Most Affordable Online Schools
Earning a college degree can increase college graduates’ earning potential and job prospects. Degree holders also benefit from a lower unemployment rate than those without a degree.
But many prospective students worry about the cost of college. By enrolling in one of the cheapest online colleges, students can earn an affordable degree. The most affordable colleges offer degrees in various fields, such as business, healthcare, and engineering. Learners choose a major and electives to fit their career goals. Accredited online colleges meet the same high standards as traditional colleges.
This page lists the cheapest online colleges. Use our ranking to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
How Do I Find Out If An Online College Is Accredited
The vast majority of colleges and universities undergo a process of evaluation to determine how well all aspects of the school compare to quality standards set by the U.S. Department of Education. If the school meets or exceeds these high expectations, it is deemed accredited. Not only can an entire school become accredited at the institutional level, individual programs within a school may also be accredited by professional organizations.
You’ll find that all of the schools on OnlineU.com are accredited by one of the approved accreditation agencies. If you’d like to do additional research, you can search the online databases of the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation . Another option is to check the school’s website. Some schools will have a special Accreditation page devoted to this topic, or it may be shown on the About Us page. Also, school websites often list programmatic accreditation on specific program pages.
Financial Aid For Online Students
As long as they’re attending accredited colleges and universities, online students are eligible for all types of financial aid. Like their on-campus peers, students enrolled in online programs should begin by filling out the FAFSA form to determine what types of funding and how much financial aid they may receive.
Most exclusively online colleges offer many forms of financial assistance, including federal financial aid and work-study programs, and they usually accept employer tuition reimbursement programs. They also frequently offer tuition discounts for select groups of students, such as military service members, law enforcement officers, and employees or members of partner organizations. Many offer payment plans that make paying for college easier for some. However, they generally do not fund their own scholarships or grants, nor do they offer financial aid funded by state governments. These types of aid are typically only available to students enrolled in online programs at state-run and private non-profit schools.
Most exclusively online colleges offer many forms of financial assistance.
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Are Online Public Colleges Cheaper Than Private And For
Youve already seen that online public colleges are usually cheaper than private schools. Questions of in-state vs out of state tuition can complicate things a little, but on the whole, public universities are cheaper. But what about for-profit colleges? Are they any cheaper than public universities? Unfortunately, no. Some students choose for-profit universities because these universities tend to focus on careers and technical skills. However, remember that the mission of a for-profit school will always be to make money. Student education comes second. As a result, their tuition rates will usually be higher so that they can meet their money-making goal.
So how can you save money while looking for a good, nonprofit program? Well, remember that nonprofit universities are usually accredited regionally while the for-profit options are usually accredited nationally. You can start by searching for the cheapest regionally accredited online colleges.
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What Are Some Good Accredited Online Universities For Bachelors Degree
< p> I have my AA degree. Interested in going back to school to get bachelors degree in accounting.< /p>
< p> Morehead State in KY offers the option, but their online classes are so sparse it’d probably take more than 2 years to graduate.Otherwise no other AACSB-accredited school offers a bachelors in accounting online. Some offer the degree at night or off-campus, but you have to schedule your life around the classes.Many schools offer a bachelors in general business online including Florida and Illinois, but the curriculum will not qualify you for the CPA exam in most states.There’s some credible non-AACSB schools that offer a bachelors in accounting online: Golden Gate, Liberty and UMUC. Apparently Golden Gate is actively recruited by accounting firms.< /p>
< p> University of Phoenix, Walden, Capella, Villanova, Tulane, Florida Tech University, the list goes on. Check out edu.com when you do more research in online schools, programs and distance learning.< /p>
< p> The CPA issue is important, so you should check that part of it out. Plus how good the classes really are. I have seen lots of marketing of such programs, but the end delivery is not so good. Plus in Accounting you actually have to be able to do Accounting at the end, not kind of know it.< /p>
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Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University is one of the best online schools in Tennessee. Its a public university that provides a wide range of online programs at cheaper costs, compared to private institutions. It has numerous degree options including an associate degree program, 25 online bachelors degree programs, and 26 online masters programs.
It also has certificate programs in a wide range of academic studies. Online learners enjoy an ideal learning experience for nontraditional students. As a result, theyre a step closer to achieving their education goals.
What Is The Easiest Degree To Get Online
What is easy for one student may be challenging for another and vice versa, which is why no one particular degree can be considered easier than others. However, for many students, earning a degree online can be easier than taking the traditional route due to flexible schedules, self-paced learning, and the availability of online student resources, such as tutoring and academic advising. Virtual learners may also find it easier to identify the best program to fit their needs because there are so many online programs to choose from without having to leave home.
