Learning a new language is seldom easy, but the rewards for completing such a task can be well worth the effort. Some of the benefits of learning a language include connecting with others and improving your brain’s memory, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills. Developing a second language will not only boost your confidence but can also help in advancing your career. One of the many foreign languages that are currently in high demand is Spanish.
While having a degree in Spanish may not yield the highest salary, there are still plenty of career options that can put your newfound language skills to the test. Some of these options include translating, teaching, travel, hospitality, and even import and export.
It is not always necessary to earn a degree to learn a foreign language but it can speed up the process. For most employers, it will most likely come down to your level of fluency and how well you understand the language.
The following article contains a ranking of the most affordable online colleges for Spanish degrees and some academic information about each institution.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online Spanish degrees (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 2022
2023 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Spanish Degrees
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| #1 | Florida International University | $5,298 |
| #2 | University of Central Florida | $8,618 |
| #3 | Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | $8,961 |
| #4 | College of Coastal Georgia | $12,570 |
| #5 | Arizona State University | $13,107 |
| #6 | Fort Hays State University | $13,189 |
| #7 | Valdosta State University | $13,240 |
| #8 | University of North Alabama | $13,699 |
| #9 | Mercy College | $15,093 |
| #10 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $16,065 |
| #11 | Northern State University | $16,695 |
| #12 | National University | $20,722 |
| #13 | Oregon State University | $21,508 |
10 Best Affordable Online Spanish Degrees
1. Florida International University
Average Net Price: $5,298
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Florida International University (FIU) is physically located in Miami, Florida, and was founded in 1965. Florida International University is a highly rated university with a rather sizeable undergraduate enrollment of 28,335 students. FIU is ranked among the Top 50 public universities in the United States.
Florida International is ranked #7 in Best Colleges in Florida in the Niche college rankings and #2 out of 308 in Best Online Colleges in America. FIU is known for having a critical distinction of being one of the higher quality institutions while also having the overall lowest cost in the ten institutions compared. The Niche report card ranking rates FIU as an A- overall. FIU was ranked by Niche as #10 out of 358 compared to the Best Hispanic-Serving Institutions in America. This school offers one undergraduate degree and two Master’s degrees in Spanish.
Their online Spanish programs allow students to connect with other countries and cultures to help them learn the second-most important language in the United States. In this program, you will progress from classes centered on basic language skills through intermediate and advanced courses in conversation, grammar, composition, and linguistics. This program prepares students to pursue advanced studies at a graduate level or be ready for employment as soon as they have finished their degree.
Bachelor’s degree Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Masters Degrees Offered:
- Master of Science in Communication – Spanish Language Journalism & Media
- Master of Science in Communication – Spanish Language Journalism in Latin American & Caribbean Studies
2. University of Central Florida
Average Net Price: $8,618
School Type: Public, Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACSCOC
Acceptance Rate: 45%
University of Central Florida (UCF)is physically located in Orlando, Florida, and founded in 1963. UCF is a large institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 42,468 Students. UCF is ranked #4 in the Top Public Universities in Florida and holds a Niche report card grade of an A. Most notably, UCF also has a Niche ranking of #3 out of 358 compared to the Best Hispanic serving Institutions in America.
The University of Central Florida provides an excellent program that develops students’ language skills through first-hand experience and the help of world-renowned faculty. In addition, they encourage students to begin networking with top employers across central Florida to boost their confidence in dealing with potential career options and prepare them for the workforce’s competitiveness.
UCF offers one bachelor’s degree in Spanish.
Bachelors Degree Offered:
- Latin American Studies
3. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Average Net Price: $8,961
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) is physically located in Portales, New Mexico, and was founded in 1927. ENMU is relatively small, with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,400 students. Niche ranked this school as the #4 in Best Colleges in New Mexico. The Niche report card grade for Eastern New Mexico University is an overall B. ENMU offers a bachelor’s degree in Spanish as well as a professional certificate.
The Spanish program at ENUM will provide you with bilingual abilities while encouraging a greater understanding of other cultures and languages. They offer a unique sequence of courses that address your needs of whether you’re a native speaker or not and even cater to how much exposure you have had to the Spanish language.
Regarding their online degrees, they require that you are available during class times for online lectures via Mediasite. All Spanish courses are technology-enhanced and our basic language courses integrate special software and other media in a laboratory environment.
Bachelors Degree Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Certificate Offered:
- Endorsement in Spanish with Elementary/Special Education & Secondary Education Licensure
4. College of Coastal Georgia
Average Net Price: $12,570
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACSCOC
Acceptance Rate: 96%
College of Coastal Georgia (CCG) is physically located in Brunswick, Georgia, founded in 1964. CCG is a small institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,997 students and also has a Niche report card grade of an overall C. The College of Coastal Georgia offers one bachelor’s degree in Spanish.
