Cheapest Accredited Online Colleges in 2021

Online colleges continue to witness increases in enrollment because they are convenient and affordable. Here are some of the cheapest accredited online colleges in 2021.

There’s no doubt that higher education can be expensive. In fact, the average cost of an accredited on-campus undergraduate degree in America costs roughly $58,000 per year. For many prospective students, the costs of education is a barrier for enrolling in the first place. However, with the help of technological innovations and the internet, online universities are becoming a cost-effective and solid alternative to earn one’s undergraduate or graduate degree, so here you can find the cheapest online colleges that are accredited.

Depending on the type of student you are, there may be both positives and negatives to learning online; however, there’s no doubting that employers are beginning to take notice of online degrees as they are becoming an increasingly popular method of learning.

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Some of the standout benefits of attending an online school include:

1. Flexibility:

As opposed to traditional schools that have set lecture times and discussion groups, online schools offer immense flexibility for students to log on and learn whenever they have the time. This makes the balance of work, life and school more feasible.

2. Low Cost:

The cost of an online university is much lower than traditional institutions, mostly because they don’t have the overhead costs of a campus and the respective amenities.

3. Accessible:

Online universities typically have less difficult requirements in order to enroll. Without sacrificing the quality of education, online universities are designed to be accessible to everyone.

4. Location-Independent:

Of course, if you need to attend a traditional on-campus school, you may have to relocate to a new state or even country. However, online schools can be attended from the comfort of your home.

5. Pace Yourself:

Online schools offer students the chance to learn at their own pace. With 24/7 access to materials, students can log on whenever they want.

Online schools are continuing to see a rise in enrollment. Around the United States, there are many accredited online colleges that top the list of places to earn your degree. Here’s a brief look at some cheap online colleges with degree-granting programs.

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1. University of the People – Tuition-Free (Low Cost Application + Course Assessment Fees)

Founded in 2009 by President Shai Reshef, University of the People is tuition-free. Students only have to pay a $60 application fee and $100 course assessment fees for undergraduate programs and $200 per course assessments in the MBA program. The University’s mission is to offer affordable, accessible and quality education to anyone anywhere in the world with nothing more than an internet connection. UoPeople students can study Computer Science, Business Administration, Health Science and Education. Each student has access to their own program advisor, as well as career planning services. Additionally, for those who need additional financial assistance, the University has a wide array of scholarships available to cover the course assessment fees.

2. Aspen University – $4,500 Undergraduate / $5,850 Graduate

With a choice of bachelor’s degrees in business, criminal justice, health, nursing, and education, Aspen University is an especially good choice for those who want to go into the criminal justice system. Students who have completed an associate degree can enroll in the criminal justice completion program to receive their bachelor’s degree. Master’s programs are available in education, business administration and nursing. Bachelor’s programs cost $150 per credit hour and master’s start at $325 per credit hour.

3. Eastern New Mexico University – Main Campus – $5,763 Undergraduate / $5,615 Graduate

Online Bachelor of Science degrees are available in computer science, criminal justice, sociology, communicative disorders, and more. Their online Bachelor of Arts degrees include religion, history, sociology and Spanish. With 22 Master’s degrees available, degrees range from business administration to sports administration. Distance students are granted access to the online writing center, online bookstore, counseling program and can take advantage of library services.

4. Ohio Christian University – $5,940 Undergraduate / $5,610 Graduate

Ohio Christian University has accelerated degree programs geared towards adults who are busy. The fields of study include healthcare management, agribusiness, ministry, and psychology. OCU is a non-profit university and 80% of graduate students receive financial aid to fully cover tuition. Tuition costs $380 per credit for associate degrees, $416 for bachelor’s and $530 for MBA and MA Leadership degrees. For those in the military, tuition costs are discounted to $250 per credit.

5. Georgia Southwestern State University – $5,970 Undergraduate / $3,855 Graduate

Undergraduate degrees are available in a variety of disciplines, including: nursing, criminal justice, business administration, and information technology. For those interested in business administration, students can choose one of three specializations, namely management, accounting, and human resources. Despite the online program, students can access academic support services, an academic skills center and the writing center. Online courses are $199 per credit hour for undergraduate degrees and $257 for graduate degrees.

6. Southern Utah University – $6,006 Undergraduate / $5,566 Graduate

SUU’s online programs collaborate with the academic departments to offer flexibility and convenience to online learners. From certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees, students can choose to study business administration, cybersecurity, social work and education. For those outside of Utah, the cost is $3,003 per term and $2,783 per term for graduate programs. Scholarships are also available.

7. Marshall University – $6,342 Undergraduate / $5,486 Graduate

Students can choose to earn their undergraduate or graduate degrees in nursing, geography, mathematics and more. Online classes do not require any on-campus learning, and students will have access to online tutoring, library resources, academic advising and career planning. Marshall University offers grants, scholarships, loans and work-study to help students afford their education.

8. University of the Cumberlands – $6,368 Undergraduate / $5,670 Graduate

Designed with Christian values, the University of the Cumberlands offers certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in Christian studies, education, counseling, business and more. Online programs cost $199 per credit hour for undergraduate degrees.

9. Fort Hays State University – $6,560 Undergraduate / $4,316 Graduate

Associate degrees are available in Applied Technology and General Studies. Bachelor’s degrees are offered for organizational leadership, agricultural business, tourism and hospitality management, human health and performance, information networking and telecommunications, to name a few. Master’s students have the option to study nursing education, special education, history, business administration and more.

10. Valdosta State University – $6,780 Undergraduate / $4,395 Graduate

For those enrolled in Valdosta State University, bachelor’s degrees are available in: Spanish, organizational leadership, emergent media and communication, and more. Online graduate degrees span IT, special education, English and healthcare administration. For those who are unsure of what they want to major in, Valdosta offers undergraduate students the opportunity to take a focus area program, in which they can discover their interests by learning about business, health professions, arts and design, and education. Undergraduate degrees cost $226 per credit hour and $293 per credit hour for graduate degrees.

Wrapping Up

Online universities are changing the landscape of education by democratizing degree programs and offering students who seek something different from the traditional university experience an affordable alternative to pursue their dreams.

For a complete list, check out more online, affordable and accredited colleges here.