This guide covers important information about online bachelor's programs, including how to choose the right online college, the value of an accredited degree, and scholarship opportunities for online learners.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals with a bachelor's degree earn $337 more per week than those with an associate degree and $461 more than those with a high school diploma, translating into an additional $17,000-$24,000 per year.
By choosing an online bachelor's degree from an affordable online college, prospective students can increase their earning potential without incurring large amounts of debt. An online bachelor's program offers a flexible learning format that lets students balance their studies with professional and personal obligations. Accredited online schools offer the same diplomas and meet the same academic standards as traditional, on-campus programs.
#1 | Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, OK |
#2 | Florida International University | Miami, FL |
#3 | Thomas Edison State University | Trenton, NJ |
#4 | University of Houston-Downtown | Houston, TX |
#5 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL |
#6 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe, LA |
#7 | University of Florida-Online | Gainesville, FL |
#8 | Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, NC |
#9 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | Durant, OK |
#10 | Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE |
Table of Contents
This guide includes everything you need to know about the most affordable online bachelor's programs. Click on a topic to learn more.
Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Oklahoma State University |
Stillwater, OK Apply Now | ||
2 |
Florida International University |
Miami, FL Apply Now | ||
3 |
Thomas Edison State University |
Trenton, NJ Apply Now | ||
4 |
University of Houston-Downtown |
Houston, TX Apply Now | ||
5 |
Florida Atlantic University |
Boca Raton, FL Apply Now | ||
6 |
University of Louisiana at Monroe |
Monroe, LA Apply Now | ||
7 |
University of Florida-Online |
Gainesville, FL Apply Now | ||
8 |
Fayetteville State University |
Fayetteville, NC Apply Now | ||
9 |
Southeastern Oklahoma State University |
Durant, OK Apply Now | ||
10 |
Bellevue University |
Bellevue, NE Apply Now | ||
11 |
Missouri State University-Springfield |
Springfield, MO Apply Now | ||
12 |
New Mexico State University |
Las Cruces, NM Apply Now | ||
13 |
Appalachian State University |
Boone, NC Apply Now | ||
14 |
Northern Kentucky University |
Highland Heights, KY Apply Now | ||
15 |
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin |
Odessa, TX Apply Now | ||
16 |
Minot State University |
Minot, ND Apply Now | ||
17 |
University of Illinois at Springfield |
Springfield, IL Apply Now | ||
18 |
Indiana University-Bloomington |
Bloomington, IN Apply Now | ||
19 |
Northwestern State University of Louisiana |
Natchitoches, LA Apply Now | ||
20 |
University of Alaska Fairbanks |
Fairbanks, AK Apply Now | ||
21 |
Lamar University |
Beaumont, TX Apply Now | ||
22 |
Eastern New Mexico University |
Portales, NM Apply Now | ||
23 |
University of New Mexico |
Albuquerque, NM Apply Now | ||
24 |
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater |
Whitewater, WI Apply Now | ||
25 |
Ottawa University-Kansas City |
Overland Park, KS Apply Now | ||
25 |
Ottawa University-Online |
Ottawa, KS Apply Now | ||
27 |
Indiana State University |
Terre Haute, IN Apply Now | ||
28 |
Fort Hays State University |
Hays, KS Apply Now | ||
29 |
University of Central Florida |
Orlando, FL Apply Now | ||
30 |
Sam Houston State University |
Huntsville, TX Apply Now | ||
31 |
Southeast Missouri State University |
Cape Girardeau, MO Apply Now | ||
32 |
University of North Alabama |
Florence, AL Apply Now | ||
33 |
Troy University |
Troy, AL Apply Now | ||
34 |
Western Kentucky University |
Bowling Green, KY Apply Now | ||
35 |
University of Wisconsin-Superior |
Superior, WI Apply Now | ||
36 |
Granite State College |
Concord, NH Apply Now | ||
37 |
Eastern Illinois University |
Charleston, IL Apply Now | ||
38 |
National University |
La Jolla, CA Apply Now | ||
39 |
Western New Mexico University |
Silver City, NM Apply Now | ||
40 |
Mid-America Christian University |
Oklahoma City, OK Apply Now | ||
41 |
University of Memphis |
Memphis, TN Apply Now | ||
42 |
Baker College |
Flint, MI Apply Now | ||
43 |
West Texas A & M University |
Canyon, TX Apply Now | ||
44 |
University of Arkansas at Little Rock |
Little Rock, AR Apply Now | ||
45 |
Arkansas State University |
Jonesboro, AR Apply Now | ||
46 |
Arizona State University-Tempe |
Tempe, AZ Apply Now | ||
47 |
SUNY Empire State College |
Saratoga Springs, NY Apply Now | ||
48 |
Texas State University |
San Marcos, TX Apply Now | ||
49 |
Austin Peay State University |
Clarksville, TN Apply Now | ||
50 |
East Carolina University |
Greenville, NC Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!

Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Ranking Guidelines
This list ranks schools in order of their average net price for the most recent academic year. This information, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics, reflects the average price paid by students for the school year after factoring in tuition costs, required fees, books and supplies, and financial aid. To be included on this list, schools must also offer a minimum of five distinct online bachelor's degree programs. The numbers below reflect the average net price for one full academic year.
