Gain a firm understanding on social and cultural influences by earning one of the 25 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Social Sciences.
If you have an interest in working in social services, public health, human resources, or public policy, then this may be the degree program for you. A social sciences degree opens the door to a variety of career opportunities because of the diverse curriculum offered to its students.
If you’re looking for flexibility in both your career and education, then dive into the 25 most affordable bachelor’s below.
What Is an Online Bachelor’s in Social Sciences Degree?
An online bachelor’s in social sciences degree is a four-year undergraduate program that typically requires a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete. Most commonly considered an interdisciplinary program, a social sciences degree studies the human experience in a variety of contexts. In this program, students learn about society through an individual, cultural, and global perspective.
The social science disciplines that will make up your coursework include anthropology, economics, geography, history, psychology, political science, sociology, and communication.
How Much Can You Earn with an Online Bachelor’s in Social Sciences Degree?
The diverse curriculum that makes up your social sciences degree will prepare you for a variety of career paths. Graduates of this program find themselves in careers as managers, teachers, or advisors.
According to PayScale, the average salary for a person with a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences is $59,000 per year; whereas, a person with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences makes a median salary of $62,000.
Here is a list of potential job positions, along with average salaries for social science graduates:
- Human Resources Manager: $62,000
- High school Teacher: $44,000
- Operations Manager: $64,000
- Executive Director: $75,000
What Is Required for an Online Bachelor’s in Social Sciences Degree?
During the application process, students will be required to submit official documents of high school completion and/or GED equivalent. It’s also common for universities to ask for SAT or ACT exam scores, recommendation letters, and a nonrefundable application fee.
Once enrolled, students are required to complete roughly 120 credit hours to earn their undergraduate degree. Depending on the institution, this degree can be formatted as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. It’s also possible that the degree program may require students to complete an exit exam, internship, or capstone course.
What Are the Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Social Sciences Degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
Now let’s check out the 25 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Social Sciences!
University of Alaska Southeast
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,244(in state) / $20,608(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Concentration required
- Student assessment portfolio required
School Wide
Program Level
The University of Alaska Southeast offers the most affordable online bachelor’s program in social sciences. You can earn your Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with a concentration of your choice within four years. All students are required to complete a student assessment portfolio to graduate, which is introduced during their sophomore year and presented in the final semester of their senior year.
Bellevue University
20-Year ROI$1,077,529
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,152(in state) / $7,152(out of state)
- Total of 127 credit hours
- Transfer-friendly program
- Senior capstone required
School Wide
Program Level
If you want to explore numerous fields within liberal arts and sciences, then this is the degree program for you. Bellevue University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies degree that can be completed entirely online. Throughout this program, students are required to complete 36 general education credits, 37 major credits, and 54 elective credits to graduate.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,909(in state) / $34,473(out of state)
- Total of 180 quarter credits
- Transfer-friendly program
- Choose electives freely
School Wide
Program Level
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington offers a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Social Sciences. This program is broken into three sections: general education courses, ISS major requirements, and electives credits. All students will be required to complete a portfolio seminar that counts toward their 60 ISS major credits.
Great Basin College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $2,820(in state) / $9,598(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Must hold an associates degree
- Capstone required
School Wide
Program Level
Great Basin College’s degree program is perfect for students who have already completed their associate degree from an accredited institution. Once enrolled, students can earn their Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences degree with one to two years. Throughout this program, students will be required to take courses within certain topics, including anthropology, history, political science, and psychology.
University of Hawaii-West Oahu
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,200(in state) / $20,160(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Three degree tracks offered
- Capstone required
School Wide
Program Level
The University of Hawaii-West Oahu offers three majors for students seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences degree. Students can choose to major in Political Science, Early Childhood Education, or Psychology. All degree programs can be completed online and all students are required to choose a concentration and complete a capstone course throughout their chosen degree program.
University of Maine at Presque Isle
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,840(in state) / $10,950(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Optional minor offered
- Concentrations offered
School Wide
Program Level
Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through the University of Maine at Presque Isle. All coursework is delivered online, which means you also have the flexibility to create your own schedule. Students can choose between a General, Biopsychology, or Business Psychology concentration.
University of Southern Maine
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,336(in state) / $19,292(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Transfer-friendly program
- Senior capstone required
School Wide
Program Level
Gain a firm foundation on a variety of interdisciplinary studies by earning your Bachelor’s in Social and Behavioral Sciences through the University of Southern Maine. This affordable degree program is delivered online and focuses on the study of anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Throughout this program, students are required to take the following major courses: Introduction to Social and Behavioral Sciences, Research Methods, and Applied Social and Public Policy.
Troy University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,584(in state) / $15,168(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Four-year completion time
- Senior seminar required
School Wide
Program Level
Troy University offers an online Bachelor’s in Social Science that teaches with a critical and creative approach. Students can choose between three concentrations: General Social Science track, Geography track, or Leadership track. Throughout this program, all students are required to take social science major requirements, including research methods, statistics, and social science theory.
North Carolina Central University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,728(in state) / $16,435(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Last 30 hours must be completed at NCCU
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
North Carolina Central University offers a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Social Sciences that can be completed online. This interdisciplinary degree program is designed to prepare students for the workforce on a global level. Throughout this program, students will gain confidence in the following skillsets: critical thinking, decision making, analyzing, problem-solving, networking, and much more.
Morehead State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,950(in state) / $13,426(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Transfer-friendly program
- A major, minor, or area of concentration not required
School Wide
Program Level
Morehead State University offers a unique degree program that is different from the majority of its kind. For this online program, students will earn a Bachelor of University of Studies. Although this degree does not require a major, minor, or area of concentration, students are still required to completed 120 credit hours and it’s still considered a four-year degree.
