Many of today’s college students are seeking out online bachelor’s degrees with the best institutional financial aid in order to begin the process of earning a college degree. Online colleges and universities offer a tremendous amount of flexibility for busy professionals, those who may have family commitments and those who live a considerable distance from a traditional campus-based program. Many distance learning institutions use a flexible format, where there are no daily deadlines, but instead, students must pace themselves to finish materials by a weekly, monthly or end-of-term due date. Institutional financial aid, in the form of institutional grants and scholarships, can drastically cut tuition-related costs. This type of aid has advantages over federal student loans because scholarships and grants offered by institutions do not need to be paid back, which helps make earning a degree far more affordable.
Ranking Methodology
The list below includes the 25 top online bachelor’s degrees that also have the highest percentage of students receiving institutional financial aid. In order to compile the list, the first step was looking at the top 100 institutions for online bachelor’s degrees, as ranked by the US News and World Report. Then, for each school on the list, the percentage of students receiving institutional grants or scholarships was determined from the data at College Navigator. Out of 100 schools, four of them did not provide data regarding the percentage of students receiving institutional financial aid, so those schools were omitted from the final list. Finally, the list was sorted from the lowest percentage to the highest percentage, with the 25 institutions with the highest percentage of in-house financial aid being included on our list. Prior to selecting the top 25, the percentages of students receiving institutional financial aid ranged from 0% to 100%, with the average being 62%.
Ranking Top 25 Online Bachelor’s Degrees With the Highest Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid
#25. DePaul University
Chicago, IL
DePaul offers undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs online, in addition to traditional campus-based programs. Bachelor’s degrees in communication and media, computing for adult students, information technology and psychology can all be earned through the online campus. The program is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and approximately 88% of the faculty hold a PhD or other terminal degree. DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the country, and is also the 12th largest private university in the United States.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 48
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 94%
#24. Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL
Loyola University Chicago offers several options for online bachelor’s degrees, including degrees in arts and sciences, biomedical sciences, business, communication, education, law, nursing, social work and pastoral studies. The university also offers campuses in Chicago, Italy, China and Vietnam. Loyola has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation and the Corporation for National and Community Service due to the university’s commitment to community service. In addition, up to 35% of Loyola students study abroad in order to gain global experience.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 28
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 94%
#23. John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR
John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas offers two bachelor’s degrees through the distance learning program: a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts (BSLA). The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and has around 2,200 students enrolled in the traditional and online programs. John Brown offers several types of in-house financial aid, including competitive scholarships, merit based scholarships, need-based scholarships and international student financial aid.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 77
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid:96%
#22. St. Joseph’s University
Philadelphia, PA
St. Joseph’s University offers a wide variety of accredited online degree programs from many areas of study, including autism studies, applied behavior analysis, health care ethics, homeland security, instructional technology and special education. St. Joseph’s University is approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. There are almost 9,000 students currently enrolled, with half of the students being online or graduate learners.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 61
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 96%
#21. Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, GA
Savannah College of Art and Design offers five online bachelor’s degrees: advertising, graphic design, interactive design and game development, photography and sequential art. Courses are on a 10 week schedule and require students to view recorded lectures and presentations using the school’s Virtual Lecture Hall platform and MySCAD digital portal. The university has produced several award-winning alumni, including the winner of the IIDA Georgia Chapter Student Design Competition, Print Magazine’s 20 New Visual Artists under 30, and the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Award. In addition, alumni of the university include an American Idol top 15 contestant and a High Moon Studios executive.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 25
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 96%
#20. University of La Verne
La Verne, CA
The University of La Verne offers four online bachelor’s degrees, including a Master of Business Administration for Experienced Professionals, a B.A. in Business Administration, a B.S. in Organizational Management and a B.S. in Public Administration. Students enrolled in the online programs have access to a bookstore, library, counseling center, career services center and many of the same resources as students at the traditional campus have access to. The University of La Verne is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), as well as by several specialized organizations.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 13
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 96%
19. Linfield College
McMinnville, OR
At Linfield College, students can pursue online bachelor’s degrees in the areas of accounting, business information systems, international business, management, marketing and nursing. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, with the nursing program also accredited by the Oregon State Board of Nursing and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. There are several endowed and special scholarships available for students, including the Adult Degree Program Alumni Scholarship Fund.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 97
