Pursuing a bachelor's degree can open doors to new career opportunities and higher earning potential. Online bachelor's degrees offer a flexible and cost-effective path to achieving your educational goals, with tuition fees as low as $5,970 per year. This affordability makes higher education more accessible than ever before.
You may be concerned about the financial burden of obtaining a degree, but many affordable online colleges offer quality education at reasonable prices. These institutions often provide financial aid options, with some schools helping up to 94% of their students. By choosing an affordable online program, you can minimize student debt while still gaining valuable knowledge and skills.
When considering an online bachelor's degree, it's important to research various programs and institutions. Look for accredited schools that offer degrees in your field of interest. Compare tuition costs, financial aid options, and program features to find the best fit for your needs and budget. With careful planning and selection, you can earn a respected degree without breaking the bank.
Top 50 Most Affordable Online Bachelors
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Score: 100
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,627
- Out-of-State:$16,419
- Net Price: $437
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 2,255
- Undergrad Students: 1,702
- Graduate Students: 553
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
South Texas College
Score: 98.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,220
- Out-of-State:$7,500
- Net Price: $1,414
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 26,440
- Undergrad Students: 26,440
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $52,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Seminole State College of Florida
Score: 95.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,227
- Out-of-State:$11,447
- Net Price: $2,889
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 14,104
- Undergrad Students: 14,104
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 26:1
Florida Gateway College
Score: 92.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,100
- Out-of-State:$11,747
- Net Price: $4,428
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 2,837
- Undergrad Students: 2,837
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $52,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Eastern Florida State College
Score: 89.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,496
- Out-of-State:$9,739
- Net Price: $5,698
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 13,601
- Undergrad Students: 13,601
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,300
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Ohio University-Zanesville
Score: 89.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,178
- Out-of-State:$9,170
- Net Price: $5,715
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 18%
- Total Enrollment: 1,799
- Undergrad Students: 1,799
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Lake-Sumter State College
Score: 88.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,292
- Out-of-State:$13,276
- Net Price: $6,242
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 5,064
- Undergrad Students: 5,064
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,200
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
Northwest Florida State College
Score: 88.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,246
- Out-of-State:$11,625
- Net Price: $6,339
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 5,160
- Undergrad Students: 5,160
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Indiana University-Kokomo
Score: 88.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,179
- Out-of-State:$22,043
- Net Price: $6,459
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 2,892
- Undergrad Students: 2,674
- Graduate Students: 218
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Eastern New Mexico University
Score: 87.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,863
- Out-of-State:$8,843
- Net Price: $6,683
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 5,386
- Undergrad Students: 4,072
- Graduate Students: 1,314
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Gods Bible School and College
Score: 86.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,696
- Out-of-State:$7,696
- Net Price: $7,233
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 443
- Undergrad Students: 417
- Graduate Students: 26
- Grads Salary: $25,600
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Score: 86.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$4,656
- Net Price: $7,295
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 42,996
- Undergrad Students: 42,996
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Fayetteville State University
Score: 86.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,969
- Out-of-State:$7,969
- Net Price: $7,298
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 6,847
- Undergrad Students: 5,845
- Graduate Students: 1,002
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Great Basin College
Score: 86.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,855
- Out-of-State:$13,448
- Net Price: $7,472
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 2,936
- Undergrad Students: 2,936
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Score: 86.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,327
- Out-of-State:$20,481
- Net Price: $7,554
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 9,736
- Undergrad Students: 2,548
- Graduate Students: 7,188
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 27:1
Coppin State University
Score: 85.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,001
- Out-of-State:$13,789
- Net Price: $7,684
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Total Enrollment: 2,101
- Undergrad Students: 1,810
- Graduate Students: 291
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Score: 85.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,200
- Out-of-State:$16,410
- Net Price: $8,064
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 5,794
- Undergrad Students: 3,207
- Graduate Students: 2,587
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Score: 85.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,050
- Out-of-State:$14,650
- Net Price: $8,081
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 5,330
- Undergrad Students: 5,330
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $53,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Northern Kentucky University