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Current State Of Online Learning
Because of COVID-19, many colleges shifted to offering online courses in 2020. Experts say that the shift will accelerate schools adaptation to and offerings of online degree programs. This growth is being seen across the nation.
COVID-19 has been a paradigm-shifting moment for higher education, throwing online education into the spotlight like never beforebut the need for accessible, affordable, blended, relevant, and high-quality online learning will extend far beyond the pandemic, Chip Paucek, co-founder and CEO of the online higher education company 2U, wrote in an email to USNews.
More schools offering online or hybrid programs may drive down the cost, increasing affordable online college programs for students. Some online programs do not charge out-of-state tuitions, which can be significantly higher at some colleges and universities.
According to InsideHigherEd, there was a 93% increase in students that were enrolled in some type of online course between Fall 2019 and Fall 2020 from 3,016,944 to 5,825,723.
According to a BestColleges.com survey, the biggest challenges prospective students faced while searching for a college were estimating actual costs of enrolling in a program, finding a program that meets their needs and interests and applying for financial aid and identifying sufficient funding sources.
Online Degree Programs And Online Education
The primary difference between online and traditional college degree programs is the use of the Internet to deliver course materials, and manage communication and learning collaboration. Hundreds of traditional colleges and universities have developed online courses to meet the needs of their students. These courses use a variable combination of textbooks, video demonstrations, PowerPoint presentations, web base resources, and a management system, which provides access to course materials, discussions, and assignments via the Internet.
Assignments are pretty much the same as in traditional college degree programs. They may include commenting on discussion forums, working on individual or group projects, writing papers, selective readings, and taking quizzes, and major examinations.
Online education students are a diverse group. Some are high school students trying to earn early college credits or recent high school graduates seeking their first degree. Others are soldiers, working adults taking classes to advance or change their careers,ÃÂ and some are parents who want to earn a degree while working and/or raising a family. All appreciate the opportunity to continue their educations without interfering with their career and family responsibilities.
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How Do I Find Colleges Online
The internet provides an abundance of information that can help you decide which online colleges and universities will best meet your needs. For example, OnlineU.comwhich features lists of online schools ranked by ROIallows you to search by subject and degree level and to filter for other criteria, such as military-friendly schools. In addition to reviewing the information about each school on our site, you may want to visit individual school websites, where you’ll find even more details about specific programs, curricula, faculty, student services, and financial aid.
The following are some useful questions to consider that may help you determine which of the many options are right for you:
Does the school’s program include a concentration or area of emphasis that will help you achieve your career goals? Can you take electives that will help you achieve those goals?
Do you prefer asynchronous courses that let you complete assignments on your own time each week, or do you prefer synchronous courses that require you to log in for lectures at specific days and times? Which does the school offer?
If needed, does the school provide financial aid? What percentage of the student body receives aid, and what is the average award?
What kind of student services are available to you as an online student? As an alumni?
What is the school’s graduation rate?
Thomas Edison State University
TUITION: $7,182
TESU is a public, state-funded higher education institution educating more than 17,200 students online and on-campus. In 2011, Thomas Edison earned the National University Technology Distance Education Innovation Award. This school offers a 100% admissions acceptance rate and 64 undergraduate and graduate online degrees in multiple areas of study, including Liberal Arts and Humanities, Accounting, Medical Assisting, Nursing, and Business Administration and Management, to name a few. Some popular programs at Thomas Edison State University are the associates in Nuclear Engineering Technology, Bachelors in Homeland Security, Masters in Hospitality Management, and Doctor of Nursing Practice .
TESU offers 13 online associate degree programs, 34 bachelors degree programs online, 17 online graduate degree programs, and multiple undergraduate and graduate certificate programs online. This cheap online college is accredited by MSCHE. TESU has an open admissions policy. TESU is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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How Long The College Has Had An Online Program
Some of the best colleges and universities have earned their pedigree because they have been around for ages. Some are even more than a hundred years old. These kinds of institutions have a clear and respectable reputation.
While they might have all started as in-person learning institutions, most of them have gone the online way and started their own online bachelors program that has the same quality standards as their usual on-campus programs. Whenever you get an online degree from such institutions, you know that you are getting a degree that has proven value.
The issue comes in when you start considering the newer online colleges and universities that havent necessarily been around as long or long enough to garner an instantly recognizable authority in the educational community.
