Pursuing a career in health science is rewarding and fulfilling, but it can quickly become expensive. It can be challenging for aspiring patient health advocates and community health workers to find a budget-friendly and flexible online degree program to meet their goals. Luckily, we researched and compiled a list of the most affordable online bachelor’s in health science programs tailored to meet your academic needs in a virtual setting.
This article delves into the overall cost of a bachelor’s degree, providing comprehensive financial aid guidance. Additionally, we guide you through the crucial process of selecting the right program, ensuring you make an informed decision aligned with your career aspirations and financial considerations.
Cost Breakdown for an Online Bachelor’s in Health Science Program
Pursuing an online bachelor’s in health science offers exciting opportunities for expanding your skillset in a flexible and accessible learning format. However, navigating the additional costs is imperative for anyone beginning their educational pursuits. Below, we’ve broken down the key cost components of earning this degree online.
- Tuition: Typically assessed per credit hour, online health science undergraduate degrees may range from $300 to $600 per credit. Part-time students often prefer this option for its flexibility, while full-time students may opt for per-term tuition when available.
- Fees: Various fees, including technology support, academic resources, and library access, can add around $100 to $200 per term. These fees contribute to online infrastructure and support services.
- Personal technology: Students need a reliable computer, hardware, and Wi-Fi to complete course requirements. Costs will vary depending on personal preferences, but a budget of $800 to $1,500 is typical for these items.
- Books and other learning materials: Course materials and textbooks may cost $100 to $300 per course. Some programs offer digital materials, potentially reducing costs.
While these costs can add up, it’s important to remember the expenses that online students avoid, such as room and board, which can save thousands of dollars annually.
Factors Influencing the Cost of an Online Bachelor’s in Health Science Program
Beginning your online health science degree also means understanding the various factors that can cause tuition prices to fluctuate, as this can help ensure that you enroll in an affordable program.
- Public vs. private institution: Public institutions often have lower tuition rates as they receive state funding, making education more affordable. Independent of state support, private schools tend to be pricier due to reliance on tuition and private funding.
- Nonprofit vs. for-profit: Nonprofit online institutions generally prioritize education over profit, potentially leading to lower tuition. For-profit institutions, driven by profit motives, may have higher tuition to sustain their business model.
- Student residency status: In-state residents typically enjoy lower tuition rates at public universities than out-of-state students because state residents contribute to state funding through taxes, reducing the financial burden on in-state students.
- Student military status: Active-duty military members and veterans often benefit from reduced tuition rates or specific military tuition assistance programs. Many online institutions recognize and support military personnel, acknowledging their service through financial incentives.
These factors collectively determine tuition prices and influence the cost of online education based on the institution’s classification, student residency, and military status.
Most Affordable 29 Online Bachelor’s in Health Science Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This list features some of the most affordable online bachelor’s in health science programs in the U.S. All are offered at nonprofit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each degree program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and student resources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared our picks to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
How to Pay for an Online Bachelor’s in Health Science Degree
Out-of-pocket
For many students and their families, paying for tuition out-of-pocket can be made manageable by leveraging payment plans. Opting for these plans can allow you to pay tuition in feasible installments, avoiding the interest rates associated with federal and private loans.
This approach helps many students maintain financial control over their education, ensuring a steady progression in their academic pursuits without the long-term implications of loan obligations.
Federal student loans
You can also consider federal loans to help fund your education, but taking a strategic approach is important to avoid long-term financial strain. Federal loans offer lower interest rates and flexible repayment terms than private loans, making them a preferable resource to bridge financial gaps. Utilizing these loans wisely can provide financial support for your academic pursuits while minimizing your debt burden.
Private education loans
You may also come across private education loans as a funding option, but using these as a last resort is essential. These loans often carry higher interest rates and less flexible terms than federal options, so practicing caution is vital. Look into scholarships, grants, and federal loans first, reserving any private loans for situations where alternative funding falls short.
Scholarships
Highly preferable, scholarships don’t require repayment and can significantly offset educational costs. These merit or need-based awards recognize academic achievements or specific qualifications, offering a sustainable and financially sound means to support your educational journey.
