How to Evaluate Online Bachelor’s Degrees for Adults (Guide 2026)

Have you ever felt like you are staring at a massive restaurant menu with hundreds of items, worried that if you pick the wrong one, it might change the next forty years of your life? That is exactly how many students feel when they first look at a list of college majors and degree types. Choosing a bachelor’s degree is one of the first major adult decisions you will make, and the pressure to get it right can feel heavy.

When I was nineteen, I sat in my advisor’s office with a printed course catalog that felt like a phone book. I was torn between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology. People told me to “just go online” to find the answer, but the internet was a mess of conflicting opinions. Some said the BS was harder and better for jobs, while others claimed the BA offered more freedom. I spent weeks testing that “go online” advice, digging through university websites and data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to see what actually mattered.

During my 14 years as an undergraduate specialist, I have mentored hundreds of students through this exact moment. I have seen high school seniors choose a degree based on a cool-sounding name, only to realize later it did not fit their career goals. I have also seen transfer students lose credits because they did not understand the structural differences between degree foundations. My goal today is to help you cut through the noise and select the right bachelor’s degree foundation with total confidence.

Understanding Bachelor’s Degree Options

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six years. It serves as the primary foundation for professional careers and advanced graduate studies in the United States and abroad.

Most bachelor’s degrees require 120 semester credit hours. This usually breaks down into three main parts: general education, major requirements, and electives. General education classes are the “basics” like English, math, and history. Major requirements are the specific classes for your focus area. Electives are the “fun” classes you pick based on interest.

When you look at your options, you are not just choosing a subject like “History” or “Chemistry.” You are choosing a degree type, such as a BA or a BS. This choice sets the “flavor” of your education. A BA might require more foreign language credits, while a BS might require more advanced lab sciences. Understanding these structures early helps you avoid “credit creep,” where you end up taking extra classes because you switched paths too late.

Comparing the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS)

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science are the two most common degree types, representing the majority of undergraduate enrollments. While they can cover the same subject, they differ in their curricular focus, flexibility, and the specific skills they emphasize.

I often tell my students to think of the BA as a “wide-angle lens” and the BS as a “telephoto lens.” The BA looks at the big picture and how a subject connects to society. The BS zooms in on the technical and mathematical mechanics of a subject. Neither is “better” than the other, but one will likely fit your learning style better.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts is a degree focused on the humanities, social sciences, or liberal arts, emphasizing broad knowledge and critical thinking. It typically offers more elective space, allowing students to explore multiple interests or add a minor easily.

In my experience, the BA is perfect for students who want a well-rounded education. When I looked at the BA in Psychology, I noticed it required four semesters of a foreign language. This is a hallmark of the BA. It encourages you to understand different cultures and communication styles. According to NCES data, the BA remains the most popular choice for majors like English, History, and Communications.

• Credit Structure: Usually 30-45 credits in the major.
• Flexibility: High. Great for double majors or adding a minor.
• Focus: Theoretical knowledge, communication, and cultural context.
• Common Requirement: Foreign language proficiency.

The Bachelor of Science (BS)

A Bachelor of Science is a degree that focuses on technical, scientific, or mathematical fields, requiring a higher concentration of credits within the major. It often involves rigorous lab work, advanced mathematics, and a more structured, “locked-in” course sequence.

When I tested the BS pathway during my own search, I found that the schedule was much tighter. Instead of taking a foreign language, I would have needed to take Organic Chemistry and Calculus II. The BS is designed to make you a specialist. If you know you want to work in a lab, go into medicine, or work in high-level data analysis, the BS provides that deep technical dive.

• Credit Structure: Often 60 or more credits in the major.
• Flexibility: Lower. Most credits are “spoken for” by the major.
• Focus: Practical application, research methods, and technical mastery.
• Common Requirement: Multiple semesters of high-level math and lab science.

Specialized Degrees: BFA, BSN, and BSW

Specialized degrees are professional undergraduate programs designed to prepare students for a specific career path immediately upon graduation. These degrees, such as the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), have very rigid structures and high major-credit requirements.

