The Cheapest Online Degrees: Ranking and Guide

In an era of rising higher education costs, finding affordable options is more important than ever. For those interested in earning their degrees online, the landscape of choices can be overwhelming.

To simplify your search, we’ve compiled lists of the most cost-effective online degree programs based on data from respected ranking sources. These include EDsmart.org, Forbes.com, BestColleges.com, OnlineU.com, and Best-Universities.net.

This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of affordable online degree programs, categorized by the type of degree (Associate’s and Bachelor’s) and ranked based on various criteria, such as tuition costs, accreditation, number of online degree offerings, and financial aid availability.

The intention is to aid prospective online students in finding institutions that offer a strong likelihood of degree completion without causing financial strain.

The listed colleges and universities stand out for their affordability, education quality, high acceptance and graduation rates, and substantial financial aid availability. Furthermore, these schools offer a wide range of online programs, giving you the flexibility to pursue your degree in a field that matches your career aspirations and personal interests.

So, whether you’re just beginning your higher education journey or looking to advance your career with a bachelor’s degree, this guide will be a valuable resource in your decision-making process. Get ready to explore the most affordable and reputable online degree programs for 2023.

Cheapest Online Colleges and Degrees per FamilyWise.com

FamilyWise.com has compiled a list of the top 10 most affordable online colleges and degrees for 2023.

These rankings are based on data from respected sources such as EDsmart.org, Forbes.com, BestColleges.com, OnlineU.com, and Best-Universities.net. Each institution has been selected for its affordability, quality of education, high acceptance and graduation rates, substantial financial aid availability, and the range of online programs offered.

Here are the top 10 most affordable online colleges and degrees:

1. Washtenaw Community College (Associate’s Degree): With a tuition cost of $3,624, Washtenaw Community College offers an excellent option for those seeking an affordable Associate’s degree. The college provides a wide range of online programs and ensures a strong likelihood of degree completion.
2. Arkansas Northeastern College (Associate’s Degree): Charging only $3,648 in tuition fees, Arkansas Northeastern College is an affordable choice for online Associate’s degrees. The college has a high acceptance rate, ensuring accessibility for prospective students.
3. Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Associate’s Degree): Copiah-Lincoln Community College offers online Associate’s degree programs for $3,833 in tuition costs. The institution’s commitment to affordability, combined with a variety of degree offerings, makes it an attractive option.
4. Houston Community College (Associate’s Degree): Houston Community College provides affordable online Associate’s degree programs for $4,813 in tuition fees. The college offers a range of academic options and comprehensive student support services.
5. Western Nebraska Community College (Associate’s Degree): With a tuition cost of $4,958, Western Nebraska Community College is a cost-effective choice for pursuing an online Associate’s degree. The institution’s commitment to quality education and affordable tuition rates contribute to its inclusion in this ranking.
6. Clovis Community College – NM (Associate’s Degree): Clovis Community College – NM offers online Associate’s degree programs for $5,411 in tuition fees. The college’s dedication to affordability and its comprehensive online degree offerings make it a top choice for budget-conscious students.
7. Carl Albert State College (Associate’s Degree): Carl Albert State College provides online Associate’s degree programs for $5,451 in tuition costs. The college’s affordability and high acceptance and graduation rates ensure an accessible and successful educational experience.
8. Cochise College (Associate’s Degree): Charging $6,260 in tuition fees, Cochise College offers affordable online Associate’s degree programs. The college’s commitment to affordability and quality education positions it as a valuable option for online learners.
9. Hutchinson Community College (Associate’s Degree): Hutchinson Community College provides online Associate’s degree programs for $6,969 in tuition costs. The institution’s affordability, combined with a range of degree offerings and comprehensive support services, contributes to its inclusion in this ranking.
10. College of Southern Nevada (Associate’s Degree): With a tuition cost of $7,019, the College of Southern Nevada offers affordable online Associate’s degree programs. The college’s dedication to affordability, academic excellence, and strong financial aid availability make it an ideal choice for online learners.

These top 10 institutions have been selected based on their affordability, quality of education, high acceptance and graduation rates, and financial aid availability. Each institution offers a diverse range of online programs, allowing students to pursue their desired fields of study. Whether you are seeking an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, these affordable online colleges and degrees offer excellent options to achieve your educational goals without breaking the bank.

Cheapest Online Degrees per EDsmart.org

EDsmart.org ranks schools offering extremely affordable online degree programs. Schools were selected based on data from the NCES College Navigator database for 2023.

Criteria included offering 10+ online degree programs, charging under $10,000 per year for tuition, not charging substantially higher out-of-state tuition, and possessing one of the six regional accreditations.

The aim is to help online students find economical colleges that offer a strong likelihood of degree completion without incurring debt.