Not that all these newer institutions arent any good, no! Most of them are very good and offer an extremely valuable education at an affordable rate. You need to know which ones. Your best bet is to take a keen look at the institutions short history, partnerships within the educational community, other institutions, faculty, and alumni.
The best part about most of the world going online is finding real-life reviews and opinions about any brand you want.
How Much Do The Top Online Colleges Cost
Online colleges are very popular, with more people choosing online education to further their careers or attend colleges or universities that may have otherwise been unattainable. Depending on the program, online college may be cheaper than a traditional program making it an even more attractive option. Costs vary depending on the school and program, so it is very important to look at all the costs associated with the online degree. While the tuition and fees may be the same in some instances, personal expenses will not be a factor. Some colleges do have technology fees based on the materials students receive. This should be helpful for prospective students who are wondering how much does it cost to get an online degree.
It does not really matter if an online student is in-state or out-of-state, but there are some schools that will charge an in-state tuition rate. Even with students in-state, the college may choose to charge an online tuition charge. Speaking with the admissions counselor and financial aid personnel will help determine whether an out-of-state charge will apply.
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Enrolling In A College Degree Program Is Scary That’s A Good Thing
The very real benefits of earning an online college degree are many. Here’s one you may not have thought of: pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Doing something that scares you is a great way to “exercise your bravery muscle,” as Reshma Saujaniwho founded her groundbreaking organization Girls Who Code despite having just lost an election and having no experience with codingrecently told an audience at a lecture series hosted by WGU.
Online Colleges Continue To Witness Increases In Enrollment Because They Are Convenient And Affordable Here Are Some Of The Cheapest Accredited Online Colleges In 2021
Theres no doubt that higher education can be expensive. In fact, the average cost of an accredited on-campus undergraduate degree in America costs roughly $58,000 per year. For many prospective students, the costs of education is a barrier for enrolling in the first place. However, with the help of technological innovations and the internet, online universities are becoming a cost-effective and solid alternative to earn ones undergraduate or graduate degree, so here you can find the cheapest online colleges that are accredited.
Depending on the type of student you are, there may be both positives and negatives to learning online however, theres no doubting that employers are beginning to take notice of online degrees as they are becoming an increasingly popular method of learning.
Some of the standout benefits of attending an online school include:
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What Is A Public University
When someone asks What is a public university? or What is a public college? they might get all sorts of answers. People might bring up quality, prestige, or any number of answers. In reality, though, those answers dont quite explain what is a public college and what is a private college. The difference comes from where these schools get their funding. Both options require tuition, but public schools are primarily funded by the government. Private schools are funded by donations and tuition.
The biggest benefit of a public university, for students, is cost. Since public universities receive government funding, they can often offer lower tuition costs than most private schools can offer. While it is true that public universities have received reduced funding in recent years, the combination of lower costs and greater access have made public universities one of the best choices for aspiring professionals.
What Are The Specific Types Of Federal Financial Aid Available To Undergraduates
Specifically, you can apply for federal grants, federal loans, work-study programs, and education tax credits or deductions. Grants and scholarships are the preferred mode of financial aid for the majority of college students because they dont require a long-term repayment plan as federal loans do. Work-study programs enable students to actively pay for their college education through work with an organization, government agency, or on-campus position. The majority of students also qualify for education-related tax returns.
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List Of Accredited Online Degree Programs
For decades, the number of people earning college degrees has been steadily increasing. College graduates typically enjoy many benefits, including higher wages, lower unemployment, and access to better jobs. One notable development in higher education over the past 20 years has been the rise of online learning. Today, prospective college students have more options than ever to earn online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, along with certificates, in a wide array of fields.
Online degrees are available in 137 popular subjects, with 36,860 unique programs offered at online schools. Notably, every school on our website is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education. On this page, we provide a list of the number of online colleges offering degrees in every subject as well as any program-specific accreditation students should pay attention to and average salary statistics.
In this comprehensive online degrees guide, we also dive into various degree levels and programs, how to complete your degree quickly, and the most important things to know about accreditation. We also provide information about the cost of an online degree and career options for online college graduates. Average salaries for each program were calculated using earnings in the first year after graduation sourced from the 2020 release of the Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Wgu College Of Health Professions
Earn a nursing or healthcare degree at WGU and fill a vital role in today’s dynamic healthcare environment. Despite a changing economy, healthcare and nursing continue to experience strong job growth. This growth represents a great opportunity for you to further your career by completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field like nursing, health information management, or healthcare management.
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