As a general rule, college is expensive, but cheap online colleges do exist. In fact, for many students, going to school online is the most cost-effective way to earn a degree.
By selecting your school carefully and putting some money-saving strategies into practice, you can minimize your college expenses while getting a high-quality education.
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The more you know about saving on school costs, the easier it could be to keep your spending in check during your college years.
Affordable and Cheap Online Colleges
Education is important, but if you don’t want to be saddled with debt by the time you graduate, then talk of college expenses may leave you thinking that a degree simply isn’t for you. But, instead of giving up on your dreams, you could take a look at affordable online degrees.
Going to college online isn’t necessarily a guarantee that school will be cheaper, but it often helps. With the lowest tuition colleges online, you may be able to focus more fully on your studies rather than worrying about how to pay your bills. Plus, you might be comfortable enhancing your career preparation with a few extra classes instead of taking the bare minimum number of courses.
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When you’re checking out online schools, it’s strategic to consider the following factors. They can influence the cost of your degree, and they can also play a role in whether you get the most value for your money:
- Accreditation status
- Cost per credit hour
- Financial aid opportunities
- Program structure—self-paced vs. set course lengths
- On-campus requirements
- Student supports for online learners
- Technology charges and other fees
- Transfer credit policies
Residential costs are often one of the most significant expenses that college students face. That’s a major reason why online college programs often end up being more affordable than on-campus programs.
Online students can live at home and prepare their own food. The cost of commuting may not even be a factor since you can do your online schoolwork from nearly anywhere. Flexibility is another reason why online college is often more financially feasible. Many online college students work their assignments around their other responsibilities, including full-time jobs.
If you’re bringing in a full-time paycheck while taking classes, it may be easier to pay your tuition bills. When looking at the cost of schools, keep in mind that you may end up paying well under the sticker price. Opportunities for financial help abound.
Many college students receive state and federal financial aid, which can come in the form of grants or student loans. In addition, institutional or private scholarships can help reduce the cost of college as well.
How to Make Cheap Online Degrees More Affordable
Even if you’re attending the cheapest online university, there may be additional ways to bring down your costs. You could give these strategies a try:
- Choose an in-state school. In-state public universities often provide tuition discounts for residents. The same goes for in-district community colleges.
- Complete the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid may help you access both state and federal funds.
- Decline on-campus opportunities. Some schools include optional on-campus sessions, but travel costs, especially if you live far away, can quickly add up. You might consider limiting your participation or declining these invitations.
- Enroll part-time. With going to school part-time, it can take more time to complete your studies, but you can also spread the payments out over a longer period.
- Pay per course term. If you enroll at an online school with a flat fee per term—and you can handle a heavy course load—then you can save money by completing school as quickly as possible.
- Pursue transfer credits. Some online colleges welcome credits earned at other colleges, and they may even grant you credit for work experience or professional certifications.
- Rent textbooks. Buying textbooks can be a large expense that catches you off guard. Borrowing or renting books, whether physical or digital copies, may be significantly cheaper.
It’s beneficial to check with your college’s financial aid office for additional money-saving ideas.
Choosing an Affordable Online University
Not all inexpensive online colleges are created equal. If you want to get the most for your money, you might consider the following school characteristics before deciding where to enroll:
- Accreditation. If you want a quality education, it’s essential to choose a regionally accredited college. Depending on what field you’re going into, you might also be interested in a school with programmatic accreditation in a particular area.
- Costs. Your overall price will depend on multiple factors, including the cost per credit hour, your federal financial aid, any institutional scholarships, and the various fees that a school charges.
- Format. You might want to go to school part-time or full-time, and you may want live online class sessions or around-the-clock access to study materials. You can pick a school that offers your preferred format.
- Programs. If you’re attending school with a particular career goal in mind, then you’ll want to select a college that offers your chosen field of study in an online format.
- Student supports. You may get more value for your money at colleges that include free tutoring, counseling, career help, or library services for students.
- Transfer credit. If you’ve gone to college in the past, you might prefer schools that will give you course credits for your previous work.
There are many low tuition online colleges from which to pick, so you can likely save money without compromising your educational priorities.
