Most Affordable Online Colleges in Washington, D.C. 2025

Are you looking for affordable online colleges in Washington, D.C.? Our guide gives you the best choices for cheap college in the D.C. area.

Cheap online colleges and traditional students can easily be found in the D.C. metro area if you know where to look. To help you get started with your search for accredited online colleges in Washington, D.C., we've gathered a list of some of the most affordable online colleges in the area.

Review our selections for the cheapest online colleges in Washington, D.C., and learn more about your options when it comes to pursuing your higher education in a way that fits into your lifestyle.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Washington, D.C.

The following affordable online college is the least expensive college located in D.C. It offers stellar degree programs for adult learners, undergraduate students, and graduate students who need extra convenience in their degrees. We give you an overview of the degrees or certifications you may be able to earn through the university, as well as essential information like tuition costs.

1. University of the Potomac

The University of the Potomac is a private, for-profit college that offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees to students through its numerous distance learning programs. Select certificate programs are also available. Students can choose from completely online courses or hybrid courses, depending on what works best with their schedule, and tuition is $240 per credit hour for residents of D.C.

This university offers several different scholarship programs to eligible students, aimed at encouraging adult learners and non-traditional students to seek higher education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accredits this university.

Other Affordable Online Colleges in the U.S.

One of the best things about online colleges is that students can attend college from anywhere in the world, adding an extra layer of flexibility to their higher education. Some of the colleges below are located within the D.C. metro area, while others are farther away. However, location is not a factor with these affordable online colleges.

George Mason University

George Mason University in Virginia (close to the D.C. area) offers more than 50 online and hybrid programs, allowing you total flexibility to earn a degree and complete coursework in a way that fits your schedule. For working adults or those returning to their higher education after a break, adult degree completion programs are offered online. You can also choose from bachelor's degrees or master's degrees in disciplines such as healthcare, business administration, engineering, and accounting.

For in-state students, tuition is $433 per credit hour, and George Mason offers several scholarships and financial aid programs to help students keep their education affordable.

George Mason University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

University of Maryland

The University of Maryland has a Global Campus that offers numerous online bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. Popular subjects include cybersecurity, data analytics, public administration, education, and teaching. Students can also earn up to 90 credits toward their degree completion for any prior college or professional experience that might be applicable to their online learning.

Tuition costs are $324 per credit hour for Maryland residents and $499 per credit hour for out-of-state residents. This college prides itself on affordability and offers several different tuition discounts and scholarships for eligible students interested in online education.

The University of Maryland's Global Campus is accredited by the MSCHE.

Liberty University

Liberty University is one of the most notable universities today. Located in Lynchburg, VA, it offers numerous degree programs online. Students from anywhere in the United States can take advantage of Liberty University's online programs.

Liberty offers popular online education options, including bachelor's, master's, and even doctoral degrees. Students can choose from a variety of areas of interest, including the arts and humanities, information technology, computer science, and health sciences. Tuition is $390 per credit hour, making the degree affordable, and the college is accredited by SACSCOC.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) prides itself on offering affordable higher education. Students can choose from bachelor's and master's degrees in a variety of subjects, such as accounting, business administration, computer science, and communication. Online degree programs feature flexible start times and 24/7 online access for convenience.

Tuition rates at SNHU are $330 per credit hour, and the school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Our Selection Criteria

When it comes to choosing cheap colleges in Washington, D.C., it can be difficult to know where to begin looking. To create our list of online schools, we kept the following selection criteria in mind:

Degree availability: All of the schools on our list offer online bachelor's degree programs, and many also offer associate degree and master's degree programs in addition to select graduate certificate programs.
Tuition rates: Keeping affordability in mind is vital when it comes to choosing the right online degree for you, and we've considered tuition costs in our choices. We've selected schools that have an average tuition rate of $500 or lower per credit hour.
Accreditation: We've made sure that all of the schools on our list are accredited, as accreditation by the proper authorities is what makes your degree valid upon graduation.
Financial Aid: Financial aid opportunities help you afford your higher education. We've selected colleges that offer plenty of financial aid options through merit scholarships and grants.

How Much Does a Cheap College in Washington, D.C., Cost?

College in Washington, D.C., can range in costs depending on the university you select, the type of degree you are pursuing, and whether or not you are eligible for financial aid. However, you can expect most on-campus, full-time programs in Washington, D.C., to charge between $400 and $900 per credit hour.

Online degree programs in Washington, D.C., tend to be cheaper. The average cost of an undergraduate degree is $250 to $500 per credit hour, while graduate degrees tend to cost more, at around $400 to $600 per credit hour.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

Earning an online degree is an invaluable step towards a brighter career, but the costs can be intimidating.

However, multiple strategies can help align your educational dreams with your budget:

Financial Aid and Scholarships: Begin by exploring financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as federal grants, loans, and scholarships can substantially offset tuition fees.
Select Cost-Effective Institutions: Not all online degrees have the same price tag. Research and compare to find institutions that offer quality education at a reasonable cost.
Community College Route: Starting at a community college can be economical. Complete basic requirements there and then transfer to a four-year institution.
Part-Time Study: Spreading out tuition costs by studying part-time can make expenses more manageable.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree more affordable:

FAQs About Online Programs at the Cheapest Colleges in Washington, D.C.

Searching for affordable online colleges undoubtedly raises some questions. Below, we answer your frequently asked questions about the cheapest colleges in Washington, D.C.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Washington, D.C.?

According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of the Potomac is the cheapest online college in Washington, D.C. This school prides itself on affordability and accessibility to students from all walks of life. It charges $240 per credit hour for D.C. residents.

Are There Any Free Online College Degrees in Washington, D.C.?

While Washington, D.C., does not have any free online colleges as of 2025, there are plenty of online courses you can take from colleges around the D.C. metro area that can help to increase your professional knowledge. Notable area schools like Johns Hopkins offer more than 60 online classes for adult learners and non-traditional students interested; many classes are free, and those that are not are generally low-cost.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in Washington, D.C.?

The easiest online college to get into near Washington, D.C., is the University of Maryland's Global Campus. This school has a 100% admission rate, which is considered open enrollment. This means that if you apply to the program, you will be accepted as long as you meet basic application requirements.

Is There Free School for Washington, D.C., Residents?

Washington, D.C., does not offer any free tuition programs, and colleges in the area do not offer free tuition for residents. However, the Academy of Hope in D.C. offers a variety of educational programs to adult learners and non-traditional students free of cost. Interested students must meet certain requirements, such as being at least 18 years old and receiving some sort of government funding, like SNAP or WIC. You can contact the Academy of Hope directly to learn more about the application process.

Additionally, the University of the District of Columbia has a workforce development program that offers free certification in five different disciplines to adult learners and non-traditional students seeking to learn highly desired skills for employment in the D.C. metro area.

Explore Accredited Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

As you look through your options for cheap online colleges, it's important to take note of your preferences when it comes to degree type and tuition cost. Think about the type of higher education you are interested in, and use Learn.org to gather more information about accredited online bachelor's degree programs and other online degree programs that can help you take your next steps in life.