25 Most Affordable Private Nonprofit Colleges Offering Online Bachelor’s Degrees

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS, est. 1950) is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. SEBTS programs are primarily focused on religious studies, with a mission “to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.” Programs are presented from a biblical worldview, with a focus on Christian Leadership.

SEBTS offers academic programs from associate’s through doctorate levels, plus certificates. Online degrees are offered through the College at Southeastern, which opened in 1994 as an undergrad school of SEBTS. The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry (BAPM, BSPM – 127 credits) is fully online. SBTS also has 18 other bachelor’s programs in which the final three of four years are offered online. This includes majors such as English, Global Studies, History, Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies, Justice and Social Ethics and several more. A dual degree BA/ MD program is available.

Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYUI, est. 1888) is affiliated with the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church) and part of the Brigham Young University (BYU) System. The university enjoys college ranking awards from Forbes Magazine (America’s Best Colleges 2016) and U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges 2017: Best Regional Universities), amongst others.

BYUI offers over 120 associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Eighteen online bachelor’s degrees are available, including Concentration options but excluding Minors and Clusters: Bachelor of Science Business Management (BSBM) with two tracks (general and Finance); BS Computer Information Technology (BSCIT); BS Healthcare Administration (BSHA); BS Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS); BS Marriage and Family Studies (BSMFS); BS Public Health (BSPH); BS Applied Management (BSAM); BS Software Engineering (BSSE); BS Web Design and Development (WDD); BS Nursing RN to BSN (BSN, completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing); BS University Studies (BSUS) with seven Concentrations plus 12 Minor and 26 Cluster options. Graduation requires 120 credits or more, depending on program selected.

Western Governors University (WGU, est. 1997) celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2017. It formed from a collaboration of 19 U.S. governors and offers an all-online educational experience, with access to an online library. It has received accolades from billionaire Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, former U.S. President Barack Obama, two former U.S. Under Secretaries of Education, and others. Fast Company magazine named it one of the country’s most innovative companies for 2013, with other media organizations such as Time magazine also praising WGU. The university can boast the first online teacher’s college in the country, launched in March 2003. U.S. News & World Report listed it as the highest-ranked secondary school teachers prep program in their 2014 NCTQ Teacher Prep Rankings.

All programs (bachelor’s, master’s) are competency based and offered only via distance through WGU’s four online colleges. These divisions (Teachers College, College of Business, College of Information Technology, Online College of Health Professions) cater to “busy adults”. Twenty-five online bachelor’s degrees are available, in Business/ Management, Accounting, IT, Health, Nursing, Mathematics, Sciences and various Teacher Licensure programs.

Touro University Worldwide (TUW, est. 1998) is a division of the Touro College and University System. It focuses on adult learners, professionals and underserved students, and has a mission to be military-friendly. While it has leaning to Judaic values, enrollment is open to all qualified students. The Touro family, after a visit to Touro Synagogue by George Washington in 1790, started endowing universities and health facilities (in the United States and Israel), as well as “the first free library in North America.”

TUW programs cover associate’s to doctorate levels. Six online bachelor’s degrees are offered, including track/ concentration options. These are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Psychology, BA Social Work (BASW), Bachelor of Science (BS) Business Administration & Management, BS Health Sciences (BSHS) with three concentrations (Health Care Administration, Health Education, Long-Term Care Administration.) Graduation from these programs requires 120 credits.

Brescia University (BU, est. 1925) is affiliated with the Catholic Church and is the “only Catholic university in Western Kentucky.” Founded by the Ursuline Sisters as a women’s college, BU focuses on education as a transformer of personal and social matters. Awards and accolades received include those from Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2016), Princeton Review (Best Colleges in the Southeast 2012), and others.

BU offers academic programs from the associate’s to master’s level. This includes the following seven online bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting; BS Business; Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology; BA or BS Integrated Studies; BA Theology; Bachelor of Social Work (degree completion). Most of the online courses run eight weeks in length (accelerated format). Graduation requires a minimum of 128 credits in all of these programs.

National Louis University (NLU, est. 1886) is the net result of a sequence of events that start with Education pioneer Elizabeth Harrison and her opening of a kindergarten training school, which in turn led to the formation of the National Parent-Teacher Association, the National College of Education (former name for NLU) and other important educational landmarks.

NLU offers over 60 academic programs as bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, as well as graduate certificates. Their online degrees cater to students for whom campus classes are difficult or impossible. For bachelor’s students, online degree programs available include: Bachelor of Arts Applied Communications (BAAC); Bachelor of Science Business Management (BSBM); BA Criminal Justice (BACJ); BS Health Care Leadership (BSHCL); BA Human Services (BAHS); BS Management Information Systems (BSMIS).

