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Best Affordable Online Health Science Bachelor's Programs

Advertiser Disclosure Updated: Aug 20, 2024, 9:09pm

Best Affordable Online Health Science Bachelor’s Programs Of 2024

Cecilia SeiterEducation Writer

Cecilia is a freelance writer, content marketing strategist and author covering education, technology and energy. She is a current contributor to the Forbes Advisor education vertical and holds a summa cum laude journalism degree from California Poly...

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Cecilia Seiter

Cecilia SeiterEducation Writer

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With more than two decades of editorial experience, Brian Kagan has been copyediting and proofreading for companies across a variety of industries such as small business, marketing, travel, health and wellness . When he’s not out hiking with his dog,...

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Updated: Aug 20, 2024, 9:09pm

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If you’re passionate about increasing the quality of healthcare delivery in the U.S., earning an online health science degree could be a step in the right direction. This broad-ranging degree equips students with the skills needed to improve patient outcomes in diverse communities, assume leadership positions in healthcare institutions and become medical practitioners.

Many health science programs are offered entirely online. As you don’t need to complete in-person internships or attend face-to-face classes, you can earn your degree on your own schedule from the comfort of your own home. Additionally, despite the high costs associated with earning a bachelor’s degree, many of these online programs offer affordable tuition rates regardless of your state residency status.

We’ve ranked the top 10 affordable online health science bachelor’s programs to help you pick the right one for your needs.

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
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Best Healthcare Degree Programs

Show Summary

Key Takeaways

Health science is a broad, multidisciplinary field that prepares learners for careers in clinical and nonclinical healthcare.
Many health science programs are available completely online and don’t require in-person internships.
Online health science programs can be an affordable avenue to a career in medicine, healthcare administration, public health initiatives and leadership roles.

Best Affordable Online Health Science Degree Options

University of South Florida
University of West Florida
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
University of Memphis
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
University of Missouri
Seminole State College of Florida
Ohio University
Wichita State University

University of South Florida

Program Tuition Rate

$105/credit (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

90%

Graduation Rate

76%

$105/credit (in-state)

90%

76%

Why We Picked It

The University of South Florida’s (USF’s) Bachelor of Science in health sciences (B.S.H.S.) blends life sciences, social sciences and humanities into one interdisciplinary curriculum. Courses are offered both online and in person at one or more of the school’s Florida campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota.

The program also offers a diverse variety of concentrations, including aging health studies, healthcare administration and more.

USF holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Introduction to health professions, foundations of food safety, environmental health science
Concentrations Available: Biological health science, aging health studies, social and behavioral health science, healthcare administration, health information technology
In-Person Requirements: No

University of West Florida

Program Tuition Rate

$219/credit (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

85%

Graduation Rate

55%

$219/credit (in-state)

85%

55%

Why We Picked It

The University of West Florida’s (UWF) online bachelor’s in health sciences program prepares graduates to start careers as environmental health specialists, clinical research coordinators, pharmaceutical sales representatives, health program coordinators and more. Students must take a senior capstone course and complete a capstone exam before graduation.

The University of West Florida is accredited by SACSCOC. The university offers tuition waivers to non-Florida students enrolled in online programs. The waiver covers up to 75% of the out-of-state tuition cost.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Epidemiology of infectious disease, gerontology, pharmacology for health professionals
Concentrations Available: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Program Tuition Rate

$184/credit (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

73%

Graduation Rate

61%

$184/credit (in-state)

73%

61%

Why We Picked It

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) offers an online B.S. in public health with a health studies concentration. This program is designed for degree holders seeking extended education opportunities or to launch their careers in healthcare fields like administration, health sciences, nonprofit work and public service.

The curriculum includes a capstone course that encourages students to apply knowledge gained in the program to address public health challenges.

Note that to be eligible for admission, you must have an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You’ll also need to have completed the required general education courses.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $65
Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Environmental health; public health diseases; income, social status and health
Concentrations Available: Community health education, health studies online
In-Person Requirements: No

University of Memphis

Program Tuition Rate

$447/credit (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

75%

Graduation Rate

54%

$447/credit (in-state)

75%

54%

Why We Picked It

The University of Memphis (U of M) offers an online B.S.H.S. with a concentration in health sciences. In this program, you’ll learn to promote, manage and maintain healthy populations with a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare initiatives. Graduates go on to pursue careers in fields such as occupational therapy, dentistry, public health and pharmacy.

Students must complete an internship prior to graduation. Internships are completed in person at institutions such as health departments, rehabilitation centers, schools or hospitals.

