Low-Cost Housing for Online College Students: Solutions for a Comfortable Education

Introduction to Low-Cost Housing Options for Online Students

As we all know, the United States of America is one of the most expensive places to live in. The average working class in the country spends 20-30% of their paychecks on housing. Depending on where you live, you can even spend up to 40% of your salary on housing (this doesn’t include utility bills).

As a student, you cannot spend that much percentage of your salary or your parents’ on housing alone. College involves a lot of costs, so it’s important to always look for ways to cut costs and find budget-friendly options for everything.

Affordable housing is not just a matter of comfort; it’s a crucial factor in your academic success. When you don’t have to worry so much about high rent, you’ll be able to focus more on paying tuition and studying. However, locating low-cost housing for online college students can be much harder than finding one as an on-campus student.

Low-cost housing for online college students is just as important as for on-campus students. Yet, online students still face stigma and aren’t given enough priority. Because they’re believed to have lower overall educational spending, many think they won’t have as much financial stress as their peers.

Let’s explore some of the popular colleges with low-cost housing for online college students.

Related Articles:

• Cost of College Room & Board: Understanding College Housing
• Colleges with the Most Affordable Housing Options

Online Colleges Offering On-Campus or Off-Campus Housing

University of Florida

Cost of On-Campus Housing: $2,129 (Traditional Triple) – $5,058 (Suite Single) Fall 2024 through Summer 2025

The University of Florida is one of the most affordable schools, whether you’re pursuing an online or on-campus degree. Online undergraduate students at UF Online pay an average of $3,876 per year in tuition. In addition to low tuition, you can also apply for financial aid to further reduce the total cost of your degree.

UF has among the most affordable housing options for college students. If you don’t want to stay in on-campus housing but want to be close to the campus while studying online, you can search for rentals in the Gainesville area, which has an average rent of $1,600 a month.

Texas A&M University- College Station

Cost of On-Campus Housing: Start at $1,244 per month

Texas A&M University- College Station is known for its excellence, accessibility, and affordability. TAMU consistently offers high-quality education at a reasonable cost.

Furthermore, TAMU’s on-campus housing has been ranked as one of the most vibrant communities, with more than 11,000 residents. The cheapest housing option for students, which online students can also apply for, is $1,244 for a one-bedroom/one-bath apartment in The Gardens Apartments. The most expensive is the single room at the Hullabaloo Hall, which is rated at $6,994 per month.

University of Kansas

Cost of Off-Campus Housing: $1,020 per month

The University of Kansas, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is one of the cheapest places to live. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Lawrence costs $1,020 per month, which is 28.7% lower than the national average of $1,430. If you’re an incoming first-year student, you can also live at KU’s on-campus housing, which costs anywhere between $1,618 and $5,920 per semester.

On-campus housing might be costly upfront; however, if you see the bigger picture, you’ll be able to save more on other costs. For one, the rent includes internet, water, electricity, and security features. The disadvantage, however, is that you’ll have a shared bedroom.

Eastern Illinois University

Cost of Off-Campus Housing: $1,525.50 to $3,160 per semester

Another affordable place to live in is Charleston, Illinois. According to BestPlaces, Charleston’s cost of living is 8% lower than the national average. Eastern Illinois University is among the best affordable online colleges with housing options.

EIU’s University Court housing emphasizes an off-campus feel and on-campus convenience housing for its students. You get to manage your apartment in a safe setting, and it’s just a short walk to the campus. But like with other low-cost student housing solutions, you’ll be sharing with 2 or 3 roommates.

Ball State University

Cost of On and Off-Campus Housing: $972 per month – $2,925 per year

Ball State University offers Residence Halls, Apartments, and Conference Housing all at affordable rates. Most online students prefer the residence halls so they can still meet and work with diverse people.

However, if you’re seeking an affordable and comfortable off-campus living space near Ball State, the University Apartments is a great option. These two communities, Anthony and Scheidler, cater to upper-level single students, families, and faculty. While connected to the university, these apartments offer independence and a safe, friendly atmosphere.

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Before deciding between on-campus and off-campus housing, you should consider these points:

On-Campus Accommodation: This refers to dorms or hostels located within the university grounds. It can include apartments for married students and shared rooms for single students.

Off-Campus Accommodation: This is when you find housing outside the college, like shared homes or apartments. You’re responsible for finding a place, and leases usually last 12 months, requiring the first and last month’s rent plus a security deposit upfront.

