Most Affordable Online Colleges & Degrees
Higher education can be an invaluable asset to students who are looking for professional advancement, higher wages, or a change in their career paths. Online programs are strong options for those who are also looking for flexibility when working toward a degree. OnlineU aims to support students in their personal and professional endeavors by highlighting the most affordable colleges offering online degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
On this page you'll also find information about affordable online programs, including the cost of an online degree, financial aid options, and the importance of accreditation.
| Rank | School | Locations | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke (NC) | $5,067 | |
| Clayton State University | Morrow (GA) | $5,079 | |
| Valdosta State University | Valdosta (GA) | $5,463 | |
| Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw (GA) | $5,562 | |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro (GA) | $5,646 | |
| Western Carolina University | Cullowhee (NC) | $5,670 | |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | Portales (NM) | $6,114 | |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | Green Bay (WI) | $6,298 | |
| Western Governors University | Salt Lake City (UT) | $6,450 | |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro (AR) | $6,540 |
| # 1 | Allen County Community College Annual tuition: $1,920 |
| # 2 | Clovis Community College - NM Annual tuition: $2,664 |
| # 3 | Georgia State University-Perimeter College Annual tuition: $2,850 |
| # 1 | Georgia Institute of Technology Annual tuition: $2,700 |
| # 2 | Eastern Illinois University Annual tuition: $3,438 |
| # 3 | Midway University Annual tuition: $3,750 |
| # 1 | University of St Augustine for Health Sciences Annual tuition: $3,770 |
| # 2 | Liberty University Annual tuition: $5,500 |
| # 3 | American College of Education Annual tuition: $5,595 |
Most Affordable Online Colleges by Popular Subjects
2021 Most Affordable Online College Details
University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke (NC) The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a public, medium-sized university offering six online bachelor's degree completion programs. Students can choose from majors such as criminal justice, sociology, business administration, interdisciplinary studies, and nursing. Programs are designed for adult students who have previous college experience and are looking for flexibility and convenience to finish their degree. Students must transfer into a completion program with a minimum of 45 credits and a grade of C or better in prior coursework. Financial Support Overview Tuition for UNCP's online bachelor's degree completion programs is charged at a per-credit rate and is capped at 12 credit hours per semester. The rates vary by program, residency, and whether the online student enrolls in any on-campus courses. Merit and endowment scholarships are also available to help students with tuition costs. Active duty service members and veterans with three or more years of service can enroll as transfer students. Online Student Resources
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Clayton State University Morrow (GA) A medium-sized college, Clayton State University offers small class sizes and personalized attention, often appealing to adult and non-traditional students. Full- and part-time online students can choose from 17 bachelor's degree programs, including psychology and human services, RN-BSN, and political science and government studies. Clayton State boasts a supportive community of students, faculty, and staff focused on engaging critical-thinking skills for career preparation. To apply, prospective students must submit an application, academic transcripts, and test scores. Financial Support Overview Students can take accelerated 8-week courses or standard 16-week semester courses, depending on their schedule. Clayton State has affordable eTuition rates for online students, which exclude campus-related fees. Students can also transfer credits to save on tuition costs. Once enrolled, Clayton State automatically identifies students for various institutional scholarships. Students can also apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, which awards $9,500 scholarships to 10 first-generation students pursuing health degrees and careers. Online Student Resources
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Valdosta State University Valdosta (GA) Valdosta State University offers 10 fully online bachelor's degree programs in majors such as organizational leadership, psychology, and criminal justice. Recent high school graduates are required to submit standardized test scores and transcripts, and transfer students should have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours with a 2.0 GPA to apply. Valdosta State recognizes the unique needs of online students by giving them the ability to define their own degree completion schedule through a personalized learning option. In addition, some students may qualify to enroll in online core courses through SmartPath Core, enabling them to complete their core courses more quickly. Financial Support Overview Valdosta State provides special, affordable eTuition rates for online students regardless of residency, and distance learners are exempt from paying most student fees. The university awards merit, needs-based, major-based, and alumni scholarships, and students can also transfer credits to help offset tuition costs. In addition, Valdosta is a military-friendly college and waives application fees for military service members and veterans. Online Student Resources
