10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor's Degrees

Looking for the cheapest online college? Learn about the most affordable online colleges and how to save money on your bachelor’s degree.
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Updated April 12, 2024

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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 Bachelor's Programs

Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor's Degrees

#1 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees

University of Florida-Online

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553

Credits to Graduate: 120

Select from 22 online bachelor's degrees at University of Florida Online, including advertising, business administration, and geology. UF Online's 17 minors let you customize your undergraduate education. Options include German studies, health promotion, and leadership. 

First-year admission requirements include standardized test scores and a high school or GED diploma. Transfer applicants need at least a 2.0 undergraduate GPA. UF Online's Free Seat Program provides one semester of free tuition and fees to eligible veterans and active-duty service members. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,358
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
5,168
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: $330

Credits to Graduate: 120

Degree-seekers choose Southern New Hampshire University for the university's many career-focused bachelor's degrees and generous credit transfer policy. You can select a program from one of 12 academic fields, such as education or health. All undergraduate programs feature eight-week classes and six annual start dates. 

The SNHU application takes only five minutes to complete. SNHU does not use a high school GPA cutoff or charge out-of-state tuition. The university's financial aid advisors help you fill out and submit the FAFSA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,000
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,900
Out-of-state
$18,900
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
145,533
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#3 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees

God's Bible School and College

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: $275

Credits to Graduate: 120

If you prefer a Christ-centered education, consider researching one of the many online bachelor's degrees at God's Bible School and College, such as biblical studies, church music, and ministerial education. The school also offers many traditional liberal arts programs, including accounting and communication. Some degrees let you choose between a hybrid and a fully online curriculum. 

Application requirements include a pastor or teacher's recommendation letter. You need not submit high school transcripts if you hold at least 24 undergraduate credits. All GBSC institutional aid programs require FAFSA results.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,500
Out-of-state
$6,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,920
Out-of-state
$7,920
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
348
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $153
Out-of-State | $557

Credits to Graduate: 120

Research Florida International University Online if you want to earn a bachelor's with a specialization. The university's hospitality management major features eight specialization tracks, including hotel management and tourism management. The interdisciplinary studies major lets you create a custom curriculum. 

Application requirements include standardized test scores and a high school or GED diploma. FIU Online does not use a GPA cutoff for transfer credit. You can submit your FAFSA results to apply for institutional financial aid. Each FIU Online scholarship requires a separate application. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees

Florida State College at Jacksonville

  • Jacksonville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $105-$117
Out-of-State | $219-$227

Credits to Graduate: 120

Aspiring information systems and financial specialists enroll in a Florida State College at Jacksonville online bachelor's program. Other fully online bachelor's degrees include early childhood education and logistics. You can complement your bachelor's degree with a technical certificate in one of over two dozen professional areas. 

You need a high school diploma to apply as a first-year student. If you don't have standardized test scores, you are required to take math and English placement tests. FSCJ's ScholarshipUniverse website lets you research and apply for the latest institutional scholarships. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,095
Out-of-state
$7,947
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
20,717
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

  • Killeen, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $260
Out-of-State | $668

Credits to Graduate: 120

Online bachelor's degrees at A&M-Central Texas include finance, management, and nursing. The professional pilot BS can train you for a career as a commercial pilot. A&M-Central Texas' transfer pathways ensure you receive the most credit and graduate as soon as possible.

You need at least an associate degree or 60 transferable credits to apply. A&M-Central Texas offers a convenient transfer guide and transfer class library. Although nonresidents pay more per credit, they may qualify for an institutional scholarship. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,593
Out-of-state
$16,385
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,558
Out-of-state
$12,920
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
2,219
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees

San Diego State University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $239-$478
Out-of-State | $635-$874

Credits to Graduate: 120 

San Diego State University (SDSU) offers online bachelor’s degrees in nutrition, engineering, and nursing. They also offer several tracks for students who want a bachelor’s degree in business, including general business administration, marketing, finance, management, and international business. 

You’ll need at least 120 credits to earn most bachelor’s degrees at SDSU. Full-time students pay $4,145 per semester in tuition and fees no matter how many more than six credits they take, so the cost per credit varies depending on how many credits students take. You can transfer up to 70 credits from community or junior colleges, which can help lower your tuition costs. Non-California residents must pay an additional $396 non-resident fee per credit. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
38%
Students Enrolled
36,484
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
64% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#8 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees

Indian River State College

  • Fort Pierce, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $117
Out-of-State | $400

Credits to Graduate: 120

Indian River State College (IRSC) offers online bachelor’s degree programs in business administration, healthcare management, and criminal justice. Some programs, such as human services, nursing, and information technology management and cybersecurity, require an in-person practicum or at least one proctored assignment per online course. 

Textbooks at Indian River State College meet Florida’s affordable textbook statutes to ensure all students can afford their books. 

