Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

Human services professionals help people overcome life's struggles. Learners can pursue human services degrees at the associate, bachelor's, masters, and phd.
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Updated January 6, 2023

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Human Services Degrees Online

Human services professionals help people overcome life's struggles. Learners can pursue human services degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Graduates with a degree in human services may work as social workers, probation officers, or life coaches.

Government organizations and nonprofits often hire human services workers. Empathetic individuals with a passion for helping others often thrive in this industry. Human services professionals need strong listening skills. They should also understand laws that impact society members.

This page highlights the most affordable online human services degrees, including costs and common courses.View Our Rankings List Here

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Services

What can I do with a degree in human services?

Graduates can pursue many human services careers. They may work as social workers, case managers, or community outreach workers. Some schools offer concentrations that prepare students to work with clients in specific industries.

What degree do you need for a career in human services?

Aspiring human services professionals need a degree in a subject like criminal justice or social work. Similar careers, such as counseling, require additional licensure.

What's the difference between human services and social services?

Social work careers fall under the human services umbrella. Social workers help clients access human services like housing or counseling.

Featured Online Human Services Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Why Get a Degree in Human Services?

This versatile degree prepares learners for diverse roles. Some human services careers pay above-average salaries. For example, probation officers earn a median annual salary of $55,690, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Social workers earn $51,760. These figures exceed the median annual salary of $41,950 for all occupations.

How Much Does a Human Services Degree Cost?

The cost of a human services degree varies by school and degree level. Earning an associate degree typically costs less than earning a bachelor's. As of August 2021, the average cost of in-state tuition is $9,580 for bachelor's degree-seekers. Out-of-state students spend an average of $27,440. Full-time enrollees can complete an associate degree in two years and a bachelor's in four years.

Schools that offer online human services degrees may charge more fees for labs and activities. On-campus students pay a campus maintenance fee.

Additional Online Student Fees

Online learners can save money by not living on campus or commuting for classes. Some schools charge online learners in-state tuition, regardless of where they live. Online students can attend the most affordable human services programs without relocating.

However, online enrollees should plan for extra fees. Some online human services programs require on-campus experiences. Learners who do not live locally should budget for travel and lodging expenses. In addition, schools may charge online learners a fee to access an online classroom platform. Online learners may need to pay a graduation fee.

How Much Do Human Services Majors Make?

Human services salaries vary depending on professionals' employer, experience, and job title. Social workers earn an average annual salary of $49,260, according to November 2021 PayScale salary data. Social workers with less than one year of experience earn an average of $42,810. Those with more than 20 years of experience earn an average of $58,500.

Similarly, probation officers earn an average of $44,350 annually, according to October 2021 PayScale data. Probation officers with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $38,790. Those with more than 20 years of experience earn an average of $60,200.

Courses in Human Services

Online human services programs help learners hone their note-taking and observation skills. Enrollees study the factors that influence people's decision-making processes. They also learn how to connect people with community resources effectively.

Human services degree-seekers participate in classroom discussions and write essays. Some programs include a clinical rotation or internship. Enrollees can sometimes choose a concentration, such as criminal justice or counseling.

See below for common human services courses. Keep in mind that course titles and descriptions vary by school.

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Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

Florida State College at Jacksonville

  • Jacksonville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Trying to find a flexible education to prepare you for a human services career? Consider Florida State College at Jacksonville's bachelor's in human services program. The public college connects 18,110 distance learners with a top online education, offering nine bachelor's programs remotely.

The bachelor's in human services program provides students with the tools they need for a successful career in the field. The broad curriculum covers both foundational concepts and advanced topics in human services. If it makes sense for their career aspirations, degree-seekers can complete hands-on learning experiences to strengthen their industry knowledge. Internships, externships, and applied research projects benefit learners. During the course of their program, students can speak with academic advising and career services for guidance.

Qualified applicants can offset their degree's cost by exploring external and internship funding opportunities. These may include scholarships and fellowships. Many enrollees seek funding opportunities, with 71% of them receiving aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,095
Out-of-state
$7,947
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
24,605
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
74% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

University of Maine at Augusta

  • Augusta, ME
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students seeking competitive study should consider the premier online programs at University of Maine at Augusta. The public institution's 3,298 online learners choose from 13 virtual bachelor's programs. The bachelor's in mental health and human services program provides a rigorous education.

