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Most Affordable Online Colleges 100 Online Schools with the Cheapest Tuition

Managing Editor
B.A.
Carrie Sealey-Morris has covered bootcamps, careers, and higher education for College Consensus since 2017. Carrie is a graduate of the University of New Mexico where she earned a B.A. in American Studies. 
Founder/Senior Editor
B.A., M.Div.
Jeremy Alder has spent over a decade researching and writing about higher education to provided students with the information they need to achieve their goals. He has significant personal experience with career transitions, working as a freelance writer and editor, non-profit director, community organizer, preacher, teacher, retail manager, and carpenter prior to founding College Consensus. Homeschooled from the second grade, Jeremy is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (B.A., Philosophy) and Duke University Divinity School (M.Div.). He currently lives in North Carolina with his wife, five kids, and a Labradoodle named Hank.
MostAffordable Online Colleges

Cost is the most important deciding factor for most students pursuing an online degree. Thankfully, the continued growth in the number of online colleges and degree programs means there are now more affordable options than ever. To help students in their quest for an affordable online degree, College Consensus – the authority on college rankings – has put together a definitive ranking of the cheapest online colleges available.

Ranking the Most Affordable Online Colleges 

The College Consensus method takes a lot of factors into consideration, but for the Most Affordable Online Colleges ranking we only consider one: cost. These are the accredited online schools with the lowest undergraduate tuition and fees for out-of-state students. To be considered for our ranking, colleges must be accredited and recognized by the National Center for Education Statistics while offering at least three bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed completely or primarily online. If you’re interested in a traditional campus-based degree, check our ranking of the Most Affordable Colleges & Universities.

Summary of the Top 10 Cheapest Online Colleges

RankSchoolTypeOut-of-state tuition and fees
1.Pierce College DistrictPublic$4902
2.Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended StudiesPrivate$6960
3.Mississippi University for WomenPublic$7866
4.Peru State CollegePublic$7920
5.Minot State UniversityPublic$8508
6.Broward CollegePublic$8952
7.Santa Fe CollegePublic$9189
8.Jackson State UniversityPublic$9445
9.Central State UniversityPublic$9596
10Georgia Highlands CollegePublic$9696
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (January 2024)

1

Pierce College District
Lakewood, WA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$4,902
In-state tuition & fees
$4,539
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

2

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
Fayette, MO

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$6,960
In-state tuition & fees
$6,960
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
United Methodist

3

Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, MS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,866
In-state tuition & fees
$7,866
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

4

Peru State College
Peru, NE

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$7,920
In-state tuition & fees
$7,920
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

5

Minot State University
Minot, ND

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,508
In-state tuition & fees
$8,508
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

6

Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$8,952
In-state tuition & fees
$2,830
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

7

Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,189
In-state tuition & fees
$2,563
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

8

Jackson State University
Jackson, MS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,445
In-state tuition & fees
$8,445
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

9

Central State University
Wilberforce, OH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,596
In-state tuition & fees
$7,596
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

10

Georgia Highlands College
Rome, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,696
In-state tuition & fees
$3,344
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

11

University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,875
In-state tuition & fees
$9,875
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Baptist

12

Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$9,992
In-state tuition & fees
$2,938
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

13

Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies
Fort Wayne, IN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,224
In-state tuition & fees
$10,224
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

14

College of Coastal Georgia
Brunswick, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,389
In-state tuition & fees
$3,483
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

15

Rasmussen University-Kansas
Topeka, KS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,571
In-state tuition & fees
$10,571
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

16

Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,838
In-state tuition & fees
$10,478
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

17

Rasmussen University-North Dakota
Fargo, ND

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,849
In-state tuition & fees
$10,849
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

18

West Texas A & M University
Canyon, TX

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$10,996
In-state tuition & fees
$9,101
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

19

Thomas University
Thomasville, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,080
In-state tuition & fees
$11,080
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

20

Mayville State University
Mayville, ND

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,131
In-state tuition & fees
$7,873
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

21

Rasmussen University-Minnesota
St. Cloud, MN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,205
In-state tuition & fees
$11,205
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

22

Dickinson State University
Dickinson, ND

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,218
In-state tuition & fees
$9,118
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

23

Rasmussen University-Florida
Ocala, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,291
In-state tuition & fees
$11,291
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

24

Stillman College
Tuscaloosa, AL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,392
In-state tuition & fees
$11,392
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Presbyterian Church (USA)

25

University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,450
In-state tuition & fees
$9,450
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

26

Pacific Oaks College
Pasadena, CA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,692
In-state tuition & fees
$11,692
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

27

Rasmussen University-Illinois
Rockford, IL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,738
In-state tuition & fees
$11,738
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

28

New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,988
In-state tuition & fees
$7,140
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

29

Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$11,994
In-state tuition & fees
$3,106
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

30

Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,183
In-state tuition & fees
$10,233
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

31

Polk State College
Winter Haven, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,272
In-state tuition & fees
$3,366
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

