15 Cheapest Accredited Online Colleges in 2023

In recent years, online schools have gained popularity in the United States. They are the next best thing to traditional education for people who want to get a degree while working full-time or without disrupting their personal lives.

The popularity of distance education has increased significantly. Within the years 2015 and 2016, enrollment increased to 5%!

In the fall of 2018, more than 6.3 million students took at least one online course. Students prefer online courses in public and private academic institutions, but public universities have seen the most significant increase.

FEATURED SCHOOLS

According to a new study, the number of students enrolling in online degree programs has skyrocketed. Online schools will attract more students since they provide more digital technologies and platforms.

Students will also be demanding online learning degrees that offer courses that are most suited to job-specific abilities.

While more schools and universities offer distance education as an alternative mode of instruction and learning, choosing the ideal online school that matches each student’s needs can be challenging. After all, earning an online degree from a reputable institution is a long-term commitment.

Because of the numerous benefits that online schools provide, more college students are opting for them over traditional colleges and universities. Flexibility, accessibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness are just a few of them.

---

Cheapest Accredited Online Colleges

Thomas Edison State University

Many resources have named Thomas Edison State University one of the fastest and most economical online schools in the country, elevating it above many other institutions of higher learning.

Students can choose from over 100 associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs, significantly more than other online colleges.

The Social Science Research Methods degree program at TESU is one of the most popular, with only a few other online schools offering it.

Residents pay $399 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $519 per credit hour at Thomas Edison State University. This is perhaps the cheapest online university per credit hour if and when scholarships are factored into the final calculation.

Campus Location:

• Trenton, NJ

Accreditation:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Acceptance Rate:

• 100%

Retention Rate:

• 46.1%

Graduation Rate:

• 41.5%

Financial Aid:

• Pell Grant or Federal Education Loans (Subsidized Stafford Loan and the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan)

What’s Unique About The School:

• Programs are designed for working adults.
• One of the best generous transfer credit programs.
• Offer a free 2-course trial.
• The school website offers Financial Aid Shopping Sheet to help students compute the estimate of the cost and find more about possible financial assistance options so they can compare TESU to other schools.

---

University of Alabama

The University of Alabama’s online programs are administered by the school’s Bama by Distance Department and provide some of the most economical online bachelor’s and master’s degrees available, especially for such a well-known public university.

Alabama online students have access to the same resources, care, and attention as on-campus students, as well as a selection of more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs, far more than most schools.

Upon acceptance, students join a vast network of professionals, faculty members, and alumni, all of whom provide ongoing support to one another both inside and outside of their academic pursuits.

Undergraduate tuition at the University of Alabama is $375 per credit hour, while graduate tuition is $420 per credit hour.

Thanks to this pricing, the University of Alabama is one of the most affordable online universities on our list. But don’t write it off as a diploma mill!

Renowned ranking agencies such as US News & World Report and Business Insider have named the university one of the country’s best public universities.

Its business, education, and engineering programs, and its law school, which was named the third-best public law school by Business Insider, are among the most prominent of its many degree programs.

Campus Location:

• Tuscaloosa, AL

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission

Acceptance Rate:

• 82.7%

Retention Rate:

• 88%

Graduation Rate:

• 68.3%

Financial Aid:

• Grants
• Scholarships
• Loans

What’s Unique About The School:

• UA’s online classes are asynchronous, but some demand in-person involvement in discussions and group projects.
• Students can enroll in a blended program, which combines the convenience of online learning with the structure of a traditional classroom setting.
• Students can take their exams online or at a testing facility affiliated with the university.

---

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

This university is a low-cost online school that offers excellent Business, Education, and Nursing degrees, among other programs. Business and psychology are two of the most popular majors at this prestigious university. 

US News & World Report has honored UTPB in various ways, including the “Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs among Texas Public Universities,” and it is now receiving acclaim for its inexpensive online courses!

Undergraduate tuition is $303.71/credit hour, while graduate tuition is $326.71/credit hour. There’s no doubt about it: these are some of the most affordable online schools available!

Campus Location:

• Odessa, TX

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission

Acceptance Rate:

• 88.3%

Retention Rate:

• 68%

Graduation Rate:

• 49.2%

Financial Aid:

• Student Loans
• Grants
• Scholarships

What’s Unique About The School:

• The flexibility of the curriculum at UT Permian Basin is considered one of the best. There is a schedule for everyone, which is especially useful if you work night shifts.

---

West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is a diverse, supportive, and inexpensive online university with a wide selection of undergraduate and graduate programs. Liberal arts and humanities disciplines and nursing and business degrees are the majors that produce the most graduates.

Students find a solid educational community and take pride in their school in the virtual classroom, fostering a welcoming camaraderie attitude.

