Many people earn their degrees online these days. If you've earned your online degree from an accredited college, employers will consider it just as legitimate as a degree earned on campus.
But college can be expensive, and many students rack up thousands of dollars in student loan debt. According to the Department of Education, the average federal student loan debt was $37,850 as of March 2024. It's more than doubled since 2007 when it was $18,233.
To assist you in your search, we have compiled a list of the top 10 most affordable online colleges. Our rankings take into account various factors such as student outcomes, program options, and student-to-faculty ratios.
Featured Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
10 Cheapest Online Colleges
#1 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Florida is known for its exceptional value in online education and offers 26 fully online bachelor's degrees. You'll take the same courses with the same faculty to earn the same degree as on-campus students — all while saving 40% on tuition.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $1,935
Out of State | $8,295
Why Students Choose UF:
- Flexible Courses: Programs include asynchronous options, so you can complete courses at your own speed.
- Strong Online Community: UF has a strong online social and support community hub that allows you to network with peers from anywhere in the world.
- Personalized Support: A dedicated academic advisor at UF can help you stay on track with your education and career goals.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Grandparent Waiver: If you're an out-of-state student with a grandparent living in Florida, you could be eligible for a tuition and fee reduction.
- Payment Plans: Eligible students can pay in four installments for tuition and additional charges like books.
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Florida International University includes 40 fully online bachelor's degree programs and 32 master's programs. You can join a lively student community with access to 300+ associations, professional societies, cultural organizations, and interest groups.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $3,283
Out of State | $9,482
Why Students Choose FIU:
- Upward Mobility: FIU is a Hispanic- and minority-serving institution and is dedicated to students' upward mobility.
- Flexible Courses: Programs include asynchronous options, so you can complete courses at your own speed.
- Online Community: FIU's online social and support community hub allows you to network with peers from anywhere in the world.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Scholarships: You can qualify for merit scholarships without a separate application.
- Low In-State Tuition: In-state students pay just $153 per credit.
- Payment Plans: You can choose between multiple payment plans to help you budget for college.
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
At the University of Arizona, you can choose from more than 50 degree programs that are 100% online, including 29 bachelor's degrees. Bachelor's degree programs include nursing, health and human services, organizational management, project management, and child development.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $6,500
Out of State | $6,500
Why Students Choose U of A:
- Flexible Payments: Pay per credit to learn at your own pace and budget.
- Support for Military: Active duty military and veterans may be eligible for tuition assistance of up to $250 per credit.
- Resources: U of A offers a comprehensive resource hub for online students, with topics including workshop offerings, financial aid, and disability resources.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Financial Aid: A 2022 online student survey showed that 62% of Arizona Online students utilize financial aid.
- Tuition Savings: In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition and fees.
Percent Online Enrollment
60%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 years
- Online
What Sets It Apart:
You can choose from more than 180 fully online undergraduate and 140 graduate degrees at Arizona State University. To date, ASU Online has more than 100,000 program graduates. As an online student, you can take courses from world-class faculty and access ASU's extensive support services and resources.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $5,814
Out of State | $8,685
Why Students Choose ASU:
- History of Inclusivity: ASU's charter states, "We are measured not by whom we exclude, but by whom we include and how they succeed."
- Student Government: As an online student, you can run for any position within the student government represented through your academic college.
- Large Student Network: You can connect with peers globally while learning from home.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Western Undergraduate Exchange: If you're a resident of WUE states, you can enroll in the ASU WUE program at 150% of the resident tuition rate for the fall and spring terms.
- Scholarships: In addition to university scholarships, ASU has specialized scholarships for military and veterans, foster youth, and American Indian students.
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
- Las Cruces, NM
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
New Mexico State University offers 18 bachelor's degree programs plus 30 master's degree programs that are 100% online. You can choose from unique bachelor's degrees such as communication disorders, gender and sexuality studies, human development and family science, sociology, and psychology.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $5,931
Out of State | $5,931
Why Students Choose NMSU:
- Student Support: From the day you enroll, you'll get support from faculty, advisors, and alumni.