Here are the Top 14 Cheapest and Most Affordable Online Colleges for 2023 according to EDsmart.org, separated by Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees:

Cheapest Online Associate’s Degrees:

1. Washtenaw Community College: $3,624
2. Arkansas Northeastern College: $3,648
3. Copiah-Lincoln Community College: $3,833
4. Houston Community College: $4,813
5. Western Nebraska Community College: $4,958
6. Clovis Community College – NM: $5,411
7. Carl Albert State College: $5,451
8. Cochise College: $6,260
9. Hutchinson Community College: $6,969
10. College of Southern Nevada: $7,019
11. Southeast Community College – NE: $7,190

Cheapest Online Bachelor’s Degrees:

1. Florida State College at Jacksonville: $3,129
2. Fayetteville State University: $6,969
3. Louisiana State University-Alexandria: $7,301

These colleges offer the most affordable online degree programs, enabling students to earn an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree without significant financial strain.

Best Affordable Online Colleges per Forbes.com

Forbes Advisor Education provides trustworthy and unbiased rankings of higher education institutions, including degree programs, bootcamps, and professional credentials.

Forbes’ rankings are based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and information from reputable professional organizations and education providers’ websites. The rankings follow a strict methodology and are reviewed by an expert advisory board to ensure accuracy.

Here are the Best Affordable Online College Options, according to Forbes:

1. Brigham Young University – Idaho
   • Location: Rexburg, Idaho
   • Undergraduate Tuition: $135/credit (in state)
   • Course Format: Synchronous and asynchronous
2. The University of West Florida
   • Location: Pensacola, Florida
   • Undergraduate Tuition: $219/credit (in state)
   • Course Format: Synchronous and asynchronous
3. Great Basin College
   • Location: Elko, Nevada
   • Undergraduate Tuition: $120-$193/credit (in state)
   • Course Format: Synchronous and asynchronous
4. Purdue University
   • Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
   • Undergraduate Tuition: $280/credit (in state)
   • Course Format: Synchronous and asynchronous
5. Florida International University
   • Location: Miami, Florida
   • Undergraduate Tuition: $3,432/semester (in state)
   • Course Format: Synchronous and asynchronous
6. University of Florida Online
   • Location: Gainesville, Florida
   • Undergraduate Tuition: $129/credit (in state)
   • Course Format: Asynchronous
7. Florida Atlantic University
   • Location: Boca Raton, Florida
   • Undergraduate Tuition: $105/credit (in state)
   • Course Format: Asynchronous and synchronous
8. Eastern New Mexico University
   • Location: Portales, New Mexico
   • Undergraduate Tuition: $298/credit (in state)
   • Course Format: Synchronous and asynchronous
9. University of Illinois Springfield
   • Location: Springfield, Illinois
   • Undergraduate Tuition: $312/credit
   • Course Format: Synchronous and asynchronous
10. University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
    • Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
    • Undergraduate Tuition: $355/credit
    • Course Format: Synchronous and asynchronous

These schools offer a mix of synchronous (live, scheduled) and asynchronous (at your own pace) online courses, giving students flexibility to balance their studies with their personal and professional commitments.

5 Cheapest Online Colleges Per BestColleges.com

BestColleges.com ranks schools based on affordability, using data from reliable sources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard, both hosted by the U.S. Department of Education. The ranking system focuses on tuition costs (45%), financial aid (45%), and potential student debt (10%). The listed schools are all not-for-profit, accredited, and offer online bachelor’s programs.

These schools are ranked based on their affordability, taking into account tuition fees, financial aid, and potential student debt. Each of these schools offers robust online programs and supportive services, contributing to their positions in the ranking. They also have high student retention rates and substantial online enrollment, demonstrating their commitment to online education.

The top five most affordable online colleges for 2023, as ranked by BestColleges.com, are:

1. Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Boca Raton, FL: FAU offers eight fully online undergraduate degrees and has the lowest online tuition rates in Florida. The university provides various supports for online students, such as tutoring and career center access. It’s known for diversity and student outcomes.
2. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), Portales, NM: ENMU offers 29 online bachelor’s degree programs and reports a 97% student satisfaction rate. It costs less than 90% of universities in the Southwest and provides multiple online student support services.
3. Texas A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, TX: A&M-Commerce offers 20 fully online bachelor’s degrees and is recognized for promoting social mobility among students. The university decided not to increase tuition in 2022, despite inflation.
4. Western New Mexico University (WNMU), Silver City, NM: WNMU offers 19 fully online bachelor’s degree programs and is recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution. The university is committed to keeping tuition low and providing financial assistance opportunities.
5. The University of West Florida (UWF), Pensacola, FL: UWF offers 17 online undergraduate degree programs and is known for positively impacting its students’ social and economic mobility. Nearly half of the student population is enrolled part-time.

Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees per OnlineU.com

Onlineu.com provides a list of the most affordable accredited online bachelor’s degree programs. Earning a bachelor’s degree can lead to higher salaries and lower unemployment rates.

