2026 Best Online Human Services Degrees
Explore the best online human services degrees, chosen by real students who've been there.
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The best online human services degrees are the ones that your peers recommend.
Key Takeaways:
- Purdue Global and Western Washington University both earned perfect 100% recommendation rates alongside high review ratings (4.5+/5), signaling consistently positive student experiences.
- SUNY Empire State University and Southern New Hampshire University offer the most budget-friendly options, both under $11,000 annually, making them strong choices for cost-conscious students. This means that real students have vouched for these programs at a fraction of the cost of competitors.
Following our list of the highest reviewed online human services bachelor's degrees, we interviewed Chrissie Steyn, LCPC, who offers practical advice for thriving in online human services programs.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online bachelor's in human services degree make the cut. On top of that, each program must have at least 5 verified student reviews we have collected with an aggregate rating of 2.5+ on a 5-point scale, so you know real students have weighed in and vouched for the experience.
We also manually research all tuition rates and include the median earnings of human services majors 5 years after graduation, giving you a complete, honest picture of what you're signing up for.
2026 Best Online Human Services Degrees
| Rank | School | Review Rating | Recommendation | 4.5 / 5 | 80% | $8,850 | $53,100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University, Online | 4.5 / 5 | 100% | $17,400 | N/A | ||||
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 4.2 / 5 | 79% | $10,260 | N/A | ||||
| Colorado State University Global | 3.7 / 5 | 80% | $11,250 | $44,167 | ||||
| University of Phoenix | 3.6 / 5 | 74% | $11,940 | $46,004 | ||||
| Columbia College | 3.3 / 5 | 40% | $11,250 | $43,570 |
Online degree:
What sets this program apart:
- This human services degree aligns with eligibility for the Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner exam.
- While this degree prepares students for roles in case management, advocacy, and community services, the earnings data ($41,816) suggests outcomes are more modest compared to peers. This shows us that the degree is positioned as a starting point or career pivot option rather than a program designed for upward mobility for those within the field already.
- Purdue Global offers a three-week trial period. This is a rare feature, giving prospective students a way to experience human services coursework before committing financially.
9 Student Reviews
Great experience! I never thought I'd graduate. They make everything easy and enjoyable. All the professors are lovely and understanding. All representatives at the school are amazing. I recommend to everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Purdue Global provided the access to another degree, Bachelor of Science in Human Services. As a full-time employee working day shift, it was not possible to attend an in-person program. Purdue Global received the recommendation of former professors as... Read More
I will be graduating in October and my experience has been wonderful at Purdue Global. My instructors were amazing and super helpful. My advisor always had my best interest in mind and financial aid was always on top of their game. I felt my learning... Read More
AI Summary of Student Reviews: Reviews are strongly favorable overall, with most describing a supportive online experience that helped you finish a degree while balancing work, family, and other obligations. There is repeated praise for flexible scheduling, a user-friendly platform, helpful instructors, and responsive advisors, financial aid staff, career services, and IT. Several reviewers say the program made degree completion possible after years of delay, and one specifically credits the school with helping secure a job in the field. Other reviewers note paying more than expected, objecting to support-service fees they did not use, and expressing frustration that the Human Services program was not accredited by CSHSE, only a member.
- Undergraduate Online: 31,065 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $11,130
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,130
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $41,816
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 25%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
What sets this program apart:
- WWU's edge is consistently high student satisfaction. With a 97% recommendation rate 鈥� the highest on this list 鈥� the program signals a level of student buy-in that typically reflects meaningful and professionally relevant experience.
- Unlike large, high-volume online providers, WWU’s distance-learning model serves a relatively small cohort, which allows for closer interaction with faculty who are active practitioners in the field.
- Another differentiator is how the program connects learning to local communities. WWU integrates community-based projects and internships in human services that encourage students to engage with organizations in their own regions.
5 Student Reviews
I was lucky enough to be able to attend the branch campus of Western Washington University at Everett Community College. This allowed me to live at home while attending. I loved my coursework and it really set me up for my current career, though it is... Read More
Western offers the focus on students and the faculty access of a smaller college and the academic choice, resources, multicultural diversity, and room to grow of a large university. Not so big that you feel like a number; not so small that you have to... Read More
Wonderful school, many activities, supports, and services. Real community feel and beautiful campus.
AI Summary of Our Student Reviews: There is repeated praise for accessible professors, supportive staff, and coursework that feels practical and career-shaping, even when graduates do not enter Human Services directly. The Bellingham setting stands out as a meaningful part of the experience, with reviewers highlighting a beautiful campus, a self-supporting community, and abundant ways to get involved through clubs, activities, and campus services. Several reviews emphasize the school’s welcoming culture, including the absence of a Greek system, which some saw as creating a more inclusive and less socially segmented environment. Unique takeaways include strong perceived value for cost, especially compared with peer institutions, and a campus identity shaped by sustainability, active learning, and a community atmosphere rather than prestige alone.
