With the cost of higher education skyrocketing, many prospective students are looking for affordable colleges and finding an accredited online college an excellent option. Pursuing an online degree not only offers college students the comfort of attending school from home, but may also save them money.
Top 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges Sort by: Influence
Acceptance Rate
Student To Faculty
Undergrad Tuition
Grad Tuition
CUNY Graduate Center Florida Institute of Technology Park University Purdue Global Ottawa University American InterContinental University Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University Post University American Public University System Thomas Edison State University Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 70% Ottawa University 67% Florida Institute of Technology 66% Averett University 48% American InterContinental University 43 to 1 Columbia Southern University 39 to 1 Purdue Global 28 to 1 Post University 23 to 1 American Public University System 23 to 1 Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 20 to 1 Amberton University 20 to 1 Thomas Edison State University 20 to 1 Granite State College 20 to 1 University of Arkansas Grantham 18 to 1 Florida Institute of Technology $43,246 Averett University $37,050 Ottawa University $36,780 Post University $16,610 American InterContinental University $12,418 Park University $12,280 Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $10,748 Purdue Global $10,080 Amberton University $8,550 Bellevue University $8,310 Florida Institute of Technology $22,338 Ottawa University $12,338 American InterContinental University $12,244 Thomas Edison State University $12,024 Averett University $11,790 Bellevue University $10,980 CUNY Graduate Center $9,930 Granite State College $9,684 Charter Oak State College $9,288 Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $8,916 University of Arkansas Grantham Averett University Charter Oak State College Columbia Southern University Granite State College Amberton University Bellevue University Thomas Edison State University American Public University System Post University Averett University 48% Florida Institute of Technology 66% Ottawa University 67% Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 70% CUNY Graduate Center 10 to 1 Ottawa University 10 to 1 Averett University 12 to 1 Charter Oak State College 13 to 1 Florida Institute of Technology 15 to 1 Park University 15 to 1 Bellevue University 16 to 1 University of Arkansas Grantham 18 to 1 Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 20 to 1 Amberton University 20 to 1 Columbia Southern University $5,775 CUNY Graduate Center $6,930 Thomas Edison State University $7,182 American Public University System $7,360 Granite State College $7,536 Charter Oak State College $7,656 University of Arkansas Grantham $8,280 Bellevue University $8,310 Amberton University $8,550 Purdue Global $10,080 Columbia Southern University $3,900 University of Arkansas Grantham $4,200 Park University $6,435 American Public University System $6,660 Amberton University $6,840 Post University $7,500 Purdue Global $8,730 Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $8,916 Charter Oak State College $9,288 Granite State College $9,684 Key Takeaways Affordable online college programs put a bachelor’s degree within reach of most prospective students. Undergraduate students who attend an online school in their state may get in-state tuition discounts. The cheapest online college may not be the best. Students conducting a school search must ensure the online degree program is accredited with a respected accrediting agency. In This Article: Why onsider an online college? What do online degree programs typically cost? Additional Factors That Affect Online College Costs Why Students Should Only Consider Fully Accredited Online Schools How We Rank the Most Affordable Online Colleges The Most Affordable Online Colleges Ask A Question Table of Contents In This Article: Why onsider an online college? What do online degree programs typically cost? Additional Factors That Affect Online College Costs Why Students Should Only Consider Fully Accredited Online Schools How We Rank the Most Affordable Online Colleges The Most Affordable Online Colleges Ask A Question Featured Programs Why onsider an online college? Prospective students who must keep their costs low find colleges and universities with online degree programs make sense. How online students save money on their college education:
No need to pay for on-campus housing and dining plans No need to pay for gasoline for commuting Students with a good job can usually keep it while attending school and build career equity Online classes may offer textbooks and other class materials online for free or at a reduced cost For online students, colleges may wave some fees that on-campus students must pay In some cases, tuition costs for online classes may be cheaper than similar on-campus classes Back to Top What do online degree programs typically cost? According to the Education Data Initiative (August 2021), the average cost of an online bachelor’s degree is $51,091.
In-state students for an online bachelor’s degree, tuition costs averaged $38,496 Out-of-state students for an online bachelor’s degree, tuition costs averaged $54,183 Private online college tuition costs averaged $60,593 For 170 public ranked colleges (2019-20 academic year), the average cost per credit hour for online college is $316 For 168 private ranked colleges, the average cost per credit hour online is $488 In a survey of online college students postgraduation, 30% shared that getting their degree or certification added between $5,000 and $15,000 to their debt Because the higher education institutions in this ranking are among the most affordable online colleges and universities, their total cost per credit hour and final cost for a bachelor’s degree will be under these averages.
