Having a good, flexible, and affordable college experience is a dream that many share. Students want to find the cheapest online bachelor’s degrees without sacrificing the quality of education. The good news is that affordable online bachelor’s degrees are widely available. Thanks to online programs, you can go to an affordable university instead of an expensive school.
In this guide, you’ll learn about some of the most affordable online bachelor’s degrees, possible universities and schools you could attend, and the best online bachelor’s degrees that they offer. You’ll also learn about other expenses you might have and how to save up for your online degree journey.
A Guide to the Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Today, over six million American students are pursuing an education online. You may be wondering why this is the case. Often, it is because online bachelor’s degree programs are cheaper. If you want to find the best and cheapest online bachelor’s degree programs, this is the perfect article for you.
Most online programs are asynchronous or self-paced. This means that students can choose to complete their studies whenever and wherever they are most comfortable. For most professionals, it is tedious to try and balance personal and financial obligations with a traditional education. The ability to work through the material at your own pace is invaluable.
According to a LinkedIn survey, 58 percent of employees prefer self-paced learning over instructor-led learning. Online college programs that possess regional accreditation are held to very high standards in terms of curricula and resources. You can utilize video lessons, personal interaction with instructors, and several helpful resources that are exclusively available online.
A major issue regarding most higher education programs is how expensive they are. However, online programs and courses are often much less expensive than their traditional counterparts. Prospective students can expect to save a lot of money by enrolling at an affordable, online college since they don’t have to pay for pesky boarding fees or meal plans.
There are many online degree programs offered today. Though they may be cheap, they may not be very flexible or effective in helping you learn. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the top schools offering some of the cheapest bachelor’s degree programs.
How Much Do the Cheapest Online Bachelor’s Degrees Cost?
The range in the cost of tuition for an online bachelor’s degree is anywhere between $700 to $6,000 per semester. See the table a little further down for more information. Beyond tuition rates, there are other expenses to consider before beginning your online campus program.
Cheapest Online Bachelor’s Degree Costs Breakdown
- Internet plan. Since you’ll be taking online courses, you must have a stable Internet connection.
- Student fees. There may be additional fees to pay, depending on which online courses you enroll in.
- Books and supplies. When studying, you’ll need course materials such as books. Books are often required in online undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as they’re important for helping students learn and expand their knowledge.
- Clothing and laundry. Whether you are enrolled in an online degree program or not, you’ll need a budget for clothing.
- Food. You’ll need to eat, so it’s important to include this in your daily budget as well.
Why You Should Attend a Cheap Online Bachelor’s Degree Program
There are great advantages of online degree programs, one of which is convenience. You’ll save time and money by not having to commute, and you can study and continue to work simultaneously.
Another advantage is flexibility. You’ll be able to finish your online coursework at your own pace, and many programs are asynchronous, meaning courses are recorded so you can access them when you have time, regardless of your location.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Career Options
There are a lot of online academic programs available, from social sciences to web design and coding. It is essential, however, that you first figure out which online program works best for you. A few of the best online degrees right now include human resources, business administration, software development, and marketing.
When you find the field you want to enter, the next step is to conduct a school search for the perfect online degree program for you. Be sure to pay attention to school rankings and tuition rates as you search for a good match.
Online Bachelor’s Degree Salary
The average salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree is about $55,700, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This figure includes both online and in-person bachelor’s degrees. The rising quality of the cheapest online bachelor’s degrees means that your chances of earning a good salary with this more flexible option are better than ever.
Your salary depends on your profession. For example, if you want to get an online business degree, PayScale estimates that the average base salary for someone with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is about $69,000 per year. If you’re taking up an online computer science degree, you’ll be pleased to know that a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is worth about $88,000 per year.
Can You Attend a Cheap Online Bachelor’s Program for Free?
No, whether you’re enrolling in a public university or a private institution, online offerings aren’t usually available for free. There are always expenses and additional fees that you’ll have to pay for. Most prospective students with a high school diploma, however, are likely eligible for scholarships or federal grants that can help you get your degree.
Cheapest Online Bachelor’s Degrees That Won’t Break the Bank
| School | In-State Tuition (Per 15-Credit Semester) | Out-of-State Tuition (Per 15-Credit Semester) | Graduation Rate |
| Bachelor of Applied Science in Administrative Management | Clayton State University | $2,847 | $2,847 | 31% |
| Bachelor of Science or Arts in Communication with an Emphasis in Public Relations | Eastern New Mexico University | $3,369 | $4,359 | 36% |
| Bachelor of Science in Political Science | Fort Hays State University | $3,403 | $3,403 | 46% |
| Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Georgia Southern University | $2,985 | $2,985 | 54% |
| Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Information Security & Assurance | Kennesaw State University | $3,136 | $3,136 | 47% |
| Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business | Lamar University | $4,440 | $4,440 | 32% |
| Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice | Minot State University | $5,102 | $5,102 | 55% |
| Bachelor of Science in Communication | Ohio University | $3,600 | $3,645 | 66% |
| Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | Southeast Missouri State University | $4,762 | $4,762 | 51% |
| Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Law | Western Carolina University | $987 | $3,487 | 64% |
What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor’s Degree?
Bachelor of Applied Science in Administrative Management | Clayton State University
This is one of the most affordable online degree programs, even after paying the required student and technology fees. In this online college education program, you’ll learn about professional and technical writing, global technology, and applied economics. Online learners can specialize in things like general studies, criminal justice, and organizational leadership.
Bachelor of Science or Arts in Communication with an Emphasis in Public Relations | Eastern New Mexico University
This public institution offers a great online program that focuses on public relations within the field of communications. There are additional expenses to pay on top of tuition, such as fees for technology access, books, and supplies. Qualified students will learn about public relations techniques, applied writing for media, and public relations cases and campaigns.
