These affordable online degree programs can help you save money and provide you with the flexibility you need to continue your education while working, taking care of a family, and managing other commitments.
Your educational path doesn’t have to be typical. No matter the barriers, find the learning option you need to secure your legacy. To determine your next step, look at the most economical schooling, program rankings, and financial aid options.
Affordable Online University
University of Florida
location: marker icon Gainesville, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State| $129
Out-of-State| $552
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
Enroll in a reasonably priced online program at the University of Florida, a public, four-year institution founded in 1858. There are about 200 online undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as certificates, offered by UF’s sixteen colleges.
With over 60,000 students enrolled overall, this college is rather impressive. As of 2020–2021, UF’s in-state undergraduate tuition is approximately $3,000 cheaper than the national average. At UF, online students pay roughly 40% less than on-campus ones.
Weber State University
location-marker icon Ogden, UT
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $182
Out-of-State | $291
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s
Weber State University takes pride in offering as many students as possible an inexpensive online education. WSU provides its students with $90 million in financial help and scholarships. Its tuition is also forty percent less than the national average.
Within three months of graduation, 85% of WSU alumni find employment, with an average beginning income of more than $50,000. You can select from completely online degrees at WSU in subjects including engineering, creative writing, and criminal justice.
Indiana University-Kokomo
location-marker icon Kokomo, IN
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Year:
In-State | $8,000
Out-of-State | $8,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s
Indiana University Kokomo provides graduate and undergraduate students with a range of fully online degree programs. More than 120 bachelor’s degrees are available in fields like computer science, biology, business administration, and accounting.
IU Kokomo employs the College Cost Transparency Initiative in its financial aid offer so that you may see how much your degree will cost and make the cost of college affordable for students.
San Diego State University
location-marker icon San Diego, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: $431-$956
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s
The Global Campus of San Diego State University provides 15 reasonably priced online bachelor’s and master’s degrees along with one minor. Business administration, communication, criminal justice, teacher leadership, and big data analytics are among the subjects covered by online learners. On its campus in San Diego, California, SDSU also provides five hybrid undergraduate and graduate degrees that combine online and in-person learning.
With a student body that is 34.5% Hispanic, SDSU is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution that was established in 2012. Furthermore, 37.4% of staff members and 17% of all faculty members identify as Hispanic.
Florida State University
location-marker icon Tallahassee, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $180-$444
Out-of-State | $686-$1,075
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
Florida State University was established in 1851 and provides 282 reasonably priced bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, including totally online and hybrid options.
Master’s degrees in systems engineering, information technology, risk management and insurance, instructional systems, counselling, and human systems are all highly regarded at FSU. FSU is proud of its diverse student body. About 20.6% of the 35,766 in-state students enrolled in FSU programs during the 2022–2023 academic year identified as Hispanic.
Apart from having tuition that is substantially less than the national average, FSU also provides financial help totalling around $350 million per year.
Florida Atlantic University
location-marker icon Boca Raton, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $203-$371
Out-of-State | $721-$1,026
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
Online programs offered by Florida Atlantic University’s seven colleges let you study from any location without having to visit the Boca Raton, Florida, campus. Three PhD programs, twenty master’s degrees, and eight bachelor’s degrees are available at the institution. Most coursework is provided asynchronously. It is possible to obtain admittance throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
With over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled overall, FAU can offer more than $264 million in financial aid to its students in 2022.
National University
location-marker icon San Diego, CA
4 years
Online
Cost per Year:
Undergraduate | $13,284
Graduate | $16,416
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
National University provided financial aid totalling over $77 million to its students just last year. For its students, NU provides a range of grants and scholarships, including the Key Grant and the Veterans, Spouses, and Dependents Scholarship.
More than 120 online programs covering subjects including education, psychology, history, cybersecurity, and counselling are available at NU. If you want to expedite your studies, you can also opt to enrol in four- or eight-week courses.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
location-marker icon Omaha, NE
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $268
Out-of-State | $622
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s
Numerous online and hybrid curriculum options are available from the University of Nebraska Omaha. Undergraduate degrees in economics, political science, and criminology are available. Alternatively, you can pursue a master’s degree in counselling, education, or communication.
UNO places a high priority on student affordability, as seen by the 87% of new students who receive financial help. Scholarships for distinction and financial need are offered by the institution. To be eligible for these scholarships, you must complete the application and send it in by March 1.
Florida International University
location-marker icon Miami, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $404
Out-of-State | $654
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
Florida International University, a Miami, Florida-based institution, offers over 150 online degrees, certifications, and minors. At FIU, almost 37,000 students enrolled in entirely online courses. The college’s dedication to the Affordability Counts program is demonstrated by the numerous courses that offer free or inexpensive course materials. With the help of the school’s five online combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, you can finish both degrees in five years.