Many programs also offer projects and rotations conducted within a student’s community, allowing them to gain a more profound knowledge of their major’s fundamentals while still benefiting from the advantages of an excellent online school.

West Texas A&M University’s tuition is around $50 per credit hour for in-state students and $80 per credit hour for out-of-state students, depending on the degree program.

Students can also enroll in various low-cost online college courses, such as chemistry, communication, and criminal justice. Many of these classes are also self-paced, allowing students to work at their own pace online.

Campus Location:

• Canyon, TX

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission

Acceptance Rate:

• 68.9%

Retention Rate:

• 66%

Graduation Rate:

• 42.9%

Financial Aid:

• Student Loan
• Emergency Loan

What’s Unique About The School:

• Resident applicants are guaranteed to be a part of tuition funding programs.

---

Columbia College

This low-cost online college has been listed in various rankings and directories that detail the cheapest, fastest, and best distance education degrees. 

Columbia College now accommodates tens of thousands of online students. Students can choose from 28 associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degrees, with over 800 courses.

Some of the most well-known degrees, such as General Business and Human Services, are situated within the Business Administration Departments. Columbia College charges $375 per credit hour for undergraduate programs and $490 per credit hour for graduate programs. 

Furthermore, US military members are eligible for reduced tuition rates of $250 per credit hour for undergraduate degrees and $325 per credit hour for graduate degrees.

Columbia College has some of the cheapest online tuition per credit hour in the state, if not the country, because online students can apply for scholarships and grants just like their on-campus counterparts.

Campus Location:

• Columbia, MO

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission

Retention Rate:

• 99%

Graduation Rate:

• 43.3%

Financial Aid:

• Scholarships
• Military-affiliated benefit

What’s Unique About The School:

• Columbia University’s financial aid program is among the strongest in the country. The school provides considerable need-based grants to lower-income students, decreasing the cost of college to almost $0 in some cases.
• The school gives credit for non-traditional learning events or life experiences.

---

Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University has recently received praise for its cost-effective online offerings. The Bachelor of Computer Science is one such degree; however, several undergraduate and graduate degrees are available.

Before applying, students should look at the sample degree plans on the ENMU website to see if the majors are a suitable fit.

This low-cost online school is accredited by several organizations and authorities and offers only the best education. Eastern New Mexico University charges residents $166.50 per credit hour plus fees, non-residents $249.75 per credit hour plus fees, and resident and non-resident graduate students $293.50 per credit hour plus expenses.

ENMU’s dual enrollment program also offers low-cost online college courses for credit. While still in high school, interested students can take several of their 100 and 200 level, or freshman and sophomore, classes here.

Taking these programs has many advantages, including pursuing hobbies that aren’t available in high school and an easier transition to college life.

Campus Location:

• Portales, NM

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission

Retention Rate:

• 59%

Graduation Rate:

• 38.4%

Financial Aid:

• Scholarship
• Grants
• Stipend
• Student Assistance
• Waiver

What’s Unique About The School:

• Online students can receive free tutoring from the school. Learners can usually take proctored tests at designated locations in their community.

---

American Public University

Students can enroll in American Public University’s six schools and pay a low tuition fee for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The low-cost online courses were created in partnership with specialists from various industries worldwide to provide students with the best chances, experience, and information possible.

Professors are thought leaders in their fields, and APU sponsors forums and discussions with other experts regularly, providing them with significant networking opportunities.

Undergraduate tuition at American Public University is $285 per credit hour, while graduate tuition is $370. The discounted tuition rates accessible to students linked with the United States Military are part of its attractiveness as an affordable online education.

Campus Location:

• Charles Town, WV

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission

Acceptance Rate:

• 100%

Retention Rate:

• 76%

Graduation Rate:

• 22%

Financial Aid:

• Grants
• Scholarships

What’s Unique About The School:

• AMU is an excellent school for the military and is very accepting of active-duty military life.

---

Grantham University

Grantham University offers more than 50 low-cost online Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Certificate programs. To summarize, while it is one of the more economical online colleges on our list, its educational level is regarded as high. 

The criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration programs and Business degrees are two of Grantham’s most popular programs.

Students, particularly adult learners who begin their college programs later in life, have nothing but positive things about this affordable online university.

Grantham University’s undergraduate tuition is $295 per credit hour, and graduate tuition is $350 per credit hour.

Campus Location:

• Lenexa, KS

Accreditation:

• Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Acceptance Rate:

• 100%

Retention Rate:

• 46%

Graduation Rate:

• 24%

Financial Aid:

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Private Financial Aid
• Heroes Program

What’s Unique About The School:

• Grantham has garnered multiple accolades and recognition as an expert in online education, all while ensuring that education is accessible. Consider a laptop program that provides all new and returning students enrolled in a degree program with a brand-new Lenovo laptop at no cost.

