Affordable Online Colleges With Open Admissions 2026

Why We Chose This Superlative: Maintains an Open Admissions Policy and Offers 75+ Online Programs Across All Degree Levels

With over 75 online degree offerings, you’re likely to find an affordable program at Idaho State University that suits your career goals and interests. ISU has an open admissions policy for those with a high school diploma or GED certificate. You can apply for one of the three term start dates that is most convenient for you. 

Cost per Semester (Undergrad):
In-State | $4,457
Out-of-State | $14,120

Cost per Semester (Grad):
In-State | $5,820
Out-of-State | $15,420

Why Students Choose ISU:

• Variety of Online Offerings: You can choose from over 75 online degree programs across all degree levels to find a major that interests you. 
• Open Admissions: ISU maintains an open admission policy, which means anyone who applies and meets the basic criteria will be accepted.
• Multiple Delivery Formats: Many of ISU's online programs can be taken asynchronously or synchronously, allowing you to choose the delivery format that best suits your learning style.

Know Before You Enroll:

• You can expect to pay a $20 per-credit-hour course fee for all online programs.
• Some online programs, specifically those labeled "OL" require face-to-face meetings, which may not work for all online students.
• You may need an associate degree for acceptance into certain programs, such as robotics and engineering technology.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Charges the Lowest Tuition Rate for Graduate Degrees at $412 Per Credit Hour

Peru State College offers relatively affordable graduate programs designed for flexibility and convenience. At $412 per credit hour, Peru State's online master's degrees are offered at the same rate to both in- and out-of-state students. Plus, you can opt for eight-week courses to earn your master’s degree faster, graduating in as few as 19 months. Options for undergraduate students include business, criminal justice, psychology, and the applied sciences.

Cost per Credit (Undergrad):
In-State | $326
Out-of-State | $326

Cost per Credit (Grad):

In-State | $412
Out-of-State | $412

Why Students Choose PSU:

• Same Tuition Rates for All Students: Regardless of your residency, you can earn a master’s degree for a flat rate of $412 per credit, or a bachelor's degree at $326 per credit.
• Flexible Scheduling: Eight-week courses, multiple yearly start dates, and optional one-on-one conferencing with professors allow you to complete your degree on your own schedule. 
• Nationally Ranked for Affordability: Peru State College is ranked the fourth most affordable online college by the College Census.

Know Before You Enroll:

• Peru State College does not charge application fees for online programs, helping you save on upfront costs.
• First-time college and transfer students benefit from a simplified enrollment process.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers Monthly Start Dates, Flexible Learning Options, and a Free Three-Week Trial

Purdue Global is ideal if you’re curious about whether online learning is right for your career path. With a free three-week trial, you can explore the time and effort it takes to succeed in an online education environment without having to invest in the full program. Monthly start dates also allow you to enroll throughout the year so you can get started on your degree at a time that suits you.  

Cost per Quarter Credit Hour (Undergrad):
In-State | $371
Out-of-State | $371

Cost per Quarter Credit Hour (Grad):
In-State | $420-$485
Out-of-State | $420-$485

Why Students Choose Purdue Global:

• Flexible Transfer Credit Policy: You can transfer max credits (up to 90) from previous college, work, or military experience to help you earn your degree sooner. 
• Free Three-Week Trial: You can enroll in a three-week trial and experience online school to determine whether it’s the best option for you.
• Monthly start dates: Regardless of when you apply, you can start learning within a month after acceptance. 

Know Before You Enroll:

• You must participate in an interview with an admissions advisor, which helps Purdue understand your goals and determine whether the school is a good fit for you.
• Application requirements differ by program, so it's important to carefully review each major you're interested in.
• Some graduate programs require in-person residencies or local field experiences for graduation.

Why We Chose This Superlative: One of the Few Colleges With “Quality Matters Learner Support” Recognition and a Dedicated Student Success Team

With one of the country’s oldest distance learning programs, the University of Alaska Fairbanks empowers students to excel in their online degree program through dedicated support teams and standard tuition for online students. 

From enrollment to graduation, you’ll have a “Quality Matters”-accredited advisor who guides you toward academic and career success. Plus, military students pay discounted tuition.

Cost per Credit (Undergrad):
In-State | $298
Out-of-State | $298

Cost per Credit (Grad):
In-State | $555
Out-of-State | $555

Why Students Choose UAF:

• Dedicated Student Advisors: UAF has dedicated student advisors who assist you in everything from enrolling in classes each semester to applying for graduation.
• Quality Matters Online Support Certification: UAF is one of the few colleges in the nation to earn "Quality Matters" certification, which recognizes excellence in student support services.
• Legacy of Distance Learning: UAF offers one of the oldest distance learning programs in the country, reaching remote Alaskan communities since the 1970s. 

Know Before You Enroll:

• While not a Yellow Ribbon school, UAF doesn't charge military members and veterans more than $250 per credit.
• Advisor meetings are required each semester to ensure you are on track to graduate.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Charges the Lowest Tuition Rate for Undergraduate Degrees at $308 per Credit Hour

Weber State University charges $308 per credit hour, making it the most affordable school on this list. This low tuition rate isn’t limited to Utah residents; non-residents can also attend WSU online for the same low rate as in-state learners. With 15 online bachelor’s program options and even more across non-degree, associate, master’s, and doctoral programs, you can find an offering that advances your career. 

Cost per Credit (Undergrad):
In-State | $308
Out-of-State | $308

Cost per Credit (Grad):
In-State | Varies by Program
Out-of-State | Varies by Program

Why Students Choose WSU:

• Affordable Online Tuition: Regardless of the state you live in, you can earn your bachelor's degree at WSU for the same low rate as in-state residents, at $308 per credit. 
• Industry Partnerships: WSU partners with businesses, governments, nonprofits, and the defense industry to provide you with hands-on learning experience. 
• Strong Employment Rates: At graduation, nearly 84% of WSU graduates have full-time employment opportunities and earn an average starting salary of around $56,000.

Know Before You Enroll:

• WSU requires a $30 application fee to apply for any online program.
• Online out-of-state students are not eligible for further school-specific scholarships or waivers.
• On average, Weber State students who take out loans finish their degree with $20,000 or less in total debt.