Online colleges with low student fees are on track to be the new normal educational pathway.
Fast fact: The college student dropout rate is currently at 5.3%. While that number might not seem too high, the rising cost of education could cause it to double in just a few years. In fact, US colleges and universities are preparing to face a record number of students dropping out.
Why?
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For one, living expenses have surged significantly. Paired with skyrocketing tuition and school materials, pursuing a degree today gives students a hefty financial burden. While financial aid like scholarships and grants are available, they’re often not enough to cover the full cost of education.
So what do students do? They take out loans.
Loans can help you pay for your degree, but they have downsides. After you graduate, you’ll need to repay them, and often, the interest you owe can be more than the amount you borrowed. This quickly affects your return on investment.
More and more online colleges with low student fees are rising. These programs can greatly help those who find traditional education too expensive.
Online colleges with low student fees will help you focus more on your studies. You no longer need to work triple shifts to pay for on-campus costs like housing, daily commutes, or campus fees. This makes education more affordable and easier to manage.
Plus, online learning gives you more flexibility. Most online colleges with low student fees also have flexible learning options. You can have maximum control over your schedule, allowing you to juggle work, studies, and other obligations effectively.
This article looks at affordable online colleges and what they offer. It shows how these schools make higher education easier and more accessible. They provide affordable online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, giving you a practical and budget-friendly way to reach your educational and career goals.
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Top 10 Affordable Online Colleges
University of Florida
In-state tuition cost: $129 per credit
The University of Florida (UF) is a highly affordable college in the US known for producing Fullbright Scholars. UF Online has offered online degree programs since 2014.
The university’s mission is centered on teaching, research, scholarship, and service. With over 11,000 active projects and 13 startups, students can access self-service functionality through a portal and the 24/7 UF Computing Help Desk.
San Diego State University
In-state tuition cost: $396 per unit
San Diego State University offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various fields. Students can choose between fully online or hybrid formats for their courses. They also have access to financial aid options, including specialized support for veterans.
Florida State University
In-state tuition cost: $212.71
Florida State University provides distance learning programs with various benefits. FSU offers discounted tuition and waived fees for student health, transportation, and campus facilities. Its online students enjoy lower per-credit tuition rates compared to those on campus.
Additionally, some graduate programs at FSU offer reduced rates for out-of-state distance learners. The courses are delivered through a mix of live (synchronous) and pre-recorded (asynchronous) lectures.
National University
Tuition cost: $370
National University in San Diego is a top choice for online degrees. They offer almost all of their 100 degree and certificate programs online, including nursing, business, criminal justice, and human resource management. Students can complete their degree fully online or choose a hybrid option with some campus visits.
Florida International University
In-state tuition cost: $205.57
Florida International University offers eight online undergraduate concentrations. These include event management, food innovation, spirits management, information technology, and the Internet of Things. First-year applicants should submit ACT or SAT scores and proof of Florida residency for low tuition rates.
Liberty University
In-state tuition cost: $390
Liberty is one of the schools that has maintained its low-cost online education. It practices a tuition freeze, meaning it doesn’t immediately increase its tuition rates.
Unlike other schools, Liberty lets you pay the amount you have agreed upon upon enrollment, even if tuition increases. It helps students avoid rising costs and stick to their budgets. Liberty also provides scholarships and flexible payment plans to make earning a degree easier on the wallet.
Southern New Hampshire University
In-state tuition cost: $330
Southern New Hampshire University is a top-recommended school for transfer students. SNHU lets students transfer up to 90 credits from other colleges or universities. You can also complete an associate’s degree at SNHU.
Online students may only spend 10-15 hours per week on classwork, making it perfect for students with full-time jobs. Yet, some classes are structured with specific days for online submissions of discussion contributions, homework, and quizzes. Halfway through, there’s a final project check-in, which really motivates students to stop putting things off too much.
Western Governors University
Average yearly: $8,300
Western Governors University is one of the best budget-friendly online colleges. It uses a unique learning method called competency-based education, which allows students to complete a degree in as little as 2.5 years. WGU provides bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, IT, teaching, and health professions, including nursing.
