Best Free & Low-Cost Bachelor's Degrees Online | Learn.org

You may feel discouraged by the cost of college and ask yourself if furthering your education is worth it. You may be wondering: is there any way to get a degree for free?

There are ways of earning an online bachelor's degree for free or nearly free. Schools may offer tuition waivers or scholarships to cover costs for some students, while others offer free tuition through partnerships with other organizations. Some offer inexpensive tuition rates and numerous financial aid options; though not technically free, these options can help students save big on out-of-pocket expenses.

Keep reading for more information.

Is It Possible To Earn a Free Bachelor's Degree Online?

There's no denying that higher education is expensive. Between tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses, most students spend thousands of dollars earning a bachelor's degree and accrue large amounts of debt from student loans. The good news is, there are ways to earn free bachelor's degrees online from accredited schools. Some of these schools offer certain online courses and even full degree programs tuition-free, though there is usually a catch.

These tuition-free programs are not always available for all students; some may only be offered to in-state students, senior citizens, or full-time learners. Others may only be available for students who meet the eligibility requirements. Even schools that cover tuition costs don't necessarily offer free online degree programs. Fees, book costs, and other expenses may still apply.

Finally, many schools offer lower-than-average tuition costs for online education. Though full tuition expenses may not be covered, students may receive significant need-based financial assistance such as federal student aid and scholarships from businesses or nonprofit organizations associated with the school. With help from the FAFSA and other sources, students may have most or all of their college expenses covered.

Top Affordable Schools Offering Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Perhaps you'd like to learn more about some schools offering free or affordable online learning opportunities. Let's look at some top universities and tuition-free online colleges providing inexpensive undergraduate degrees and college courses.

1. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University is a public school in Richmond, KY. This school offers a wide variety of degree programs, including more than 40 available online, ranging from criminal justice to various health sciences. Tuition waivers are available to qualifying online and on-campus students in many categories. School faculty, foster care and adopted students, teachers, and military members are some of the students who may be eligible for free or low-cost college degrees.

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school near Manchester, NH. It offers a wealth of degree programs, including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees, available both online and on-campus. Affordable tuition rates are available to all students regardless of residency. Military members and other qualifying students receive tuition discounts. Students can further reduce the cost of their college education with financial aid and scholarships.

3. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University, located in Hays, KS, is known for providing affordable online degrees in various subjects. Degree levels range from associate to doctoral degrees.

The school offers some of the lowest tuition rates and various financial aid and scholarship programs. High school students can also complete some coursework in the university's Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science free of charge. These courses lead to college credit.

4. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a large public school headquartered in Corvallis, OR. Many degree programs are available for both online and in-person students.

The school provides various ways for some students to reduce tuition costs. For example, reduced tuition rates are available for university staff members; federally recognized Indian tribes can receive in-state tuition regardless of residency; and honors students can receive differential scholarships to lower the costs of their courses.

5. University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the flagship of the University of Massachusetts System. Those who enroll in this public school can access online classes, degree programs, and other educational opportunities. If you work for the school, you may be able to obtain a degree tuition-free. Employees of the school and their dependents receive tuition waivers fully covering tuition costs.

6. University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield offers various degrees, some of which can be completed online.

First-time students who are residents of Illinois and have maintained a high school GPA of at least 3.50 may be eligible to attend the school tuition-free through the Capital Scholars Honors Program. Other students may be able to receive funding through the Aim High grant program.

7. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is the largest school in ND. It offers a range of distance education and in-person degrees in subjects ranging from liberal arts like English to advanced computer science topics like cybersecurity. Students pursuing a degree at this school may be eligible to receive a scholarship totaling up to the full (in-state) cost of attendance. Even students who don't obtain a full scholarship are automatically qualified for financial assistance if they meet eligibility criteria.

8. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a large, popular school in Phoenix, AZ. The school enrolls thousands of students in specialized online degree programs.

There are various ways to receive free tuition at this school. The Starbucks College Achievement Plan covers 150 online degree programs for qualifying students. Additionally, the ASU Advantage Program encompasses a variety of initiatives aimed at making tuition-free college possible for various groups of students.

9. Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University is a public school located in Cedar City, UT. Students have the opportunity to pursue both online and campus-based degree programs in various fields. Tuition waivers are available for employees of the school and members of Utah's federally recognized Native American tribes. Additionally, several free online courses and certificate programs are available.