Score: 84.9
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,896
- Out-of-State:$21,480
- Net Price: $8,151
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 14,961
- Undergrad Students: 9,927
- Graduate Students: 5,034
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
New Mexico State University
Score: 84.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,147
- Out-of-State:$25,271
- Net Price: $8,353
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 14,779
- Undergrad Students: 12,113
- Graduate Students: 2,666
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Alaska Southeast
Score: 84.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,960
- Out-of-State:$21,096
- Net Price: $8,488
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 1,918
- Undergrad Students: 1,678
- Graduate Students: 240
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
City Vision University
Score: 83.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,400
- Out-of-State:$6,400
- Net Price: $8,639
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- Total Enrollment: 234
- Undergrad Students: 188
- Graduate Students: 46
- Grads Salary: $36,100
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Utah Valley University
Score: 83.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,270
- Out-of-State:$17,830
- Net Price: $8,650
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 44,651
- Undergrad Students: 43,794
- Graduate Students: 857
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 28:1
Western New Mexico University
Score: 83.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,868
- Out-of-State:$14,354
- Net Price: $8,712
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 3,570
- Undergrad Students: 2,602
- Graduate Students: 968
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Indiana University-Southeast
Score: 83.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,179
- Out-of-State:$22,043
- Net Price: $8,829
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 3,752
- Undergrad Students: 3,286
- Graduate Students: 466
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
The Baptist College of Florida
Score: 83.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,800
- Out-of-State:$13,800
- Net Price: $8,904
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 352
- Undergrad Students: 331
- Graduate Students: 21
- Grads Salary: $45,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
The University of West Florida
Score: 83.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State:$19,241
- Net Price: $8,908
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 14,371
- Undergrad Students: 9,661
- Graduate Students: 4,710
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
University of Arkansas Grantham
Score: 82.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,280
- Out-of-State:$8,280
- Net Price: $9,186
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 3,742
- Undergrad Students: 3,203
- Graduate Students: 539
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
East Central University
Score: 82.54
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,032
- Out-of-State:$17,542
- Net Price: $9,355
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 3,200
- Undergrad Students: 2,460
- Graduate Students: 740
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Clayton State University
Score: 82.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,068
- Out-of-State:$15,790
- Net Price: $9,397
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 5,842
- Undergrad Students: 5,301
- Graduate Students: 541
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Indiana University-East
Score: 82.29
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,179
- Out-of-State:$22,043
- Net Price: $9,484
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 2,985
- Undergrad Students: 2,746
- Graduate Students: 239
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Western Governors University
Score: 82.15
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,300
- Out-of-State:$8,300
- Net Price: $9,555
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 185,015
- Undergrad Students: 135,822
- Graduate Students: 49,193
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 42:1
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Score: 81.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,571
- Out-of-State:$7,571
- Net Price: $9,687
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 7,630
- Undergrad Students: 5,485
- Graduate Students: 2,145
- Grads Salary: $56,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Murray State University
Score: 81.79
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,708
- Out-of-State:$19,452
- Net Price: $9,738
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 9,841
- Undergrad Students: 7,878
- Graduate Students: 1,963
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Maine at Presque Isle
Score: 81.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,990
- Out-of-State:$14,270
- Net Price: $9,773
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 2,187
- Undergrad Students: 2,152
- Graduate Students: 35
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 28:1
Polk State College
Score: 81.61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,366
- Out-of-State:$12,272
- Net Price: $9,832
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 7,963
- Undergrad Students: 7,963
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Florida Atlantic University
Score: 81.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $9,839
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 30,790
- Undergrad Students: 24,614
- Graduate Students: 6,176
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Score: 81.31
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,640
- Out-of-State:$22,752
- Net Price: $9,985
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 6,640
- Undergrad Students: 5,638
- Graduate Students: 1,002
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Morehead State University
Score: 81.25
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,838
- Out-of-State:$14,706
- Net Price: $10,017
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 8,618
- Undergrad Students: 8,058
- Graduate Students: 560
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,904
- Out-of-State:$23,212
- Net Price: $10,143
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 5,899
- Undergrad Students: 4,654
- Graduate Students: 1,245
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Hallmark University
Score: 80.98