61% of students at FIU identify as Hispanic, making the university stand out for having a varied student body.
University of Utah
location-marker icon Salt Lake City, UT
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: $260-$1,067
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate
Twelve online master’s degree programs and nine online bachelor’s programs are offered by the University of Utah. In addition, hybrid master’s programs in education, fine arts, finance, and electrical and computer engineering are available for enrollment. A dual doctorate in physical therapy is another option.
Success coaches are made available to online learners. Regardless of whether they are from out-of-state or in-state, online students pay the same tuition. To further lower tuition costs, working adults, in particular, who are undergraduate or graduate students, are encouraged to apply for the UOnline Scholarship.
How to Pay for College
It’s no secret that attending college can be very costly. It’s so costly that 62% of Americans think that being unable to pay for college prevents them from attending. However, there are a few steps you may take to reduce the cost of education.
- Transfer credits earned from prior college enrollment or community college courses.
- Select a university that will credit volunteer or employment experience toward your degree requirements.
- Make as many applications for financial aid as you can.
- Accept your employer’s tuition reimbursement.
How to Make Your Online Education Worth It
That being said, the journey will not be simple.
According to our data, 91% of online students have children under the age of 18 living at home, and 65% of them work full- or part-time. When college is included, things can easily become extremely daunting.
Because of this, the graduation rates of independent, part-time, and working students are significantly lower than those of traditional, full-time students.
However, you are capable of doing this. Half the battle is won by preparation. The following strategies will help you cross the finish line and maximize your return on investment:
1. Be Certain of Your Goals for Your Degree
Why are you attending college right now? What is the result you hope to achieve?
Make a calculated major selection if you want to be able to attain higher-paying jobs. Not all degrees lead to higher-paying positions. The top ten bachelor’s degrees in 2022, according to earnings, were in business, computer science, and petroleum engineering.
Consider pursuing a degree program that will provide you with the precise qualifications you need to advance in your current field if you’re looking to do so.
2. Make an Obstacle Plan
One of the main challenges faced by online learners is striking a balance between work and personal life. Managing obligations outside of school and pursuing an online degree simultaneously calls for a great deal of forethought, self-control, and perseverance. You must:
- Regarding your potential for success, be realistic. Avoid overcommitting to too many courses at once to avoid burning yourself out.
- Pay attention to how you handle your time. Set aside time each term for study sessions, and honor that timetable with your life.
- Establish a support structure. Seek out the emotional or practical support of coworkers, friends, family, neighbours, and employers.
3. Select a Course That Meets Your Requirements
Sometimes even the best pupils require assistance. Make sure you take into account the support and flexibility that each school provides for students.
- Will career counselling, mental health services, and tutoring be available to you?
- Are you going to have synchronous or asynchronous classes?
- Will teachers be understanding and accommodating?
- Will there be chances for you to network and form business contacts?
Even though all of this may seem overwhelming, keep in mind that 96% of online college grads advise online study as a means of achieving success. With appropriate preparation and a well-designed program, you can eventually become one of them.
Conclusion
As the cost of traditional on-campus education continues to soar, the emergence of affordable online universities has become a true game-changer in the world of higher education. These universities make quality education more affordable by using cutting-edge learning techniques and technology to deliver degree programs for a fraction of the cost to a larger number of students.
Affordable online universities meet the varied needs and financial constraints of contemporary learners by offering a wide range of programs, including professional development opportunities, specialized certificates, and extensive bachelor’s and master’s degrees. These programs provide students with an affordable route to reaching their academic and professional objectives by doing away with the costs related to living on campus and other campus-based fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online University
What is the cheapest online college?
- The cheapest online college on our list is Florida Atlantic University. Undergraduates who are state residents pay an average of $105 per credit in tuition.
How can online students avoid out-of-state tuition costs?
- The easiest way to avoid out-of-state tuition costs as an online student is to attend a college in your state. Students who attend an out-of-state public college often pay more than in-state students. That said, some colleges charge all online students the same tuition, regardless of residency. Additionally, some colleges reduce tuition costs with waivers for children of alumni or military members. And some students may qualify for in-state tuition if they have strong academic credentials.
What are the admission requirements for affordable online universities?
Admission requirements can vary, but often include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA (e.g. 2.0-3.0)
- Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) for some programs
- Personal statement or essay
- Letters of recommendation
What is the average cost of online college?
- Based on numbers collected by BestColleges, the average net price for online programs at distance-learning-only public schools was $12,981 during the 2021-22 school year. The cost was higher at both private nonprofit schools and private for-profit schools: $15,942 and $19,294, respectively.