Spanish speakers are needed in nearly every field, from business to healthcare. Those who are fluent in this popular language have good job prospects.
Thus, a Spanish degree is a wise choice.
But with few online bachelor’s in Spanish programs available, finding one that meets your career goals is a challenge.
Read on to learn which online Spanish degree programs will fit your needs without breaking your budget.
In this article, we profile 15 most affordable online Spanish bachelor degree programs.
15 Affordable Bachelor’s in Spanish Online Degrees Methodology
In the search to find the best online Spanish degree, we conducted research.
First, we reviewed 61 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator. We looked at schools with bachelor’s in Spanish online degrees. We also looked at schools with Latin American and Chicano studies tracks.
Next, we narrowed our pool of schools by applying the following:
- accreditation (regional and/or national)
- program and/or school rankings with U.S. News and World Report
- tuition costs
We chose schools with undergraduate tuition less than $33,000 per year.
Lastly, we listed our top 15 choices by tuition.
The lowest-priced school ranks #1.
Below are the 15 most affordable online bachelor’s in Spanish programs.
#15 – Pace University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
New York, New York
Undergraduate Tuition: $32,886
Pace University offers a partially online Spanish bachelor degree. This program covers both language and Spanish literature.
The program helps you gain Spanish speaking skills you need to be bilingual. It also prepares you for careers in fields that hire those with Spanish speaking skills.
For example, graduates who’ve earned the Spanish degree have pursued work in:
- education
- government
- international and public affairs
- media and entertainment
- tourism
In this program, you’ll take Spanish courses like:
- Intro to Latin American culture
- Intro to Spanish culture
- Spanish conversation
- Spanish translation
Lastly, U.S. News and World Report ranks Pace among top national schools. For instance, Pace ranks #217 in best national schools and #28 in best online bachelor’s degree programs.
#14 – Mercy College
Online Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Undergraduate Tuition: $20,558
Mercy College is an affordable school for a degree in Spanish language. It offers an online bachelor’s in Spanish degree designed for working students.
This program offers online courses. It also has night and weekend classes. As a result, students with busy schedules benefit from the program’s format.
The Spanish degree program offers courses like:
- Spanish American literature
- Spanish conversation
Additionally, it offers access to earning a minor in Spanish. No matter what your major, you can pick up a 15-credit hour Spanish minor.
Finally, Mercy is accredited. It also ranks with U.S. News and World Report. Rankings include #136-#176 in best regional schools in the North and #17 in top performers on social mobility.
#13 – Oregon State University
Online Bachelor’s in Spanish
Corvallis, Oregon
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,858
Oregon State University (OSU) is a cost-effective college for Spanish degrees. It offers a bachelor’s in Spanish online degree program for students who want to develop their Spanish speaking skills.
This program consists of 180 credit hours. It also offers four start terms per year.
You also complete your classes online. However, you earn the same degree that on-campus students earn. In fact, all courses are taught by full-time OSU faculty.
Courses cover topics like:
- Cultures of Spain and Portugal
- Latin American culture
- Spanish for business
- Spanish language through culture
Finally, OSU ranks with U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include:
- #153 in best national schools
- #133 in best value schools
- #4 in best online bachelor’s programs
#12 – Arizona State University
Online Bachelor’s in Spanish
Tempe, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,338
Arizona State University (ASU) is an affordable college for an online bachelor’s degree in Spanish. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.
This program helps you become proficient in listening, reading, and speaking Spanish. You also develop your Spanish writing skills.
The program also helps you become bilingual. As a result, you’ll qualify for jobs with Spanish speaking requirements.
Students take 38 classes and complete 120 credit hours. Each course runs for 7.5 weeks.
You’ll take courses like:
- Advanced first year composition
- Intermediate Spanish
- Spanish conversation
Lastly, ASU ranks with U.S. News and World Report. Recent rankings include #103 in best national schools and #6 in best online bachelor’s programs.
