10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees 2025

If you are looking for an affordable online bachelor's degree program that offers flexible and cheaper tuition options, check out the list of accredited online colleges that offer low-cost bachelor's degrees.

Online bachelor's degree programs allow busy individuals to balance work and personal commitments. These programs also help you save money by having lower tuition rates, removing commuting costs, and allowing students to have flexible learning options while working.

If you're looking for an inexpensive online degree, choose an institution with accreditation from a reputable accrediting body. Obtaining a degree from an accredited school guarantees that employers will recognize it, and you will receive a high-quality education.

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Each institution has specific admission requirements that you must fulfill before you can enroll. These may include meeting GPA requirements or submitting standardized test scores. Speak with an academic advisor if you have any questions about online enrollment.

When selecting a major, consider your career goals and interests. Research your chosen school's financial aid options and student support services. Below are some bachelor's degree programs from affordable online colleges.

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in business administration through the Warrington College of Business. This program provides students with a foundational knowledge of business disciplines.

The university offers a merit scholarship based on GPA and test scores. Visit the school's website for more information. Some of the courses here include:

Introduction to Retailing Systems and Management
Operations and Supply Chain Management
The Legal Environment of Business
Effective Career Management in Business

2. Colorado State University

Colorado State University's Bachelor of Science in computer science teaches students to encode, store, and track information. This program highlights the significance of computer science, as it impacts almost every industry.

The university has a work-study program where students can work part-time in positions (e.g., computer lab assistant and research technician) to help pay for their college degree. Courses here consist of:

Data Structures
Software Engineering
Operating Systems
Discrete Structures and their Applications

3. Arizona State University

Arizona State University's online Bachelor of Science in information technology prepares students for roles in the software development, quality assurance, and cybersecurity sectors. You will learn how to manage data and computer networks.

The university offers need-based grants to help support your higher education. Contact a representative from the financial aid office if you have any questions. Some of the courses here comprise:

Operating System Architecture
Introduction to Internet Networking
Network Information Communication Technology
Foundations for Information and Computer System Security

4. Capella University

Capella University offers a Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration through the School of Business, Technology, and Healthcare Administration. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of healthcare systems and managing health organizations.

You can apply for Capella Progress Rewards and Student/Alumni Referral scholarships to help pay tuition expenses. Check the scholarship website for more information. Some of the coursework here includes:

Ethics in Healthcare Management
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in Healthcare
Healthcare Reimbursement Systems
Healthcare Budgeting and Reporting

5. Walden University

Walden University's Bachelor of Science in criminal justice explores the U.S. criminal justice system's current issues and challenges. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of the courts and judicial process.

You can apply for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship to save on tuition costs. Check Walden's grant and scholarship website to find out the eligibility criteria. Courses here consist of:

The Nature of Crime and Criminology
Victimology
Controversies in Criminal Justice
Special Populations

6. American Public University

American Public University's Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity prepares students for cyber defense, cybercrime, and cyber operations roles. Students will learn about the processes and goals of cyber forensics investigations.

The university accepts payment from military education benefits like GI Bill programs. Some of the online courses here include:

Securing Databases
Information Security
IT Security: Planning and Policy
Cryptography Concepts

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's online Bachelor of Arts in psychology teaches students through experiential learning and case studies. You will learn communication, data gathering, and research skills.

You may transfer up to 90 credits toward your degree to help with affordability. Contact a member of the Financial Services team if you have any questions. Courses here include:

Lifespan Development
Research Methods
Psychology and Social Change
Introduction to Psychology

8. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in public safety administration that prepares students for various public safety roles. You will learn about research methodologies, ethical concerns, and technological hurdles in the field.

The university has a flexible transfer credits policy and counts work and military experience toward your degree. Some of the courses here consist of:

Introduction to Public Safety Administration
Public Safety Planning
Public Safety Leadership
Finance for the Nonfinancial Manager

9. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University's Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences teaches students about professional development. You can choose between the human resource development or organizational leadership concentrations.

The university participates in financial assistance programs, like the Texas Armed Services Scholarship and TEXAS Grant. Students should expect to take courses such as:

Principles of Leadership in the Workplace
Employee and Labor Relations
Capstone in Applied Leadership
Economics, Ecology, and Ethics

10. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers a Bachelor of Arts in communication through the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will learn about the importance of interpersonal communication skills in various industries, such as public relations and journalism.

Active-duty service members may be eligible for tuition assistance from the Department of Defense for up to $250 per credit. Contact a representative from the university's Active Military & Veterans office for more information. Courses here comprise:

Introduction to Research Methods in Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Relational Communication
Communication and Emotion

FAQs About Cheap Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about affordable bachelor's degrees at online schools.

How Much Does an Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Cost?

How much an affordable online bachelor's degree costs varies by institution. Some of the factors that influence degree cost include:

out-of-state vs in-state tuition rates
institution type
program length
additional fees

According to U.S. News and World Report, students pay an average of $116 per credit hour at the most affordable public colleges for in-state distance learning. Utilizing transfer credits and financial aid also influences your tuition expenses.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?

Online bachelor's degree programs are typically cheaper than on-campus programs. In addition, public universities are generally more cost-effective than private universities. See below for more resources on how to make an online bachelor's degree more affordable:

Enrolling in an accelerated undergraduate program and using transfer credits can help you to complete a degree quickly and affordably. Fill out the FAFSA online form to see what financial aid you qualify for.

How Fast Can I Get an Accredited Bachelor's Degree Online?

The time it takes to get a bachelor's degree online varies based on several factors. Some ways to reduce the time it takes to complete an online bachelor's degree include:

enrolling in an accelerated program
choosing self-paced courses
taking courses in winter and summer semesters
taking a heavier course load

Self-paced courses allow you to progress through the material as quickly as you can master it. Although a traditional bachelor's degree takes about four years, you can speed up the process using these strategies.

Explore the Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees Near You

Earning a bachelor's degree is the first step toward a rewarding and profitable career. It can help you learn essential skills to thrive in your chosen industry. Contact one of the featured institutions on Learn.org for more information.