An affordable online college helps students save on tuition, commuting and transportation costs, and other expenses. The online format makes college more affordable for many students.
Search for online colleges by subject.
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.
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
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.
See Our Rankings MethodologyRank | School | Avg Net Price |
---|---|---|
1 | University of Florida | $11313 |
2 | Saint Louis University | $31460 |
3 | Purdue University | $11898 |
4 | Houghton College | $24938 |
5 | Drexel University | $36727 |
6 | Indiana University | $11931 |
7 | University of Virginia | $17845 |
8 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $16856 |
9 | University of Washington | $9765 |
10 | Bethel University | $27085 |
An affordable online college helps students save on tuition, commuting and transportation costs, and other expenses. The online format makes college more affordable for many students.
Yes; many online colleges hold regional accreditation, considered the highest standard in higher education. Degree-seekers should always choose an accredited online college.
Students can earn a bachelor’s degree online in the social sciences, business, the humanities, and education. Other options include the natural sciences, technology, and many other majors. Online schools also offer graduate degrees.
Earning an online bachelor’s degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Choosing an accelerated program or applying transfer credits toward the degree can shorten that timeline.
Gainesville, FL
$$$$$
Founded in 1853, the University of Florida is a public land-grant institution located in Gainesville. UF administers more than 300 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs to over 50,000 learners each year, including a variety of online bachelor's degrees. Students can choose from 24 online bachelor's degrees in the arts, sciences, humanities, communications, business, and technology. The 120-credit programs feature flexible, asynchronous formats that allow students to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. UF accepts applications on a rolling basis. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and submit recent SAT or ACT scores, a resume, and an essay. Students can transfer up to 60 credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Saint Louis, MO
$$$$$
Saint Louis University is a private, Roman Catholic research institution based in St. Louis, Missouri. The oldest university west of the Mississippi River, SLU was founded in 1818. The school offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including many online options. Students can choose from nine online bachelor's degrees in areas like computer information systems, emergency management, organizational behavior, security intelligence, and general studies. These programs feature accelerated, eight-week courses that use convenient learning modules. Learners can begin on one of six start dates per year. Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit transcripts. They must also participate in a coaching session with an academic advisor. All potential transfer credits need a minimum 2.5 GPA.
West Lafayette, IN
$$$$$
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, and founded as a land-grant institution in 1869, Purdue University offers over 200 undergraduate majors and nearly 70 graduate and professional programs. Students can choose fromonline bachelor's degreesthat span education, the arts and sciences, technology, business, economics, and computer science. Most programs comprise 120 credits that students can complete in four years of full-time study. The school delivers all course content through flexible formats that accommodate busy learners and working professionals. Prospective students must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and submit recent SAT/ACT scores, a personal essay, and general biographical information.
Houghton, NY
$$$$$
Established as a seminary and coeducational school in 1883, Houghton College is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. Houghton College offers affordable, accessible learning experiences to over 1,000 degree-seekers each year. The school offers online bachelor's degrees incriminal justice,psychology,human resources,integrated marketing,leadership development, andorganizational management. The programs include general education and major-specific courses. Degree-seekers can access material any time through convenient, asynchronous platforms. Applicants need a high school or GED diploma. They must also provide transcripts, recent SAT/ACT scores, a personal statement, and a recommendation letter.
Philadelphia, PA
$$$$$
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is a private, nonprofit institution founded in 1891. Drexel emphasizes experiential learning through nearly 200 graduate and undergraduate programs. Drexel offers diverse online bachelor's degrees designed to help learners achieve their career goals. For instance, degree-seekers interested in health professions can pursue majors in counseling, nursing, or psychology. Students can also choose from bachelor's degrees in business, communication, technology, and cybersecurity. Expert faculty facilitate each program, delivering all course material through innovative and flexible learning tools. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, transcripts, a current resume, and letters of recommendation. Applicants must also submit recent standardized test scores and a personal essay that details their professional aspirations. Program-specific requirements may also apply.
Bloomington, IN
$$$$$
Based in Bloomington and founded in 1820, Indiana University maintains a strong commitment to diversity, academic freedom, and professional development. The school enrolls nearly 45,000 learners each year through a variety of graduate and undergraduate programs. Students can choose from 25 online bachelor's degrees in fields like business, communications, health science, mathematics, and the liberal arts. Each program comprises 120 credits of general education, elective, and major courses. Degree-seekers learn through accommodating learning modules that combine self-directed study with interactive experiences. Prospective learners need a high school or GED diploma. They must also submit academic transcripts, recent SAT/ACT scores, and a brief essay. Transfer applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Charlottesville, VA
$$$$$
The University of Virginia is a public research institution founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. UVA provides comprehensive educational experiences through over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs across eight schools and colleges. UVA offers online bachelor's degrees in liberal arts and health management. Each program features fully only courses and a mostly synchronous format, requiring set virtual meeting times. Graduates can pursue employment in their field or graduate study. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent and submit unofficial transcripts, two personal essays, and a letter of recommendation.
