Top Affordable Nonprofit Online Colleges for Budget-Conscious Students

Experts agree that affordable nonprofit online colleges are the best option for students putting budgeting at the forefront. If you’re worried about the cost of college, you’re not alone. The average cost of college is $38,270 per student per year. 

But if you’re in a private nonprofit university, it’s higher. The average on-campus student spends $58,628 per year in these institutions. Over four years, you’ll spend at least $223,360 for an undergraduate degree.  

Does that sound like an astronomical sum? Yes, it is. But there’s a solution – affordable nonprofit online colleges. These colleges and universities offer quality education at an affordable cost. 

Nonprofit online colleges can be public or private organizations. Their funding comes from the government, endowments, and tuition and fees. 

But, as their name implies, these institutions aren’t into profit-making ventures. Instead, most of their money is invested in: 

• Making their students’ college experience better 
• Offering co-curricular and extracurricular activities, such as study-abroad programs  
• Creating new programs of study 
• Improving on the existing curricula and developing innovative new ones 
• Building new on-campus facilities and maintaining existing physical infrastructure 
• Ensuring the digital infrastructure is up to standards 
• Conducting basic and applied research for humanity’s benefit 
• Improving instructional quality, such as hiring qualified professors and increasing their pay 
• Establishing community partnerships 
• Providing continuing education and other services to the general public 

Affordable nonprofit online colleges maintain their affordability in many ways, too. 

• Their “education first” mission means profits aren’t part of their planning. 
• Operational effectiveness and efficiency are emphasized. These colleges don’t spend as much money on marketing themselves as for-profit colleges. 
• Their access to diverse funding means expensive tuition isn’t passed on to students. Even their fees are lower than for-profit colleges. 
• The wide range of financial aid options means students can cover most of their costs. These colleges also have a strong commitment to affordability, too. 

Why is affordable education crucial in the first place? We can think of many reasons, including: 

• Increased access to higher education, especially among disadvantaged groups. Low-income students, people of color, and minorities are its foremost beneficiaries. 
• Improved diversity and inclusivity in colleges. With diverse perspectives, colleges are at the forefront of transformative social change. 
• Decrease in student loan debts. With the average debt at $40,681 per student, it’s a huge issue. Less student loan debt also means more financial freedom and economic stability. 
• Boost in academic performance. Students focus on their academics instead of worrying about tuition payments. 
• Increase in retention and graduation rates. Colleges use these measures to boost their reputation and, thus, attract more students. 

Indeed, nonprofit online colleges are at the forefront of affordable and accessible education.  

Why Choose Nonprofit Online Colleges?

Let’s make a brief comparison between nonprofit and for-profit colleges. This way, we can better appreciate the benefits of nonprofit colleges.  

Accreditation

Nonprofit colleges usually have regional accreditation. For-profit colleges usually have either national or regional accreditation. Their accreditation will affect credit transferability, financial aid, and industry recognition. Both, nonetheless, are acceptable. 

But if you’re looking for higher academic standards, go for nonprofit colleges. Regional accreditation carries more weight and prestige in the academe and industry.

Academic programs

Nonprofit colleges provide a wide range of academic programs. Social sciences, liberal arts and humanities, business, and STEM programs are common. There’s a balance between career-oriented and liberal arts-centric academic programs. 

For-profit colleges usually provide more job-centered or career-oriented academic programs. There’s a greater emphasis on practical fields, such as healthcare. 

Online nonprofit and for-profit colleges, nonetheless, offer synchronous and asynchronous class schedules.

Purpose and quality of education

Nonprofit colleges place greater emphasis on student learning experiences and outcomes. These schools are recognized for their high-quality education for this reason. Nonprofit colleges also have higher retention and graduation rates. 

For-profit colleges also provide quality education, particularly for career-oriented programs. But with their emphasis on revenue generation, it isn’t true for all for-profit colleges.

Cost and affordability

Nonprofit colleges are usually more affordable than for-profit colleges. There are also more financial aid opportunities at nonprofit colleges. 

With that said, here are good reasons why you should choose nonprofit online colleges.

• More affordable tuition and fees 

You’re at an advantage early on, thanks to lower tuition and fees. Then, you can apply for a wide range of financial aid opportunities. You may even earn your degree with little student loan debt. 

• More financial aid 

Nonprofit colleges have endowments, donations, and government funding where financial aid comes from. There are more scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. 

• More focus on quality of education 

Student learning experiences and outcomes take priority over profits. You will enjoy quality education thanks to rigorous academics and personalized attention. Nonprofit colleges also provide excellent student support and career development services. 

Indeed, nonprofit colleges prove that more can be better.

Top 10 Affordable Nonprofit Online Colleges

We selected these nonprofit online colleges based on these factors: 

• Have regional accreditation 
• Provide rigorous academics and quality instruction 
• Offer affordable tuition and financial aid opportunities 
• Have excellent student support and career development services 
• Known for good graduate outcomes

Brigham Young University-Idaho

• Average Tuition and Fees: $4,536
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities (NWCCU)

BYU-Idaho’s BYU-Pathway Worldwide offers budget-friendly online degrees and certificates. As an LDS Church college, academic programs have a Christian-centric approach. 

