2018 Most Affordable Online Colleges & Degrees

Middle Georgia State University offers various online degree options across the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. These programs include a fully online orientation for prospective students. Most of the courses are completed asynchronously with a few synchronous projects depending on the course. The courses are delivered through a learning management system called Desire2Learn, and all distance students have access to an advisor. Students can choose to communicate with their advisor through email, phone, or in person. Tuition for Middle Georgia State is the most affordable on this list with an undergraduate rate of $5,070 and a graduate rate of $3,825 per year.

Georgia Southwestern State University offers three major online degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Students in the online Bachelor of Business Administration program can major in either accounting, human resources, management, or marketing. Also available is an eCore program for students hoping to complete all of their general education courses online. Those seeking a graduate degree can choose from an MBA, Master of Computer Science, or a Master of Science in Nursing which offers four concentrations. Online programs at GSW are designed for both traditional students and working professionals looking for an accelerated schedule.

Established in 1902, Fort Hays State University is a public university located in Hays, KS. Through its virtual college, the university offers over 60 fully online degree programs across the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Areas of study include business administration, agricultural business, computer science, criminal justice, education, nursing, and sociology, among others. The university has offered distance courses for over 20 years, and currently has over 6,000 online students enrolled. To make sure its distance students get the support they need, Fort Hays State offers each student their own academic advisor and provides multiple channels for students to communicate with their professors including email, phone, and Skype.

Albany State University offers 23 online associate degrees, 8 online bachelor's degrees, and 5 online master's degrees. All distance students have access to an online writing center as well as an online math center. ASU uses the Desire2Learn learning management system to organize and deliver their online courses. All students must complete the GaVIEW Orientation including a short quiz before they can begin a course. Annual tuition is $6,200 for undergraduate programs and $4,500 for graduate programs.

Southern Utah University offers fully online programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's level. SUU has created the Graduate Bridge; a unique opportunity to earn graduate credit while still an undergraduate student. Undergraduate students can earn up to 12 graduate credits that they can petition for credit to count the credits toward their undergraduate degree as well. The tuition for this program is priced at the undergraduate tuition cost and students can enroll in classes at the beginning of any semester.

Founded in 1909, Arkansas State University is a public research university located in Jonesboro, AR. The university offers not only a large selection of online programs across all degree levels, but also several certificate programs. Some of the degrees offered online include an AAS in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, a BA in Communication Studies, an RN to BSN, an MBA, a Master of Science in Education, and a DNP. Online tuition begins at $7,080 per year for undergraduate degrees and $4,410 for graduate programs.

Valdosta State University offers an impressive 65 online degree programs, including 12 bachelor's degree programs, 28 master's programs, and 3 doctorate. VSU also offers an online program called SmartPath Core that is especially designed for students hoping to complete all core classes in just three semesters. SmartPath Core works with students to create a plan specific to each student's unique situation and needs. This program offers core classes and is only for non-science majors.

With programs geared towards working adults, Amberton University offers 6 online bachelor's degree programs and 12 online master's programs. Students can complete courses at their own pace and can start a program at the beginning of any semester. The university offers non-traditional semester schedules including a winter semester from December to February. Amberton University also has a pay-as-you-go policy as well as payment plans to help prevent students accruing long-term debt.

The University of Iowa offers a broad selection of online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs. The university's online graduate degrees include programs in education, nursing, social work, and communication. For undergraduate degrees, options include political science, business, leadership, and sport and recreation management. There are also flexible majors like applied studies, which allow students to customize coursework to their specific needs and interests.

The University of Arkansas offers a wealth of online programs, from undergraduate through doctoral degrees. Well-rounded foundational degrees in business, communication, and interdisciplinary studies form the core of the university's undergraduate offerings. Boasting more than a dozen unique master's programs, postgraduates can choose from degrees such as an MBA, a Master of Education, or a Master of Nursing. For those who already have a master's degree, there are multiple doctoral programs in both education and nursing.

Central Methodist University offers a range of associate's and master's degrees, but the largest selection lies in bachelor's degrees. Based in Fayetteville, Missouri, the university offers online courses with durations of either eight or 16 weeks, allowing students the flexibility to work within their own schedules. The copious bachelor's degree options include sports management, psychology, computer science, education, business, and more. The university also offers master's degrees in math and nursing, as well as associate degrees that parallel many of the bachelor's programs.

With 7 undergraduate degrees and 38 master's degrees to choose from, the online degree offerings at the University of Central Missouri are quite diverse. Based in Warrensburg, the university has several bachelor's programs specifically designed for students wishing to use previous coursework to finish a degree. The university's Department of Criminal Justice offers an accelerated, combined bachelor’s and master’s program, which grants both degrees with five years of coursework. The fields of business, education, management, and nursing provide many more options for master's degrees.

