For students looking for cheap online degrees, the colleges listed below bring cheap online degrees right to your fingertips so you can get a high-quality education at a low cost. Another benefit of attending college online is that students can often continue to work full time and tend to family obligations while earning their degree. For many students, working on a degree from home is simply a better way to learn. An online degree is just as valid as a degree from a brick and mortar institution. In fact, online degrees represent some of the best values available in higher education today. The table of content will help you navigate this article easily.
Do Employers like Online Degrees?
One fact that is often overlooked is that graduates of online degree programs earn the exact same degree as on-campus students. However, most prospective employers would rarely know the difference. What employers most often look for when evaluating your qualifications is the reputation of the institution. Employers may be wary of a title from one of these big for-profit title mills, but most are not at odds with online titles. To ensure potential employers take your degree seriously, explore your school’s relationship with the local business community.
Is there any Free Online Colleges?
There are several accredited colleges and universities that will allow you to take college courses and even some that will allow you to earn a degree for little or no money. Some of these schools require you to have a natural talent in a specific field, such as music. However, there are universities open to religious studies, engineering, and many other fields that may be of interest to you. Free online education is available thanks to many people who donate to education and the founders of these schools who believe in higher education for all. Free online degrees exist in established traditional schools, like MIT, Utah State University, and the University of Massachusetts. Here are some of the best free online degree by subject area. Continue reading.
The 20 Top Cheap Online Degrees Ranking Methodology
Selection Criteria
For the purposes of this ranking, qualifying schools are defined as public or private non-profit/not-for-profit colleges and universities with well-developed graduate programs that have a significant online presence. This means schools that offer at least 15 master’s degrees (in total), at least 10 of which are available online.
Ranking Factors
To identify the colleges with the best cheap online master’s degrees, we primarily considered three factors. First, we calculated eligible schools’ average tuition cost per credit using in-state and out-of-state tuition data from the National Center for Education Statistics’ Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). This measure of affordability accounted for 30% of each school’s final score. We also evaluated each college’s focus on undergraduate education, both overall and specifically regarding online learning. To do this, we considered both the total number of online bachelor’s degrees that each school offers and the percentage of all undergraduate degrees that it offers online. High scores in both categories indicate a significant commitment – regarding both time and resources – to online undergraduate education. These measures accounted for 60% of each school’s final score (30% x 2). Lastly, we paid attention to “extra” features that enhance the online learning experience for students. Specifically, we looked at whether or not each school offers course credit for past experience and/or evening and weekend classes. These measures accounted for 10% of each school’s final score (5% x 2). Note that after we had tallied all the results, we rated the final scores on a curve so that the college with the best cheap online master’s degrees (ranked #1) earned the maximum 100 points
List of 20 Top Cheap Online Degrees Ranking Methodology
#20. Saint Leo University
As one of U.S. News and World Report’s best values for regionally accredited Online college degrees, it’s no surprise that Saint Leo University also earns a spot on our list. Because the school seeks to replicate the on-campus experience for online learners, you’ll have access to real-time financial information, schedules, grades, and more. You’ll also interact with classmates in discussion-based courses aimed at fostering lively debate. And if you’re a veteran or active-duty serviceperson, Saint Leo has plenty to offer, from special military scholarships to a military-friendly admissions process. In fact, the school is proud to be the sixth-largest U.S. provider of higher education to military personnel. It is one of the colleges for a cheap degree online. Although anyone can enroll at Saint Leo, servicemen and women especially will appreciate its top online programs for military members (and their families!). Average Cost per Credit: $535Score: 63.8
#19. University of the Southwest
The University of the Southwest offers mostly asynchronous courses, granting you the freedom to pursue an undergraduate degree on your own time. It is one of the colleges for a cheap degree online. And although you can always reach out to instructors for assistance, this top online college also provides learners with crucial web-based tutoring and e-learning resources in case they need a little extra help to succeed. Note, however, that USW doesn’t offer all its undergrad degrees online. Instead, its online selection is primarily geared towards business, psychology, and criminal justice degrees, with a particularly strong emphasis on business administration programs. With several undergraduate business administration degrees available, USW represents a top choice for earning an affordable bachelor’s degree online. Average Cost per Credit: $522Score: 64.58