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Kennesaw State University Kennesaw (GA) Part of the University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State University is a large, public university offering 15 fully online bachelor's degrees. Many of these programs focus on engineering and technology, including majors in industrial engineering and technology, cybersecurity, and information security and assurance. KSU is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance-designated university recognized by the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security. Applicants submit an application, academic transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 2.5, and test scores. Financial Support Overview KSU charges in-state tuition for its online bachelor's degree programs, and online students pay less in student fees than their on-campus peers. Merit- and need-based scholarships are available through the KSU Foundation, and students can also transfer credits to help ease tuition costs. In support of active duty military members and veterans, KSU provides tuition assistance counseling and financial advising for those using GI Bill benefits. Online Student Resources
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Georgia Southern University Statesboro (GA) Georgia Southern University is a large, public university with five fully online bachelor's degrees and blended options where students can combine online and classroom work. Online bachelor's degree programs include interdisciplinary studies, RN-BSN, and criminal justice and criminology. Georgia Southern also has an online major in world languages and culture where students can concentrate in French, German, or Spanish. First-year student admissions are flexible, with test scores optional, but students may have to meet a minimum GPA requirement. Transfer students can enroll with a minimum of 30 credit hours. Financial Support Overview Online students pay the same tuition as their in-state on-campus peers but pay fewer student fees. Georgia Southern awards various institutional scholarships, and students can also ease tuition costs by transferring credits. Georgia Southern is military-friendly, waiving mandatory tuition fees for active service members and reserve and National Guard veterans who've completed a 90-day combat deployment or reservists who are not using their GI benefits. Online Student Resources
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Western Carolina University Cullowhee (NC) Offering 10 online bachelor's degree programs, Western Carolina University is a medium-sized, public university. Online bachelor's programs include emergency and disaster management, emergency medical care, and RN-BSN. Admission to WCU requires an application, academic transcripts, and test scores, but some programs have additional requirements. WCU's School of Nursing has been ranked No. 1 in the state by the Nursing Schools Almanac due to a near-perfect rate of graduates passing their licensure exams on the first try. Financial Support Overview Tuition for online students is residency-based, however, they pay less in campus-based fees. Students can transfer previous college credits and credits from technical programs completed at fully accredited, two-year institutions to help offset tuition costs. Students submit one application to be considered for any merit- and need-based scholarships WCU awards. Military members and veterans can receive seven hours of credit in free electives if they've served at least 12 consecutive months on active duty. Online Student Resources
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Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus Portales (NM) Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus is a military-friendly, medium-sized, public university. It offers 25 online bachelor's degree programs in various majors, including aviation science, electronics engineering technology, and sports and recreation management. Students can attend full- or part-time with the option of completing some majors, such as aviation science, as a hybrid program. Admission requirements include an application and academic transcripts. First-year students and transfer students with less than 30 credits must submit test scores. Financial Support Overview Tuition is charged based on residency, with a flat per semester rate for students taking 12-18 credits and a flat per-credit rate for students taking less than 12 credits. Students can apply for ENMU scholarships by submitting a scholarship application with their admission materials. Transfer students with a significant number of credit hours in a career-technical related discipline can earn a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences within two years by applying their previous coursework toward the degree. Online Student Resources
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University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay (WI) The University of Wisconsin - Green Bay is a medium-sized university offering 12 online bachelor's degrees, including health information management and technology, marketing, finance, business administration, and a hybrid nursing program. Online classes are asynchronous to allow for students who juggle school with work and other commitments. UW-Green Bay's application process requires only an application and transcripts, with standardized test scores optional. UW-Green Bay touts high employment rates after graduation. For example, 2020 health information management and technology program graduates had a 100% employment rate within a year of graduation. Financial Support Overview UW-Green Bay has special tuition rates for online programs that are lower than out-of-state tuition. Students can also transfer credits and apply for UW-Green Bay scholarships and grants. The online RN-BSN nursing program offers a 14-week format or an accelerated 7-week program to allow students to finish faster and save money. UW-Green Bay awards credits to active military members and veterans based on training and experience. Online Student Resources
