Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

Tyler Epps
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Updated on July 12, 2024
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Learn about affordable online health science programs. Find out how health science programs can help prepare graduates for various in-demand careers.

Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.


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 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

  • Location-markerNew Brunswick, NJ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,900
  • Out-of-state$30,600
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,696
  • Out-of-state$31,800
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate66%
  • Students Enrolled50,637
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment74%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

The University of West Florida

  • Location-markerPensacola, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,735
  • Out-of-state$16,004
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,088
  • Out-of-state$22,166
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate53%
  • Students Enrolled13,288
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment88%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

Northern Kentucky University

  • Location-markerHighland Heights, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,200
  • Out-of-state$20,472
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,900
  • Out-of-state$15,210
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate86%
  • Students Enrolled15,801
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment76%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

Missouri State University

  • Location-markerSpringfield, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,196
  • Out-of-state$15,400
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,994
  • Out-of-state$11,970
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate93%
  • Students Enrolled22,535
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment54%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

  • Location-markerMilwaukee, WI
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,750
  • Out-of-state$6,750
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance Rate92%
  • Students Enrolled630
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

University of South Dakota

  • Location-markerVermillion, SD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,773
  • Out-of-state$11,283
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,123
  • Out-of-state$11,773
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled9,464
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment56%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

Thomas Jefferson University

  • Location-markerPhiladelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$41,900
  • Out-of-state$41,900
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$22,068
  • Out-of-state$22,068
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled8,270
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

Purdue University Global

  • Location-markerWest Lafayette, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,080
  • Out-of-state$13,356
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,730
  • Out-of-state$9,700
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled43,458
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

Nicholls State University

  • Location-markerThibodaux, LA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,922
  • Out-of-state$6,015
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,686
  • Out-of-state$6,779
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate97%
  • Students Enrolled6,225
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment54%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs

Wilmington University

  • Location-markerNew Castle, DE
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,700
  • Out-of-state$11,700
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,000
  • Out-of-state$9,000
  • Retention Rate59%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled13,129
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment87%
  • AccreditationYes

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.

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    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.

  • minus

    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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