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We rank the cheapest online universities and colleges based on critical factors such as affordability, academic quality, and student outcomes.
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Are you ready to discover your college program?
With the cost of higher education steadily rising, attending an online college can be a cheaper and more flexible way to earn your degree.
Taking classes online can help you save on housing, transportation, and campus fees. Opting for an online program also allows you to continue working as you pursue a degree or certificate.
But not all online colleges are created equal. Here, we rank the most affordable online colleges proven to offer a quality education. Our ranking methodology weighs factors like affordability, academic quality, reputation, and program offerings using the latest government data.
Featured Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
10 Cheapest Online Universities
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
These rankings include
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges of 2023
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, Southern New Hampshire University awards undergraduate and graduate degrees. The school's online programs enroll 128,672 students. Distance learners can save money on their college degree by choosing an online program that doesn't sacrific academic rigor.
Students can expect to pay an average cost of $465 per credit. Online students qualify for federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant. The school reports a 94% admission rate and a 37% graduation rate for its bachelor's programs.
Southern New Hampshire University holds accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$9,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,810
Out-of-state
$18,810
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
134,345
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges of 2023
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of California, Los Angeles ranks among the most affordable colleges for online learning. A total of 41,906 students enroll in online programs at this public institution.
Online students use financial aid, including scholarships and grants, to furher lower the cost of their degree. Undergraduates receive $18,994 in financial aid each year on average. A total of 73% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid to pay for their education. The school reports an admission rate of 14% and a graduation rate of 91%.
Distance learners choose from multiple online undergraduate and graduate programs.
The University of California, Los Angeles received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$41,196
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$26,544
Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
14%
Students Enrolled
44,589
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges of 2023
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. LU enrolls 86,390 online learners. LU's affordable tuition rates are a big draw for students seeking a college degree online.
The school charges an average of $750 per credit for its online programs. Financial aid options for online students include federal student aid programs, such as the Pell Grant. The institution reports a 50% admission rate and a 54% graduation rate for its undergraduate programs.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,935
Out-of-state
$7,935
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges of 2023
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Florida welcomes undergraduate and graduate students to its main campus in Gainesville, Florida. The institution also administers online programs that enroll 49,050 distance learners. Online students can earn a college degree at an affordable tuition rate at UofF.
Distance learners at the accredited institution qualify for federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant. On average, undergraduates receive $11,067 in financial aid to cover college expenses. Taking financial aid into account, undergraduates pay an average price of $10,075 per year to attend the school. UofF reports a 31% admission rate for applicants and an 89% graduation rate for undergraduates.
The University of Florida holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,477
Out-of-state
$25,694
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,770
Out-of-state
$27,335
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
31%
Students Enrolled
53,372
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
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 of 2023
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks as one of the most affordable colleges for online degrees. The public school enrolls 50,734 students in distance learning programs. Students choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid help distance learners reduce the cost of a degree. About 70% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid to pay for their education. On average, undergrads receive $16,785 in financial aid each year. The institution reports an admission rate of 63% and a graduation rate of 86%.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,317
Out-of-state
$33,824
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,016
Out-of-state
$27,187
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
52,679
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Online tuition is often cheaper than traditional in-person college.
Online programs' flexibility allows you to keep working — in 2019, about 70% of online students worked at least part time.
You can save money on housing costs, commuting, and campus fees.
Earning a degree online is becoming the norm — in fall 2020, around 75% of undergraduates were enrolled in at least one distance-learning course.
Why Accreditation Matters for Cheap Online Colleges
You should always apply to accredited online schools. Institutional accreditation is when an independent organization reviews a college or university to determine whether the school meets certain quality standards in terms of academics, faculty, and support services.
Accreditation also ensures you qualify for federal financial aid and is important when it comes to transferring college credits to other institutions.
In addition, certain fields like healthcare and law require you to complete a program with programmatic accreditation in order to qualify for state licensure.
In a 2019 survey of 1,500 online students, 46% of undergraduates and 60% of graduate students considered affordability a major factor when choosing an online program.