Enrollees benefit from a supportive virtual community and access to faculty and classmates. Degree-seekers gain knowledge relevant to their future careers from classes covering foundational and advanced topics in mental health and human services. Learners can participate experiential learning opportunities, like internships and research projects, to develop skills for a future job. Degree-seekers get access to academic advising, career counseling, and other institutional resources.

Learners should meet with a financial aid officer to discuss funding opportunities to help with degree costs. Degree-seekers can explore many funding opportunities, including fellowships, scholarships, and federal aid. In all, 90% of students receive some form of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,170
Out-of-state
$17,340
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,361
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
76% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#3 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

Minot State University

  • Minot, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Minot State University provides flexible education opportunities for all kinds of degree-seekers interested in working in private and public sectors. From its main campus in Minot, North Dakota, the college serves 1,328 distance learners. Degree-seekers interested in a career in human services or a related field can consider the top-ranking associate degree in human resources.

Top faculty members and a supportive student body benefit students enrolled in the associate program. Furthering personal and professional goals is made easier for degree-seekers with the remote classroom environment's career-relevant coursework and projects. Many learners participate in internships, externships, or research projects led by faculty members. Enrollees can customize their program by picking electives and individualizing coursework with the help of an advisor.

An education at the college becomes more affordable  through a variety of internal and external financial aid opportunities. Eligible students can lower expenses through scholarships and fellowships. Educational costs decrease for the 90% of the college's enrollees who get some kind of financial assistance.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,088
Out-of-state
$6,088
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,049
Out-of-state
$8,049
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
3,125
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

Troy University

  • Troy, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Troy University's bachelor's in human services program is a great choice for learners seeking a flexible education. A total of 9,242 remote learners get a top education from the public college, which offers 19 online bachelor's programs.

The curriculum helps students succeed in the human services field by giving them proper tools. Classes cover foundational topics and advanced subjects in human services, giving enrollees a broad knowledge of the field. If it makes sense for their career aspirations, degree-seekers can complete hands-on learning experiences to strengthen their industry knowledge. Learners gain valuable insight from internships, externships, and applied research projects. Students can get help from their academic advisor and career counselor.

Scholarships, fellowships, and other internal and external funding opportunities let applicants decrease their educational expenses. A total of 92% of enrollees at the college receive financial aid from this leader in distance learning.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,800
Out-of-state
$15,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,650
Out-of-state
$15,300
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
16,436
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
56% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

Washburn University

  • Topeka, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Prospective students wanting a flexible remote education should check out the bachelor of applied science in family services at Washburn University. With nine industry-relevant online bachelor's programs, the public institution educates 2,385 virtual degree-seekers. Distance learners benefit from a supportive online learning community and institutional resources, supported by the college through its main campus in Topeka, Kansas.

Interactive classes provide students with industry knowledge. The curriculum includes courses on general education and advanced topics, with the option to individualize classes and choose electives. Enrollees can add to their academic experience with hands-on learning opportunities. Degree-seekers who complete research, internships, or externships get first-hand experience of working in the field.

Applicants should discuss enrollment requirements with the admissions office. Of all enrollees, 92% receive some form of financial aid. Learners should meet with the financial aid office to discuss whether they qualify for any funding opportunities. Students who meet the proper criteria can reduce degree expenses with scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,594
Out-of-state
$19,346
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,306
Out-of-state
$18,788
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,285
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

  • Oshkosh, WI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students looking for a flexible virtual education in human services find the bachelor's in human services leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to be a great option. The public institution provides industry-relevant education to 1,533 remote degree-seekers, offering three of its bachelor's programs online. Enrollees benefit from a supportive online community and other institutional resources.

The program's hands-on classes impart industry knowledge to its students. Classes covering both general education and advanced topics make up the degree's curriculum, which also includes options for tailoring courses and picking electives. Hands-on learning opportunities let enrollees supplement their academic experience. Getting first-hand knowledge of what it's like to work in the field is possible for degree-seekers who complete internships, externships, or research projects.

