20 Most-Affordable Online Bachelor Degree Programs
If you’re looking to get a bachelor’s degree but you don’t have the time or budget to attend school full-time, an online program might be the way to go. There are several upsides to choosing an online-only degree program. In addition to reduced cost, many of the programs are extremely flexible, as they were built for people who may already be in the working world.
Because online programs can be completed anywhere, students can prioritize selecting the most cost-efficient program out there. The list below has 20 of the most-affordable online bachelor's degree programs currently available, complied from U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of the top 367 online colleges.
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U.S. News ranks colleges on a wide variety of factors, including graduation rate, student loan debt for recent grads, and educational and career support. All costs noted below are for out-of-state tuition, but remember that in-state tuition might be cheaper.
Even better, international students can earn a degree from a U.S. school without the need for a visa, as long as their program of study is fully online.
1. College of Coastal Georgia
Brunswick, GA
This school is ranked #123 in U.S. New's roundup. At a cost of $125 per credit for out-of state students, The College of Coastal Georgia offers four completely online Bachelor's programs, including Workforce Management and Leadership, French, Spanish, and Public Management with a concentration in non-profit leadership.
2. Sterling College
Sterling, KS
Sterling College is ranked #230 in the U.S. News report. This private Christian school's tuition is a bargain at just $135 per credit. Earn a bachelor's in Criminal Justice, Education, History, or Organizational Management.
3. Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA
This public school was ranked #242. Study Nursing, Business, or Humanities on your time, with a flexible schedule for only $136 per credit.
4. Inter-American University of Puerto Rico (Metropolitan Campus)
San Juan, PR
This is a non-profit, Christian school, ranked #264. It offers distance education is several majors, including Administration of Office System, Early Childhood Education, Business, Religion, Special Education, Psychology, and Mathematics.
5. University of North Carolina, Pembroke
Pembroke, NC
This public school was ranked #226. Online programs include Criminal Justice, Sociology, Interdisciplinary Studies, or Business Administration. Tuition is $188 per credit.
6. Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC
This public institution was ranked #58 and includes more than the usual online offerings. WCU offers online-only as well as hybrid programs, that require some on-campus attendance. Choose from Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Emergency and Disaster Management, Emergency Medical Care, Engineering Technology (Off-site/Hybrid Program), Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship, and RN to BSN. Tuition is $189 per credit.
7. New England Institute of Technology
East Greenwich, RI
This school ranks #49 and offers several online and hybrid programs, including Criminal Justice for Working Professionals, Rehabilitation Sciences, and RN to BSN- Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Tution is $190 per credit.
8. Valley City State University
Valley City, ND
This public school was ranked #173 and offers multiple online bachelor's programs, including Business Education, Career and Technical Education, English Education, History Education, Technology Education, Professional Communication, and Music. Tuition is $190 per credit.
9. University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA
This public institution ranks #217. It offers a host of partially online programs, including (but not limited to) Accounting, Economics, and Management. Fully-online programs including Criminology, Nursing, and Political Science. Tuition is $199 per credit.
10. Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA
This school was ranked #123 and is a public institution. Tuition is $204 per credit for programs including Interdisciplinary Studies, Information Technology, and RN-BSN.
See also: Are Online Degrees Respected?
11. Arkansas State University
State University, AR
The A-State Online program ranks #114 an is a public institution. Tuition is $210 per credit for a huge amount programs, including Accounting, Biology, Economics, Creative Media, Agriculture, and Mathematics, among many others.
12. Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS
Located in Hays, KS, this school has origins that go back more than 100 years and ranks #42. In addition to a traditional campus, FHSU has invested significant resources in creating a virtual campus that allows students to earn a fully-accredited bachelor’s degree completely online. Programs of study include (but are not limited to) Accounting, Agriculture Business, Computer Science, Education, Finance, Management, Marketing, Political Science, and Tourism and Hospitality Management. Tuition is $219 per credit.
13. University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, GA
This school is a public institution and ranks #183. Tuition is $224 per credit for its online RN to BSN program.
14. William Woods University
Fulton, MO
This private university is ranked #254 and tuition is $225 per credit. Programs include Business Administration, Cybersecurity, Deaf Human Services, Management and Leadership, Paralegal Studies, and Workforce Development.
15. Lee University
Cleveland, TN
This private Christian institution ranks #42. Tuition is $227 per credit. Programs include Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Liberal Studies, and various Christian Studies.
16. Mayville State University
Mayville, ND
This public institution ranks #264. Tuition costs $228 per credit. Programs include online-only and hybrid options. Degree programs include Business, Mathematics, Education, Nursing, Physics, and others.
17. Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA
This public institution is ranked #254. Tuition is $232 per credit. Programs include fully online and hybrid programs, such as Business, Computing & Software Engineering, Education, Engineering & Engineering Technology, Integrative Studies, Logistics & Operations, and Social Sciences.
18. Minot State University
Minot, ND
This public institution is ranked #248. Tuition is $234 per credit. Degree programs include Criminal Justice, Management, Marketing, Business, Nursing, and other programs.
19. Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX
This public institution is ranked #76. Tuition is $234 per credit. Degree programs include Criminal Justice, Business, History, Homeland Security, Nursing, and Sociology.
20. University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK
This public institution is ranked #194. Tuition is $234 per credit. Programs include Business, Applied Management, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Psychology, and Sport and Recreation Business.
Are you considering an online degree?
Wherever you decide to go to school, be sure to investigate all of your financial aid options. Use our step-by-step guide to filling out the FAFSA to get started.