Introduction: Why Technology Costs Matter for Online Students
An online college is undoubtedly cheaper than on-campus programs. You won’t have to pay extra for overhead costs like utilities, building fees, housing, and meals. Yet, online colleges have additional costs of their own. Let’s dig into why finding an affordable online college with low-cost technology requirements is so important. Pairing a college with low-cost technology requirements with an affordable study setup can save you a lot of money.
One of the many mistakes an online college student can make is not considering other fees. Although tuition is the biggest expense, it’s not the only factor in the total cost of attendance. Another expense is study software and tools. Thankfully we’ve got you covered with our guide to open education resources.
One significant fee is technology fees. Essentially, it’s all the tech and support systems designed to help students navigate their studies and reach their goals.
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So, how much is the technology fee? The answer vastly depends from college to college. But unlike tuition, technology fees can vary in ways that aren’t always tied to the type of institution. Private and public schools might have similar tech fees, but the amount varies depending on what each school offers and demands.
If you’re on a tight budget, you should really look into fees and tech requirements associated with online colleges. Small fees for software, tools, or technical support can collectively strain your budget. Some colleges even have programs built to do on your mobile device.
In this post, we will explore ten affordable online colleges. These colleges offer cheap tuition fees and low-cost technology requirements. We will also explore financial aid opportunities you can find in these affordable online colleges.
What to Look for in Affordable Online Colleges
Many schools have been claiming they are among the most affordable online colleges. In this era where everything can seem legit, you need to do your part and double-check for yourself. Remember that sticker prices are not the total cost of attendance.
The total cost of attendance is the amount after discounts and financial aid —such as scholarships, grants, and loans—are applied. The most affordable online colleges are going out on a limb to prove their affordability by offering detailed tech requirements on their websites. Many affordable online colleges also happily assign the applicant an academic and financial advisor. One expense many students miss is the cost of exam proctoring but we’ve got you covered! We have a guide on affordable exam proctoring available.
Here are some of the factors you need to consider for budget-friendly online education:
Low-cost technology requirements
Some colleges require their students to have the latest technology, which can be an additional cost. Look for schools with minimal or reasonable tech requirements to avoid unexpected expenses. Many affordable online colleges require the following tech requirements only:
- A device with at least 4GB of RAM and a recent operating system.
- Reliable internet connection.
- Basic models of webcam and microphone.
- Discounts on software.
Tech support
As an online student, you need to ensure that the college offers tech support. Many cheap online colleges even offer 24/7 access to tech support to ensure that online students don’t miss out on a thing. While affordability is important, this should be an essential when it comes to low-cost technology requirements for schools.
Financial aid
This is the biggest element that helps you lower the total cost of online education.
Financial aid can offset the tuition and fees you pay in an online college.
Financial aid comes in two main types:
- Gift aid. This includes scholarships and grants that do not need to be repaid.
- Loans. These usually have low interest but must be repaid unless forgiven under certain conditions.
The List: 10 Online Colleges with Low-Cost Technology Requirements
University of Florida
As a UF Online student, you receive the same degree and take courses taught by the same faculty as on-campus students, but at a 40% lower cost. To be admitted to UF Online, you should meet their tech requirements as follows:
- Intel 8th Gen i5 or i7 processor
- 16GB of RAM
- 500GB hard drive
- A basic physical keyboard, a pointing device, and a webcam
- Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) for best software compatibility, though other operating systems are acceptable.
- Minimum battery life of 2 hours
- Wireless (Wi-Fi 802.11b) connectivity
University of Southern Mississippi
Southern Miss offers among the cheapest online degree programs for out-of-state students. It provides quality courses at a low cost without charging extra for non-residents. The same on-campus faculty members and seasoned experts teach each program.
The minimum technology needs for online learning include:
- Windows 10 operating system
- 2.4 GHz CPU
- 4 GB RAM
- 256 MB memory
- 256 GB hard drive
- 17 inches monitor
- 802.11b/g/n compliant or USB adapter
- Microsoft Office 365
- 1-year onsite manufacturer’s warranty
Did you know that Southern Miss is popular for loaner laptops? This can be a huge help for those looking to check all the boxes for low-cost technology requirements, especially if you don’t have the required technology or encounter any personal device issues.
Weber State University
Weber State Online has slightly different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students, but they’re still among the cheapest options. In-state students pay $182 per credit, while out-of-state students pay $291. These rates are lower than the national average for online programs, typically around $400 per credit hour.
Here’s Weber State Online’s laptop policy:
- 15″ screen or larger is preferred
- 16 GB RAM
- 256 GB Storage (500 GB Preferred)
- i7 / Quad-Core i5 / Ryzen Equivalent
- Webcam & Mic (built-in or external)
- WIFI 6
- Windows, OSX, or Linux
Dakota State University
Dakota State University is one of the top cost-effective online schools, offering low tuition and fees for high-quality programs. Beyond cost-saving opportunities, DSU can provide full-time freshmen Fujitsu or Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga laptops through its Wireless Mobile Computing Initiative. This program equips students with pre-installed software and full network access, aiming to enhance their learning experience and technological skills.