Students receive personalized help from three faculty members: a program mentor, a course instructor, and an evaluator. These interactions, either by phone or online, ensure students stay on track and succeed.
Georgia State University
In-state tuition cost: $95
Georgia State University is among the cheapest online colleges. Students can pick from twelve fully online bachelor’s degrees, including programs for finishing degrees they started elsewhere. There are also hybrid programs that mix online and in-person classes.
The same teachers who work on campus also teach online classes, so students get the same quality education. The big benefit of online learning is the flexibility, which helps students with busy lives fit their studies around other responsibilities.
Petersburg College
In-state tuition cost: $111.75
St. Petersburg College is Florida’s first two-year college. Today, SPC offers over 180 bachelor’s degree and certificate programs online. They also offer high-demand, high-skill workforce certifications.
SPC is also named one of the best online colleges under $10,000.
SPC collaborates with industry experts to create a career-focused curriculum that prepares students for the 21st-century workplace. Its strong online education practices make it a top choice for future educators.
Benefits of Low-Cost Online Education
eLearning was mainly used to support long-distance learning and enhance classroom experiences. Back then, eLearning couldn’t fully mimic the experience of being in a physical classroom, but it offered new ways to learn from a distance.
eLearning has evolved significantly. With advanced technology and better tools, students can now participate in live discussions, access various resources, and engage in hands-on activities online. This makes eLearning a solid alternative to attending traditional, on-campus colleges.
Flexibility and convenience are often praised as key benefits of online education. However, online education savings have become the most important factor for many students when choosing a learning format.
American college students face more expenses than just tuition. If they live on campus, they must pay for housing and meals, which can greatly increase their student loans. Out-of-state students might spend $10,000 to $20,000 yearly on room and board, not including other costs like application fees or entertainment.
Online education helps save money by allowing students to stay at home, cutting housing costs. Many online courses also provide free digital textbooks; renting eBooks has become easier and cheaper. Technology has improved over the past decade, making using tools like high-speed internet and tablets more affordable.
Online learning also reduces transportation costs. Students don’t need to pay for parking, tolls, or fuel; they can complete their courses from home.
According to the Education Data Initiative, cost-effective online degrees save students over $31,000.
How to Find the Right Budget-Friendly Online College
When searching for online colleges for budget-conscious students, consider the following:
Accreditation
Do not choose a school only for its low tuition online programs. Always check if the online college is accredited. Choosing an unaccredited college causes problems with transferring credits, getting licensed or certified, and finding a job.
Make it a habit to check that the college is currently accredited. Start by looking at its website for accreditation logos. Next, visit the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation lists to double-check the validity.
Location
Many students enroll in public universities inside their home state to save money. Generally speaking, in-state students pay less in tuition than out-of-state students. Additionally, completing some online programs could be more difficult if the college is out of state and requires sporadic campus visits.
If your in-state schools don’t offer the program you’re interested in or if they don’t meet your expectations, look into state reciprocity agreements. These agreements allow students to attend public state colleges in neighboring states at in-state rates. This can be a cost-effective way to access programs unavailable in your home state while benefiting from lower tuition costs.
You can also look for online universities with flat-rate tuition policies, usually private schools. However, certain online public colleges may offer reduced tuition fees to all students, regardless of their place of residence.
Financial Aid Packages
Even though accredited online schools provide financial help, the types and amounts of aid they offer can vary. Explore all available options to find the best financial support for your needs.
Consider these few quick tips on how to avail financial aid:
- Begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form determines whether or not you are eligible for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.
- Check the school’s finance aid office for information about scholarships, grants, and payment plans they may offer specifically for online students.
- Look for external scholarships and grants. You can search from organizations, foundations, and your place of work.
Conclusion
Taking out hefty student loans can defeat the purpose of a college degree, which is to earn more. These loans are accessible but can be harmful to your future finances.
You should start by exploring affordable online colleges. If these schools offer the programs you need, are accredited, and won’t leave you with massive debt, they can be a smart choice for your education.