The Spanish program at the College of Coastal Georgia aims to produce graduates prepared to assume various important roles in the local, national, and international communities. The program provides a foundation of required courses that include conversation, composition, language, civilization, and literature. It also focuses on oral communication in a professional setting to further develop the language in hands-on experiences in the community or abroad.
This program is ideal for military members, working individuals, and even “life-long learners” who, because of other constraints in their lives, need or prefer to pursue a degree or area of enrichment without the necessity of physical attendance.
Bachelor’s Degree Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language & Literature
5. Arizona State University
Average Net Price: $13,107
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Arizona State University is physically located in Tempe, Arizona, and was founded in 1885. Arizona State is a highly rated large school with an undergraduate enrollment of 41,182 students. Niche ranks ASU as #1 in Best Colleges in Arizona and gives Arizona State University an overall A in their report card grade ranking. The school was rated #1 in Best University for Innovation by U.S. News World Report Educational Rankings and among the top 10 schools for the best online bachelor’s programs. Arizona State offers a bachelor’s degree in Spanish.
The program offered at Arizona State University significantly advances your understanding of the Spanish language and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. You will study some of the many topics while learning the linguistic, literary, and cultural elements, including Spanish literature, mass media, politics, and film. Enrolling in this program will prepare you for professional roles where Spanish-speaking skills and cultural competency are needed or preferred. Learning about the many cultures related to the Spanish Langauge allows for a better understanding of the language, better translation, and greater cultural awareness.
It is important to note that the online Spanish degree does not provide courses that certify you in teaching or translating but can help prepare you to become certified in education and interpretation. However, these credentials must be acquired outside the program.
Bachelors Degree Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
6. Fort Hays State University
Average Net Price: $13,189
School Type: Public Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is physically located in Hays, Kansas, founded in 1902. Fort Hays is considered a mid-sized institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 5,726 students. FHSU is ranked by Niche as the #5 in Top Public Universities in America. The Niche report card grade ranking for FHSU is an overall B. Fort Hays offers two different undergraduate degrees in Spanish as well as a professional certificate.
The program offered at FHSU will benefit students who have a passion for foreign languages and education. The dual degrees allow students to combine their passions for a successful career in the classroom. In addition, their minor and certificate programs in Spanish add linguistic and cultural skills and knowledge to any major offered at FHSU.
Bachelor’s Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language – Spanish
- Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language – Spanish for Specific Purposes
Certificates Offered:
- Minor and Certificate in Spanish
7. Valdosta State University
Average Net Price: $13,240
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACSCOC
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Valdosta State University is physically located in Valdosta, Georgia, and was founded in 1906. Valdosta is a mid-size institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 6,797 students. The Niche report card grade for Valdosta is a B- overall. VSU offers two options for a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, a Master’s degree, and a certificate.
Students that attend the Spanish program at Valdosta State become proficient in the language due to smaller class sizes and more one-on-one interactions with faculty members. Students can further develop their speaking skills by participating in one of the department’s study abroad programs. Valdosta State University students fluent in the language have numerous advantages in the workforce and can pursue several careers such as teaching, interpretation, translating, and even social services and welfare.
Bachelor’s Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish – Language & Culture
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish – World Languages & Cultures
Master’s Degree Offered:
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Education – Foreign Language Education – Spanish
Certificates Offered:
- Certificates in Spanish for Professionals
8. University of North Alabama
Average Net Price: $13,699
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACSCOC
Acceptance Rate: 83%
University of North Alabama (UNA) is physically located in Florence, Alabama, and was founded in 1830. The school is a relatively small school with an undergraduate enrollment of 4,901 students. Niche ranks UNA #7 in Top Public Universities in Alabama. The Niche report card grade ranking for UNA is a B overall. The University of Alabama uniquely offers four undergraduate bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and two options to earn a Master’s degree.
UNA offers a wide variety of college degrees in the Spanish language, which can help any individual interested in pursuing a career where the language would be beneficial. Their program and courses are expertly selected to provide students with the best help in improving their language skills. They also have detailed schedules for effectively and efficiently obtaining a degree and being fluent enough to enter the workforce at a competitive level.
Bachelor’s Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish – Language & Culture
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish- Literature
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish – Spanish for Commerce
Master’s Degrees Offered:
- Master of Arts in Spanish Education(Alternative Track)
- Master of Arts in Spanish Education(Traditional Track)
9. Mercy College
Average Net Price: $15,093
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: MSCHE
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Mercy College is physically located in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and was founded in 1950.
