Navigating through the higher education realm is challenging, but with the rise of online learning, opportunities have become more accessible and cost-effective. This article sheds light on some of America’s most affordable online degree programs, aiming to facilitate your journey toward academic excellence.
1. Florida State College at Jacksonville – A Pioneer in Affordable Online Education
Average Net Price: $3,129
Renowned for its comprehensive, cost-effective online programs, Florida State College at Jacksonville leads the pack. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits this institution, confirming its dedication to providing quality education.
In 2021, Florida State College earned a coveted spot on the Aspen Institute’s shortlist of institutions eligible for the prestigious $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This recognition demonstrates the school’s stellar reputation among American community colleges.
The same year, the institution also bagged the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges award from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, reflecting its commitment to cultivating a vibrant and nurturing educational environment.
Moreover, the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation’s Accrediting Commission granted “Exemplary” status to FSCJ’s Culinary Management Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program, further accrediting it until 2026.
The college’s online bachelor’s degree offerings are impressively diverse, ranging from Business Administration, Computer Systems Networking, and Information Technology Management to Public Safety Management, Supervision and Management, Early Childhood Education, Financial Services, Human Services, Nursing, and Logistics. Regardless of your professional aspirations, Florida State College at Jacksonville’s array of online programs caters to a myriad of career trajectories, all while prioritizing affordability and accessibility.
2. Fayetteville State University – A Historically Significant Institution Offering Top-Notch Online Degrees
Average Net Price: $3,129
Renowned for its comprehensive, cost-effective online programs, Florida State College at Jacksonville leads the pack. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits this institution, confirming its dedication to providing quality education.
In 2021, Florida State College earned a coveted spot on the Aspen Institute’s shortlist of institutions eligible for the prestigious $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This recognition demonstrates the school’s stellar reputation among American community colleges.
The same year, the institution also bagged the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges award from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, reflecting its commitment to cultivating a vibrant and nurturing educational environment.
Moreover, the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation’s Accrediting Commission granted “Exemplary” status to FSCJ’s Culinary Management Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program, further accrediting it until 2026.
The college’s online bachelor’s degree offerings are impressively diverse, ranging from Business Administration, Computer Systems Networking, and Information Technology Management to Public Safety Management, Supervision and Management, Early Childhood Education, Financial Services, Human Services, Nursing, and Logistics. Regardless of your professional aspirations, Florida State College at Jacksonville’s array of online programs caters to a myriad of career trajectories, all while prioritizing affordability and accessibility.
3. Louisiana State University-Alexandria – Offering a Spectrum of Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Average Net Price: $7,301
Ranked among the most affordable institutions for online bachelor’s degrees in Louisiana and the broader southern region, Louisiana State University-Alexandria (LSUA) provides an extensive range of academic offerings. LSUA, established in 1960 as a division of LSU, originally focused on delivering two-year nursing degrees. Over the years, it has grown into Louisiana’s only state-funded undergraduate university, demonstrating its enduring commitment to accessible higher education.
LSUA maintains accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Several of its individual programs hold additional accreditations from relevant authoritative bodies, ensuring that its degrees are recognized and valued across various industries.
The online bachelor’s programs at LSUA are impressively diverse, covering a broad array of academic fields. Among them are applied arts and sciences, communication studies, English, religious studies, and accounting. LSUA also offers specialized business administration programs, including a focus on entrepreneurship.
For students interested in the fields of law and healthcare, LSUA has online degrees in criminal justice, criminal psychology, health professions, medical imaging, healthcare administration, and medical lab science. Mathematics enthusiasts can explore general mathematics or actuarial science programs while aspiring healthcare professionals can take advantage of the RN to BSN nursing program.
LSUA’s psychology department offers an especially rich selection of online degrees, with tracks in clinical psychology, family and community dynamics, and industrial and organizational psychology. Other unique programs include disaster science and emergency management, health sciences, humanities, organizational studies, and social sciences.
With such a wide range of affordable and quality online bachelor’s degrees, LSUA remains a top choice for students seeking flexibility and diversity in their higher education journey.