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Western Governors University Salt Lake City (UT) A large, private institution, Western Governors University is exclusively online. It offers 26 bachelor's degrees, many focusing on teaching, including special education, science education, elementary education, and English language learning. Students can attend full- or part-time, depending on their schedules. Each program has different enrollment requirements based on its curriculum. WGU has an easy application process, which generally doesn't require test scores. Enrollment is available on the first of every month, allowing students to begin at their convenience. Financial Support Overview WGU charges flat-rate tuition by six-month term, not by credit, allowing students to maximize tuition costs by taking as many classes as they want in each period. Some programs are competency-based, meaning students can progress through classes at their own pace, and they aren't charged for courses where they can prove competency. Scholarship opportunities include departmental scholarships, leadership scholarships, and military appreciation scholarships. Active duty military members and veterans can also take advantage of WGU's tuition assistance program. Online Student Resources
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Arkansas State University Jonesboro (AR) Students can choose from 33 online bachelor's degree programs available from Arkansas State University. A-State is a medium-sized, urban, public university with a diverse curriculum and a robust online presence. Programs include communication studies, business administration, and digital media-focused degrees in majors such as game development and social media management. A-State provides flexibility with multiple start dates each year and seven-week terms, which are designed to allow students to move through a program more quickly. Admission requirements include an application, academic transcripts, test scores, and a minimum GPA. Financial Support Overview A-State charges in-state tuition for online programs and offers a variety of institutional scholarships. It is also a military-friendly school, where active duty service members, veterans, and their families may be eligible for scholarships to save up to 50% on tuition. In addition, students can transfer up to 90 credits for some degree programs like communication studies, which can save both time and money. Online Student Resources
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How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?
OnlineU analyzed internal cost data from over 800 schools and found a median annual tuition rate of $13,919 for an online bachelor's degree and $14,278 for an online master's degree.
However, there are many online bachelor's and master’s programs that are even more affordable. Of the cheapest online colleges, tuition for a bachelor's degree ranges from $5,067-$7,891 per year. Meanwhile, the most affordable colleges for master's degrees have annual tuition rates between $2,700-$5,467.
| Degree | Online Median Annual Tuition | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | $8,300 | 687 |
| Bachelor's | $13,919 | 846 |
| Master's | $14,278 | 871 |
| Doctorals | $14,925 | 378 |  |
It may be helpful to compare tuition rates by their cost per credit instead of per year. For example, some degrees take longer to complete than others — even degrees of the same level. Students may also prefer to attend school part time. In these cases, it's more helpful to think in terms of total credit hours rather than years or semesters. The following chart breaks down the median cost per credit hour of different types of degrees:
| Degree | Typical Number of Credits | Cost-Per-Credit of OnlineU Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | 50 - 60 | $60 - $1,282 |
| Bachelor's | 120 - 128 | $106.8 - $1,325 |
| Master's | 30 - 60 | $180 - $4,836 |
| Doctorals | 36 - 120 | $277 - $1,995 |
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Online College vs. an On-Campus Experience: Which is Cheaper?
Our research shows that public and private colleges are typically cheaper for online learners than in-person students.
According to a sample of 100 schools, 80% of public schools offer lower rates for out-of-state students studying online, while 96% of private schools also have cheaper online programs for this population group. In addition, more than a third of public schools charge in-state students less when they study online.
There are several reasons for the relative affordability of online programs. Some public colleges charge online students the same rate as in-state residents no matter where they live, which can potentially save tens of thousands of dollars over the course of a degree. Similarly, private schools may also charge a lower rate to distance learners. Even though some schools still charge the same amount to all college students, online students rarely pay higher tuition than their on-campus colleagues.
