This is an excellent time for people seeking affordable online colleges and degree programs, but it’s important to realize that different colleges often cater to different needs when it comes to online programs. For example, depending on where someone lives, they may want to choose one of the regional public colleges. Regional public colleges will usually have lower tuition costs for applicants who live in the region where the college is located. On the other hand, an affordable private college will offer many of the same benefits as attending a private college offline. Those benefits can include a more hands-on approach, a religious or ideological grounding, or unique and unusual degree choices.
In addition, the online college landscape also contains numerous working-adult focused colleges. These institutions typically offer programs specifically designed to work with people who have jobs, kids, or other adult responsibilities. People who want to attend online college courses have a lot affordable choices available to them, but just because a college is affordable doesn’t mean your degree will ROI. That’s why College Consensus – the authority on college rankings – has put together a definitive ranking of the most affordable online colleges.
Ranking the Most Affordable Online Colleges
The College Consensus method takes a lot of factors into consideration, but for the Most Affordable Online Colleges ranking, one factor stands above all: cost. That’s why we turned to Peterson’s for authoritative data on cost per credit at America’s online institutions.
Institutions are ranked according to their price per credit, based on Peterson’s data.
The University of North Florida (UNF) is located in Jacksonville, FL, and offers fully-online degree programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees and gradate certificates. Some of the programs include Health Administration, BHA, Nursing RN-BSN, Business Analytics, MS, Executive Health Administration, EMHA, and Criminal Justice, MS.
Nevada State College is a public college located in Henderson, Nevada. The college offers three undergraduate degree programs that are entirely online. They include a bachelor’s degree in History, Interdisciplinary Studies, and RN to BSN. The school is authorized to offer online classes to students in all 50 states.
Purdue University Northwest is part of the Purdue University System located throughout Indiana. It offers online degree programs through its Purdue University Online division and features degrees at the associate through doctorate levels. It also offers certificates and professional development courses. Some of the concentrations include Communication, Arts and Sciences, and Business and Economics.
The College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) is a public college located in Brunswick, GA. The school offers online education through its Coastal Online division. It offers bachelor’s degree concentrations in areas that include Applied Science in Workforce Management and Leadership, Business Administration in General Business, Interdisciplinary Studies, Public Management, and RN to BSN.
Bottega University, formerly known as New Charter University, is a for-profit accredited distance learning university located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It offers certificates and degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. The school’s programs primarily focus on business degrees, but also offer computer science classes and programming certificates.
Shenandoah University is a private university located in Winchester, VA. The online programs at the university include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and graduate certificates. Some of the degrees include Nursing BSN to DNP, Anatomy & Physiology, Nursing RN to BSN Track, Master of Business Administration, and more. It also offers accelerated tracks for online master’s degrees in Public Health and Performing Arts Leadership and Management.
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a public university that’s primarily focused on health sciences and is located in Portland, OR. It offers online education through its Division of Continuing Professional Development. The courses are designed to help health professionals continue their education and finish their degrees including RN to BSN, Health Systems and Organizational Leadership, and Health and Clinical Informatics.
Peru State College is a public college located in Peru, NE. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs online that include Psychology, Criminal Justice tracks, Business Administration tracks, Human Resources, Management, Accounting, Healthcare, and more.
Midwives College of Utah (MCU) is a college devoted to training students in the art and science of midwifery. It offers fully accredited education online and allows students to learn at their own pace without attending a campus location.
The University of North Georgia (UNG) is a public university and also designated as The Military College of Georgia. Its online school offers certificate and degree programs in areas of focus that include Education, Social Sciences, STEM, Humanities, Health, and Business. Some of the degree concentrations include Business Administration (MBA), Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Intelligence (Ph.D.), and Curriculum & Instruction (M.Ed.)
The University of St. Francis (USF) is a private Franciscan university located in Joliet, IL. The school is one of the largest online education providers in the state, and it began its online offerings in the early 2000s. Over 120 online courses are offered through the school including Supply Chain Management, Master of Business Administration, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, and Master of Science in Nursing.