Mercy College is considered a mid-size school with an undergraduate enrollment of 7,993 students. Niche gives Mercy College a report card rating of a C+. The school offers one bachelor’s degree in Spanish.
At Mercy College, Spanish courses allow students to master written and spoken Spanish and explore all aspects of Hispanic literature and culture, including films, music, and visual arts. Their studies also examine the current issues in Latin America, the United States, and Spain. While enrolled in their program, students will obtain critical thinking skills and an in-depth understanding of the Spanish-speaking world, and a liberal arts education. A degree in Spanish with a foundation in liberal arts can open a wide variety of career opportunities, including business, law, social work, and even healthcare.
Bachelors Degree Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
10. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Average Net Price: $16,065
School Type: Public, Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 56%
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock(UALR) is physically located in Little Rock, Arkansas, founded in 1830. Though not as small as others, this is considered a relatively small-sized school with 3,786 enrolled undergraduate students. UALR holds a Niche ranking of #311 in Colleges with the Best Professors out of 1,596 compared. Niche gives this UALR a report card ranking of C+ overall. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers a BA in Spanish and a professional certificate for continuing education.
U of A students increasingly recognize that cultural competency and linguistic fluency in Spanish will significantly enhance their communication skills and professional preparation and competitiveness, regardless of their future field of work. In addition, to a wide variety of courses in literature, language, and culture, the program also offers new and expanding course options in service-learning (at home or abroad), oral proficiency development, and even for special purposes and professions.
Bachelor’s Degree Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Spanish
Certificate Offered:
- Certificate in Workplace Spanish
Key Factors in Selecting an Online Spanish Degree Program
Accreditation
Choosing an online degree program that will help you gain an advantage in today’s job market requires careful consideration. It is essential to ensure that the institution you attend is accredited. Accreditation indicates an institution has gone through a rigorous assessment process to certify that its program is up to par with regional and national standards. Never assume that all colleges are accredited. Not all are – even though they may present themselves to be legitimate and reputable.
The U.S. Department of Education requires that any educational institution be accredited, or it will not provide students with federal assistance. If securing financial aid is a part of your plans, loans or grants will not be an option if the school you select is not accredited.
There are six regional agencies that accredit institutions of higher learning in the U.S. In this comparison, each of the schools reviewed is accredited by one of these three agencies among that larger group:
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Middle States on Higher Education Accreditation(MSCHE)
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges(SACSCOC)
Reputation
The school’s reputation directly correlates to the value placed on the degree you earn from that institution. Brand recognition is essential when selecting the college institution where it’s received. More than half of online students choose a program within 50 miles of where they live – even though they won’t physically attend the institution. Local employers recognize the brand and view it negatively or positively – whichever applies. Receiving a degree from an institution that is highly revered can enhance employment prospects.
Retention, Graduation & Job Placement
What is the percentage of students who complete the program and graduate? How long does it take for the typical student to graduate? Can the institution provide insight into job placement prospects?
If a large number of students in the program are not completing it, it’s a possible red flag – signaling problems with program quality, instruction, engagement, or other crucial issues for student success.
Student Services
What services are available to online students?
Taking online rather than on-campus coursework should not mean missing out on essential support or materials to help you succeed. Knowing about the student support services available will indicate the level of importance the institution places on the student experience.
Costs
How do tuition costs compare to other institutions?
Not all highly-priced online degree programs guarantee the learning and employment outcomes you’re ultimately seeking. By the same token, not all low-cost degrees should be assumed to be of low quality. A great many of the online Spanish programs in this comparison hold the highest degree of accolades & honors but are at the lowest overall cost.
Technology
The success of any online program depends in large part – on the technology being used. The learning experience should never be passive, not even in an online environment. It takes skill and creativity to impart the same quality learning experience online in a manner that isn’t inferior to the in-class experience. Ideally, the technology should allow satisfying and meaningful engagement with faculty, staff, or administrative resources as well as your engagement with fellow students.
Curriculum Quality
In selecting an online program, take time to explore and compare course descriptions, class descriptions, and particular attributes of the degree programs you’re considering. There are vast differences between even one bachelor’s degree and another at two different institutions. In close review, you may identify subtleties that make one undergraduate degree much more fitting than another in what you’re ultimately wanting to achieve in getting your degree.
Reference Materials Used:
Affordable Colleges Online
www.affordablecollegesonline.org/best-colleges-online/
Niche
www.niche.com/colleges
U.S. News & World Report – Best Colleges & Overall Rankings
www.usnews.com/best-colleges/ucf-3954/overall-rankings