The Advantages of a Bachelor's Degree
Professionals with a bachelor's degree earn over $450 more per week, on average, than professionals with only a high school diploma. Professionals with a bachelor's degree also benefit from a lower-than-average unemployment rate.
Educational Attainment | Median Weekly Earnings | Unemployment Rate |
---|---|---|
High School Diploma, No College | $712 | 4.6% |
Some College, No Degree | $774 | 4.0% |
Associate Degree | $836 | 3.4% |
Bachelor's Degree | $1,173 | 2.5% |
Source: BLS
Are Online Schools Accredited?
Prospective online students should only consider accredited schools. Schools can earn accreditation by voluntarily submitting to a review by an independent accrediting agency. Accredited colleges and universities meet high academic standards based on student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic rigor.
Online schools may hold regional or national accreditation. Liberal arts and research institutions generally hold regional accreditation, while technical and vocational programs may hold national accreditation. Regional accreditation remains the highest standard for colleges and universities. In addition to a school's accreditation status, some programs, like business, nursing, and teacher preparation programs, may hold programmatic accreditation.
Regional accreditation remains the highest standard for colleges and universities.
Accreditation benefits students in several ways. Many professional licenses and certifications require an accredited degree, and some employers only hire candidates with an accredited degree. Students at accredited institutions also qualify for more financial aid opportunities than students at non-accredited institutions.
Seven accrediting agencies grant regional accreditation based on the state where the school is located. Prospective students can check a school's accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited schools.
Are Online Degrees Cheaper?
Online students often save money on their education compared to on-campus students. An online learning format lets students research and attend the most affordable online colleges without relocating. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer tuition discounts for online learners, including in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students. Online students also save on the commuting and housing costs that on-campus students incur.
Some online schools offer accelerated online bachelor's degrees. Depending on the program, completing the degree faster can result in tuition savings. Learn more about the best online colleges by state.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost?
The cost of an online bachelor's degree varies by institution. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition cost for a bachelor's degree at a public, in-state institution exceeded $9,000 per year in 2017-2018. Out-of-state students paid over $25,000 per year in tuition and fees, while students attending private institutions paid more than $30,000 per year, on average.
Public, in-state schools generally offer the lowest cost per credit; however, many programs offer flat tuition rates for online students or in-state rates for online learners regardless of residency.
What Are the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs?
Online students often save money on their education compared to on-campus students. An online learning format lets students research and attend the most affordable online colleges without relocating. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer tuition discounts for online learners, including in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students. Online students also save on the commuting and housing costs that on-campus students incur.
Some online schools offer accelerated online bachelor's degrees. Depending on the program, completing the degree faster can result in tuition savings. Learn more about the best online colleges by state.
Best Online Colleges by State
Colleges and universities often offer tuition discounts to in-state students. Prospective students can review our ranking of the best online colleges by state to discover local options.
What Are the Best Online Degrees to Pursue?
The best online degrees offer academic rigor, highly qualified faculty, and diverse course offerings. Prospective students can review our ranking of the 25 best online degrees categorized by discipline, including business and finance, computers and technology, and humanities and social sciences.
What Are the Top-Paying Bachelor's Degrees?
The following jobs, which require a bachelor's degree for entry-level opportunities, offer the highest average early and mid-career salaries.
Degree Subject | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay |
---|---|---|
Petroleum Engineering | $94,500 | $176,900 |
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | $88,000 | $142,200 |
Applied Economics and Management | $58,900 | $140,000 |
Operations Research | $77,900 | $137,100 |
Political Economy | $57,600 | $136,200 |
Source: PayScale
Choosing an Online Bachelor's Degree Program
Transfer Policies
Most colleges and universities accept transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree. Prospective students can often submit their transcripts for a transfer credit evaluation, which can help save money on tuition costs.
School Size and Type
The size and type of school informs the total cost of a bachelor's degree and the student experience. In general, private schools charge higher tuition rates but offer more individualized attention, while in-state public institutions charge the lowest rates but may offer less one-on-one attention from faculty.
Program Delivery
Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which don't require set login times, while others require set class meetings. Asynchronous courses give students more flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal obligations.
On-Campus Requirements
While many colleges offer fully online degrees, some programs include on-campus requirements, which students should ensure they can meet before enrolling in a program.
Program Reputation
A program's reputation can influence job prospects and earning potential after graduation. Prospective students can research program rankings and ask colleges for graduation placement information to determine a program's reputation.
Paying for Your Online Bachelor's Degree
Students earning a bachelor's degree online qualify for many scholarship opportunities. In addition to the following list, online learners can research scholarship opportunities based on factors like identity, major, and career path.
Scholarships for Online Bachelor's Students
Unigo $10k Scholarship $10,000
Who Can Apply: Students attending an accredited postsecondary institution qualify for this scholarship opportunity. Applicants must submit a 250-word essay.
Apply for this ScholarshipTEACH Grant $4,000
Who Can Apply: The federal TEACH grant provides up to $4,000 per year for students earning a teaching degree. Recipients must meet work requirements after graduation.
Apply for this ScholarshipChegg Monthly Scholarship $1,000
Who Can Apply: Chegg offers a monthly scholarship for students attending an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants can apply every month.
Apply for this Scholarship