- Education Excellence: NMSU is known for its innovative research activities and commitment to improving lives.
- Graduate Success: NMSU reports on average graduate salaries at one, five, and 10 years after graduation to help you choose a profitable career path.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Military and Police Discounts: Active duty military and law enforcement pay just $250 per credit.
- Financial Aid: NMSU offers payment plans and scholarships for new and continuing students.
- On-Campus Requirements: Some online graduate degrees require on-campus coursework.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Louisiana State University gives you access to 57 online bachelor's degree programs and 41 master's degrees through various campuses. Unique degrees include Africana studies, cardiopulmonary science, disaster science and emergency management, long-term care administration, and financial analysis.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $5,985
Out of State | $5,985
Why Students Choose LSU:
- Flexible Payment Options: With pay-as-you-go tuition, you can balance work and study on your terms.
- High Graduation Rates: LSU's 71% graduation rate is higher than that of many other institutions.
- Support: Access multiple student support services, including all help desk and technical resources.
Know Before You Enroll:
- No Out-of-State Fees: You can access the same tuition as an online student from anywhere in the world.
- Graduate Faster: LSU gives you credit for prior learning to save time and money on your degree.
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers 21 online bachelor's degree programs and 26 online master's degrees. You can choose from bachelor's degree offerings like manufacturing management, international business, tribal administration and governance, and applied agricultural communications studies.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $7,574
Out of State | $18,148
Why Students Choose U of M:
- Reputation: U of M offers strong academic opportunities as a top 10 U.S. research university.
- Financial Aid: You can access scholarships and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act tuition assistance. Students who are members of Minnesota’s Tribal Nations may be awarded free tuition.
- Admissions and Graduation: U of M has a 77% admission rate and a high 85% graduation rate.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Tuition Savings: Out-of-state students pay in-state tuition rates for many programs.
- On-Campus Components: Some graduate degrees require specific on-campus courses.
- Midwest Tuition Discounts: Some programs offer lower tuition for students from other Midwestern states through a reciprocity agreement.
Percent Online Enrollment
37%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025
Utah State University
- Logan, UT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Utah State University has offered online degrees since 1995. You can choose from 15 bachelor's degree programs that are 100% online plus five bachelor's completion programs. USU also has 20 online graduate degrees, including programs in veterinary public health, aerospace engineering, and natural resources.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $3,366
Out of State | $5,730
Why Students Choose USU:
- Academic Support: You can get online tutoring in undergraduate courses, writing, engineering, and some graduate-level subjects.
- Student Services: You can network through online student clubs and organizations or prepare for your future with career coaching.
- Admissions: USU has a high 94% acceptance rate.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Scholarships and Grants: You can access private, community, corporate, and university scholarships, plus additional scholarship opportunities for Native American and undocumented students.
- Plan Your Career: You can attend virtual job and career fairs and access internship opportunities.
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#9 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025
Northern Kentucky University
- Highland Heights, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Northern Kentucky University offers 21 online bachelor's degree programs, including degrees in business administration, sociology, respiratory care, criminal justice, and information technology. You can also choose from over 25 master's degrees, including many programs that take just a year or less to complete.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $7,275
Out of State | $7,275
Why Students Choose NKU:
- Flexible Course Structures: Choose from traditional 16-week or accelerated seven-week courses.
- Scholarships: NKU offers merit and athletic scholarships, as well as scholarships for Native Americans, veterans, and more. The Path to Success Scholarship reduces tuition for first-time online students more than $160 per credit.
- Student Services: As an online student, you get technical support, library access, and financial aid support.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Admissions and Retention: NKU has a high 96% admissions rate but only a 48% graduation rate.
- Transfer Options: Most bachelor's degree programs allow you to transfer up to 90 credits.