Ann Arbor, MI
$$$$$
Established in 1817, the University of Michigan serves nearly 50,000 students through undergraduate and graduate programs in the humanities, social sciences, business, and technology. U-M offers a 36-credit online bachelor of science in dental hygiene that caters to working professionals. The degree-completion program features fully online coursework, but it requires a two-day on-campus orientation. Applicants need an active dental hygiene license. They must also hold credentials from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation with a minimum 3.4 GPA.
Seattle, WA
$$$$$
Chartered in 1861, the University of Washington cultivates a challenging learning environment informed by innovative scholarship and research. The sea-grant institution located in Seattle, Washington, boasts an expansive, urban campus and a robust online division. UW offers online bachelor's degree-completion programs in early care and education and integrated social sciences. These programs require 180 quarter credits and welcome both part-time and full-time learners. Learners can access the material at their convenience, typically graduating in 2-3 years. Applicants need at least 70 transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution. They must also submit transcripts, a current resume, and a brief personal statement that outlines their fit within the school.
Saint Paul, MN
$$$$$
Located in Mishawaka, Indiana, a South Bend suburb, Bethel University offers high-quality education, training, and career preparation programs. A private, nonprofit institution founded in 1947, Bethel retains affiliation with the evangelical Christian Missionary Church. Bethel confers online bachelor's degrees in business, marketing, leadership, behavioral science, cybersecurity, organizational management, and interdisciplinary studies. Each program prepares degree-seekers for successful careers in their field and advanced study. Most programs comprise 120 credits. Prospective learners must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. They must also submit transcripts and recent SAT/ACT scores.
Boone, NC
$$$$$
A public institution located in Boone, North Carolina, Appalachian State University values research, community, and environmental stewardship. Established as a teacher training school in 1899, Appalachian now offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can choose from online bachelor's degrees in career and technical education, child development, communication studies, advertising, management, nursing, and workforce leadership. These programs include general education, major, and elective coursework. Applachian offers each program entirely online through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous formats. Admission requirements include applicable transfer credits with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. The number of required transfer credits varies by program. Supplementary materials include transcripts and official SAT/ACT scores.
Macon, GA
$$$$$
Mercer University is a nonprofit institution based in Macon, Georgia. The oldest private college in the Peach State, Mercer was founded by Baptist ministers in 1833. The institution manages 12 schools and colleges that serve over 8,000 degrees-seekers in business, engineering, and the liberal arts. Mercer offers online bachelor's degrees in disciplines like accounting, communication, and criminal justice. Designed for busy learners and working professionals, these programs feature flexible formats that let degree-seekers balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities. Mercer also offers a robust menu of career services that help students transition from school to the workforce. Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit transcripts. Transfer applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Athens, GA
$$$$$
The University of Georgia promotes excellence through intellectual inquiry and learning. Established through state legislative action in 1785, UGA is among the oldest public universities in the country and provides a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including an online bachelor's degree in special education. Designed to help degree-seekers obtain Georgia teaching licensure, the program requires 121 credits. UGA delivers all exams, assignments, and course content entirely online. The program concludes with a practicum at an approved site near the student's home. Applicants need 60 accredited transfer credits with a minimum 2.8 GPA. They must also complete the school's admission and ethics assessments.
Saint Louis, MO
$$$$$
Established in 1872, Maryville University is a private, nonprofit institution that enrolls over 10,000 learners and boasts a 97% career placement rate for graduates. Located in Town and Country, Missouri, the institution manages six colleges and schools that confer nearly 100 graduate and undergraduate degrees. Maryville offers online bachelor's degrees in business, technology, health services, and the liberal arts. These programs combine general education, major, and elective requirements. Students can begin on one of multiple start dates per year. Maryville administers each program through cutting-edge, interactive, and user-friendly online platforms. Applicants need a high school or GED diploma with a minimum 2.5 GPA. They must also submit transcripts. Maryville welcomes transfer learners with credits earned at a regionally accredited institution.
Washington, DC
$$$$$
Founded in 1821, George Washington University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through 14 schools and colleges. The school hosts students from its 43-acre urban campus in Washington, D.C., and through an online division. GW offers online bachelor's degrees in medicine and health sciences, professional studies, and nursing. Each program requires 120 credits and features a flexible format designed for busy students and working professionals. The school offers technical support services to all learners. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent and submit transcripts and a letter of recommendation. They may also submit a writing sample and SAT/ACT scores to bolster their application.
Tampa, FL
$$$$$
Located in Tampa, the University of South Florida is a public research institution founded in 1956 as part of the State University System of Florida. USF instructs over 50,000 students through more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. USF offers online bachelor's degrees in applied sciences, information studies, nursing, and criminology. USF delivers these programs through hybrid and fully online formats. The programs feature a mix of synchronous and asynchronous components. Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit official transcripts and recent SAT/ACT scores. Transfer learners need a minimum 2.5 GPA on all potential transfer credits.
