A bachelor’s degree is an excellent way to find new career opportunities and land higher salaries, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that bachelor’s degree holders earn nearly $600 more per week than those with only a high school diploma. Online bachelor’s in general studies programs offer unparalleled versatility, preparing graduates for several different career possibilities. For instance, you could become an HR specialist (median salary of $67,650), a loan officer ($69,990), or a market research analyst ($74,680). These programs combine flexibility with job-oriented education, making them a great choice for those looking to advance in their current field or pivot to new opportunities.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online General Studies degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 29 Online Bachelor's in General Studies Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
University of Missouri
Intelligent Score: 98.15In-state: $9,330
Out-of-state: $27,612
In-state: $9,478
Out-of-state: $9,478
SAT: 1110-1320
ACT: 23-29
$364.65 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
University of Louisiana Monroe
Intelligent Score: 97.42In-state: $5,407
Out-of-state: $19,135
In-state: $5,511
Out-of-state: $5,511
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
$684.53 per credit
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 -125 credits
Lamar University
Intelligent Score: 97.26In-state: $6,129
Out-of-state: $15,945
In-state: $6,397
Out-of-state: $6,397
SAT: 943-1140
ACT: 17-23
Resident: $255.38 per credit
Non-Resident: $664.38 per credit
Online, On-campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
Georgia Southern University
Intelligent Score: 97.14In-state: $4,371
Out-of-state: $15,425
In-state: $4,986
Out-of-state: $4,986
SAT: 993-1170
ACT: 18-24
$199.00 per credit
Online, On-campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
126 credits
North Greenville University
Intelligent Score: 96.68In-state: $22,050
Out-of-state: $22,050
In-state: $11,400
Out-of-state: $11,400
SAT: 950-1210
ACT: 18-24
$520 per credit
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
128 credits
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Intelligent Score: 95.98In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 910-1090
ACT: 18-25
$455 per credit
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Intelligent Score: 94.56In-state: $42,275
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: $33,308
Out-of-state: $33,308
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
Resident:$291.00 per credit
Nonresident: $698.70 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Western Illinois University
Intelligent Score: 93.62In-state: $8,712
Out-of-state: $8,712
In-state: $8,156
Out-of-state: $8,156
SAT: 880-1090
ACT: 18-24
$296 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Southern Utah University
Intelligent Score: 92.72In-state: $6,006
Out-of-state: $19,822
In-state: $7,574
Out-of-state: $7,574
SAT: 1030-1220
ACT: 21-27
$300 per credit
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
120 credits
Texas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 91.41In-state: $8,683
Out-of-state: $20,953
In-state: $6,788
Out-of-state: $6,788
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
Resident:$773 per credit
Non-resident: $1,591 per credit
Online, On-campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Intelligent Score: 90.78In-state: $5,407
Out-of-state: $19,135
In-state: $5,511
Out-of-state: $5,511
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
$380 per credit
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
University of North Dakota
Intelligent Score: 90.74In-state: $8,540
Out-of-state: $12,810
In-state: $11,060
Out-of-state: $11,060
SAT: 1000-1230
ACT: 20-27
$355.85 per credit
Online, On-campus
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
120 credits
Southern New Hampshire University
Intelligent Score: 90.66In-state: $9,600
Out-of-state: $9,600
In-state: $18,810
Out-of-state: $18,810
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$320 per credit
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
120 credits
University of Central Florida
Intelligent Score: 89.03In-state: $4,478
Out-of-state: $19,810
In-state: $6,916
Out-of-state: $6,916
SAT: 1160-1340
ACT: 25-30
In-State: $179.19 per credit: Out of State: 715.80 per credit
Online, On-campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
University of South Florida
Intelligent Score: 86.84In-state: $4,559
Out-of-state: $15,473
In-state: $8,350
Out-of-state: $8,350
SAT: 1160-1320
ACT: 25-30
Resident: $211.19 per credit:
Non-Resident: $575.01 per credit
Online, On-campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
Minot State University
Intelligent Score: 86.78In-state: $6,691
Out-of-state: $6,691
In-state: $8,731
Out-of-state: $8,731
SAT: 880-1070
ACT: 18-24
$278.79 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Trine University
Intelligent Score: 86.19In-state: $32,990
Out-of-state: $32,990
In-state: $41,457
Out-of-state: $41,457
SAT: 1010-1210
ACT: 20-27
$399 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
McNeese State University
Intelligent Score: 85.96In-state: $5,147
Out-of-state: $13,185
In-state: $5,703
Out-of-state: $5,703
SAT: 1050-1240
ACT: 20-25
In State: $339 per credit: Out of State: $675 per credit
Online, On-campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
What You Should Know About an Online Bachelor’s in General Studies Degree
Students usually choose a bachelor’s degree in general studies because they don’t have a specific major they are interested in. Similar degrees could be anything from a bachelor’s in humanities or a bachelor’s in natural sciences. These degrees are still general but will focus more on English and history or science and math, respectively.