---

Florida International University

Florida International University is a low-cost online university that offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs. FIU has appeared on many lists and rankings that have indexed the best online resources and degrees.

Students have limitless access to a variety of academic perks and have the opportunity to learn from award-winning instructors who also offer on-campus courses.

Students have complete control over their courses, allowing them to tailor their schedules to their own needs. Residents pay $212.71 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $329.77 per credit hour at Florida International University.

These are among the state’s lowest online colleges per credit hour; by comparison, Advent Health University’s tuition is around $510 per credit hour.

Campus Location:

• Miami, FL

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission

Acceptance Rate:

• 50%

Retention Rate:

• 88%

Graduation Rate:

• 54.2%

Financial Aid:

• Tuition Waiver
• Scholarship
• Grants

What’s Unique About The School:

• Military training can earn you academic credit at FIU, and these credits usually apply toward electives.
• Their online courses give students the same high-quality learning experience as on-campus students. The same professors will teach online students, and the online curriculum is equally as exciting as the on-campus classes.

---

Brigham Young University Idaho

Through a unique and innovative initiative called PathwayConnect, Brigham Young University Idaho offers exceptionally affordable online degrees. This distance education incorporates online learning, community interaction, and a spiritual framework from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Students at BYU Idaho have the opportunity to interact with one another as learners and future leaders while also having the freedom to complete their degrees on their schedules.

The PathwayConnect programs are also very reasonably priced. Brigham Young University Idaho’s tuition is $125 per credit hour for average online degrees and $73 per credit hour for degrees completed through the PathwayConnect Program, making it a very economical alternative for online students.

Campus Location:

• Rexburg, ID

Accreditation:

• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Acceptance Rate:

• 100%

Retention Rate:

• 69%

Graduation Rate:

• 56%

Financial Aid:

• Federal Financial Aid
• Private Aid

What’s Unique About The School:

• Those who aren’t sure what major they want to pursue may apply to the PathwayConnect program. It is a one-year program that teaches critical academic abilities and fulfills several general education requirements.
• Students can combine a degree with a certificate to tailor their experience.
• All of the courses follow an asynchronous curriculum and include a strong emphasis on gospel learning.

---

University of Central Florida

The UCF is a well-known, low-cost online university that offers over 80 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. UCF provides a wide range of majors, so students are sure to find something that interests them.

Hospitality and Tourism Management and Psychology majors are two of the most popular degrees sought by UCF students, demonstrating the wide variety of the program offerings.

The University of Central Florida charges residents and non-residents $105.07 per credit hour, plus a $511.06 non-resident fee for students. Residents and non-residents pay $288.16 per credit hour for graduate students, with a non-resident cost of $785.15.

UCF has a continuous presence on the list of the most affordable online institutions in the United States, with the same tuition rate for locals and non-residents.

The parity is critical in luring out-of-state students to the school’s online degree programs, which will help the school build a reputation for inclusive, high-quality education.

Campus Location:

• Orlando, FL

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission

Acceptance Rate:

• 44.4%

Retention Rate:

• 90%

Graduation Rate:

• 74.7%

Financial Aid:

• Grants
• Scholarship

What’s Unique About The School:

• Students at UCF receive the most excellent education available from an institution that is a pioneer in online learning. The school has been teaching online since the beginning, with a combined experience of 25 years.

---

Oregon State University

Oregon State University’s Extended Campus, or Ecampus, offers cheap online Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, and Certificate degrees, with various intriguing majors and minors to select from.

In particular, Computer Science, Human Development, and Public Health programs have produced a large number of graduates.

Students at OSU are adequately cared for, and they form close bonds with instructors and classmates who support them in their current and future jobs.

This online school is also an excellent fit for international students, as students come from all over the world to attend programs at OSU, making the virtual classroom a diverse learning environment for all.

Oregon State University’s tuition is $309 per credit hour, and with financial aid for online students, it’s one of the most affordable online institutions in the US.

Campus Location:

• Corvallis, OR

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission

Acceptance Rate:

• 82.3%

Retention Rate:

• 83%

Graduation Rate:

• 62.5%

Financial Aid:

• Grants

What’s Unique About The School:

• OSU is one of the best online schools that offer grants for their online students. However, this grant is only for students pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

---

Great Basin College

Great Basin College has a robust history of serving the local community and economy. A wide range of degree programs is available at the school, including associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. A variety of programs are currently offered by GBC online to less than 5,000 students every year.

They offer diverse programs related to fields such as English, Arts, Science, Early Childhood Education, Business, Statistics, Social Science, Graphic Communications, Nursing, Applied Science, and Human Services. Businesses, humanities, early childhood education, liberal arts, nursing, and liberal arts are among the most popular majors.

They offer one of the lowest tuition on this list, making this college a cheap online college option for you.  