How Much Do the Most Affordable Online Colleges Cost?
The average cost of tuition and fees at public four-year universities was $9,400 in 2020-2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This is 10% higher than the average cost a decade earlier.
Private colleges, which typically have higher tuition rates, also saw increased tuition costs. In 2020-2021, the average cost of tuition and fees at private nonprofit four-year universities was $37,600 — 19% higher than the 2010-2011 costs for private schools.
As an online student, you may not have to pay the same fees as in-person students. That said, you may face other hidden costs, such as distance-learner fees, laptop and technology purchases, and textbooks and supplies.
How to Make Cheap Online Colleges Even Cheaper: 6 Tips
Make earning an online college degree even more affordable by following these helpful tips.
How much you receive depends on factors like your school's tuition rate, your income and assets, your family size, and whether you have siblings attending college.
You should also apply for independent scholarships. Like federal and institutional grants, scholarships are free money and don't need to be repaid.
College scholarships can have vastly different eligibility criteria, so make sure to apply for the ones you qualify for.
2
Attend an In-State Public School
Most public colleges and universities charge different tuition rates depending on whether you're an in-state or out-of-state resident. Attending an online college in your state could significantly lower the cost per credit.
Some states even participate in tuition reciprocity programs, which provide discounted or in-state tuition rates to students in neighboring states.
While some online programs maintain different rates for in-state and out-of-state students, others provide a discounted tuition rate for all online students, regardless of residency.
NCES data shows that community college tuition is generally far cheaper than that at four-year colleges and universities (whether online or in person).
The University of Michigan-Flint, for instance, has online bachelor's degree programs designed for students aiming to graduate in fewer than four years.
Online colleges may offer bachelor's-to-master's programs as well, which can similarly save you money. For example, Southern New Hampshire University provides many fast-track online degrees that let you earn a bachelor's while also earning credits toward a master's.
6
Opt for Part Time Over Full Time
Earning your degree one or two courses at a time can help you save money by reducing your initial short-term out-of-pocket expenses.
If you can pay for individual courses upfront or by the end of the term instead of taking out thousands of dollars in student loans to pay for a full-time course load, you can save money by not paying interest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Online Colleges
Is online college cheaper than traditional college?
Online college can be cheaper than traditional college, depending on several factors.
For example, some colleges offer lower tuition rates for online courses. Attending an out-of-state college online could also come with a cheaper price tag than attending that same college in person.
Make sure to check tuition rates for any online programs you're interested in and compare them to any in-person equivalents.
What is the cheapest online college to go to?
Ultimately, the cheapest online college for you will depend on factors like your degree, field of study, and location. Many find that the cheapest online colleges are public universities based in their state. Other cheap online colleges include local community colleges.
Remember, too, that you can reduce your spending on online college by applying for federal financial aid and scholarships.
How do people afford online college?
There are many ways you can save money on online college. Some people enroll in part-time online programs, paying for each course out of pocket. Others may attend accelerated programs or attend full time and apply for financial aid.
Students at online colleges are eligible for scholarships and grants. Some employers even pay part of the cost for employees to take college courses and earn a certificate or degree.
Does free online college exist?
Many colleges, including Ivy League schools like Harvard University, offer free online courses on massive open online course providers like Coursera and edX. Often, these programs provide the content for free and give you the option to pay for a certificate.
University of the People is an accredited online college that advertises tuition-free degree programs. There are fees and exam costs, but the school has scholarships available that can allow you to earn a degree for free.
Is online college worth it?
Online college can be worth it if you're interested in earning a degree and are OK with missing out on the traditional campus experience. Online courses provide the same level of academic rigor as in-person courses, with added flexibility for full-time workers, parents, and caregivers.
Read Reviews From Real Online College Students
We believe the best people to share about online learning experiences are students who have really done it, which is why we surveyed 600 unique students. Filter to find a student like you or sort to read the good, the bad, and everything in between. By leaving a review, students were entered to win a sweepstakes.
Filter reviews by:
Student characteristics
Topic
* means this student may have had to visit the campus a few times a year for their program.
