Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees of 2025
Are college costs top of mind when it comes to getting your degree? You’re not alone. Getting a bachelor’s degree online can be a smart, affordable move. Typically, online degree programs cost less than on-campus programs. Many online programs also match the quality of on-campus programs.
By opting for the cheapest online bachelor’s degree, you can minimize student debt and prepare for a career or graduate school.
10 Cheapest Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
At the University of Florida Online, you can choose from more than 25 fully online bachelor's degree programs. As a student at UF Online, you'll earn the same degree as on-campus students, with classes taught by the same professors and faculty members, all while saving 40% in tuition costs.
Things We Love:
- As a Florida resident, you'll pay just $129 per credit hour for tuition and fees.
- You'll get a dedicated academic advisor to help you stay on track and reach your goals.
- You can network with an online social and support community hub no matter where you're located.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition for out-of-state students is over four times more than in-state tuition.
- If you're an out-of-state student with grandparents living in Florida, you could be eligible for a tuition and fee reduction.
- In-State$3,358
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled5,356
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Florida International University has more than 70 online degree programs, including 40 fully online bachelor's degree programs. When it comes to academic prestige, FIU reports that it consistently ranks among the best universities in the country for both academic excellence and return on investment.
Things We Love:
- FIU is the only public university in South Florida to earn the Carnegie Classification Tier One public research university ranking, the top category for doctoral research universities.
- FIU is a Hispanic- and minority-serving institution dedicated to student success and upward mobility.
- The university is highly ranked for student experience and global impact.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- There is no separate scholarship application. You can qualify for merit scholarships with your college application during early action.
- Standardized test scores are required. The middle 50% ACT score range for FIU fall admissions was 26-31.
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled54,085
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
Charter Oak State College has 13 online career-focused bachelor's degree programs for recent high school grads and busy working adults. These programs offer six start dates, flexible credit transfer, and expert faculty to help you start a new career on your terms.
Things We Love:
- COSC offers flexible ways to earn credit to save you more on tuition.
- The Credit for Prior Learning program allows you to apply previous learning for credit at COSC.
- You can also get credit for specific evaluated training, certifications, or credentials.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- As of the 2024-2025 school year, COSC charges an extra $305 per semester for student services and technology fees.
- You'll need a minimum of a high school diploma or nine college credits for admission.
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$10,056
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$9,720
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled1,602
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Texas A&M University offers a fully online RN-to-BSN program for associate degree-holders, as well as 50 online certificate programs. For the online BSN program, you never have to travel to the College Station campus as you can complete the practicum experiences where you live.
By enrolling in the online degree program, you'll have access to TAMU's student resources and become part of the Aggie Network student and alumni organization.
Things We Love:
- You can access many Texas A&M student resources as an online student.
- There are both synchronous and asynchronous instruction options to fit your learning style and schedule.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The BSN program only admits students in the spring and summer semesters each year.
- You'll need to apply to the relevant department for your degree and complete the standard admissions application through ApplyTexas.
- In-State$8,443
- Out-of-state$36,637
- In-State$6,885
- Out-of-state$19,593
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled76,633
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
At San Diego State University, you can choose from five fully online bachelor's degree completion programs and two hybrid degree programs. With a two-year minimum completion time, you can build a course load or transfer credits to allow you to graduate in under four years, which can help reduce the cost of your degree significantly.
Things We Love:
- Some programs are fully asynchronous, allowing you to fit school around other commitments.
- SDSU also offers online career training programs, such as bookkeeping and pharmacy technician training, that can help you start a new career in 6-18 months.
- SDSU offers enhanced student services for online students.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The application window for degree completion programs for the fall 2025 semester is October 1, 2024, through May 15, 2025.
- You may be eligible for VA benefits if you're an active service member, veteran, or the spouse or child of a service member or veteran.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$19,140
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate34%
- Students Enrolled36,637
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
New Mexico State University
- Las Cruces, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
New Mexico State University Global Campus offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs, all 100% online. You can also access microlearning courses and career development opportunities.
NMSU Global Campus also maintains a flexible transfer policy, allowing you to transfer up to 90 credits to earn your degree faster and save money in the process.
Things We Love:
- NMSU offers support for your financial, academic, and career pursuits.
- If you're a New Mexico resident, you can get up to 100% of tuition and fees covered through the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship program.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Transfer students must have 24 completed credit hours from an accredited university.