Campus Location:

• Elko, Nevada

Accreditation:

• the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Acceptance Rate:

• 100%

Retention Rate:

• 62%

Graduation Rate:

• 23%

Financial Aid:

• Grant
• Loans
• Scholarships
• Work Study

What’s Unique About The School:

• As the leading provider of long-distance education and online education in the Silver State, Great Basin College is called “The Gold Standard in the Silver State.” 
• Online and affordable, GBC offers hundreds of courses and a wide variety of certificate and degree programs.

---

Arkansas State University

The online programs at Arkansas State University have graduated more than 10,000 students. Besides regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, Arkansas State holds national accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.

In addition to business administration and criminology, there are also political science and strategic communication programs offered online.

Students can start coursework earlier with rolling start dates throughout the year. Also, their low tuition fees for online programs make them one of the top priorities of students. 

Campus Location:

• Jonesboro, Arkansas

Accreditation:

• The Higher Learning Commission

Acceptance Rate:

• 66%

Retention Rate:

• 76%

Graduation Rate:

• 53%

Financial Aid:

• Scholarships
• Loans
• Work Study

What’s Unique About The School:

• As Arkansas’ second largest university, Arkansas State University offers more than 150 degrees, including an extensive online program, and boasts a diverse student body from around the world and across the nation.

---

Brigham University

Brigham Young University-Idaho is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Over 49,000 students attend this non-profit college around the world. BYU – Pathway Worldwide enrolls more than 15,000 students in online classes. It is possible to earn a degree online through BYU-Idaho and Ensign College. At a very affordable price, BYU offers more than 50 online certificates and degrees with certificates, associate’s, and bachelor’s programs. 

An online program that is popular includes a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, marriage and family studies, and public health. As for their associate’s degree, some of the popular programs are Family History Research and Web Design & Development.

Campus Location:

• Rexburg, Idaho

Accreditation:

• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Acceptance Rate:

• 97%

Retention Rate:

• 72%

Graduation Rate:

• 67%

Financial Aid:

• Scholarships
• Loans
• Grants
• Work Study

What’s Unique About The School:

• In the United States, it ranks third among private universities with 33,365 students. A third of the students are from Utah, and 99 percent are members of the LDS Church. Students at BYU must adhere to an honor code, a code of behavior.

---

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How vital is it to enroll in an accredited online school?

Accreditation is an essential aspect of any academic institution’s legitimacy. Accreditation is a thorough review of a program or college by an independent agency based on variables such as student support, academic excellence, and teacher credentials.

The school’s accreditation establishes that it is a reliable institution that adheres to a high quality of education. Distance learning allows students to earn undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and professional-level courses from online schools through an accreditation procedure.

Can you really find a cheap accredited online college?

When college students are looking for outstanding educational possibilities, the cost of attending a university or college is generally a factor. Many students considering a two-year degree or hoping to gain transfer credits consider community colleges as an affordable option.

Finding or searching for affordable online courses usually necessitates extensive investigation. Tuition for four-year online programs isn’t cheap, but it’s a lot less than what you’d pay at a brick-and-mortar institution.

For starters, online degree programs require less financial investment on the side of the student because they do not have to pay for school buildings, staff, or employees. There are also no commuting expenditures! Tuition at online institutions typically ranges from $100 to $400 per credit hour.

Accredited online colleges also allow students from all over the world to get their diplomas without ever leaving their homes. You don’t need to complete any trip needs or pay for expensive travel; all you need is a working computer and access to the Internet!

Did you know that qualified students can get grants, scholarships, loans, and other types of financial aid from online schools? You can probably find an online college or university that is affordable while yet providing high-quality education.

How Can You Choose Which Online College is Fit for Your Budget?

By enrolling in affordable online colleges, students can avoid spending more than they can afford on degree programs. Compared to traditional colleges, cheap online colleges provide students with a reduction in debt and out-of-pocket expenses.

In spite of the fact that online colleges allow students to save money, it is imperative that students choose a program within their budget.

The annual tuition costs of an online college may be affordable for you if you can pay them without applying for financial aid. If a student doesn’t need to request a flexible tuition payment plan, the budget might be ideal.

How Can You Avoid Out-Of-State Tuition Costs?

As an online student, you can avoid out-of-state tuition costs by attending a local college. A student attending an out-of-state public college usually pays more than an in-state student.

However, some colleges charge the same tuition to all online students, regardless of their location. Children of alumni or military members may also be eligible for tuition waivers at some colleges. And in some cases, strong academic credentials may qualify students for in-state tuition.

---

Additional Resources:

• What Is Accreditation? Why It Is Important For A College To Be Accredited?
• Your Ticket to that Dream Job: Top-Paying Online Degrees
• College Degree Levels and Career Options