Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Programs
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Editor
Editor & Writer
Editor
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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 2022-2032, 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.
Best Affordable Online Bachelor's in Health Sciences Programs
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Seminole State College of FloridaLocation
Sanford, FL
Tuition$8392
Graduation Rate41%
Seminole State's bachelor's program in health sciences allows students to specialize in a variety of different areas. These include clinical science, health coaching and human performance, healthcare management and professional services, and respiratory therapy and clinical leadership. This program also requires the completion of a capstone project.
Prospective students must complete an online application form. Both first-time students and transfer students may use the online application system. Seminole State sets application deadlines in the fall and spring.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $240 per credit
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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University of FloridaLocation
Gainesville, FL
Tuition$10287
Graduation Rate88%
The online bachelor of health science at UF focuses on communication sciences and disorders. In this degree program, students explore human communication processes, including speech, language, and hearing.
Students must enroll full-time. UF's application process differs depending on the number of transfer credits applicants have. First-year applicants (those who hold fewer than 12 credits) need a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.7. They must also submit standardized test scores if they graduated from high school or earned their GED diploma less than five years ago.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $129 per credit (in state); $553 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Florida International UniversityLocation
Miami, FL
Tuition$9180
Graduation Rate58%
One of the most affordable online bachelor's in health science, FIU's bachelor of health services administration program includes courses like quality- and evidence-based healthcare services, communication and information technology for healthcare professionals, healthcare financial management, and healthcare organizational behavior and resources management.
FIU requires that first-time college students or students with fewer than 60 transfer credits submit an online application and standardized test scores. Transfer students with over 60 credits must submit college transcripts, but do not need standardized test scores.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $229 per credit (in state); $346 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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California State University-StanislausLocation
Turlock, CA
Tuition$6930
Graduation Rate58%
Stan State's accelerated BS in health science program offers a concentration in health leadership and administration. The program includes courses such as information technology management, epidemiology, quality and productivity management, and health program planning.
Applicants need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and 70 transferable credits to gain admission into the program. Stan State has a list of required courses for applicants to complete before admission. First-time college students may not apply for this program.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $329 per credit
- Program Length: 18 months
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 54 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Format: Online and hybrid
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
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University of FloridaLocation
Gainesville, FL
Tuition$11313
Graduation Rate88%
UF's online bachelor's in health science program allows students to specialize in various areas. Students can pursue the pre-professional track, accelerated occupational therapy track, general health science track, and others.
Learners choose their concentration during their junior year. All concentrations require a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
First-year applicants must submit high school transcripts and standardized test scores. UF requires college transcripts for transfer students. Transfer students must also meet all GPA requirements for the health science program when applying.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $213 per credit (in state); $955 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: Four years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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State College of Florida-Manatee-SarasotaLocation
Bradenton, FL
Tuition$11739
Graduation Rate38%
SCF's online bachelor's in health sciences features a concentration in health services administration. Students learn to develop and manage healthcare operations and services. Courses include healthcare economics, healthcare finance, contemporary issues in healthcare, and quality management in healthcare.
Applicants need a minimum GPA of 2.0 and must complete 45 credits of college-level coursework, including 26 credits of prerequisite coursework set by SCF. These prerequisite courses include classes in business administration and introductory science.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $102 per lower division credit; $112 per upper division credit
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Florida Atlantic UniversityLocation
Boca Raton, FL
Tuition$9486
Graduation Rate52%
FAU's BA in health science program allows students to concentrate in a variety of specializations, including geriatrics, public/global/environmental health, and women's health.
All students must complete a capstone project for this major. Courses for this program include healthcare medical terminology and biomedical ethics.
First-year applicants need a high school diploma or GED certificate and must submit standardized test scores. Transfer students must complete all prerequisite coursework — including lower-division requirements — before applying.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $203 per credit (in state); $722 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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University of Minnesota-CrookstonLocation
Crookston, MN
Tuition$12135
Graduation Rate54%
This online bachelor's in applied health is designed to enhance students' management and supervisory skills in the dynamic field of healthcare. Learners take courses such as healthcare law and biomedical ethics, performance improvement in healthcare, and regulatory management. All students pursuing a bachelor of science in applied health must complete an internship.
UMC requires that all students complete an associate of science degree before applying to this program. Applicants must submit all college transcripts. UMC does not require an essay or letters of recommendation.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $419 per credit
- Program Length: 2 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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Indiana University-KokomoLocation
Kokomo, IN
Tuition$7173
Graduation Rate37%
IU Kokomo allows students in the school's applied health science bachelor's program to choose between two concentrations: community health education and health administration. Some courses for this degree program include healthcare delivery and leadership, intercultural health communication, healthcare budgeting and finance, and economics of healthcare.
IU Kokomo does not require standardized test scores. Applicants may transfer up to 64 credits from a regionally accredited two-year university and up to 90 credits from a regionally accredited four-year university.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $236-$307 per credit (in state); $341-$1,131 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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University of Central FloridaLocation
Orlando, FL
Tuition$13016
Graduation Rate73%
UCF's bachelor's in health sciences program features courses such as clinical nutrition, preventative healthcare, epidemiology of chronic diseases, and medical self-assessment. In these classes, students learn about the underlying causes of diseases and how to prevent them.
First-year applicants need high school transcripts and standardized test scores. A personal essay is encouraged but not required. Transfer applicants must submit all college transcripts and standardized test scores. Students with fewer than 30 completed credits must meet first-year requirements.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $212 per credit (in state); $749 per credit (out of state)
- Program Length: Four years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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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
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Health Sciences Programs
How long do bachelor's in health sciences programs take to complete?
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.
Are online health sciences programs legit?
Yes, online health sciences programs are legit – as long as they are accredited. Accreditation ensures the program meets certain educational standards and allows credit transferability and federal financial aid eligibility.
Confirm your program's legitimacy by checking for national accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
What is considered an affordable online health sciences program?
The answer to this question depends on your budget and desired school, but we'll compare two programs together from popular schools to help give you an idea of typical program costs.
One of the more expensive online health sciences degrees is at Ohio State University, which charges about $500 per credit hour.
If this price tag seems a bit high, you can apply to a cheaper online health sciences program to reduce the cost of your degree. For example, you can pay $276 per credit hour if you attend Arkansas State University – nearly half the cost per credit of Ohio State's program.
