Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees
Updated September 26, 2022
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Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor's Degrees
More than seven million college students took online classes in fall 2019, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Nearly 3.5 million pursued a degree fully online.
Many top-ranked colleges offer fully online bachelor's degrees. Online enrollees interact with professors and classmates in a virtual learning environment. An online format provides flexibility. Students can often continue working while earning their degree. Online programs also offer affordability. Learners can enroll in the most affordable program in any state.
With an online degree, graduates can work in diverse, growing fields like business, education, and healthcare. Affordable online colleges help students graduate with less debt.
Our ranking features the most affordable online colleges for bachelor's degrees. Read on to learn about costs and potential programs.
Questions About Bachelor's Degrees
Degree-completion and accelerated programs offer the fastest route to a bachelor's degree. These programs help learners earn their bachelor's in 12 months.
Many top-ranked colleges offer fully online bachelor's degrees. In distance-learning programs, enrollees meet graduation requirements by taking classes and earning credits online.
Employers make no distinction between a campus-based or an online bachelor's degree. Accredited online degrees meet the same high standards as on-campus degrees.
Why Earn a Bachelor's Degree?
A bachelor's degree can lead to new careers and higher salaries. Many entry-level careers require a bachelor's degree. In fields like business, healthcare, and education, bachelor's degree-holders may qualify for many roles.
Graduates with a bachelor's degree earn an average of $27,000 more annually than those with a high school diploma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earning a degree online provides flexibility, accessibility, and affordability. Accredited online degrees meet the same high academic standards as in-person degrees.
Featured Online Programs
How Much Does a Bachelor's Degree Cost?
Online bachelor's degrees cost an average of $51,090, according to EducationData.org. However, many factors influence cost, including school type and learners' residency status. Students attending in-state, public colleges usually pay the most affordable tuition. Enrollees at private or out-of-state schools may pay much more.
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree online can research colleges anywhere. They need not limit their search to local schools. They also do not need to relocate to attend a more affordable program.
Additional Online Student Fees
In addition to tuition, online learners must budget for other expenses. These may include distance learning or technology fees. Online learners may also need to buy a new laptop or upgrade their internet.
Additional expenses may include books and supplies. According to the NCES, undergraduates spend $1,065-$1,230 per year on books and supplies. Some careers require a license or certification after graduation. Online learners should factor these fees into their degree's total cost.
Available Online Bachelor's Degrees
Accredited schools offer online bachelor's degrees in many in-demand majors. Students can earn a bachelor's degree online in fields like business, healthcare, and education.
During an online bachelor's program, degree-seekers meet their graduation requirements through online classes. These requirements include general education, major, and elective classes. Online students typically meet in-person requirements like clinical practicums or student teaching locally.
See below for some of the most popular online bachelor's degrees. Keep in mind that programs vary by school. Students should contact their prospective schools to learn more about specific options.
An online business degree trains majors in areas like accounting, finance, and marketing. Many programs offer specializations in areas like business administration, healthcare management, or business management. Business degree-holders may work as financial analysts, market research analysts, accountants, or project managers.Business
Online nursing programs prepare graduates for healthcare careers. Many online colleges offer RN-to-BSN programs, which help RNs advance their careers. During an online nursing program , undergraduates take classes in patient care, health assessment, and evidence-based practice. Online enrollees complete a practicum in their local area.Nursing
Online education programs train students for careers as teachers, childcare providers, and educational administrators. Degree-seekers take classes in instruction and assessment, classroom management, and learning methods. Enrollees complete student teaching in their local area.Education
An online psychology degree emphasizes strong critical thinking and analytical skills. During the social sciences major, learners study human development, social behaviors, and abnormal psychology. The program builds strong research, writing, and communication skills for diverse career paths in social services, business, and education. Majors also pursue graduate education.Psychology
A bachelor's in information technology (IT) trains majors in programming languages, operating systems, and database management. Most programs also include business classes that emphasize the intersection between business and technology. IT graduates may work as operations analysts, network systems administrators, or database administrators.Information Technology
Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor's Degrees
#1
University of Central Florida
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Orlando, Florida |
| Admission Rate | 44% |
| Graduation Rate | 72% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
59%
|
A public institution, the University of Central Florida operates from its main campus in Orlando. At the school, learners enroll in 47 programs offered online. The online programs provide high quality educational experiences in a flexible format.
