Earn an Affordable Bachelor's Degree Online
A bachelor's degree opens the door to new careers and a higher earning potential. Professionals with a bachelor's degree earn an annual median pay of $26,000 more than those with a high school diploma.
Choosing an
affordable online college makes it possible to earn a bachelor's degree with less debt. The flexible format appeals to busy working professionals seeking career advancement. An affordable online university also makes a college degree accessible to more people.
Our list ranks the most affordable online colleges for 2021. Prospective students can use these rankings to identify the
cheap online college programs that
fit their budget and interests. This article also examines the benefits of earning a bachelor's degree online and career outlooks for college graduates.
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 Bachelors Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Why Study Online?
Earning a bachelor's degree online offers several benefits. First, the online learning format prioritizes flexibility. Students can schedule their coursework around other responsibilities, including work or family.
Second, online programs increase accessibility. Instead of relocating for a top program, online degree-seekers can receive a top-tier education from their home community. Learners can also choose specialized programs not offered locally.
Finally, online degrees provide numerous financial benefits. Many online schools offer tuition discounts for fully online learners, including in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students. Distance learners also save on transportation and cost of living expenses. Online students who work while earning a degree can more easily budget for tuition and expenses because they still earn an income.
By choosing an affordable online college, degree-seekers benefit from a flexible format while taking on less debt.
Career and Salary Outlook
Many entry-level careers require a bachelor's degree, including positions in business, education, technology, and government.
Earning a bachelor's degree yields higher salaries and lower unemployment rates, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Compared to workers with a high school diploma, professionals with a bachelor's degree earn a median pay of over $26,000 more per year. They also benefit from a lower 2.2% unemployment rate compared with a 3.7% unemployment rate for those with a high school diploma.
Over the course of a career, earning a bachelor's degree increases median lifetime earnings by $900,000 for men and $630,000 for women.
Several jobs at the bachelor's level rank among the highest wage occupations. For example, chief executives, computer and information systems managers, petroleum engineers, and marketing managers all earn a median wage in the six figures.
Accreditation
Regionally accredited schools meet high standards for educating students and granting degrees. Independent, nonprofit accrediting agencies grant accreditation to colleges and universities who demonstrate strong student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements.
Accredited degrees fulfill the requirements for more licenses and certifications. Credits earned at a regionally accredited school will more likely transfer to other schools. Only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid. As a result, prospective students should always choose an accredited school to earn their degree. Learn more about why accreditation matters in our accreditation guide.
Most Affordable Online Colleges
#1 Best Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Little Rock, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
An online degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) can help professionals advance their careers and pursue new opportunities. Students can choose between on-campus and online programs at the school, including 18 online bachelor's programs and 11 online master's degrees.
Over 7,400 UA Little Rock students attend online classes. With a wide selection of distance learning programs available, degree-seekers gain the knowledge and skills necessary to launch careers or advance to further study in diverse fields.
As an accredited institution, UA Little Rock delivers programs that meet high quality standards and allows learners to qualify for federal financial aid programs. Grants and scholarships can help degree-seekers reduce out-of-pocket costs.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Fast Facts:
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,495/year (in state); $18,750/year (out of state)
Graduate Tuition: $5,760 (in state); $13,050 (out of state)
Average Cost With Financial Aid: $12,235
Applicants Admitted: 56%
Graduation Rate: 42%
UA Little Rock is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Franklin University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution located in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin University hosts 36 online bachelor's programs and 11 online master's programs. Emphasizing flexibility and affordability, Franklin offers programs to suit diverse academic and professional goals.
The school's convenient online format may appeal to busy professionals. Online learners enjoy access to tutors, advisors, and other support staff as they engage with rigorous curricula and connect with peers and instructors in Franklin's remote learning space.
Franklin University Fast Facts:
Undergraduate Tuition Rate: $9,552/year
Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,080/year
Graduation Rate: 42%
Franklin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Brenau University
- Gainesville, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Gainesville, Georgia, Brenau University offers a comprehensive catalog of face-to-face and remote programs. With 19 online bachelor's programs and 23 online master's programs, students can find affordable options that fit their needs.
Degree-seekers balancing their studies with work and family responsibilities benefit from Brenau's flexible online format. Online learners enjoy access to IT support, academic advising, and other institutional resources as they complete challenging, career-relevant coursework.
Brenau University Fast Facts:
Average Per-Credit Fee: $816
Undergraduate Tuition Rate: $30,000/year
Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,356/year
Applicants Admitted: 92%
Undergraduate Graduation Rate: 41%
Brenau holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an institutional accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Steubenville, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private Catholic institution, Franciscan University of Steubenville hosts five online bachelor's programs and five online master's programs. Balancing rigorous academics with flexible scheduling and affordable tuition, these programs cater to working professionals and busy students seeking new career opportunities.
Committed to student success, Franciscan allows remote learners to access services like academic advising, career counseling, and IT support online. Enrollees can schedule a meeting with the school's financial aid office to learn about how to use scholarships, grants, and other forms of aid to help pay for their education.
Franciscan University of Steubenville At a Glance:
Undergraduate Tuition: $29,720/year
Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,600/year
Applicants Admitted: 73%
Undergraduate Graduation Rate: 79%
Franciscan University of Steubenville has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting agency.
Percent Online Enrollment
74%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Ozark Christian College
- Joplin, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private Christian school, Ozark Christian College (OCC) keeps tuition costs low for its various undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Joplin, Missouri, school offers only one online bachelor's program.
OCC's student body includes 188 remote learners. Whether on campus or online, students build valuable knowledge and skills in a supportive, Christ-centered environment. Degree-seekers can apply for grants and scholarships to minimize student debt at this accredited institution.
Ozark Christian College Fast Facts:
Undergraduate Tuition Rate: $12,660/year
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Graduation Rate: 57%
OCC holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accrediting body.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
More Bachelors Degree Programs
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 Healthcare Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Reviewed by