Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees


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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
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 help learners earn their bachelor's in 12 months.
Can you get a bachelor's degree entirely online?
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.
Do employers consider online bachelor's degrees?
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
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University of Florida-OnlineLocation
Gainesville, FL
Tuition$10287
Graduation Rate88%
Established in January 2014, UF Online now offers affordable and fully online baccalaureate degree programs. UF Online ranks 3rd in the 2021 U.S. News and World Report Best Online Programs.
UF Online offers a total of 24 fully online degree programs in multiple areas of interest. These programs include four-year degrees in advertising, anthropology, biology, business administration, computer science, criminology, digital arts, education, environmental management, geography, journalism, nursing, psychology, public management, and sport management.
Applicants must complete their online application, and pay a non-refundable application fee of $30.
The University of Florida-Online is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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Florida International UniversityLocation
Miami, FL
Tuition$9180
Graduation Rate58%
Recognized as a Top 50 public university in the country, FIU now enrolls a total of almost 54,000 undergraduate and graduate students every year.
FIU Online offers more than 40 fully online degree programs that are taught by the university's credentialed on-campus professors and instructors. Some of the university's online degrees focus on the areas of business, computer science, education, economics, history, hospitality management, health sciences, public relations, and social sciences.
All applicants must submit all transcripts of records, and pay the required $30 application fee.
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Southeastern Oklahoma State UniversityLocation
Durant, OK
Tuition$8490
Graduation Rate33%
Established in 1909, Southeastern is composed of a student body of almost 4,750. 90% of Southeastern's students receive financial aid.
Southeastern offers 12 undergraduate online programs at an affordable cost of only $285 per credit hour. These online bachelor's programs include degrees in accounting, communication, criminal justice, general business, management, marketing, liberal and applied studies, occupational safety and health, and recreation sports management.
To be considered for admission, applicants must complete the online application and send over their transcripts of records.
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University of Central FloridaLocation
Orlando, FL
Tuition$13016
Graduation Rate73%
Since first opening its doors in 1963, UCF has become a premier metropolitan research university. UCF confers more than 17,000 degrees each year.
UCF Online has more than 20 bachelor's programs and 35 minor options offered fully online. The university offers online bachelor's degrees in the areas of anthropology, communication, criminal justice, hospitality management, nursing, political science, psychology, social sciences, and sociology.
UCF Online requires applicants to submit their academic transcripts, and pay the $30 non-refundable application fee.
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The University of Texas of the Permian BasinLocation
Odessa, TX
Tuition$9800
Graduation Rate41%
Founded in 1969, UTPB now has two campus locations in Texas. Around 5,800 students attend UTPB on a yearly basis.
UTPB's online undergraduate programs consist of four-year degrees in accounting communication, criminal justice, humanities, industrial technology, management, marketing, political science, psychology, and sociology. UTPB offers all these programs through a 100% online course delivery.
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official high school transcripts, and a non-refundable application fee of $40.
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The University of West FloridaLocation
Pensacola, FL
Tuition$9091
Graduation Rate44%
Based in Pensacola, UWF now has an alumni network of more than 90,000 professionals. UWF's total enrollment in 2020 reached 13,043 students.
UWF Online provides prospective students with the opportunity to choose one from the university's 14 online undergraduate degrees. The university's online degree programs allow students to work at their own pace, and schedule classes according to their convenience.
Applicants must complete the online application, pay the required $30 application fee, and submit official transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
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Northeastern State UniversityLocation
Tahlequah, OK
Tuition$9138
Graduation Rate35%
With three campuses in Oklahoma, NSU continues to expand its reach and deliver quality education to students. NSU now offers 59 undergraduate programs and 26 graduate degrees.
NSU Online's diverse list of programs includes online degrees in business, criminal justice, general studies, geography, homeland security, hospitality and tourism management, information systems, legal studies, nursing, and technology. NSU Online offers courses in fully online delivery and/or blended formats.
All prospective students must finish the online application for admission, and pay the $25 non-refundable application fee.
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University of Louisiana at MonroeLocation
Monroe, LA
Tuition$9455
Graduation Rate44%
Founded in 1931, ULM offers students with topnotch resources such as the Student Success Center, the Career Center, and the Office of Student Engagement.
ULM also offers over 35 online degree programs. These include online bachelor degrees in business administration, criminal justice, education, health studies, marketing, management, modern languages, nursing, political science, and risk management and insurance.
ULM requires applicants to complete the online application, pay the $20 application fee, and send over their official transcripts of records.
