Thomas Edison State University
TUITION: $7,519
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.
Lamar Institute Of Technology
Annual Tuition: $5,736Locations: BeaumontOnline Associate Degrees: 2
The Lamar Institute of Technology in Texas offers a variety of online courses and degree programs. Students can choose to take online courses to complete courses on campus or enroll in one of the fully virtual degree programs. Students can obtain the following degrees without having to come to campus: Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology and Associate of Applied Science for National Security.
Certificate programs that can be completed online include a Health Informatics Certificate Program and a Homeland Security Certificate Program. Students who are considering online training can visit the school website for free to determine if it is the right path for them.
Online Associate Degrees
- Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology, Homeland Security
Online Certificate Programs
- Certificate in Health Informatics, Homeland Security
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Is An Online Degree Cheaper Than An On
The biggest benefit of an online program is flexibility. In a majority of online programs, youll get to choose when you study, making it easier to balance work and school. As an online student, you wont need to quit your job, which means youll keep bringing home a paycheck to help with your tuition costs.
Additionally, online learners are not limited to institutions within an arms reach. You can enroll in a program that is five states away, completing all of your assignments without visiting campus. This means you have more choices, and with more choices comes more opportunities to find a program that fits your budget.
Lastly, while online students per-credit tuition rates are not necessarily less than their on-campus counterparts, distance learners are not expected to pay expenses like room-and-board or meal plans.
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Georgia College And State University
Ranked as one of the best master-degree institutions in the south by U.S. News & World Report, Georgia College and State University offers numerous accredited, high-quality graduate degrees. Located in Milledgeville, GA, home of Flannery OConnor, GCSU offers a rare MFA in Creative Writing online, as well as many highly marketable master degrees such as Public Administration, the MBA, and the MS in Nursing. Traditionally a liberal arts university, GCSU has built their online education into a reputable, distinguished system that is still extremely affordable, starting at only $232 per credit hour a low price for a valuable degree.
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South Dakota Oglala Lakota College
- Out of state tuition cost: $2,684
- Total tuition cost: $12,034
Oglala Lakota College is the school with the third lowest out-of-state tuition costs on the list. South Dakota is already home to painfully significant moments in American history so it makes sense that the Oglala Lakota College seeks to preserve the culture and way of life that so many have lost their lives to preserve. The Oglala Lakota people have been a part of the region for hundreds of years. One of the main missions of Oglala Lakota College is to make sure that their way of life does not die out in the next hundred years. This is why the school is committed to continuous improvement and supporting the people of the area. As one of the first tribally controlled colleges in the United States, it has decades of experience in providing education to its student population. Current enrollment is above 1800 students enrolled in bachelor and master degrees.
- Out of state tuition cost: $11,196
- Total tuition cost: $19,296
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Florida Institute Of Technology
Melbourne, Florida
Points: 15
As one of the most affordable online colleges in the South, Florida Institute of Technology offers numerous fully online degree programs in a wide range of subjects. These programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. For four-year students, the school offers some of the cheapest online bachelors degree options available such as:
- Online BA in Applied Psychology Organizational Psychology
- Online BA in Business Administration
- Online BA in Criminal Justice
- Online BS in Computer Information Systems
- Online BA in Aviation Management
At the graduate level, the university offers top-ranked online masters degrees in business and computer information technology. Florida Tech is fully accredited to award these online degrees by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,240
Points: 15
One of the most affordable online colleges for both undergraduate and graduate students, the University of Georgia. In addition to one of the nations cheapest online bachelors degree programs in Special Education, the university also offers several different masters degree programs. Some of these graduate distance learning options include:
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,080
Points: 15
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,384
How Much Does An Online Bachelor’s Degree Cost
Of the schools we researched in order to rank the most affordable online bachelor’s degrees, the median annual tuition is $11,728 at public schools and $13,950 at private institutions.
In general, online tuition is lower than tuition for on-campus programs at both private and public institutions because schools can increase their enrollment without making large infrastructure upgrades. In addition, public schools sometimes charge the in-state tuition rate regardless of an online student’s residency .
During a school search, you can estimate the total price by calculating the tuition cost per credit hour at a given school and multiplying this by the total number of hours needed to graduate . Then add any fees noted on a school’s website, such as technology fees, e-books, or equipment rental â you’ll often find these fees in the tution or financial aid sections of a school’s site. Financial aid can help alleviate some costs.
