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 a cheap 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 $4,000 less per year on average than a traditional on-campus degree.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
College costs can vary significantly among schools, but data from the NCES can give us a general idea. Across all institution types, the median annual tuition for online bachelor’s degrees is around $8,000, compared to $12,250 for on-campus programs.
This means, on average, online bachelor’s degrees cost around $17,000 less in tuition and fees than their on-campus counterparts over the course of four years.
| Type | Median Annual Tuition and Fees | Median Total Cost of Tuition and Fees Over Four Years |
|---|---|---|
| Online | $7,926 | $31,704 |
| Traditional | $12,250 | $49,000 |
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; however, private colleges tend to offer more sizable financial aid packages, which can help reduce the cost of tuition and fees.
According to the NCES, full-time undergraduate students paid an average of $58,600 at four-year private nonprofit colleges and $27,100 at public colleges for the 2022-23 school year. These costs include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses.
| School Type | Average Annual Tuition and Fees (2023-24) | Average Total Cost Over Four Years (2022-23) |
|---|---|---|
| Public | $6,944* | $27,100 |
| Private (Nonprofit) | $27,978* | $58,600 |
Note: *The average annual tuition and fees are the average amount reported by the institutions, not the average amount paid by students. This helps explain why the average total cost over four years at private, nonprofit colleges is far lower than you might expect to see.
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 that are awarded based on your academic success or other criteria, such as financial need. Similarly, grants are awarded 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.
10 Popular Cheap Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
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 with so many programs to choose from, how do you find the one for your unique needs?
First, make sure to choose an accredited institution. Accreditation ensures the highest standards for academic quality, and most employers only hire graduates from accredited schools.
Next, consider your interests, strengths, and career goals. And don’t overlook one of the most important factors: cost. A degree is a major investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
So, are you ready to pursue a specific degree? Below, you can explore some of our popular cheap online bachelor’s degree programs and their median annual salaries, per May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Business
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- English
- Healthcare Administration
- History
- Information Technology
- Psychology
- Social Work
1. Business
Affordable online business degrees give you a solid foundation in essential business principles. Typical courses cover management, marketing, finance, accounting, and economics. Many programs let you specialize in areas like accounting, finance, or marketing.
As a business major, you can pursue various career paths in business. The majority of business majors work in management roles, which had a median annual salary of $122,090 in May 2024. Other popular jobs include business and financial operations, sales, and office support roles.
2. Communications
An affordable communications bachelor’s degree helps you build marketable hard and soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and writing. Concentration areas include mass communication, public relations, or advertising, depending on your chosen concentration.
Given the wide-spanning nature of this degree, there are many career paths in communications, from market research and advertising to human resources and journalism. According to May 2024 data from the BLS, the median wage for media and communication occupations was $70,300.
3. Computer Science
A computer science bachelor’s degree program includes courses in information systems, software engineering, and calculus. You’ll learn both the theory and practical elements of new softwares and computational tools.With a computer science degree, you could become a computer programmer. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $140,910 as of May 2024. Other well-paying computer science careers include information security analyst and computer systems analyst.
4. Criminal Justice
A criminal justice degree focuses on the study of law enforcement, the court system, and corrections. Courses often cover policing, criminal law, and research methods.
Common fields in criminal justice are law, forensic psychology, and law enforcement. According to Payscale, the average salary for someone with a bachelor’s in criminal justice is approximately $68,000.
5. English
An affordable English degree covers nonfiction writing, film studies, and literature. As an English major, you can expect to study literature within historical and cultural contexts, which helps you develop critical thinking, persuasive writing, and speaking skills.
Many English majors pursue careers as authors, teachers, or editors. According to Payscale data from July 2025, the average salaries for a few bachelor of arts in English careers are as follows: technical writer ($59,120), marketing manager ($71,539), and senior technical writer ($93,560).
6. Healthcare Administration
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration helps you build leadership and management skills that are relevant to the healthcare sector. Common courses cover management principles, project management, and integrated physical sciences.
Majoring in healthcare administration gets you ready for roles in health services management. Medical and health services managers earned a median salary of $117,960 in May 2024, according to the BLS.
Many graduates of HCA programs go on to earn an advanced degree. Pursuing an affordable master’s in healthcare administration provides further leadership training and makes you more competitive for management roles.
7. History
Affordable history degrees focus on historical knowledge, research, and communication skills. In a history program, you will learn how today’s world developed and gain insight into diverse people from various times and places.
History majors can pursue careers as historians, archivists, museum curators, and teachers. In May 2024, the median annual wage for archivists, curators, and museum workers was $57,100, as per the BLS.
8. Information Technology
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.
9. 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.
10. Social Work
An affordable online BSW program requires coursework in diversity, human behavior, and social work research. You’ll also have to complete in-person practicums in different social work settings.
Working as a health education specialist is one possible social work career you could pursue with a bachelor’s degree. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $63,000 as of May 2024, according to the BLS. Employers may require a certification in health education.
Is A College Degree Worth It?
In general, yes, a college degree is still worth it. Finding an affordable program and keeping your costs down can help you maximize your return on investment.
While concerns around rising tuition costs and clear pathways to employment have become more prevalent, bachelor’s degrees still provide a healthy return, according to a 2025 study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. However, whether a bachelor’s degree is worth it for you depends on your career and financial goals. A bachelor’s degree can put you on the path to new careers and higher salaries. In fields like business, healthcare, and information technology, a bachelor’s degree can lead to a median annual salary ranging from $60,000-$138,080, according to the BLS.
BLS data from 2024 also shows that people with a bachelor’s degree earn 68% more per year than those with a high school diploma and around 46% more than those with an associate degree.
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.
