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Affordable Degrees

Affordable Degrees

A quality degree doesn't have to come with a heavy debt load. Learn.org's affordable degree guides compare low-tuition colleges, online programs and tuition-free options at every level, from associate degrees to doctorates, so you can see where your money goes furthest.

Browse the most affordable online colleges, find the cheapest schools in your state, or compare low-cost programs by subject. Each guide covers what to check beyond tuition, including accreditation and financial aid.

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Affordable Degrees by Level

Cost depends heavily on degree level. Associate degrees and in-state public tuition offer the lowest cost per credit, while funded graduate programs can cover tuition entirely.

Degree level

Lowest-cost options

Free or fully funded

Associate

Affordable online associate degrees

Tuition-free online colleges

Bachelor's

Affordable online bachelor's degrees · Cheapest online college

Tuition-free online colleges

Master's

Affordable online master's degrees · Affordable online MBA programs

Tuition-free online master's · Fully funded MFA programs · Tuition-free MSW programs

Doctoral

Affordable online PhD and doctoral degrees

Free online PhD programs

Cheapest Colleges by State

In-state public tuition is usually the biggest single savings lever. Pick your state to see its lowest-cost colleges and, where available, its most affordable online options.

State

Cheapest colleges

Affordable online colleges

Alabama

Cheapest colleges in Alabama

Arizona

Cheapest colleges in Arizona

Arkansas

Cheapest colleges in Arkansas

California

Cheapest colleges in California

Colorado

Cheapest colleges in Colorado

Florida

Cheapest colleges in Florida

Affordable online colleges in Florida

Georgia

Cheapest colleges in Georgia

Affordable online colleges in Georgia

Illinois

Cheapest colleges in Illinois

Indiana

Cheapest colleges in Indiana

Kentucky

Cheapest colleges in Kentucky

Affordable online colleges in Kentucky

Louisiana

Cheapest colleges in Louisiana

Maryland

Cheapest colleges in Maryland

Massachusetts

Cheapest colleges in Massachusetts

Minnesota

Cheapest colleges in Minnesota

Mississippi

Cheapest colleges in Mississippi

New Jersey

Cheapest colleges in New Jersey

New York

Cheapest colleges in New York · Most affordable SUNY colleges

North Carolina

Cheapest colleges in North Carolina

Affordable online colleges in North Carolina

Oklahoma

Cheapest colleges in Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

Cheapest colleges in Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Cheapest colleges in South Carolina

Tennessee

Cheapest colleges in Tennessee

Affordable online colleges in Tennessee

Texas

Cheapest colleges in Texas

Affordable online colleges in Texas

Virginia

Cheapest colleges in Virginia

Affordable online colleges in Virginia

Washington

Cheapest colleges in Washington

Wisconsin

Cheapest colleges in Wisconsin

Also see the cheapest HBCUs and colleges by state.

Affordable Degrees by Subject

Already know what you want to study? These guides rank low-cost accredited programs in specific fields, most of them online.

Business and Law

Technology

Health and Social Services

Science

Education, Arts and Design

Affordable Business Programs by State

Program

States

Master's in entrepreneurship

California · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Michigan · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Texas

Master's in finance

Georgia · Michigan · North Carolina

Bachelor's in business management

Illinois · Pennsylvania

Free Courses and Free Tuition Programs

Not ready for a full degree? Free courses let you try a field or build a skill first, and some states waive tuition for older adults. See every option in our free courses and certificates guides.

Popular Free Courses

Free Tuition for Specific Groups

How to Compare College Costs

Sticker tuition rarely tells the whole story. When you compare programs, look at:

  • Cost per credit and total credits. A low per-credit rate can still cost more if the program requires more credits.
  • In-state vs. out-of-state rates. Some online programs charge one flat rate no matter where you live.
  • Fees. Technology, lab, proctoring and graduation fees add up.
  • Net price. Grants and scholarships lower what you actually pay. Every college publishes a net price calculator.
  • Transfer credit. Every course you transfer in is one you don't pay for. See online colleges that accept transfer credits.
  • Accreditation. A cheap degree from an unaccredited school can cost you later with employers and graduate programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the cheapest way to earn a degree?

Combine a low-tuition public or online school with transfer credit, CLEP exams and grants. Start with the cheapest colleges in the U.S. and colleges that accept CLEP credits.

Are cheap online degrees legitimate?

Yes, as long as the school is accredited by a recognized accreditor. Check accreditation for each school in our most affordable online colleges list before you apply.

What does "tuition-free" really mean?

Tuition is covered, but fees, books and exams often aren't. See tuition-free online colleges for what each school charges.

Can I use FAFSA for an online degree?

Yes, at accredited schools that participate in federal aid. See online colleges that accept FAFSA and online colleges that accept Pell Grants.

Can I pay tuition in installments?

Many schools offer monthly payment plans. See online colleges with tuition payment plans.

Will my employer pay for my degree?

Many employers offer tuition assistance. See companies that pay for college and our tuition reimbursement guide.

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