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Is It Possible To Get A Bachelor’s Degree Online
Online learners comprise a significant portion of total undergraduate students in the U.S., with 34% taking at least some online courses and 14% taking exclusively online courses. The COVID-19 pandemic drove many traditional campus students into distance education in 2020, an experience that may spur colleges to both increase and improve their online offerings. Online education is clearly here to stay. But what can students expect from an online bachelor’s program?
Most colleges design bachelor’s degrees to take four years , whether they’re offered online or in person. The admissions requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, a minimum GPA, and possibly a minimum score on either the ACT or SAT .
Students may wonder what the online learning environment will be like. In contrast to traditional classrooms, where students and faculty gather for lectures, discussions, and exams, most online programs offer asynchronous coursework and instruction. Students view lectures and complete coursework at convenient times rather than live. Faculty are still required to hold office hours, though meetings may take place over the phone or video conference.
If you decide that the online learning environment seems like a good fit for you, there are three types of institutions where you can earn an online bachelor’s degree: public, private non-profit, or private for-profit colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree Quick Facts
- Average Duration: 4 years
Funding An Online Degree
One of the benefits of opting for an online degree is that it opens up more choices, enabling you to find accredited online schools in a wide range of price points. Nevertheless, you may still need or want financial assistance to fund your college education. The good news is that your decision to go to school online or in person does not affect your eligibility for aid. As long as you’re enrolled in an accredited program and meet all other eligibility requirements, you may be able to receive some form of financial aid.
There are many types of financial aid available, some of which are sponsored by the government, some by private organizations, and some by the schools themselves. The best types are those that don’t need to be paid back:
Many students are awarded scholarships, grants, and fellowships based on need or merit.
If you’re getting an online degree at a school that’s within driving distance of your home, you may be able to earn a portion of your college expenses through an on-campus work-study program.
If you’re working full-time or even part-time, your employer may offer a tuition reimbursement program covering some or all of your tuition expenses, especially if you’re pursuing a master’s degree.
Some schools have partnerships with various types of organizations that provide tuition assistance to those organizations’ members or employees.
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University Of Central Florida
- Orlando, Florida
Students pursuing a degree online at the University of Central Florida receive instruction in a format tailored to the needs of the online student. The university indicates that it is a leader in innovation.
Students choosing a bachelors degree program pursue a degree in areas such as B.A. in Anthropology, B.S. in Health Services Administration, a B.S. in Health Informatics and Information Management, or a B.A. in International and Global Studies. Prospective nurses likely pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program . The school also offers a BA in Latin American Studies. There are more than 20 bachelors degrees offered completely online at the University of Florida.
Complete an affordable masters program and earn an MSAE in Aerospace Engineering, an MS in Civil Engineering, an MA in Educational Leadership, or an MSN degree. There are more than 30 graduate degrees offered at the school. Some students continue their online education by completing their doctoral program at the school.
Out-of-state students pay the same tuition as in-state students, making this school one of the cheapest online college options.
School Overview
Tuition:Accreditation:
The 20 Most Affordable Online Colleges And Universities 2021 Online Schools Center
What is the least expensive online college? This is a common question considering the expensive cost of attendance in many colleges and universities in the Unites States. While the average cost of college tuition has decreased for academic year 2020-2021 in public and private schools, many families still struggle with the financial costs. This can be partly attributed to the adverse economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly on the reduced income or loss of income for many families.
As such, affordability can make or break a students decision to attend college, especially during the economic challenges of 2020. However, applicants looking to attend an online school have never chosen a better time to do so! According to a recent article in the New York Times,The future of college is online, and its cheaper. The article goes on to point out that because of the pandemic, online platforms, innovative teaching and high tech options are exploding on to the education scene. It also says that the cost of that education will necessarily be cheaper since it lacks the overhead that attending college in person incurs. The result will be that education, which has been increasingly expensive and, as a result, more and more an option for the wealthy, may become accessible for all Americans both in cost and convenience.