Medaille College (MC, est. 1937) claims a “95% job placement rate” for graduated students, and a relatively low 16-to-1 student to teacher ratio. A military-friendly Yellow Ribbon school, it offers discounted tuition to active military personnel, as well as up to $10K scholarship to qualified honorably discharged veterans. The college was originally founded as a teachers college by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, but is a nondenominational institution.

MC offers nearly 40 academic programs ranging from associate’s to doctorate level, plus certificates. Five online bachelor’s degrees (including concentrations) are available to students needing distance options: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) plus optional Information Systems concentration; Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) Health Information Management (HIM) concentration; Bachelor of Science Homeland Studies (BSHS); BS General Studies (BSGS) Flex Program. Programs are practitioner-based where possible and require at least 120 credits for graduation.

Wilmington University (WilmU, est. 1968) serves students in three states plus online, with 64% female vs 36% male. The degree programs are “career-focused” and allow for up to 90 credits to be transferred in. The university is also a military-friendly Yellow Ribbon school and provides select benefits to qualified active duty personnel. The DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and NSA (National Security Agency) have jointly designated WilmU as a National Center of Academic Excellence for Information Assurance/ Cybersecurity.

WilmU offers academic programs from associate’s through doctorate levels. Over 90 programs are available 100% online (all levels – degrees, concentrations, certificates). Of these, nearly 30 are online (fully or partial) bachelor’s programs, including: Bachelor of Science (BS) Accounting; BS Applied Technology (BSAT); BS Behavioral Science (BSBS); BS Business Management (BSBM); BS Communication (BSC) with two concentrations (Integrated Marketing Communication or Media Communications); BS Computer and Network Security; BS Criminal Justice; BS Education Studies with four Concentrations (Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Level Education (Grades 6-8), Skilled and Technical Sciences); BS Environmental Science & Policy (allows for transfer of an associate’s degree); BS Government and Public Policy (BSGPP); and over a dozen more. Note: A minimum of 120 credits are required for graduation for most programs, with some requiring more.

Southern Wesleyan University (SWU, est. 1906) is a Christ-centered institution affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. It is committed to creating scholars and servant leaders, with an understanding of the educational needs of working adults. Student demographics include 61% female, 39% male, and roughly equal numbers of resident vs commuter students (on-campus only). Awards and accolades received by SWU include those from U.S. News & World Report (America’s Best Colleges – multiple years), Victory Media (Military Friendly School) and others.

SWU offers academic programs from associate’s to master’s level, with an emphasis on the liberal arts and professional education, in over 40 areas of study. Available online bachelor’s degrees (including concentrations) are as follows: BS Business Administration with five Concentrations (Accounting, General Business, Human Resource Management, Management, Supply Chain Management) — hybrid and online; BS Early Childhood and Family Studies; BS Human Services — hybrid and online; BS Nursing – RN to BSN.

University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH, est. 1920) labels itself as being an institution that prepares students for “productive careers in the business, corporate and technological communities.” Faculty are required to obtain a PhD, so are put to a high standard, for research and departmental improvement. The university, a Yellow Ribbon School, was designated a Military Friendly School for 2014, 2017 by Victory Media.

UNOH offers over 60 degree programs from associate’s through master’s levels, plus certificates. Eleven 100% online bachelor’s degree choices are available: BS Accounting (CPA and non-CPA tracks); BS Forensic Accounting; Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with five Concentration options (General, Agribusiness Management, Marketing, Automotive Management/ Automotive Aftermarket, Specialized Studies -completion); BS Marketing; BS Sport Marketing and Management; BS Healthcare Administration (BSHA, completion – requires associate’s degree in Medical Assisting or Medical Office Management).

Park University (Park, est. 1875) has achieved multiple awards and accolades for their overall offering. PayScale.com’s 2016 College ROI Report ranks Park at #2 for on-campus students and #5 for off-campus students, in terms of return on investment after graduation (financial aid excluded). Online bachelor’s programs ranked in U.S. News & World Report college review lists, as did Park’s tuition and fees compared to other private non-religious institutions in the USA. Park also received multiple awards from both Victory Media and Military Times, in the form of “military friendly” and/or “best for vets,” etc., for several consecutive years.