To make this significant investment of time and money more manageable, considering an online degree can provide flexibility and a wider range of options.

The annual tuitions of the top-ranked schools are as follows:

Overall Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees:

1. Athens State University, Athens, AL: $6,975
2. Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, AL: $7,050
3. University of the Potomac, Multiple Locations: $7,200
4. Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, UT: $7,452
5. Thomas Edison State University, Trenton, NJ: $9,278
6. Waldorf University, Forest City, IA: $9,300
7. Southern New Hampshire University Online, Manchester, NH: $9,600
8. University of Maine at Augusta, Augusta, ME: $9,862
9. Colorado State University Global, Greenwood Village, CO: $10,500
10. Granite State College, Concord, NH: $10,950

Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees by Major:

Art & Design:

1. University of Iowa: $8,356
2. Southern New Hampshire University Online: $9,600
3. Liberty University: $13,869

Business:

1. Middle Georgia State University: $3,410
2. Ohio University – Main Campus: $3,645
3. Brigham Young University – Idaho: $3,888

Computer Science:

1. Eastern New Mexico University – Main Campus: $6,624
2. Fort Hays State University: $6,806
3. University of the Potomac: $7,200

Engineering:

1. University of North Dakota: $7,957
2. Bemidji State University: $8,690
3. Southern Illinois University – Carbondale: $9,645

Law:

1. Fort Hays State University: $6,806
2. Western Carolina University: $6,974
3. Stevenson University: $8,438

Nursing:

1. Dalton State College: $3,204
2. Pfeiffer University: $3,497
3. University of South Dakota: $3,548

These institutions offer the most affordable online bachelor’s degree programs overall and in specific majors, allowing students to make a cost-effective investment in their education.

10 Cheapest Accredited Online Colleges per Best-Universities.net

Best Universities has identified the 10 most affordable, accredited online college programs for earning a bachelor’s degree, based on four key factors: affordability, acceptance rate, graduation rate, and percentage of students receiving financial aid. Here are their top 10 picks:

10. Arkansas State University Online

• Annual tuition: $7,130
• Acceptance rate: 67%
• Graduation rate: 54%
• Students receiving financial aid: 100%

9. Western Governors University
   • Annual tuition: $7,452
   • Acceptance rate: 100%
   • Graduation rate: 64%
   • Students receiving financial aid: 73%
10. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
    • Annual tuition: $7,873
    • Acceptance rate: 90%
    • Graduation rate: 55%
    • Students receiving financial aid: 80%
11. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
    • Annual tuition: $6,648
    • Acceptance rate: 51%
    • Graduation rate: 40%
    • Students receiving financial aid: 97%
12. Valdosta State University
    • Annual tuition: $6,583
    • Acceptance rate: 78%
    • Graduation rate: 41%
    • Students receiving financial aid: 93%
13. Georgia Southern University
    • Annual tuition: $6,485
    • Acceptance rate: 91%
    • Graduation rate: 54%
    • Students receiving financial aid: 92%
14. Kennesaw State University
    • Annual tuition: $6,436
    • Acceptance rate: 83%
    • Graduation rate: 49%
    • Students receiving financial aid: 91%
15. Clayton State University
    • Annual tuition: $5,568
    • Acceptance rate: 69%
    • Graduation rate: 35%
    • Students receiving financial aid: 91%
16. Western Carolina University
    • Annual tuition: $4,367
    • Acceptance rate: 48%
    • Graduation rate: 61%
    • Students receiving financial aid: 86%
17. University of North Carolina at Pembroke
    • Annual tuition: $3,495
    • Acceptance rate: 91%
    • Graduation rate: 43%
    • Students receiving financial aid: 91%

This ranking provides a comprehensive view of the most affordable online bachelor’s programs, taking into account not just the cost of tuition but also the acceptance rates, graduation rates, and the percentage of students receiving financial aid at these institutions.

How to Choose the Right Affordable Online Degree Program

When choosing an affordable online degree program, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider:

• Tuition costs: Make sure to compare tuition costs between different schools. Keep in mind that online tuition rates can vary depending on the type of degree you’re seeking, the school’s location, and the number of credit hours you’re taking.
• Accreditation: Make sure the school you choose is accredited by a reputable organization. This will ensure that the quality of your education meets national standards.
• Curriculum: Make sure the program you choose offers a curriculum that meets your needs and interests.
• Flexibility: Consider the program’s flexibility, such as whether it offers asynchronous or synchronous classes.
• Reputation: Research the school’s reputation and student satisfaction.
• Financial aid: Many schools offer financial aid to help students cover the cost of tuition. Be sure to research the financial aid options available at the schools you’re considering.

By considering these factors, you can choose an affordable online degree program that meets your needs and helps you reach your educational goals.

Resources:

https://www.savingforcollege.com/article/how-to-pay-for-college

https://best-universities.net/degrees/cheap-online-degrees-fast/