Bachelor of Science in Political Science | Fort Hays State University
This degree program provides high-quality education to remote students, who learn about the American government, political philosophy, and research methods. Students who attend via the online campus will have to pay additional fees aside from the tuition fee indicated by the school. Extra fees depend on the program and course.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Georgia Southern University
This is a 124-credit-hour program that is completely available online. As a student of this online program, you will be equipped with analytical and problem-solving skills to achieve success in the tech world. The tuition rate is low, but there is also an institutional fee of $290 assessed every semester.
Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Information Security & Assurance | Kennesaw State University
This degree program will equip online learners in gaining proficiency in security information. The online student will pay tuition and other fees, such as special institutional fees and technology fees. Remote students will learn how to create solutions to protect information assets as well as how to best manage risks.
Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business | Lamar University
This online college degree gives a lot of ways for remote students to learn about account management, operations management, product planning, and business management. An online student interested in starting their online education journey at this university should know that the distance learning fee is already included in the price of tuition.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice | Minot State University
The increasingly popular criminal justice major can lead to a broad range of career opportunities. The online student who enrolls in this program will have additional expenses, like tech fees and books. As a criminal justice student, you will become more knowledgeable about economic, political, and philosophical issues concerning the justice system.
Bachelor of Science in Communication | Ohio University
This program is one of the best offered by Ohio University, focusing on external and internal communications in business. You should plan for additional fees for things like books, technology, and distance learning. In this program, you’ll learn about communication tools, fundamentals of public speaking, and precision language for journalists.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | Southeast Missouri State University
Pursuing an undergraduate degree in business administration can provide a lot of career opportunities. Aside from the tuition fee, an online student may have to pay electronic course access fees and other additional charges. Online undergraduate students will learn about account management, economics, and marketing fundamentals.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Law | Western Carolina University
This is an online degree program that prepares remote students for pre-law foundations and careers in the business world, teaching subjects such as banking law and risk management. This is a very affordable program, but keep in mind that there may be additional semester fees such as an application fee, tech fee, and other miscellaneous fees.
Options to Help Pay for the Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
The cost of college tuition can be pricey, even for online degrees. Aside from the tuition fee, there are other expenses that you will have to pay as a remote student. We have listed a few financial aid options below to help you pay for your online bachelor’s degree.
Apply for Scholarships
There are many scholarships in the United States that can help you afford an online degree from public, private, or online schools. Some of the scholarships available include the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship and the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship, although there are many more. To apply, contact the institution and ask about the requirements.
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Save Up Personal Funds
It is always a good idea to save money if you’re able to. With the flexibility of an online degree program, you may be able to save money by working and studying simultaneously. Even having a small amount in savings will help you pay for degree costs like food, clothing, and lodging.
Seek Financial Aid Assistance
Financial aid is offered to students who may need help paying for the costs of college. Typically, it is given to students applying to attend postsecondary education. Some universities offer financial aid, such as Oregon State University, West Texas A&M University, Aspen University, and Appalachian State University.
To apply, contact the school to obtain the financial aid forms you’ll need to complete. Another financial aid option is to complete your FAFSA, which is aid provided by the federal government based on expected family contribution and income.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program
- Choose an affordable mobile plan. Mobile or WiFi/Internet plans can get pretty expensive, so be sure to choose a plan that is affordable, fast, and right for you.
- Schedule your eat-outs. Eating out at restaurants often can cost a fortune, especially as a social activity with friends. Schedule a specific day of the week to eat out so you can budget for food, and cook at home as much as possible.
- Live with others. Accommodation can be very expensive if you’re living on your own, so living with roommates allows you to save money by sharing rent and utility bills.
- Declutter. If you have things you don’t frequently use and no longer need, such as electronics or clothing, it may be a good idea to sell them. This can increase your savings and funds to spend on tuition and program fees.
- Make your own coffee. This might seem a bit irrelevant if you’re attending an online school, but it’s practical to make your own coffee instead of going to Starbucks or the local coffee shop every day. This can save you a lot of money over time.
Find the Online Bachelor’s Degree That’s Right for You
Finding the right online bachelor’s degree depends on your situation, such as what you want to study, how much you can afford to pay for tuition, your GPA and SAT scores, and your location. The first step to narrowing your range of options is to assess your passions and skills. If an online format works for you, the next step is to take the plunge.
In summary, online programs are an effective option to earn your bachelor’s degree due to their convenience, quality, and especially, their cost. However, you should make sure you aren’t sacrificing a good education for the sake of expenses.
As shown above, you can find many colleges offering first-rate online bachelor’s degree programs that can get you employed in a variety of fields. We hope you found these resources and tools helpful, and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
Cheapest Online Bachelor’s Degrees FAQ
The most practical college degree to get online is the one that most aligns with your interests and skills, and where there is a demand for workers. For example, if you are well organized and have an interest in state and local governments, public administration may be an easy course for you. A Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration is worth approximately $67,000.
One of the least expensive ways to get a bachelor’s degree is through an online undergraduate degree program. The average annual cost of tuition and fees for a four-year program is $16,647, but you can spend much less if you decide to pursue your degree online instead.
No, it is typically not possible to finish an online bachelor’s degree within two years. Each semester is composed of 15 credits, and you’ll have to complete about 120 credits to get your degree. Certain schools do have accelerated online options, such as Capella University, but they generally cost more.
In general, location matters for tuition costs because there can be differences in pricing for residents and non-residents of public and private universities. Some degree programs may not be available to residents of certain states. Most online programs give students the flexibility to study from wherever they please, but non-residents may have to pay more in tuition.
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