10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Mississippi 2025
Students can advance their education and save money on their degrees by attending one of the accredited and affordable online colleges in Mississippi.
Pursuing a degree doesn't have to be expensive, especially with the number of affordable online colleges. The cheapest online colleges in Mississippi offer accredited and inexpensive degree programs.
Mississippi online colleges provide affordable tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, and flexible online learning formats. These schools are the most affordable online colleges in Mississippi for 2025.
List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Mississippi
Enrolling at inexpensive colleges can help students complete their degrees without excessive student debt. The following Mississippi colleges offer online degree programs with low tuition costs.
1. Jackson State University
Jackson State University is one of the most affordable online colleges in the state. Undergraduate tuition is $385 per credit hour, and graduate tuition is $486 per credit hour. The school accepts financial aid and offers school-funded scholarships to help students reduce tuition costs.
Jackson State provides online bachelor's degrees in professional interdisciplinary studies, criminal justice, and healthcare administration. Graduate students can pursue degrees in business administration, social work, sports science, and more.
2. Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University is another accredited and affordable option, charging in-state and out-of-state students the same tuition rates. Undergraduate programs cost about $338 per credit hour, while graduate programs are $491 per credit hour.
Online degree options include majors in education, psychology, computer science, social work, and biological sciences. The university supports online students with career services, financial aid assistance, and academic advising.
3. University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi offers in-state tuition at $412 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $496 per credit hour. This public university is one of the best online colleges in Mississippi due to its affordability and program quality.
Students can choose from online bachelor's degrees in fields such as construction management, business administration, and industrial engineering technology. Scholarships are available based on factors like financial need, program of study, high school GPA, and standardized test scores.
4. University of Mississippi
At the University of Mississippi, state residents pay approximately $400 per credit hour for online programs. The university accepts financial aid, which can help students further reduce their overall education expenses.
Online degree options for undergrads include a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in general business. Graduate students can pursue master's degrees in applied sciences, education, and journalism and new media. The school also offers education specialist degrees and a doctoral degree in higher education.
5. Delta State University
Delta State University is another one of the cheapest colleges in Mississippi. Undergraduate programs are $351 per credit hour and graduate programs are $469 per credit hour. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rates, making the university accessible to a wide range of learners.
Students are automatically considered for scholarships, and the school offers multiple financial aid options. Online bachelor's programs include business, education, and healthcare-related fields.
6. Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University offers low-cost in-state tuition rates, with students paying $419 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay nearly double, making this public institution one of the more affordable choices for Mississippi residents.
Students can apply for financial aid and scholarships, and the school has a generous transfer credit policy to reduce tuition costs. The university has 21 online bachelor's degree programs, including applied behavioral analysis, educational psychology, and interdisciplinary studies. It also offers master's degrees and doctoral programs.
7. William Carey University
William Carey University provides 100% online degree programs through its CareyOnline distance education program. Students can earn bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and specialist degrees in various fields.
Most online programs cost $475 per credit hour, except for select programs that cost $505 per credit hour. The university accepts financial aid and military benefits to help students lower their tuition expenses and save money.
8. Belhaven University
Belhaven University offers affordable online education with undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, healthcare, psychology, and education. Tuition costs range from $445 to around $550 per credit hour, depending on the program.
Approximately 98% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, including scholarships and grants. The university provides flexible seven-week course terms, making it an excellent choice for working adults looking for cheap colleges in Mississippi.
9. Mississippi College
Mississippi College charges $425 per credit hour for most programs, except for the RN to BSN program, which costs $316 per credit hour. Accelerated online degrees cost $530 per credit hour but allow students to earn their degrees at a faster pace. Mississippi College's accelerated degrees can help online learners and working adults save time and money on their education.
The school offers online bachelor's degrees in administration of justice, paralegal loss prevention, and homeland security. Financial aid is available to reduce expenses and students can apply for institutional scholarships.
10. Blue Mountain Christian University
Blue Mountain Christian University offers three fully online bachelor's programs. Students can major in business, psychology, or Christian ministry. Tuition is $555 per credit hour, and the school accepts state and federal financial aid.
Students may qualify for work-study programs, state-funded grants, and other financial aid opportunities. Graduates of eligible high schools can receive a 40% tuition discount, while employees of select schools qualify for a 20% tuition discount.
Our Selection Criteria
When selecting programs for this list, we focused on the following criteria.
- Accreditation: All programs are accredited, ensuring they adhere to strict academic standards.
- Financial aid: These schools accept financial aid and provide students with funding opportunities to save on costs.
- Affordability: We prioritize low tuition rates and the availability of financial aid options.
- Program quality: We evaluate the curriculum to ensure each program provides comprehensive and relevant coursework.
- Support services: These schools have a variety of resources available for online students, such as financial aid assistance and academic advising.
How Much Does a Cheap College in Mississippi Cost?
The average cost of tuition at online colleges varies, but many of the cheapest colleges in Mississippi charge between $350 and $550 per credit hour according to U.S. News & World Report. Public universities and online schools in Mississippi typically offer lower in-state tuition, while private and for-profit institutions may have higher costs.
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can help reduce tuition rates, making affordable online colleges in Mississippi even more accessible.
How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?
To make an online degree more affordable, individuals should research and apply for scholarships, grants, and loans offered by the institution and state and federal governments. Students may also be eligible for work-study programs or employer tuition reimbursement plans.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step as it is used to evaluate qualification for federal financial aid programs. Many colleges also use the FAFSA to award institutional aid, including scholarships.
By taking advantage of these funding opportunities, you can significantly reduce expenses and make an online degree program in Mississippi more affordable.
Learn more below on how to make an online degree cheaper:
- online colleges that accept FAFSA
- online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
- online colleges that accept transfer credits
- online colleges with the most scholarships
- scholarships for online students
- online colleges with payment plans
- online colleges with no application fee
FAQs About the Cheapest Colleges in Mississippi
Deciding where to pursue online education in Mississippi can be a confusing process. Here are answers to some common questions about tuition costs, enrollment, and accessibility.
What Is the Cheapest Online College in Mississippi?
While there are many affordable online colleges in Mississippi, they vary in cost. Alcorn State University offers some of the lowest tuition rates, with undergraduate programs costing around $338 per credit hour.
Do Any Colleges in Mississippi Offer Free Online Courses?
Some Mississippi institutions provide free or low-cost online courses through partnerships with platforms like Coursera or edX. Full degrees can sometimes be free depending on the amount of financial aid you qualify for.
What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in Mississippi?
Community colleges and some four-year schools in Mississippi, such as Jackson State University, have flexible admission requirements. This makes them an accessible option for students with a variety of academic backgrounds.
Do You Have To Live in Mississippi To Attend Online College in the State?
No, out-of-state students can enroll in Mississippi online colleges. However, it is important to note that tuition rates may be higher for non-residents at some schools.
Online learning provides a more convenient way for students nationwide to earn a degree because they don't involve on-campus classes.
Find Accredited Online Degree Programs
Mississippi offers a range of accredited online degree programs through nonprofit public universities and private institutions. Whether you're pursuing an online bachelor's degree, a master's program, or a doctoral degree, affordable tuition options make higher education more accessible. Explore the colleges listed on Learn.org and reach out to the schools that align with your needs.