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 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2022
Louisiana Tech University
- Ruston, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Louisiana Tech University is a leader in distance learning. Students in the school's bachelor's programs receive training in both the liberal arts and in their field. Key benefits of online learning include scheduling flexibility and affordable tuition.
Undergraduate students can pursue an online bachelor's degree at the institution. Online and on-campus students generally need about four years to complete a bachelor's program. The flexible learning format appeals to working professionals and busy students. Many advanced positions require a bachelor's degree.
Louisiana Tech University Numbers:
Average Net Price: $12,261
Percentage of Learners Receiving Financial Aid: 98%
Students Awarded Loans: 33%
Applicants Admitted: 64%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
17%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2022
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor's programs at the University of Louisiana at Monroe prepare graduates for new job opportunities and career advancement. Programs at the bachelor's level concentrate on both liberal arts and skills training. The school’s online programs offer benefits such as asynchronous learning and affordability.
Learners can pursue their degree on campus or online, with several options for online bachelor's degrees. Degree-seekers watch lectures and complete assignments at convenient times. Smaller classes promote student participation and faculty feedback. The institution may allow learners to earn credit for internships and service-learning experiences. Learners can join student organizations to access professional development and network with peers.
University of Louisiana at Monroe Fast Facts:
Undergrad Tuition Rate: $5,788/year in-state; $17,888/year out-of-state
Average Price With Aid: $9,710
Student Acceptance Rate: 80%
Percentage of Learners Awarded Financial Aid: 98%
The school holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2022
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Louisville is located in Kentucky. As with all the bachelor's programs at the school, the criminal justice program prepares graduates for the workforce. A four-year bachelor’s program requires at least 120 college credits.
Undergraduate students can pursue an online bachelor's degree remotely from the university. The online bachelor's programs provide students with a flexible learning environment. Students learn through video lectures, assignments, and class discussions. Degree-seekers studying online can also transfer credits or an associate degree to accelerate bachelor's degree completion. Students who choose an online format benefit from cost-saving opportunities.
University of Louisville at a Glance:
Undergraduate School Tuition: $11,732 in-state; $27,758 out-of-state
Average Aid Per Student: $10,142
Average Price After Aid: $17,490
Graduation Rate: 59%
Allows Transfer Credits: Yes
University of Louisville has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2022
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can enroll in the top-ranked online bachelor's programs at the University of Central Florida. The public institution offers traditional programs at its Orlando campus and a variety of online bachelor's programs. The flexible learning format appeals to busy students balancing school with other responsibilities.
During online bachelor's programs, majors take general education courses, electives, and advanced classes in their field. Faculty mentors and academic advisors work with majors to create a customized course of study. The programs support distance learners through tutoring, a writing center, and career advising.
Because of the school's accreditation, enrollees qualify for federal student aid programs like the Pell Grant. Students can also use scholarships, grants, and loans to pay for their degree.
University of Central Florida Facts:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 88
Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Number of Online Students: 41,097
Rate of Undergraduate Admission: 44%
Undergraduate Graduation Rate: 72%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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.
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