The University of Memphis is accredited by SACSCOC.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $25
Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Anatomy/physiology, general psychology
Concentrations Available: N/A
In-Person Requirements: Yes, for internship

University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Program Tuition Rate

$337/credit (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

72%

Graduation Rate

49%

$337/credit (in-state)

72%

49%

Why We Picked It

At the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (UWM), health sciences students learn basic skills for careers in clinical and nonclinical settings, such as hospitals and government agencies. No internships or capstone courses are required, and the curriculum is available entirely online.

The school also offers this degree as a UW flexible option, which is fully self paced and competency based rather than being scheduled in typical 15-week semesters.

The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Public
Application Fee: Free
Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Inclusive and disability programs in the community, pathophysiology, teamwork in the health professions
Concentrations Available: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No

Bellevue University

Program Tuition Rate

$449/credit (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

51%

Graduate Tuition

31%

$449/credit (in-state)

51%

31%

Why We Picked It

Bellevue University’s online health science degree is delivered entirely online in either asynchronous or synchronous formats. Additionally, online courses count toward the 30 residence hours you need to earn a bachelor’s degree—regardless of where you live.

Throughout the program, you’ll learn to analyze health, injury, illness and disease prevention across the lifespans of both individuals and communities for improved health outcomes. The curriculum also emphasizes ethical principles for leadership in healthcare.

Bellevue University is accredited by the HLC.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Private
Application Fee: $50
Degree Credit Requirements: 127 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full time, part time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Nutrition for healthy living, human development, holistic approaches to aging in health
Concentrations Available: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No

University of Missouri

Program Tuition Rate

$648/credit (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

89%

Graduation Rate

74%

$648/credit (in-state)

89%

74%

Why We Picked It

Based in Columbia, Missouri, the University of Missouri (Mizzou) offers a bachelor’s in health science that’s 100% online. The curriculum covers topics like public health, leadership and management, clinical ethics and health literacy. You’ll learn to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research while also expanding your knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system.

This program culminates in a capstone that includes an internship and a course in healthcare organization and leadership. The internship hours are flexible, which can be helpful if you’re working part time or full time.

Mizzou is accredited by the HLC. Note that undergraduate students in online degree programs must pay a one-time fee of $150 before enrolling.

What to Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $35
Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Contemporary health issues, healthcare in the United States, clinical ethics
Concentrations Available: N/A
In-Person Requirements: Yes, for internship

Seminole State College of Florida

Program Tuition Rate

$92/credit (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

N/A

Graduation Rate

54%

$92/credit (in-state)

N/A

54%

Why We Picked It

Based in Sanford, Florida, Seminole State College of Florida offers a health sciences bachelor’s degree with classes available both online and in person. This program provides a generalist curriculum that equips students with the skills needed to succeed in various healthcare professions.

The program also includes four specialty tracks that enable students to dive deeper into a specific subject, such as respiratory therapy and clinical leadership.

A capstone is the culminating experience of the degree. This involves completing a capstone project, which can be either an internship or team project.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $25
Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Health information systems, research strategies for health science, communications for healthcare professionals
Concentrations Available: Clinical science, respiratory therapy and clinical leadership, health coaching and human performance, healthcare management and professional services
In-Person Requirements: Yes, if internship is chosen

Ohio University

Program Tuition Rate

$319/credit (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

79%

Graduation Rate

68%

$319/credit (in-state)

79%

68%

Why We Picked It

Ohio University’s integrated healthcare studies degree is a flexible online option for students seeking to enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies. Students can complete their degree in accelerated seven-week periods or standard 14-week periods.

While this program doesn’t offer concentrations, students can pursue elective courses that allow them to dive deeper into specialized subject matter.

Ohio University is accredited by the HLC.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $50
Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part time, full time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Writing in the health sciences and professions, interprofessional healthcare in rural/underserved populations, individuals and families over the lifespan
Concentrations Available: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No

Wichita State University

Program Tuition Rate

$251/credit

(in-state)

Student Retention Rate

66%

Graduation Rate

51%

$251/credit

(in-state)

66%

51%

Why We Picked It

Wichita State University (WSU) offers a bachelor’s in health science as a fully online option as well as in person. As a pre-professional degree, this program can prepare you to earn a graduate or professional degree in a variety of clinical fields, such as occupational therapy, medicine or dentistry.

To graduate from the program, you’ll need to not only complete the required courses but also create an applied learning portfolio. This involves completing and documenting various activities, such as attending a research webinar or professional mixer. During your fourth year, you must also participate in a mock interview, LinkedIn optimization review and formal résumé review as part of a practicum prep.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $40
Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Culturally-informed healthcare; foundations of healthcare policy, law and ethics; adaptive leadership
Concentrations Available: N/A
In-Person Requirements: Possibly, depending on the applied learning activities you choose

How To Find the Right Online Health Science Bachelor’s Degree for You

Pro Tip

Make sure to submit the FAFSA every year to apply for federal student aid. This can include federal student loans, grants (like the Pell Grant) or the option to participate in a work-study program.