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 97%
18. Huntington University
Huntington, IN
In addition to online summer courses, Huntington University offers online degrees in organizational management, business administration, not-for-profit leadership, marketing and human resource management. The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Forbes Magazine has listed Huntington University to the list of the Top 15% of Colleges and Universities, while the Princeton Review named Huntington as being among the Best Midwestern Colleges.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 87
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 97%
#17. Regis University
Denver, CO
At Regis University, there are dozens of options for online bachelor’s degrees. Undergraduate programs in the distance learning format include computer networking, computer science, elementary education, applied science, social science, criminology, Irish studies, accounting and finance. Robert H. Waterman, in his book What America Does Right, listed Regis University as one of the best programs for meeting the needs of adult students. The university is also on the U.S. President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll and has been named as one of the GI Jobs Top Military Friendly Schools.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 65
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 97%
#16. Holy Apostles College and Seminary
Cromwell, CT
Holy Apostles College and Seminary offers an online course designed to prepare Catholic priests and parish leaders for evangelism and serving the needs of the parish community. Students can choose courses in church history, instructional design, humanities, Latin, Greek, philosophy, theology and scripture. Holy Apostles College and Seminary is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The school is also approved by the The Cardinal Newman Society and has been named as a Recommended Catholic College in The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 81
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 98%
#15. Wheeling Jesuit University
Wheeling, WV
There are several programs in Wheeling Jesuit University’s Adult and Evening Education program, including a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, a BA in Organizational Leadership and Development, a Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Leadership and a RN to BSN/MSN program. The university has earned accreditation through the Northern Central Association of Colleges & Schools, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, among other professional organizations. WJU has a total enrollment of 1,500 students.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 77
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 98%
#14. Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Loyola University New Orleans offers online programs in nursing, criminal justice, pastoral studies and religious education. These courses mirror the offerings on the traditional campus while providing a flexible and independent learning environment. The Princeton Review named Loyola as one of 2014’s Best 378 Colleges and the Online Guide for College-Bound Students, Counselors and Parents listed Loyola as a 2013-2014 College of Distinction. For the past 23 years, the US News and World Report has listed the university as one of the Top 10 Southern Regional Schools.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 32
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 98%
#13. University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT
Connecticut’s University of Bridgeport offers two undergraduate online programs: B.S. Dental Hygiene and B.S. General Studies. The program in dental hygiene is offered through the Fones School of Dental Hygiene and is designed for current dental hygienists who would like to pursue a four-year degree. The Bachelor of Science in General Studies is an eclectic and flexible program for adults seeking a general bachelor’s degree. The university has a goal of making college affordable for everyone, regardless of their current financial situations. With annual in-state tuition estimated at around $11,000 according to College Navigator, the fact that 98% of students receive institutional financial aid makes this school a great option for cheap online bachelor’s degrees.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 29
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 98%
#12. St. John’s University-New York
Queens, NY
At St. John’s University, students have the option of the following online bachelor’s degrees, in addition to the traditional campus-based degree programs: administrative studies, business administration, criminal justice, liberal arts and liberal studies. St. John’s employs a faculty of nearly 1,500 full and part-time faculty, with 93% holding a terminal degree in their field. The current undergraduate enrollment is nearly 16,000 students. During the 2012-2013 school year, students received nearly $470 million in financial assistance in the form of scholarships, loans, grants and work/study programs. In addition to the online, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan campuses, St. John’s University also has campuses in Vatican City and Paris.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 13
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 98%
#11. Pace University
New York, NY
Pace University offers an online bachelor’s degree in the area of professional communication studies. This program is 100% online and prepares students for careers in advertising, sales, web development, operations analysis, media development, corporate communications and email marketing. The university offers an average of $19,000 to all new undergraduate students, with $303 million offered during the 2012-2013 school year. University-sponsored scholarships are awarded on the basis of community service, financial need and academic merit with a goal of providing students with as much assistance as available based on the needs of the student.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 3
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 98%
#10. Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA
Duquesne University offers fully online programs, combined online/on-campus programs and accelerated bachelor’s degrees in order to offer adult students a high level of flexibility. Fully online programs include a BS in Behavioral Science, a BS in Computer Systems Technology, a BS in Humane Leadership, a BS in Organizational Leadership and a BA in Professional Communication. These programs are also available in the online/on-campus hybrid program and the accelerated bachelor’s degree program. There are currently approximately 6,000 enrolled undergraduate students and nearly 1,000 full and part-time faculty. Bloomberg Businessweek named the university as one of the Top Undergraduate Business Schools while Washington Monthly called Duquesne a Best Bang for the Buck University.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 93
