The Cheapest Online Colleges 2022
Online college is a great way to earn a degree. Learn more about the cheapest online colleges and the costs of an online degree.
February 10, 2022 , Modified on March 21, 2022
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Cheapest Accredited Online Colleges and Universities
Earning a college degree can increase college graduates' earning potential and job prospects. Degree holders also benefit from a lower unemployment rate than those without a degree.
But many prospective students worry about the cost of college. By enrolling in one of the cheapest online colleges, students can earn an affordable degree. The most affordable colleges offer degrees in various fields, such as business, healthcare, and engineering. Learners choose a major and electives to fit their career goals. Accredited online colleges meet the same high standards as traditional colleges.
This page lists the cheapest online colleges. Use our ranking to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
Was your online degree more cost-effective?
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.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Degrees
Are online degrees cheaper than traditional college degrees?
Earning an online degree can save students money. They do not need to commute to campus or pay for room and board. Many of the most affordable colleges offer online degrees.
Can I go to college online for free?
Some online colleges offer tuition-free options to qualifying students. Learners can also apply for scholarships and grants. These options provide free money for college.
Is it cheaper to get a degree online?
An online degree can cost less than an in-person degree. Students can research the cheapest online colleges to find the most affordable options.Why Get a Cheap Degree Online?
A college degree helps professionals increase their salary potential and pursue new careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a bachelor's degree earn $27,000 more per year than those with a high school diploma. Median salaries increase at every degree level and unemployment rates drop.
Earning a college degree online provides flexibility and convenience. Learners can complete coursework around work and family responsibilities.
How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?
The cost of an online degree varies by school and degree level. Students who attend in-state public schools pay the most affordable tuition. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, learners at in-state public colleges spent an average of $9,350 in 2019-20. Students attending private colleges spent over $32,770.
An online learning format may save students money. Learners can attend the most affordable programs without relocating. The cheapest online colleges may offer distance learners tuition discounts.
Additional Online Student Fees
For online learners, tuition comprises the highest portion of degree costs. However, they should plan for extra expenses like books and materials. Even the most affordable online colleges may charge a technology or distance learning fee. Students may also need to buy a new computer or upgrade their internet.
When researching the most affordable colleges, prospective students should ask about the total cost of the degree. Some programs require in-person campus visits. Students who do not live locally must budget for travel and lodging. Some fields require licensure or certification. Learners should also factor in these costs.
Available Affordable Online Degrees
The cheapest online colleges offer degrees in a variety of fields. These can include business, education, and technology. Online colleges also grant degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Online students complete coursework in their major. They also take general education classes and electives. These courses strengthen critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. High-paying careers in fields like healthcare and business often require a college degree.
See below for some of the most popular online degrees.
More students pursue business degrees than any other degree. Learners study core concepts in organizational behavior and leadership. Students complete specialized courses in accounting, finance, and marketing. Graduates may work as financial analysts, accountants, or management consultants.Business
An online nursing degree strengthens patient care, health assessment, and clinical nursing practice skills. Learners take classes in nursing, anatomy, and physiology. Students complete clinical hour requirements locally. After earning an online nursing degree, graduates can apply for nursing licensure.Nursing
Information technology degrees cover network administration, database management, and cybersecurity. Students learn how to analyze an organization's technology needs and design solutions to meet those needs. Graduates can work as information security analysts, database administrators, and network architects.Information Technology
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.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
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The Cheapest Online Colleges 2022
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University of Arkansas at Little RockLocation
Little Rock, AR
Tuition$13751
Graduation Rate43%
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: Business, communications, criminal justice, education, health and social sciences, information sciences, interdisciplinary, writingAccredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? YesUA Little Rock offers certificates and cheap online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can enroll in one or more of about 400 courses, and prices and academic requirements vary by program.
For example, the master's degree in health education and promotion requires 36 graduate credits and costs $383 per credit. The bachelor's degree in history, by contrast, requires 120 credits to graduate and costs $280 per credit.
Undergraduate applicants should submit a high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores. Graduate applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA and may need to send GRE or MAT scores.
Available Scholarships: Chancellor's Academic Distinction
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Franklin UniversityLocation
Columbus, OH
Graduation Rate28%
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: Analytics, business, education, finance and accounting, healthcare, management, marketing and communications, nursing, public and social sciences, technologyAccredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? YesLocated in Columbus, OH, Franklin University has focused on education for working adults throughout its 115-year history. The average Franklin student is 34 years old, and about 80% of the university's students are learning online.