32

Middle Georgia State University
Macon, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,430
In-state tuition & fees
$3,958
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

33

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Delhi, NY

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,490
In-state tuition & fees
$8,720
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

34

Unity Environmental University
New Gloucester, ME

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,640
In-state tuition & fees
$12,640
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

35

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,662
In-state tuition & fees
$12,662
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

36

South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,809
In-state tuition & fees
$9,299
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

37

Kentucky State University
Frankfort, KY

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,882
In-state tuition & fees
$9,004
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

38

University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$12,942
In-state tuition & fees
$9,432
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

39

University of Minnesota-Crookston
Crookston, MN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,010
In-state tuition & fees
$13,010
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

40

Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,076
In-state tuition & fees
$13,076
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

41

Salem University
Salem, WV

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,150
In-state tuition & fees
$13,150
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

42

University of Maine at Presque Isle
Presque Isle, ME

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,160
In-state tuition & fees
$8,750
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

43

Georgia Gwinnett College
Lawrenceville, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,244
In-state tuition & fees
$4,458
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

44

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,484
In-state tuition & fees
$9,674
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

45

Wiley University
Marshall, TX

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,500
In-state tuition & fees
$13,500
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
United Methodist

46

University of Maine at Fort Kent
Fort Kent, ME

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,575
In-state tuition & fees
$8,805
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

47

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,650
In-state tuition & fees
$13,650
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

48

University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, NE

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,786
In-state tuition & fees
$7,984
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

49

Paul Quinn College
Dallas, TX

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,798
In-state tuition & fees
$13,798
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
African Methodist Episcopal

50

Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico-Miami
Miami, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,827
In-state tuition & fees
$13,827
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

51

Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,891
In-state tuition & fees
$8,071
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

52

Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$13,975
In-state tuition & fees
$8,431
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

53

University of Memphis
Memphis, TN

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$14,280
In-state tuition & fees
$10,056
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

54

West Virginia State University
Institute, WV

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$14,385
In-state tuition & fees
$8,647
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

55

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL

65.5
College Consensus
66.6
Student Consensus
64.3
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: March, 2024
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$14,406
In-state tuition & fees
$14,406
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

56

Grace Christian University
Wyoming, MI

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$14,520
In-state tuition & fees
$14,520
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Other Protestant

57

William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$14,685
In-state tuition & fees
$14,685
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Baptist

58

Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto Campuses
Stockton, CA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$14,760
In-state tuition & fees
$14,760
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

59

Emporia State University
Emporia, KS

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$14,918
In-state tuition & fees
$7,001
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

60

Lincoln Christian University
Lincoln, IL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$14,920
In-state tuition & fees
$14,920
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

61

CUNY Graduate School and University Center
New York, NY

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$15,360
In-state tuition & fees
$7,410
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

62

Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$15,380
In-state tuition & fees
$15,380
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

63

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$15,416
In-state tuition & fees
$15,416
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

64

University of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$15,500
In-state tuition & fees
$12,427
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

65

Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$15,528
In-state tuition & fees
$13,101
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

66

University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$15,570
In-state tuition & fees
$10,951
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

67

Pennsylvania Western University
California, PA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$15,630
In-state tuition & fees
$10,958
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

68

Shawnee State University
Portsmouth, OH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$15,686
In-state tuition & fees
$9,341
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

69

Clayton State University
Morrow, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$15,790
In-state tuition & fees
$5,068
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

70

University of Holy Cross
New Orleans, LA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$15,960
In-state tuition & fees
$15,960
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic

71

Missouri Western State University
Saint Joseph, MO

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,100
In-state tuition & fees
$9,090
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

72

Kent State University at Geauga
Burton, OH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,164
In-state tuition & fees
$7,058
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

73

Trinity College of Florida
Trinity, FL

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,300
In-state tuition & fees
$16,300
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Interdenominational

74

Southern University at New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,371
In-state tuition & fees
$7,471
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

75

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,410
In-state tuition & fees
$16,410
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

76

Houghton University
Houghton, NY

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,446
In-state tuition & fees
$16,446
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Wesleyan

77

Maharishi International University
Fairfield, IA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,530
In-state tuition & fees
$16,530
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

78

Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,572
In-state tuition & fees
$5,832
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

79

Albany State University
Albany, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,656
In-state tuition & fees
$5,934
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

80

Columbus State University
Columbus, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,805
In-state tuition & fees
$5,751
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

81

Saint Augustine’s University
Raleigh, NC

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,896
In-state tuition & fees
$16,896
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Protestant Episcopal

82

University of Houston-Victoria
Victoria, TX

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,941
In-state tuition & fees
$7,149
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

83

University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$16,996
In-state tuition & fees
$5,941
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

84

Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,001
In-state tuition & fees
$10,921
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

85

Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,040
In-state tuition & fees
$5,786
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

86

Mid-Atlantic Christian University
Elizabeth City, NC

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,040
In-state tuition & fees
$17,040
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