The school offers in-state tuition to Florida residents, veterans, and some international students from countries such as Mexico and Canada. Indian River State College offers tuition assistance for active-duty military members and reservists. Requirements vary by military branch. You may also qualify for financial assistance based on academic performance, transfer status, or financial need. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,496
Out-of-state
$9,360
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
14,461
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees

Eastern New Mexico University

  • Portales, NM
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $281
Out-of-State | $363

Credits to Graduate: 120

Eastern New Mexico University offers online bachelor’s degrees in communication, business administration, early childhood education, and computer science. Eastern New Mexico University offers financial aid for freshman applicants with competitive high school GPAs and test scores and military members. Filling out your FAFSA is the first step to finding out what financial aid you qualify for. 

Eastern New Mexico University participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Through the WUE, you qualify for in-state tuition if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Guam and the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,074
Out-of-state
$6,114
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,351
Out-of-state
$7,110
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
33%
Students Enrolled
4,991
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees

Excelsior University

  • Albany, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online

Cost per Credit: $715-$755

Credits to Graduate: 120-124

Excelsior University's online bachelor's degrees are tailored to meet the unique needs of busy adults. The university offers programs in six academic areas, including business, public service, and technology. Optional career training classes help you develop the in-demand skills required by top-paying jobs.

Some majors that include RN-to-BSN require more than a high school or GED diploma. Excelsior's prior learning assessments can help you earn credit, save money, and graduate faster than your peers. You need only submit FAFSA results to apply for all institutional aid programs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
17,166
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

How We Chose These Schools

At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.

Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.


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.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bachelor's degree-holders earn 68% more annually than those with just a high school diploma and 42% more than those with an associate degree.

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?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in-state undergraduates — both online and on-campus — at public universities paid an average of $9,596 in tuition and fees per year in 2021-2022. Undergrads at private institutions, meanwhile, paid a much higher average of $34,041 in 2021-2022.

Many factors can influence how much you spend on your online bachelor's degree, 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 tend to charge more.

One benefit of earning a bachelor's degree online is that you can do it from the comfort of your home — you don't need to relocate or commute to attend the college of your choice. This can help you save thousands of dollars on housing and transportation costs.

In addition to tuition, you must budget for other expenses as an online student. These may include books and supplies, as well as distance learning or technology fees.

How to Pay for Online College

You have several options when it comes to paying for an online degree. By choosing an accredited college, you can apply for federal student aid by submitting the FAFSA. Federal programs include the Pell Grant and student loan options.

States, colleges, and private organizations also use the FAFSA to determine financial aid eligibility. You can also apply for scholarships and grants to cover your costs. And many online students work while in school to help pay for college.

Finding the Right Online Bachelor’s Degree for You

Earning an online bachelor’s degree can open new doors. College graduates qualify for higher-paying jobs. 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. Learn more about popular online bachelor’s degrees below.

Bachelor's in Accounting

An online bachelor's degree program in accounting prepares you to work as an accountant. These professionals earn a median salary exceeding $79,000 (BLS, 2023).

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 $47,440, with finance and insurance industry clerks making the most in this group (BLS, 2023).

Featured Online Bachelor's in Business Programs

Bachelor's in Computer Science

Computer programmers with a computer science degree earn a median salary of $99,700 (BLS, 2023). 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 $65,220 (BLS, 2023). 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 is $120,000 per year (BLS, 2023).

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 (IT)

An affordable online bachelor's degree in information technology 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 $138,080 (BLS, 2023). 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 copywriting. These professionals earn a median salary of $80,050 (BLS, 2023). 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 you start or advance your career as a registered nurse (RN). RNs make a median annual salary of $86,070 (BLS, 2023). 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, such as human resources manager, require only a bachelor's degree. These professionals earn a median salary of $136,350 (BLS, 2023).

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 $63,770 (BLS, 2023).

Featured Online Bachelor's in Social Work Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Colleges

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.

What is the cheapest way to get a bachelor’s degree?

The cheapest way to get a bachelor’s degree is usually to earn an associate degree and transfer to a four-year institution. That’s because community colleges typically charge the lowest tuition rates.

You can also save money by researching affordable online colleges. The cost of an online degree depends on the tuition rate and your transfer credits. By earning a degree online, you can save on tuition and other expenses. And by maximizing your transfer credits, you can save money.

Is online college cheaper?

Online college can save you money. That’s because you can choose a more affordable school and save on transportation and living expenses.

Data shows that online colleges are cheaper. Online students pay $321 per credit at public colleges and $505 per credit at private colleges, on average, according to EducationData.org. In comparison, in-person learners pay an average of $729 per credit for public college tuition and $1,598 per credit for private college tuition.

Can you get a bachelor's degree entirely online?

Many top-ranked colleges offer fully online bachelor's degrees. In an online program, you complete your degree requirements by taking classes and earning credits online.

Are online degrees respected by employers?

Employers make no distinction between campus-based and online bachelor's degrees. Accredited online degrees meet the same high standards as on-campus degrees. Your diploma also will not specify that you earned your degree online.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by TheBestSchools. Page last reviewed November 15, 2023.

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