The expense of a degree has been continuously increasing. A regular college education is becoming more costly than it once was. As a result, many people are searching for low-cost online college degrees. There are several advantages to considering pursuing an online degree. For starters, they are less expensive than a standard college diploma, which is growing increasingly pricey with each passing year. Second, unlike in a campus-based degree program, you can take your time finishing your studies and not be pressured to complete them on time. Finally, if you work full-time or have other responsibilities that prevent you from attending classes on campus, an online program allows you to work around such constraints while still receiving a great education. Online degrees are not only flexible, but they are also inexpensive. An online degree costs $10,000-$14,000 a year, which is less than the average tuition for a four-year public university in the United States.
List of Affordable Online Colleges With Degrees
Several online colleges offer bachelor’s and graduate degrees, but not all of them are affordable for students. Let’s take a look at 10 of the most affordable online colleges with degrees.
1. Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University is one of the country’s most cheap online institutions. The school’s tuition is only $7,680 per year. Western Carolina Institution is a public university in the Appalachian area of North Carolina. It provides several online degree programs that are affordable, including an online MBA program that may be done at your leisure.
While Western Carolina University’s campus is in Cullowhee, North Carolina, students from all over the world study both on and off campus. For eleven years in a row, U.S. News & World Report has named WCU one of the finest regional institutions in the South.
Western Carolina University offers undergraduate and graduates studies online. You can register for a degree in the following fields; Humanities, Business and Arts, Healthcare, Education, Science and Engineering. Some of the courses are:
- Master of Project Management (MPM) Online Program
- Business Administration and Law (Undergraduate)
- Finance (Undergraduate)
- Criminal Justice (Undergraduate)
- Human Resources (Graduate)
- Health Science (Graduate)
- Management
- Marketing. etc.
2. University of Texas
The University of Texas Austin was founded in 1883. It is a public university with low tuition. The institution is situated in the middle of Texas’ Permian Basin, one of the world’s largest oil-producing areas. More than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available at UTPB, including bachelor’s degrees in engineering, education, business administration, nursing, and general studies. Master’s degrees in education-technology leadership and water resources management are also available at the university.
The University of Texas Austin opened the University Extension that handles online programs. UEX offers online degrees in the following areas: Business, History & Government, Languages & Literature, Creative Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Most of them are self-paced so you can study the course using your timetable or follow the school’s calendar and complete your course within three semesters. Some of the courses are:
- Foundations of Accounting
- Introduction to Black Studies
- Cultural Anthropology
- Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
- Introduction to Classical Mythology, etc.
3. Arkansas State University Online
Arkansas State Institution is a public university that provides students from all over the world with an inexpensive, high-quality education. They provide online classes at various levels of education. Arkansas State University charges a tuition of $6,500 per year for full-time undergraduate students.
Arkansas State University Online Programs are easy to access and study at your own pace. The Online degrees can be completed within a short period. The Institution provides highly experienced and qualified staff to facilitate its online programs. The Online program covers undergraduate degrees and graduates studies in the following course areas:
- Business Administration
- Health Programs
- General Studies
- Leadership and Management
- Social Sciences, Technology and Engineering
- Media and Communication
- Education
- Professional Studies
4. University of the People
The University of the People (UoPeople) is considered the first online college in the united state. It was established as a non-profit college dedicated to increasing global access to higher education and assisting secondary school graduates who find it hard to continue their education as a result of financial, geographic, political, and personal hindrances. According to UNESCO, by 2025, approximately 100 million young people will be unable to enrol in regular universities.
University of People is an Online Institute that provides 100% tuition-free bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, Associate Degree and MBAs in Health Science, Education, computer science and business administration.
5. Great Basin College
Great Basin College has well over 3000 students enrolled for their online bachelor’s degree. Each year students register for online degrees including associate degrees in the fields of social science, arts, early childhood education, business, English, graphic communications, and applied sciences. GBC also provides 19 certificate programs as well as fully online continuing education courses in healthcare training and computing technology.
Great Basin Institution is one of the most affordable online colleges, it has the lowest tuition. They provide several degree programs in different fields, these courses are well structured and flexible. You can earn a typical four-year degree certificate that will prepare you for professional employment and graduate studies. Bachelor’s Degree includes; a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Additionally, this college provides two-year and four-year Associate Degrees including The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Associate of Arts (AA) and the Associate of Science (AS).
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6. Georgia Southern University Online
Georgia Southern University Online is ranked among the top colleges in the country by U.S. News & World Report. This University provides bachelor’s and graduates degrees Online. However, the university currently runs only two online bachelor’s degrees with over 20 master’s degrees in the field of Education, Engineering, Business, Information technology, health and human sciences as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Georgia Southern University Online is an excellent investment because it only costs $199 for one credit hour at the cheapest rates and offers a variety of programs for military veterans (GSU is recognized by G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School). Some of the courses available are;
- Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT Online)
- Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, MLT to BSMLS and Fast Track Degree Completion
- Associate of Science
- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Global Security Studies (available in Fall 2022)
- Bachelor of Arts, World Languages and Cultures. etc.
