10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor's Degrees
Updated May 23, 2023
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Online education offers many benefits, often including a more affordable path to a college degree. Earning a cheap bachelor's degree online can prepare you for graduate school or a career without the burden of student debt.
The most popular online colleges offer degrees in an array of subjects and require the same academic rigor as traditional on-campus programs.
Featured Online Programs
Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree: Overview
The cheapest online bachelor's degrees can save you money in many ways. Some public colleges and universities charge all online learners — even those out of state — in-state tuition rates.
Your school may also exempt you from paying certain fees.
In addition, earning a cheap bachelor's degree online can save you money on common college expenses like on-campus housing, a meal plan, and transportation to and from campus.
Best Affordable Bachelor's Degrees Online
The best affordable bachelor's degree online programs include the liberal arts, STEM, and healthcare. Be sure to contact colleges' admissions departments to learn more about these and other exciting degrees.
As you review the cheapest bachelor's degrees below, keep in mind that required classes and learning outcomes may vary by school and program.
Bachelor's in Accounting
An online bachelor's degree program in accounting prepares you to work as an accountant. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that these professionals earn a median salary exceeding $75,000 (BLS, May 2021).
Other careers you can pursue with a bachelor's in accounting include cost estimator, financial analyst, and financial manager.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Accounting Programs
Bachelor's in Business
The cheapest bachelor's degrees in business may require finance, consulting, and accounting classes. The degree prepares you for business careers like advertising sales agent, benefits officer, and bookkeeper.
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks earn a median salary of $45,560, with finance and insurance industry clerks making the most in this group (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Online Bachelor's in Business Administration Programs
Bachelor's in Computer Science
Computer programmers with a computer science degree earn a median salary of $93,000 (BLS, May 2021). Other well-paying computer science careers include information security analyst and computer systems analyst.
The cheapest bachelor's degrees in computer science may require information systems, software engineering, and math classes. Work with your college's academic and career counselors to select electives that align with your career goals.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Programs
Bachelor's in Education
You need a bachelor's in education and a teaching license to work as a public elementary or secondary school teacher. High school teachers earn a median salary of $61,820 (BLS, May 2021). You may earn more working for a public school than you would for 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.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Education Programs
Bachelor's in Finance
The cheapest online bachelor's degrees in finance may require classes focusing on the principles of accounting, investing, and financial management.
Well-paying finance careers include actuary, financial manager, and personal financial advisor. The median salary for actuaries exceeds $105,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).
Some top-paying finance jobs may require you to have more than a bachelor's. Use your college's career center to learn whether you'll need an advanced degree or certification to qualify for your dream job in finance.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Finance Programs
Bachelor's in Information Technology
An affordable online bachelor's degree in information technology (IT) may let you specialize in mobile devices, cybersecurity, or cloud-based networking. A college degree opens up many IT careers, such as hardware engineer, database administrator, and information systems manager.
Computer hardware engineers take home a median annual salary exceeding $128,000 (BLS, May 2021). You may earn significantly less as a recent graduate.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Information Technology Programs
Bachelor's in Marketing
You can explore many careers with a bachelor's in marketing, such as technical writing. These professionals earn a median salary of $78,060 (BLS, May 2021).
Other marketing career opportunities include sales engineer, marketing research analyst, and public relations specialist.
Your cheap bachelor's degree online program in marketing may require classes in consumer behavior and applied marketing management.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Marketing Programs
Bachelor's in Nursing
An online bachelor's in nursing can help your start or advance your career as a registered nurse (RN). RNs make a median annual salary of $77,600 (BLS, May 2021). 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 experiences. Work with your academic counselors and professors to find placements near you.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Nursing Programs
Bachelor's in Psychology
An affordable online bachelor's degree in psychology challenges you with 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 require only a bachelor's degree, such as human resources manager. These professionals earn a median salary of $126,230 (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Online Bachelor's in Psychology Programs
Bachelor's in Social Work
An inexpensive bachelor's degree online program in social work may require coursework in diversity, human behavior, and social work research. You'll also have to complete n-person practicums in different social work settings.
One of the best social work jobs for graduates with a bachelor's degree is a health education specialist. These workers earn a median annual salary of $48,860 (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Online Bachelor's in Social Work Programs
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 can qualify for many roles.
Bachelor's degree holders earn an average of $27,000 more annually than those with just a high school diploma, according to the BLS.
Earning a degree online provides flexibility, accessibility, and affordability. Accredited online degrees meet the same high academic standards as in-person degrees.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost?
Online bachelor's degrees typically cost tens of thousands of dollars. Many factors can influence how much you spend, including your school type and your residency status.
In-state, public colleges typically offer the lowest tuition costs, whereas private and out-of-state schools usually charge more.
One benefit of pursuing a bachelor's degree online is that you can research colleges anywhere — you don't need to limit your search to local schools. You also don't need to relocate to attend a more affordable program.
In addition to tuition, you must budget for other expenses as an online student. These may include distance learning or technology fees. You may also need to buy a new laptop or upgrade your internet.
Additional expenses may include books and supplies. Undergraduates spent an average of $1,226 on books and supplies in 2020-2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Some careers require a license or certification after graduation, so make sure you factor these fees into your degree's total cost.
Featured Online Programs
Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor's Degrees
These rankings include
#1 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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%
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Degrees
What is the fastest way to get a bachelor's degree online?
Degree completion and accelerated programs offer the fastest route to a bachelor's degree. These programs can help you earn your bachelor's degree in less time, often just 1-2 years.
Can you get a bachelor's degree entirely online?
Many top-ranked colleges offer fully online bachelor's degrees. In distance-learning programs, you must meet graduation requirements by taking classes and earning credits online.
Do employers consider online bachelor's degrees?
Employers make no distinction between campus-based and online bachelor's degrees. Accredited online degrees meet the same high standards as on-campus degrees.
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