Tyler Junior College is a public community college located in Tyler, TX. It offers certificates and associate degrees through an online program. Some of the concentrations include General Studies, Sociology, Public Administration, Economics, English, Fire Service Leadership, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, and more.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (SRU) is a public university located in Slippery Rock, PA. Its online degree program features bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as certificates. The program is designed for working adults who need a flexible schedule to earn their degree, and provides the same kind of education that a student would receive if they were attending campus.
Ohio University (OU) is a public university located in Athens, OH. It offers online degree programs through its OHIO Online division, and is the #1 college in Ohio for online education. The program features over 60 online programs and is a legacy of the school’s 100-plus years of providing long-distance learning. Students can earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or choose from one of 35 graduate degree programs.
Pittsburg State University is a public university located in Pittsburg, KS. It offers over 50 online degree programs from a bachelor’s degree to a specialist in education. Some of the programs offered include Career and Technical Education, RN to BSN Nursing, Workforce Development, multiple MBA programs with varying focuses, Construction Management, and more.
Boise State University (Boise State) is a public university located in Boise, ID. It offers online degree programs through its Boise State Online division and focuses on providing an education to adults who need to balance their lives and jobs with getting an education. The school has over 80 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as doctoral degrees.
Siena Heights University (SHU) is a private Roman Catholic university located in Adrian, MI. The university offers online degree programs through its SHU Global division and features associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree concentrations. Some of the degree tracks include Accounting, Applied Science, Marketing, Nursing RN to BSN, Professional Communications, and MSN to MBA.
Sonoma State University (SSU) is a public university located in Rohnert Park, CA. The school offers certificates through its School of Extended and International Education and partners with ED2Go and MindEdge for access to a large number of certificate programs through SSU and other campuses.
Bethel University is a private Christian college located in Arden Hills, MN. It offers graduate, adult undergraduate, and seminary programs through its online division. Students can earn a master’s or doctoral degree, certificate, or study for licensing in behavioral sciences and education. Some of the degree programs include Doctor of Nursing Practice, Ed.D in K-12 Administration, Special Education, and Strategic Leadership.
The University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, IN, is a private university operated by the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration. It offers an online degree program that includes bachelor’s and master’s degree programs as well as professional certificates. Degree concentrations include Business, Healthcare, and Education with focuses in the areas of Accounting, Online Teaching, Special Education, and Healthcare Administration.
George Fox University is a private Christian school in Newberg, OR. Its online degree programs include a First Year Online program that lets students complete their general education requirements remotely, Adult Bachelor’s Degree Completion, and graduate degrees in Arts in Teaching, Education, Doctor of Education, School Administrator, and Teaching Endorsements.
Midland College is a public community college located in Midland, TX. The school offers a distance learning division with asynchronous online courses, hybrid, and live online courses, also known as WEB courses. Most WEB courses do not require on-campus attendance at any time, although in-person attendance may be required for proctored exams.
Westfield State University is a public university located in Westfield, MA. It offers online courses and degree programs through its PLATO Online Learning @ Westfield State University division. Students can get a bachelor’s degree in History and complete a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Criminal Justice, History, Liberal Studies, Psychology, and Sociology. Minors are also offered in an online format.
Saint Louis University (SLU) is a private Jesuit university in St. Louis, MO. The university offers bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, and certificate programs through its online school. The online program is aimed toward working professionals with courses featuring flexible scheduling. Some degree tracks from bachelor’s to master’s are offered in an accelerated format.
Texas A&M University (TAM) is a public university located in College Station, TX. It offers distance degrees through multiple schools including Law, Medicine, Nursing, Business School, Engineering, and more. Degrees are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and almost 50 professional certificate programs are available.
Shiloh University is an online Christian university located in Kalona, IA that offers accredited degree programs in Ministry and Leadership and Education at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Some of the programs include a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry Completion, Practical Ministry, Master of Divinity, an M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology, and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is a public research university located in Wilmington, N.C. It offers online degree programs that are synchronous and asynchronous to allow students to learn at their own pace. It offers degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels as well as certificates and licensure programs.
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State) is a public college located in Alfred, N.Y. The university offers online degree programs through its Alfred State Online program and features associate and bachelor’s degrees along with certificates. Some of the degrees available include Construction Management, Healthcare Information, Court Reporting, Medical Imaging, and Individual Studies.