Franklin's online programs include certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across a wide variety of disciplines. Remote learners can access Franklin's faculty and advisors after 5:00 pm thanks to the school's late-night support initiative.
Application requirements vary by degree level. The university maintains a generous transfer policy, and 90% of its students transfer credits from other schools.
Available Scholarships: The Franklin University Undergraduate Scholars Program
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Brenau UniversityLocation
Gainesville, GA
Graduation Rate46%
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: Education, autism endorsement, human resource management, liberal studies, communication, accounting, business, finance, marketing, organizational leadership, psychologyAccredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? YesFounded as a women's college in 1878, Brenau began co-educational programs in 1972. Today, the university maintains seven campus locations in Georgia and Florida along with an online campus.
Brenau first launched online education in 1998 and now offers about 40 affordable online college degrees. Online students can earn an associate, bachelor's, master's, graduate certificate, or doctorat. Subjects include business, education, accounting, and leadership. Courses operate on a seven-week format, and each course is asynchronous in its delivery.
Admission requirements vary according to program level. Prospective students should contact Brenau's admission team to learn about the specific requirements for their program of interest.
Available Scholarships: Trustee and Faculty Excellence Scholarships
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Franciscan University of SteubenvilleLocation
Steubenville, OH
Graduation Rate77%
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: Dual enrollment, theology, philosophy, management, clinical psychology, Catholic studies, education, business administration, catechetics and evangelizationAccredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? YesFounded in 1946 with 258 students, Franciscan's first semester lasted just one month. Today, the university maintains its Catholic spirit and employs a modern approach to education. Franciscan students can pursue cheap online degrees, including associate, bachelor's, and master's programs.
Though flexible and individualized, Franciscan's interactive learning environment incorporates collaborative approaches to education. Online learners engage professors and peers one on one while also studying independently.
Prospective graduate students need a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate applicants need a high school GPA with a 2.4 GPA or better along with acceptable ACT or SAT scores. Qualifying high school students may participate in Franciscan's fast-track program to get an early start on college education.
Available Scholarships: Chancellor's Scholarship
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Delgado Community CollegeLocation
New Orleans, LA
Tuition$9795
Graduation Rate7%
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: Accounting, business, cloud computing, computer information technology, criminal justice, general studies, and hospitality managementAccredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? YesLocated in Slidell, LA, Delgado is the state's oldest and largest community college, serving more than 13,000 students. The school maintains six campuses along with an online program.
Today, Delgado offers associate degrees and certificates online with a focus on education for career-preparation. Prior to enrolling in one of Delgado's cheap online degrees, students can take a success in college course to prepare for their college experience.
In addition to its fully online programs, the college provides numerous hybrid learning opportunities. All off-campus learners can enjoy access to tutoring, the writing center, exam proctoring, and videos on demand.
Available Scholarships: Building Futures Scholarship for Construction Management
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Ozark Christian CollegeLocation
Joplin, MO
Graduation Rate54%
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: Biblical studies
Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? YesLocated on a 60-acre campus in Joplin, MO, OCC has trained students for Christian service for more than 79 years. Since its founding, the school has graduated 15,000-plus students, and about 90% of them serve in ministry.
OCC offers an online bachelor's degree in biblical studies. This cheap online degree requires 120 credits, including 42 credits of biblical education. Graduates may serve as church planters, student ministers, preaching ministers, or directors of parachurch ministries.
Applicants must complete the online application and send all previous transcripts. The school offers five start dates for its online program.
Available Scholarships: Online Platinum Scholarship
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Glen Oaks Community CollegeLocation
Centreville, MI
Tuition$6208
Graduation Rate26%
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: General studies; nursing and health
Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? NoSituated in Centreville, MI, GOCC occupies a 142-acre campus that was once a private farm. Today, the school works with Michigan Colleges Online, a project of the Michigan Community College Association, to deliver internet-based education.
GOCC's affordable online degrees include an associate of general studies and a certified coding specialist certificate. Both programs require at least 16 credits from GOCC with an additional 47 transfer credits. Graduates of the coding specialist program may sit for the certified coding specialist-physician office exam and/or the certified coding specialist- CCS exam.
