Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Pennsylvania 2025

Several public and private universities in Pennsylvania offer affordable bachelor's degrees online, allowing adult learners the opportunity to get an education on a flexible schedule via asynchronous programs.

Adult learners can explore undergraduate degrees in various areas, including healthcare, organizational leadership, human resources, and business administration. If you live in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering which colleges and universities in your state offer the most affordable online bachelor's degree programs.

If you are interested in completing a degree online, keep reading as we explore the cheapest online bachelor's degree programs in Pennsylvania. We'll answer your questions about affordability, credit hours, and more.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of earning a bachelor's degree online in Pennsylvania varies according to part-time or full-time program status, whether the institution is public or private, and the learner's area of study. Depending on these factors, adult learners can pay as little as $249 per credit to $525 or more per credit.

Learners who are seeking the most affordable opportunities should consider online colleges with scholarships or online colleges that accept transfer credits.

Many in-state colleges and universities, including schools in Philadelphia, offer online bachelor's degree programs. Below, we've highlighted 10 of these schools and their online programs.

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

Do you want to enroll in an affordable distance learning program? Explore the list below to find flexible online degree programs at accredited colleges in Pennsylvania.

1. Pennsylvania State University - World Campus

Pennsylvania State University's World Campus offers 41 online bachelor's degree programs in accounting, business, history, organizational leadership, marketing, and more. Students who enroll in this online program benefit from asynchronous learning and can earn an online education at their own pace.

Penn State's online students can still receive financial aid, including scholarships. In addition to online bachelor's degree programs, Penn State's World Campus also offers online certificate programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels; it is also among multiple online colleges with monthly payment plans.

Average in-state tuition: $638 per credit (students with 59 or fewer credits), $685 per credit (students with 60+ credits)

Average out-of-state tuition: Same as in-state tuition

Financial aid: The school accepts financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and offers an employer reimbursement and tuition deferment program.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Drexel University

Drexel University allows students to enroll in accredited online bachelor's degree programs focused on various areas of study, such as business administration, communication, criminal justice, and cybersecurity. This online program is available to learners who cannot fit a traditional on-campus education into their schedule but still want to earn their four-year degree.

Financial aid, including FAFSA, is available to students interested in completing an online degree via Drexel University's online bachelor's degree program.

Average in-state tuition: $473 to $492 (varies)

Average out-of-state tuition: $473 to $492 (varies)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock University offers programs that allow learners to complete bachelor's and graduate degrees online. The university's online bachelor's degree program is geared toward adults who have already completed some coursework and want to finish their undergraduate degree.

The university allows online students to transfer credits previously earned at other academic institutions. Through the online degree program, students can earn degrees such as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in marketing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in nursing. To be admitted into any of Slippery Rock University's online bachelor's degree programs, students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Average in-state tuition: $374.20 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $390.20 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania's College of Liberal and Professional Studies offers an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences program to nontraditional college students. The program is aimed at adults with an associate degree, some college, a high school diploma, or a GED. Penn's program includes concentrations in areas such as creative studies, leadership and communication, and data analytics and social sciences.

Average in-state tuition: $2,774 per course unit

Average out-of-state tuition: $2,774 per course unit

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts federal loans

Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Temple University

Temple University is one of multiple Pennsylvania universities that offer online bachelor's degree programs. Temple's program allows learners to complete online courses to earn degrees, including a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in human resource management, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in liberal studies, and others.

Depending on the area of study they have selected, students must earn between 120 and 124 credits to ensure degree completion. Temple is also one of many online colleges that accept the Pell Grant.

Average in-state tuition: $524 to $659 per credit hour (12-18 credit hours), $690 (less than 12 credit hours)

Average out-of-state tuition: $942 to $1,197 per credit hour (12-18 credit hours), $690 (less than 12 credit hours)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Villanova University

Villanova University offers online bachelor's degree programs to adult students through its College of Professional Studies. The program allows students to transfer up to 90 credits and provides accelerated courses and bachelor's to master's degree options.

