Best Affordable Online Colleges of 2025
Want to earn a degree without breaking the bank? Learn about 10 online colleges that offer low prices and premier academics.
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Affordable Online Schools
- #1: Appalachian State University — Undergraduate tuition is less than $5,000 for North Carolina residents.
- #2: Ball State University — Students have access to 50 online programs.
- #3: Boise State University — Boise State offers asynchronous courses and two different session structures to fit students’ individual needs.
The cost of college is a challenge for many students — in fact, about 1 in 3 college students (31%) in BestColleges’ Online Education Trends Report say they wish they’d done more research about cost and financial aid before enrolling.
One solution to tackling this challenge is to find affordable schools that don’t sacrifice quality academics. That’s where we come in.
The affordable online colleges we mention below can save you money and provide the flexibility you need to earn a degree while working, raising a family, or balancing other obligations.
Best Affordable Online Colleges of 2025
How We Measured Student Satisfaction: We partnered with College Pulse to bring you data from students themselves on the schools on our list. The data and reviews aren’t part of our ranking methodology.
How We Rank Schools
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Appalachian State University features a variety of affordable online degrees for both undergraduate and graduate students. You can choose from nearly 40 online degrees in areas like accounting, nursing, and social work.
Online courses are offered during the spring, summer, and fall terms. The university has an online enrollment of over 11,000 and maintains a high admission rate of 89%. It also boasts an impressive 73% graduation rate.
On average, students at App State pay around $13,000 per year after financial aid. Additionally, 70% of students receive financial aid.
Highlights
- High graduation rate
- Easier to get into than other schools on our list
- 7 in 10 students receive financial aid
Know Before You Apply
- Offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees
- Limited degree catalog
97%
89%
84%
85%
- Online Enrollment
- 56%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 4,242
- Retention Rate
- 85%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $21,238
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,253
- Institution Type
- Public
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Ball State University offers 50 online degrees, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
You have the flexibility to enroll in courses during the 16-week fall or spring semester or the 10-week summer semester. A significant portion of online courses are offered asynchronously.
Ball State values affordability for students, with 98% of incoming students receiving some form of financial aid. The university also has a 72% undergraduate admission rate, making it relatively easy to get into.
Highlights
- 98% of students receive financial aid
- Offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees
- Strong 77% retention rate
Know Before You Apply
- Graduation rate, while solid, is a bit lower than that of other schools on our list
83%
67%
67%
50%
- Online Enrollment
- 59%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 8,688
- Retention Rate
- 77%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $26,696
- Acceptance Rate
- 72%
- Students Enrolled
- 20,440
- Institution Type
- Public
Boise State University
- Boise, ID
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Boise State University provides 28 affordable online undergraduate and graduate programs, including 12 bachelor's, 14 master's, and two doctoral programs.
Courses are offered asynchronously, composed of weekly modules, and run in seven- or 15-week sessions. You can choose between full-time and part-time learning options.
On average, students at Boise State pay around $17,000 after financial aid, with 93% of students awarded some form of financial assistance. The university enrolls over 14,500 students online, boasting an 84% undergraduate acceptance rate.
Highlights
- 93% of students receive financial aid
- Offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees
- Most programs do not charge out-of-state tuition
Know Before You Apply
- Small degree catalog
- Many bachelor's programs cater to students with an associate degree or at least 60 transferable credits
100%
80%
80%
80%
- Online Enrollment
- 56%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 5,941
- Retention Rate
- 78%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $24,135
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,727
- Institution Type
- Public
Central Michigan University
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Central Michigan University features 40 affordable online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across five colleges: business administration, education and human services, liberal and social sciences, medicine, and science and engineering.
CMU offers six start dates throughout the year, with most classes structured in eight-week terms — though some extend to 12 or 16 weeks. Online courses are instructor-led and not self-paced, with some requiring specific meeting times.
Students at CMU pay slightly over $15,500 on average after financial aid, with almost all (99%) receiving some form of aid. The university accepts over 9 in 10 undergraduate applicants, making it accessible to many students.
