There is an entire world’s worth of careers out there, and pursuing one that fulfills you both materially and mentally isn’t always easy or cheap. If you’re the type of person that understands the complexity of human behaviors and can manage that complexity with relative composure, a career in human services is likely the perfect path for you.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most affordable online human services degree programs to help you get where you want to go in the human services industry. Through these programs, you can invest in your future, expand your professional know-how, and make the world a better place–all from the comfort of your own home.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online human services degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in July of 2022.
2023 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Human Services Degrees
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| # 1 | East Central University | $10,496 |
| # 2 | University of Maine at Augusta | $10,811 |
| # 3 | Bluefield University | $10,961 |
| # 4 | SUNY Empire State College | $11,995 |
| # 5 | Minot State University | $12,205 |
| # 6 | Fort Hays State University | $13,189 |
| # 7 | University of the Cumberlands | $13,476 |
| # 8 | Granite State College | $13,725 |
| # 9 | National Louis University | $14,584 |
| # 10 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $14,687 |
| # 11 | Colorado State University Global | $14,954 |
| # 12 | Troy University | $14,992 |
| # 13 | Quincy University | $16,466 |
| # 14 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | $17,263 |
| # 15 | Saint Leo University Online | $18,445 |
| # 16 | Drury University | $18,736 |
| # 17 | University of Iowa | $19,401 |
| # 18 | Lees-McRae College | $23,347 |
| # 19 | Ohio University-Main Campus | $23,831 |
| # 20 | William Woods University | $24,454 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Human Services Degrees
1. East Central University
Average Net Price: $10,496
School Type: Public
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Originally opening as a training college for teachers in 1909, East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma now offers over 70 degree programs. In addition to traditional classes on the main campuses at the Eastern Oklahoma State College in McAlester, and the University Center of Southern Oklahoma in Armored, the university also offers online courses as well as televised lectures. East Central University has developed into a School of Business, the College of Health and Science, the College of Education and Psychology, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Science, the School of Graduate Studies, and the School of Fine Arts. The week before classes start, freshmen are introduced to fellow students and have a chance to get to know East Central University when they attend the university’s annual Tiger Streak. The weekend before they start class students enjoy decorating their rooms and are invited to a block party with music and games, all on the university campus.
East Central University Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Counseling program provides students with practical counseling skills and hands-on learning experiences. This program is the only human services counseling degree offered in Oklahoma, and it features an accelerated curriculum that is delivered through interactive online classes. In addition to coursework, students have access to exclusive internship opportunities where they can apply their skills in a professional setting. The program offers two concentrations – Counseling and Rehabilitation – and focuses on integrating counseling theory with practice through career-driven courses. With guidance from expert faculty, students gain the skills necessary to develop service plans and positively impact the lives of others. Upon completion of the B.A. in Human Services Counseling program, graduates are equipped with the tools and knowledge to make a difference in their communities.
2. University of Maine at Augusta
Average Net Price: $10,811
School Type: Public
School Accreditation: NECHE
Acceptance Rate: 100%
With its main campus in the state capital and eight other centers throughout Maine, the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) is one of the most flexible universities for students to attend. UMA offers career-focused programs tailored to meet the demands of the modern workplace. In collaboration with other institutions and businesses, UMA provides networking, seminars, and programs for professional development. The university emphasizes community involvement and encourages its students and faculty to participate in outside programs and opportunities that contribute to their local communities. With multiple locations, distance learning, and online classes, UMA offers students the flexibility to attend college on their own schedules.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Mental Health and Human Services (MHHS) program offers four different concentrations that cater to varying career paths and professional development: Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation, Addictions Counseling, Child and Family Services, and Mental Health and Human Services Generalist. Students who complete the program with the Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation concentration are eligible for the Mental Health Rehabilitation/Community (MHRT/C) credential, while all students meet the academic requirement for the Licensed Social Worker-Conditional (LSX) credential. Additionally, the Graduate Certificate offers current professionals a flexible way to obtain a graduate certificate that can lead to career advancement and serve as a pathway to a Master’s degree. The program is designed to accommodate the needs of returning students who have family and work commitments by offering the majority of the courses online. Upon completion, students will have developed skills in crisis management, caseload management, advocacy, psychosocial rehabilitation, counseling, job coaching, life and career skills teaching, educational support, support service coordination, problem identification and solving, and more.
3. Bluefield University
Average Net Price: $10,961
School Type: Public
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Bluefield University was started as a private, nonprofit school in 1922 by the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Now they are still a small institution that educates about 1,200 students from around the world. Their Christian roots influences the teaching methods so they incorporate faith and science together, ensuring that students can graduate with well-rounded physical, scientific, and spiritual skillsets. Bluefield University offers a nationally accredited Human Services program that helps to equip and prepare students for work in social services with individuals and families in need of assistance. This program’s curriculum includes instruction and training on handling child welfare, conflicts, mental health, substance abuse, and much more.