#18. Davenport University
At Davenport, providing a high-quality online learning experience is anything but an afterthought. Instead, the school makes it a priority to provide some of the best online programs for students who appreciate an immersive, community-based experience. Although most courses are self-paced, you can also opt for a few real-time classes, which allow you to interact with classmates and instructors in a more traditional (but still virtual) setting. Davenport offers degrees in numerous fields, ranging from the familiar (such as computer science and marketing) to the more specialized programs, such as sports management and cyber defense. Davenport provides cheap online degrees in a variety of fields so that every student can find a program that meets his or her career goals. Average Cost per Credit: $633Score: 66.82
#17. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Look to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods if you’d like to earn an accredited affordable college degree in a Catholic environment. A strong Catholic tradition and identity are at the heart of SMWC, and all undergraduate students must take at least one theology course as part of the core curriculum. Of course, if you’re truly passionate about the subject, you should consider pursuing SMWC’s online BA in Theology. This interdisciplinary program gives students a broad look at religion throughout history, plus it includes a unique focus on the intersection of Christianity and feminism. Other fully online undergraduate programs are plentiful and run the gamut from criminology to paralegal studies to professional writing. For students seeking an accredited online college rooted in the Catholic tradition, SMWC could be a great fit. Average Cost per Credit: $496Score: 69.72
#16. Columbia College
Columbia College has a long history of embracing both nontraditional learners and those traditionally underserved in education. More specifically, it cites women and adult students as two of the groups it welcomed before most colleges did. It stands to reason, then, that CC would support such a robust distance education program with some of the best and most affordable bachelor’s degrees online. Undergraduates can enroll in up to six eight-week sessions per year, giving them the flexibility to choose a schedule that meets their needs. And if you happen to be located near Chico, California, you can opt for the “online plus” option, giving you in-person access to an advisor who can help with academic, financial, and technical questions. You can augment your top online college degree from Columbia College with in-person academic help from an advisor. Average Cost per Credit: $261Score: 73.85
#15. Prescott College
Arizona-based Prescott College offers some of the most unique accredited online programs on this list. The BA in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, for example, gives online learners the chance to pursue a career in a critically important field. However, the curriculum (which includes tracks in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Community Development) does require a short on-campus residency. In addition, environmental studies majors must perform hands-on work in their community as a way of acquiring invaluable real-world experience. Other popular programs include the BA in Education and Teacher Preparation, which helps enrollees earn a teaching certification in their home state. Prescott’s top online college degrees include an environmental studies program that incorporates real-world experience. Average Cost per Credit: $1,087Score: 74.19
#14. Ottawa University
All of Ottawa University’s affordable online college degrees are available 100% online, with absolutely no face-time required. This makes the school a great fit for students with fixed schedules or no ability to commute. And rest assured, you won’t sacrifice quality for this luxury of convenience. In fact, Ottawa goes above and beyond to make sure each student gets plenty of individual attention. Not only does the school maintain a 4:1 student-faculty ratio for online courses, but it also provides dedicated academic advisors who can answer any questions you might have. And your first question might even be about which major to choose, as Ottawa maintains a diverse selection of programs across nearly every academic department. You can complete all of the cheap online degrees from Ottawa University completely online. Average Cost per Credit: $490Score: 74.41
#13. Southern New Hampshire University
With more than 40 undergraduate programs available online, it’s no surprise that Southern New Hampshire University is one of the absolute best online colleges. But, size isn’t the school’s only hallmark – it’s also a favorite among transfer students, who can apply up to 90 undergraduate credits towards their bachelor’s degree. The sheer range of available programs means there’s something for every student, even those with highly specific interests in fields like Technical Management or Fashion Merchandising. Plus, many of those 40-some programs come with various sub-tracks and emphasis options to maximize customizability for students with extremely focused career goals. SNHU has an accredited online program to meet nearly any student’s needs. It is one of the colleges for a cheap degree online. Average Cost per Credit: $1,250Score: 76.54