#11 – Texas A & M University
Online Bachelor’s in Spanish
Commerce, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,820
Texas A & M University is an affordable school for online Spanish degree programs. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with teaching and non-teaching study tracks.
The program prepares you to become Spanish educators. However, if you don’t want to teach, you can follow a non-teaching track.
Both study tracks provide you with skills to be proficient in Spanish. In this program, you take courses like:
- Advanced grammar
- Intro to Spanish American literature
- Spanish conversation
Lastly, the school and program rank with U.S. News and World Report. Current rankings include, for example, #66 in best national schools and #256-#337 in best online bachelor’s programs.
#10 – The University of Texas
Online Bachelor’s in Chicano Studies
El Paso, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,450
The University of Texas is an affordable school for an online Spanish degree. It offers a bachelor’s in Chicano studies with a Spanish language and literature focus.
This program helps you understand Chicano culture and history. It also covers topics like:
- American immigration
- Chicano cinema
- Chicano legal history
- Chicano and Spanish literature
Because the program is interdisciplinary, you focus on what you’re interested in. If you want to focus more on literature, you can.
You can also add criminal justice or social work studies to your major.
As a result, your major prepares you for a wide range of jobs and career paths.
Finally, UTEP ranks with U.S. News and World Report.
#9 – University of Colorado
Online Bachelor’s in Ethnic Studies
Denver, Colorado
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,401
University of Colorado Denver is an affordable school for online Spanish degrees. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies with courses in Spanish and Hispanic culture.
This program helps you understand ethnic studies. It combines history and contemporary issues connected to diversity in the U.S. and globally.
The program also offers courses like:
- Intro to ethnic studies
- Latino cultures
- Spanish literature
Moreover, the goal of the program is to help students graduate with an increased cultural awareness. Courses last 15 weeks with one week of finals.
Lastly, UC Denver ranks with U.S. News and World Report. Its rankings include #113 in top public schools and #227 in best national schools.
#8 – Northern State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Aberdeen, South Dakota
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,750
Northern State University (NSU) is an affordable school for online Spanish degree programs. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for both non-native and native speakers.
This program equips students with Spanish speaking skills. It also prepares you for careers in Spanish speaking places. For example, you gain access to internships and volunteer work in Spanish speaking areas.
You also take Spanish courses like:
- Intro to Latin American literature
- Intro to Spanish American literature
- Spanish language
The program is online, making it a top choice if you work or juggle a busy schedule.
Lastly, NSU ranks with U.S. News and World Report. Recent rankings, for instance, include #80 in best regional schools in the Midwest and #19 in top public schools.
#7 – University of New Mexico
Online Bachelor’s in Chicana & Chicano Studies
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,161
The University of New Mexico is a cost-effective school for a Spanish degree. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Chicana and Chicano Studies (CCS) program with a concentration in Latino perspectives.
This program helps you learn about Latin history. It also shows how history impacts Latin society and culture.
Interested in improving your Spanish language skills? This program offers advanced language courses. You can take Spanish IV or Spanish literature classes.
UNM ranks with U.S. News and World Report. Rankings include, for example, #187 in best national schools. UNM also ranks among top performers on social mobility.
#6 – Indiana University
Online Bachelor’s in Spanish
Richmond, Indiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,715
Indiana University (IU) is an affordable college for Spanish degrees. It offers an online bachelor’s in Spanish with four degree tracks.
These program tracks include:
- Hispanic cultures in the U.S.
- Hispanic cultures for travel and tourism
- Spanish for business
- Spanish for medical communication
If you want to work in Spanish speaking areas, the program prepares you for such a career. You also learn about Spanish culture.
Courses, for example, cover topics like:
- Intro to Hispanic literature
- Peninsular Spanish literature
- The craft of translation
In this program, you complete 120 credit hours. However, transfer credits are accepted.
IU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top regional school in the Midwest.
#5 – Eastern New Mexico University
Online Bachelor’s in Spanish
Portales, New Mexico
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,648
Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) is an affordable college for a degree in Spanish language. It offers an online bachelor’s in Spanish with focus areas in Spanish and Hispanic culture.