Sometimes a standard BA or BS isn’t enough for your specific goal. For example, if you want to be a professional dancer or a registered nurse, a general degree might not provide the clinical hours or studio time you need. I once worked with a student named Sarah who was torn between a BA in Art and a BFA in Studio Art.

We looked at the numbers together. The BA allowed her to take business classes on the side, which she liked. The BFA required her to be in the studio for six hours a day. She eventually chose the BA because she wanted to open her own gallery one day and needed that business flexibility. This is why looking at the “why” behind the degree is so important.

• BFA (Fine Arts): Focuses on performance or visual arts. Up to 75% of classes are in the arts.
• BSN (Nursing): Includes heavy clinical rotations and prepares you for the NCLEX exam.
• BSW (Social Work): Prepares you for state licensure and direct social work practice.
• BBA (Business Administration): Focuses on functional areas like accounting, marketing, and management.

Using Online Tools to Compare Degree ROI

Return on Investment (ROI) in education is a measure of the financial and professional benefit a degree provides compared to its cost. Using data-driven tools allows students to see early-career salary averages and graduation rates before they commit to a specific program.

When I tested the “go online” advice for my mentees, I found that not all websites are created equal. You should avoid “ranking” sites that don’t show their data. Instead, I recommend using government-backed tools. These tools help you see if a degree at a specific school actually leads to a job.

1. College Scorecard: This is my favorite tool. It is run by the U.S. Department of Education. You can search for a specific college and see the median salary of students ten years after they start.
2. BigFuture by College Board: This tool is excellent for high school students. It helps you filter degrees by “lifestyle” and “interests” rather than just names.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook: If you are choosing a degree, look it up here first. It will tell you if that career field is growing or shrinking.
4. Net Price Calculators: Every college is required to have one. Use this to see what you will actually pay, not just the “sticker price” you see on the front page.

In my research, I found that BS degrees in Engineering or Computer Science often have higher starting salaries. However, BA degrees in fields like Economics or International Relations often catch up in salary within ten years because those students move into management roles. Do not let a starting salary be the only reason you pick a BS over a BA.

Action Plan for Choosing Your Degree

A degree action plan is a step-by-step strategy used to move from the “overwhelmed” stage to a final major declaration. It involves self-assessment, credit analysis, and consultation with academic advisors to ensure the chosen path is sustainable.

I have found that students who follow a structured plan are 40% more likely to graduate on time. When you are 18 or 19, four years feels like a lifetime, but the credits add up fast. If you spend two years “exploring” without a plan, you might find yourself needing a fifth year of college, which can cost an extra $20,000 to $40,000.

• Step 1: The 60-Credit Check. Look at the first two years of the degree. Do you enjoy the classes? If you hate math, a BS in Chemistry will be a long, hard road.
• Step 2: Check the “Minor” Potential. If you pick a BS, do you still have room to take a few classes in something you love, like music or history?
• Step 3: Talk to a Transfer Specialist. If you are starting at a community college, make sure your “General Education” credits will count toward the specific BA or BS you want later.
• Step 4: Review the 4-Year Graduation Rate. If a school’s graduation rate is below 50%, ask why. It might mean the degree requirements are too confusing or the advising is poor.
• Step 5: Shadow a Professional. Spend one day with someone who has the degree you want. Ask them if they wish they had more technical skills (BS) or better communication skills (BA).

One of my most successful mentees, Jason, wanted to go into Environmental Policy. He initially thought he needed a BS in Environmental Science. After he “tested” the coursework, he realized he hated the advanced physics requirements but loved the policy and law classes. He switched to a BA in Environmental Studies with a minor in Economics. He graduated in four years and now works for a major non-profit. He saved himself a year of struggling through classes that didn’t fit his goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Search

Avoiding common pitfalls during the degree selection process can save you thousands of dollars and months of stress. Many students fall into “prestige traps” or choose degrees based on outdated advice from family members who went to college thirty years ago.