- Undergraduate Online: 159 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition: $28,707
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $49,357
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
What sets this program apart:
- SUNY Empire's human service degree stands out for what happens after enrollment. Despite relatively modest completion rates, this program is #1 on this list in median earnings. Graduates with this degree make $53,100 just a few years after graduating. That's better than 76% of programs in this field across the U.S.
- SUNY Empire offers a highly individualized model where students can shape their coursework around prior experience, career goals, and specific areas of interest.
- Coursework is mostly self-directed, focusing on reading and writing instead of lectures or frequent exams.
- Student feedback reflects that tradeoff, as many appreciate the flexibility and affordability, while others note uneven mentor support and slower feedback.
5 Student Reviews
Some instructors slow to post grades, and feedback. Constant outtages, and technology issues. I was going off to grad school, and was on a time constraint- was told by Empire administration to request grades early so that I would not be dropped, some... Read More
SUNY Empire State College is an excellent school. I highly recommend attending this institution for a number of reasons. I returned to finish my college degree and obtain my bachelor's in psychology. I found the enrollment process is easy as well as the... Read More
If you are new to online learning than it will take some time to adjust. I have had an overall, very good experience through Empire, and I would recommend it with some caveats. If you are expecting to be taught by instructors, you will be by enlarge disappointed.... Read More
AI Summary of Our Student Reviews: Reviewers consistently value the ability to move while enrolled, design a degree around personal interests, and complete coursework without fixed login times. Several also highlight fair tuition, grant support, prior-learning credit value, and a relatively smooth admissions process. You also see a distinctive academic model: learning is often highly self-directed, with heavy reading and writing, limited live instruction, and few traditional exams. Support services such as tutorials, advisors, tutors, and accommodating faculty are praised, yet reviewer experiences with mentors and instructors are uneven. Specific complaints include delayed grading, inconsistent communication, platform outages, and frustration when administrative timing affected graduate school plans.
- Undergraduate Online: 7,518 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $8,850
- Out-of-State Tuition: $8,850
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: $53,100
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 29%
- Retention Rate: 46%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
What sets this program apart:
- ASU’s community health program is structured around a specific outcome, which is eligibility for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam at graduation. Many entry-level public health roles require this credential, meaning students are ahead of the curve as soon as they graduate.
- Among the schools in this ranking, Arizona State University comes in at #1 in student retention (85%), graduation rate (68%), and student satisfaction (93% out of 1,500+ reviews we've collected).
- This bachelor's mostly concerns population health and prevention rather than direct service delivery (like the degree above). There's a stronger focus on community-wide interventions, health promotion strategies, and data-informed decision-making. In practice, that means graduates are ready for roles in public health departments, nonprofits, and health education initiatives.
9 Student Reviews
Having an online school has helped me to accomplish graduation from college. Not sure if I would have been able to if online college was not an option for me. It helped me to work and be a mom. Arizona State has many options for anyone to attend college... Read More
Arizona State University is a thriving University. There are an incredible number of programs and the advisers are wonderful in helping your find the right program for you and your career goals. The campus is spacious with unlimited resources to their... Read More
Arizona State University and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Resource provides unique opportunities to individuals of all ages and in various paths of professional and educational development. The various courses within this program... Read More
AI Summary of Our Student Reviews: There is repeated praise for the online format as a practical path to degree completion for people balancing work, parenting, military life, or frequent relocation. Several reviews note that seven-week courses and adaptable scheduling made it possible to continue progressing when a traditional campus model would not have been realistic. Reviewers value knowledgeable instructors, detailed course design, and professors with real-world experience beyond academia. That applied perspective appears especially important in Family and Human Development coursework, where reviews say the curriculum builds insight into working with children, families, and diverse communities. Some also view the program as confidence-building and professionally preparatory, not merely theoretical.
- Undergraduate Online: 57,610 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $17,400
- Out-of-State Tuition: $17,400
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
What sets this program apart:
- SNHU's human services degree has three concentration options: Child and Family Services, Gerontology, and Substance Abuse. These each reflect areas with sustained demand in community-based care.
- The substance abuse pathway, in particular, connects to credentialing through the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals, giving students professional qualifications.
- Online courses culminate in a capstone that mirrors real-world scenarios.
- Student feedback consistently reinforces the idea that success in this program depends less on passive learning and more on self-direction, time management, and the ability to apply concepts in practical contexts.
