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Low tuition online colleges could help you earn your degree without breaking the bank. Of course, finding affordable online colleges means something different for everyone, since student budgets come in all shapes and sizes.
That’s why we’ve rounded up partner schools offering online programs at a variety of price points. Check them out and keep reading for tips on potentially pursuing your college education more affordably!
8 LOW TUITION ONLINE COLLEGES
Check out this list of low tuition online colleges to get a feel for how much earning your degree might cost. Keep in mind that the listed tuition is for the 2022 school year and may vary depending on the program and other factors. For schools that charge per credit, the tuition category is determined based on a course load of 30 credits per year. In addition. Other fees may apply that are not listed as part of their tuition costs.
1
COLORADO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
2023 UNDERGRAD TUITION & FEES: $12,760
For the past 50 years, CTU has placed a strong focus on providing industry relevant degree programs to meet the unique needs of their students. This emphasis extends to and has helped them innovate in areas such as problem based and adaptive learning.
POTENTIAL COST SAVING BENEFITS
- Discounts for active duty, reserve, and National Guard military personnel serving in the U.S. Armed Services and their eligible spouses
- CTU Fast Track ™ allows you to earn college credit for what you already know through competency based exams, you may be able to reduce your cost
There are additional fees, which include the technology fee (paid every semester) and the graduation fee (paid only during your last semester).
PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
- Psychology, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Project Management, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- RN to BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Information Technology, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science (BS)
2
GRANTHAM UNIVERSITY
2023 UNDERGRAD TUITION & FEES: $8,280
Dedicated to serving those who serve others. Grantham University is a low tuition online college option. The school offers quality education to students who are serious about preparing for their future. The school’s vision is to be a globally recognized innovator in higher education and to provide quality, accessible programs to prepare students for a changing global society.
POTENTIAL COST SAVING BENEFITS
- Military, veteran, first responder, and civil servant discounted tuition
- Textbook and Software Grant Program, which covers the cost of books and software for those who qualify
There are additional fees, which include the technology fee (paid every semester) and the graduation fee (paid only during your last semester).
PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
- Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Accounting, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Business Admin, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Computer Science, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Cyber Security, Bachelor of Science (BS)
3
PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL
2023 UNDERGRAD TUITION & FEES: $14,421
Purdue University Global is a low tuition online college option. Their Tuition Cap program may permit eligible first time Purdue students to earn their bachelor’s degree for a total cost of $45,000. This would average to $11,250 per year for four years. (Program length may vary based on the student.)
Part of the Purdue University system, Purdue Global was designed to help adult learners pursue their degrees in a flexible format. The school is home to 180 online programs, which feature one on one mentoring and support. Plus, the Purdue Global Commitment means you can try your classes for an intro three week period, with no obligation to pay tuition unless you opt to move forward.
POTENTIAL COST SAVING BENEFITS
- Purdue Global ExcelTrack programs may allow you to earn your degree at a faster pace, for $2,200 per term.
- Reduced tuition rates are offered to eligible military service members, veterans, and dependents.
4
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL CAMPUS
2023 UNDERGRAD TUITION & FEES: $8,400
CSU Global offers programs that are committed to student success and to helping modern learners achieve their academic goals. Their programs are flexible and convenient. They are designed to offer the modern learner the ability to earn their degree at their pace and on their own terms.
POTENTIAL COST SAVING BENEFITS
- No student fees
- Reduced military tuition rates
- Tuition lock – your tuition stays the same from the time you enroll to the time you graduate (must meet certain criteria)
PROGRAMS INCLUDE
- HR Management, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Healthcare Administration, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Human Services, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Project Management, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Organizational Leadership, Bachelor of Science (BS)
5
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE
2023 UNDERGRAD TUITION & FEES: $21,222
Liberty University is a nonprofit, evangelical liberal arts university based in Lynchburg, Virginia. They offer more than 250 online programs that serve students from around the world. In fact, Liberty has been a pioneer in distance learning since 1985. Today, they’re proud to offer innovative, Christ centered learning with a strong online community and a commitment to serving others.
POTENTIAL COST SAVING BENEFITS
- Choose from several interest free payment plans
- Eligible Emergency Response Personnel (such as police, firefighters, and paramedics) may qualify for a 25% tuition discount and other potential benefits
- Liberty offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for online students
- Note: full time students are considered students who take 12 or more credits per semester
PROGRAMS INCLUDE
- Business Admin , Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Psychology , Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Public Administration, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Political Science, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science (BS)
6
University of Arizona Global Campus
2023 UNDERGRAD TUITION & FEES: In-State $13,626
Out of State $41,095
UAGC is an accredited school offering both online and on campus degree programs designed for adult students. Students can access the online classroom from their phones, tablets, or laptops. Plus, around the clock tech support, over 180 digital textbooks, and other handy learning features may help your coursework fit seamlessly into your busy life!
