Affordable online dental hygiene programs are primarily designed to serve licensed hygienists seeking degree completion. Our list of institutionally accredited schools shows the bachelor's programs available in order of in-state annual tuition, which was all manually researched and verified by our team.
Key Takeaways
- You get the lowest price point at $3,846 from Georgia Highlands College, which hosts an online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.
- You can expect strong financial outcomes at Oregon Institute of Technology with median earnings of $74,031 (top 14% nationally).
- A big chunk of the list (7 of the 14 schools) offers the same price for in- and out-of-state tuition.
Learn more about our tuition collection process in our methodology.
2026 Most Affordable Online Dental Hygiene Programs
| Rank | School | Program Length | Annual In-State Tuition | Annual Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Highlands College | 4 years | $3,846 | $13,026 | |
| Tyler Junior College | 4 years | $5,002 | $5,752 | |
| Clayton State University | 4 years | $5,220 | $5,220 | |
| Farmingdale State College | 4 years | $7,070 | $17,560 | |
| Texas Woman's University | 4 years | $7,140 | $19,290 | |
| Wichita State University | 4 years | $7,792 | $7,792 | |
| Old Dominion University | 4 years | $8,040 | $13,320 | |
| Utah Valley University | 4 years | $8,310 | $8,310 | |
| Southern Illinois University - Carbondale | 4 years | $9,645 | $9,645 | |
| Oregon Institute of Technology | 4 years | $10,050 | $10,050 | |
| East Tennessee State University | 4 years | $10,994 | $16,258 | |
| Northern Arizona University | 4 years | $12,096 | $12,096 | |
| Ohio State University - Main Campus | 4 years | $12,545 | $12,945 | |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | 4 years | $15,900 | $15,900 |
— /semester
Why we like them: In the #1 spot for affordability, GHC’s online degree in dental hygiene posts a $3,846 tuition per year. Another cost-saver is how you can finish the degree fully online while completing the required internship in your local community. Further, we like that you can choose accelerated 8-week blocks within each term or 16-week courses. There's a clear entry design for licensed RDHs from CODA-accredited associate programs, which helps you build directly on prior training.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 100%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 21%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Undergraduate Online: 2,350 enrolled
— /semester
Why we like them: TJC structures its online BSDH as a completion pathway with a 32-credit block transfer from any CODA-accredited AAS in dental hygiene. This way you can preserve prior learning without course-by-course re-evaluation, which is potentially a major time and cost saver. You can choose a one-year accelerated plan or a two-year sequence, which is great if you're a working hygienist managing a clinical schedule.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 100%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 27%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Undergraduate Online: 2,234 enrolled
— /semester
Why we like them: At CSU, which 91% of students recommend (based on surveys we've collected), you can pursue an uncommon Double Bachelor’s option that pairs Dental Hygiene with Health Care Management, letting you combine your clinical expertise with business prep in one pathway that we rarely see offered together. You move through a lockstep, four-semester cohort that starts each fall. In this program, you are building anesthesia, pharmacology, and practice-management competencies.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 91%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 35%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Undergraduate Online: 1,841 enrolled
— /semester
Why we like them: FSC stands out for a required Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association membership that builds your leadership through community outreach, lunch-and-learn programming, and campus engagement. You gain targeted professionalization in this program that culminates in a fully assembled, submission-ready grant proposal. It strives to give you fund-seeking and evidence-appraisal skills, with flexible placements across education, research, corporate/business, and health systems.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 100%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Undergraduate Online: 464 enrolled
— /credit
Why we like them: TWU has a 94% recommendation rate based on hundreds students we've surveyed. Here, you can complete the BSDH online in as little as one year by transferring up to 90 credits. And, if you choose, you can add targeted expertise through the OMT for Sleep micro-credential, which trains you to recognize obstructive sleep apnea risk using orofacial myofunctional assessment methods.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 94%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Undergraduate Online: 2,600 enrolled
— /credit
Why we like them: WSU lets you pay in-state tuition for the fully online track regardless of where you live. We appreciate how you can apply up to 28 hours of retroactive credit and finish the 32-credit online curriculum in as little as 15 months, which trims the time (and therefore the cost) to completion. If you plan to teach, WSU aligns the BSDH with CODA’s faculty-degree requirement, so you meet the bachelor’s degree threshold for clinical and classroom roles.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 80%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Undergraduate Online: 3,184 enrolled