Highlights
- 99% of students awarded financial aid
- Offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees
Know Before You Apply
- Smaller online program
- Minimum GPA requirement of 2.0 for undergraduate programs and 2.7 for graduate programs
99%
93%
81%
80%
- Online Enrollment
- 52%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $10,992
- Retention Rate
- 73%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $19,800
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,423
- Institution Type
- Public
Colorado State University
- Fort Collins, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Colorado State University features 18 online bachelor's degree programs along with a diverse array of online master's and doctoral programs.
You can take courses during the spring, summer, and fall semesters, with options for synchronous, asynchronous, and self-paced learning. Eligibility criteria, including GPA requirements, vary across degree programs.
The university boasts a 90% undergraduate admission rate and a 68% graduation rate. On average, students here pay nearly $17,000, with 84% receiving some form of financial assistance.
Highlights
- High acceptance rate
- Offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees
- Same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students
Know Before You Apply
- Different degrees may have different eligibility requirements
94%
88%
80%
84%
- Online Enrollment
- 33%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 9,903
- Retention Rate
- 86%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $29,861
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 33,553
- Institution Type
- Public
East Carolina University
- Greenville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
With nearly 20,000 online students, East Carolina University is a popular choice for those looking to pursue a degree with the flexibility of online learning.
The university offers eight bachelor's degree completion programs and over 50 online master's and doctoral programs. You can enroll in both synchronous and asynchronous courses during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Admission requirements vary across programs.
ECU has a high 90% acceptance rate and a 62% graduation rate. On average, students pay around $14,000 after financial aid, with 4 in 5 students awarded some form of aid.
Highlights
- High percentage of students enrolled online enrollment
- Large online degree catalog
Know Before You Apply
- 62% graduation rate
- Online bachelor's programs are for degree completion only
98%
93%
86%
83%
- Online Enrollment
- 72%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 4,452
- Retention Rate
- 82%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $20,729
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,785
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Florida Atlantic University provides a variety of fully online programs across seven colleges. The university offers 12 bachelor's programs, 21 master's programs, and three doctoral programs. Coursework is primarily offered asynchronously, with weekly logins and assignment submissions.
Each term lasts 12 weeks, and you have the flexibility to apply for admission in the fall, spring, or summer. FAU also boasts one of the largest online enrollments among our top 10 picks, with over 20,000 students enrolled.
The university is one of only two institutions on our list with an average price after financial aid below $10,000. Additionally, 92% of students receive financial aid.
Highlights
- 92% of students awarded financial aid
- Low price after aid
- High online enrollment
Know Before You Apply
- Offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees
- 64% graduation rate
100%
89%
56%
100%
- Online Enrollment
- 68%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 6,099
- Retention Rate
- 84%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $21,665
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 30,849
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
You can earn an online degree from Florida International University without traveling to South Florida. Located in Miami, FIU offers over 120 fully online degree programs.
With over 37,000 students enrolled in fully online courses, FIU boasts a 59% admission rate and a 70% graduation rate. The university also has the highest retention rate among all our picks at 92%.
Here, you can pursue a fully online bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. Additionally, the university offers five online combined bachelor's and master's programs that allow you to earn two degrees within five years.
FIU is one of two schools on our list with an average price below $10,000 after financial aid. Additionally, 91% of students receive financial aid.
Highlights
- Large degree catalog
- 70% graduation rate
- Low price after aid
Know Before You Apply
- Offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs
- 22-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- A little harder to get into than other schools on our list
100%
83%
67%
83%
- Online Enrollment
- 67%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 6,168
- Retention Rate
- 92%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $18,566
- Acceptance Rate
- 59%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,085
- Institution Type
- Public
George Mason University
- Fairfax, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
George Mason University offers a wealth of online undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as business and management, education, engineering, and health.
Here, you can choose from among 21 bachelor's, 30 master's, and seven online doctoral degree programs. Courses are offered in both synchronous and asynchronous learning formats.