- Incoming freshmen need a minimum 2.75 GPA, a minimum ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 1060, or to be in the top 20% of your graduating class for acceptance.
- In-State$6,728
- Out-of-state$25,055
- In-State$5,184
- Out-of-state$18,023
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled14,779
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of North Texas has 90 online programs, including 11 bachelor's degree programs. Many of these programs offer flexible learning options, including an accelerated bachelor's degree completion program. UNT boasts world-class faculty and is designated a Carnegie Classification Tier One public research university.
Things We Love:
- UNT awards more than $70 million in scholarships annually.
- UNT stands out for its ethnically diverse student body and is a dedicated Hispanic- and minority-serving institution.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition is higher for out-of-state students — around $14,000 per year on average compared to around $11,000 for in-state students.
- UNT charges more than $300 per semester for distance learning fees.
- In-State$8,404
- Out-of-state$21,004
- In-State$6,350
- Out-of-state$13,694
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled47,507
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University Indianapolis
- Indianapolis, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Indiana University Indianapolis offers 36 online bachelor's degrees through IU Online. With solid support services and student outcomes, 92.1% of IU graduates reported positive career outcomes, and 65.1% reported full-time employment after graduation.
Things We Love:
- You can take a free sample course to see if IU Online is a good fit for you.
- You can choose from hundreds of online classes in almost every major discipline.
- With substantial financial support, 50.8% of IU students graduate debt-free.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- February 15 is the deadline to apply and be considered for admissions-based scholarships.
- You can transfer up to 64 credit hours from a two-year community college or associate degree program.
- In-State$9,241
- Out-of-state$32,509
- In-State$9,366
- Out-of-state$25,872
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled25,497
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
- Delhi, NY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
State University of New York at Delhi is known for its nursing, hospitality, veterinary science, and business programs. You can choose from eight 100% online bachelor's degrees through its unique state-of-the-art learning platform, including culinary arts management, criminal justice, and veterinary science technology. You'll also have the opportunity to network and engage with SUNY Delhi's online community.
Things We Love:
- Online students are eligible for merit scholarships of $1,000 for undergraduate programs.
- SUNY Delhi offers individualized tutoring and academic advisement support services to help you succeed.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You'll need an associate degree or equivalent to be accepted for all online bachelor's degrees except veterinary science technology and electrical construction and instrumentation.
- Each undergraduate program maintains its own specific admission requirements, including specific GPA and course requirements.
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$13,570
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled2,615
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Northern Arizona University offers 62 flexible online bachelor's degree programs that you can adapt to your busy lifestyle. As an online student at NAU, you'll receive personalized support and faculty mentorship to help you succeed and ensure you're on track to graduate.
Things We Love:
- NAU awards over $400 million in scholarships and financial aid to students annually.
- Around 97% of students receive some sort of financial aid.
- Online students who are nonresidents pay the same tuition and fees as Arizona residents.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You'll need a high school GPA of 2.75 or higher for acceptance.
- NAU does not require standardized test scores for admission, but you must submit them if you want to be considered for scholarships.
- In-State$11,024
- Out-of-state$27,600
- In-State$11,103
- Out-of-state$20,817
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled28,194
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Check the Facts: Are online degrees really cheaper?
Yes, online degrees are cheaper on average. According to the most recent data (2020) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), an online bachelor’s degree program costs over $5,000 less on average than a traditional on-campus degree.
Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree?
An online bachelor’s degree can put you on the path to new careers and higher salaries. In fields like accounting, nursing, and information technology, a bachelor’s degree can lead to median annual salaries ranging from $79,880-$138,080, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
BLS data from 2024 also shows that people with a bachelor’s degree earn 68% more annually than those with a high school diploma and around 46% more than those with an associate degree.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
In general, the cost of college varies significantly among schools. NCES data shows online degrees cost around $5,000 less, on average, than traditional in-person programs.
| Type | Median Annual Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|
| Online | $7,926 |
| Traditional | $12,250 |
Tuition Costs at Public and Private Schools
The cost of college also varies by school type. Typically, private colleges are more expensive than public ones.
According to the NCES, for the 2022-2023 school year, full-time undergraduate students paid an average of $58,600 at four-year private nonprofit colleges and $27,100 at public colleges. These costs include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses.
How to Pay for Online College
A college degree program can be a big investment, but there are ways to make it more affordable, including federal student aid, scholarships, and grants.