— /credit
Why we like them: ODU’s online BSDH requires no additional clinicals, so you complete the degree entirely online while you keep working. We appreciate the accelerated format in which most major courses run in eight-week blocks and are largely self-paced. And potentially, you can tap the Healthcare Heroes scholarship awarding $3,000 in your first semester if you meet criteria, and you may qualify for discounted military tuition as well. Among program graduates, earnings are ~$66,267/year four years after graduation.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 88%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Undergraduate Online: 5,587 enrolled
— /credit
Why we like them: UVU explicitly states that out-of-state students in fully online certificate/associate/bachelor’s programs pay $270 per credit hour (with noted exclusions and that international students don’t qualify). This dental hygiene program has a strong focus on leadership, preparing students to anticipate and adapt to change in dental hygiene. You will discuss contemporary/future oral healthcare delivery issues through cultural, economic, and societal lenses, which is a forward-looking and systems-oriented approach.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 89%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Undergraduate Online: 6,147 enrolled
— /credit
Why we like them: SIU’s completion pathway for credentialed hygienists culminates in a required internship or faculty-mentored research project. During the on-campus sequence, you begin a nine-month online certification in the junior spring, adding a distinct credential before graduation. The program creates a highly mentored environment where you help design case studies, co-author peer-reviewed publications, build classroom learning tools, and write grants that serve community partners.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 88%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 56%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Undergraduate Online: 1,321 enrolled
— /credit
Why we like them: We view OIT’s online RDH-to-BSDH as transfer-friendly because you can receive a substantial block of credit for the National Board of 86 credits. We value the self-directed, working-professional design that lets you pace coursework around your schedule while you stay employed. Graduates of this program make a salary around $74,031 just four years later, which is the best salary outcomes on our entire list.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Undergraduate Online: 533 enrolled
— /semester
Why we like them: ETSU's early-mover online model launched in 2001 so it has a proven track record. You also receive a structured three-hour Zoom orientation each August to set expectations. You can progress at your own pace after the first course, pause if life intervenes, and reenter without penalty. Distinctive coursework emphasizes rural and community health program design, underserved populations, and teaching strategies.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 84%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Undergraduate Online: 1,677 enrolled
— annual
Why we like them: NAU lets you complete the program fully online as a licensed hygienist while you work. You can choose a traditional completion track or a concurrent-enrollment track that allows you to start NAU coursework while still in a community college hygiene program. We also see a Public Health emphasis, which is unique. Your capstone requires designing, implementing, and evaluating a community oral health initiative, with grant-writing and administrative planning.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 88%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Undergraduate Online: 2,891 enrolled
— /semester
Why we like them: OSU houses this completion program within its College of Dentistry — the state’s only dental school-based dental hygiene program. We believe that connection shows up in the curriculum’s depth and the faculty profile; the program director serves on the ADA National Dental Hygiene Board Exam test construction committee and has multiple university teaching awards. You can tailor your path through three formal specializations, including Dental Hygiene Education, Public Health, or an Individualized plan.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 95%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Undergraduate Online: 1,568 enrolled
— /credit
Why we like them: At PCT, you receive the in-state tuition rate no matter your residency and you can transfer up to 47 dental hygiene credits as a block and earn license-verified credit. You may opt for concurrent enrollment while in the second year of a CODA-accredited associate program at another institution. And if you want, you can stack online-friendly minors in leadership, management, accounting, finance, or psychology.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 100%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Undergraduate Online: 400 enrolled
FAQs About Affordable Online Dental Hygiene Programs
Which Costs Surprise Students Most In Online Dental Hygiene Programs?