11 Student Reviews
I have nothing but great things for this school. I highly recommend it to everyone and anyone. If you need that boost or degree to move up to the next level , Well here it is. The only down side I would say is that its costly for a single Adult amongst... Read More
I will make this short and sweet. SNHU is a great school, with a great system if you apply yourself. It's just like any other institution of higher learning; you will be successful if you put in the effort. The students who complain, were never scholars... Read More
I did my research on schools before deciding on SNHU. All of my credits transferred from UOP so that was amazing. I have 6 months left and I will be graduating. My advisor is amazing and always checks in with me. Even when I had to take time off for having... Read More
AI Summary of Our Student Reviews: There is strong praise for flexible online delivery, affordable pricing relative to many alternatives, generous transfer-credit acceptance, and a course design built around weekly milestones, discussion posts, and scaffolded final projects. Many reviewers say you can work ahead, balance school with employment and family responsibilities, and receive solid academic support from responsive professors and attentive advisors who check in regularly. Several reviewers describe excellent advisors and smooth financial aid processing, while others report difficulty reaching advisors, vague answers from One Stop, delayed communication, credit-transfer disputes, and billing or funding problems that felt aggressive or confusing. Reviewers stress that this program is writing-intensive, highly structured, and best suited for self-directed learners who are comfortable with papers, projects, and discussion-based learning rather than lectures and exams.
- Undergraduate Online: 160,747 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $10,260
- Out-of-State Tuition: $10,260
- Program Length: 4 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Stories Behind the Rankings: An Editorial Analysis
The Small-Cohort Satisfaction Standout
Western Washington University has the highest recommendation rate on this list at 97%, along with a strong 3.99/5 rating, but only 166 online students. That gap makes this school look less like a high-volume online machine and more like a smaller, community-based school where students value a more personal experience.
The Earnings Leader With a Persistence Problem
SUNY Empire has the strongest earnings among human services majors on this entire list at $53,100, beating 76% of comparable programs nationally.. Plus, tuition is comparatively low at $8,850. But the 29% graduation rate and 46% retention rate illustrate the tradeoff: This flexible, self-directed model may work well for independent adults, but it does not appear to carry everyone through.
Top Retention, Graduation, and Review Rating
Arizona State University Online leads this list on several core student-success signals: 85% retention, 68% graduation, a 4.07/5 review rating, and a 93% recommendation rate. The human services program is also credential-aligned through CHES eligibility, which makes it feel more deliberately tied to public health and prevention careers than a generic human services degree.
Therapist Chrissie Steyn Explains How To Thrive in Online Human Services Programs
Integrative Therapist
What skills do employers most value in human services graduates?
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"The ability to quickly connect and develop rapport with people seeking professional counseling services.
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Openness to unlearn some of what they鈥檝e been taught as theory in school to adapt to the unique client in front of them. It鈥檚 the skill of attunement and discernment. We want students who understand the heart of educational recommendations (outside of clear ethics) and can adapt them with nuance to each client. Another way to say it is that a student can work from a list of values instead of rigid, black-and-white processes or theories.
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Internal motivation to exhaust available resources before enlisting a peer or supervisor for help with administrative tasks or questions."
What specializations are in highest demand?
"Increasingly our practice is being sought out for Internal Family Systems therapy. We exclusively hire interns and staff who are committed to the values of this model while integrating it later with other models as they progress in proficiency of IFS.
A few years ago we were educating our clients on this type of therapy. Now, we get inquiries and referrals from other therapists specifically looking for an IFS therapist. The modality is gaining notoriety with some public figures like Gabby Bernstein, Glennon Doyle of the 'We can do hard things' podcast and even Huberman labs. It is also connecting with fans of the Inside Out movies.
We do not see kids nor many teens at our practice but we are aware that the demand is very high."
What challenges do you think online students will face in this field?
"None. I think an online degree these days is extremely compatible with this field."
How can online learners build meaningful field experience and professional networks while studying remotely?
"They can and must engage in a practicum or internship to practice their skills but this could also be online today due to the prevalence of group practices offering telehealth services either exclusively or in a hybrid format. Students should note that many programs, whether online or not, do require that any telehealth be conducted in a space where the supervisor is physically present."
EXPERT TIP
"Get an inexpensive CACREP degree online because a lot of what you really need to learn starts in the field during internship and after graduation."
FAQs About An Online Human Services Degree
What Is a Bachelor's in Human Services Degree?
An online human services degree delves into human behavior and social systems, equipping you with the skills needed for a career in social work, counseling, or community service. These programs often cover topics such as ethics, case management, and intervention strategies, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in people's lives.
An online bachelor's degree in human services prepares students to work directly with clients, families, and whole communities to identify their needs and help connect people with local resources and aid.
