Introduction: Why Choose Affordable Online Colleges?
College is one of the most expensive investments someone can make – which is why schools that offer low student fees are so excellent. An online bachelor’s degree costs $54,231 on average. But it can range from $40,926 (in-state) to $59,011 (out-of-state) in public colleges. Private colleges charge higher tuition at $62,756 for online students.
Do these numbers still seem out of reach? If you think so, you’re not alone. Many young people consider cost as a significant barrier to their college aspirations. Delaying their college entry, forgoing attendance altogether, or dropping out are common. There’s also the specter of overwhelming student debt loans.
Of course, there’s the more affordable online college alternative. But as the numbers show, it still costs a significant amount of money. You may even be tempted to take out student loans to cover the rest after financial aid.
Featured Programs
This is where affordable online colleges come into the picture. These online institutions feature low student fees and strong financial aid programs.
Both these aspects reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Low student fees mean less money coming out of your pocket. Generous financial aid results in significant online education savings.
For these reasons, we recommend affordable online colleges because of their cost-effective education. Besides affordable tuition and fees, you will spend less on on-campus expenses. You can save thousands of dollars on on-campus fees when you’re an online student. Athletic fees, campus maintenance fees, and parking fees are a few examples.
Online education also offers more flexibility and convenience. You have 24/7 access to your learning materials and learn at your own pace. Being able to maintain a good work-life is possible, a benefit if you’re a working professional. You can also attend classes from anywhere in the world with Internet access.
Affordable online colleges also offer a wide range of degree and certificate programs. With your academic credentials, career advancement opportunities are within your reach.
Indeed, online education has many benefits that on-campus education can’t provide. Reduced financial burden, increased accessibility, and improved wellness are notable benefits.
Top 10 Affordable Online Colleges with Low Student Fees
We selected these online colleges based on the following characteristics:
- Has current regional accreditation
- Offers a wide range of academic programs
- Has affordable tuition and fees
- Provides students with numerous financial aid opportunities
- Ensures positive learning experiences and offers student support services
Western Governors University
Average tuition and fees: $8,300 for bachelor’s degrees
WGU offers cost-effective online degrees for working professionals. The private, nonprofit online university uses a competency-based learning method. Students can move through their programs by proving subject mastery through competency exams. This results in time and money savings.
Students also pay a flat-rate tuition for a single term regardless of the number of courses. Low overhead contributes to low fees, too. The current e-Books and resources fee is $200 per term.
University of Florida Online
Average tuition and fees: $6,381 (in-state)
UF online is among the best value online colleges. Students enjoy affordable, accessible, and quality education with high returns on investment. The public research university charges $129.18/credit hour (in-state, online). Even out-of-state students enjoy its affordable $212.71/credit hour tuition and fees.
Georgia Southwestern State University
Average tuition and fees: $6,032 (in-state)
GSW, a state public university, is among the affordable online colleges with scholarships. These include university-wide, departmental, and need-based scholarships. The GSW Presidential Scholarship, Foundation Scholarships, and HOPE Scholarship are notable.
North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee residents pay in-state tuition. Undergraduates pay $174/credit, while graduate students pay $263/credit. Online students can apply for scholarships to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Valdosta State University
Average tuition and fees: $6,007 (in-state)
VSU, a public university, offers a comprehensive range of low-cost online degrees. Business, education and human services, and humanities and social sciences are popular.
What we love about VSU’s tuition and fee structure is the absence of hidden charges. The cost per credit for its online courses is an all-inclusive rate. There are no additional charges – the rate includes tuition, fees, and course materials. Students pay $299 per credit hour.
University of Central Florida
Average tuition and fees: $6,368 (in-state)
UCF, a public research university, has different rates for in-state and out-of-state students. The in-state tuition and fees are more affordable at $179.19 per credit. The amount includes tuition and capital improvement, financial aid, and distance learning fees. Scholarships are available.
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Average tuition and fees: $10,026 (in-state)
TAMU Commerce, a public university, charges minimal fees for online students. Mandatory and course-specific fees include laboratory, distance learning, and installment plan fees. Online students don’t pay on-campus fees, such as program delivery and property fees.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Average tuition and fees: $3,496 (in-state); $7,496 (out-of-state)
UNC Pembroke is among the most affordable universities in the UNC system. Online students pay a one-time miscellaneous fee and a per-semester fee. Online programs are in business, education, and health sciences, among others.
Fort Hays State University
Average tuition and fees: $5,430 (in-state)
FHSU offers affordable tuition and fees to its online students. Popular academic programs are in business, education, and the arts and sciences. The current undergraduate tuition is $257.33/credit hour. Graduate students pay $338.62/credit hour.
