Why This Matters
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UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OF JUST 5.5%
The unemployment rate for workers who only have a high school diploma is 9%. But for workers who have earned a bachelor’s degree, this figure drops to 5.5%.
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174 OCCUPATIONS REQUIRE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 174 occupations that require a bachelor’s degree. While some of these occupations require a specific degree, a general liberal arts education is acceptable for many of these jobs.
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AVERAGE EARNINGS OF $64,896
The average salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree is just under $65,000. Depending on your field, you could make even more than that.
Our Research
This list includes undergraduate programs in liberal arts and focuses on bachelor’s degree programs. Students who complete these courses are typically awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree. The programs on this list are generally offered online, but they may include options for in-person or blended learning.
Online bachelor’s degree programs are often accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which ensures that each program meets national standards for post-secondary education. Other programs on this list may be regionally accredited by organizations such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges or the New England Commission of Higher Education. If you plan to upgrade your degree or transfer to another institution, it’s important to look for a program that’s nationally or regionally accredited.
- 76 hours to write this article
- 100 universities and colleges we assessed
- 150 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
A liberal arts degree is one choice among the many Bachelor of Arts degrees that are available. Many students find themselves choosing between a degree in communications and a degree in liberal arts. While a liberal arts degree educates you on a broad range of topics, including literature and history, a communications degree is more focused on journalism and public relations.
Regardless of the major you choose, it’s important to look for a program that’s accredited. You can search the U.S. Department of Education’s post-secondary database to confirm accreditation.
A liberal arts degree can prepare you for work in a variety of industries. Most commonly, students with an online bachelor’s in liberal arts enter fields such as journalism, customer service, or public relations. While this degree can give you a solid background in these fields, some careers, including journalism and public relations, may require additional education that’s specific to those industries.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in liberal arts programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Generally, you will only need a high school diploma or GED to enter these programs. Depending on the program, you may also need to have a minimum score on SAT or ACT exams.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Online courses vary in format. Some are offered asynchronously, which means you can access coursework and study materials at your own pace. Others may be offered in a synchronous format, which means you need to meet with instructors and students online at designated times.
While researching courses, be mindful of application requirements and deadlines. If you need financial assistance to pay for your education, pay attention to the deadlines associated with any grants, scholarships, or bursaries you choose to apply for.