10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Working Adults

Updated on 9/19/2025

If you're a busy working adult, you may feel like going back to college is out of reach. But did you know there are many schools out there that provide affordable, flexible online degree programs ideal for those with work and family commitments?

Keep reading as we explore some of the most affordable online degree programs for working adults and the schools offering them. We'll also talk about how to save money on school and answer various questions you may have.

Affordable Online Degree Programs for Working Adults

Many schools offer programs with flexibility for working adults, but not all of them provide the most affordable tuition rates. Below, we'll discuss some of the best online degree programs for working adults available at some of the lowest prices.

1. University of the People

The University of the People is a private online college based in California. It offers a handful of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates, with topics including:

• business administration
• computer science
• education

Flexible online degrees are some of the most affordable options available, as the school does not charge tuition. Students only have to pay course fees, which helps them save thousands on their education.

• Average undergraduate tuition: $0 (assessment fees only)
• Average graduate tuition: $0 (assessment fees only)
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

2. Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University is a private school affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). It has campuses in Utah, Idaho, and Hawaii; it also offers online degrees through its Pathway Worldwide platform. Majors include software development, applied health, and family and human services.

Only undergraduate degrees are available online, and the low tuition rates are some of the most affordable in the country. While LDS members receive the lowest rates, even non-members pay less than $200 per credit hour.

• Average undergraduate tuition: $86 to $183.75 per credit hour
• Average graduate tuition: N/A
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. Great Basin College

Great Basin College is a public school in Elko, NV. It offers a handful of remote undergraduate programs at affordable prices. Online bachelor's degrees include management and supervision, nursing, and English.

Online courses are flexible and accessible, allowing busy students to get their education on their schedule. Various undergraduate credentials are available, leading to career and transfer opportunities in many career-focused fields.

• Average undergraduate tuition: $134.50 to $320.25 per credit hour
• Average graduate tuition: N/A
• Accreditation: NWCCU

4. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University is a public school in Macon, GA. It is known for its array of in-person and online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. Online bachelor's programs include:

• aviation science and management
• health services administration
• psychology

The school features a continuous enrollment policy and offers flexible eight-week course sessions designed for busy learners. Tuition is highly affordable, and all online students pay the same rates regardless or residency.

• Average undergraduate tuition: $159 to $199 per credit hour
• Average graduate tuition: $261 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. Georgia Military College

Georgia Military College is Milledgeville, GA. This public school provides online associate and bachelor's degrees, with some of the available options including:

• homeland security and emergency management
• public health
• criminal justice

The school is exceptionally friendly toward working adults, with flexible eight-week courses and options to accelerate your studies. Additionally, the school has an open enrollment policy and does not require test scores, making it ideal for students who have been out of school for a while and are looking for an accessible education path.

• Average undergraduate tuition: $187 per credit hour
• Average graduate tuition: N/A
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University is a private school system with locations throughout the U.S. Many of its degree programs can be completed online, including:

• cybersecurity
• human services
• finance

The school accepts prior learning credits, including transfer credits and work experience, making it easy for students to gain credit for certain courses and speed up their education. Asynchronous, affordable online courses and options to test out of some courses make this a very working-adult-friendly school.

• Average undergraduate tuition: $218 to $377 per credit hour
• Average graduate tuition: $229 to $915 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. Athens State University

Athens State University is a public school in Athens, AL. It offers a wide range of degree programs online, including:

• behavioral science
• religion
• educational studies

Bachelor's and master's degrees are both available, along with minors and certificates, and all online students pay the same tuition rates. Online learners receive the same world-class education as their on-campus classmates, just in a more flexible and accessible format.

• Average undergraduate tuition: $263 per credit hour
• Average graduate tuition: $280 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a public school in Hays, KS. It is known for its array of flexible online programs. Some of the available majors include:

• agricultural leadership
• career and technical education
• political science

Many online courses are offered in flexible eight-week sessions, and students can choose from various elective courses and concentrations to personalize their degrees. All online learners pay the same low tuition rates, and degrees at every program level are available.

• Average undergraduate tuition: $265.05 per credit hour
• Average graduate tuition: $348.78 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is a high-ranking public school in Fayetteville, AR. Some of the bachelor's degrees available include:

• advertising and public relations
• human resources management
• interdisciplinary studies

Programs at this school are highly affordable, and flexible courses are offered year-round in five-week or 15-week sessions. As with many other online schools, all students pay the same low tuition rates regardless of residency.