According to a sample of 100 schools, 80% of public schools offer lower rates for out-of-state students studying online, while 96% of private schools also have cheaper online programs for this population group.
It's important to keep in mind that individual distance learning programs are not always more affordable than in-person programs, so students should research the costs of their individual program before applying. In addition to tuition, applicants should note each program's length and the amount of financial aid they can secure from the school.
For example, while for-profit colleges appeal to many applicants because they frequently allow students to take more classes per year, they may leave students in a more precarious financial situation after graduating. Although for-profit colleges may shorten the program length to make room for more classes, this attractive feature may be offset by higher tuition overall. In addition, these universities tend to offer less financial assistance than other types of schools, which means their students end up taking out more loans. As a result, the alumni of for-profit schools tend to accrue more debt and default on their loans at higher rates.
Additional College Cost Factors Besides Tuition
Although low tuition is something many students look for when pursuing a college education, it's not the only expense to consider. Often, there are other costs that online students must pay:
Books, whether paper or electronic, vary in price from class to class. In the 2019-2020 academic year, college students spent an average of $1,100-$1,300 on books, depending on whether they attended a public or private college. Students may be able to save money by purchasing e-books when available, buying used books, and comparing prices on e-retailers.
A technology fee pays for a school's data storage and server expenses, and online learners are often expected to cover this cost. As with other fees, these costs can vary. For example, Clayton State University charges $7 per credit hour to online students pursuing undergraduate degrees, whereas Midway University students pay a flat $75 fee per semester.
A computer and reliable internet connection are essential to earning an online degree. Distance learners can live and work from anywhere as long as they have a stable internet connection. Students may find it difficult to use a public computer for all their online courses because watching lectures and completing assignments requires long hours. Many libraries and computer labs limit patrons' internet use and may also close in the early evening. However, an online college education is increasingly mobile-friendly, and some schools tout that much of their coursework can be completed on a phone or tablet.
Despite these additional costs, online students can avoid other expenses, such as room and board, by maintaining their current living arrangements. They also save by not commuting to and from campus, from gas money and car maintenance fees to public transportation costs. Ultimately, distance learners don't need to uproot their lives when enrolling in an out-of-state program, which can be an expensive experience for in-person students.
Financial Aid for Online Students
Financial aid can lower the total cost of higher education, easing a student's financial burden by leaving them with less debt after graduation. The best forms of aid don't need to be repaid: grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. However, most students still need to take out loans to finance their degrees. Students should prioritize student loans from the government first because they offer better interest rates than private sources.
| Most students begin financial aid applications by first filling out the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA), as the majority of states and colleges require this form. |
Applicants simply turn in their personal and financial information to determine whether they qualify for federal aid. Although students with undocumented immigration status cannot apply for federal aid, they should still check with their state for an alternate form to complete, so they can acquire state and private aid.
In general, online learners qualify for the same financial aid programs as on-campus students, but students should verify each program's eligibility requirements. It may also be beneficial to contact a school's financial aid office to ensure that they accept the aid that a student has already received.
Below are some of the major financial aid sources that prospective students can investigate:
The federal government offers financial aid to students at all levels, including the need-based Pell Grant for undergraduate students and the TEACH Grant for students in graduate programs planning to become certified teachers.
State governments provide a variety of programs based on need, merit, and ethnic/racial background.
Colleges usually host aid programs for their students. These can include need- or merit-based grants for students in any discipline or scholarships funded by alumni for students in specific majors.
Professional organizations often provide scholarships for students who study in their field. Programmatic accrediting organizations might also provide similar opportunities.
Students may benefit from contacting their college’s financial aid office after enrolling. Administrators may be able to guide students to aid programs that they had not even considered. Also, it's the best practice to apply for as much assistance as possible because having multiple sources of financial aid helps reduce a degree's overall cost.
