A BA or BS degree in general studies online can be a great way to put a diploma on a college career that has wandered from its original major. With the help of an advisor, you can often select a theme or path for your previous coursework, complete the required residency hours at your new school and graduate forthwith. Some of these programs allow you up to three minors to fully explore your interests and still get the diploma. As the 30 cheapest online bachelor's in general studies in the entire country (based on data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator website), most of these schools' tuition rates are below the cost of a standard college education. For your convenience, we've sorted them in descending order of cost, with the most expensive school at the bottom. We simply ranked these BA in general studies programs according to their affordability. See below for the best cheap bachelor's in general studies online, ranked from least to most expensive, according to their per credit hour online rate, along with several handy facts about each program.
#1 – BYU-Idaho
Rexburg, Idaho
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies Online
Website
Points:
Enrollment: 44,821
Tuition: $3,920
The online bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies degree at BYU-Idaho is a 120 credit hour program offering seven areas of concentration, including business management, computer information technology, and health promotion. With a student to faculty ratio of 23 to 1, the school requires completion of their Pathway Connect program or transfer from another CES institution. For non-participants of the Pathway Connect program, BYU-Idaho charges an undergraduate tuition rate of $167 per credit for this affordable online BS in interdisciplinary studies. A lower tuition rate is available for participants of the Pathway Connect program.
#2 – Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Online Bachelor of General Studies
Website
Points:
Enrollment: 14,658
Tuition: $14,426
This online bachelor of general studies offered by Fort Hays State University is a 120 credit hour program with multiple available concentration areas. You also have the option of designing your own concentration area. The school is looking for applicants with an ACT score of 21 or better or an SAT score of 980 or higher. Students in the general studies program must maintain a GPA of 2.0+. Fort Hays State University asks an online hourly tuition rate of $218.67 for the very reasonably priced bachelor of general studies. The school does not charge out of state tuition fees.
#3 – Eastern Oregon University
La Grande, Oregon
BS in Integrative Studies Online
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Points:
Enrollment: 3,016
Tuition: $19,682
Eastern Oregon University's online bachelor of science in integrative studies allows you to choose two minors for a breadth of knowledge and expertise. One option for a minor is to turn your work experience into college credit. The school has a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1 and provides an online academic advisor to ensure that the application process goes smoothly. Regardless of residency, Eastern Oregon University charges a bargain online, out of state, tuition rate of $240 per credit for its BS in integrative studies degree. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#4 – Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Bachelor of General Studies Online
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Points:
Enrollment: 14,085
Tuition: $14,260
With nine possible areas of emphasis, Arkansas State University features an online bachelor of general studies. In addition, it is a 120 credit hour program that places an emphasis on critical thinking, a skill sorely needed in today's employment marketplace. The school requests that freshman applicants submit high school transcripts and have an ACT score of 21 or higher, or an SAT score of 980 or better within the last five years. Tuition at Arkansas State University goes for $248.25 per unit for this affordable bachelor of general studies degree.
#5 – Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, Missouri
Online Bachelor of General Studies
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Points:
Enrollment: 6,174
Tuition: $11,568
The online bachelor of general studies at Missouri Southern State University is a degree well-suited for someone with interests in several disciplines. The school recommends getting in touch with the admissions team before you put in your application, so they can give you the inside scoop on the admission process.For this highly affordable bachelor of general studies or BGS Missouri Southern State University charges an online, out of state, undergraduate tuition rate of $270.70 per hour of instruction.
#6 – Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois
BA in General Studies Online
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Points:
Enrollment: 9,441
Tuition: $12,897
Western Illinois University‘s offering of an online bachelor of arts in general studies is a 120 credit hour program that has the option for, but does not require, a minor. The school will accept transfer students with a C average who were in good academic standing at their last school. Western Illinois University's hourly tuition rate is $284.70 for this affordable BA in general studies, regardless of residency.
#7 – Mayville State University
Mayville, North Dakota
Online BUS in University Studies
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Points:
Enrollment: 1,130
Tuition: $9,073
Mayville State University has an online bachelor of university studies degree that is open to students with previous college coursework, but not a bachelor's degree. The school offers a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1 and will accept the maximum number of accredited college hours. Students must complete 30 hours of enrollment at Mayville State University. The school charges an hourly instructional fee of $295 for this cheap bachelor in university studies degree, regardless of residency.
#8 – Governors State University
University Park, Illinois
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies Online
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Points:
Enrollment: 5,185
Tuition: $21,136
The online bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies that is offered by Governors State University is a 120 credit hour program that allows you to choose from 21 available minors. With a student to faculty ratio of just 10 to 1, the school is looking for applicants with 45-60+ credit hours and good academic standing at their last school. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Governors State University features an online tuition rate of $313 per unit for this cheap BA in interdisciplinary studies program, regardless of residency.
#9 – Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
Online Bachelor of Liberal Studies
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Points:
Enrollment: 36,350
Tuition: $22,472
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, Iowa State University has an online bachelor of liberal studies that is a degree completion program open to those with 60 or more previous college credits. The school, having a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, is looking for candidates with at least a 2.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale. Iowa State University charges a tuition rate of $323 per credit for their very affordable bachelor of liberal studies.