Grants
Like scholarships, grants are another form of preferable financial aid that doesn’t require repayment. These opportunities are mainly available for undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need on their FAFSA. Federal Pell Grants and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are standard options.
Additionally, many institutions provide their own grants to give financial support to eligible students.
Work-study
Work-study opportunities offer a practical avenue for funding your undergraduate degree. These programs allow students to work part-time, often on campus, to earn money directly contributing to their educational expenses. The roles are typically relevant to your field of study, providing valuable experience alongside financial support. By engaging in work-study, you can simultaneously offset costs and gain hands-on skills, improving your educational experience.
Employer tuition assistance
Those currently employed can leverage employer tuition assistance programs to finance their online degree. Many employers offer financial support for job-related education, covering some or all tuition costs. Employees should inquire about available assistance, eligibility criteria, and application processes with their HR departments.
Applying for Financial Aid
For most students in the United States, applying for financial aid begins with submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form assesses financial need and provides various funding opportunities to eligible students — such as grants, work-study, and federal loans. To complete the FAFSA, you can access the form online and provide your financial information to determine your eligibility for these funding resources.
Learn more about the FAFSA
For a detailed walkthrough of the FAFSA process, check out our Ultimate FAFSA Guide. This resource offers step-by-step guidance on form completion, insights into eligible funding types, and valuable tips on handling specific questions related to household size and immigration status.
Student loan forgiveness and repayment
Student loan forgiveness in the United States remains uncertain. While the legislation is still up for debate, students need to avoid overborrowing.
For many students, that means seeking alternative financial aid to alleviate the repayment burden. “All avenues for scholarships, both from the school and from outside organizations, as well as grants from the state, should be looked into before officially taking out a loan,” says college counselor Dana Marvin. “These scholarships and grants can either lower the cost of the loan the student needs to take out, or best case scenario, completely cover the cost.” Staying informed on legislative changes and opting for responsible borrowing practices will ensure a more manageable path to financial success post-graduation.
How to Choose the Online College or University that’s Right for You
Step 1: Clarify what you want
For most students, choosing the right program starts with clarifying their preferences.
Start by identifying your intended specialization within health science — options could include public health, healthcare administration, or clinical research. Then, determine the delivery format that suits your learning style, whether synchronous for real-time interaction or asynchronous for extra flexibility. Consider your preferred scheduling commitment, opting for part-time or full-time enrollment based on your lifestyle and personal obligations.
By aligning your academic goals with these critical factors, you set the foundation for a successful online learning experience centered around your unique needs and professional goals.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
Researching online schools for your bachelor’s in health science begins with ensuring accreditation. Accreditation illustrates that the program meets rigorous academic standards and will be respected by future employers.
To refine your search, consider the following questions:
- What is the program’s reputation in the field?
- Is the faculty experienced and accessible in an online environment?
- What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
- Are there networking opportunities or internships?
You can gather this information through school websites, student testimonials, and discussions with academic advisors.
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
Once you’ve shortlisted schools for your health science degree, prepare for applications by:
- Gathering transcripts and recommendation letters
- Writing an enthusiastic personal statement
- Checking for specific prerequisites or supplemental materials
While some schools have moved to test-optional policies, many still require standardized test scores. If your school mandates SAT or ACT scores for admission, consider enrolling in a test prep program to boost your performance.
Step 4: Select your program
If you submit multiple applications, you may receive numerous admission offers. Choosing the program you’ll attend can feel daunting, but you can feel confident by taking a strategic approach.
Revisit factors like the availability of your intended specialty, curriculum alignment with your professional goals, and faculty experience. You should also assess the total cost of the degree and explore financing options to ensure that you’re making a wise decision that aligns with your education and financial aspirations.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Craft a strategic plan for financing your degree by prioritizing options that don’t require repayment — like scholarships and grants. Remember that some universities offer payment plans, which can make paying for at least a portion, if not all, of your education manageable for many individuals. If needed, you can bridge financial gaps with federal loans known for their favorable terms.
Consider work-study opportunities and explore employer tuition reimbursement programs, both valuable aids that can offset the financial burden instead of adding to your debt. By taking a balanced approach, you can ensure a well-managed financial journey through your academic pursuits.