4. Louisiana State University-Shreveport – A Testament to Community Resilience
Average Net Price: $8,703
Louisiana State University-Shreveport (LSU-Shreveport) stands as a shining testament to the power of community perseverance. Despite the initial lack of governmental support for a two-year college in northwestern Louisiana, the Shreveport community remained undeterred. They fought for the establishment of a local institution for higher learning, a dream that became a reality in 1967. Today, LSU-Shreveport is a beacon of accessible and quality education in the region, offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
LSU-Shreveport’s online offerings are particularly appealing for their flexibility and relevance. The university currently features six online bachelor’s degree programs. These include Management and Administration, which prepares students for leadership roles in various organizations, and Finance, which equips learners with the skills to navigate the complex world of financial management.
The Marketing program at LSU-Shreveport provides a comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior, market research, and strategic planning. At the same time, the General Business Administration course is an excellent choice for those seeking broad-based knowledge in business operations.
Students interested in a multidisciplinary approach can explore the General Studies program, which allows for personalized curriculum design based on individual academic interests. Finally, the Mass Communication program provides a solid foundation in media studies, focusing on areas like journalism, public relations, and digital media.
The Shreveport community remains deeply involved with and proud of LSU-Shreveport, which continues to serve as a significant regional educational hub. Its online bachelor’s programs offer an affordable and flexible route to acquiring essential skills and credentials for the modern workforce.
5. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus – Combining Technology and Tradition for Rich Learning
Average Net Price: $8,961
Balancing tradition and technology, Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus (ENMU) has been delivering a well-rounded and diverse educational experience for its students. Recognized for its emphasis on social mobility, the university was ranked #87 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report. ENMU is also proud of its ongoing accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, a testament to its commitment to quality and standards.
The online bachelor’s degree program at ENMU is thoughtfully designed to provide students the flexibility they need to juggle their professional responsibilities, personal commitments, and academic pursuits. In contrast to some institutions offering cheap online degrees through correspondence courses or independent study programs, ENMU’s approach is different. The online curriculum is consciously structured for busy individuals aiming to earn a college degree without sacrificing their other obligations.
ENMU’s online programs span various fields of study. The Bachelor of Business Administration program offers several concentration areas to suit different career goals. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students for rewarding careers in healthcare, while the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science provides a deep understanding of the digital world’s complexities.
For those interested in media and journalism, the Bachelor of Arts in Communication-Journalism program offers a solid foundation in this field. On the other hand, the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education is designed for those aspiring to shape young minds.
ENMU’s dedication to creating versatile online learning options reflects its commitment to accessibility and flexibility in higher education. Its varied online programs cater to diverse interests and career paths, making it a fantastic option for those seeking a high-quality and affordable online degree.
6. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke – Tradition Meets Innovation in Learning
Average Net Price: $10,792
Located midway between Charlotte and Wilmington, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) carries a unique legacy of indigenous learning. It was originally founded by Native Americans as a dedicated educational institution for local indigenous populations. Today, as a public university, it has extended its reach to serve a diverse range of students while maintaining its roots in indigenous knowledge and culture.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, UNCP offers an array of online bachelor’s degree programs. These include Criminal Justice, Sociology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Business Administration, RN-BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing), and Birth-Kindergarten Education.
UNCP’s Office of Online Learning provides detailed and helpful resources for online students, ensuring a smooth and effective learning experience. In addition to bachelor’s programs, the university also offers online certificate and licensure programs, adding further flexibility and range to its online offerings.
Furthermore, UNCP is approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). This participation allows the university to offer its online programs to students across different states, making its rich educational offerings accessible to a wider audience. This commitment to distance education demonstrates UNCP’s dedication to leveraging innovative education strategies to extend the reach of quality higher education.
7. Columbia Southern University – Pioneering Online Education in a Christian Context
Average Net Price: $11,241
Columbia Southern University (CSU), located in Orange Beach, Alabama, represents a harmonious blend of faith-based learning and modern education. This private Christian institution offers a variety of undergraduate degree programs in arts and sciences, coupled with professional programs in fields like business, education, and nursing.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits CSU, a testament to the high-quality standards of its academic offerings. Moreover, CSU is a seasoned player in the field of online education, providing affordable online programs for over a quarter of a century.
With a wide array of online programs spanning from speciality certificates to doctorate degrees, CSU provides flexibility and quality for learners at all levels. Notable online bachelor’s programs include Criminal Justice Administration, Emergency Medical Services Administration, Fire Administration, Health Care Administration, Homeland Security, Environmental Management, Occupational Safety and Health, and Psychology.
