Online universities provide a cost-effective way to earn a degree while maintaining flexibility. Many accredited institutions offer affordable tuition rates without compromising quality. This guide ranks the top 20 most affordable online universities, detailing their pros, cons, and key highlights to help you find the best option for your education and budget.
What Makes an Online University Affordable?
The following factors contribute to an online university’s affordability:
✅ Low Tuition Rates – Universities with reasonable per-credit-hour costs. ✅ Financial Aid & Scholarships – Institutions offering strong financial aid packages. ✅ Competency-Based Learning – Programs allowing students to graduate faster and save money. ✅ No Additional Fees – Schools that minimize hidden costs (e.g., technology fees, textbooks). ✅ Employer Tuition Assistance – Universities partnering with employers for tuition benefits.
The 20 Most Affordable Online Universities (Ranked)
🎓 1. University of Florida Online
- Tuition: $129 per credit (in-state)
- Pros: Highly ranked programs, affordable tuition.
- Cons: Limited online course variety.
- Website: https://ufonline.ufl.edu
🎓 2. University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- Tuition: $159 per credit (in-state)
- Pros: Low tuition, strong business programs.
- Cons: Fewer online graduate programs.
- Website: https://www.uncp.edu/academics/online-learning
🎓 3. Western Governors University (WGU)
- Tuition: $3,850 per term (flat rate)
- Pros: Competency-based learning, self-paced.
- Cons: Requires self-discipline and motivation.
- Website: https://www.wgu.edu
🎓 4. Great Basin College
- Tuition: $110 per credit
- Pros: One of the lowest tuition rates in the U.S.
- Cons: Limited program offerings.
- Website: https://www.gbcnv.edu
🎓 5. Arkansas State University Online
- Tuition: $251 per credit (undergraduate)
- Pros: Strong financial aid options, respected degree programs.
- Cons: Some programs require on-campus components.
- Website: https://www.astate.edu/online
🎓 6. Georgia Southern University Online
- Tuition: $182 per credit (in-state)
- Pros: Low tuition, strong online business and education programs.
- Cons: Out-of-state tuition is higher.
- Website: https://online.georgiasouthern.edu
🎓 7. Eastern New Mexico University Online
- Tuition: $166 per credit (in-state)
- Pros: Affordable tuition, respected business programs.
- Cons: Limited graduate programs.
- Website: https://www.enmu.edu/academics/online-learning
🎓 8. Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Tuition: $170 per credit
- Pros: Recognized public university, strong alumni network.
- Cons: Limited STEM programs online.
- Website: https://online.tamuc.edu
🎓 9. Valdosta State University Online
- Tuition: $186 per credit
- Pros: Flexible online degree options, good student support.
- Cons: Fewer advanced degree programs.
- Website: https://www.valdosta.edu/academics/online-programs.php
🎓 10. University of Wyoming Online
- Tuition: $139 per credit (in-state)
- Pros: Low tuition, strong financial aid packages.
- Cons: Limited online master’s programs.
- Website: https://www.uwyo.edu/online
🎓 11-20 (More Affordable Online Universities)
- 11. Fort Hays State University – https://www.fhsu.edu/virtualcollege
- 12. University of Arkansas Grantham – https://www.grantham.edu
- 13. Columbia Southern University – https://www.columbiasouthern.edu
- 14. Troy University Online – https://www.troy.edu/online
- 15. Mississippi State University Online – https://www.online.msstate.edu
- 16. South Texas College Online – https://www.southtexascollege.edu/online
- 17. University of Maine at Augusta – https://www.uma.edu/online
- 18. American Public University System – https://www.apus.edu
- 19. Middle Georgia State University – https://www.mga.edu/online
- 20. Bemidji State University Online – https://www.bemidjistate.edu
Related Resources from BADA EDU
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