For additional information about college affordability and how to pay for your degree, we've compiled resources, including information about saving for college at the last minute and how to make your education cheaper.
Scholarships
Listed below are ten scholarships available to students at various college degree levels:
APF Graduate Student Scholarships
Amount: 21 awards, ranging from $2,000 - $5,000
Who Can Apply: Psychology doctoral students or master's students who intend to enter a doctoral program
Application Materials: Letter of recommendation, thesis or dissertation outline, transcripts, CV, online application form
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Foundation General Scholarship Fund
Amount: Up to $10,000
Who Can Apply: Students attending one of the HBCUs full time who have financial need and a minimum 2.75 GPA
Application Materials: Transcripts, 2-5 minute video answering why applicant chose an HBCU, headshot, short-answer questions
La Unidad Latina Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $500-$1,000
Who Can Apply: Bachelor's or master's students of Latinx or Hispanic descent with financial need and a minimum 2.8 GPA
Application Materials: Transcripts, letter of recommendation, copy of a degree program’s acceptance letter
Mary Elizabeth Lockwood Beneventi MBA Scholarship
Amount: 1 award of $2,000
Who Can Apply: Women attending an MBA program full time with a minimum GPA of 3.25
Application Materials: Transcripts, letters of recommendation
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Scholarship Program
Amount: 30 awards, ranging from $3,000-$12,000
Who Can Apply: Students of any major at any degree level who are legally blind in both eyes and demonstrate academic excellence, community service, and leadership
Application Materials: Transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essay, interview with nearest NFB affiliate president, statement of ability and intention to attend the NFB national convention
Optimal’s Online Degree Scholarship
Amount: 1 award of $2,000 each month
Who Can Apply: Students enrolled in fully online degree programs at any level
Application Materials: Four short essay questions
Out to Innovate Scholarships
Amount: 2 awards: First place receives $5,000 and second place receives $2,500
Who Can Apply: Members of the LGBTQ+ community enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs in STEM who have completed at least two years of college
Application Materials: Transcripts, financial information, personal statement under 1,000 words, three letters of recommendation
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International Undergraduate Scholarship
Amount: Needs-based
Who Can Apply: Students pursuing an undergraduate program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology who demonstrate financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA
Application Materials: Transcripts, two letters of recommendation, personal statement describing leadership and service experience
U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Scholarships
Amount: Approximately 15-20 awards, ranging from $3,000-$5,000
Who Can Apply: High school seniors of Asian or Pacific Islander descent enrolled in college, with financial need and a minimum 3.3 GPA
Application Materials: Transcripts, two letters of recommendation, 2"x2" headshot, two essay questions, household tax return
Women at Microsoft Scholarship
Amount: 3 awards of $5,000 each
Who Can Apply: High school seniors who identify as female, nonbinary, gender fluid, or women of transgender experience, have a 3.0 GPA, and plan to study a STEM discipline
Application Materials: Transcripts, two letters of recommendation, personal 500-word essay, outline of applicant’s personal, academic, and community engagements
The Importance of Finding an Accredited Online Program
One of the most important qualities to look for when you're reviewing online degree options is accreditation. A community college or university must undergo an extensive, multi-year evaluation by an independent agency to become accredited. The agency examines the school's programs, faculty, facilities, and student resources, comparing them against recognized standards of excellence before awarding accreditation. The best online colleges have been accredited by one of six authorized regional accrediting boards or by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Choosing an accredited institution is important for several reasons:
Future employers may confirm that you earned your college degree from an accredited institution as part of their standard background check.
Eligibility for financial aid is usually dependent on enrollment in an accredited school.
If you want to transfer credits you've earned to another college, the second school will likely only accept credits from an accredited program.
Depending on the occupation you've chosen, you may need to earn additional certification or licensure after graduating. Your ability to do so may depend on whether you attended an accredited school.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is usually a prerequisite for earning any advanced degree.
OnlineU only lists accredited colleges and universities. We provide details about each school we rank, as shown below.
