10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Missouri 2025

Are you searching for affordable higher education in Missouri? Several colleges offer online degrees with low tuition rates, scholarships, and financial aid.

Are you searching for higher education that's affordable and flexible? Many colleges in Missouri offer 100% online learning programs with tuition rates ranging from $275 to $569 per credit hour.

We explore the most affordable online colleges and other students seeking a flexible degree path that works within their budgets. Keep reading to learn about programs, financial aid opportunities, and the most frequently asked questions about affordable online colleges in Missouri.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Missouri

Many colleges offer the affordability and flexibility students need to earn their degrees. Discover the cheapest colleges in Missouri for online learners below.

1. Missouri State University

Missouri State University is a nonprofit school based in Springfield that offers numerous online bachelor's and master's degrees. Online learners have access to student support services, including virtual research and writing assistance.

Undergraduate tuition costs $290 per credit hour for Missouri residents, while out-of-state students pay $621. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students.

2. Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University is a public, four-year school that offers over 50 online programs. Students may choose from several undergraduate and graduate programs that deliver the same comprehensive curriculums and student resources as on-campus programs.

The school offers the same affordable tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students. Undergraduates pay $285.29 per credit hour, while graduate student tuition is $382.94.

Scholarships and business partnerships can help lower tuition costs. Some of the school's corporate partnerships include:

Citibank
St Luke's
Saint Francis
Denso

3. Drury University

Drury University is a private, non-profit school that offers several online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students can major in various subjects, including education, communication, and business.

Tuition is affordably priced at $325 per credit hour. All new, transfer, and returning students are automatically considered for the Drury Go scholarship, which is worth $500.

4. Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University offers online bachelor's degrees. These online courses feature multiple start times and flexible coursework taught by experts.

Tuition is around $335 per credit hour for undergraduate programs. Students can pay by the course to help manage the burden of tuition payment.

5. Columbia College

Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has more than 70 degree programs available fully online. These flexible online classes feature multiple start dates and an accelerated eight-week timeframe so students may complete programs at their own pace.

The standard undergraduate tuition rate is $375 per credit hour. Students may apply for several scholarships available to online and out-of-state students.

6. Maryville University

At Maryville University, online students can pursue bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees. Students can major in programs such as:

cybersecurity
education
healthcare management
criminal justice
sports management

Undergraduate tuition starts at $540 per credit hour. Students can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive loans and grants. Online learners may also apply to the many institutional scholarships available, such as the Saints Scholarship or the Maryville Opportunity Award.

7. Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University is a private Christian college that offers online bachelor's and master's degrees. Students can enroll in programs such as communications and mathematics.

Tuition for online learners seeking an undergraduate degree is $275. Multiple scholarships are available for online students, including the Gulstad Achievement Scholarship and the Gulstad Full-Tuition Scholarship.

8. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers several online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Accredited by the HLC, these online programs match traditional on-campus classes in curriculum and coursework.

Tuition varies by program type, but a full-time undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) can expect to pay $6,820 per semester or $569.10 per credit hour. Students may apply for financial aid or payment plans to help manage tuition costs.

9. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University is a Christian school located near St. Louis. It offers distance education at the bachelor's and master's levels in fields such as:

business administration
information technology
game design

Tuition for online undergraduate programs is $495 per credit hour. Military members and their dependents are eligible for tuition discounts.

10. Logan University

Logan University is a health sciences institution that offers a variety of online degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Students may enroll in programs such as:

Bachelor of Science (BS) in human biology
Master of Science (MS) in health informatics
Doctor of Education in health professions education

A BS degree costs $375 per credit hour. Students may apply for financial aid and merit-based scholarships to help lower the cost of tuition.

Our Selection Criteria

We chose the schools on this list based on several ranking factors, including:

Accreditation: All schools listed above are accredited and offer high-quality classes that help students meet academic and career goals.
Learning format: We chose schools that offer 100% online learning experience.
Affordability: The chosen online schools offer low tuition rates, scholarships, financial aid, or payment plans to help make a college degree attainable.

How Much Does a Cheap College in Missouri Cost?

Tuition varies by school, program, and degree level. The affordable schools on this list range from $275 to $569 per credit hour.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

In addition to searching for affordable online degrees in Missouri, there are plenty of ways to reduce the cost of online tuition.

By submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you could qualify for grants, which don't have to be repaid, and student loans.

You can also apply for scholarships from nonprofits, private businesses, and your school of choice.

Another option is to find out if your employer offers a tuition reimbursement program, which is a benefit through which a business reimburses its workers for their tuition costs.

If you are a veteran or active military member, you could save via the GI Bill, military grants, and specific military tuition discounts offered through your school.

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

FAQs About the Cheapest Colleges in Missouri

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the cheapest colleges in Missouri.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Missouri?

Central Methodist University is the cheapest online college in Missouri. Tuition for an undergraduate degree costs $275 per credit hour.

Are Cheap Online Colleges in Missouri Accredited?

Yes, all of the cheap online colleges on this list are accredited. We chose schools that demonstrate academic excellence and offer superb student support services.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in Missouri?

According to the U.S. Department of Education College Scoreboard, Columbia College has a 100% acceptance rate. The school accepts all students with a high school diploma or passing GED test scores.

Do You Have To Live In Missouri To Attend Online College in Missouri?

No, you don't need to live in Missouri to attend an online college; however, some schools like Missouri State University offer lower tuition rates to in-state students.

Find Accredited Online Degree Programs

Ready to start your online education? Browse the best online colleges in Missouri here on Learn.org and request information from individual schools.