Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

Learn about affordable online health science programs. Find out how health science programs can help prepare graduates for various in-demand careers.
Tyler Epps
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Edited by
Updated July 12, 2024
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Are you interested in a career in healthcare that doesn’t require a medical degree? Or maybe you’re hoping to build a foundation in health sciences before you attend graduate school. Regardless of what you want to do, a bachelor’s in health sciences program can set you up for success in your future studies and career.

Earning an online health sciences bachelor’s degree can open doors to non-clinical roles in many in-demand fields. Health sciences graduates often pursue health professions, which are projected to see much faster-than-average job growth from 2023-2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Keep reading to learn more about health sciences degrees and careers.

Featured Online Health Sciences Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

#1

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ4 yearCampus + Online

$12,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$30,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

66%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,696

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,800

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

50,637

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,600

New Brunswick, NJ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,600

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

74%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,696

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,800

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

50,637

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

The University of West Florida

Pensacola, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$3,735

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,004

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

53%

Acceptance Rate

88%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,088

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,166

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

13,288

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,735

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,004

Pensacola, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,735

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,004

Acceptance Rate

53%

Online Enrollment

88%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,088

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,166

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

13,288

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY4 yearCampus + Online

$10,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$20,472

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,900

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,210

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

15,801

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,472

Highland Heights, KY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,472

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

76%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,900

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,210

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

15,801

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Missouri State University

Springfield, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$7,196

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

93%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,994

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,970

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

22,535

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,196

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,400

Springfield, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,196

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,400

Acceptance Rate

93%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,994

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,970

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

22,535

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI4 yearOnline

$6,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

92%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

630

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,750

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,750

Acceptance Rate

92%

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

630

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#6

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD4 yearCampus + Online

$7,773

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,283

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,123

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,773

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

9,464

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,773

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,283

Vermillion, SD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,773

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,283

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

56%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,123

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,773

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

9,464

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#7

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$41,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,068

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,068

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

8,270

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,900

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,900

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

66%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,068

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,068

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

8,270

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#8

Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

$10,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,356

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,730

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,700

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

43,458

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,356

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,356

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

100%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,730

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,700

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

43,458

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#9

Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA4 yearCampus + Online

$4,922

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,015

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

97%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,686

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,779

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

6,225

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,922

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,015

Thibodaux, LA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,922

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,015

Acceptance Rate

97%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,686

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,779

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

6,225

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE4 yearCampus + Online

$11,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

13,129

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,700

New Castle, DE4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,700

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

87%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

13,129

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

How Much Do Online Health Sciences Degrees Cost?

The cost of online health sciences programs varies widely by school and program. In 2021-2022, the average cost of U.S. undergraduate tuition and required fees at in-state, four-year public universities was around $9,600, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Meanwhile, the average tuition cost at four-year public universities for out-of-state learners was $27,457. Keep in mind, as an online student, you may qualify for in-state tuition rates at certain out-of-state colleges and universities.

Apart from tuition fees, remember to account for additional costs like technology fees, accreditation, state residency, and whether the school is public or private.

Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor’s Degree (2022-23)

Public Institution

$9,750

Private Institution

$35,248

Source: NCES

How to Find an Affordable, High-Quality Online Health Sciences Program

Finding an affordable, high-quality online health sciences program requires careful research and planning. Here are some steps to guide you in your search.

Create a Budget

Start by determining how much you can afford to spend on your degree. This includes not only tuition fees but also additional costs like books, supplies, and technology fees. Having a clear budget will help you narrow down your options and prevent you from taking on excessive student debt.

Check for Accreditation

Accreditation is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an online health sciences program. It ensures that the online program meets certain quality standards and that employers and other educational institutions will recognize your degree.

Compare Your Options

Don’t just settle for the first program you find. Take the time to compare the cost of multiple programs. This will help you find a program that fits your budget and aligns with your career goals and learning preferences.

Generally speaking, in-state public schools are typically more affordable than private schools.

Research Student Outcomes

Look for data on student or program outcomes, such as graduation rates, job placement rates, and average salaries of graduates. This can give you a sense of the program’s quality and how well it prepares you for the job market.

While there are many factors that go into the ROI of a college degree, program outcomes can help give you an idea of the return you can expect from your investment.

Look for Programs With Student Support Services

Student services can significantly enhance your online learning experience and contribute to your success in college. Look for online programs that offer services like academic advising, career counseling, tutoring, and technical support. These services can provide valuable assistance throughout your educational journey.

How to Pay for an Online Health Sciences Program

Once you’ve chosen a program, the next step is figuring out how to pay for it. Here are some options to consider.

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    Apply for Financial Aid

    Financial aid can significantly reduce the cost of your education. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many schools also use the FAFSA to determine if your eligible for their own financial aid.

  • minus

    Grants and Scholarships

    Grants and scholarships are a great way to fund your education, as they don’t need to be repaid. They can be based on financial need, academic merit, or other criteria. There are numerous grants and scholarships available for online health sciences students from the federal government, private organizations, and universities. Start by applying for grants and scholarships so you don’t have to take more student loans out than you need to.

  • minus

    Student Loans

    Student loans can help cover the cost of your education, but they should be used as a last resort as they need to be repaid with interest. There are two main types of student loans: federal and private. Federal loans often have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Always exhaust your federal loan options before turning to private loans.

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    Work-Study Programs

    Work-study programs allow you to earn money while gaining practical experience in your field of study. These programs can be a great way to offset the cost of your education while also enhancing your resume. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal work-study programs, but many schools also offer their own work-study opportunities.

What to Expect in an Online Health Sciences Program

Online health sciences programs typically explore key areas such as health promotion, disease prevention, healthcare delivery, and health systems management to prepare you for various careers in the healthcare field.

You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry and learn about the roles of various healthcare professionals, ethical and legal issues in healthcare, and the impact of health policies.

With a health sciences degree, you may find work as a health educator, community health worker, or health services manager. This degree can also serve as a stepping stone towards more advanced degrees, such as a master’s in health sciences.

Bachelor’s in health sciences programs typically require 120 credits for completion. If you’re attending full time, you can typically complete the program in about four years. These credits are divided among general education courses, core health sciences courses, and electives.

Health Sciences Courses

Anatomy and Physiology

This core health sciences class explores human body structure and functioning. You’ll study the dynamics and relationships of major systems, including nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems.

Microbiology

Often part of a preprofessional health sciences track, microbiology covers human immunology and microbial infection. You’ll learn about various human diseases and methods for preventing infection.

Law and Ethics for Health Sciences

This core course examines health sciences professionals’ ethical responsibilities and legal regulations. You’ll learn about various protections for patients, employers, and healthcare workers.

Medical Terminology

Medical terminology courses familiarize you with common anatomical and health words. You’ll learn the origins and meanings of terms that describe human body systems and health conditions.

Nutrition

Nutrition courses often appear as electives or core coursework in human nutrition and dietetics concentrations. This course covers food chemistry and diet’s role in various syndromes and phenomena.

Featured Online Health Sciences Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Health Sciences Programs

The length of an online bachelor’s in health sciences program can vary depending on several factors. With full-time enrollment, you can typically expect to earn your degree in about four years.

However, if you’re attending part-time or have transferable credits, it may take longer or shorter, respectively. Some online programs offer accelerated paths that allow you to complete your degree in less time.

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