These degrees usually emphasize increasing access to resources for all community members and promoting equity and social justice through services. Students taking this degree will learn about human behavior and relationships, why people need services and how to provide them, how to assess what those needs are, and diversity and ethics in human services.
A human services degree is similar to a degree in social work, but there are some key differences. Human services degrees usually don't lead to licensure and often focus on preparing students for a wide range of careers rather than just social work.
Some programs offer specializations, such as child and family services, substance abuse, emergency management, counseling, or health and human services management. Many programs also train students in the administrative side of human services, such as fundraising and program development.
Bachelor's degrees in human services usually require 120 credits and are designed to take four years to complete. Students will take required classes in the social sciences and human services, electives based on personal interests, and general education courses in math, science, English, and other areas of study. Most programs require an internship or practicum in a local human services agency.
You may also want to explore our ranking of the most affordable online bachelor's in human services degrees.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Human Services Degree?
After finishing a bachelor's degree in human services, students can continue on to graduate school or enter the workforce. Continuing education with a master's or doctoral degree can help students get specific jobs, especially those that require a master's degree for licensure, like becoming a clinical social worker or counselor. Students who want to enter the workforce might pursue jobs in social services, education, healthcare, or public administration.
Further Education
Students might go on to graduate school to complete research, gain leadership skills, or pursue a specialization within human services. While a bachelor's degree is enough to enter the field, earning a master's or doctorate will qualify students for advanced positions in management and leadership and may open the door to licensure, depending on what they study.
- A master's in human services can open the door to careers in the nonprofit sector, program management, or other upper-level positions that don't require professional licensure. Students may pursue specializations in areas such as organizational leadership, military families, criminal justice, or addiction and recovery. Those who are interested in licensure may also opt for master's programs in social work or a master's in counseling, which focus on working directly with clients in a more clinical setting.
- A doctoral degree in human services might give students the opportunity to focus on organizational management within human services for leadership roles. Doctoral programs can also lead to jobs in academia, higher education, and research.
Careers in Human Services
Bachelor's graduates in human services usually work in social services, often for nonprofit organizations or government agencies. Most often, these professionals are necessary to help facilitate community services, and graduates might work either in administration or directly with community members.
However, these programs also lead to careers in grant writing, fundraising, event planning, marketing, and public outreach. A background in human services can also be beneficial for careers in law, public policy, and advocacy.
What Should I Consider Before Choosing an Online Human Services Degree?
One of the most important considerations for an online degree is accreditation, which signals whether or not a college is legitimate. If a school is accredited, it means it is continuously reviewed by outside groups to make sure it meets academic standards. It also means you can use federal financial aid to pay for your degree there if you qualify.
Online students should also consider their learning style and what they need to succeed in college. Online schools offer different class and program styles to meet the unique needs of online learners.
Some students might want asynchronous classes, where they can watch recorded lectures and review class material on their own time. Others might need the structure of regular virtual meetings via Zoom and other platforms.
Finally, students should consider if a degree in human services is right for them. Working in human services can be extremely rewarding for those who are committed to helping others. However, it can also be a stressful and emotionally draining sector due to the high volume of people in need and a lack of available resources.
Students should do some research into the pros and cons of working in human services and potential career pathways before enrolling.
Why Is Human Services Important?
Human services play a critical role in society by helping those in need. They provide essentials like food and shelter, aid victims of natural disasters or fires, support military veterans and their families, help formerly incarcerated people re-enter society, treat those with addictions or mental health issues, and support victims of domestic violence. These services improve the quality of life in communities and ensure equal access to resources regardless of race, class, gender, sex, religion, socioeconomic status, or ability to pay.
Earning your degree in human services can lead to a successful career that helps others and changes society for the better. Human services is a versatile degree that can be applied in any industry that works with people, especially those in need. Professionals in the industry have a lot of potential for further education and career advancement. While the work can be taxing, the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives could mean a fulfilling career for those who are passionate about helping others.
Can I Get a Human Services Degree Online?
Yes, you can get a human services degree online. Today there are a wide variety to choose from. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credit hours and take four years to finish when enrolled full time. There are also master's degrees and doctorates in human services available online.
Do You Need a Degree to Work in Human Services?
While there are job opportunities in human services that don't require a degree, professionals in the industry will usually need at least a bachelor's degree to qualify for higher positions and salaries. There are jobs in human services available for every education level, but many upper positions will require a bachelor's or master's degree.
What's the Difference Between Human Services and Social Work?
Social work is just one of many different types of services that fall under the human services umbrella. Social work is usually focused on case management and working directly with families and individuals to improve their lives and connect them with resources. Human services includes social work services alongside other social assistance programs like food banks, homeless shelters, and disaster relief.