Physics: Online Bachelor's Degree
- Social Sciences Bachelor's Degree
More Bachelor's Guides
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree
- Bachelor's Degree in Military Science: Courses, Careers & Financial Aid
- Benefits of Earning a Bachelor's Degree Before Joining the Military
- Can I Earn a Bachelor's Online at Home? Top Online Degrees
- Competency-Based Education: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate
- How Long Does It Take To Earn a Bachelor's Degree Online?
- How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Bachelor's Degree?
- Post-Bachelor's Certificate Programs
More Bachelor's Rankings
- Jobs You Can Get in the Military with a Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degrees You Can Get With an Elementary Ed Bachelor's
- Master's Degrees You Can Get with a Bachelor's in Psych
Browse All Bachelor's Programs
Bachelor's Degrees by State
In-state public schools often charge far less, even for online programs. Find options in your state.
Online Bachelor's in Business Administration Degrees by state: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · Washington, D.C. · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
Accelerated Online Bachelor's Programs by state: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees by state: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
Best Online Computer Science Bachelor's Degrees by state: Nebraska · New Hampshire · North Carolina · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Texas · Washington · Washington, D.C. · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
Affordable Business Management Bachelor's Degrees by state: California · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Michigan · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Texas
Affordable Data Analytics Bachelor's Degrees by state: California · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Michigan · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Texas
Affordable Digital Marketing Bachelor's Degrees by state: California · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Michigan · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Texas
Best Online Cybercrime Bachelor's Degrees by state: California · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Michigan · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Texas
Most Affordable Business Bachelor's Degrees by state: California · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Michigan · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Texas
Tuition-Free Online Accounting Bachelor's Degrees by state: California · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Michigan · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Texas
Bachelor's Degrees at Specific Schools
Program details, costs, and requirements at individual schools and providers.
- Can You Earn an Online Bachelor's Degree from Sophia Learning?
- Can You Earn an Online Bachelor's Degree from Study.com?
- ECPI University: Bachelor in Cloud Computing
- ECPI University: Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Full Sail University: Bachelor in Film
- Full Sail University: Bachelor in Game Art
- Full Sail University: Bachelor in Music Business
- Full Sail University: Bachelor in Recording Arts
- Grand Canyon University: Bachelor in Digital Film: Production
- How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree at Strayer University?
- Liberty University: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: Forensics
- Purdue Global Accredited Online Bachelor Degree Programs
- Purdue Global Bachelor's in Business Administration: Concentrations & Career Paths
- Purdue Global: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Southern New Hampshire University: Bachelor in Industrial & Organizational Psychology
- Southern New Hampshire University: Bachelor in Psychology: Mental Health
- Strayer University Accredited Online Bachelor Degree Programs
- Top Schools for Computer Networking and Security Bachelor Degrees
- Top Schools for Database Management Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Top Schools for Operations Management Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Top Schools for Respiratory Therapy Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Top Schools for Retail Management Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Top Schools for Software Engineering Bachelor Degree Programs
- Top Schools for Telecommunications Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Top Schools for Web Development Bachelor's Degree Programs
- UMass Global Accredited Online Bachelor Degree Programs
- Which Schools Offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Online?
Bachelor's Degree FAQs
How many credits is a bachelor's degree? Most bachelor's degrees require about 120 semester credits. Some schools offer 90-credit programs that shorten the degree by a year. See how many credits you need for a bachelor's degree.
Can you get a bachelor's degree in less than four years? Yes. Transfer credit, prior learning credit, accelerated terms, and year-round enrollment can cut the timeline to three years or less. Compare the best 3-year bachelor's programs.
Is a bachelor's degree worth it? For most students, yes. Bachelor's degree holders earned a median of $1,543 per week in 2024 versus $930 for high school graduates, according to BLS data, and had a lower unemployment rate.
Are online bachelor's degrees respected by employers? Yes, as long as the school is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Diplomas generally don't indicate whether a degree was earned online.