Percent Online Enrollment
74%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 10 Most Affordable Online Colleges 2025
Weber State University
- Ogden, UT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Weber State University offers more than 15 online bachelor's degrees and recently added five degrees in elementary education, public relations, criminal justice, technical writing, and computer science. You can also choose from six associate and seven master's degrees online.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $2,811
Out of State | $8,304
Why Students Choose WSU:
- Low In-State Tuition: Tuition is about 70% less than the national average.
- Monthly Payment Plans: You can make interest-free monthly payments to spread out the cost of tuition.
- Student Resources: WSU offers support to help you get started with financial aid and technology requirements.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Admissions: WSU has an open admissions policy, but you must meet GPA and course requirements to enroll in a bachelor's program.
- Scholarships: WSU awards more than $90 million in scholarships and financial aid annually.
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Affordability Spotlight
Two other attractive options are available for online students. San Diego State University and the University of West Florida are noteworthy contenders when it comes to cost and financial aid.
San Diego State University
SDSU's Overall Rank: #6
- #1 for scholarship/grant aid rate (89%)
- #2 for overall graduation rate (78%)
Source: NCES
SDSU is a large public university in San Diego, California, enrolling over 37,000 students. SDSU has the highest percentage of students receiving grant and scholarship aid: 89%. SDSU offers over 700 scholarships to help students pay for school, such as the Aztek Scholarship.
SDSU's average net price for in-state undergraduates, $19,500, is higher than the national average for all public universities. But only 23% of students take out federal loans. Certain students may be eligible for financial aid benefits through the California Dream Act or be exempt from paying nonresident tuition.
Explore SDSU's Online Programs
The University of West Florida
UWF's Overall Rank: #9
- #1 for average net price ($8,908)
- #2 (tie) for number of online bachelor's programs (38)
Source: NCES
The University of West Florida, a mid-sized public university in the city of Pensacola, is the most budget-friendly online college in our ranking. UWF's average net price of $8,908 for in-state undergraduates is roughly half of the national average.
UWF offers tuition waivers and aid, including for non-Florida residents and international students. Tuition waivers are a type of financial aid that covers part or all of your tuition expenses, even if you still have other costs like fees, room, and board. Students can qualify to get up to 90% of their costs covered.
Explore UWF's Online Programs
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric — affordability — accounts for 60% of our formula on our most affordable rankings. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This list is from 2025. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Affording Your College Education
Explore our tips, hacks, and guides on saving and paying for college.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Online Colleges
How do I choose the best affordable online college for me?
Finding the best affordable online colleges involves research, self-reflection, and deliberation. First, gather information about different colleges, their accreditation, and the programs they offer.
Next, ask yourself what you want to achieve, what kind of learning environment you thrive in, and if you have any dealbreakers. Finally, weigh the pros and cons of each college and program. You'll need to consider factors like cost, flexibility, and support services.
How much does an online college degree cost?
In 2022-2023, public four-year universities cost $9,800 on average, a $600 decrease from a decade earlier, according to NCES. Private nonprofit universities cost $40,700, up $3,100 from 2012-2013. Online students may avoid some fees but face other costs, such as technology and textbook fees.
How can I make my online degree more affordable?
There are several ways to make an online college degree more affordable. You can apply for financial aid and determine your eligibility for federal loans and grants. Attending a public school in your state may lower tuition rates compared to private and out-of-state schools.
Some online colleges offer discounted rates for all online students. Part-time or accelerated programs may also reduce upfront costs. Taking general education classes at a community college and transferring credits to a four-year university may lower the overall cost.
Is it cheaper to attend college online?
Depending on several factors, online college can be cheaper than traditional college. For example, some colleges charge lower tuition rates for online courses. Attending an out-of-state college online could also come with a lower price tag than attending that same college in person.
Make sure to check tuition rates for any online programs you're interested in and compare them to any in-person equivalents.
Is it worth it to go to online college?
Online college can be worth it if you're interested in earning a degree and are OK with skipping the traditional campus experience. Online courses are as academically rigorous as in-person ones. They also offer extra flexibility for full-time workers, parents, and caregivers.