#10 – Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Online
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Points:
Enrollment: 20,673
Tuition: $16,847
Priding itself on choice, opportunity and flexibility, Georgia Southern University offers an online bachelor of interdisciplinary studies degree that is a 124 credit hour program that allows you to choose up to three of six available areas of study. The school requires at least 32 hours of classwork be accomplished at GSU and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be maintained. Georgia Southern University charges tuition of $350 per hour for this bargain online bachelor of interdisciplinary studies degree.
#11 – University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Online BA in Liberal Studies
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Points:
Enrollment: 4,956
Tuition: $20,938
The University of Illinois Springfield offers an online bachelor of arts in liberal studies degree that is open to individuals with at least 30 hours of college credit on the books. The school has a faculty to student ratio of 13 to 1 and is looking for candidates with two units of college composition under their belts. The University of Illinois Springfield is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and charges an online undergraduate tuition rate of $362.25 per unit for this bargain BA in liberal studies.
#12 – The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Online BS in General Studies
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Points:
Enrollment: 38,563
Tuition: $28,100
The University of Alabama features an online bachelor of science in general studies degree that is provided by the College of Human Environmental Sciences. With a student to faculty ratio of 23 to 1, the program must be concentrated within an area covered by the HES college, such as interior design or family development. For online, undergraduate students, the University of Alabama offers an affordable tuition rate of $364 per semester hour for the BS in general studies degree. The school receives regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#13 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Online Bachelor of General Studies
Website
Points:
Enrollment: 9,819
Tuition: $18,408
Offering an online bachelor of general studies degree that is a 120 credit hour that can be adapted to personal interest or career goals, Northwestern State University of Louisiana has a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1 and does not charge out of state fees to internet-only students. Northwestern State University of Louisiana features a unique tuition pricing scheme of $375 per credit hour for the first 12 hours and $100 per hour thereafter for this cheap bachelor of general studies degree. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#14 – University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
BA or BS in Interdisciplinary Studies Online
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Points:
Enrollment: 64,088
Tuition: $22,467
The University of Central Florida offers an online bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies that is a degree program offering choices among 12 majors and 123 minors. Having a student to faculty ratio of 30 to 1, the school requires students to have previously completed two English composition courses and two math courses (college algebra or higher). The University of Central Florida charges an online, out of state, undergraduate tuition rate of $383.86 per hour for this cheap BA or BS in interdisciplinary studies and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#15 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Online BS in General Studies
Website
Points:
Enrollment: 11,062
Tuition: $9,791
A 120 credit hour program with 13 available concentrations, Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online bachelor of science in general studies degree. One of the concentrations available is individualized, where you work with an advisor to map out a degree just to suit your needs. The school accepts transfer credits from institutions of higher learning accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education and other regional accreditors. Indiana Wesleyan University charges a reasonably priced online tuition rate of $384 per credit for the BS in general studies degree.
#16 – University of Louisiana-Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Online Bachelor of General Studies
Website
Points:
Enrollment: 9,038
Tuition: $20,384
The University of Louisiana-Monroe's online bachelor of general studies is a 120 credit hour program that requires studies in two thematic concentration groups of the student's choosing. The school does not charge out of state tuition and has a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1. The University of Louisiana-Monroe proffers an hourly rate of $400 for tuition to this affordable online bachelor of general studies degree. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for all coursework applying to this degree.
#17 – West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies Online
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Points:
Enrollment: 28,488
Tuition: $22,488
West Virginia University's Eberly College of Arts and Sciences has an online bachelor of multidisciplinary studies degree that requires you to select three out of the twenty available minors. Some sample minors are strategic social media, event planning, agribusiness management, and child development. Having a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school is looking for applicants with at least a GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Tuition is $403 per credit. West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#18 – Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Online Bachelor of General Studies
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Points:
Enrollment: 13,565
Tuition: $19,076
The online bachelor of science in general studies at Indiana State University is a degree completion program designed for those with more than 75 credit hours. The school requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and the program is designed with transfer students at the heart of it. Indiana State University offers a wealth of scholarship opportunities to online students and charges an online, hourly, out of state tuition rate of $412 for the affordable online bachelor of general studies degree.
#19 – Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Online BA or BS in University Studies
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Points:
Enrollment: 36,551
Tuition: $18,220
At Texas Tech University, the online bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in university studies degree is a 120 credit hour program which includes coursework in integrative studies and a concentration of the student's choosing. Boasting a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1, the affordable online BA or BS in university studies is open to students in good academic standing. 30 hours of enrollment at Texas tech are required for graduation. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Texas Tech University charges an online, out of state tuition rate of $430.50 per unit for this cheap BA or BS in university studies.