While tuition can be predictable, it's important to pay attention to hidden hosts as well. You can get caught off guard by things like dental hygiene program fees (technology, distance-learning, lab, graduation, and course fees) that can add up each term. These should all be listed on a program's tuition cost explanation page, but it can be tricky to decipher so we wrote a guide to help students decode tuition costs.
Clinical-related expenses are another big cost, even in “online” pathways because they include things like background checks, drug screens, immunizations, CPR certification, malpractice insurance, and site onboarding requirements. Additionally, if clinicals or practicums are arranged locally, travel, parking, childcare, and unpaid time off work can become some of the most expensive aspects of a program like this.
And sometimes, students underestimate the price of textbooks and course materials. You should think about the equipment and technology costs, like you'll need a reliable laptop, webcam, high-speed internet, and sometimes proctoring-related requirements. Finally, some students are surprised by licensure and professional expenses that overlap with school, including exam fees, state licensing costs, fingerprinting, association dues, and continuing education.
Online RDH-to-BSDH programs are often marketed as “fully online,” but students may still run into added costs tied to required applied components. For example, GHC (from our list) requires an internship completed in the student’s local community, and FSC includes a self-directed practicum — both of which can create incidental expenses (such as travel to a site, background checks, immunizations, or professional liability coverage) even if coursework is online. Costs may also vary when programs include memberships or professional requirements (like FSC’s required student association membership), or when students pursue add-ons like micro-credentials (as noted at TWU).
What Financial Aid, Grants, And Scholarships Are Common For Dental Hygiene Students Online?
Based on dental hygiene program descriptions from our list, some of the most “common” forms of aid are institutional scholarships, military tuition benefits/tuition assistance, and (more indirectly) eligibility for standard financial aid.
Across our curated list of dental hygiene options, an example of a scholarship is at TWU, which highlights a large scholarship ecosystem and notes that $21.6 million is awarded annually through a single application. These kinds of institutional scholarships can be a meaningful funding source for online dental hygiene students.
ODU also references a scholarship, called Healthcare Heroes, and notes potential discounted military tuition, showing how some online programs pair scholarships with service-related discounts. However, PCT is perhaps the most explicit about Military Tuition Assistance, indicating that qualified active-duty students may be able to take credits tuition-free.
Other dental hygiene programs on our list, like WSU (in-state tuition for online students regardless of residency), NAU (large block transfers and licensure credit), and TJC (a defined block transfer from CODA-accredited associate degrees) include different strategies that can also reduce total cost overall.
How Should You Choose an Affordable Online Dental Hygiene Program?
Start by confirming it’s actually an RDH-to-BSDH completion program for licensed hygienists (or clearly states RDH license eligibility).
Dental hygiene programs on our list above repeatedly signal value by not making students repeat entry-level clinical content. Several are built specifically for RDHs coming from CODA-accredited associate programs. This can save you time and money.
Next, look for credit policies that shorten your path to completion. This can include things like block transfer arrangements (like a defined AAS transfer block), generous transfer limits, or even retroactive/registry/National Board credit recognition. Any of these can help shrink the number of credits you pay for and reduce the chance you get stuck taking extra courses.
After that, choose based on how well the provided distance learning structure fits your life. If you need maximum flexibility, asynchronous delivery plus shorter terms can help; if you want more built-in momentum and peer support, a cohort model may be worth it. Programs from our list above offer 8-week vs. 16-week course options, accelerated one-year vs. two-year plans, cohort lockstep models, and thorough advising that can help you map out a personalized study plan.
Finally, weigh affordability alongside support and outcomes signals. Alongside in-state and out-of-state tuition costs, we list things like recommendation rates (based on student surveys we collect), retention/graduation metrics, and more. Consider this data to make the most informed choice you can, and then find a program that you're interested it and request information to learn more.