POTENTIAL COST SAVING BENEFITS
- For eligible military students, UAGC offers a reduced rate of $250 per credit.
- UAGC offers a variety scholarship and grant opportunities for eligible students.
- Students get free access to Microsoft Office 365.
PROGRAMS INCLUDE
- Business Admin, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Gerontology, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Health and Human Services, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Public Relations and Marketing, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Social and Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
7
GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
2023 UNDERGRAD TUITION & FEES: $17,450
Grand Canyon University is a private, Christian school based in Arizona. In addition to campuses in Phoenix and beyond, they offer online and evening programs designed to be flexible for busy students. Since GCU was founded in 1949, they have upheld a commitment to faith, with a focus on service and a community spirit. They welcome students of all backgrounds.
POTENTIAL COST SAVING BENEFITS
- Eligible Active Duty and Active Reserve students may qualify for a reduced tuition rate.
- Use GCU’s online cost estimator tools to start planning early!
PROGRAMS INCLUDE
- RN to BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- BS in Early Childhood Education
- Public Health, BS
- BS in Health Sciences
8
SOUTH UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PROGRAMS
2023 UNDERGRAD TUITION & FEES: $13,594
*Note: this rate is for select online programs. Specific programs may be more or less.
South is an accredited, private institution offering online learning, as well as traditional learning on campuses across nine states. They are home to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree programs across areas like business, health, nursing, and more.
In addition, online students receive the support of “graduation teams,” made up of an admissions representative, finance counselor, and academic counselor who can help you pursue your goals!
POTENTIAL COST SAVING BENEFITS
- Students plan on pursuing fewer than 10 credits per quarter may pay reduced tuition.
- South University may offer financial aid, to qualifying students.
PROGRAMS INCLUDE
- IT, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Nursing (BSN)
- Business AdmiN (BBA)
- Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Healthcare Management, Bachelor of Science (BS)
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3 WAYS TO MAKE ONLINE COLLEGE MORE AFFORDABLE
When considering the potential expenses associated with obtaining your degree, there’s some encouraging news – you can potentially reduce your costs significantly by choosing to pursue your studies online instead of attending classes on campus.
Online students tend to avoid various expenses that burden traditional students. These include costs like parking permits, commuting expenses, student activity fees, and meal plans.
Nonetheless, there are additional strategies you can employ to keep your educational costs in check. First and foremost, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of how your chosen institution structures its tuition fees. Are they based on a per-credit model or calculated per term? Some students may actively seek out the most affordable online colleges based on a per-credit-hour rate.
While schools that predominantly charge on a per-credit-hour basis might be a great fit for part-time students looking to take a few courses at a time, you might also want to explore online institutions that offer fixed tuition rates for students planning to earn more than a specified number of credits each term. This approach can enable you to pursue up to 12 or more credits for a set cost, allowing you to maximize the value of your tuition investment.
Here are a few other things that may help you save money:
1. LOOK FOR SCHOOLS THAT OFFER PRIOR LEARNING CREDITS
If you have military training or work experience that enhanced your knowledge, some online schools may recognize the value of your past learning, even if it didn’t take place in a classroom.
2.READ THE FINE PRINT
Besides tuition, your online program may have other costs associated with it – like technology fees and graduation application fees. While such fees are not necessarily unfair or avoidable, it’s good to be aware of them to make sure you don’t get sticker shock when it comes time to pay your term bill.
You could also look for online schools that strive to keep their feels low or simple. CSU Global Campus is one such school that offers all inclusive tuition, so students don’t have to worry about after the fact costs.
3. DON’T JUST LOOK FOR THE CHEAPEST ONLINE COLLEGE
Instead of searching for the cheapest school, look for a college that feels like the perfect fit for you. Remember that changing schools down the road could cost you money. As you may have to pay new application fees or have to worry about certain credits not transferring.
By doing your due diligence, you’ll hopefully find a school and program that sounds ideal for your goals.
DID YOU KNOW?
The 2017 school year, annual cost for undergrad tuition and fees were averaged at $8,300 for in state public schools, $28,000 for private non profit institutions, and $16,200 for private for profit institutions.
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