Low Cost Online Colleges Admissions Requirements
The cheapest online colleges often have similar admissions requirements to those at more expensive schools. Here are common criteria:
- ACT or SAT score (optional for many online colleges)
- High school diploma or GED—plus transcripts to back up your work
- Letters of recommendation from teachers, supervisors, or others who know you well
- Sample of your writing, such as an essay question
Many online colleges accept applications via the Common App, which can help you save time when applying to multiple schools.
Affordable Online Bachelor Degree Programs Accreditation
There’s no need to sacrifice a quality education for the sake of saving money. Many affordable online colleges are quite reputable. You can look into a college’s reputation by seeing if it is regionally accredited.
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A school with regional accreditation has received the approval of an independent regional accrediting agency. The accreditor has determined that the college meets the standards for educating its students well. Coursework from a regionally accredited college may transfer to other schools, help you get into a graduate program, or help qualify you for desirable jobs.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Choosing a cheap online college is only one of the steps you can take toward saving money on your education. You can also seek out as many forms of financial aid as possible.
Most students start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. This form is your ticket to accessing federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant. It may also be used in determining your eligibility for state aid. To encourage you to enroll, a school may extend scholarship offers to you. This is often called institutional aid.
You may be eligible to apply for scholarships from other organizations, too. You can apply for awards from local groups or search online for national scholarship programs. Online students are often employees as well. Your workplace may have a tuition reimbursement program as a part of your benefits package.
Is Online College Cheaper?
Going to college online doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll pay less than you would for an on-campus degree, but it often works out that way. For one thing, online students usually maintain their normal living situations, so they don’t pay the school for room and board.
College can be a lot more affordable without dining plans and dorm charges. Also, online classes are often flexible, which may allow you to both work and go to school. College can feel much more affordable when you have a steady paycheck each month. In addition, some colleges charge online students fewer fees.
How Much Do Most Affordable Online Colleges Cost?
Online colleges often cost between $200 and $1,000 per credit hour. Some have higher per-credit prices, and a few are lower. Most bachelor’s degrees require 120 hours for completion.
Colleges that charge only a few hundred dollars per credit hour are often public universities. To get that rate, you may be required to be an in-state resident. The price may be higher for out-of-state students. Community colleges are often among the lowest tuition colleges online. To reap the full benefit, though, you’ll likely want to select the community college in your local district.
Is Online College Worth It?
Yes, online college is worth it for many students. For one thing, online studies can be an affordable way to earn a degree. Plus, online learning provides a flexible path to getting your education.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics has data to show that the more education you have, the less chance there is that you’ll be unemployed. The unemployment rate is 4% among people with high school diplomas and 2.2% among those with bachelor’s degrees.
Best Affordable Online Colleges
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
American Public University aims to make it easy for all students to earn an affordable education while also honoring other life commitments. The school offers over 200 online programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Courses are 8 to 16 weeks long with monthly start dates. Fields of study offered include electrical engineering and legal studies.
APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Central Methodist University offers a variety of online undergraduate degrees and a handful of online graduate degrees designed to be convenient and reasonably priced. Many of these programs are fully online. Classes are 8 to 16 weeks long, and many are conducted in an asynchronous learning format. Areas of study offered include special education, communication studies, and health professions education.
Central Methodist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
U.S. News & World Report named Colorado State University among the best online colleges for bachelor’s degrees. The school offers affordable online degrees through its Global Learning program. CSU locks in tuition rates when students begin and requires no additional fees. Fields of study offered include criminal justice, information technology, and project management.
Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Value Colleges named Columbia College among the best online colleges in Missouri. The school offers over 30 fully online degrees. Classes are conducted in a flexible, asynchronous learning format. Courses are 8 weeks long, and there are six start dates each year. Books are provided for free. Degree fields offered include accounting, political science, and psychology.
Columbia College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Columbia Southern University has offered online degrees for over 25 years. The school is committed to providing affordable education and works with students to help them save money. CSU offers a wide variety of fully online degrees, from associate degrees to doctoral degrees. Programs are offered in fire administration, human resource management, and more.
Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Eastern New Mexico University offers over 30 flexible, online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Most of these programs are fully online. Some of the programs allow students to begin work on a master’s while earning their bachelor’s. Fields of study offered include school counseling, personal financial planning, and sport administration.