Applicants should discuss enrollment requirements with the admissions office. Learners can also meet with the financial aid office to explore eligibility requirements for funding opportunities. Among the school's enrollees, 75% receive some form of financial aid. Eligible learners can lower the price of their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,422
Out-of-state
$13,955
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,793
Out-of-state
$17,107
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
15,521
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
10% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

National Louis University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students seeking a flexible education to prepare them for the human services field should consider National Louis University's bachelor's in human services . The private college connects 3,311 distance learners with a top online education, offering 13 bachelor's programs remotely.

The bachelor's in human services prepares students for a fulfilling career by giving them the tools needed for success. The curriculum includes a variety of coursework, giving enrollees broad knowledge of both foundational and advanced topics. Degree-seekers increase their industry knowledge with hands-on learning experiences, helping their career aspirations. Internships, externships, and applied research projects provide learners with valuable knowledge. Guidance is available to students throughout the program's duration by talking with an academic advisor or career counselor.

Applicants who meet eligibility criteria can seek out internal and external funding opportunities, such as fellowships and internships. At the college, 92% of degree-seekers receive aid from the online education leader to support their academic journey.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,200
Out-of-state
$13,200
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,646
Out-of-state
$11,646
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
7,005
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

SUNY Empire State College

  • Saratoga Springs, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, SUNY Empire State College offers educational opportunities with great flexibility to suit degree-seekers from all walks of life. The Saratoga Springs, New York-based school supports 6,900 learners attending remotely from all over the United States, offering 18 online bachelor's programs. Of these, the top-choice bachelor's in community and human services program suits individuals planning to go into human services or a related field.

Enrollees benefit by connecting with top faculty members and supportive peers. Degree-seekers complete classwork and projects relevant to their personal and professional goals in a distance learning environment. Internships, externships, and faculty-led research projects are available to learners. Faculty advisors can help enrollees pick electives and create an individualized plan of study to mold the program to their needs and interests.

Degree-seekers can explore many different internal and external opportunities for financial assistance. Qualified learners benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other types of financial assistance. At the college, 89% of enrollees receive some form of aid to help reduce the price of their education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$16,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
52%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,440
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#9 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

Granite State College

  • Concord, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online

Students interested in a flexible education that prepares them for a career in the human services field should check out the master's in human services administration at Granite State College. The public college serves 1,848 remote learners.

The master's in human services administration provides students with the tools they need for a successful career in human services. The broad curriculum includes different types of classes that cover both foundational concepts and advanced topics. Hands-on learning experiences let degree-seekers deepen their industry knowledge to help their career aspirations. Learners can also gain valuable knowledge from internships, externships, and applied research projects. Students can get help from their academic advisor and career counselor throughout the program.

To offset degree costs, eligible students can pursue external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. At the college, 84% of degree-seekers receive aid from the online education leader to support their academic journey.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,536
Out-of-state
$8,760
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,610
Out-of-state
$9,690
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,005
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#10 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

East Tennessee State University

  • Johnson City, TN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The premier online programs at Johnson City-based East Tennessee State University suit students seeking competitive study. The college serves 7,986 remote learners. The bachelor's in human services program provides a rigorous, industry-related education to degree-seekers interested in the human services field.

The program's remote classroom environment lets participants connect with a supportive virtual learning community, including classmates and faculty. Enrollees gain knowledge relevant to the field in classes that cover foundational and advanced topics. Internships, research projects, and other experiential learning opportunities help learners practice hands-on skills to build their competency. Career counseling, academic advising, and other institutional resources focused on student success are available to degree-seekers during the program.

Financial aid officers can help learners find funding opportunities to help reduce degree costs. The college offers many fellowship, scholarship, and federal aid opportunities. In all, 95% of all students receive some form of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,340
Out-of-state
$25,487
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,640
Out-of-state
$23,760
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
14,191
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
56% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#11 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

Old Dominion University

  • Norfolk, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Many degree-seekers looking for a flexible virtual education in human services find the bachelor's in human services at Old Dominion University to be a great option. The 20 industry-relevant online bachelor's programs at the public institution educate 12,854 remote degree-seekers. Learners benefit from a supportive online community and other institutional resources at the Norfolk, Virginia, college.