Park offers over 60 degree programs from associate’s to master’s level, as well as 15 certificate programs. The online programs page mentions “24+ online bachelor’s degree programs.” However, 16 online minors are listed, which can be combined with other bachelor’s degrees for additional hybrid options. Categories include Business Administration, Management, Criminal Justice, Education, Humanities, Information & Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Nursing, Public Administration & Leadership, Social Sciences & Psychology. Each of these categories offers one or more online bachelor’s degree options.

Campbellsville University (CU, est. 1906) is Christian institution (affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention) with a goal of preparing students as servant leaders. It has earned a number of awards and accolades for educational offering. Awarding/ ranking organizations include: U.S. & World Report (best colleges – 19 years, top regional universities – South, online graduate education degree, online MBA, online management degree), Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2017 and seven previous years), Forbes, The Project on Student Debt and others.

CU offers over 90 academic programs, from associate’s to master’s level plus certificates, all with a liberal arts foundation. Six online bachelor’s programs are available: Bachelor of Science (BS) Criminal Justice Administration (CJA); BS Business Administration (BSBA); BS in General Business (BSGB); BS in Pastoral Ministries (BSPM); Bachelor of Social Work (BSW); BS Nursing – RN to BSN (completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing). There are a number of online associate’s degrees available — some of which overlap the bachelor’s topics. Credit requirements for graduation vary by degree, with most requiring at least 120 credits and others as much as 126.

Charleston Southern University (CSU, est. 1964) is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention but open to all qualified students. Its focus is to produce graduates with an integrated education of faith, “learning, leading and serving.” The university, a Yellow Ribbon School, was designated a Military Friendly School 2017 by Victory Media. Other accolades and awards include a ranking in an U.S. News and World Report list (Best Online Programs – Bachelor’s 2017, especially the BS Management program) and a spot on The President’s Higher Education Community Service Roll, amongst others.

CSU offers over 80 bachelor’s and master’s degree and certificate programs –on campus and online. All programs have a strong liberal arts foundation. Six online bachelor’s degrees are available from CSU: Bachelor of Science Healthcare Administration (BSHA); BS Hospitality and Tourism Management (BSHTM); BS Human Resource Management (BSHRM); BS Organizational Management (BSOM); BS Project Management (BSPM); Bachelor of Technology Computer Systems and Information Sciences (BTCSIS). Graduation from these programs requires from 125 to 133 credits, depending on both degree selected and prerequisite completion.

North Greenville University (NGU, est. 1891) is a Christ-centered institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Amongst the awards and accolades it has earned: Forbes (top colleges in America). U.S. News & World Report ranked NGU in its 2016 and 2017 “Best Regional Universities – South” review lists. Greenville, SC, which is 20 miles from NGU’s main campus in Tigerville, is considered by both U.S. News and Livability.com as a top place to live in the country. Several independent publishers of college rankings have deemed it a top and/or most affordable Christian college, as well as a low-debt college.

NGU academic programs range from bachelor’s to doctorate degrees that follow a liberal arts base. Seven online bachelor’s programs options are available: Business with Leadership and Management Concentration, plus optional Marketing Minor; Christian Ministries with three concentrations (Biblical Studies; Ministry; Theology) and a Youth Ministry minor option; Criminal Justice; Elementary Education Studies; General Studies (BGS); Psychology-Applied. Each of these programs offers multiple elective topic choices. Note: online degrees at NGU are intended for adult students aged 22+.

Mercy College (Mercy, est. 1950) was previously a Roman Catholic institution – founded by the Sisters of Mercy – and is now a non-sectarian college. Accolades and awards include those from Barron’s (“Competitive”), U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Bachelor’s Program 2014, plus two rankings for online graduate programs), Peterson’s (“Smart Choice”), Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2015), Diverse: Issues in Higher Education (Top 100 institution for minority students), U.S. Dept. of Education (HSI – Hispanic Serving Institution), White House (President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll) and more.

Mercy 90-plus academic programs cover associate’s through doctorate level degrees plus various certificates. Students have a choice of 17 fully online bachelor’s degree options (including concentrations), plus four partially online (50% of courses online). Topics and degrees include Behavioral Science, Business, Security Management (Corporate and Homeland), Cybersecurity, Computer and Information Systems, Mathematics, Nursing (RN to BSN), Criminal Justice and more. In total, Mercy’s catalog has over 200 online classes, and with 24/7 accessibility.

Point University (Point, est. 1937), celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2017, is affiliated with the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. Point caters to both traditional and non-traditional students. Over 90% of undergrads receive some form of financial aid. Students are educated for Christ-centered service and leadership.