#20 – University of Nebraska, Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
Online Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies
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Points:
Enrollment: 15,627
Tuition: $19,124
The University of Nebraska, Omaha has an online bachelor of multidisciplinary studies degree that is a 120 credit hour program that offers more than 20 concentrations, such as aviation studies, computer science, and urban studies. The school has a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1 and will not admit students under 21 years of age to this program. The degree requires 30 credit hour in the Area of Concentration and then 12 credit hours each in Secondary Fields #1 and #2. For the affordable online bachelor of multidisciplinary studies, the University of Nebraska, Omaha charges an online, out of state, hourly tuition rate of $432.60.
#21 – Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Bachelor of General Studies Online
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Points:
Enrollment: 7,909
Tuition: $14,022
Students at Northeastern State University can partake in an online bachelor of general studies that is a degree completion program open to individuals with more than 50 hours of existing college credit. The school has a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, and requires a $25 application fee to start off the admission process. Hourly tuition at Northeastern State University is $453.25 for this reasonably priced bachelor of general studies degree. Accreditation is provided by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#22 – West Texas A&M University
Canyon, Texas
Online Bachelor of General Studies
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Points:
Enrollment: 9,901
Tuition: $9,117
West Texas A&M University's online bachelor of general studies is a 120 credit hour program that does not allow for a minor. The school offers a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1, and they recommend a virtual meeting with an admissions counselor to kick off the application process. The program offers the degree with an applied arts and sciences option or a general studies option. Tuition at West Texas A&M University is $465 per semester hour for this affordable bachelor of general studies degree.
#23 – Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Bachelor of General Studies Online
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Points:
Enrollment: 21,998
Tuition: $25,428
Ball State University has an online bachelor of general studies degree that is highly customizable, with two majors and a wide selection of electives. The school offers a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1, and the program has a rolling application deadline, meaning you can apply year round. Ball State University charges a tuition rate of $510 per instructional hour for the cheap bachelor of general studies degree.
#24 – California Baptist University
Riverside, California
BA in Liberal Studies Online
Website
Points:
Enrollment: 9,157
Tuition: $31,372
The online bachelor of arts in liberal studies degree at California Baptist University is a 49 unit major that offers four concentrations: English; human development; kinesiology; and social science. The school offers a faculty to student ratio of 18 to 1, and is looking for applicants with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Tuition for this low-cost BA in liberal studies degree at California Baptist University is $589 per instructional credit. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.
#25 – California State University Northridge
Northridge, California
BA in Liberal Studies Online
Website
Points:
Enrollment: 41,319
Tuition: $18,755
Designed for employed adults, California State University Northridge's online bachelor of arts in liberal studies is a degree completion program open to those with 60 or more pre-existing credit hours. The program employs a cohort model, moving you from class to class with the same peer group. The school guarantees admission to holders of California community college associate degrees. The tuition rate at California State University Northridge is $595 per unit for this thrifty BA in liberal studies.
#26 – Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Online Bachelor of General Studies
Website
Points:
Enrollment: 15,001
Tuition: $17,938
The online bachelor of general studies program at Lamar University is a 120 credit hour degree available in an 8-week term format. This degree offers opportunity for advancement through your current job or further education at the graduate level or beyond. The school requests that transfer students have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Lamar University has an affordable, online, out of state, undergraduate tuition rate of $661.35 (hourly) for this bachelor of general studies program.
#27 – East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Online BS in University Studies
Website
Points:
Enrollment: 28,962
Tuition: $22,955
East Carolina University offers an online bachelor of science in university studies degree that is a great way for students with a higher number of credit hours to finally achieve their degree. The school requires transcripts and a $75 nonrefundable application fee. Advising and faculty assistance is available from the first class to help you construct your program of study. East Carolina University charges an online tuition rate of $716.31 per credit unit for this BS in university studies degree.
#28 – Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas
Online Bachelor of General Studies
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Points:
Enrollment: 14,166
Tuition: $16,634
Wichita State University has an online bachelor of general studies degree that involves a major from inside the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and up to two other areas of interest from any department in the school. Having a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school has a transfer estimator on its website that will give you an idea of how many credits you can expect to cross over. This reasonably priced bachelor of general studies program at Wichita State University charges an online, out of state, undergraduate tuition rate of $759 per credit. Accreditation for this institution of higher learning is courtesy of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#29 – University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Online BA in Liberal Studies
Website
Points:
Enrollment: 34,731
Tuition: $31,962
Open to those with 60 previous hours of college coursework, the University of South Carolina has an online bachelor of arts in liberal studies degree that is a 120 credit hour program. The school recommends contacting a Palmetto College representative before starting the admission process. This program encourages critical thinking over a number of fields. For this cheap BA in liberal studies, the University of South Carolina charges an online, out of state, undergraduate tuition rate of $869 per hour.
#30 – Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Online Bachelor of General Studies
Website
Points:
Enrollment: 12,521
Tuition: $8,811
Receiving accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Youngstown State University has an online bachelor of general studies degree that is open to individuals with an associates degree. Boasting a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1, this 120 credit hour degree completion program requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Online undergraduate tuition at Youngstown State University is $1,274 per unit of instruction for this bargain bachelor of general studies program.
By BVS Staff
October 2018