Buena Vista University (BVU) is a Presbyterian-affiliated private university located in Storm Lake, IA. It offers degree completion programs through connections with Iowa community colleges and features undergraduate and graduate degrees.
California State University, or Chico State, is a public university and features the Chico Distance & Online Education school that offers multiple bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and one professional certificate program. Bachelor’s degree concentrations include Liberal Studies, Sociology, Agricultural Education, and more. It also offers an online MBA, an MS in Nursing, and an MS in Math Education. The certificate program concentrates on Career and Life Planning.
Frostburg State University (FSU) is a public university located in Frostburg, MD. The university offers hundreds of courses through its online program and six degree programs that are entirely online. They include a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Education, a Master of Applied Computer Science, a Master of Science in Nursing, Recreation and Parks Management, and a Doctorate of Education.
Roberts Wesleyan College is a private Christian college located in Rochester, NY. The college offers students the option to take accelerated classes to earn credits that can be applied to a degree concentration or earn a post-graduate certificate in Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Certified Management Accountant, among others.
Cornerstone University is a private Christian university in Grand Rapids, MI. The university offers over 20 online degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, along with certificates and minors. Some of the programs include Psychology, Business Studies, Education, Ministry Leadership, and Sports Management, among others.
California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) is a public university located in San Marcos, CA. Online degree programs are available through CSUSM Extended Learning and include certificates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Some of the programs include Criminology and Justice, Wildfire Science, Paralegal, Cybersecurity, and RN-BS Nursing, Accelerated.
Western Carolina University is a public university located in Cullowhee, NC. The university offers certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees through its Distance and Online division. Degree programs include Marketing, Emergency and Disaster Management, Construction Management, Nurse Leadership, Sports Management, Human Resources, and more.
Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU Pueblo) is a public university located in Pueblo, CO. The institution offers online education for students and connects them with a success team that helps students complete their studies. Some of the degree programs offered online include Registered Nurse to BSN, Business Management, BSBA, Master of Engineering Management, and Doctor of Nursing Practice.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a public college located in New York City, N.Y. It offers online certificates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in various areas of law enforcement and emergency services. Some of the concentrations include Criminal Justice, Security Management, Emergency Management, Terrorism Studies, and Public Policy and Administration.
Jacksonville University (JU) is a private university located in Jacksonville, FL. It offers certificates, bachelor, and master’s degrees through its online learning division. Some of the programs include Master of Science in Nursing, RN to MSN, Science of Health Information, Master of Business Administration, Choreography, and Organizational Leadership.
Tabor College is a private college operated by the Mennonite Brethren Church and is located in Hillsboro, KS. It offers Master’s degrees in Business Administration, MBA in Sports Management and Leadership, Master of Education in Neuroscience and Trauma, and a certificate in Neuroscience and Trauma.
Aspen University is a fully online university that was established in 1987. It’s accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Project Management Institute (PMI), and more. The school offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as certificates in the areas of Business & Technology, Education, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Arts & Sciences.
Adams State University is a public university located in Alamosa, CO. It features one of the most comprehensive online universities and offers non-degree, individual and GT courses, certificates, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and a Doctorate of Philosophy. Some of the available programs include Business, Teacher Education, Sociology, Kinesiology, Music Education, and Public Administration, among others.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a public university located in Edwardsville, IL. SIUE Online Degree Programs are geared towards working professionals who want to return to school and earn their MBA or an MSE. All degree programs are offered in an accelerated format that can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is a private Methodist university located in Mitchell, S.D. The online program offers certificates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. It offers online degree programs that include LPN to BS, Master of Business Administration, Organizational Leadership Certificate, Practical Church Leadership, and a Master of Arts in Education.
The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) is a public university located in Fort Kent, ME. Its online degree programs include associate and bachelor’s degrees in Business Management, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security, Information Security, General Studies, RN to BSN, and Self-Designated.
Valdosta State University (VSU) is a public university located in Valdosta, GA. It offers online education for students who are seeking to advance their careers by earning an undergraduate degree. The concentrations include Criminal Justice, Psychology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Management Computer Information Systems, General Business, Elementary Education, and Organizational Leadership.