Eastern New Mexico University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Florida Atlantic University has one of the largest student bodies in the country. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that can be earned online, along with 4+1 programs that may offer savings on earning a master’s degree. Most online courses are conducted in an asynchronous learning format. Fields of study offered include Asian studies, English literature, and construction management.
FAU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida International University has offered online education programs for 20 years and is one of the largest colleges in the country. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, most of which can be earned fully online. Most online courses are conducted in an asynchronous format. Programs are offered in global sustainable tourism, forensic science, and more.
Florida International University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Great Basin College was named one of the most affordable online colleges. The school offers several associate and bachelor’s degrees that can be earned fully online. Some of these offer the option to take courses on campus or at a regional learning center. Some programs may be finished in just 2 years. Online programs are offered in English, business, and more.
Great Basin College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
U.S. News & World Report named Oregon State University among the top colleges in the country for online bachelor’s degrees. OSU strives to make education affordable through lowering materials costs, collaborating with employers, and creating innovative financial assistance. It offers over 100 degree programs in fully online or hybrid formats, including fields such as accounting and botany.
Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Thomas Edison State University aims to provide affordable education to adult learners who need a flexible schedule. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees online, and credit for prior learning and experience may be offered. Most courses are 8 to 12 weeks long. Fields of study offered include psychology, operations management, and data science and analytics.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Alabama among the best schools in the country for online bachelor’s degrees and education for veterans. The school offers fully online and hybrid degree programs for reasonable prices. Programs are offered in food and nutrition, hospitality management, advertising and public relations, and more.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Central Florida as one of the top schools in the nation for online bachelor’s degrees. The school offers over 100 online programs, many of which are fully online. UCF waives many fees and helps students find financial assistance. Programs are offered in legal studies, civil engineering, and more.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Houston – Downtown offers several online bachelor’s degree completion programs and graduate programs. Most of these programs are fully online. Courses follow a semester schedule and are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. Fields of study offered include supply chain management, technical communication, and criminal justice.
The University of Houston – Downtown is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Maine – Augusta offers zero tuition to certain in-state students who meet eligibility requirements. The school aims to offer affordable tuition to other students. UMA offers fully online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Courses follow a semester schedule and are offered three times per year. Programs are offered in business administration, liberal studies, mental health and human studies, and more.
The University of Maine – Augusta is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Maine – Augusta offers zero tuition to certain in-state students who meet eligibility requirements. The school aims to offer affordable tuition to other students.
UMA offers fully online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Courses follow a semester schedule and are offered three times per year. Programs are offered in business administration, liberal studies, mental health and human studies, and more.
The University of Texas – Permian Basin is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of West Florida offers affordable online degrees. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees may be earned through the school’s fully online programs. UWF’s classes are offered in a convenient accelerated format, and there are multiple start dates each year. Programs are offered in global hospitality and tourism, health promotion and worksite wellness, curriculum and instruction, and more.
The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
U.S. News & World Report ranked West Texas A&M University’s online undergraduate programs among the best in the nation. The school offers over 40 programs for students seeking flexible, affordable degrees. Courses follow a regular semester schedule with fall, spring, and summer start dates. Programs are offered in health sciences, educational leadership, and more.
West Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Western Governors University is a fully online college designed for adult learners. Programs are competency-based, and a flat-rate tuition is paid every six months. The programs are designed to allow students to work through their degree quickly and potentially save money. The school offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of industries, including finance, data analytics, and healthcare administration.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Western New Mexico University is committed to providing affordable tuition and ensures that students won’t face a tuition increase once admitted. Most programs are fully online and asynchronous. Courses follow a semester schedule. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields, including counseling, educational leadership, mathematics, history, and political science.
WNMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Low Cost Bachelor Degree Online
Worries over money don’t have to stand in the way of your earning a college degree. Online colleges can provide an affordable path to getting an education.
When you’re looking at cheap colleges, it’s strategic to focus on ones that are regionally accredited. That way, you can be confident that you’re getting a good value for your money. You can graduate with a respected degree that may help you advance your career.
Why not start checking out accredited online colleges today? Once you have a few schools in mind, you can make an informed plan for how to pay for your college education, including exploring options at online colleges with low monthly payments.