The program's hands-on classes impart industry knowledge to its students. Classes covering both general education and advanced topics make up the curriculum, which also includes options for tailoring courses and picking electives. Enrollees can add to their academic experience with hands-on learning opportunities. Degree-seekers gain first-hand experience of what it's like working in the field by completing research, internships, and externships.

Prospective students can learn about enrollment criteria by talking to the admissions office. Financial aid is awarded to 94% of all enrollees, so students should meet with the financial aid office to see if they qualify. Aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, help qualified learners decrease their educational expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,029
Out-of-state
$26,664
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,207
Out-of-state
$29,851
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
23,675
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#12 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

Colorado State University-Global Campus

  • Aurora, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online

Degree-seekers from all walks of life pick Colorado State University-Global Campus because the public institution provides flexible education opportunities. Of these, the bachelor's in human services program is a top-ranking degree attracting students interested in a human services-adjacent career.

Connecting with top faculty members and supportive peers benefits enrollees. In a virtual classroom space, degree-seekers complete coursework and projects that advance their personal and professional goals. Many learners participate in faculty-driven research projects, internships, or externships. Faculty advisors help enrollees mold the program to their needs and interests by letting them pick electives and select individualized coursework.

An education at the college is made less expensive through the many different internal and external funding opportunities available. Different types of financial assistance, like fellowships and scholarships, benefit qualifying students.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,400
Out-of-state
$8,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,000
Out-of-state
$9,000
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
99%
Students Enrolled
12,670
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#13 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

Western Washington University

  • Bellingham, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, Western Washington University offers educational opportunities with great flexibility to suit degree-seekers from all walks of life. Many learners interested in a human services-related career find that the highly rated bachelor's in human services meets their needs.

After enrolling, degree-seekers connect with top faculty and supportive members of the student community. The remote classroom environment lets enrollees complete coursework and projects relevant to their personal and professional goals. Learners can participate in internships, externships, and research projects led by faculty members. Students work with advisors to customize their academic experience by choosing electives and tailoring coursework to their individual needs and interests.

Since education can be costly, the college offers a variety of internal and external funding opportunities. Qualifying enrollees benefit from different types of financial assistance, such as fellowships and scholarships. Of all the college's enrollees, 86% get some kind of financial aid to help lower educational expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,215
Out-of-state
$23,562
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,806
Out-of-state
$22,431
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
16,142
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
6% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#14 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

University of Arizona Global Campus

  • Chandler, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

University of Arizona Global Campus features a master's in human services that is a great choice for students wanting a flexible online education in the field. A supportive virtual community and other institutional resources benefit distance learners at the Chandler, Arizona, college.

Interactive classes provide students with industry knowledge. Within the curriculum, which covers general education and advanced topics, learners can customize classes and choose electives. Enrollees can add to their education with experiential learning experiences. Internships, externships, and research projects give degree-seekers first-hand experience of working in the field.

Applicants can talk to the admissions office to learn more about enrollment criteria. Some form of financial aid is awarded to 89% of all enrollees, so students should check with the financial aid office to explore eligibility requirements for funding opportunities. Learners who meet the proper criteria can reduce degree expenses with scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,640
Out-of-state
$11,640
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,060
Out-of-state
$12,060
Retention Rate
24%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
32,620
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#15 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees 2022

Ohio Christian University

  • Circleville, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Looking for a flexible education that prepares you for a career in the human services field? Check out the bachelor's in human services at Ohio Christian University. A total of 2,389 online learners receive a premier education from the private college, choosing form 11 virtual bachelor's programs.

Students gain the tools needed for a successful career in human services. Classes cover both foundational topics and advanced subjects in human services, giving enrollees a broad knowledge of the field. If applicable to their career goals, degree-seekers can participate in experiential learning opportunities to strengthen their industry knowledge. Learners gain valuable knowledge from internships, externships, and applied research projects. Academic advising and career services provide guidance to degree-seekers throughout the course of their studies.

To offset degree costs, eligible students can pursue external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. A benefit of attending a leader in remote education, degree-seekers get connected to funding opportunities to support their academic journey, with 94% of them receiving aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,533
Out-of-state
$13,533
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,765
Out-of-state
$10,765
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,843
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
84% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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