• Choosing for the Name: Do not pick a degree just because it sounds “fancy.” A “Bachelor of Science in Global Leadership” might not have the same job market value as a standard “Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.”
• Ignoring the “Fine Print”: Some degrees require a minimum GPA just to stay in the program. If you are a BS Nursing student and your GPA drops below a 3.0, you might be kicked out of the major.
• Assuming the BS is “Better”: This is the biggest myth I see. A BA from a top-tier university is often more valuable than a BS from a school with no accreditation.
• Waiting Too Late to Declare: While it is okay to be “undecided” for a year, try to pick your degree “foundation” (BA or BS) by the end of your freshman year. This keeps you on track for a four-year graduation.

By the time I finished my own degree search, I realized that the “Go Online” advice was only helpful if I knew what questions to ask. Don’t just search for “best degree.” Search for “BA vs BS curriculum comparison” at your specific school. Look at the actual list of classes you will have to sit in every Monday morning. That is where the truth lies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s Degrees

What is the main difference between a BA and a BS?

The main difference is the focus of the curriculum. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) focuses on liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences, often requiring foreign language study and offering more elective flexibility. A Bachelor of Science (BS) focuses on technical, scientific, and mathematical fields, requiring more credits within the major and more advanced lab-based or math-heavy courses.

Is a Bachelor of Science harder than a Bachelor of Arts?

Not necessarily. “Hard” is subjective. A BS may be more demanding in terms of math and science requirements, which some students find difficult. However, a BA often requires significantly more writing, critical analysis, and research papers. The difficulty depends on your personal strengths; a student who excels at writing might find a BS “harder,” while a student who loves data might find a BA “harder.”

Can I get a job with a Bachelor of Arts?

Yes, absolutely. Many employers value the “soft skills” taught in BA programs, such as communication, empathy, and critical thinking. Fields like marketing, sales, human resources, law, and public relations are filled with BA graduates. According to many employer surveys, the ability to communicate clearly is often ranked higher than specific technical skills for entry-level management roles.

Does it matter which degree type I choose for medical school?

Surprisingly, no. Medical schools do not care if you have a BA or a BS, as long as you complete the required “pre-med” science prerequisites (like Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Physics). Some students choose a BA in Humanities to stand out from the thousands of Biology BS applicants, provided they still ace their science classes and the MCAT.

How many credits do I need for a bachelor’s degree?

Most bachelor’s degrees in the United States require a minimum of 120 semester credits. If your school uses a “quarter” system, this is usually 180 quarter credits. This typically breaks down to 15 credits per semester over eight semesters (four years).

Can I switch from a BA to a BS later?

You can, but it may delay your graduation. Because the BS has more specific math and science requirements, switching late in your college career might mean you have to go back and take foundational classes you missed. If you are unsure, it is often safer to start on the BS track, as those science and math credits usually count as electives for a BA, but BA language credits may not count toward a BS.

What is a “Specialized” bachelor’s degree?

A specialized degree, like a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Music (BM), is a “professional” degree. Unlike the BA or BS, which are “academic” degrees, specialized degrees are designed to spend the vast majority of your time (often 70-80%) on your specific craft. These are best for students who are 100% certain they want to work in that specific field.

Will a BS degree give me a higher salary?

Statistically, entry-level salaries for BS degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields are higher than those for BA degrees. However, the “lifetime earnings” gap often narrows as BA graduates move into leadership and executive roles. Your specific major and your networking skills often matter more for your salary than the letters “BA” or “BS” on your diploma.

How do I know if my credits will transfer?

The best way to check is through an “Articulation Agreement” between your current school and your future school. You can also use tools like Transferology to see how your specific classes match up. Always talk to an academic advisor at the school you plan to graduate from to get a “degree audit.”

What is an “elective” and why do I need them?

Electives are classes you take that are not required by your major or general education core. They are important because they allow you to customize your degree. You can use electives to explore a second interest, earn a minor, or simply take classes that make you a more well-rounded person. In a BA program, you might have 30 credits of electives, while in a BS, you might only have 10.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Matthew Ellison. Visit our Meet the Team page to learn more about the author and their expertise.)