#12. Colorado State University-Global Campus
CSU – Global has some pretty inspiring reasons for offering affordable bachelor’s degrees online. Not only does the university want to improve the economy (both locally and worldwide) and reduce student debt, but it also aims to elevate the importance of critical thinking skills in our society. The school works towards those goals by providing flexible, convenient, asynchronous online programs designed to meet each student’s individual needs. CSU – Global also stands alone in its commitment to taking the stress and challenge out of planning for college. For example, you can request a free one-on-one tuition planning session with a professional advisor, during which they’ll evaluate your finances and suggest various financial aid options. A one-on-one tuition planning session for all students helps CSU – Global earns a spot as one of the top online colleges in the country. Average Cost per Credit: $350Score: 76.76
#11. Central Methodist University
With an average cost of just over $200 per credit, Central Methodist University shines as one of the best schools for earning a cheap online degree. Another appealing attribute is the school’s modest – but diverse – range of online academic programs, which includes specialized degrees (Child Development and Applied Behavior Analysis, for example) that are hard to find elsewhere. But no matter which degree you pursue, you’ll have access to a robust set of student resources, including a Veteran Services office, a Writing Center, and a Career Development Center to provide guidance as graduation approaches. Central Methodist University offers one of the best options for earning a cheap bachelor’s degree online. Average Cost per Credit: $210Score: 80.11
#10. National University
If you’re looking for a very specific accredited online college degree, National University might be your best bet. In any game of “Can I major in…?” this school readily outperforms even the fiercest competition. For example, you won’t find a BA in Digital Journalism or a BS in Construction Management at most online colleges, but you will at National! And because the university has agreements in place with most community colleges in the state of Colorado, transfer students will find it relatively simple to get credit for classes they’ve taken previously. But no matter what your background is or what degree you want to pursue, you’ll enjoy a strong sense of community and support from the school’s dedicated instructors. This Colorado-based top online college offers some of the most unique degree programs on this list. Average Cost per Credit: $354Score: 81.56
#9. Thomas Edison State University
For more than 40 years, Thomas Edison State University has been fulfilling its mission of providing quality education to busy adults. And by offering extremely affordable online programs, the school extends its reach to as many students as possible. Of course, like all the best online colleges, TESU provides a diverse list of degree options in all the most popular subjects. But of all its programs, perhaps the most notable is the Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology (BSAST). Most suitable for mid-career adults, the BSAST is available in seven unique tracks, including Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology, Electrical Technology, and the more general Technical Studies. Anyone of TESU’s seven cheap online degrees in applied science would be a great choice for technology-minded student. Average Cost per Credit: $215Score: 82.12
#8. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
In the name of convenience, all of Penn State’s accredited online college degrees utilize an asynchronous course format. However, online instructors also want to make sure their students have plenty of opportunities to interact with classmates. To accomplish this goal, many professors incorporate video conferences, online chats, and graded discussions into their coursework. But if that’s not enough interaction for you, don’t worry; Penn State has plenty of academic societies and student clubs that you can participate in – even as an online learner. While enrolled in Penn State’s top online college, students can join a number of different academic clubs and societies. Average Cost per Credit: $535Score: 82.12
#7. Western Governors University
Over the years, WGU has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the country’s top online colleges – especially for experienced adults and hard workers. These students will appreciate WGU’s unique approach to education, which provides the biggest rewards to those who take learning seriously. For one, the school bases its degrees on real-world competencies instead of credit hours, awarding progress for actual knowledge gained rather than time spent in a classroom. And instead of charging tuition per credit, it charges a flat rate every six months – no matter how many courses you complete – which could save you a lot of money if you work quickly and competently. For ambitious students who work quickly, WGU offers the chance to earn an affordable bachelor’s degree online in relatively little time. Average Cost per Credit: $276Score: 86.37
#6. University of Maryland-University College