7. Daemen College
Daemen College is a recognized educational institution that provides online degree programs. They are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission. Daemen College is a private, non-profit educational school in the state of Illinois. Daemen College charges annual tuition of $11,000 for undergraduate students and $13,000 for graduate students. Tuition for both undergraduate and graduate students includes all fees and books.
Areas of study for undergraduates at Daemen College are Education, Business Administration, Accounting, Health Promotion, History, English, Health & Fitness Specialization, Data Science, etc. Graduate Studies include Applied Behavior Analysis, Athletic Training, Behavioral Science and Human Services, Business Administration MBA, Leadership and Innovation.
8. Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey’s Thomas Edison State Institution is a public university. It was formed in 1855 and is one of the country’s oldest colleges. The institution provides a variety of degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Undergraduate students at Thomas Edison State University pay $9,450 per year for in-state tuition and $14,950 per year for out-of-state tuition.
Here are some of the Bachelor’s Degree Courses; BA degrees in Computer Science, English, History, Criminal Justice, International Studies, Communications, Mathematics, Liberal Studies, Psychology, etc. Graduate Degree Programs include a Master of Public Service Leadership (MPSL) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). MS in Accounting, Information Technology, Applied Science and Technology programs, Cybersecurity, Healthcare Management, Data Science and Analytics. etc.
9. Clayton State University
Clayton State Institution, based in Morrow, Georgia, is a public university. The institution was founded in 1968 and currently provides over 100-degree programs to its students. Clayton State University’s annual tuition is $6,909. Clayton State University Online Programs are in relevant fields of study, they provide adequate guidance, and they assigned instructors to all the courses. The University partnered with Ed2Go and UGotClass to provide training online for learners.
Online Degrees(bachelor’s and master’s) at Clayton University contain the complete curriculum that meets all the requirements for any of the courses you registered for. You can get an online degree in any of the following courses:
- English, BA
- Accounting, BBA
- Health Care Management, BS
- Administrative Management, BAS
- Biology, BS
- Chemistry, BS
- English, BA, Secondary Education Concentration
- Communication and Media Studies, BA
- Film Production, BA
- Computer Science, BS
- English, BA and Liberal Studies, MA, Combined Degree
- General Business, BBA
- Health Sciences, BS
10. Delgado Community College
Delgado Community College is a public, two-year college in New Orleans, Louisiana. The institution provides a low-cost education, with tuition starting at $3,000 per year for Louisiana citizens. Delgado Community College is one of the least expensive institutions in the state. As a result, it is an ideal alternative for students seeking economical online institutions with degrees.
With Delgado Community Online College, you earn the same course credits as students who study on their campus offline. One of the benefits of studying online in college is the resources provided by the school to ensure that you meet your educational and professional goals. The Online Learning Platform used by Delgado is canvas, which is used to take tests to communicate with other learners and course fafacilitators and take tests. Other Online Resources are: Online tutoring (Net Tutor) enabled in your online classroom, Library, Writing Center, Exam proctoring services provided by ProctorU and, Respondus to contact your course instructor, and Turnitin Originality Checker (anti-plagiarism tool) enabled in your online classroom.
Differences Between Affordable Online College Degrees And Traditional Colleges
Typically, the cost of attending a traditional college is more than the cost of attending a cheap online college. This does not, however, imply that an online degree will be less expensive than a regular degree.
With the development of online college degrees, more people are opting to attend low-cost universities. Online universities are less expensive since they do not have to pay for buildings or other administrative expenses. According to research conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, online college degrees are just as excellent as traditional degrees. However, this is not universally accepted.
The Benefits of an Online Degree
The major benefit is the affordability and flexibility that Online degrees provide. Online colleges are an excellent choice for those who want to further their education but do not have the time or money to do so. Online degrees provide several advantages that traditional on-campus programs do not. Online degrees are more flexible and less expensive than on-campus degrees. Students may select their timetable and school, which is ideal for people who have a demanding job schedule or family commitments. Furthermore, students can save money by not having to pay for petrol or other forms of transportation. They also don’t have to worry about the high expense of living in costly cities like New York or Los Angeles.
Tips to Avoid Online Degree Scams
A diploma scam is a crime in which someone takes your identity to get a forged degree. They do this to find a job or get into college. There are several strategies to prevent being taken advantage of by diploma mills. One method is to constantly visit the website of the institution or college to which you are applying. If you notice any misspellings, it’s most likely not the genuine school. Another method is to find out what kind of degrees they offer and if they have any majors that interest you. Finally, if the university has an email address, contact them and inquire whether or not they offer degrees in your field.
Final Note
There are several affordable online colleges where you can complete your bachelor’s or master’s degree. You do not have to worry as most of the affordable online colleges on this list provide a full curriculum for each course available which is equivalent to an offline university degree. So there are possibilities of obtaining a high-quality education at a reasonable cost online. You just need to take the time to pick an online degree that is suitable for you.