Lincoln Memorial University is a private university located in Harrogate, TN, and has been educating students for 125 years. It offers online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate degree level. Some of the programs include Masters in Criminal Justice, Doctor of Business Administration, Master of Veterinary Education, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Apollos University is a private university that’s focused on providing long-distance education. It offers certificates, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university offers degree concentrations in the areas of business and computer technology.
The University of Tennessee is a public university located in Chattanooga, TN. It offers hybrid and 100% online degree programs through its distance education division. Students can earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Nursing Practice, Masters of Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Engineering, School Leadership, and RN to BSN.
AdventHealth is a private university operated by the Seventh-day Adventists with campuses around the U.S. and online. AHU online offers degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels and certificates. Degree concentrations include RN to BSN, Imaging Sciences, Spiritual Care, Healthcare Administration, Robotic Surgery, and more.
Albany State University (ASU) is a public university located in Albany, GA, and offers an online/distance learning program that includes associate, undergraduate and graduate degrees and professional certificates. Students can earn their associate’s in Psychology, Sociology, Histology, Computer Science, a bachelor’s in Science, Nursing RN to BN, Psychology, and their master’s in Education, Counseling, Business Administration, and more.
Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a public university located in Charleston, IL. It offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as degree completion study options as well as minors. Degree programs include Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies, Organizational Development, Nursing, and Master’s in Biological Sciences, Cybersecurity, and Aging Studies to name a few.
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is a public university located in Chicago, IL. It offers degrees and certificates through its Extended Campus. The certificate programs are available in non-credit and credit formats, and credits can be applied towards a Stackable Certificate Program for a Master’s degree. Online concentrations include Pharmacy, Social Work, Education, Business, Applied Health Sciences, and more.
Peninsula College is a public community college located in Port Angeles, WA. It offers online courses for associate degree concentrations that include Paralegal, Hospitality and Ecotourism, Entrepreneurship, Multimedia Communications, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management.
Hobe Sound Bible College is a Christian college located in Hobe Sound, FL. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Counseling, Elementary Education, Intercultural Studies, General Christian Studies, and Educational Leadership, among others.
MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private religious university located in Olathe, KS. It offers online degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels, and also offers professional certificates. Some of the degree concentrations include an Accelerated Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Science in Nursing, and Sexual Addictions Treatment Provider certificate.
Western Washington University (WWU) is a public university located in Bellingham, WA. It offers courses in term-based and self-paced formats so students can take classes when it’s convenient for them. The areas of concentration available for studies include Accounting, Anthropology, Economics, Environmental Science, and Sociology among others.
The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is a public community college located in Henderson, NV. It features an online campus for students to earn an associate’s, bachelor’s, or certificate of achievement in concentrations that include Casino Management, Criminal Justice, General Studies, Medical Transcription, Accounting, Computing and Information Technology, and Fire and Emergency Services Administration.
Chamberlain College of Nursing has 23 campuses located around the U.S. and an online learning division. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through its online division. Degree concentrations include BSN Online, RN to BSN, MS in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Social Work, Public Health, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Adult-Gerontology NP.
Eastern University is a private Baptist university located in St. Davids, PA. It offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs through its Eastern University Online division. Degree concentrations include Business Administration, Early Childhood Studies, Clinical Counseling, Social Work, M.S. in Nursing, and Data Science.
The University of Findlay is a private Christian university located in Findlay, OH. The school features an online school with degrees offered at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels. It offers courses with concentrations in M.S. in Radiologic Sciences, Superintendent Licensure program, M.S. in Health Informatics, and Doctor of Education in School Psychology to name a few.
Culver-Stockton College is a private Christian college located in Canton, MO. It offers online degree programs in areas of education that are in high demand. Some of the concentrations include Accountancy, Sport Management, Professional Sales, Esports and Gaming Administration, Digital Marketing, and Supply Chain Management, among others.
Union College is a private liberal arts college located in Schenectady, NY, and is one of the oldest colleges in the state. Its online division offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business Administration, General Management, Law Enforcement, RN to BSN, General Studies, Human Resources, Athletic Administration, and more.