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University Of Maine Fort Kent
The University of Maine at Fort Kent, Maine offers eight affordable bachelors degree programs, namely Bachelors of Science in Business Management, Nursing, Rural Public Safety Administration, and Cyber Security, as well as Bachelor of Arts and Sciences. There is also a self-designed alternative for students who cant decide on an online degree track. The coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format, but some instructors integrate synchronous activities. Degree completion is either purely online or hybrid. Tuition is $228 per credit hour. The University of Maine-Fort Kent is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges .
California State University East Bay
Hayward, California
Points: 16
With a low tuition rate and a high return on investment, California State University East Bay is not only one of the most affordable online colleges in our ranking, but its also one of the top best value schools. Through its online campus, the university offers five of the cheapest online bachelors degree programs:
- Online BS in Business Administration
- Online BS in Recreation
- Online BA in Human Development
- Online BS in Hospitality and Tourism
- Online BA in Ethnic Studies
Four distinct online masters degree programs are also offered via distance education, including a nationally recognized option in education. The WASC Senior College and University Commission has accredited Cal State- East Bay to confer these academic degrees online.
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,890
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Least Expensive And Most Respected Online Bachelors Degree Programs
You must have been wondering when we will ever list some of the least expensive and most respected programs where you can earn your online bachelors degree. Here we are. Be sure to find a favorite from the ones discussed below.
Students can take up degrees in criminal justice, healthcare, business, history, political science, education, among others.
It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
It has a graduation rate of 78%.
Students choose from over 20 online programs in accounting, psychology, information technology, criminal justice, among others.
There are four programs for online students including information technology and criminal justice and criminology.
- Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
The university has a graduation rate of 83%.
It is a public institution and currently ranks as the best for online bachelor programs across the country.
The school has over 15 online degrees in areas like urban studies and sociology.
It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Florida International University in Miami, Florida.
There are 39 online bachelors degree options in areas like information technology, crime science, and early childhood development.
It has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- The University of Arkansas with nine options for an online bachelor and accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Where Can I Purchase Cheap College Textbooks Online
Its no surprise that pinching pennies and pursuing an undergraduate degree go hand-in-hand for the majority of young, aspiring individuals. A smart student is one who knows how to allocate their resources and find the best deals on school supplies like textbooks. Buying secondhand, renting, reselling, and even getting a library card are all great ways to save yourself a couple of bucks.
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What Degree Can I Get 100% Online
The full range of degree levels, from associate to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral or professional degrees, in a vast array of subjects can be earned entirely online. It may be more intuitive that subjects involving reading, writing, and discussion can be taught online. Yet in today’s distance education environment, even courses involving lab work, like chemistry, biology, and other applied sciences, can be delivered using alternative methods. Many schools use a combination of at-home lab kits and virtual simulations to enable students to learn these subjects 100% online. However, to earn some degrees, you may need to complete a moderate percentage of your coursework in person at a facility near your home or possibly on campus. Nursing, social work, and counseling, for example, all require students to complete a minimum number of clinical hours in order to gain hands-on experience working with others. Schools offering these courses online often have a facilitator who can assist you in making the necessary arrangements to fulfill these graduation requirements.
Top 10 Cheapest Online Business Degrees
These days, employers are looking for more. Most entry-level corporate jobs require a bachelors degree as a minimum, and thats just to get your resume on the desk instead of the garbage can. If you want to go into the corporate world, a bachelors degree in business administration is your starting point.
We at Value Colleges know that there are many ways of defining value, but sometimes, the easiest way is the most obvious: cheap. Thats why we have our Cheapest lists.
Now, these arent the cheapest of the cheap theyre the best of the cheap. Most schools on this list are AACSB accredited or the equivalent, so theres a basic level of quality they must all meet. These are also all 100% online no classroom time needed.
Note: calculations are based on per-semester in-state tuition as reported by the institution out-of-state residents may differ, and particular programs may have special fees. Most of these are degree-completion programs, meaning students must apply with foundational requirements completed elsewhere, such as community college.
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Asynchronous Versus Synchronous Online Course Delivery
When discussing types of affordable online colleges and programs available, its important to point out the distinction between asynchronous versus synchronous course delivery. Asynchronous delivery means that course content is available to students at their convenience, allowing them to work at their own pace. Conversely, synchronous content delivery depends on students being available and online at specific times to view streaming lectures and participate in real-time discussions. Some cheap online universities and programs deliver their content exclusively via asynchronous or synchronous methods, while others blend the two delivery formats.