Accreditation from a recognized regional accrediting organization indicates that the degree is valid and from a reputable institution. Degrees from accredited institutions are more likely to be accepted by prospective employers.
The job growth prospects are strong for workers with a bachelor’s degree, as a college education opens up a wide variety of employment opportunities that aren’t available to those with only a high school diploma.
There are no specific certifications or licenses required for those earning a bachelor’s degree in general studies, but many jobs require these. If you know you are going into a specific role, it’s a good idea to determine if certifications are required.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in general studies programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? To be accepted into an online bachelor’s in general studies program, you just need a high school diploma or equivalency. You may have to show a certain GPA or SAT test score or take a placement test.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? This degree requires anywhere from 120 to 128 credits to graduate. Depending on how many classes you take per semester, you could complete it anywhere from two years going full-time to six years going part-time.
Once you have found a program you’re interested in, it’s important to note all the deadlines and information required for the application. If you need help paying for your degree, the financial aid office can help you apply for scholarships, grants, and student loans and provide more information on work-study programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in General Studies Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online bachelor’s in general studies degree?
You’ll gain access to many career opportunities with an online bachelor’s in general studies. Many graduates leverage this degree to secure promotions and higher pay in their current roles, advancing to management, sales, or administrative positions. The degree’s flexibility is an excellent way to demonstrate the leadership and critical thinking skills essential for career growth. It also serves as a way to pivot to new fields, especially when paired with specializations like marketing, human resources, or tech.
Are online bachelor’s in general studies degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
These programs are often just as credible as on-campus ones, with many offering the same curriculum and being taught by the same faculty. As a bonus, employers increasingly recognize the value of online education, especially when programs are from accredited institutions. Accreditation ensures the program meets academic standards and is a reliable measure of quality and legitimacy.
Before enrolling, verify the program’s accreditation status to confirm its credibility and affirm that your degree will be respected in the job market.
How long does it take to complete an online bachelor’s in general studies degree program?
Bachelor’s degrees typically require 120 credits, which takes most students about four years to complete. However, online degrees often offer flexibility, with some schools providing accelerated options for a faster path to graduation. Part-time learning is another option, helping learners balance their studies with a full-time job or family responsibilities. This adaptability makes online programs an excellent choice if you seek a customizable educational experience that will fit your schedule and career goals.
Are there specialization options within online bachelor’s in general studies degree programs?
Many online bachelor’s in general studies programs offer specializations to align with your interests and career goals. Popular options include:
- Business Administration: Ideal for future managers or entrepreneurs seeking leadership roles
- Heath Sciences: Great for students pursuing careers in healthcare administration or public health
- Communication: Perfect for those aiming for careers in media, marketing, and public relations
- Education: Suited for individuals interested in teaching or educational program coordination
- Information Technology: A strong choice for students targeting roles in tech support or IT project management
What is the cost of an online bachelor’s in general studies degree?
The average annual tuition for an online bachelor’s in general studies degree during the 2022-2023 academic year was $14,688. However, this figure can fluctuate based on several factors. Public schools often have lower tuition than private schools, and in-state students at public schools typically see discounted rates compared to out-of-state students. Additionally, program-specific fees and transfer credits can influence overall costs. You’ll want to research tuition rates and residency policies to understand your financial investment better.