Anna Maria Collee is a private Roman Catholic college located in Paxton, MA. It offers online degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. Concentrations include Criminal Justice, Health Administration, Psychology, Public Administration, and Fire Science.
William Woods University is a private university located in Fulton, MO. Its online division offers degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree levels. Some of the concentrations include Psychology, Cybersecurity, Deaf Human Services, Business Administration, Paralegal Studies, Workforce Management, and Educational Leadership.
The University of Maine at Machias (UMM) is a public university located in Machias, ME. The UMM Online division offers fully online bachelor’s associate, and certificate programs in the areas of Education, Business, Psychology, Entrepreneurial Studies, Environmental Geographic Information Science, and more. Professional certificates are also available in these concentrations.
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private university that has its main campus in Davie, FL, and has full accreditation for distance studies. It offers online degree programs to students from the U.S. and around the globe. NSU offers 100 online programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree levels as well as professional certificate courses.
City Vision University is an online-only faith-based university with its headquarters located in Kansas City, MO. The school offers accredited degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. Degree and certificate concentrations include Addiction Counseling, Christian Ministry and Leadership, Master’s in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, and non-profit management.
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public university located in Hays, KS. It offers online degree programs through FHSU Online at the associate, bachelor’s, masters, educational specialist, doctorate, and certificate levels. Some of the concentrations include Speech-Language Pathology, Agricultural Business, Environmental Geosciences, Geology, Information Technology and Networking, and more.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a public university located in Fairbanks, AK. It offers multiple certificate and degree programs through its UAF eCampus. Students can earn their associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees online as well as earn graduate and post-baccalaureate certificates and endorsements online. Some of the concentrations include Psychology, Fisheries and Marine Sciences, History, Anthropology, Applied Management, and more.
Mount St. Joseph University (MSJ) is a private Roman Catholic university located in Delhi, Ohio. Mount St. Joe offers an online Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a post-graduate certificate in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities.
Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit university located in Orange Beach, AL, and is an accredited distance learning university. It offers Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degree programs in multiple concentrations that include Homeland Security, Business, Military Studies, General Studies, Health, and more.
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a public university located in River Falls, WI. It offers online degree programs through its Online Education division. Degree programs include a BS in Sustainable Management, a BS in Applied Computer Science, and an MS in Health and Wellness Management.
Kennesaw State University is a public university located in Kennesaw, GA. It offers endorsements, certificates, minors, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees through its online division. Some of the degree concentrations include Geography, Political Science, Information Technology, Marketing, Information Security and Assurance, Sociology, Psychology, and more.
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a public university located in Charlottesville, VA. It offers online courses, certificates, and degree programs through its online division. Some of the degree programs include Medicine and Health Sciences, Business, Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Science, and Education and Human Development.
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is a public university located in Cedar Falls, IA. The university features an Online & Distance Education division that offers online programs including degree completion programs for Amazon employees, undergraduate and graduate programs, and certificates and endorsements. Some of the online programs include Bachelor in Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, and Business Administration among others.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) is a public university located in Little Rock, AR. It features an online division that offers professional certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in areas that include General Studies, Law Enforcement, History, Mass Communication, Information Science, and more.
Marshall University is a public university located in Huntington, W.V. It offers degree programs through its Marshall University Online Learning division, and offers graduate certificates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in concentrations such as English, Geography, Medical Laboratory Science, Accountancy, Counseling, Nursing Practice, DNP, and others.
The University of Management and Technology is a private university located in Arlington, VA. The school offers certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees that are fully accredited. It offers degree programs through its UMT Online Education division and has an open enrollment so students can start their education at any time of the year.
The University of the Incarnate Word is a private Roman Catholic university located in San Antonio, TX. The school offers online degree programs through its UW Online division at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Some of the concentrations include Administration, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Data Science and Analytics, and MSN to DNP.