Point’s 60+ academic programs are liberal-arts- and faith-based and cover associate’s through master’s level degrees. Fifteen online bachelor’s degree options are available: BS Accounting; BS Applied Ministry; BS Business Administration; BS Child Development; BS Christian Ministries; BS Criminal Justice; BS Healthcare Administration; BS Human Relations; BS Information Technology; BS Management; BS Marketing; BS Organizational Leadership; BS Psychology; BS Public Health; BS Social Media Marketing.

Tusculum College (TC, est. 1794) puts an emphasis on producing students with qualities that include public and high moral character, as well as the expected academic excellence. It claims the title of oldest institution of higher education in Tennessee, as well as the oldest with its religious affiliation, the Presbyterian Church (USA). The college ranked 7th in the state for 2016, according to a review list published by The Economist magazine — which also placed it in the top half of over 1200 American colleges/ universities ranked. It also received a Military Friendly School 2017 designation from Victory Media.

TC’s academic programs cover associate’s through master’s level degrees. Five fully online bachelor’s programs are available through the Graduate and Professional Studies division: Bachelor of Science in Management; BS Business Administration (BSBA); BS Healthcare Management (BSHM); BS Information Technology (BSIT); Bachelor of Arts in Talent Development (BATD). Note that General Education Core courses are offered “online during two sessions each semester.” Graduation requirements vary but are a minimum of 120 credits.

Mid-America Christian University (MACU, est. 1953) — affiliated with the Church of God — has enjoyed a surged of enrollment growth, more than tripling over four years. Originally founded in Texas, one of its key missions is to integrate a college education with “a Wesleyan perspective.” MACU claims that nearly 100% of students receive some form of financial aid.

MACU offers academic programs that cover associate’s through master’s degrees, plus certificates. Nine online bachelor’s program options (including concentrations) are available: Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice and Ethics (BSCJE); BS Communication, Media and Ethics (BSCME); Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with two concentrations (Business Administration and Ethics, Accounting and Ethics); BS Management and Ethics (BSME); BS Management Information Systems and Ethics (BSMISE); BS Health Care Administration and Ethics (BSHCAE); BS Christian Ministries (BSCM); BS Psychology.

Johnson University (JU, est. 1893) has a long history of distance education, having a life as a correspondence bible college even before the residential presence. The Christian perspective continues, integrated into all programs and activities, and formal affiliation with the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. The university has won accolades from Forbes Magazine (100 most financially fit private colleges – 2013) and Victory Media (Military Friendly School), amongst others. Students who are active military personnel may be eligible for a tuition refund through the GI Bill

JU offers over 50 academic programs from associate’s to doctorate levels, plus certificates. Ten online bachelor’s programs are available: BS Business Administration with three concentrations (Management, Marketing, Sport Management); BA or BS Ministry Leadership (BAML, BSML); BA or BS Intercultural Studies (BAIS, BSIS); BS Nonprofit Administration (BSNA); BA or BS Pastoral Care and Counseling (BAPCC, PSPCC); plus an Intercultural Studies Minor. Johnson also offers some non-degree online courses.

Davenport University (DU, est. 1866) serves students on multiple campuses and online. Both types of out-of-state undergrad students now receive a 33% tuition discount. Awards and accolades for DU include a spot in Military Times’ college ranking list “Best for Vets: Colleges 2017,” a Gold-level Veteran-Friendly School designation from the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency, a “top Master’s Universities” ranking from Washington Monthly, a diversity award in 2016 from Corp! magazine and in 2012-2017 from INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education, amongst others.

DU offers over 50 academic programs in the form of associate’s through master’s degrees, plus certificates. Seventeen online bachelor’s degrees are available (including concentration options): Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with eight Concentrations (Accounting, Finance, General Business, Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management, International Business, Sport Management); Bachelor of Science Leadership and Organizational Performance (BSLOP); BS Computer Information Systems (BSCIS); BS Computer Science (BSCS); BS Cyber Defense (BSCD); BS Technology Project Management (BSTPM); BS Nursing Completion (BSN – requires associate’s degree in nursing); BS Health Information Management (BSHIM); BS Medical Case Management (BSMCM); BS Health Services Administration (BSHSA). Graduation from these programs requires at least 120 credits.

University of Mary (Mary, est. 1959) — founded by Benedictine Sisters — is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church but open to students of all faiths. It is also a military-friendly, receiving the award “Military Friendly School 2016” from Victory Media. In addition to 99% of undergrads (main campus) receiving some form of financial aid, graduates enjoy a 97% rate of either being employed in six months, or being in additional college studies.