• Average undergraduate tuition: $269.75 per credit hour
• Average graduate tuition: $459.78 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University is a private, for-profit online school headquartered in Alabama. Students can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in many specializations at this school, including:

• military studies
• environmental management
• forensic investigation

The school offers flexible online courses and various student support services to help learners succeed. In addition to low tuition rates, the school doesn't charge an application fee.

• Average undergraduate tuition: $278 per credit hour
• Average graduate tuition: $$359 to $561 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How To Make Your Degree Affordable as a Working Adult

Online students have many options to help them save money on higher education. Consider some of the following tips below.

Apply for Federal and State Financial Aid

Many state and federal programs like grants and work-study are available to qualifying students. To see if you're eligible for these programs, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form may be required for other forms of financial aid as well, such as scholarships, so prioritize filling it out early each year that you are in school.

Use Employer Tuition Assistance or Reimbursement

Many companies provide tuition assistance or reimbursement programs to help employees further their education. This is especially true for employees looking to pursue advanced positions within their current company, but assistance may be available regardless of your future career goals. Check with your employer to find out if this benefit is available to you.

Start at a Community College

Community colleges typically offer much lower tuition rates than four-year schools. Consider earning an associate degree at a local community college, then transferring to a four-year school to complete your bachelor's degree. This can greatly reduce your tuition expenses for the first two years of your education, potentially helping you save thousands of dollars overall.

Apply for Scholarships Targeted at Adult Learners

Schools and other organizations sometimes provide scholarship opportunities specifically aimed at adult students. These scholarships may be less competitive than more generalized options, and they provide funds that students don't have to worry about paying back.

Consider Part-Time or Accelerated Programs

Both part-time and accelerated programs can help students afford their education by allowing them a more personalized study schedule. Those in part-time programs can often pay per course and progress at a slower rate, while those in accelerated programs often receive credit for prior learning experiences, helping them save both time and money.

Best Online Degrees for a Career Change

Perhaps you're still wondering, what are some of the most practical degrees for the real world? If you're looking to change careers and enter lucrative or high-demand fields, consider the following options:

• Business administration: Business administration degrees provide a solid foundation in a range of business topics. They can lead to well-paying leadership roles in many different types of businesses.
• Nursing: Registered nurses are in high demand and are often paid well for their services. A bachelor's degree in nursing can help you pursue a variety of nursing roles in many different healthcare settings.
• Information technology (IT) and computer science: Technology fields boast some of the most in-demand job titles available. Majoring in IT or computer science can provide you with excellent job security and earning potential.
• Education and teaching: Many regions in the U.S. are facing teacher shortages, so pursuing a career in the education field can provide strong job security.
• Criminal justice and legal studies: These degree programs can lead to various careers in law enforcement and legal settings, and they often pay very well.

FAQs About Online Degree Programs for Working Adults

If you still have questions about pursuing online learning opportunities as a working adult, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

What Is the Easiest Degree To Earn Online?

''Easy'' is a subjective term, and there is no one degree program that can be considered easier than the rest. That said, undergraduate students typically consider associate degrees to be some of the easiest online degrees because they consist mostly of entry-level coursework. In terms of majors, online associate or bachelor's degrees in communications, graphic design, fashion, and other more creative fields are often considered some of the easiest options.

Can I Work While Earning My Degree Online?

Yes, many working professionals continue to hold down part-time or even full-time jobs while attending online schools. Online courses are typically flexible enough to allow students to study on their own schedules, fitting their education around work and other life commitments.

What Online Degree Is Most Employable?

The most employable degrees are those that lead to high-demand, high-paying careers. Some of the best undergraduate degrees for employability include computer science, business administration, and nursing.

Are There Online Degree Programs That Offer Flexible Schedules for Working Adults?

Yes, many online education opportunities provide highly flexible schedules, frequent start dates, and other features that cater to working adults. Some of the most affordable options are featured in the school list section of this article, above.

Explore Online Colleges

If you're ready to pursue an online undergraduate or graduate program, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of them directly to learn more about their degree and certificate programs and to find the best option for you.