What Is the Cheapest Online College in the U.S.?
Earning a degree doesn't have to break the bank. Check out the cheapest online colleges in the U.S., learn what programs they offer, and discover how to pay for your degree.
Attending college online is not only convenient, but it can save you money. You don't have to pay for on-campus housing, you don't have to commute, and many colleges offer a lower tuition rate for online programs.
Keep reading to discover the 10 cheapest online colleges in the U.S. and learn more about low-cost online programs.
Ten Cheap Online Colleges in the U.S.
The cheapest online college depends on a few factors, including your state of residency, what type of degree you're earning, and whether you're attending a two-year or a four-year college.
Below, we've listed ten of the cheapest online colleges in the U.S. in order from least to most expensive tuition for in-state students earning a bachelor's degree.
Please note that tuition prices are approximate and may be subject to change without warning.
1. University of Florida
The University of Florida is a public research university in Gainesville, Florida. It offers online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificate programs.
Online programs are available in areas of study like:
- biological and biomedical sciences
- business
- engineering
- health sciences
The University of Florida charges in-state residents $111.92 per credit or $3,875.40 in tuition and fees for 30 credits. Out-of-state students pay much more, at $500 per credit.
2. Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University is a public university in Trenton, New Jersey. It offers dozens of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees online.
Students can study online programs in fields such as:
- business and marketing
- engineering
- liberal studies
- technology
Thomas Edison State University charges in-state residents a flat rate of $3,319 per term, or $6,638 per year, while non-residents pay $4,299 per term, or $8,598 per year.
3. Eastern New Mexico University
Eastern New Mexico University is a public university based in Portales, New Mexico. It offers online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs.
Online programs are available in areas of study like:
- business
- education
- health sciences
- liberal arts
Eastern New Mexico University charges in-state residents a flat rate of $3,369 in tuition and fees per semester, or $6,738 per year, and $4,359 to out-of-state residents, or $8,718 per year.
4. Western Governor's University
Western Governors University is a private university based in Millcreek, Utah. It offers exclusively online programs in a self-paced format.
Students can earn online degrees in fields such as:
- business
- education
- health and nursing
- technology
The average student at WGU pays $8,010 for a bachelor's degree, but costs vary based on the program, anywhere from $3,625 to $4,555 per six-month term.
5. University of Maine at Augusta
The University of Maine at Augusta is a public college in Augusta, Maine. It's part of the University of Maine system and offers associate, bachelor's, and master's programs online.
Online programs are available in areas of study like:
- business
- computer information systems and cybersecurity
- liberal studies
- social sciences
Maine residents pay a tuition of $252 per credit, or $7,560 for 30 credits, while non-residents studying online pay a tuition of $329 per credit, or $9,870.
6. Central Methodist University
Central Methodist University is a private Methodist university in Fayette, Missouri. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees through its College of Graduate and Extended Studies.
Students can earn online degrees in fields such as:
- business
- education
- healthcare and nursing
- social sciences
Central Methodist University charges online students a tuition of $270 per credit hour or $8,100 for 30 credits.
7. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private university in Manchester, New Hampshire. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's programs online.
Online programs are available in areas of study like:
- business
- healthcare and nursing
- social sciences
- technology
SNHU charges $330 per credit for online undergraduate degrees. This works out to $9,900 for a 30-credit school year.
8. Colorado State University Global
Colorado State University Global is the global campus of the public Colorado State University system. It offers online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs.
Students can study online in fields such as:
- business
- criminal justice
- healthcare
- technology
CSU Global charges all online undergraduate students $350 per credit regardless of the state of residency. This comes to $10,500 per year for 30 credits.
9. University of Texas Permian Basin
The University of Texas Permian Basin is a public university in Odessa, Texas. It's part of the University of Texas system and offers bachelor's and master's degrees online.
Programs are available online in fields such as:
- business
- humanities
- industrial technology
- social sciences
Undergraduate tuition for online students at UT Permian Basin is $362.34 per credit or $10,870 per year. There is no additional charge for out-of-state online students.
10. Columbia College of Missouri
Columbia College of Missouri is a private college in Columbia, Missouri. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees.
Students can study online in fields such as:
- business
- computer science
- humanities
- social sciences
Columbia College charges $375 per credit for online undergraduate programs or $11,250 per year for 30 credits.
How To Pay for Online College
While the programs listed above are some of the cheapest online colleges in the U.S., they can still put a strain on your wallet. Luckily, financial aid can help you pay for your degree.
Financial aid may include grants, scholarships, student loans, work-study programs, or a combination of the above.
To find out what financial aid you qualify for, start by filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible.
Find a Cheap Online College Today
There are several cheap online colleges in the U.S., and financial aid can help lower your costs even further. Check out the low-cost colleges and universities listed above to find your perfect fit today.