- Federal student aid: You can apply for federal student aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal aid programs include the Pell Grant and student loan options. States, colleges, and private organizations use the FAFSA to determine financial aid eligibility.
- Scholarships and grants: Scholarships are funds awarded to students based on academic success or other criteria, such as financial need. Similarly, grants are given to students on the basis of academic or other achievements. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants don’t require repayment. First-time undergraduates at four-year colleges received an average of $15,750 in grants and scholarships in 2021-2022, according to NCES data.
- Tuition reimbursement: If you’re currently working, don’t forget to check with your employer about tuition reimbursement. Many companies offer this benefit to employees who are pursuing a college degree.
Which Cheap Online Bachelor’s Degree Should You Get?
Earning an online bachelor’s degree can open the door to a new career. College graduates qualify for higher-paying jobs than people without degrees. And you’ll need a bachelor’s degree if you want to go to graduate school. But how can you find the right program for your unique needs?
First, make sure to choose an accredited institution. Accredited degrees meet high standards for academic quality, and many employers prefer to hire graduates from accredited schools.
Next, consider your interests, strengths, and career goals. Explore popular online bachelor’s degrees and their median annual salaries, per BLS data from May 2023, below.
Bachelor’s in Accounting
An online bachelor’s degree in accounting prepares you to work as an accountant. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $81,680.
Other careers you can pursue with a bachelor’s in accounting include cost estimator, financial analyst, and financial manager.
Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Computer programmers with a computer science degree earn a median annual salary of $140,910. Other well-paying computer science careers include information security analyst and computer systems analyst.
Courses in a computer science degree program include information systems, software engineering, and calculus.
Bachelor’s in Education
You need a bachelor’s degree in education and a teaching license to work as a public elementary or secondary school teacher. High school teachers earn a median annual salary of $64,580. You may earn more working for a public school than a private school.
The cheapest online bachelor’s degrees in education may also qualify you for other education careers, such as library technician and preschool teacher.
Bachelor’s in Finance
An online bachelor’s degree in finance may require you to take classes on the principles of accounting, investing, and financial management. High-paying finance careers include actuary, financial manager, and personal financial advisor. The median annual salary for actuaries is $125,770 per year.
Some top-paying finance jobs may require a master’s degree. We recommend using your college’s career center to learn more about what you’ll need to find your ideal career.
Bachelor’s in Information Technology (IT)
An online bachelor’s degree in information technology may allow you to specialize in mobile devices, cybersecurity, or cloud-based networking.
You can pursue various IT careers after graduating, such as hardware engineer, database administrator, and information systems manager. Computer hardware engineers earn a median annual salary of $155,020.
Bachelor’s in Marketing
You can explore many careers with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, such as market research analyst and marketing specialist. Marketing professionals earn a median annual salary of $76,950. Other marketing career opportunities include copywriter, advertising manager, and public relations specialist.
Marketing degree programs typically consist of classes that equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the marketing field. Common courses include consumer behavior, applied marketing management, and market research.
Bachelor’s in Nursing
An online bachelor’s degree in nursing can help you start or advance your career as a registered nurse (RN). RNs earn a median annual salary of $93,600. Your RN job may pay more if you work for a government agency.
An online bachelor’s in nursing requires in-person clinical rotations and other hands-on requirements, which provide crucial training and insight into what it’s like to be an RN.
Bachelor’s in Psychology
An online bachelor’s degree program in psychology includes classes in addiction theories, the psychology of social media, and criminal psychology and behavior. You can use your degree to pursue a doctorate, which is required to become a licensed psychologist.
Some psychology-related careers, such as human resources manager, require only a bachelor’s degree. Human resources managers earn a median annual salary of $140,030.
Bachelor’s in Social Work
An online bachelor’s degree program in social work requires coursework in diversity, human behavior, and social work research. You’ll also have to complete in-person practicums in different social work settings.
Health education specialist is one possible social work career for bachelor’s degree-holders. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $63,000. Employers may require a certification in health education.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The cheapest way to get a bachelor’s degree is usually to earn an associate degree at a community college and then transfer to a four-year institution. Community colleges typically charge the lowest tuition rates.
You can also save money by researching affordable online colleges and comparing costs. The cost of an online degree depends on the tuition rate and any transfer credits you have. By earning a degree online, you can save on tuition and other expenses. And by maximizing your transfer credits, you can save money.