Although GMU is one of the more expensive schools on our list, 80% of students here receive some form of financial aid. With a substantial online enrollment of close to 30,000 students, the university has an undergraduate acceptance rate of 89%, making it easier to get into than other schools.
Highlights
- 80% of students awarded financial aid
- High online enrollment
- Offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs
Know Before You Apply
- 69% graduation rate
- Slightly more pricey than other schools on our list
100%
100%
80%
100%
- Online Enrollment
- 71%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $10,092
- Retention Rate
- 87%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $34,260
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 39,528
- Institution Type
- Public
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Kansas State University features 26 online bachelor's programs, 47 online master's programs, and eight online doctoral programs.
Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer, with most delivered asynchronously. The university also offers certain courses between semesters that last 1-3 weeks.
Tuition rates at K-State are the same for both resident and nonresident students. Despite an average price of more than $18,000 after aid, 94% of students receive some type of financial assistance.
With an online enrollment of under 10,000 students, K-State maintains an 80% undergraduate acceptance rate and a 70% graduation rate.
Highlights
- Solid graduation rate
- 94% of students receive financial aid
- Offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees
Know Before You Apply
- Smaller online program
- A bit costlier compared to other schools on our list
97%
90%
82%
86%
- Online Enrollment
- 49%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 9,964
- Retention Rate
- 87%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $26,838
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 19,745
- Institution Type
- Public
Why the Cheapest Online College Isn’t Always the Most Affordable
Choosing an online college based solely on its low sticker price could save you some money up front, but it could cost you in the long run. You’re likely better off choosing an online school with:
- Affordable tuition
- Strong academic programs
- Accessible financial aid
- High long-term career value
Sometimes, a school with cheap tuition might not offer the right experiences students need to land well-paying jobs after graduation. That’s why we didn’t just look at sticker price. To help you make a confident choice in an affordable online college, we weighed factors like net price, average student loan default rate, the percent of students taking federal loans, and graduation rate.
How Much Does Online College Cost?
It’s no secret that college can be expensive, but online degrees tend to be more affordable than in-person programs.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees at public universities in 2019-2020 was under $8,000 at entirely online programs compared to nearly $12,000 for in-person programs.
The University of Florida, for example, charges $129 per credit hour for online tuition for in-state students and $213 for on-campus students.
The cost of college can be further cut down by filling out the FAFSA to get federal financial aid.
5 Tips for Making Online College More Affordable
There are steps you can take to make online college more affordable for you.
“Start with research about the actual costs of the programs you are interested in and ask questions about scholarships, financial aid, and grants,” says Melissa Venable, Ph.D., an online education expert and instructional designer.
Here are our top five tips for reducing the financial burden for online students.
1. Apply for Financial Aid
All college students, whether attending school online or in person, should apply for as much financial aid as they can.
In our BestColleges 2025 Online Education Trends Report, just over 1 in 5 online bachelor’s students and graduates say paying for higher education while minimizing student debt was the biggest challenge they faced in completing their online programs. A slightly higher percentage (25%) of master’s students and graduates say the same.
Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You should submit this each year you plan to attend college. Both schools and government agencies use the FAFSA to award financial aid, such as federal student loans, scholarships, and grants.
And don’t forget about external funding sources. Look for organizations that offer scholarships, grants, or remote fellowships for online students.
Remember, as an online learner, you have access to nearly all of the same scholarship and grant opportunities as students enrolled in on-campus programs. Scholarships are usually awarded based on merit and given out by various entities like nonprofits, employers, foundations, schools, religious institutions, and professional organizations. To apply for scholarships for online students, a separate application is typically required.
2. Transfer Credits
Did you attend college before, even if you didn’t graduate? No problem — you might be able to transfer the credits you earned toward your degree.
Transfer credits are credits earned from one or more courses you took at a different accredited four-year school or community college. Many colleges let you transfer credits so you won’t have to retake general education courses, saving you time and money.
