10 Online Colleges With Low Tuition Rates 2025

Prospective students can choose from many accredited online schools offering financial aid opportunities and tuition rates below $500 per credit hour.

Many top colleges that offer traditional on-campus programs also offer degrees with online courses. Students can find fully online programs at schools across the U.S., but tuition rates vary widely. While some online learning programs are affordable, some private universities can have rates as high as $1,200 per credit hour.

Luckily, numerous online colleges offer tuition well below $500. Keep reading to learn about the most affordable online colleges offering low tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

Online Schools Offering Low Tuition

Students can choose from several universities offering low tuition rates. The schools below range from $129.18 to $395.40 for in-state tuition.

1. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University is a distance learning school offering many undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Students can study subjects such as:

criminal justice
environmental management
human services
psychology
nursing

Tuition is $270 per credit hour for undergraduates, and graduate students pay $349. Financial aid, including various scholarships, is available for online learners. To help with out-of-pocket costs, students can utilize payment plans to spread out tuition costs over the course of the term.

2. American Public University

American Public University is primarily a distance learning institution committed to offering affordable and flexible higher education. Students can pursue a range of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in numerous fields.

Tuition is $350 per credit hour for in-state or out-of-state students. Military members, their families, and veterans receive a tuition discount.

3. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University in North Carolina offers several fully online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can study subjects such as:

veterinary technology
management
criminal justice
social work

In-state tuition is only $5,624 per academic year or around $187 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay more at $23,785 per year. Due to the low tuition rates, scholarships, and other types of financial aid available, around 24% of students graduate without incurring any debt.

4. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers several online bachelor's degrees in various fields. Students can pursue flexible higher education in fields such as:

anthropology
biology
computer science
journalism
psychology

In-state tuition is $129.18 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $552.62. Online students can apply for scholarships and grants to lower out-of-pocket tuition costs.

5. Weber State University

Weber State University is a four-year public school in Utah that offers several online undergraduate and graduate degrees. These independent programs allow students to learn and complete coursework within busy schedules.

Tuition is $299 per credit hour for self-paced programs, regardless of residency. Financial aid is available to online learners who meet the requirements.

6. Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University in Missouri is a private Christian school that offers several online degree programs. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and offers comprehensive learning experiences for online students.

The tuition rate is $275 for online undergraduates. Several scholarships for online learners are available, including the Gulstad Full-Tuition Scholarship and the Gulstad Achievement Scholarship.

7. Utah State University

Utah State University offers many online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students can choose from majors such as:

history
economics
sociology
special education
marketing

Tuition is $2,344 for six credit hours. Students may apply for financial aid to help manage the cost of tuition.

8. Florida International University

At Florida International University, students can earn a degree fully online. Numerous undergraduate and graduate programs are available.

For Florida residents, tuition costs $1,839.36 per semester. Around 89% of students receive some kind of financial aid to help pay for school.

9. New Mexico State University

At New Mexico State University, students can choose from over 70 online programs. Online learners receive the same quality education as on-campus students.

Undergraduate programs cost $395.40 per credit hour. Active-duty military members receive a discounted tuition rate, paying just $250 per credit hour.

10. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University in Kansas offers over 200 online degree programs. Students can receive a valuable, yet flexible college education with plenty of support services available, including counseling services, tutoring, and student success coaching.

Tuition is $257.33 per credit hour for undergraduates, while graduate students pay $338.62. Financial aid is available to full-time online learners and financial assistance counselors can help applicants through the process.

Our Selection Criteria

Many schools throughout the U.S. offer online degree programs. To narrow down the most affordable online colleges, we relied on several ranking factors, including:

Accreditation: We chose schools that are accredited by recognized organizations, such as the HLC.
Learning format: All schools listed above offer fully online degree programs.
Number of programs: We chose schools with at least three undergraduate programs.
Affordability: We chose schools that offer tuition rates below $500 per credit hour.

How Much Does Online College Cost?

Tuition can vary widely depending on several factors, including the institution, program, and whether the student is in-state or out-of-state. Generally, public universities range from $300 to $900 per credit hour for in-state students and $300 to $1,200 for out-of-state students. Private universities are even more expensive, ranging from $500 to $2,000 per credit hour.

Tuition rates below $500 per credit hour are typically considered to be affordable. Many online colleges offer financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, which can significantly reduce the overall cost.

Financial Aid To Make Online Education Affordable

Many students utilize financial aid to help make tuition more manageable. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for various types of financial aid, including federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

There are many ways to make online education more affordable. Learn about these options below:

FAQs About Affordable Online Colleges With Low Tuition

Many prospective college students have questions about tuition and financial aid. We'll discuss some of the top questions below.

Are There Any Free Online College Degrees?

Typically, most colleges are considered free online colleges. Accredited universities charge tuition fees for all undergraduates seeking a degree. However, while these programs have tuition costs, students can use scholarships and grants to fully cover tuition. Check with the admissions office for institutional scholarships and grant opportunities in your state.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the American Public University has an open admissions policy. Students need only a high school diploma to enroll in one of its programs.

How Can I Find a Good Online University With a Low Tuition Fee?

Schools include the latest tuition information on their websites. Students can also contact individual financial aid offices to find out the latest information on costs, fees, and student aid.

Discover Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

If you're ready to start your academic journey, check out the inexpensive colleges here on Learn.org. Request information from individual schools to learn about financial aid opportunities that can help make your degree more affordable.