There are many reputable online health science programs available to you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your options, consider these factors first to narrow down your list.

Consider Your Future Goals

Earning a bachelor’s degree in health science opens the door to a diverse range of career paths. For example, if you hope to work in the administrative and leadership realm of the healthcare industry, a health science degree can be the right first step. Students looking to gain experience with patients as clinicians and healthcare practitioners can benefit from a health science degree, too.

Some programs are geared toward preparing students for graduate school, while others focus on getting graduates ready to enter the workforce. In addition, certain programs offer concentrations that provide specialized education opportunities in specific fields, such as respiratory therapy, healthcare management and geriatric healthcare.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

How much it costs to earn a bachelor’s degree in health science varies depending on the institution and your financial aid benefits.

The programs ranked in this article range from just over $100 per credit up to $648 per credit. For a typical 120-credit degree program, this totals roughly $11,040 to $74,040 in total tuition costs. In comparison, tuition and fees for a bachelor’s degree from a traditional four-year institution averaged $17,709 per year (or $70,836 in total) for the 2022-2023 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Here are some common financial aid options to help finance your education.

Scholarships: These can be awarded by private organizations based on factors like academic achievement or community service. Schools also sometimes offer scholarships according to your FAFSA® information. Scholarships are a type of gift aid, so they don’t have to be repaid.
Grants: Grants are usually awarded to students by the federal government, state governments or educational institutions. These are often need-based and, like scholarships, don’t need to be repaid.
Student loans: Loans are borrowed funds that graduates must repay with interest after finishing their education. They are typically provided by the federal government or private lenders.
Work-study: Federal work-study programs provide part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need.

Should You Enroll in an Online Health Science Degree Program?

Pro Tip

Distance learners can save on campus housing and transportation costs, and they often are charged in-state tuition regardless of where they live (depending on the school). This typically makes online programs less expensive than their in-person counterparts.

While earning an online health science degree has its benefits, distance learning isn’t always the right fit for everyone. Before enrolling in an online health science degree program, here are a few factors to consider.

Learning Style

If you feel comfortable learning independently and setting your own study schedule, you might succeed in an online program. However, if you prefer face-to-face interaction and real-time feedback, you might find traditional on-campus instruction more beneficial.

Budget

An online program might suit you best if you’re looking to save on education costs. Online programs are typically more affordable than in-person options since you don’t need to worry about campus housing and transportation. They also sometimes come with fewer fees overall.

Additionally, many schools offer in-state tuition rates for online programs regardless of where you live.

Schedule

Distance learning can provide the flexibility you need to earn your degree on your own schedule if you have multiple obligations outside of school—such as a full-time job or family to care for. Many online programs let you access course materials at your own pace, allowing you to complete your degree on a schedule that fits with your lifestyle.

Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s in Health Science Programs

Institutional accreditation evaluates the academic and organizational quality of colleges and universities. This process is voluntary—schools submit to peer reviews from independent accrediting organizations. Some examples of things evaluated during the accreditation process are quality of educational offerings, transparency and institutional effectiveness.

Programmatic accreditation validates specific programs within a school or university. Some schools are both institutionally and programmatically accredited. Health science programs can be accredited by agencies like the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Accrediting organizations are approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Attending an institutionally accredited school signals to employers and graduate schools that your degree is valid and of quality. You’ll also be eligible to apply for federal financial aid, as unaccredited schools and programs don’t qualify.

Most schools provide accreditation information on their websites. Check the school’s FAQ page if the information isn’t readily available. You can also search the CHEA’s online directory or the ED’s database for accredited institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Health Science Degree Programs

Is a bachelor’s in health science worth it?

A bachelor’s in health science is an interdisciplinary degree that can lead to a wide range of career and extended career opportunities. It’s worth pursuing if you’re interested in a career in healthcare delivery or a number of industries related to healthcare, including health policy, education, program planning and occupational safety.

Is health science a good premedical major?

Yes, health science is generally recognized as a good option for premedical students. The degree can prepare students to enter graduate programs in fields like medicine, physical therapy, dentistry and more.

Is it better to major in biology or health science?

Ultimately, this depends on your personal career goals. Both biology and health science are good premedical majors, but if you’re more interested in healthcare delivery, administration and organizational leadership, health science could be a better fit.

Is health science harder than nursing?

Both majors can be challenging in their own right. Health science programs tend to cover broader topics across the healthcare spectrum, while nursing programs dive into molecular details about the nursing profession.

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Cecilia Seiter

Education Writer

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