Pennsylvania State University
While the $8,288 per semester at Penn State World Campus may seem expensive, it reflects the high quality of education and resources provided. Yet, with the vast financial aid opportunities, online students find support to help manage the costs.
Additionally, the World Campus is known for giving laptop deals to students, further easing the financial burden. These deals often include discounted or free laptops, ensuring students have access to the necessary technology for their coursework.
American National University
American National University is yet another university known for handing out free laptops and academic software to all domestic students. To ensure students have the tools they need before online courses start, these computers are shipped to students about a week before the semester starts. Up to the master’s degree, ANU’s academic offerings are mostly concentrated in three major fields: technology, business, and medicine.
Florida International University
Located in Miami, Florida, Florida International University offers around 150 online degrees, certificates, and minors. About 37,000 students are enrolled in fully online courses, with many benefiting from free or low-cost materials thanks to the Affordability Counts program. Plus, the university is known for its diverse community, with 61% of students identifying as Hispanic.
FIU’s personal computer requirements are:
- Windows 7 and newer
- Mac OSX 10.6 and newer
- Linux – ChromeOS
- 2GHz processor
- 1GB of RAM
Penn West University
Clarion University has over 7,000 students and offers smaller class sizes, which means you get more personal attention from your professors. Its online degree programs are popular because they focus on personalized learning experiences. For online courses at Clarion, you’ll only need a computer with the latest operating system for Windows or MAC with at least 8GB and basic computer accessories like a keyboard, mouse, and headset.
California State University
California State University leads in offering free laptop programs for students in 2024. Bakersfield’s STEP Program provides free laptops to those with financial need. On the other hand, East Bay and Fullerton offer all students laptops for checkout each semester, ensuring broad access to essential technology.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is known for its online education, with over 70 degree programs for adult learners. It offers affordable options, including a Laptop Rental Program with a $250 deposit. This first-come, first-served initiative shows Saint Leo’s dedication to supporting student success in both online and campus-based programs.
But if you don’t get selected for the program, you must secure these technology requirements:
- At least 256 GB of hard drive disc space (preferably higher)
- 8 GB of RAM or higher
- Dual Core or higher processor
- Windows 10 or higher or Mac OSX version 10.8.5 Mountain Lion
- Office 365
- Adobe PDF 9,0
How to Prepare for Online Education on a Budget
Preparing laptop requirements for online colleges can be challenging. Each university has its own set of tech requirements, which varies based on the specific needs of different programs. If you’re yet to buy new devices, we advise you to ask your prospective online college before purchasing.
Nevertheless, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Consider refurbished models from affordable but sturdy brands like Acer, Lenovo, and ASUS.
- Opt for a decent pair of headphones with a built-in microphone for clear audio during virtual classes. Consider brands like Logitech or Creative.
- If your laptop doesn’t have a built-in camera, a budget-friendly external webcam.
- Use reputable free antivirus software such as Avast or AVG to protect your device.
- Make it clear to the Internet provider that you’re a student to ask for discounts and special offers.
Online colleges will often have their own software requirements. If so, you should ask the university or look around for software discounts before purchasing. This strategy will help you effectively plan education on a budget.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Technology Costs
One of the initiatives made by private organizations and colleges to offer affordable online education for low-income students is providing targeted financial aid and scholarships. Did you know you can get discounted or free laptops for college through various programs?
Explore these programs offering free/discounted laptops for college students:
College or University Programs
Some schools provide free laptops to students based on need. Check your college’s tech assistance policies for eligibility.
Computers With Causes
This nonprofit offers free, refurbished laptops to students, teachers, and low-income families through donations.
Dell Scholars Program
Provides $20,000, a free laptop, textbook credits, and support to 500 students annually who meet certain academic and financial criteria.
On It Foundation
Supplies laptops to K-12 students from low-income families who qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch. Students may need to wait until a computer is available.
ConnectAll
Offers discounted refurbished laptops and accessories to eligible low-income individuals, including students.
Notebooks for Students
Provides discounted refurbished laptops and tablets from brands like Apple and Dell for students of all educational levels.
PCs for People
Refurbishes and sells discounted laptops to students receiving need-based government assistance.
Conclusion: Making Affordable Online Education Accessible
College requires a major investment in time, energy, and money. Beyond tuition, students often face costs for technology. Some colleges demand and charge more for tech requirements than others. For more savings, check out this guide to affordable online learning software.
Consider the ten colleges we’ve listed if you’re on a budget. Beyond offering various types of financial aid to offset tuition costs, these colleges are also known for requiring minimal tech investments, allowing students to hit all of the low-cost technology requirements You should also explore the internet to find financial aid programs that can offset tech costs.