87

Weber State University
Ogden, UT

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,084
In-state tuition & fees
$6,391
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

88

Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,144
In-state tuition & fees
$8,604
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

89

Southern University and A & M College
Baton Rouge, LA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,198
In-state tuition & fees
$9,848
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

90

University of the Southwest
Hobbs, NM

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,200
In-state tuition & fees
$17,200
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

91

Great Lakes Christian College
Lansing, MI

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,220
In-state tuition & fees
$17,220
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

92

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

59.2
College Consensus
79.5
Student Consensus
38.8
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: March, 2024
Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,324
In-state tuition & fees
$4,879
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

93

Lackawanna College
Scranton, PA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,340
In-state tuition & fees
$17,340
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

94

Sul Ross State University
Alpine, TX

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,441
In-state tuition & fees
$7,649
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

95

Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,469
In-state tuition & fees
$12,254
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

96

DeVry University-California
Ontario, CA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,488
In-state tuition & fees
$17,488
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

97

DeVry University-Ohio
Columbus, OH

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,488
In-state tuition & fees
$17,488
School type
Private for-profit
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

98

Westfield State University
Westfield, MA

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,580
In-state tuition & fees
$11,500
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

99

Utah Tech University
Saint George, UT

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,666
In-state tuition & fees
$6,096
School type
Public
Religious affiliation
Not applicable

100

Central Baptist College
Conway, AR

Out-of-state tuition & fees
$17,700
In-state tuition & fees
$17,700
School type
Private not-for-profit
Religious affiliation
Baptist

Are Online Colleges Cheaper than Traditional Colleges?

This is an excellent time for people seeking affordable online colleges and degree programs, but it’s important to realize that different colleges often cater to different needs when it comes to online programs.

For example, depending on where someone lives, they may want to choose one of the regional public colleges. Regional public colleges will usually have lower tuition costs for applicants who live in the region where the college is located.

On the other hand, an affordable private college will offer many of the same benefits as attending a private college offline. Those benefits can include a more hands-on approach, a religious or ideological grounding, or unique and unusual degree choices.

In addition, the online college landscape also contains numerous working-adult focused colleges. These institutions typically offer programs specifically designed to work with people who have jobs, kids, or other adult responsibilities.

Are Online Colleges Always Cheaper Than Traditional?

When it comes to online college vs traditional college cost, people often assume online colleges always cost less than traditional colleges. In truth, just as with traditional colleges, online college costs can vary widely. Each institution will have a different pricing method based on their own criteria.

Most colleges that offer online courses will have tuition calculators or average cost breakdowns. People are often surprised to find out some universities charge the same price for their courses whether online or off. Some places charge even more for their online programs than their equivalent on-campus ones.

The online college vs traditional college cost question has no clear answer. As with all things college-related, it depends. This should drive home why seeking affordable online college is so important.

InstitutionOnline TuitionIn-Person Tuition
Public$333$711
Private$488$1240
Data: Education Data Initiative – Average Per-Credit-Hour Tuition

The average cost online bachelor’s degree will vary as well from place to place and student to student. For those who want to figure out the average cost online bachelor’s degree or any other degree program for themselves, a net price calculator can help.

How Do Affordable Online Colleges Save Me Money?

When seeking an affordable online college, it’s important to look at the stated dollar amounts. Finding the cheapest online college per credit hour can help once someone has already narrowed their search to the places that interest them.

However, saving money with affordable online colleges involves a few other factors as well. Places that offer cheap online degrees fast aren’t necessarily the most affordable. As previously stated, applicants must consider the net price of attending. In addition, looking for places things like cheap online colleges without application fees can help as well.

Because students aren’t attending on campus, many places will offer a lower tuition. That’s not a given, but it’s worth searching for. Speedy courses also don’t require as many ongoing fees as a longer traditional course. Many factors affect the total cost of a degree, like:

  • Parking permits for commuters
  • Food (meal plans vs buying your own food)
  • Internet
  • Rent vs On-Campus Housing
  • Books and Supplies
  • Laptop/Desktop Computer

The cheapest online per credit hours can give you the numbers you need to calculate just how much you can save. People should always look at the numbers when they want cheap online degrees fast, because those accelerated programs can often come with savings they don’t expect.

How Do Online College Degree Programs Provide ROI?

People invest their money and time with the hopes their degree will pay off in the future, especially when so many students take out loans to pay for college. This is a return on investment college education, and it’s important for that investment to work. To that end, it’s a good idea to think of the best ROI degrees that can make that happen.

But, what online degrees have the best ROI? That all depends on where an applicant lives and which industries have the largest amount of growth. But we have a ranking of the best online colleges for ROI!

Figuring our college ROI by major is possible, especially if the major is one that allows an applicant to advance in their career field or get a fair start in a new career. The ability to move forward, earn more, and do more with a college degree is what makes the return on investment college education worthwhile.

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Top Consensus Ranked Schools for Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs

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