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Compare Bachelor’s in General Studies Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Bachelor’s in General Studies Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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Compare Bachelor’s in General Studies Programs
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Best Online Bachelor’s in General Studies Programs of 2025
Compare Bachelor’s in General Studies Programs
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Why This Matters

  • 36% OF THOSE OVER 25 HAVE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

    The U.S Census Bureau reports that, as of 2019, more than a third of those in the United States who were at least 25 years old had completed a bachelor’s degree.

  • 18% OF JOBS REQUIRE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), around 18% of jobs required applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. Another 5% required some college or an associate degree.

  • EARN AN AVERAGE OF $1,173 PER WEEK

    Information from the BLS shows that those with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, $461 more per week than those who only have a high school diploma.

Our Research

Our list of the best online bachelor’s in general studies programs focuses on Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Other options also include Bachelor of General Studies and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. All of the degree programs we included are offered completely online.

Because they are more general degrees, these programs are usually accredited by the national or regional accrediting body for the school. These include the Higher Learning Commission, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

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
  • 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
  • Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
  • 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.

  • 58 hours to write this article
  • 116 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 198 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in General Studies Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in General Studies Programs badge
01
Intelligent Pick
University of Missouri
01
Best in the South
University of Louisiana Monroe
01
Best Accelerated Option
Lamar University
01
Best Value
Georgia Southern University
01
Best Blended Program
North Greenville University
01
Best Christian Option
Kentucky Wesleyan College
01
Best in the Midwest
Purdue University Fort Wayne
01
Best for Vets
Western Illinois University
01
Best in the Southwest
Southern Utah University
01
Best Tech School
Texas Tech University
01
Best Concentrations
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
01
Best Start Dates
University of North Dakota
01
Best in the Northeast
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best for Degree Completion
University of Central Florida
01
Best for Non-Traditional Students
University of South Florida
01
Best Self-Paced Option
Minot State University
01
Best Career Focus
Trine University
01
Best Hybrid Program
McNeese State University
01
Best Focus Areas
Louisiana State University of Alexandria
01
Most Innovative
West Texas A&M University
01
Best Regional Public Program, South
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
01
Best Liberal Arts Option
Arkansas State University
01
Most Personalized
Louisiana State University Shreveport
01
Fastest to Completion
Liberty University
01
Best Minor Options
Ball State University
01
Best Healthcare Option
Maryville University
01
Best for Adult Learners
University of Connecticut
01
Best Certificate Program
Eastern Kentucky University
01
Best for Working Professionals
Drury University

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What You Should Know About This 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 the Higher Learning Commission or a recognized regional accrediting body is a sign 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 those with a bachelor’s degree, as a college education opens up a wide variety of positions those with only a high school diploma don’t qualify for.

There are no specific certifications or licenses required for those earning a bachelor’s degree in general studies, but there are many jobs that do require these. If you know you are going into a specific role, it’s a good idea to find out if certifications are required.

What’s Next?

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 generally 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 in anywhere from 2 years going full-time or 6 years going part-time.

Once you have found a program that you’re interested in, it’s important to note all of 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.


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