3. Test Out of College Classes
By taking certain exams, you can test out of college classes and earn your online degree faster.
For example, the College Level Examination Program lets you earn credit by passing exams in various subjects. You can also take DANTES Subject Standardized Tests, which are now available to both civilians and members of the military.
4. Get Credit for Life Experience
Many online colleges allow you to apply work or volunteer experience toward your degree through prior learning assessments.
Some schools offer credit for years served in the military or law enforcement, for example. Or, you might get credit if you have a certain professional certification.
You can even present a portfolio of experience to earn college credit at some schools.
5. Consider Employer Tuition Assistance
Many companies offer employees money to earn a degree, usually in a field relevant to their work.
There are two common types of employer tuition programs:
- Tuition Reimbursement: This option requires you to pay the costs of your college program upfront. Your employer later reimburses you, up to a specified amount, per company policy.
- Tuition Assistance: In these programs, an employer gives you a predetermined amount of money upfront to put toward your degree.
Before you choose an online college, check whether your employer runs any tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs for employees.
Is Online College Worth the Cost? Yes — Here’s Why
Affordable online colleges can offer a wealth of benefits.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median earnings of workers age 25 and over with a bachelor’s degree were about 66% higher than the median earnings of those with only a high school diploma in 2024.
Those with a master’s degree earned $297 more per week than those with just a bachelor’s degree and $910 more per week than those with only a high school diploma.
How to Make Online College Worth It for You
According to our research, online students and graduates say their top concern is balancing school with work, family, and household obligations (27%), followed by the quality of instruction and academic support (17%) and adapting to a remote learning environment (13%).
But you can do this — preparation is key. Here are our biggest pieces of advice on making it to the finish line and getting the best return on your investment.
1. Know Exactly What You Want From Your Degree
Ask yourself: Why are you going to college now? What is your desired outcome?
“Begin by identifying your goals for pursuing higher education,” says Venable. “You may need a degree to be more competitive for a promotion in your current workplace or industry. Or maybe you are exploring a career change into a completely new field.”
If you want access to higher-paying jobs, be strategic about your choice of major. Some degrees may lead to better-paying jobs than others.
“Remove the word ‘online’ and ask yourself if pursuing a degree will be worth it — and if it will be worth it to you.”
2. Plan for Obstacles
Online students say work/life balance is one of their biggest obstacles to success, according to our research.
Earning an online degree while managing responsibilities outside of school requires a lot of planning, discipline, and grit. You’ll have to:
Be realistic about what you can accomplish. Don’t burn yourself out by signing up for too many courses at once. Remember that a full-time courseload is typically 12-15 credits per semester.- Be mindful of your time management. Each term, carve out blocks of dedicated study time and adhere to that schedule. If you have a day off, use part of it to study. And be sure to visit your professors during office hours if you need help outside of class.
- Get a support system in place. Reach out to friends, family members, your employer, and classmates for emotional or practical help. If necessary, seek out tutors and mental health services offered by your college.
3. Choose a Program That Fits Your Needs
Even the best students need help. Consider what student services each school offers in terms of support and flexibility:
- Will you have access to tutoring, mental health support, and career guidance?
- Will your classes be synchronous or asynchronous?
- Will instructors be flexible and understanding?
- Will you have opportunities to network and build professional relationships?
“Make sure the school and program is a good fit for you and your goals,” says Venable. “Ask about faculty qualifications and if any college credits you’ve already earned will be accepted as transfer credit.”
All of this might sound like a lot. But remember: 96% of online college graduates recommend online learning as a path to success. Soon enough — with the right planning and a good program — you can join them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Online Colleges
Yes. Online students are generally eligible for the same types of financial aid as traditional in-person students. You can submit the FAFSA to see if you qualify for any federal grants and subsidized loans.
You can (and should!) also apply for scholarships and fellowships for online students.
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Scholarships for Online College Students
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Updated September 26, 2025
How Much Does Online College Cost?
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