UM offers nearly 80 academic programs, ranging from bachelor’s to doctorate level degrees, at campuses/ study centers in five states, plus online. Fourteen online bachelor’s degrees are available, including BA/ BS options for some majors: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Accounting (BAA, BSA); BA or Bachelor of Applied Science Business Management (BABM, BASBM); BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ); BA or BS Healthcare Administration (BAHA, BSHA); BA or BS Information Technology Management (BAITM, BSITM); BA or BS Marketing (BAM, BSM); BS Psychology (BSP); BS Nursing RN to BSN (BSN, completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing and RN certification); BS Respiratory Therapy (BSRT, completion – requires associate’s degree and RRT certification). Several of these programs offer a Minor option, which can be combined with select online and on-campus bachelor’s degrees.

Lee University (LU, est. 1918) is affiliated with the Church of God. Awards and accolades for Lee come from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges – South 2015-2018, 2015 Up-and-Comers, 2014 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs – Adult Learning); USA Today College (#13 in Top 20 Colleges Most Committed to Community Service 2011); Princeton Review (Best in the Southeast, multiple years); John Templeton Foundation (Honor Roll for Character-Building Colleges); White House/ Corporation for National and Community Service (President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll – multiple years); and others.

Lee’s academic offering consists of over 120 programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and graduate certificates. Programs offer both a liberal arts base and professional education. Twenty-eight online bachelor’s degrees are available, consisting of six majors, each with a BA or BS option, and several with multiple Emphasis options: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BA) Business Administration (BABA, BSBA) with a Management Emphasis option; BA or BS Criminal Justice (BACJ, BSCJ) with two Emphasis options (Corrections, Juvenile Justice and Criminology); BA or BS Liberal Studies; BA or BS Bible and Theology; BA or BS Christian Studies; BA or BS Ministry Leadership with eight Emphasis options (Business, Children’s Ministry, Church Administration, Counseling, Discipleship, Music / Worship, Pastoral Ministry, Youth Ministry).

Mississippi College (MC, est. 1826), the oldest college/ university in the state of Mississippi, is affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. The college has received dozens of rankings in various college review lists. This includes four lists from U.S. News & World Report: Best Value Schools in the South; Best Schools for Veterans in the South; Regional Universities in the South; and a topical ranking.

MC offers over 100 academic programs from bachelor’s through doctorate degrees plus graduate certificates – with an emphasis on liberal arts and sciences. Seven online bachelor’s degrees are available: Bachelor of Science Business Administration (BSBA); BA or BS Communication (BSC) with a Generalist Concentration (additional concentrations available only on campus); BS Paralegal Studies (BSPS); BS Homeland Security (BSHS); BS Loss Prevention (BSLP); RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing). These programs require at least 130 credits for graduation.

St. Joseph’s College-New York (SJCNY, est. 1916) is affiliated with the Catholic Church. The college has received awards and accolades from several organizations, including: U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Bachelor’s Programs 2017, Best Value School 2018, Regional Universities North – multiple years, Best for Veterans North 2016-17, Best Colleges 2017 and multiple years); Washington Monthly (#7 Best Bang for Your Buck – Northeast 2017); Victory Media (Military Friendly School); Forbes Magazine (America’s Best Colleges); Backgroundchecks.org (#5 Safest Colleges).

SJCNY offers 50 academic programs consisting of bachelor’s and master’s degrees plus certificates. Five online bachelor’s degrees are available – three of which offer a dual-degree option with a master’s program: BS Organizational Management (BSOM) plus dual degree option with Executive MBA; BS Criminal Justice Practice and Policy (BSCJPP); BS General Studies (BSGS); BS Health Administration (BSHA) plus dual degree option with MBA Health Care Management; BS Human Services (BSHS) plus dual degree option with MS Human Services Leadership. Graduation from these programs requires 120 credits.

Shorter University (SU, est. 1873) is affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention. Awards and accolades for SU include those from: U.S. News & Word Report (Best Regional College in the South 2018, Best Colleges for Veterans 2018); Princeton Review (Best Southeastern College); Washington Monthly (Best Bang for the Buck – Southeast, Best National University); Backgroundchecks.org (Safest College in Georgia); and others.

SU offers academic programs from associate’s through master’s level degrees. Six online bachelor’s degrees are available: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with optional Concentration in Sport Management (BBA-SM); Bachelor of Science in Christian Studies (BSCS); BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ); BS Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS); BS Human Services (BSHS).