Saint Leo University is located in St. Leo, FL, and is a private Roman Catholic University. It’s a top-ranking school for academic excellence and offers multiple online degree programs to students from around the world. The university offers over 60 degree programs at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels. Some of the concentrations include a Doctorate in Criminal Justice: Homeland Security, a Master’s Degree in Accounting, Associate’s in Liberal Arts, Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems, and more.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Online is an online aeronautical school with campuses located around the world and offers online degree programs. It offers certificates and degrees at all levels from Associate to Doctoral in the fields of Applied Science, Business, Aviation, Computers & Technology, Engineering, Space, and Security, Intelligence and Safety.
The University of Wisconsin-Superior (UW-Superior) is a public university located in Superior, WI. The online learning division at UW-Superior includes associate, bachelor’s, master’s, certificates, minors, and independent learning programs. Some of the concentrations include Health and Wellness Management, Writing, Public Leadership and Innovation, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Counseling, and more.
Savannah State University is a public and historically black university located in Savannah, GA. The school offers an online bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and individual courses.
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is a public university located in Greeley, CO. The university offers online degrees through its Extended Campus with concentrations at the bachelor’s, masters, and master’s levels along with certificates, internships, licensures, and endorsements. Some of the concentrations include American Sign Language, Brewing Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, Educational Leadership, and Nursing DNP.
Missouri State University (MSU) is a public university located in Springfield, MO. It offers online degree programs through its Missouri State Outreach/Online division that includes certificates, undergraduate and graduate programs. Some of the programs include Business Analysis, Information Technology, Marketing, Nursing (RN to BSN), Business Principles, History, Social Work and Teaching. Minor studies are also offered.
Amberton University is a private Evangelical Christian university located in Garland, TX. It offers online degree programs through its Distance Learning division that are taught by professors who teach on-campus classes to traditional students. Amberton University offers a total of 10 fully online bachelor’s degrees and 18 master’s degree programs in various concentrations.
Amridge University is a private Christian school located in Montgomery, AL. It offers multiple degree concentrations at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels. Some of the degree programs include Criminal Justice, Liberal Studies, Legal Studies, Business Administration, Science Management, and Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies.
The State University of New York Canton (SUNY Canton) is a public college located in Canton, NY. It offers 23 fully online degree programs and individual courses through its SUNY Canton OnLine global campus. Students can earn their associate’s or bachelor’s degree in academic majors that include Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering Technology, Crime Analysis, Game Design & Development, and more.
Lewis-Clark State College is a public college located in Lewiston, ID. The college offers over 20 fully online degree programs through its LC State Online division at the associate and bachelor’s degree levels. Some of the degree concentrations include Business, Behavioral Science, Accounting, Communication Arts, Early Childhood Development, and History.
Utica University is a private university located in Utica, NY, and offers online education at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degree levels along with professional certificates. Some of the concentrations include a B.B.A. in Accounting, Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation, Nursing (RSN to BSN), Cybersecurity, an M.S. in Family Nurse Practitioner, an M.S. in Accounting, and a Family Nurse Practitioner certificate.
Luther Rice College & Seminary is a private Southern Baptist college located in Lithonia, GA. Luther Rice has been offering distance education for almost 60 years with 15 of those years online. It offers certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs to students from around the world. Some of the classes include Christian Studies, Ministry, Apologetics, and Psychology.
The University of Arkansas (U of A) is a public university located in Fayetteville, AR. It offers online courses through its University of Arkansas ONLINE division. Degrees offered include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorates, along with specialist, certificate, microcertificate, and licensure. It also offers minors through the online program.
American Public University is a private, for-profit university that is entirely online. The school offers degrees ranging from the associate level to the doctoral, nano, undergraduate, and graduate certificates. It has an extensive catalog of degree concentrations, including Esports, Family Studies, Educational Leadership, Emergency and Disaster Management, and Online Teaching, among others.
The University of North Alabama (UNA) is a public university located in Florence, Alabama. It offers online degree programs, including a B.A. or B.S. in History, and an M.A. in History.
Colorado Christian University (CCU) is a private Christian university located in Lakewood, CO. It offers online degree programs through its College of Adult and Graduate Studies, and offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates. It also offers graduate licensure and non-degree-seeking and non-credit continuing education courses.
Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private Marianist university located in Honolulu, Hawaii. The university offers an online degree division known as Flex: Online Undergraduate Program that’s geared towards working adults. Students can earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Psychology, Liberal Arts, and more. Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral certificates are also offered for online study.