• Cost:
  • On-Campus: Generally more expensive due to convenience.
  • Off-Campus: Prices can vary widely; sometimes cheaper, especially if you share.
• Facilities:
  • On-Campus: Easy access to libraries, gyms, dining halls, and social events.
  • Off-Campus: It depends on your choice; it may have fewer amenities but access to local shops and gyms.
• Convenience:
  • On-Campus: Shorter commutes to campus, making it easier to join campus activities.
  • Off-Campus: This may involve longer commutes but offers more independence and community experience.
• Social Life:
  • On-Campus: Easier to meet other students and join study groups.
  • Off-Campus: Quieter and more private, which may be better for studying.
• Privacy:
  • On-Campus: Shared living spaces can reduce privacy.
  • Off-Campus: More options for privacy, as you can live alone or with fewer roommates.
• Lease Terms:
  • On-Campus: Leases often follow the academic calendar.
  • Off-Campus: Typically more flexible lease options.

Housing Assistance Programs for Online Students

While the chances of online students getting housing assistance may seem low, it’s not impossible. There are several options available to you, offering hope and encouragement. These include:

• On-Campus Housing Subsidies: These can significantly lower your living expenses through reduced rent, meal plan discounts, or utility allowances.
• Off-Campus Housing Vouchers: Some schools partner with local landlords to provide vouchers that help cover a portion of your rent, making private apartments or houses more affordable.
• Emergency Housing Assistance: In cases of unexpected financial hardship, schools may offer temporary accommodations, short-term rental assistance, or resources to help you find stable housing.
• Grants and Scholarships: Certain grants and scholarships specifically help cover housing expenses. These may come from your school, private organizations, or government programs, like the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8).

Our best advice for finding cheap housing for students is to be proactive. Don’t be afraid to seek help from the school, an advisor, a friend, a mentor, or even local community organizations. The more you reach out, the better your chances of finding the right housing assistance.

Budget-Friendly Housing Solutions for Online Learners

Here’s a quick step-by-step instructions on how to find cheap housing for students:

Step 1: Find a place.

While sites like Apartments.com, Zillow, and Redfin are popular for finding affordable housing, they can be competitive, so it’s good to be proactive. Take some time to stroll through neighborhoods near campus and check out any “For Rent” signs—don’t hesitate to knock on doors.

Step 2: Fill out your FAFSA.

This is a big deal because it opens doors to federal aid, scholarships, and grants. Completing it early—and before deadlines—will set you up for success. This form can help you access funds for tuition and housing, so make it a priority!

Step 3: Search for scholarships.

Many can be applied to housing costs, too! Check your school’s website for any housing-specific scholarships. Some might automatically consider you for awards, while others might need a separate application.

Step 4: Consider roommates.

We cannot stress this enough: housing assistance for online students is rare. If you want to save on rent without relying much on housing assistance, you should look for roommates!

If you’re open to sharing, think back to your past roommate experiences to determine what qualities matter most. Remember, living with friends can be different from being a good roommate!

Step 5: Explore extra options for assistance.

If you’re feeling stuck, reach out to your college for support. They might have solutions or resources available. Here are a few college housing tips for online students to consider:

• Emergency Assistance: Organizations like Catholic Charities provide affordable living for online college students facing housing challenges, regardless of religious affiliation.
• Section 8 Housing: This program could help if you’re at risk of housing insecurity. You might qualify for student housing discounts through your local public housing agency, depending on your income.
• Federal Work-Study: This program offers part-time jobs to students with financial need. It helps cover living expenses while allowing your scholarships to go toward tuition.

Balancing Housing Costs and College Expenses

Balancing education expenses with your financial goals starts with creating a realistic budget. You need to figure out what you can afford and cut back on dining out or entertainment.

You should then consider exploring alternative financing options. Although loans are easily available, we highly recommend prioritizing gift aids like grants, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement.

Here are a few additional tips on how to increase or maintain financial stability in college:

1. Categorize your expenses into needs, wants, and savings, and rank their importance.
2. Review your budget regularly to help you stay on track with your evolving financial situation.
3. Share a room or apartment to save on living expenses.
4. Find ways to earn extra income, like taking on a part-time job or freelance work that fits around your studies.
5. Look for student discounts whenever possible. You can find student discounts when purchasing books, software, or clothes. We also recommend looking for alternatives to printed textbooks, like digital copies, as they often come cheaper.

Final Thoughts: Housing Choices to Make Online College More Affordable

On-campus and off-campus housing for online students both involve money. If you’re not careful enough with your decisions, you’ll find yourself uncomfortable, struggling, and unfocused. Remember these key points:

1. On-campus housing is expensive upfront but may save you money in the long run, as most fees already include utility. However, this housing option may limit your freedom; it’s often a shared space.
2. Off-campus housing offers more freedom and options but may become too expensive as bills pile up.

You should proactively seek financial aid and housing assistance regardless of your choice. Combining the two allows you to focus more on your coursework, increasing your chances for academic success.