Bluefield University’s innovative PSY/HS degree program is a unique offering that combines psychology and human services to provide students with a strong faith- and heart-centered human development foundation. The program is designed to prepare graduates for the workplace, with a focus on fundamental psychology concepts and statistical principles concerning human experience and behavior. Faculty members offer a variety of perspectives in education and practice and are committed to making themselves available to every student. The major also includes an internship opportunity to gain critical real-world experience. Upon graduation, students can choose to pursue graduate school, such as the Master of Arts degree in Counseling or Master of Arts in Human Services Leadership degree, or begin meaningful careers helping families and individuals address stress and behavioral issues in the workplace. The PSY/HS program provides a solid foundation for success in either path.
4. SUNY Empire State College
Average Net Price: $11,995
School Type: Public Liberal Arts
School Accreditation: MSCHE
Acceptance Rate: 100%
SUNY Empire was founded in 1971 offering an environment with nontraditional teaching and a focus on unconventional learning. The college is committed to learning through experience and awards students credit for learning through work experiences. The majority of students attending SUNY Empire are working adults seeking degrees for job advancement. With 35 locations and the availability of online classes, students stay in control of their schedules. SUNY Empire also offers affordable tuition and flexibility, so the learner can customize their education to meet their personal and career goals. SE partnerships with organized labor and all military branches, educating employees and members of the military, to meet licensing requirements and mandates that help them adapt to the new technology, and open paths for promotions. Students who graduate with a human service degree from SUNY Empire are prepared to compete in today’s global marketplace.
The School of Human Services at SUNY Empire State College prioritizes equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to advocate for social justice and work effectively with marginalized, underserved, and vulnerable populations. Its programs strive to integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging constructs into the learning experience. The college provides focus in the helping professions, serving children and families, senior citizens, veterans, the homeless, immigrants and refugees, disabilities, addictions, mental illness, and those involved in the criminal justice system. Faculty members possess significant field experience, ranging from direct service to program evaluation, and remain committed to developing relevant initiatives and programs for students. The college offers a BS in Addiction Studies and a BS in Public Health which can be completed through online, independent study, blended, and/or face-to-face study.
5. Minot State University
Average Net Price: $12,205
School Type: Regional Public
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Minot State University (MSU) is a public university located in Minot, ND. It was founded in 1913 as a two-year normal school to train teachers for the region, and has since evolved into a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields online. MSU offers over 60 majors in areas such as business, education, arts and sciences, nursing, and human services. The university prides itself on its small class sizes and personalized attention to students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. Additionally, MSU is known for its affordable tuition rates and high-quality education. The university also offers over 100 online courses and flexible schedules to accommodate working students. MSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has been ranked as one of the best regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
Minot State University offers a Master of Science in Disability Human Services, Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a Major in Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, and Associate of Science in Human Services with a Major in Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. All these can be done online. With the online Master of Science in Disability Human Services degree, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and support other professionals in a human services agency. You will receive comprehensive instruction in strategic management, disability law and policy, human resources, and accounting. Additionally, the program will cover the latest trends in serving individuals with severe disabilities across their lifespan and will equip you with the research skills needed to effectively address complex problems. The Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a major in I/DD at MSU can serve as a career advancement option for those who have completed the Associate of Science in Human Services with a major in I/DD degree. However, students without an Associate degree or prior experience in the I/DD service industry can also enroll in this four-year program. The online program offers numerous paid, hands-on opportunities for students to work in the I/DD service industry while pursuing their degree. Upon graduation, individuals will be equipped to assume the responsibilities of a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP), and the degree’s learning objectives are in line with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) skill areas.
6. Fort Hays State University
Average Net Price: $13,189
School Type: Public
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Fort Hays State University offers a wide range of degree options on-campus and online through a student-friendly Blackboard learning interface. With approximately 200 online degree options, Fort Hayes State University has options for everyone. Students seeking their bachelor’s degree will find options in marketing, management, finance, criminal justice, computer science, business education, and accounting. FHSU students seeking a master’s degree can choose courses in education, special education, business administration, and history. In addition to financial aid, Fort Hays State University offers online distance learners special tuition rates. FHSU supports online students with technical support, online tutoring, and access to library resources, making education possible where ever you are. Fort Hayes State University is a community of diversity, with members of all backgrounds and ages, that support each student’s success in acquiring a human services degree online or on campus.
Two human services degrees are available through FHSU. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is a flexible program that is available both on-campus and online, designed to prepare students for a career in social work practice as a generalist. The program curriculum requires both liberal arts and professional foundation courses, with the social work core courses offering students a specific set of knowledge, values, and skills to work with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. The Masters of Social Work program offers two pathways, the Regular MSW Pathway and the Advanced Standing MSW Pathway, which provide students with the necessary clinical training and educational requirements to become licensed clinical social workers. While the Regular MSW Pathway spans four regular semesters and one summer semester, the Advanced Standing MSW Pathway can be completed in one calendar year of academic coursework and two semesters of field practicum experience, exclusively for students who hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work program.