This program helps students with bilingual abilities improve their skills. It also prepares you to work in Spanish speaking counties.
You complete your Spanish courses online using high-tech media and lab equipment. You also take part in online discussions.
Additionally, you write papers and complete readings.
ENMU is also committed to providing financial assistance to students each year. In addition to awarding scholarships, financial aid through grants and work study helps offset costs.
Finally, ENMU ranks with U.S. News and World Report. Current rankings include, for example, #95-124 in best regional schools in the West.
#4 – Valdosta State University
Online Bachelor’s in Spanish
Valdosta, Georgia
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,583
Valdosta State University (VSU) is an affordable college for an accredited Spanish degree. It offers a bachelor degree in Spanish language.
This program prepares you with proficiency in speaking Spanish. You also learn how to write in the language.
While enrolled in the program, you complete 27 credits of electives. You also complete a senior project.
You take classes like:
- Spanish for professionals
- TESOL
- World language and Spanish and Hispanic cultures
You then graduate prepared to work in a Spanish speaking country. You also qualify for jobs that require bilingual skills.
Finally, VSU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national school. It also ranks #122 in best online bachelor’s programs. This ranking includes VSU’s Spanish BA online program.
#3 – Florida International University
Online Bachelor’s in Spanish
Miami, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,565
Florida International University (FIU) is a cost-effective school for a Spanish degree. It offers a bachelor’s in Spanish online degree program.
This program helps you become a fluent Spanish speaker. It also improves your writing and reading in Spanish through courses and discussion.
You take classes like:
- Advanced grammar and composition
- Hispanic literature
- Intro to Spanish American literature
You also complete 120 credit hours to earn the Spanish degree.
Finally, FIU ranks with U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include:
- #187 in best national schools
- #117 in best value schools
- #53 in best online bachelor’s programs
#2 – University of Central Florida
Online Bachelor’s in Latin American Studies
Orlando, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,368
University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the most affordable schools on our list for a Spanish bachelor’s degree. If offers an online bachelor’s in Latin American studies with tracks in Spanish and Portuguese languages.
This program provides skills for speaking a foreign language. It also helps you improve your writing and reading.
Students complete 120 credit hours. You also take classes that cover topics in Spanish culture and migration.
You also learn about the Latin America economy. You also get to choose a language to further study.
UCF is a ranked school. It ranks with U.S. News and World Report as having the 14th best online bachelor’s program.
#1 – Fort Hays State University
Online Bachelor’s in Foreign Language – Spanish
Hays, Kansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,430
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers the cheapest online Spanish degree on our list. Here you earn a bachelor’s in foreign language with a Spanish concentration.
The program prepares students to become fluent Spanish speakers. It also serves as teacher education for those planning to work as Spanish instructors in schools.
In the online Spanish degree program, you take courses like:
- Beginning Spanish
- Intermediate Spanish
- Spanish conversational skills
Finally, FHSU ranks among top colleges. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks it:
- #112 in best regional schools in the Midwest
- #35 in top public schools
- #107 in best online bachelor’s programs
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a bachelor’s in Spanish online degree?
Spanish majors work in many different roles. People with online degrees in Spanish work as:
- interpreters
- teachers
- translators
After college, there are plenty of job options for those with Spanish language skills. For example, Spanish teachers work in elementary, middle, and high schools. They also work in colleges. However, college Spanish instructors need a minimum of a master’s in Spanish degree.
But with a bachelor’s in Spanish online degree you qualify for jobs in:
- Education, Instruction, and Teaching
Spanish teachers are always in demand. With an online bachelor’s in Spanish you qualify for work as an elementary, middle school, or high school teacher. However, licensing or certification are needed in some states.
- Government
Government jobs with the Armed Forces and Department of Treasury require a bachelor degree in Spanish language to work as interpreters or translators. Other agencies hiring bilingual people include the FBI and Foreign Claims Settlement Commission.
