In this article, we evaluate and rank online bachelor’s degree completion programs based on cost, number of transfer credits accepted, completion rates, regional and national accreditation, and rankings in major publications.
One of the most popular online degree programs is the Bachelor’s of General Studies. This degree takes many forms (General Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, and University Studies). What they all have in common is that they are designed to make completing an unfinished bachelor’s degree as painless, fast, and flexible as possible. For many of those with an unfinished degree, affordability is a major issue. This is because after investing considerable time and money into an unfinished degree, it is often the most expedient choice to find the cheapest reputable degree possible, and finish quickly.
The purpose of this article is to highlight the best of the cheapest accredited online degree completion programs. All of the programs in our list are offered by schools that charge under $10,000 per year in tuition. Most of the schools on this list charge significantly less. Since the list is comprised entirely of the most affordable schools available, our ranking system is based on the projected ease with which students will be able to complete their degree.
Our ranking system is simple. As you will see below, we reward schools points based on the number of credits that can be transferred into their program, the combined graduation/transfer out rates, and accolades the school has received from national education authority U.S. News and World Report. You can find an outline of our ranking system below.
Transfer Credits Accepted
60-74: 1 Point
75-89: 2 Points
90-120: 3 Points
Unlimited: 4 Points
Combined Graduation/Transfer Out Rate
20%-29%: 1 Point
30%-45%: 2 Points
46% or More: 3 Points
70% or More: 4 Points
Accolades
Regional Ranking: 1 Point
Online Bachelor’s Degree Ranking: 2 Points
National Ranking: 3 Points
#15. Eastern New Mexico University
Bachelor of University Studies
ENMU Bachelor of University Studies
Total Points-2
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 1 Point
Graduation Rate- 1 Point
Accolades-0 Points
Eastern New Mexico University offers eight bachelor’s degrees online. The Bachelor of University Studies is a completion program designed for students with copious life experience and work experience seeking to complete a bachelor’s degree. The program is designed to be general so that students can focus on a given area of interest. Eastern New Mexico University boasts one of the least expensive bachelor’s completion programs in the United States, and is a fantastic option for non-traditional students.
Tuition: $4,350
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: 60*
Graduation Rate: 29%
Accolades: n/a
Accreditation: NCACS
#14. Black Hills State University
Bachelor’s in General Studies
BHSU Bachelor’s in General Studies
Total Points: 4
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 1 Point
Graduation Rate- 3 Points
Accolades- 0 Points
BHSU offers two programs at the undergraduate level online. The General Studies program is designed for flexibility, and is a good option for students looking to specialize in one of the program’s emphasis areas offered through the program. These areas include Allied Health, Business, Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Technology, Wellness and more. Students can mix and match courses from as many as three distinct areas, tailoring the program to their needs.
Tuition: $7,320
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: 64
Overall Graduation/Transfer Rate: 64%
Accolades: n/a
Accreditation: NCACS
#13. Thomas Edison State College
BA in Liberal Studies
TESC Online BA in Liberal Studies
Total Points: 4
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 4 Points
Graduation Rate- N/A
Accolades- N/A
Even with no data available regarding graduation rates or major national rankings, TESC managed to score four points through our ranking system. The college is unique. The reason there are no traditional graduation rates, and the school doesn’t fit into many national ranking systems, is that it is designed specifically for adult continuing education. The school is regionally accredited, and offers more flexibility in earning a degree than any other program. Students can CLEP an unlimited number of classes, indeed it is possible to CLEP all of the classes to finish your degree through Thomas Edison State College. The school allows for unlimited transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions as well, and offers over 27 degree programs fully online. The Liberal Studies program is by far the most flexible option at TESC.
Tuition In-State: $5,508
Tuition Out of State: $8,111
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: Unlimited
Graduation Rate: Not Available
Accolades: N/A
Accreditation: MSCHE
#12. Southern University at New Orleans
Bachelor of General Studies
SUNO Online Bachelor of General Studies
Total Points: 4
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 1 Point
Graduation Rate- 3 Points
Accolades- 0 Points
SUNO boasts an incredibly low tuition for state residents, and the tuition for non-residents is still among the most affordable available. SUNO currently offers online one online program, General Studies. This program is designed for maximum flexibility, the goal of this is to allow students to custom design their own degree program, tailored to meet their needs and career goals.