Weber State University (WSU) is a public university located in Ogden, Utah. It offers over 25 fully online certificate and degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, as well as professional certificates. Some of the concentrations include Nursing Educator, Radiologic Sciences, Health Information Technology, Practical to Registered Nurse, English, Professional Sales, and more.
Hunting University of Health Sciences (HUHS) is a fully online school headquartered in Knoxville, TN. It offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the areas of nutrition and integrative healthcare, and a short course in vitamins, minerals, and nutraceuticals.
Kent State University (KSU) is a public university located in Kent, OH. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates through its Kent State Online division. Some of the degree concentrations include Business and Entrepreneurship, Visual and Performing Arts, Sport, Recreation and Hospitality, Architecture, and Environmental Design, and Nursing and Public Health.
California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) offers an online degree program for undergraduate and graduate degrees to students who have completed lower-division general education requirements. CSUEB also allows fully matriculated students to take an online course at another CSU campus with no additional tuition cost. Some of the online programs include a B.A. in Business Administration, a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism, and an M.S. in Educational Leadership.
Are Online Colleges Cheaper than Traditional Colleges?
These days, listings, databases, and various other resources exist to guide people towards just what they’re looking for. A search online will populate with numerous results that include updated reviews and pricing information for online colleges. If you’re paying for college yourself, it’s essential to do you homework.
When it comes to online college vs traditional college cost, people often assume online colleges always cost less than traditional colleges. In truth, just as with traditional colleges, online college costs can vary widely. Each institution will have a different pricing method based on their own criteria.
Most colleges that offer online courses will have tuition calculators or average cost breakdowns. People are often surprised to find out some universities charge the same price for their courses whether online or off. Some places charge even more for their online programs than their equivalent on-campus ones.
The online college vs traditional college cost question has no clear answer. As with all things college-related, it depends. This should drive home why seeking affordable online college is so important.
The average cost online bachelor’s degree will vary as well from place to place and student to student. For those who want to figure out the average cost online bachelor’s degree or any other degree program for themselves, a net price calculator can help.
How Do Affordable Online Colleges Save Me Money?
When seeking an affordable online college, it’s important to look at the stated dollar amounts. Finding the cheapest online college per credit hour can help once someone has already narrowed their search to the places that interest them.
However, saving money with affordable online colleges involves a few other factors as well. Places that offer cheap online degrees fast aren’t necessarily the most affordable. As previously stated, applicants must consider the net price of attending. In addition, looking for places things like cheap online colleges without application fees can help as well.
Because students aren’t attending a campus, many places will offer a lower tuition. That’s not a given, but it’s worth searching for. Speedy courses also don’t require as many ongoing fees as a longer traditional course.
The cheapest online per credit hours and the cheap online colleges without application fees can give someone the numbers they need to calculate just how much they can save. People should always look at the numbers when they want cheap online degrees fast, because those accelerated programs can often come with savings they don’t expect.
Are There Any Free Online Colleges?
Free online colleges do exist. A handful of accredited online universities offer tuition-free programs for associates, bachelor’s, and even master’s degrees. The free online colleges do offer degrees. Applicants may have to pay an application fee or other small fees.
Some other institutions offer free courses, lectures, and other learning materials. The free courses and materials can sometimes come with a certificate, but rarely with a credit.
How Do Online College Degree Programs ROI?
People invest their money and time with the hopes their degree will pay off in the future, especially when so many students take out loans to pay for college. This is a return on investment college education, and it’s important for that investment to work. To that end, it’s a good idea to think of the best ROI degrees that can make that happen.
But, what are the best ROI degrees? That all depends on where an applicant lives and which industries have the largest amount of growth.
Figuring our college ROI by major is possible, especially if the major is one that allows an applicant to advance in their career field or get a fair start in a new career. The ability to move forward, earn more, and do more with a college degree is what makes the return on investment college education worthwhile.
Related:
Best Scholarships for Online Students
50 Online Colleges with the Best ROI
Top 25 Best Online Degrees Most Likely to Get You A Job
25 Highest Paying Online Bachelors Degrees
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