7. University of the Cumberlands
Average Net Price: $13,476
School Type: Private Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Originally the Williamsburg Institute, the University of the Cumberlands began in 1888 as a modest establishment in Kentucky with the goal of preparing young leaders to teach, serve, and help others with their skills and knowledge. After acquiring Highland College in 1913, Williamsburg Institute became Cumberland College. In 2005, Cumberlands College became the University of the Cumberlands. UC offers four different Human Services concentrations within its Bachelor of Science degree program, one Bachelor of Arts with a Human Services Major, and an Associate of Science option, also with a Major in Human Services. These programs help students to graduate with a firm grasp of how to help individuals and families through social services and charities. Each program gives students people skills for better communication and an understanding of how the public sector operates to help the less fortunate.
The University of the Cumberlands’ online Bachelor’s in Human Services degree equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the human services field. The curriculum is designed to foster self-awareness, encourage appreciation of diversity, and develop an understanding of personal value. The program offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Human Services, which can be completed online or on-campus. Students are taught to practice ethical standards, set professional boundaries, and apply their skills post-graduation. Classes include Survey of Human Services, Individual and Family Assessment, Case Management, and more. Potential career paths include community service manager, counselor, life skills instructor, and public health educator. Also in the human services online degree you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science. The available areas of concentration under the Applied Science degree umbrella include Accounting Business Administration, Coaching, Gaming, Information Technology, Missions & Ministries, and more.
8. Granite State College
Average Net Price: $13,725
School Type: Public
School Accreditation: NECHE
Acceptance Rate: 100 %
Granite State College has offered affordable and convenient college courses for busy and working adults for more than 40 years. GSC embraces the goal of making education available to anyone motivated to pursue it. They offer a wide range of courses with flexible options. Students can seek virtual support, as well as in-person guidance. GSC is the leading provider of online programs in N.H. and emphasizes courses that are responsive to employ advancement, by offering associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and post-baccalaureate programs. GSC partnerships with employers to increase the range of opportunities that the businesses can offer to strengthen N.H.’s economy, by enhancing individual employees’ skills. It is the college’s mission to expand access and availability of higher education to all adults of all ages.
At Granite State College, students have the opportunity to tailor their degree program to their interests and career goals. With a range of concentrations available, students can choose the area that best aligns with their career aspirations. Whether it’s Addictions Studies, Adult Court Advocacy, Child Court Advocacy, Counseling Foundations, Education Advocacy, Family Studies, Psychology, or Wellness and Prevention, students will take core degree requirements and specific courses in their chosen concentration to complete their degree program.
9. National Louis University
Average Net Price: $14,584
School Type: Private
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 97%
National Louis University was founded in 1886 with a vision to prepare women for early childhood education work, a radical stance for that generation. Elizabeth Harrison, the founder of the school, believed that the future of a community lies in the quality of the education of its youngest members. It has now expanded to studies in business, psychology, hospitality management, and culinary arts. NLU now offers a Bachelor’s program in Human Services to help students become well-versed in public service. This degree includes courses in client relations, administration, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communications.
National Louis University’s Bachelor of Arts in Human Services degree program provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals, families, and communities. This program offers a variety of internship experiences to give you hands-on experience actually working in the field. The B.A. in Human Services/Psychology combines human services coursework with behavioral science classes to give you a deeper understanding of human behavior and motivation. With this degree, you’ll be prepared for entry-level positions in social service agencies, community health centers, and health clinics. The program offers various concentrations and minors, including an Entrepreneurship Concentration that equips you with the knowledge and skills required to start your own business or organization. This degree is available in online, campus-based, and blended class formats, including evening classes, allowing you to earn your degree while juggling a busy schedule.
10. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Average Net Price: $14,687
School Type: Public
School Accreditation: AACSB
Acceptance Rate: 79%
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is a member of the University of Wisconsin System, which is one of the top systems of higher education in the United States. This membership guarantees UW Oshkosh will ensure accountability and top academic quality, and students will have access to statewide resources. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh implements a strong focus on research, demonstrating how students can change the world. Students who attend UW Oshkosh benefit from small classes, personal academic and career advising, and personal support services. There is a lot to discover and many opportunities to achieve a brighter future with UW Oshkosh’s expanded program options. Students have access to multiple job opportunities and high-impact internships. Their convenient locations offer students bountiful recreational opportunities, thriving art scenes, fantastic restaurants, and endless shopping. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh prepares students who are seeking a human services degree for leadership positions.
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh offers online Human Services degrees that provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of social work. These programs are designed to prepare graduates for rewarding careers that involve helping individuals, families, and communities in need. Students can choose from a range of degree options, including a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Leadership or a Master of Social Work degree. All courses are accessible 100% online and are offered in accelerated seven-week sessions. Graduates of these programs have the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact in their communities and help improve the lives of those they serve.