Tuition In-State: $4,372
Tuition Out of State: $6,591
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: 60*
Graduation/Transfer Out Rate: 17%/46%
Accolades: n/a
Accreditation: SACS
#11. Dakota State University
Bachelor’s in General Studies
Dakota State University Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies
Total Points: 4
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 1 Point
Graduation Rate- 2 Points
Accolades- 1 Point
Dakota State University is another of the North and South Dakota public universities that have embraced distance education. The tuition is affordable for both residents and non-residents. The number of credits accepted varies by program. DSU offers thirteen majors and five minors online. The Bachelor’s of General Studies is designed for students whose career goals benefit from a custom designed degree. These days, despite the wide variety of options for students, traditional programs might be too focused, too restricted for an age when it is more and more common for careers to overlap and bleed into each other.
Tuition: $7,212
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: 60*
Overall Graduation Rate: 44%
Accolades: Ranked #86 among the Best Regional Universities (Midwest)
Accreditation: NCACS
#10. American Public University
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
American Public University BA in General Studies
Total Points: 6
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 3 Points
Graduation Rate- 1 Point
Accolades- 2 Points
APU is one of the least expensive accredited for-profit university systems in the United States. The school offers a wide range of undergraduate programs online. The school was started in 1993 with the goal of providing a quality distance education option for military personnel. The school is highly ranked among online bachelor’s degree programs, which is a rare trait among online only for profit schools. The tuition is extremely affordable, even when compared to that of non-profit private and public universities.
Tuition: $6,400
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: 91 Credits
6-Year Graduation Rate: 21%
Accreditation: NCACS
Accolades: Ranked #34 among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
#9. Mayville State University
Bachelor’s in University Studies
Mayville State University B.U.S. in University Studies
Total Points: 6
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 3 Points
Graduation Rate- 2 Points
Accolades- 1 Point
Mayville State University offers nine undergraduate programs online. The school boasts low tuition, a strong 6 year graduation rate, and accepts the transfer of 90 credits so long as they are applicable to the program. The University Studies degree program is a generalist program designed for maximum flexibility, allowing students to often transfer all of their credits into the program, and specialize in specific areas of interest. the school’s ranking among the top schools in its region on a regional level means students will enjoy the respect accorded to programs from institutions boasting such recognition.
Tuition In-State: $6,193
Tuition Out of State: $8,436
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: 90
6 year Graduation Rate: 39%
Accolades: Ranked #58 among the Best Regional Colleges by U.S. News and World Report
Accreditation: NCACS
#8. Wilmington University
Bachelor of Science in General Studies
Wilmington University Bachelor of Science in General Studies
Total Points: 6
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 2 Points
Overall Graduation Rate- 2 Points
Accolades- 2 Points
Wilmington State University boasts 18 undergraduate degree programs and seven minors. The general studies programs is specifically designed for students that may have taken courses at multiple schools seeking to consolidate their credits, maximizing the time and money already invested in their education. Specialization is available through minors and elective courses, giving students the flexibility needed to earn a degree that will be useful for them as they advance on the career path or paths they desire. The school’s ranking among the best online undergraduate degree programs by national education ranking authority U.S. News and World Report means students can expect a quality program that will be respected in the professional world.
Tuition: $9,710
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: 75
Overall Graduation Rate: 36%
Accolades: Ranked #48 among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Accreditation: MSCHE
#7. Bluefield State College
Regents Bachelor of Arts
Bluefield State College Regent’s Bachelor of Arts
Total Points: 7
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 3 Points
Graduation Rate- 4 Points
Accolades- 0
Bluefield State College boasts one of the best graduation/transfer out rates on this list. The tuition is extremely affordable and it is one of only two schools that does not place a limit on the amount of credits a student may transfer into the program. The Regents Bachelor of Arts program is specifically designed to allow students to maximize their previous studies, and has the most flexibility regarding the transfer of credits.
Tuition: $5,180
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: All
Graduation/Transfer Rate: 53%
Accolades: n/a
Accreditation: NCACS
#6. Columbia College
Bachelor of General Studies
Columbia College Online Bachelor of General Studies
Total Points: 7
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted-3 Points
Graduation Rate- 2 Points
Accolades- 2 Points
Columbia College is another exceptionally strong choice for students seeking an affordable online program. The school scored high on our system across the board, allowing for a high number of transfer credits, and is recognized as one of the schools in the United States for its online bachelor’s programs. The school boasts 27 online programs and offers over 800 online courses. The courses are flexible, and each takes place over just eight weeks. The cost is low and the General Studies program is designed with maximum efficiency in mind, while not compromising the quality of the student’s education.