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,240
- Out-of-State:$41,240
- Net Price: $10,153
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 879
- Undergrad Students: 782
- Graduate Students: 97
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
North Carolina A&T State University
Score: 80.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,748
- Out-of-State:$20,408
- Net Price: $10,258
- Acceptance Rate: 46%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 13,885
- Undergrad Students: 12,216
- Graduate Students: 1,669
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Score: 80.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,342
- Out-of-State:$16,929
- Net Price: $10,289
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 10,326
- Undergrad Students: 9,853
- Graduate Students: 473
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
American Public University System
Score: 80.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State:$8,400
- Net Price: $10,322
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 50,187
- Undergrad Students: 40,478
- Graduate Students: 9,709
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
The University of Texas at El Paso
Score: 80.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,744
- Out-of-State:$25,512
- Net Price: $10,333
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 24,351
- Undergrad Students: 20,609
- Graduate Students: 3,742
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
University of Florida-Online
Score: 80.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,876
- Out-of-State:$16,579
- Net Price: $10,412
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 5,462
- Undergrad Students: 5,462
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 51:1
University of North Alabama
Score: 80.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,990
- Out-of-State:$22,190
- Net Price: $10,441
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 10,059
- Undergrad Students: 7,451
- Graduate Students: 2,608
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Score: 80.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,746
- Out-of-State:$21,330
- Net Price: $10,488
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 8,211
- Undergrad Students: 6,108
- Graduate Students: 2,103
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
California State University-San Marcos
Score: 80.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,739
- Out-of-State:$19,619
- Net Price: $10,500
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 15,431
- Undergrad Students: 14,246
- Graduate Students: 1,185
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Kent State University at Ashtabula
Score: 80.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,272
- Out-of-State:$16,744
- Net Price: $10,502
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Total Enrollment: 1,762
- Undergrad Students: 1,762
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $49,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Breaking Down Tuition and Fees
Online bachelor's degree programs often have lower tuition rates than traditional on-campus programs. The average annual tuition cost for an online bachelor's degree is $11,698, compared to $16,929 for a traditional degree.
Some schools charge per credit hour, while others have flat-rate tuition. You may encounter additional fees for technology, online resources, or proctored exams.
To estimate your total cost:
- Multiply the cost per credit by the number of credits required
- Add any mandatory fees
- Factor in costs for textbooks and materials
Exploring Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid can make your online bachelor's degree more affordable. Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal grants and loans.
Many online colleges offer institutional scholarships specifically for distance learners. These may be merit-based or need-based awards. Research and apply for multiple scholarships to maximize your chances.
Other financial aid options include:
- Work-study programs
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Military education benefits
- Private student loans
Net price calculators can help you estimate your actual costs after factoring in financial aid. Remember to consider the long-term return on investment, including potential median earnings for your chosen field.
Community Colleges and Public Universities
Community colleges and public universities often offer the most affordable online bachelor's degrees. These institutions typically have lower tuition rates, especially for in-state students. Many community colleges now provide full bachelor's degree programs online, not just associate degrees.
Public universities frequently have well-established online programs with competitive pricing. For example, Middle Georgia State University offers online bachelor's degrees with affordable tuition rates. You can also find options like Clayton State University, which provides cost-effective online programs.
When considering these options, compare the total program cost, not just per-credit rates. Look for hidden fees and evaluate the quality of student services offered to online learners.
Comparing Nonprofit and For-Profit Institutions
Nonprofit institutions, including both public and private colleges, often provide more affordable options compared to for-profit schools. Nonprofit colleges typically reinvest tuition revenue into improving educational quality and student services.
For-profit colleges may have higher tuition rates and sometimes face scrutiny regarding their educational outcomes. However, some for-profit institutions offer flexible programs that cater to working adults.
When comparing institutions:
- Check accreditation status
- Review graduation rates
- Examine career outcomes for graduates
- Investigate student loan default rates
These factors can help you assess the overall value and quality of the degree program.
Maximizing Transfer Credits and Prior Learning
To reduce costs and time to graduation, look for programs that accept a high number of transfer credits. Many online bachelor's degree completion programs allow you to transfer up to 90 credits, potentially cutting your remaining coursework in half.
Consider options for earning credits through:
- Prior Learning Assessments (PLAs)
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests
- Military training or work experience
Some schools offer generous credit transfer policies and multiple ways to earn credit for prior learning. This approach can significantly reduce your overall tuition costs and accelerate your path to graduation.