Asynchronous courses are the norm here. Mid-week and end-of-week deadlines mean flexibility for busy students.

Fort Hays State University

• Average Tuition and Fees: $5,430 (In-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) 

FHSU offers low-cost online education without compromising on world-class quality. Online students choose from over 200 degree and certificate programs. 

Expert faculty members lead class lectures and discussions. Innovative student resources promote academic success and career preparation. Writing services, free online tutoring, and technical support are available.

Valdosta State University

• Average Tuition and Fees: $6,007 (In-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Valdosta State, a comprehensive university, is among the best value online colleges. Ultra-affordable tuition combined with quality education make it so. 

Students choose from academic programs in six colleges. Academic programs offered are in science and math, arts, and business, among others.

Georgia Southwestern State University

• Average Tuition and Fees: $6,032 (In-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

GSW is a nonprofit university administered by a board of regents. Students choose from diverse academic programs offered through four colleges. Academic programs are in the arts and sciences, education, and business, among others. 

Flexibility, quality, and accessibility are the hallmarks of its online programs.

University of Florida 

• Average Tuition and Fees: $6,381 (In-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

UF offers a diverse range of cheap online degrees. But don’t mistake cheap for low quality either. The nationally-ranked university is among the nation’s best. Gators are welcome in every industry. 

Online students choose from over 25 majors in business, liberal arts, and STEM, and more. On-campus professors teach online courses. Indeed, there’s no distinction between on-campus and online programs except delivery. Check out the UF Online Student Plaza.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• Average Tuition and Fees: $7,379 (In-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

UNC Greensboro is among the best nonprofit online universities for its affordability. Students choose from over 60 online certificate and degree programs. Business, health, and arts and sciences are popular. Students can also engage in interdisciplinary studies. The unique MAC Program integrates foundational competencies, including soft skills.

Western Governors University

• Average Tuition and Fees: $8,010
• Accreditation: NWCCU

WGU is among the online colleges with low tuition for all its academic programs. Known for its competency-based learning model, it’s popular among working professionals. Students progress through their programs by proving their subject mastery. 

This is possible through competency and skills assessments. Students can complete their courses even before the semester ends. Faster completion means lower costs, too. Students also have admission-to-graduation program mentors. 

WGU doesn’t have a physical campus, and thus, it’s a truly online university. Its National Advisory Board supports the university in many ways including endowments. Google and Microsoft leaders are on the board.

Bellevue University

• Average Tuition and Fees: $8,790
• Accreditation: HLC 

Bellevue University offers cost-effective online education recognized by industries. Working professionals and adult learners are the most common online students. Small class sizes mean personalized attention and quality instruction. Students learn as a cohort in career-focused programs.

University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

• Average Tuition and Fees: $9,650 (In-state)
• Accreditation: HLC 

UW-Milwaukee, a public urban research university, is popular among budget-conscious students. There are over 50 online programs to choose from. On-campus professors teach online courses. 

UW-Milwaukee takes pride in its U-Pace online instructional approach. This consists of mastery-based learning and amplified student support services. 

University of Arkansas

• Average Tuition and Fees: $9,748
• Accreditation: HLC

UArk is a top school for online college affordability and flexibility. Affordable tuition costs combined with generous financial aid make it so. Online students pay affordable in-state tuition, too. Student support services are available through the Student Liaison Office.

Choose from among these nonprofit colleges based on your interests, goals, and finances. You will find, too, that talking to students and alumni helps. Check out your eligibility for financial aid, such as sliding-scale tuition and scholarships. 

Tips For Students Seeking Cost-Effective Educational Options and How to Find Them

Here are a few more effective tips to choose from the above nonprofit online schools. 

• Always compare colleges and programs. Make side-by-side comparisons about important aspects. Start with tuition and fees, financial aid, and faculty credentials. Consider learning management systems, flexible schedules, and student support.
• Consider public, nonprofit universities. These tend to offer more affordable education than private nonprofit colleges.
• Be an in-state student, if possible. In-state tuition is, in most cases, more affordable than out-of-state tuition, usually by a third. Note that private nonprofit colleges usually have the same tuition for all students.
• Consider accelerated and competency-based programs. You can make significant time and cost savings.
• Look into community colleges with articulation agreements with nonprofit online colleges. Community colleges usually have affordable tuition. You may earn an associate degree and transfer credits to a bachelor’s degree.
• Consider taking online courses at free or low-cost platforms. Coursera and edX are great examples.
• Always fill out the FAFSA even if you don’t think you’re qualified. Most scholarships and grants use it for reference purposes, too.
• Apply to as many scholarships and grant programs as you can. Every cent counts. Your tuition and fees may be covered, but there are other college-related expenses.
• Be proactive in your budgeting and planning. Start in your junior year in high school, if possible. But it’s also never too late to start.

Conclusion

Nonprofit online colleges are the best choices for budget-conscious students. These colleges offer affordable tuition and generous financial aid to keep costs down. Students also enjoy their flexible schedules, convenient access, and good student support. 

Be sure to consider the nonprofit online colleges featured above. You’re taking a step in the right direction if you do.