University of Central Florida
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,478(in state) / $19,810(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Minors offered
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
The online social sciences degree offered by the University of Central Florida focuses on human societies and relationships. Students can select one of the following minors: anthropology, communication, political science, psychology, sociology, or women’s and gender studies. Graduates of this program end up in careers involving politics, social work, human resources, and journalism.
University of Utah
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,697(in state) / $26,940(out of state)
- 11 majors offered
- Transfer-friendly program
- BA and BS programs offered
School Wide
Program Level
The University of Utah’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers 11 different majors for online students. Through the UOnline portal, distance learners can earn their bachelor’s degree at an affordable price and at their own pace. Most majors do require a senior thesis requirement.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,936(in state) / $11,976(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Advanced seminar required
School Wide
Program Level
Earn your social science bachelor’s degree through the University of Maryland-Unversity College within four years. This online degree program provides an in-depth curriculum in the fields of anthropology, behavioral sciences, gerontology, psychology, and sociology. All students are required to prepare a professional research poster that will be presented at a professional conference.
Portland State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,403(in state) / $24,750(out of state)
- Total of 180 credit hours
- Senior capstone required
- BS and BA programs available
School Wide
Program Level
Portland State University offers both BA and BS Social Science degree programs, making the program satisfactory for all types of students. As an interdisciplinary major, students will study a diverse amount of topics. Throughout this program, students will be required to take courses involving topics in anthropology, bible studies, family studies, criminology, economics, geography, political science, and many more.
California State University-Chico
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,742(in state) / $17,622(out of state)
- Degree completion program
- Concentrations available
- Capstone required
School Wide
Program Level
California State University-Chico offers a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences degree completion program. This means that transfer students can complete their degree through CSU within two years and entirely online. Online students also have the option to choose one of two concentrations: Sociology or Career and Life Planning.
Central Washington University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,037(in state) / $20,144(out of state)
- Total of 180 quarter credit hours
- Senior portfolio project
- Must enroll with 60 upper-division credits
School Wide
Program Level
Applicants must have completed 60 credit hours in order to enroll in the online program offered by Central Washington University. Students will earn their BS in Interdisciplinary Studies Social Sciences degree. The core list of requirements includes the following courses: An Introduction to the Major, Research Methods in Social Sciences, Academic and Career Exploration, and a Senior Portfolio Project.
University of North Dakota
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,946(in state) / $18,546(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Four-year program
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
Within four years, you can earn your BA in Social Science entirely online. The University of North Dakota allows students to create their own program of study to match their interests and career goals. Throughout this program, students will take courses involving topics in anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology.
Eastern Oregon University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,928(in state) / $18,248(out of state)
- Total of 180 credit hours
- Concentrations available
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
Eastern Oregon University offers an online anthropology and sociology degree that is designed to teach students about the culture and society of a variety of interdisciplinary studies. This program typically takes four years to complete. Students can choose between an Anthropology or Sociology and Social Welfare concentration.
University of Mary
20-Year ROI$958,195
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,470(in state) / $16,470(out of state)
- Total of 128 credit hours
- Free preliminary transfer-credit review
- Five-week terms
School Wide
Program Level
Depending on how many credits you’re transferring into this program, you could earn your Bachelor of Science in University Studies in as little as one year. Graduates of this program end up in career paths as office managers, executive assistants, or sales managers. This program allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and career desires.
Washington State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,530(in state) / $23,956(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Customized degree plan
- Two degree tracks available
School Wide
Program Level
Washington State University offers an online Bachelor’s in Social Sciences with two different degree tracks available: Plan A or Plan B. Plan A includes two concentrations. Whereas, Plan B requires three different concentrations.
Kansas State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,273(in state) / $24,630(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Senior report required
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
Kansas State University provides students with an interdisciplinary general social science degree that focuses on the understanding of human behavior. The curriculum is organized into nine different areas: anthropology, economics, geography, history, and more. This degree is offered through the K-State College of Arts and Sciences.
Franklin University
20-Year ROI$960,502
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,216(in state) / $12,216(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Customizable program
- Transfer up to 94 credits
School Wide
Program Level
With a transformative learning approach and a hands-on practicum, students of the social science degree offered by Franklin University become well-rounded professionals. This program consists of a general education core, social sciences core, social sciences electives, and a capstone course. This degree can be completed 100% online and students have the option to customize their degree plan.
Ashford University
20-Year ROI$818,512
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,848(in state) / $10,848(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Nine degree programs offered
- Transfer up to 90 credits
School Wide
Program Level
Ashford University offers nine different majors within the online behavioral and social sciences degree program. Each semester is completed within five weeks and students can take one course at a time. With 24/7 tech support, affordable tuition, and flexible coursework, students of this program can finish their degree at their own pace.
Dominican College of Blauvelt
20-Year ROI$920,606
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $27,588(in state) / $27,588(out of state)
- Total of 90 credit hours
- Tuition deferment offered
- Concentrations available
School Wide
Program Level
With a personal coach and flexible payment options, you can earn your social sciences degree through Dominican College of Blauvelt with peace of mind. Students are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits, with the option to choose a concentration in Psychology or Criminal Justice. Applicants can transfer up to 90 approved credits into their program.
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,484(in state) / $13,484(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Capstone portfolio required
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
If you want to understand the driving force behind societal behavior and relationships, then this is the degree program for you. Pennsylvania State University offers an online Bachelor’s in Integrated Social Sciences that focuses on the core disciplines: anthropology, communication arts and sciences, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology. Students can work with their advisor to tailor their degree to their interests and career potential.