Student Reviews of Online Dental Hygiene Programs
I completed my Bachelor's of Dental Hygiene through Northern Arizona Universities online program. I had a great experience and was able to complete my degree in a short amount of time and a low cost. I am so glad that I completed my degree. Although it is not required to have a Bachelor's degree to be a hygienist in the clinical setting, it is important to help set you apart from the many applicants. It has also made it possible to teach in a dental hygiene program as an instructor. I was only able... Read More
Review Date: 6/13/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My time in the TWU dental hygiene program can only be described in two words, life changing. I had my share of ups and downs but each experience helped mold me into a confident and capable dental hygienist. This program not only provides its share of intellectual challenges but also an environment that fosters student success. The faculty and curriculum more than prepare one for the professional world. TWU's dental hygiene program is overall an excellent place to learn this craft and I highly recommend... Read More
Review Date: 1/24/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I loved this school especially for the health sciences! Every professor I have had has been great. We were even able to meet with the University President a few times and have lunch with him. I have enjoyed this school and I am glad i choose to come here!
Review Date: 11/28/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
St. Petersburg's Dental Hygiene program was extremely challenging but rewarding at the same time. The faculty and staff demanded excellence from the students at all times. It was nice to graduate from the first and only baccalaureate program in dental hygiene in Florida and one of the largest degree completion programs in the nation.
Review Date: 9/25/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
St. Petersburg's Dental Hygiene program was extremely challenging but rewarding at the same time. The faculty and staff demanded excellence from the students at all times. It was nice to graduate from the first and only baccalaureate program in dental hygiene in Florida and one of the largest degree completion programs in the nation.
Review Date: 9/25/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Herzing University was such a great experience. I would not change a thing about it! The friendships that I made Herzing the way made the experience that much better. I am so glad that I picked this school and program to attend. The staff and faculty really want you to succeed and are with you along the whole way cheering you on.
Review Date: 9/30/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
WCU really opened up the idea of thinking outside the box through alternative ways to treat a patient, especially with the interactive Interprofessionals Day. By learning about other healthcare members, I could work towards helping my patient in their overall health. Because of the cost, however, I do wish there were other opportunities with financial aid. I also wished there was less peer-teaching, but had more professor-led lectures. Professors were experienced and used creative ways to help instill... Read More
Review Date: 2/13/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I had a great experience at MN State University Mankato. The Dental Hygiene Program was specifically exceptional. There are only two colleges in the State of MN that offer a bachelors degree in Dental Hygiene and Mankato State does a great job of providing you with an education to make you a competent, confident clinician.
Review Date: 7/30/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Old Dominion University is located on the outskirts of Norfolk, Virginia. It is an ever growing school constantly changing to better provide for its students. This school employs some of the best of the best in their respective fields. I am a graduate of their dental hygiene program. People from all over the country apply to be apart of this program and learn from its well known instructors. It is 5 semesters (2 years + 1 summer) of rigorous work. Unlike typically college course the dental hygiene... Read More
Review Date: 4/7/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Texas Woman's University is a small school, but it does not lack anything that a large university has. Although the name implies women only, man are allowed into undergraduate and graduate programs. It has outstanding academics. The dental hygiene school is one of only five 4-year universities offered in Texas. With it's small campus, it caters to many non-traditional students.
Review Date: 5/28/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The USD Department of Dental Hygiene is an amazing program. The curriculum is extensive & does a great job of preparing you for your career. Instructors had a huge amount of experience & truly care about making sure you learn what you need to know. Their rotations are unmatched by any other school & show you patients you would almost never see elsewhere. It is by far the best program in the region.
Review Date: 12/7/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attended WJCJ Dental Hygiene program from 1993-1995. I cannot say enough good things about what this program taught me. If a program is "easy" then you better watch out because the likeliness of passing your boards are slim. I cannot thank the instructors enough for being tough, but fair at the same time. I highly recommend this program to anyone considering Dental Hygiene as their career.
Review Date: 2/22/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No