Age 25
IT Technology
University of Phoenix
Online *
Experience
5.0
Value
5.0
Affordability
5.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"It was move convenient for me, and it cost a lot less."
Financial assitance
Works in field of study
Has support system
Recommends
Age 38
Business Administration
Devry
Online *
Experience
4.0
Value
4.0
Affordability
3.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Seemed more cost effective"
Financial assitance
First generation student
Works in field of study
Has support system
Recommends
Age 30
Business Administration
UTH Florida
Online
Experience
5.0
Value
4.0
Affordability
4.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Because of the cost"
First generation student
Works in field of study
Has support system
Recommends
Age 29
Master of Social Work
Ohio State University
Online
Experience
5.0
Value
5.0
Affordability
3.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"I was working full time and would not be able to take in person classes. I had thought about getting my master's, and decided to peruse it since my employer paid the majority of the cost."
Financial assitance
Works in field of study
Has support system
Recommends
Age 36
Medical Lab Science
CNM
Online *
Experience
3.0
Value
3.0
Affordability
3.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"More flexible and costs less"
Financial assitance
Has support system
Doesn't recommend
Age 30
Master of Business Administration
Arizona State University
Online *
Experience
4.0
Value
3.0
Affordability
5.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Easier to use and work at the same time, with more affordable prices"
Financial assitance
First generation student
Works in field of study
Has support system
Recommends
Age 23
Bachelor's - Business Management
Valdosta State University
Online
Experience
4.0
Value
5.0
Affordability
4.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"It was more cost effective than living on campus and saves me time"
Financial assitance
First generation student
Has support system
Recommends
Age 21
Information Technology
The University of Alabama
Online *
Experience
4.0
Value
4.0
Affordability
4.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Because the cost is affordable and an easier way to study"
Financial assitance
Works in field of study
Has support system
Recommends
Age 22
Finance
University of Minnesota
Online
Experience
5.0
Value
4.0
Affordability
5.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Covid and cost"
Financial assitance
Works in field of study
Has support system
Recommends
Age 22
Associate Degree- Business Administration, Bachelor of Science - Retail Management
Florida State University
Online *
Experience
3.0
Value
5.0
Affordability
1.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"I decided to enroll in an online degree program because I live far from Florida State University. The cost of dorm living is too expensive."
Financial assitance
First generation student
Has support system
Recommends
Age 40
MBA, BSC
Northeastern University
Online
Experience
5.0
Value
5.0
Affordability
5.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Because online degree programs take advantage of online's inherent ability for self-paced instruction, flexible adjunct faculty, and student mentors to help adult learners save on tuition, instruction, or other costs."
Financial assitance
First generation student
Works in field of study
Has support system
Recommends
Age 33
Master of Music
Kent State University
Online
Experience
4.0
Value
5.0
Affordability
5.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Convenience, cost, and to self-pace my degree"
Financial assitance
Works in field of study
Has support system
Recommends
Age 26
BS - Communication
Regent University
Online *
Experience
4.0
Value
5.0
Affordability
5.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"It was convenient and cost effective"
Financial assitance
Works in field of study
Has support system
Doesn't recommend
Age 41
Business Administration
Grand Canyon
Online
Experience
4.0
Value
4.0
Affordability
3.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Price"
First generation student
Works in field of study
Has support system
Recommends
Age 30
MBA
Grand Canyon University
Online
Experience
4.0
Value
4.0
Affordability
3.0
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ACO Rankings Team.
Survey Methodology: Data was collected May 19-May 26, 2021. All respondents were screened by multiple quality checks, including systems like Relevant ID, and responses were manually reviewed to ensure consistency and accuracy. Survey participants comprised 622 individuals who graduated with an online degree in the past six years. Credentials ranged from certificates to associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Respondents were between 21 and 60 years of age and identified as 48% female and 52% male.
Student testimonials have generally been obtained with the offer of compensation for completion of a survey (e.g., entrance into a gift card drawing). Such testimonials are the opinions of students, and surveys are designed to avoid influencing such testimonials either positively or negatively.
All student respondents were supplied by Lucid LLC.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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