Tuition: $6,739
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: 96 Credit Hours
Overall Graduation Rate: 43%
Accolades: Ranked #69 among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Accreditation: NCACS
#5. Granite State College
B.A. or B.S. in Individualized Studies
Granite State College Online Programs
Total Points: 7
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 2 Points
Graduation/Transfer Rate-3 Points
Accolades- 2 Points
Granite State University is a strong choice for students with a lower number of credits they’d like to transfer. 78 credits may be transferred into the Individualized Studies program, and if an agreement with the school can be reached, up to 90 credits may be transferred. The school offers 22 undergraduate programs, and the Individualized Studies program is offered as both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts, which further maximizes the amount of credits that may be transferred, while providing students options as to how they wish to complete their degree.
Tuition: $7,305
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: 78 Credits, 90 Credits Under Special Agreement
6 Year Graduation Rate: 50%
Accolades: Ranked #48 among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News and World Report
Accreditation: NEASC
#4. Northern State University
Bachelor’s in General Studies
Northern State University Bachelor’s in General Studies
Total Points: 7
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 1 Point
Graduation Rate- 3 Points
Accolades- 3 Points
Though the in state tuition is less than the out of state tuition, both are still very reasonable for an online program. The Bachelor of General Studies degree accepts only 60 credits because it is designed specifically for students seeking to build on an Associate’s Degree. While the school may not be an ideal choice for students that want to transfer in a large number of credits, for the students the program is designed to serve, this is one of the best choices available.
Tuition In-State: $7,269
Tuition Out of State: $9,133
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: 60*
Graduation/Transfer Out Rate: 68%
Accolades: Ranked #56 among the Best Regional Colleges (Midwest), and #189 among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News and World Report
Accreditation: NCACS
#3. Northern Arizona University
Bachelor’s of Interdisciplinary Studies
NAU Bachelor’s of Interdisciplinary Studies
Total Points: 8
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 3 Points
Graduation Rate- 3 Points
Accolades- 2 Points
Northern Arizona University is a strong choice. Though the tuition is at the high end of our requirements, the tuition of every school on this list is among the lowest you will find in the United States. NAU is also ranked in the top 100 among the best online bachelor’s programs, which ensures students that not only will the degree be respected, but the program itself is off high quality both in terms of its delivery, and content.
Tuition: $9,272
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: 90
Overall Graduation Rate: 49%
Accolades: #97 among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Accreditation: NCACS
#2. South Dakota State University
Bachelor of General Studies
South Dakota State University Bachelor of General Studies
Total Points: 9
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 3 Points
Graduation Rate- 3 Points
Accolades- 3 Points
One of the few nationally ranked schools on the list, Dakota State University is one of the best choices for any student. The program accepts a large number of credits, the cost is very reasonable, the program flexible, and the graduation rate is strong. The B.G.S. degree program is designed specifically to allow students to create their own focus for the program, meaning you will learn what you want and need to learn in order to be successful in your future.
Tuition In-State: $7,404
Tuition Out of State: $9,350
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted Toward Degree: 90
6 Year Graduation Rate: 56%
Accolades: Ranked #201 among the Best National Universities by U.S. News and World Report
Accreditation: NCACS
#1. University of South Dakota
Bachelor of General Studies
USD Bachelor of General Studies
Total Points: 10
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted- 3 Points
Graduation Rate- 4 Points
Accolades- 3 Points
The top ranked school on our list is yet another university from the Dakotas. The state university systems of both North and South Dakota have embraced online education in all its potential. Offering quality programs, from reputable schools, for affordable prices. All these factors converge to make the University of South Dakota the single greatest choice on our list for students seeking a strong bachelor’s completion program.
Tuition In-State: $7,404
Tuition Out of State: $9,650
Number of Transfer Credits Accepted: 90
Overall Graduation/Transfer Out Rate: 50%/33% (88% Composite)
Accolades: Ranked #190 among the Best National Universities by U.S. News and World Report
Accreditation: NCACS
Sources used in this article
U.S. News Education Rankings: A national higher education ranking authority.
The National Center for Education Statistics: An online, comprehensive Database of information and statistics regarding the nation’s schools. The source of tuition figures and graduation rates in this article. Tuition may differ for online programs.
Information on the number of transfer credits accepted into each program was taken directly from each school’s website.
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