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 99%
#9. Malone University
Canton, OH
At Malone University, students can earn an online B.A. in Business Management with concentrations in organizational, project, health services, environmental or marketing management. There is also the potential to complete a bachelor of arts degree in 14 months through the Malone Management Program accelerated degree completion program. In the 2010-2011 school year, students received $11,285 in institutional aide and $13,453 in non-institutional aid. Institutional awards range from $1,000 to $14,000 and many are renewable annually. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.3 with an average ACT score of 23.14.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 81
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 99%
#8. University of St. Francis
Fort Wayne, IN
Students wishing to pursue an online bachelor’s degree at Fort Wayne’s University of Saint Francis can choose between the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program or the Bachelor of Business Administration Completion program. The first program is designed for registered nurses who currently have a valid nursing license, and the BBA program is designed for adults who have completed at least 48 credit hours of college coursework and are looking to finish their degree. The university currently enrolls approximately 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 81
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 99%
#7. Charleston Southern University
North Charleston, SC
At Charleston Southern University, students have three options for an online bachelor’s degree: Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, Bachelor of Technology and RN-BSN. The organizational management program offers concentrations in healthcare management, hospitality and tourism, project management and human resource management. The technology program is for individuals who already hold an associate degree in the field of technology. The RN-BSN program is for those who already have an associates or other diploma in nursing. CSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., formerly NLNAC.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 56
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 99%
#6. McKendree University
Lebanon, IL
McKendree Online is McKendree University’s distance learning program, offering the following undergraduate degree programs: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Business Administration. The BBA program has concentrations in business administration, human resource management, marketing and sports management. The BSN program is only for individuals who currently have an associate’s degree or diploma in the field of nursing.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 37
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 99%
#5. Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, IL
Concordia University Chicago offers online accelerated bachelor’s degree completion programs in healthcare management, organizational management, sports and recreation management and management information systems. There is also a 3+1 bachelor’s degree program offered in conjunction with the College of DuPage where students in the associate degree program for management, respiratory care or dental hygiene can complete their bachelor’s degree in a reduced amount of time and at a significant discount.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 97
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 100%
#4. Graceland University-Lamoni
Lamoni, IA
At Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, students can complete a RN-BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management. All undergraduate students are required to attend a four-day on-campus Focus Session while participating in the online degree program. Students should expect to spend approximately 12-15 hours per online course each week according to Graceland University. Graceland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 65
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 100%
#3. Concordia University-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN
Concordia University-Saint Paul offers several choices for online bachelor’s degrees, including accounting, business, child development, communication studies, criminal justice, family life education, human resource management, IT management, psychology and radiologic science leadership. All of these programs are accelerated, resulting in earning a bachelor’s degree in less time than the campus-based program. The university also offers continuing education classes that can be completed in five to seven weeks.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 56
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 100%
#2. Norwich University
Northfield, VT
Norwich University offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in the areas of criminal justice and strategic studies in defense analysis. These programs are designed for adults who have already completed some college course credits and need additional credits to complete their degrees. The online academic programs are held to the same high standard that the university holds the traditional campus-based courses to. The university’s focus on military education and service makes the course offerings especially enticing to veterans and those who would like to pursue military careers.
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 37
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 100%
#1. Palm Beach Atlantic University
West Palm Beach, FL
Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida offers online bachelor’s degrees in the areas of ministry, organizational management and psychology. The university has a total enrollment of approximately 3,800 students with 162 full-time faculty. There are approximately 400 students enrolled in evening and online courses. Palm Beach Atlantic University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking: 21
Percentage of Students Receiving Institutional Financial Aid: 100%
The universities on this list are all accredited and well-respected universities offering online bachelor’s degree programs in a variety of fields. Some of these programs are degree completion programs for those who already hold an associate’s degree or who have completed some credits towards an undergraduate degree while other programs offer full bachelor’s degrees online. The universities listed that offer affordable online bachelor’s degrees with the best institutional financial aid programs are great choices for students looking to complete their undergraduate degrees.