Established in 1906, Missouri State University is a public university located in Springfield, MO. The university offers over 20 online degrees across the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Undergraduate students can choose from many areas of study including communication studies, criminology, finance, information technology, and psychology, among others. Prospective graduate students can choose from online degrees such as an MBA, a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, and a Master of Education with multiple concentrations available. Doctoral students can pursue either a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice or a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Operating out of Columbus, Georgia, Columbus State University offers many affordable online degree programs. From business to sociology, the online bachelor's degrees at Columbus State University allow students many options when it comes to choosing an area of study. For graduate students, there is a huge selection with 21 online master's programs to choose from. The majority of these degrees are in the fields of education and nursing, along with computer science, public administration, and business.

Established in 1873, Southeast Missouri State University is a public university located in Cape Girardeau, MO and offers many online degree programs. These include bachelor's and master's programs in various areas, such as social science, business administration, computer information systems, criminal justice, healthcare management, elementary education, and public administration, among many more. Annual tuition for undergraduates and graduates is $8,752 and $5,303 respectively.

A small school with 3,500 students and faculty, William Woods University skillfully utilizes its 146 years of educational experience to help its students. In addition to offering 100% online bachelor's degree programs in business administration and paralegal studies, and fully online master's degree programs in business and education, William Woods University offers a number of online transfer degrees. Online courses have an eight-week, accelerated format, and are designed to foster partnership and teamwork among students and faculty. In an effort to keep its tuition low, William Woods University promises that it will not raise tuition for any students who stay continuously enrolled.

Founded in 1991, the American Public University System is a private, online-based university that offers over hundreds of options for online bachelor's degrees, online master's degrees, and online certificate programs. The university also offers associate degree programs in criminal justice, fire science, accounting, and military history. Students can also choose from over 100 bachelor's degrees in areas such as cyber security, political science, space studies, entrepreneurship, and many more. The university also offers over 100 online master's programs. Areas of study include homeland security, humanities, military studies, history, and information technology.

Southeastern University is a private, Christian university established in 1935 and located in Lakeland, FL. The university currently offers various undergraduate and graduate degree programs within six departments, namely, arts and media, behavioral and social sciences, business and entrepreneurial leadership, education, ministry and theology, and natural and health sciences. Undergraduate and graduate tuition rates are both affordable at $7,750 and $6,750 respectively. 

Western Governors University was founded in 1997 as a non-profit, online-only university. It features four online colleges: a Teachers College, a College of Business, a College of Information Technology, and a College of Health Professions. The university offers bachelor's and master's programs, with a couple of post-baccalaureate teacher licensure programs. Tuition is charged as a flat rate per academic term rather than per credit hour or per course. Tuition is $6,380 per year for undergraduate degrees and $7,500 for graduate programs.

Texas Tech University is a regionally accredited educational institution with a global reach. Through its eLearning program, Texas Tech offers over 50 fully online degrees to students around the world. These affordable and flexible degree programs make distance education accessible to working professionals and parents. Distance programs include bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees and cover subjects as diverse as environmental sustainability and civil engineering. Online students have access to 24/7 online support and can benefit from transfer scholarships.

Founded in 1867 and home to a notably diverse student population, Fayetteville State University offers a number of online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Online degree programs in the College of Arts and Sciences include a bachelor's degree in fire and emergency services administration and a master's in criminal justice. The School of Business & Economics offers an online bachelor's degree in general business administration and an MBA which is available in multiple specializations. All programs are regionally accredited, and distance student services include online technical help, counseling, library access, and an online orientation class. Regional or virtual proctors may be used to take distance exams.

With more than 14,000 enrolled students from 47 states and 79 countries, North Dakota State University - Main Campus offers distance learners an affordable, top-notch education through its distance and continuing education programs. In addition to offering the majority of general education requirements through online classes, NDSU offers 20 fully online degrees. Students can obtain an online bachelor's degree in human development and family science, nursing, sociology, and strategic communication. Online master's programs cover subjects such as construction management, dietetics, human development, software engineering, and managerial logistics, among others.

Regionally accredited Waldorf University offers students a faith-based education in an engaged, academic environment. Distance students can choose from dozens of affordable online associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs. No ACT or SAT test scores are required for online programs. Online classes are asynchronous and offered in an accelerated, eight-week format. Online students receive free tutoring, and financial aid or scholarships are available based on need for qualified students.

Holy Apostles College and Seminary is a regionally accredited Catholic university with the goal of producing mature, evangelical students. Since 1998 it has been offering cost-effective online classes to distance learners. In addition to undergraduate online classes, students may now enroll in fully online master's programs in theology, philosophy, and pastoral studies. Each program has six or more concentrations from which students can choose. Students may apply online and submit transcripts and documents electronically for their convenience.

Private, liberal arts Drury University is renowned for providing an affordable education. With less than 1,400 on-campus undergraduates, and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it also provides a high-quality education. Its College of Continuing Professional Studies uses advanced training to keep faculty abreast of cutting-edge web-based technology, ensuring that distance students receive the best online education. Drury offers a large selection of 100% online degrees in subjects such as education, emergency management, pre-ministerial studies, law enforcement, psychology, and public administration. Online tutoring is available to all students.