At the school, online learners can take classes that require no set meeting times. Academic advisors and career counselors help majors reach their goals. Distance learners participate in the school's internship programs to gain real-world experience. The school works with enrollees to approve experiential learning sites in their area.
After completing general education and major requirements, students graduate with an accredited bachelor's degree. With a bachelor's degree, graduates can work in business, education, healthcare, and other in-demand fields that require a college degree.
University of Central Florida Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 41,097
Total Bachelor's Programs: 88
Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 30-to-1
Admission Rate: 44%
#2
Northeastern State University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Tahlequah, Oklahoma |
| Admission Rate | 100% |
| Graduation Rate | 33% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
66%
|
Located in Tahlequah, Northeastern State University enrolls students in online bachelor's programs as a public institution. The school currently offers 29 online programs for distance learners. Online degree-seekers benefit from the institution's high academic standards and flexible enrollment options.
At the school, online learners can take classes that require no set meeting times. Academic advisors, online tutors, and career counselors help majors reach their goals. Distance learners participate in internship programs to gain hands-on experience. Programs work with enrollees to approve experiential learning sites in their area.
After meeting graduation requirements, students earn an accredited bachelor's degree. A degree often helps graduates launch careers in business, education, healthcare, and other in-demand fields.
Northeastern State University Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,977
Online Bachelor's Programs: 11
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Admission Rate: 100%
#3
University of Louisiana at Monroe
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Monroe, Louisiana |
| Admission Rate | 80% |
| Graduation Rate | 47% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
43%
|
The University of Louisiana at Monroe grants degrees as a public institution. In addition to in-person options, the school offers 34 online programs. Degree-seekers who prefer an online format benefit from the institution's high academic standards and flexible programs.
The school provides synchronous and asynchronous course options. Majors benefit from academic and career support. Distance learners engage in internships to gain hands-on experience. While earning a degree online, enrollees build experiential skills at approved sites in their community.
The school awards accredited bachelor's degrees to graduates from its online programs. A bachelor's degree helps graduates launch careers in business, education, healthcare, and other in-demand fields.
University of Louisiana at Monroe Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,756
Online Bachelor's Programs: 14
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Admission Rate: 80%
#4
McNeese State University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Charles, Louisiana |
| Admission Rate | 81% |
| Graduation Rate | 47% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
56%
|
From its campus in Lake Charles, McNeese State University grants degrees as a public institution. Distance learners choose from 26 programs offered online at the school. Those who prefer the flexibility of an online format benefit from the institution's high academic standards.
The school offers both synchronous and asynchronous course schedules. Programs connect majors with academic advisors, online tutors, and career counselors. Distance learners also participate in hands-on learning opportunities like internships. While earning a degree online, enrollees meet internship requirements in their local community.
Students who meet the graduation requirements receive an accredited bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree helps professionals launch careers in business, healthcare, education, and other growing fields.
McNeese State University Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,070
Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Admission Rate: 81%
#5
Fort Hays State University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Hays, Kansas |
| Admission Rate | 91% |
| Graduation Rate | 43% |
| Accreditation |
Yes
|
| Percent Online Enrollment |
55%
|
Fort Hays State University ranks among the best public institutions with online bachelor's degrees. The school offers 40 online programs for distance learners. Online degree-seekers benefit from the institution's high academic standards and flexible enrollment options.
Synchronous and asynchronous classes let learners schedule coursework around their other responsibilities. Programs connect majors with academic advisors, online tutors, and career counselors. Distance learners also engage in hands-on learning opportunities, including internships and practicums. While taking online classes, enrollees complete internships at local community sites.
The online programs award accredited bachelor's degrees. A bachelor's degree helps professionals launch careers in business, healthcare, education, and other growing fields.
Fort Hays State University Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 8,759
Online Bachelor's Programs: 24
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Admission Rate: 91%
Featured image: AzmanL | E+ | Getty Images
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