The academic team at CSU comprises dedicated professors chosen for their industry expertise. Their real-life experiences and familiarity with the latest industry standards enrich the course content, ensuring that CSU graduates can remain competitive in an ever-evolving job market. Through its online offerings, CSU reaffirms its commitment to providing quality education that accommodates the needs and aspirations of today’s learners.
8. Clayton State University – An Epicenter of Excellence in Online Learning
Average Net Price: $11,663
Originally established as a junior college in 1969, Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia, has grown exponentially to become an eminent institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Its commitment to social mobility has garnered national recognition, ranking #20 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the university’s regional and public schools are lauded for their exemplary performance.
Niche.com, a renowned platform for college and school reviews, grades Clayton State University a respectable B- for its commendable diversity, rigorous academics, and value for money.
CSU’s online Bachelor’s degree programs encompass a wide range of disciplines, including Accounting, Administrative Management, Biology, Biology with Secondary Education Concentration, Chemistry, Dental Hygiene, Elementary Education, Film Production, General Business, Legal Studies, Nursing, Nursing RN to BSN, and Sociology. These carefully designed programs aim to cultivate leaders ready to thrive in today’s highly competitive job market.
Clayton State University emphasizes providing an online learning experience that is as enriching and rigorous as traditional classroom learning. With a diverse range of subjects and an unwavering commitment to quality, CSU stands as a beacon of online education excellence.
9. Valley City State University – Pioneering Quality Online Education in North Dakota
Average Net Price: $11,676
Valley City State University, located in the southeastern region of North Dakota, holds the honor of being the second-best public university in the state, as per the U.S. News and World Report. The institution’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed, having earned a spot among the Best Universities nationally for an impressive 24 consecutive years.
The university’s rich history traces back to 1890, when it was established as a teachers’ college. Now part of the respected North Dakota University System, Valley City State University carries the accreditation of the Higher Learning Commission.
In its quest to offer comprehensive education options, VCSU provides a wide array of online Bachelor’s degree majors, including Communication, English, History, Music, and Social Science, among others. The university also offers online minors such as Business Library Media, Marketing, Mathematics, Psychology, and Technology Education to enrich students’ learning further.
Valley City State University’s relentless dedication to quality education and its innovative approach to online learning solidifies its position as a leader in higher education in North Dakota and beyond.
10. Minot State University – North Dakota’s Beacon for Diverse and Quality Online Education
Average Net Price: $12,205
Nestled in the heart of North Dakota, Minot State University is a prominent public institution that pledges to deliver an exceptional educational experience. It holds full accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission-North Central Association (HLC-NCA). It boasts a remarkable range of online degree programs, encompassing 21 diverse disciplines like Business Administration & Management, Social Work, Special Education, Nursing, and Teacher Education.
MSU has distinguished itself as a leading affordable online bachelor’s degree provider. The university is committed to empowering remote students and busy professionals by offering the flexibility of earning online certificates and graduate degrees.
Minot State University’s stellar educational offerings have earned it a rank of #33 in U.S. News & World Report’s list of Top Public Schools. Moreover, Niche.com has showered MSU with high rankings in several categories, including #1 in North Dakota for Colleges with the Most Diversity, #2 for Best Colleges for Business and Best Small Colleges in North Dakota, and #3 for Best Colleges for Education and Top Public Universities.
Clearly, Minot State University is a shining testament to the robust and diverse academic opportunities North Dakota’s higher education landscape offers.
BONUS:
Western Governors University – The Bonus Contender for Quality Distance Learning
Average Net Price: $8,670
Western Governors University is a unique player in the world of higher education. Established by 19 U.S. governors in 1997, this non-profit, fully online university aims to provide accessible, affordable, and competency-based education to students across the United States.
Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, WGU offers a variety of online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Business, Information Technology, Teacher Education, and Health Professions (including Nursing). Each degree program is developed by a council of experts in the field, ensuring that the curriculum is relevant and up-to-date.
WGU utilizes a unique competency-based approach to education. Instead of traditional credit hours or seat time, students progress through their courses as soon as they can prove they’ve mastered the material. This approach allows for a more personalized and flexible learning experience, making it an ideal choice for working adults or those with family responsibilities.
Despite its unconventional approach, WGU’s quality of education has been recognized by numerous institutions. U.S. News & World Report has ranked WGU’s online bachelor’s programs among the best in the nation for several years, and the university has been named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing.
Affordable, flexible, and highly respected Western Governors University is an excellent bonus addition to our top online degree programs list.