- Library Services
While librarian jobs require graduate degrees, library service workers with Spanish speaking skills and a bachelor’s degree find work as translators.
- Social Services
In social services, former Spanish majors interpret and translate. You also meet with clients and help relay information.
How much money can I earn with a bachelor’s in Spanish online degree?
Spanish speaking people work in different fields, from education to business. Among these career options are Spanish translators and high school Spanish teachers.
What you can expect to earn depends on where you work. For example, high school Spanish teachers earn between $50,000 and $62,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and PayScale.com.
However, interpreters and translators earn an average of $52,330 per year. But the highest 10% of earners make more than $96,000 per year, while the lowest earners make less than $30k per year. That’s quite a range.
So, what affects the range of earnings?
- education
- experience
- location
According to PayScale, the average wage for people with a bachelor’s in Spanish degree is $62,000 per year.
However, wages increase with more schooling. A master’s degree in Spanish, for instance, leads to higher wages. Additionally, a PhD or doctoral degree pays even more. In fact, people with a PhD in Spanish, for example, earn about $80,000 per year while teaching in a postsecondary school.
In conclusion, earning a Spanish bachelor’s degree is just the first step toward higher wages.
What is the job outlook if you have a bachelor’s in Spanish online degree?
Like earnings, the job outlook depends on where you work. It also depends on what job you have.
But those with a bachelor’s in Spanish online degree working in education should see good job growth.
In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reports a 4% job growth for high school Spanish teachers. Middle school Spanish teachers should also expect similar growth.
But for interpreters and translators, growth will be much higher.
A 20% job growth through 2030 is expected for people working in these roles. That’s 16% higher than the average growth for all jobs.
What will impact growth? First, a growing U.S. population with diverse people.
So, if you’re considering a Spanish degree, now’s a good time to get started on your schooling.
How long will it take me to earn a bachelor’s in Spanish online degree?
Most on-campus bachelor’s degrees take four years. Spanish degrees take the same.
If you want to shorten the time it takes to earn your degree, the following tips will help.
Look for fast-track programs.
Fast-track programs are shorter than traditional programs. They take between 24 and 36 months.
Enroll full-time.
Part-time programs require you enroll part-time. You take a lighter load of classes, but spend more time earning your degree.
If you want to speed up the process, enroll full-time. Thus, instead of taking one class at a time, take two.
Work through the summer.
Taking summer courses shortens the overall time it takes to earn your Spanish degree. However, the downside is that during warm weather months, you attend class.
But online Spanish programs offer more flexibility, which leads us to the final tip.
Enroll in an online program.
Online Spanish programs are offered at top-ranked and affordable schools. Many programs allow students to finish a degree in less than four years.
Benefits of online study also include:
- ability to work while earning a degree
- less time spent in the classroom
- lower costs and debt
- more time for hobbies
In conclusion, there are ways to shorten the time it takes to earn a Spanish degree. Thanks to online learning, you can get a bachelor’s degree in Spanish in less than four years.
What are the admission requirements for bachelor’s in Spanish online programs?
Admission to a bachelor’s in Spanish program varies by school. However, most schools require similar GPAs and test scores. They also require an application.
But, what’s on the application?
Your name. Address. High school GPA.
Where things differ depends on which school you’re trying to get into.
For example, top-ranked schools have low acceptance rates. This means they’re tougher to get into.
Some schools require a minimum high school GPA of 3.00, while others require a 3.50 or higher. Also, the toughest schools only accept students with a 4.00.
The same is true of SAT and ACT scores. Top-ranked schools, for instance, want the highest scores. However, many schools no longer require SAT and ACT scores. Instead, they look at things like:
- class ranking
- essays
- letters of recommendation
- volunteer work
Spanish majors should show three to four years of foreign language classes in high school. They should also show four years of math, four years of English, and three years of lab science. Fine arts and social sciences are also recommended.
BDP Staff
September 2021
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