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Eastern Washington UniversityLocation
Cheney, WA
Tuition$10751
Graduation Rate44%
Established in the year of 1882, EWU was named by the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity as the top college of diversity in Washington.
Through the Eastern Online platform, EWU offers online undergraduate programs in the areas of communication, dental hygiene, health science, interdisciplinary studies, and public relations. The university offers these bachelor's degrees entirely online, allowing students to pursue their studies at the comforts of their own home.
All interested applicants must complete the online admission application and pay the $60 application fee.
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Pennsylvania College of Health SciencesLocation
Lancaster, PA
Graduation Rate66%
Launched in 1903, PA College now offers nearly 20 degree options. About 1,800 students enroll at PA College every year.
PA College offers degree programs with coursework that students can complete entirely online. Among these programs are bachelor's degrees in health sciences, healthcare administration, and an RN to BSN program.
To be considered for admission, students must submit a high school transcript or an official GED transcript. PA College may also require the submission of SAT or ACT scores.
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Eastern New Mexico University-Main CampusLocation
Portales, NM
Tuition$10918
Graduation Rate35%
With an excellent 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ENMU has garnered a 97% student satisfaction rate. ENMU is also recognized as the largest regional comprehensive university in New Mexico.
ENMU's Office of Distance Learning offers 100% online degrees in the areas of accounting, aviation science, business, communication, computer science, criminal justice, education, history, hospitality management, nursing, psychology, and sociology. The university also offers online minors and endorsement areas.
ENMU requires applicants to submit their official high school and/or college transcripts, along with their ACT or SAT test scores.
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Northwestern Oklahoma State UniversityLocation
Alva, OK
Tuition$9158
Graduation Rate30%
Established in 1897, Northwestern has expanded its programs to 40 areas of study. Around 2,000 students attend Northwestern on an annual basis.
The online degree programs at Northwestern focus on the areas of accounting, business administration, nursing, and technical management. Northwestern also offers online students with tutoring assistance and academic coaching.
All interested applicants must first submit an online application, and send over their official academic transcripts of records.
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Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityLocation
Weatherford, OK
Tuition$11996
Graduation Rate34%
SWOSU employs a 23:1 student-to-teacher ratio. SWOSU's distance education programs make use of webinar delivery and blended formats to help students complete their degrees. The university offers online undergraduate degrees in allied health, nursing, and organizational leadership.
To begin the application process, prospective students must submit all academic transcripts, along with their college plans detailing their intended major.
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McNeese State UniversityLocation
Lake Charles, LA
Tuition$9985
Graduation Rate45%
Since first opening its doors in 1939, McNeese now rolls out 100 undergraduate academic programs and 36 graduate degrees.
McNeese offers an online bachelor of science in psychology degree that allows students to finish their studies through 100% online coursework. McNeese's online students gain full access to personalized advising, and tremendous internship and service-learning opportunities.
All applicants must directly submit their academic transcripts and official ACT or SAT test scores.
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Texas A & M International UniversityLocation
Laredo, TX
Tuition$4744
Graduation Rate46%
Founded in 1970, TAMIU now enrolls over 8,400 students each year. TAMIU's curriculum focuses on global study and understanding across all disciplines.
TAMIU offers online programs across the high-demand disciplines of business, criminal justice, education, and nursing. The university provides a 100% online course delivery, allowing working students to achieve a balance between work and school.
TAMIU requires all applicants to submit their official transcripts of records, and complete the list of documents and requirements needed by each specific degree program.
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Florida Atlantic UniversityLocation
Boca Raton, FL
Tuition$9486
Graduation Rate52%
Ranked as the most diverse public university in Florida, FAU now serves more than 30,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
FAU's online degree programs cover the areas of arts and letters, business, design and social inquiry, education, engineering and computer science, nursing, and science. The university also provides online students with access to tutorial support, online academic advisors, financial aid counselors, and career support.
All applicants must complete the required high school units to be considered for admission. FAU also requires applicants to submit all official transcripts.
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Dickinson State UniversityLocation
Dickinson, ND
Tuition$11502
Graduation Rate34%
Established in the year of 1918, College Consensus now ranks DSU as the best college in North Dakota. Students at DSU enjoy small class sizes and interactive classroom discussions.
DSU offers online bachelor's degrees in accounting, administration, applied science, education, finance, human resource management, and university studies. DSU's online students receive support services such as academic advising, career development support, financial aid, library services, and technology assistance.
DSU admission requires completion of the ACT or the SAT. All applicants must also submit their transcripts, and pay the one-time application fee of $35.