Throughout the semester, GOCC offers free, online, live tutoring for degree-seekers learning online.
Available Scholarships: Glen Oaks Community College Foundation Scholarship
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Rowan-Cabarrus Community CollegeLocation
Salisbury, NC
Tuition$3963
Graduation Rate25%
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: Accounting and finance, business administration, criminal justice technology, early childhood education, emergency management, emergency medical science, fire protection technology, healthcare management technology, information technologyAccredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? NoRCCC sits in Salisbury, NC where it serves more than 20,000 students in both curriculum and continuing education courses. The institution offers 49 degrees and 31 diplomas.
Online learners can take advantage of more than 250 courses, 17 degrees, nine diplomas, and 37 certificates. These affordable online college programs include blended, hybrid, and 100% online learning experiences.
New student applicants must complete an application and send transcripts of previous academic work. Prospective students must also complete a residence determination form. Currently, 49% of RCCC students live in Cabarrus County, 36% in Rowan County, and 15% in other NC counties.
Available Scholarships: Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation
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Indiana University-Purdue University-IndianapolisLocation
Indianapolis, IN
Tuition$9807
Graduation Rate50%
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: Applied science, business, computing and technology, design, education, general studies, health and health sciences, humanities, informatics, labor studies, library science, mathematics, music, parks and recreation, philanthropy, physical education and tourism management, public affairs and administration, public health, science, social workAccredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? NoFounded more than 50 years ago as a partnership between Indiana University and Purdue University, IUPUI today provides 550 graduate, undergraduate, and professional programs.
Off-campus learners can choose from more than 200 cheap online degrees, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Although most courses take place 100% online, some classes require in-person meetings or virtual meetings at specific times.
Applicants can take advantage of IUPUI's transfer policy, which allows undergraduates to transfer up to 69 credits from community colleges and 90 credits from four-year institutions. Interested learners should submit the appropriate application — graduate or undergraduate — and an admissions representative will follow up with further information.
Available Scholarships: IU General Scholarship Application
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Daemen CollegeLocation
Amherst, NY
Graduation Rate62%
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: Applied behavior analysis, business administration, public health, social work, nursing
Accredited By: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? YesLocated in Amherst, NY, Daemen College has offered a private, non-sectarian education since its founding in the 1940s. Today, the school provides hybrid and affordable online degrees for off-campus learners.
Students can complete partial requirements for board certification in applied behavior analysis by earning a master's degree or a post-master's certificate. Degree-seekers may pursue an MBA, a hybrid master's in public health, or a master's in social work. The school also offers an RN-to-BSN program for registered nurses with an associate degree.
Applicants to the MBA do not need to take the GMAT, but all master's programs require a bachelor's degree for admission.
Available Scholarships: Founders Scholarship
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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Read why these students found their online degree more affordable
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
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 38
- Business Administration
- Devry
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 30
- Business Administration
- UTH Florida
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 29
- Master of Social Work
- Ohio State University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 36
- Medical Lab Science
- CNM
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"More flexible and costs less"
- Financial assitance
- Has support system
- Age 30
- Master of Business Administration
- Arizona State University
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 23
- Bachelor's - Business Management
- Valdosta State University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 21
- Information Technology
- The University of Alabama
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 22
- Finance
- University of Minnesota
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 22
- Associate Degree- Business Administration, Bachelor of Science - Retail Management
- Florida State University
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 40
- MBA, BSC
- Northeastern University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 33
- Master of Music
- Kent State University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 26
- BS - Communication
- Regent University
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 41
- Business Administration
- Grand Canyon
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
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
- Age 30
- MBA
- Grand Canyon University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Price"
- Works in field of study
Online Students Survey Methodology
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 such students and surveys are designed to avoid influencing such testimonials either positively or negatively. All student respondents were supplied by Lucid LLC.
Methodology:
All data was collected between 5/19/21 and 5/26/21 and respondents were fielded by Lucid LLC. All respondents in the study were screened by multiple quality checks, including systems like Relevant ID, and responses were manually reviewed to ensure consistency and accuracy. Survey participants include 622 individuals who graduated with an online degree in the past 6 years. Degrees ranged from certifications to associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level programs. Respondents are between 21 and 60 years of age and identified as 48% Female and 52% Male.
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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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