Because the University of Maryland–University College recognizes that not all students test well, it doesn’t rely on traditional exams to measure learning. Instead, you’ll likely complete a paper or a project in most classes as you earn your accredited cheap online degree. Also, it is one of the colleges for a cheap degree online. The school also offers rolling admission, frequent session start dates, and a unique hybrid option to meet individual needs. This hybrid option (in which you take some classes online and some in-person) could be a particularly good fit for active military, as many of UMUC’s satellite locations are located on military bases around the country. With UMUC’s hybrid option, you can earn a top online college degree and take a few classes in person, too.Average Cost per Credit: $389Score: 88.6
#5. Franklin University
Understandably, many students cite convenience as a major factor in choosing to earn an affordable bachelor’s degree online. Franklin University contends that there are plenty of other benefits to attending its online college. It is one of the colleges for a cheap degree online. For example, the school sees the flexibility of online learning as an opportunity to adapt instruction to a wide variety of learning styles. Plus, asynchronous courses are ideal for motivated students who want to move quickly. But regardless of your reason for pursuing an online degree, Franklin likely has a program that will meet your needs. From nursing to management to public relations, this online college offers undergraduate degrees in nearly every field. Franklin’s affordable online programs range from the traditional (accounting, business) to the more forward-thinking (health management, web development). Average Cost per Credit: $484Score: 88.94
#4. Mary Baldwin University
For students with previous college courses under their belt, Mary Baldwin University could be a great option. At this top online college, not only can you transfer in up to 90 semester hours, but you can also get credit for professional experience by filling out a Prior Learning Portfolio or taking a CLEP test. And if you’re concerned about costs, you’ll appreciate the dedicated scholarships available to both adult and online learners. These include merit-based awards (which should be particularly helpful to students who excel in their online courses) as well as program-specific scholarships. You could even get funding to study abroad in another country! Mary Baldwin offers a plethora of scholarships to help lower the cost of its top online college degrees. It is also one of the colleges for a cheap degree online. Average Cost per Credit: $450Score: 89.83
#3. Excelsior College
With more than 30 affordable online degrees, Excelsior College has something to offer every student, including those with unique interests. For example, the school offers an impressive range of public service degrees, from a BS in National Security to one in Military Leadership. These programs, in particular, might appeal to active military and veterans, and Excelsior is proud to serve those populations. In fact, a dedicated Center for Military and Veteran Education hosts a wealth of resources designed to help members of the armed forces and their families afford higher education and find military-friendly programs. For members of the military and their families, Excelsior is a great option for earning a top bachelor’s degree online.Average Cost per Credit: $490Score: 91.17
#2. Granite State College
Granite college is an affordable college for an online degree. As a primarily online school, Granite State College employs instructors who know how to deliver top-notch content from a distance. But that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate face-to-face learning as you pursue your accredited bachelor’s degree online. With both hybrid and blended class options available, you can balance your online courses with visits to the school’s Concord, New Hampshire, campus (if you’d like). Some classes even incorporate field-based learning, blending virtual sessions with hands-on lessons and face-to-face activities. But those details aside, all of GSU’s bachelor’s degrees culminate in either a capstone or teaching experience, where you’ll have the opportunity to both apply your learning and prepare yourself for the next step in your career. With hybrid, blended, and field-based options, you can adapt Granite State’s top online programs to suit your schedule and learning preferences. Average Cost per Credit: $309Score: 92.29
#1. Bellevue University
This university is one of the Colleges for a Cheap Online Degree. Flexibility is the name of the game at Bellevue University, where students can tweak any of the top online programs to meet their individual needs and learning styles. For example, you can choose between a cohort-based model (in which you take most of your classes with the same students) and a more traditional format, where participants differ from class to class. What’s more, Bellevue provides supplementary videos and tutorials to augment your learning, plus online tutoring for those who need extra help. And these options come on top of an extremely diverse list of available programs: Bellevue’s comprehensive selection of nearly 40 online bachelor’s degrees is one of the largest on this list. As you earn a top cheap online degree from Bellevue, you can customize it to meet your needs. Average Cost per Credit: $275Score: 100
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