Students can earn degrees in areas such as human resource management, entrepreneurship, and information systems and technology. In addition to its online bachelor's degree program, Villanova offers traditional, in-person bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs.

Average in-state tuition: $830 to $1,365 (varies)

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,470

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: MSCHE

7. Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown College is included in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 rankings for the top 10 best online bachelor's programs in Pennsylvania. Through the college's online learning program, adults can earn a bachelor's degree in areas such as accounting, professional studies, and healthcare administration.

A total of 125 credits is required for this online degree completion program.

Average in-state tuition: $525 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $525 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: MSCHE

8. DeSales University

DeSales University offers an online bachelor's degree program, including accelerated degree options, to adults who have earned their high school diploma or GED or have taken previous courses at another institution. Adult learners who enroll in this asynchronous program can transfer up to 75 credits from community colleges and other universities or gain credits for knowledge obtained outside of traditional college settings.

However, grades from transferred courses are not factored into the student's GPA at DeSales University. Degrees awarded through DeSales University's online learning program include a Bachelor of Science (BS) in accounting, a BA in criminal justice, a BA in management, and a BSN.

Average in-state tuition: $575 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $575 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, external scholarships, and private financial aid

Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Pennsylvania College of Technology

Pennsylvania College of Technology is a Penn State affiliate that offers asynchronous online learning to students on a part-time or full-time basis. Through distance education, students earn degrees in areas such as accounting, nursing, and emergency management and homeland security.

Learners who enroll in the program have access to 24/7 online tutoring and can transfer credits earned via associate degree programs.

Average in-state tuition: $608 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $608 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Eastern University

Eastern University offers a flexible online degree program for working adults who want to earn their bachelor's degree on their schedule. Adult learners who enroll in the program can earn psychology, business administration, ministry leadership, or education degrees for as low as $2,500 per year.

This private university offers a high-quality online degree program that appears in U.S. News & World Report's top-tier rankings. Eastern University is among the cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA.

Average in-state tuition: $82 to $249 per credit hour (varies)

Average out-of-state tuition: $82 to $249 per credit hour (varies)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid

Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

Our methodology in compiling this list was simple. To choose the affordable online bachelor's degree programs in Pennsylvania presented above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools included in this list are accredited by the MSCHE and submit annual reports to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which is part of the U.S. Department of Education.
• Affordability: We looked at each program's tuition costs and financial aid options, including FAFSA and institutional aid.
• Program reputation and quality: We included schools such as Elizabethtown College that have been featured in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 rankings for the top 10 best online bachelor's degree programs in Pennsylvania.
• Online format: We focused on 100% online bachelor's degree programs offered by colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.

FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in Pennsylvania

If you still have questions about completing an online bachelor's degree, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some common questions you may be wondering about.

What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in Pennsylvania?

Adults who wish to earn their bachelor's degree at a more affordable rate should research cost-saving options, including scholarships, grants, federal and private loans, and employer reimbursement programs. Adult learners can also take classes at a community college and then transfer their credits to another institution, utilize affordable online schools, or complete their education at public schools, as private universities often have higher tuition rates.

For students looking for online programs in Pennsylvania, Drexel University and Slippery Rock University are some of the cheapest options.

Is Online College Worth It?

Yes, an online college degree program may be beneficial to adults who have earned their high school diploma or GED or have previously completed some college-level coursework but have not yet earned their degree. Working adults who cannot fit a traditional, in-person degree program into their schedule may particularly value flexible, asynchronous online programs that allow them to earn their degree at their own pace.

What Other Fees Should I Expect for an Online Bachelor's Degree?

In addition to paying tuition costs, adults who enroll in an online bachelor's degree program may pay distance learning and technology fees. Adults enrolled in online degree programs may also pay fees for textbooks or other materials needed to complete their coursework.

It is important to note that overall costs, including tuition rates, may vary based on the learner's area of study, number of credit hours, and part-time or full-time education status.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Start your path toward reaching your career goals by exploring the online bachelor's degree programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.