Iowa City, IA
$$$$$
Established in 1847, the University of Iowa is a public research institution that values inclusion, ingenuity, and learner success. The school administers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across 12 schools and colleges. UI offersonline bachelor's degreesin applied studies, political science, liberal studies, and radiation sciences. Students can also choose from online bachelor's degrees in sport recreation, nursing, and enterprise leadership. The fully online programs include virtual meetings and videocasts. Degree-seekers learn from the same expert faculty who teach on-campus programs. Admission requirements vary by program. At minimum, prospective learners need a high school diploma or its equivalent and recent SAT/ACT scores.
Orlando, FL
$$$$$
Chartered in 1963, the University of Central Florida values scholarship, creativity, and integrity. The school operates a main campus in Orlando and serves one of the largest student bodies in the U.S., enrolling nearly 70,000 learners each year. UCF confers a variety ofonline bachelor's degreesin science, business, technology, health services, and the humanities. Most of these programs require around 120 credits, including general education, elective, and major requirements. Applicants need at least 12 accredited transfer credits. Additional admission requirements include official transcripts indicating a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, a high school diploma or its equivalent, and SAT/ACT test scores.
Villanova, PA
$$$$$
Villanova University is a private, nonprofit institution in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1842 by Augustinian friars, the school retains a strong affiliation with the Catholic Church. Villanova offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs through six schools and colleges. Villanova offers fully online bachelor's degrees in leadership, general studies, public service administration, and organizational management. Most programs require around 120 credits of general education and major courses that students can complete in an accelerated format. Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit official transcripts, a current resume, and a brief essay that discusses their educational interests and professional goals. Students can transfer up to 60 credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Raleigh, NC
$$$$$
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina State University values freedom, respect, stewardship, and excellence. Established as a public land-grant institution in 1887, the school is the largest in the state, enrolling more than 35,000 degree-seekers each year. NC State offers anonline bachelor's degreein leadership in the public sector. The fully online, degree-completion program combines liberal arts foundations with hard skills in public leadership. Degree-seekers take courses in public policy, law, political science, and organizational management. Admission requirements include at least 60 transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must submit transcripts.
Center Valley, PA
$$$$$
Founded in 1964, DeSales University is a private, nonprofit institution located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. DeSales provides rigorous educational experiences rooted in the Catholic tradition. The school's graduate and undergraduate programs promote values of humility, gratitude, wisdom, and hospitality. Learners can choose from 14 online bachelor's degrees in business, marketing, finance, and the humanities. The 120-credit programs feature accelerated, six- and eight-week course sessions and a mix of asynchronous and synchronous components. Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and SAT/ACT scores.
River Forest, IL
$$$$$
Located in River Forest, Illinois, Dominican University is a private, nonprofit, Catholic institution that offers innovative undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1901, the school hosts students on a 30-acre campus and online. DU grants online bachelor's degrees in legal studies, human services, and nursing. Designed for busy learners with previous academic experience, these degree-completion programs feature flexible formats. Most degree-seekers graduate within 20 months. Applicants need at least 30 transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution. They must also provide transcripts, a current resume, and an essay.
Salt Lake City, UT
$$$$$
Located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah promotes the highest levels of scholarship and intellectual integrity. Founded in 1850, the public research university serves over 30,000 learners through nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate programs. The U offers online bachelor's degrees in economics, human development, nursing, recreation and tourism, psychology, sociology, and social work. Each major requires 122 credits. The school's innovative delivery format combines self-paced study and interactive learning experiences. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent and submit transcripts and SAT/ACT scores. Transfer students need a minimum 2.35 cumulative GPA.
Philadelphia, PA
$$$$$
Established in 1851, Saint Joseph's University is a private, Jesuit-affiliated school that hosts students on a 114-acre urban campus in Philadelphia and online. Learners can choose from a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. SJU offers online bachelor's degrees in general studies, business administration, psychological studies, and organization development and leadership. Degree-seekers learn from the same faculty who teach on campus. The school delivers all course content through convenient, interactive learning platforms. Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit official transcripts, a personal statement, and one letter of recommendation.
Sarasota, FL
$$$$$
Part of the University of Florida System, the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs through four schools and colleges in science, business, and the liberal arts. UFSM offers fully online bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity and information technology and communication sciences and disorders. The school delivers both programs in a highly interactive learning environment that includes face-to-face conferences and help sessions. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent and submit ACT/SAT scores and official transcripts. International applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency. Additional requirements may also apply.
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.
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.
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.
Does wealth affect health? Science suggests that it does. Financial stress, just like any stress, impacts both mental and physical health. While personal choices certainly impact financial wellness, generational and...
Student loans, budgeting, and paying off debt can leave students, recent graduates, and their parents feeling lost. Can you appeal for more financial aid? Should you open a credit card?...
College students make financial decisions that can shape their future. This financial glossary includes terms related to financial aid, credit, and taxes. By learning financial vocabulary and studying financial literacy...
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.