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Fort Hays State UniversityLocation
Hays, KS
Tuition$12420
Graduation Rate44%
Founded in 1902, FHSU now stands today as a regional comprehensive public university. 95% of FHSU students assume professional roles and jobs right after they graduate.
FHSU offers a total of 60 fully accredited online bachelor's programs. These programs include a diverse list of degrees in accounting, agriculture, business, communications, computer science, criminal justice, education, finance, history, modern languages, nursing, political science, psychology, and sociology.
FHSU requires freshmen applicants to hold a cumulative 2.25 or higher GPA in high school, while transfer students must have a minimum 2.00 GPA on all previous college work.
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Middle Georgia State UniversityLocation
Macon, GA
Tuition$9378
Graduation Rate18%
Now with six campuses to its name, MGA has established itself as an innovative public university. MGA's pursuit of academic excellence is built on the values of stewardship, engagement, adaptability, and learning.
MGA offers online bachelor's degrees in the areas of aviation science, business administration, criminal justice, English, health services administration, information technology, nursing, psychology, and technical management. The university provides online students with access to services such as advising, counseling, accessibility services, and student complaint resolution.
MGA no longer requires SAT and ACT scores. Applicants must complete the online application, and send their transcripts to the Office of Admissions.
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New Mexico State University-Main CampusLocation
Las Cruces, NM
Tuition$9462
Graduation Rate46%
With a 900-acre campus and enrollees from 49 states and 89 foreign countries, NMSU now serves more than 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
NMSU also offers online bachelor's degrees in business administration, criminal justice, gender and sexuality studies, hotel, restaurant and tourism management, information and communication technology, journalism, psychology, and sociology. NMSU's online students enjoy support services such as academic advising, ICT help desk, library services, and tutoring services.
NMSU requires applicants to submit their official transcripts of records. Official ACT or SAT scores are no longer required for admission or scholarship eligibility.
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Indiana University-EastLocation
Richmond, IN
Tuition$7898
Graduation Rate41%
IU East offers more than 60 programs and more than 80 intensive courses. The university also integrates an average class size of 17 students, allowing for an interactive classroom discussion.
IU East rolls out online bachelor's degree programs in applied health science, business administration, communication studies, criminal justice, data science, health care management, history, informatics, languages, mathematics, political science, sociology, and sustainable studies. All of these online programs require students to complete 120 credit hours.
All interested applicants must submit official transcripts of records or official GED test scores.
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University of Wisconsin-Green BayLocation
Green Bay, WI
Tuition$12323
Graduation Rate52%
Established in 1965, UW-Green Bay has now expanded to four campuses across Wisconsin. Around 8,970 students attend UW-Green Bay every year.
UW Green-Bay's online programs include undergraduate degrees in accounting, business administration, finance, health information management, human resources management, organizational leadership, marketing, nursing, psychology, and public administration. The university offers these degrees entirely online.
Applicants must set up their own UW-Green Bay account, and send over their official academic transcripts of records.
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Mississippi University for WomenLocation
Columbus, MS
Tuition$11152
Graduation Rate48%
Founded in 1884, MUW has become coeducational since 1982. MUW now features 50 majors and concentrations.
MUW offers a total of 17 online bachelor's degrees in the areas of business administration, education, nursing, and public health education. The university also offers eight online minors and eight online graduate programs.
All applicants must submit their official high school records. For transfer students, MUW requires applicants to hold a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA on all coursework attempted.
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University of Hawaii-West OahuLocation
Kapolei, HI
Tuition$9851
Graduation Rate32%
Since its inception in 1976, UH West O'ahu strives to provide pathways for students to assume roles in the local and international job market. The university now enrolls around 3,000 students each year.
UH West O'ahu's online degree programs require students to complete lower-division coursework via in-person and online classes. The university's distance learning programs are delivered through asynchronous or synchronous online classes, or via interactive television.
Applicants must submit their transcripts of records, and pay the required application fee of $50.
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Nicholls State UniversityLocation
Thibodaux, LA
Tuition$10496
Graduation Rate45%
Nicholls offers more than 100 accredited bachelor's and master's degree programs. Around 6,500 traditional and nontraditional students enroll at Nicholls on a yearly basis.
Nicholls also offers 100% online undergraduate degrees in the areas of business administration, English, general studies, health sciences, history, nursing, political science, psychology, and sociology. The university's online curriculum follows an eight-week schedule, allowing students to earn their degree in just three years.
Nicholls requires prospective online students to complete this online application, and submit their official academic transcripts of records.
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