Chadron State College
Average tuition and fees: $7,834 (in-state); $7,834 (out-of-state)
CSC, a public college, has an open admissions policy. All students who apply are accepted, provided they meet the basic admission requirements. Currently, it’s only a high school diploma or equivalent. Business, education, and counseling are popular academic programs.
University of the Cumberlands
Average tuition and fees: $9,875
Despite being a private university, UC has affordable tuition and fees. Note that it’s also a Christian university that emphasizes faith-based, service-centric education. Students choose from online programs in business, education, and criminal justice, among others.
Financial Aid Programs That Help Reduce Costs
Don’t immediately assume that on-campus financial aid programs aren’t available. Online students can apply for both on-campus and online-specific financial aid opportunities. Frequently, all you need to do is ask a financial aid officer.
Here are the common financial aid programs for online students:
Grants
These are a form of non-repayable financial aid based on demonstrated financial aid. Many grants are awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, or specific characteristics.
Examples include:
- Federal grants – Pell grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and TEACH grants
- State grants – California Grant, New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship, and Maine State Grant Program
- Institutional grants, such as Harvard University’s program of meeting 100% of students’ demonstrated financial need. Check out the grants offered by Stanford University and the University of Southern California.
While these are considered free, terms and conditions apply. Maintaining satisfactory grades and meeting service obligations are common.
Scholarships
These are also financial aid opportunities that don’t need repayment. Their eligibility criteria include demonstrated financial need and merit. Academic achievement, leadership potential, and athletic ability are common merit-based criteria. Artistic or creative talent is also common.
Examples include:
- Federal scholarships – National Merit Scholarship and Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship
- State scholarships – Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship
- Institutional scholarships – The Stanford Fund, USC’s Trustee Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and Dean Scholarship programs, and the NYU Stern Scholarship
- Private and corporate scholarships – Gates Millennium Scholars Program, Coca-Cola Scholars Program, and Google Scholarships
Work-study programs
These are financial aid programs where students engage in part-time employment. Their places of employment are in on-campus and off-campus sites. The main purpose of work-study programs is for students to earn money to pay for their education expenses.
Examples include:
- Federal Work-Study (FWS) program
- State work-study programs, such as those administered by California and Texas
- Institutional work-study programs – Check with your online college’s financial aid or student employment office if any
Jobs include library assistant, research assistant, and administrative assistant.
Military and veteran benefits
The United States military offers many educational benefits for active-duty service members and veterans. These educational benefits are covered through several laws, including:
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 100% coverage of tuition and fees in public institutions. Housing and book allowances are available, too.
- The Montgomery GI Bill offers up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans and Selected Reserve members.
- The Yellow Ribbon Program provides veterans with education benefits not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Check out these programs, too:
- Veteran Readiness and Employment
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
- Tuition Assistance
- State-specific benefits, such as Texas’ Hazelwood Act
Employer tuition assistance
Ask your employer about possible educational benefits. Common examples include reimbursements to employees and direct payments to schools.
Examples include:
- Starbucks College Achievement Plan
- Amazon Career Choice Program
- AT&T Tuition Assistance
- Walmart Live Better U Program
Student loans
These aren’t free financial aid per se. You must repay the amount borrowed plus the corresponding interest. Be careful about taking out student loans without reliable information.
Examples include:
- Federal student loans – Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans
- Federal student loan repayment plans
- Loan forgiveness programs
- Private student loans
These financial aid opportunities are necessary to reduce out-of-pocket costs for your education. Grab every opportunity that comes.
How to Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Fill out the FAFSA form first. Be sure that your personal and financial information is correct, complete, and updated.
- Create your FSA identification. You and your parent may be required to create it.
- Gather the required documents. Federal tax returns, Social Security numbers, and W-2s, among others, contain your financial information.
- Submit your completed FAFSA. For the 2024-2025 academic year, it was available starting on October 1, 2023, with the deadline for submission on June 30, 2025. But check with your school since its deadline for submission may be different from the federal deadline.
- If necessary, complete and submit your CSS Profile. It is an online application for non-federal financial aid offered by certain colleges and universities. Most Ivy League and many prestigious private universities, such as Stanford, MIT and Duke, use it.
- Research for grants and scholarships. Use scholarship databases and search engines. Ask your school’s financial aid office for information. Check with professional organizations, corporations, and community charitable foundations.
- Apply to as many financial aid programs as possible as early as you can.
Conclusion: Maximizing Value in Online Education
If you want to reduce your out-of-pocket costs, choose an affordable online college. You can enjoy affordable tuition and fees as well as financial aid opportunities. While you won’t get a 100% free online education, your cost savings will make it seem so.
Don’t hesitate to apply for financial aid whenever it’s available. You will agree that it’s among the best ways to reduce student loan debt and enjoy academic success. Be sure to ask for help when you become overwhelmed with the financial aid process.