Back to Top Additional Factors That Affect Online College Costs Financial package awards Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, and student loans reduce costs. What students are awarded as a financial package may make an otherwise expensive school as inexpensive as the cheapest online college ranked here.
Equipment Essential for Attending College Online Online students must own or have access to a notebook computer and reliable internet access. Most colleges do not provide online students with a computer. A second monitor makes watching online courses on one display while taking notes in another easier. Other equipment to consider includes noise-canceling headphones, flash drives for storage, and a comfortable desk and desk chair.
Attending an Online School In-state vs. Out-of-state For most college students, attending school in their home state will lower tuition costs and make getting their undergraduate degree more affordable. These in-state discounts can be considerable, especially at a state university. It pays to shop around though, because some out-of-state online colleges may offer tuition costs comparable to attending in-state.
Affordable vs. “Cheap” Online Colleges Undergraduate students looking for affordable online options for their higher education often search out cheap online degree programs or cheapest online colleges . But is cheap the right way to think about an education?
Cheap implies “offering just enough to get by,” while affordable says more about the wise use of a student’s available funds. For instance, schools with iffy accreditation can certainly be cheap, but ultimately, they may not be a wise use of a student’s money.
We know that students often use cheap and affordable interchangeably. Any potential online learner should seek out a school that will make the most of both their available funds and their time.
Back to Top Why Students Should Only Consider Fully Accredited Online Schools Higher education accreditors are outside companies and organizations that certify a college or university’s courses and degree programs meet a professionally agreed-upon standard for academic excellence. Almost all accredited brick & mortar colleges that also offer online degree programs have their online courses and curriculum accredited through the same accreditor.
Some online colleges may exist without a brick & mortar campus. Students in the process of a school search should take extra care to ensure these online programs are accredited.
Why? Because employers, graduate schools, and any school a student might transfer to will demand reputable accreditation. Cheap becomes a liability when no one wants a student’s cheap degree from an unaccredited school.
All of the colleges and universities featured on the AcademicInfluence.com site are fully accredited colleges and universities , whether online colleges or on-campus.
For more important details on this essential topic, see What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide .
Back to Top How We Rank the Most Affordable Online Colleges Our measure of affordability: annual out-of-state tuition costs of undergraduate colleges and universities that offer online bachelor’s degrees. Additional factors: online undergraduate student enrollment, academic influence , and a minimum 10 online degree programs.
A note about the Tuition + Fees number in each ranking entry The Tuition + Fees number in each of the entries below is for traditional costs at the school and may not reflect the the costs of the online programs. This is why some schools with seemingly costlier tuition may rank higher in the lists. Check with each school to get current costs for each online degree program.
Back to Top The Most Affordable Online Colleges Because the majority of students looking for the widest number of low-cost online colleges will be looking nationally, this ranking of the 20 cheapest online colleges covers programs that are cheapest for out-of-state students.
Cheapest Online Colleges for Out-of-state Students Other Rankings Columbia Southern University’s Online Degrees BSBA in Business Administration Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Occupational Safety And Health Degree Concentrations Construction Safety Fire Science Oil And Gas Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Information Systems And Cybersecurity Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Criminal Justice Administration Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Fire Administration Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Homeland Security Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Healthcare Administration Degree Concentrations Emergency Medical Services Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineMore
Other Rankings American Public University System’s Online Degrees BS in Accounting Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Business Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBBA in Business Administration Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : Online
Other Rankings University of Arkansas Grantham’s Online Degrees BS in Accounting Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Business Administration Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBBA in Financial Planning Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Computer Engineering Technology Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Computer Science Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Electronics Engineering Technology Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Information Systems Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Criminal Justice Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Cybersecurity Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Multidisciplinary Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Multidisciplinary Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Strategic Communications Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Health Information Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSN in Nursing- Rn To Bsn Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineMore
Other Rankings Thomas Edison State University’s Online Degrees BSBA in Accounting Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSBA in Accounting/Cpa Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSBA in Entrepreneurship Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSBA in Finance Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSBA in General Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSBA in Human Resource Management/Organizational Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSBA in Marketing Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSBA in Operations Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Organizational Leadership Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSBA in Computer Information Systems Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Computer Science Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Data Science And Analytics Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Information Technology Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Technical Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Criminal Justice Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Cybersecurity Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Homeland Security And Emergency Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Communication Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in English Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in History Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in International Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Liberal Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Professional Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Sociology Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSBA in Healthcare Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSN in Nursing Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Radiation Protection/Health Physics Required Credits : 125Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Psychology Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Electrical Technology Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Energy Systems Technology Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Mathematics Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Nuclear Engineering Technology Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology Required Credits : 124Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineMore
Other Rankings Charter Oak State College’s Online Degrees BS in Business Administration Degree Concentrations Small Business Project Management Human Resources Organizational Management General Business Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Human Resource Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Organizational Leadership Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Criminal Justice Degree Concentrations General Criminal Justice Victim Advocacy Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Cybersecurity Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in General Studies Degree Concentrations Paralegal American Studies History Information Management Political Science Public Affairs Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Early Childhood Education Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in History Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Public Safety Administration Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Sociology Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Healthcare Administration' Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Health Information Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Nursing Rn To Bsn Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Child Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineMore
Other Rankings Bellevue University’s Online Degrees BA in Graphic Design Required Credits : 127Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Accounting Required Credits : 127Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Business Required Credits : 127Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : Online
American InterContinental University’s Online Degrees BS in Accounting Required Credits : 180Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Business Administration Degree Concentrations Finance Healthcare Management Accounting Entrepreneurship Human Resources Management Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality Management Management Marketing Operations Management Project Management Technology Management Required Credits : 180Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Criminal Justice Degree Concentrations Corrections And Case Management Forensic Science Homeland Security And Crisis Management Law Enforcement Required Credits : 180Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : Online
Other Rankings Granite State College’s Online Degrees BS in Digital Media Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Accounting And Finance Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Business Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Human Resource Administration Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Marketing Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Operations Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Applied Studies- Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Information Technology Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Technology Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Criminal Justice Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Fire Service Administration Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Early Childhood Education Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in English Language Arts Teacher Certification Degree Concentrations Early Childhood Education And Early Childhood Special Education Elementary Education And General Special Ed General Special Ed Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Math Studies Teacher Certification Degree Concentrations Elementary Ed And General Special Ed General Special Ed Mathematics Middle Level Mathematics Middle Level And General Special Ed Mathematics Upper Level Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Social Studies Teacher Certification Degree Concentrations Elementary Education And General Special Ed General Special Ed Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Applied Studies- Education And Training Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in English Language Arts Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in History Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Human Services Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Individualized Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Individualized Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Professional Communication Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Social Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Public Service Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Health And Wellness Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Healthcare Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Allied Health Leadership Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Psychology Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineMore
Other Rankings Purdue Global’s Online Degrees BS in Accounting Required Credits : 180Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Analytics Required Credits : 180Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Business Administration Required Credits : 180Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : Online
Other Rankings Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University’s Online Degrees BS in Aviation Business Administration Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Business Analytics Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Leadership Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Project Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Safety Management Required Credits : 121Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Technical Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Homeland Security Required Credits : 123Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Communication Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Interdisciplinary Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Emergency Services Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Aeronautics Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Aviation Maintenance Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Engineering Required Credits : 128Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Engineering Technology Required Credits : 122Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineMore
Amberton University’s Online Degrees BBA in Accounting Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBBA in Business Administration Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Human Relations & Business Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBBA in Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBBA in Management Accounting Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBBA in MBA Accounting dual degree Required Credits : 150Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Professional Development Degree Concentrations Human Behavior and Development Psychology Religion Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBBA in Project Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineMore
Other Rankings Post University’s Online Degrees BS in Accounting Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Business Administration Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Finance Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Gaming And Esports Management Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Management Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Marketing Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Sport Management Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Computer Information Systems Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Criminal Justice Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Emergency Management And Homeland Security Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Legal Studies Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Communication And Media Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Human Services Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Nursing Rn To Bsn Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Child Studies Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Psychology Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Applied Mathematics And Data Science Required Credits : None ReportedCompletion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineMore
CUNY Graduate Center’s Online Degrees BS in Business Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Information Systems Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Disability Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Communication and Media Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Liberal Studies Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in Sociology Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Health Information Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Health Services Administration Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineMSN in RN to BSN and MSN Degree Concentrations Accelerated Nursing Education Accelerated Nursing Informatics Accelerated Nursing Organizational Leadership Accelerated Nursing Education AcceleratedNursing Informatics Accelerated Nursing Organizational Leadership Required Credits : 150Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBSN in Nursing Degree Concentrations Queensborough Community College Fast Track Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Nursing Degree Concentrations Dual Program with Queensbourough College Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineMore
Other Rankings Park University’s Online Degrees BS in Accounting Required Credits : 69Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBS in Construction Management Required Credits : 120Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : OnlineBA in English Required Credits : 122Completion Time : None ReportedFormat : None Reported
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs For additional guidance on finding affordable online colleges for specific bachelor’s degree programs, see Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees .