How much does an online course cost?
OnlineU analyzed internal cost data from more than 800 schools and found an average annual tuition of $13,919 for an online bachelor's and $14,278 for an online master's.
However, there are many bachelor's and master's programs online that are even cheaper. At the cheapest online colleges, the tuition fee for a bachelor's degree ranges from $5,067 to $7,891 per year. Meanwhile, the cheapest colleges for masters have annual fees ranging from $2,700 to $5,467.
graduation | Average annual monthly fees online | sample size |
---|---|---|
Associate | 8.300 $ | 687 |
bachelor | 13.919 $ | 846 |
Teacher | 14.278 $ | 871 |
doctorate degree | 14.925 $ | 378 |
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It might be usefulCompare monthly fees based on cost per creditinstead of per year. For example, some degrees take longer than others - even degrees at the same level. Students may also prefer to attend the school part-time. In these cases, it's more helpful to think in terms of total hours rather than years or semesters. The following table details the average cost per credit hour for different degree types:
graduation | Typical number of credits | Cost Per OnlineU School Credit |
---|---|---|
Associate | 50 - 60 | 60 $ - 1.282 $ |
bachelor | 120 - 128 | 106,8 $ - 1.325 $ |
Teacher | 30 - 60 | 180 $ - 4.836 $ |
doctorate degree | 36 - 120 | 277 $ - 1.995 $ |
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Online College vs Campus Experience: Which is Cheaper?
Our research shows thatPublic and private colleges tend to be more accessible to online studentsas face-to-face students.
According to a sample of 100 schools, 80% of public schools offer lower prices for international students online, while 96% of private schools also offer cheaper online programs for this demographic. Additionally, more than a third of public schools charge state students less when they study online.
There are several reasons for the relative accessibility of online programs. Some public colleges charge online students the same rate as in-state residents, regardless of where they live, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars over the course of an undergraduate degree. Likewise, private schools may charge distance students a lower fee. While some schools still charge the same amount for all college students, online students rarely pay higher tuition than their on-campus peers.
According to a sample of 100 schools, 80% of public schools offer lower prices for international students online, while 96% of private schools also offer cheaper online programs for this demographic.
It is important to remember that individual distance learning programs are not always more affordable than face-to-face programs. Students should therefore find out the costs of their individual program before enrolling. In addition to tuition, applicants should consider the length of each program and the amount of financial aid they may receive from the school.
For example, while for-profit colleges attract many applicants because they often allow students to take more courses per year, they can leave students in a more precarious financial situation after graduation. While for-profit colleges may reduce program length to accommodate more classes, this attractive feature may be offset by higher overall tuition fees. Also, these universities tend to offer less financial aid than other types of schools, which means their students end up taking out more loans. This is theNon-profit school graduates tend to rack up more debtand no longer pay off their loans at higher interest rates.
Additional College Cost Factors Beyond Tuition
While low tuition is something many students look for when pursuing a college education, it's not the only expense to consider. There are often other costs that online learners must pay:
books, whether paper or electronic, vary from class to class in price. In the academic year 2019-2020 collegeStudents spent an average of $1,100 to $1,300to books, depending on whether they attended public or private colleges. Students can save money by purchasing e-books when available, buying used books, and comparing prices at e-sellers.
A technology feepays for a school's server and data storage costs, and online students often bear these costs. As with other fees, these costs may vary. For example,Clayton State University charges $7 per credit hourfor online students pursuing a bachelor's degree whileMidway University students pay a flat fee of $75for vacation.
A computer and a reliable internet connectionare essential to earn an online degree. Distance learners can live and work from anywhere as long as they have a stable Internet connection. Students may find it difficult to use a public computer for all their online courses as it takes many hours to watch lectures and complete assignments. Many libraries and computer labs restrict users' internet usage and may also close in the early evening. However, an online college education is becoming increasingly mobile-friendly, and some schools advertise that a large portion of their courses can be completed on a phone or tablet.
Despite these additional costs, online students can avoid other expenses such as room and board while maintaining their current living conditions. You'll also save money by not commuting to and from campus, from gas money and car maintenance fees to public transportation costs. Ultimately, distance students don't have to give up their lives by enrolling in an out-of-state program, which can be an expensive experience for on-campus students.
Financial help for students online
Financial aid can lower the overall cost of higher education and reduce a student's financial burdenleave them with less debtafter graduation. Obest toolsdo not need to be reimbursed: scholarships, scholarships and dual study programs. However, most students still need to take out loans to finance their studies. Students should first prioritize government student loans as they offer better interest rates than private sources.
Most students begin applying for financial aid by first filling out the formFree Application for Student Aid(FAFSA), as most states and colleges require this form. |
Applicants simply enter their personal and financial information to determine whether they are eligible for state aid. Although students with undocumented immigrant status cannot apply for federal assistance, they must still check with their state for an alternative form to complete to qualify for federal and private assistance.
In general, online students qualify for the same financial assistance programs as on-campus students, but students should review each program's eligibility requirements. It may also be beneficial to contact a school's Financial Aid Office to ensure that they will accept the support the student has already received.
The following are some of the top funding sources potential students can look into:
Ofederal governmentprovides financial support to students at all levels, includingPell Grantfor students andTEACH scholarshipfor students in graduate programs who intend to become certified teachers.
state governmentsOffer a variety of programs based on need, merit, and ethnic/racial background.
facultiesoften run outreach programs for their students. This can include need-based or merit-based scholarships for students in all majors, or alumni-funded scholarships for students in specific majors.
professional organizationsoften offer scholarships to students studying in their specialty.Programmatic Accreditation Organizationscould also offer similar possibilities.
Students may benefit by contacting their college's student finance office after enrollment. Administrators can direct students to utilities they haven't even considered. Furthermore, it is the best course of action tosolicit as much support as possiblebecause multiple funding sources help lower the overall cost of a business.
For more information aboutCollege Affordability and How to Pay for Your Degree, we've put together resources including last-minute college savings and how to make your college education more affordable.
concessions
Below are ten scholarships available for students with different degrees:
APF Scholarships for Graduates
Crowd: 21 prizes between $2,000 and $5,000
Who can apply: PhD students or Master's students in Psychology pursuing a PhD
application documents: Recommendation letter, thesis or dissertation draft, certificates, curriculum vitae, online application form
Historisch Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Foundation General Stipendienfonds
Crowd: up to $10,000
Who can apply: Students attending one of the full-time HBCUs who have financial needs and have at least a 2.75 GPA
application documents: Transcripts, 2-5 minute video answering why the candidate chose HBCU, header image, short answer questions
Latin Unity Foundation Stipend
Crowd: $ 500- $ 1.000
Who can apply: Undergraduate or graduate students of Latino or Hispanic descent with financial difficulties and at least a 2.8 GPA
application documents: Certificates, letters of recommendation, copy of letter of admission to a course
Mary Elizabeth Lockwood Benevento MBA Scholarship
Crowd: 1 prize of $2,000
Who can apply: Women attending a full-time MBA program with a minimum GPA of 3.25
application documents: Certificates, letters of recommendation
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Stipendienprogramm
Crowd: 30 prizes ranging from $3,000 to $12,000
Who can apply: Students of all majors at all levels of study who are legally blind in both eyes and demonstrate academic excellence, community service, and leadership qualities
application documents: Transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essay, interview with next NFB member president, statement of ability and intent to attend NFB national conference
Subsidies to innovate
Crowd: 2 Prizes: First place receives $5,000 and second place receives $2,500
Who can apply: Members of the LGBTQ+ community who are enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree in STEM and have completed at least two years of college
application documents: Certificates, financial information, personal statement of less than 1,000 words, three letters of recommendation
Internationales Undergraduate-Stipendium der Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Crowd: demand oriented
Who can apply: Students pursuing an undergraduate degree accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Engineering and Technology, demonstrating financial need and a grade point average of at least 3.0
application documents: Testimonials, two letters of recommendation, personal statement describing leadership and service experience
Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Scholarships in USA
Crowd: Approximately 15–20 prizes between $3,000 and $5,000
Who can apply: Asian or Pacific Islander high school students enrolled in college with financial need and a GPA of at least 3.3
application documents: Transcripts, two letters of recommendation, 2 "x2" headshot, two essay questions, family income tax return
Women on Microsoft Scholarship
Crowd: 3 prizes of $5,000 each
Who can apply: Senior high school students who identify as female, nonbinary, gender biased, or female with transgender background, have a 3.0 GPA and intend to study a STEM subject
application documents: Certificates, two letters of recommendation, 500-word personal essay, overview of candidate's personal, academic, and community commitments
The Importance of Finding an Accredited Online Program
One of the most important qualities to look for when exploring online degree options isaccreditation. A community college or university must pass a comprehensive, multi-year review by an independent agency to be accredited. The agency examines the school's programs, faculty, facilities and student resources and compares them to recognized standards of excellence before granting accreditation. The best online colleges have been accredited by one of the six authorized regional accrediting bodies or by theDistance Learning Accreditation Commission.
Choosing an accredited institution is important for several reasons:
Potential employers can confirm that you earned your college degree from an accredited institution as part of your standard background check.
Eligibility for financial aid is usually dependent on enrolling in an accredited school.
If you want to transfer credits earned to another college, the second school will likely only accept credits from an accredited program.
Depending on the profession you have chosen, you may need to obtain an additional certification or license upon graduation. Your ability to do this may depend on whether you attended an accredited school.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is usually a prerequisite for earning a graduate degree.
OnlineU only lists accredited colleges and universities.We provide details of each school we review, as shown below.
FAQs
2023 Cheapest Online Colleges and Degrees? ›
The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is perhaps the easiest online university to get into for individuals with college credit. It offers an online degree for B.A in Women's and Gender Studies that requires at least 13 college credits to proceed with the enrollment.
What is the cheapest online college in the United States? ›# 1 | Allen County Community College Annual tuition: $2,013 |
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# 2 | Kansas City Kansas Community College Annual tuition: $2,821 |
# 3 | Albany State University Annual tuition: $2,850 |
- Finance. ...
- Public Relations. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Public Administration. ...
- Health and Human Services. ...
- Economics. ...
- Business Administration. ...
- Criminal Justice. Whether or not the degree's abilities will be in demand after graduation is one factor many students consider while choosing a degree program.
The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is perhaps the easiest online university to get into for individuals with college credit. It offers an online degree for B.A in Women's and Gender Studies that requires at least 13 college credits to proceed with the enrollment.
Is it cheaper to get a degree online? ›Not only does tuition tend to be lower, but many additional expenses, such as transportation costs and course materials, are eliminated in an online program. However, it's important to note that the average cost of online college is still a significant investment.
Is online school free in the US? ›Most online schools in America are public schools, which means they are tuition-free! If you're wondering whether your state has an option allowing you to choose a full-time online school for free, keep reading.
Are online degrees respected? ›As many as 83% of business leaders see an online degree at a “well-known” institution as having the same value as an on-campus degree. If they are not familiar with a school, however, or the institution isn't known for producing prepared graduates from its programs, your degree may not be seen as having the same value.
What is the most simple degree to get? ›On average, bachelor of business administration majors spend 42 hours studying for both the core courses and electives. Based on the average GPA, this could be the easiest bachelor degree to get. Business is one of the majors that produce the most number of graduates and one of the easy majors that pay well.
What is the quickest bachelor's degree to get? ›An accelerated online bachelor's program is usually the quickest way to earn a bachelor's degree. Students can take more credits at once and graduate earlier — sometimes in 1-2 years. However, most bachelor's programs take about four years, and part-time online programs can take much longer.
How to make $100,000 without a college degree? ›There are many high-paying job opportunities available that pay $100K a year without a degree. Some of these jobs are real estate agent, risk manager, and sales consultant. For most common high-paying jobs without a degree, you'll need many years of work experience until you reach a level where you make six figures.
What is the fastest and easiest degree to get online? ›
- Accounting.
- Art and Design.
- Business Administration and Management.
- Education and Teaching.
- Environmental Policy.
- Finance.
- Forensics and CSI.
- Liberal Arts and Humanities.
Online bachelor's degrees include advertising, biology, business administration, computer science, geology, nursing, and sports management. Studying online gives you the flexibility to start in the spring, summer, or fall.
What is the easiest online associates degree to get? ›Some of its easiest online associate degree programs include Associate of Science in Corrections, Associate of Arts/Science in Outdoor Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Associate of Arts in Anthropology, and Associate of Arts in General Education.
Is an online degree taken seriously? ›In many cases, online graduates receive the same exact diploma as on-campus students. There's also no real need for you to reveal the online nature of your credentials on a job application, unless you just want to. If the school you attend is close to your home, it may be assumed that you attended classes in person.
Are online degrees harder? ›Are Online Classes Harder in College? Because online classes cover the same or similar material, typically in the same amount of time as traditional classes, they are not harder. The only thing that can make an online class seem harder is the amount of reading and communication they require.
Are degrees worth it now? ›Bachelor's degree holders generally earn 75% more than those with just a high school diploma, according to “The College Payoff,” a report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce — and the higher the level of educational attainment, the larger the payoff.
How much do online courses cost in USA? ›The average per-credit-hour, in-state tuition rate for online instruction in the US among public schools for the 2019-20 academic year was $320.80 per credit hour.
How much does online school cost in the US? ›Online high school program prices can range from up to $20,000 to less than $1,000. This covers your courses, diploma, class materials, and other expenses.
Does K12 give you a laptop? ›If you are eligible for a computer, you will receive either a laptop or desktop computer. The type of computer you receive depends on your school's Computer Rules. Please know that K12 is unable to fulfill special requests for a laptop when your student qualifies for a desktop per the school's Computer Rules.
What degrees are best online? ›- Computer Science. Virtually every industry relies on computer scientists in some form or another. ...
- Business Administration. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Marketing. ...
- Finance. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Human Resources. ...
- Education.
Do employers really care where you got your degree? ›
84% say the institution a candidate attended is a 'very important' or 'important' factor. 71% are more likely to move forward with a candidate who attended a top-tier school. 66% are more likely to move forward with a candidate who attended their own alma mater.
Are online degrees faster? ›Earning a degree online can provide a faster path to graduation than traditional college programs because students are not constrained to attending class when they can physically be on campus.
What is the most used degree? ›The most popular college majors in the United States are business, health, and social sciences, according to data from the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES). Of the 2 million bachelor's degrees conferred in the US during the 2019-2020 school year, these three majors made up almost 40 percent.
Which is the hardest degree to pass? ›- Chartered Accountancy.
- Astrophysics.
- Quantum Mechanics.
- Law.
- Aerospace/ Aeronautical Studies, Engineering.
- Biomedical Studies, Neurosciences, Biochemistry.
- Nursing.
- Dentistry, Medicine.
Medicine, mathematics, physics — you may have heard from friends and family that these are the hardest degrees in the world. But a deeper look into each degree often reveals that they may not be the hardest degrees in the world. Medicine is deemed challenging because it deals with people's lives.
Can you finish a bachelor's in 2 years? ›The quick answer is yes! A 2 year bachelor degree is indeed possible. People typically think of a Bachelor's degree as something that requires four years at colleges and universities to accomplish. However, it is possible to obtain such a degree in a shorter time.
What degree takes the least amount of years? ›Different types of associate degrees, such as an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Arts (AA), are 60 credits and can be completed in 2 years or less, and are a great first step toward earning an entry-level job or promotion.
How to make $1,000 a week without a degree? ›- Server. National average salary: $38,031 per year. ...
- Bartender. National average salary: $40,614 per year. ...
- Electrician. National average salary: $55,974 per year. ...
- Insurance agent. ...
- Dispatcher. ...
- Computer programmer. ...
- Sales representative. ...
- Journeyman plumber.
- Registered nurse. National average salary: $78,905 per year. ...
- Senior consultant. National average salary: $91,805 per year. ...
- Risk manager. National average salary: $88,879 per year. ...
- 4. Development director. ...
- IT manager. ...
- Professional athlete. ...
- Detective. ...
- Sales director.
- Property manager.
- Retail store manager.
- Law enforcement officer.
- Title examiner.
- Web developer.
- Fitness manager.
- Hotel manager.
- Pipe welder.
What is the easiest 2 year degree to get? ›
The easiest associate's degree to get is typically considered to be a General Studies Degree. These combine elements from a variety of different disciplines, such as history, arts, sciences and business, which allows you to develop a more well-rounded education than a single-discipline degree would.
Is Capella a legitimate university? ›Accreditation. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Baccalaureate and graduate level teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Is University of Phoenix accredited? ›University of Phoenix has been continually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org since 1978.
How do I get started with an online degree? ›- Find a School. In order to choose the proper school for you, it's imperative to self-reflect and examine your goals. ...
- Check Accreditation Status. ...
- Narrow Your Options. ...
- Apply for School and Financial Aid. ...
- Enroll in Classes.
# 1 | Waubonsee Community College Annual tuition: $3,900 |
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# 2 | Delgado Community College Annual tuition: $4,017 |
# 3 | Albany Technical College Annual tuition: $5,340 |
The associate of arts, accounting technology, business administration, and criminal justice technology degrees can all be completed in 18 months. The degrees in office administration, and supply chain management take 20 months to complete, still four months faster than a traditional associate's degree.
Is associate degree easier than bachelor? ›Yes, earning an associate degree is easier than earning a bachelor's degree, but only because an associate degree has fewer educational requirements and can be completed in roughly half the time. A single course in an associate degree program can be just as difficult as one in a bachelor's degree program.
How many hours a week is an online degree? ›Thus, many online courses run the same length as their on-campus counterparts. This means that a semester-based schedule will include approximately 15 weeks of work for 9 hours per week or 135 hours total for the semester for each 3-credit course.
Do online degree look bad to employers? ›If an online degree comes from a regionally or nationally accredited school, employers will know that it is reputable. ADVERTISEMENT. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us.
How long does online degree take? ›According to Top Degrees Online, the median time for the completion of an online bachelor's degree is 52 months. This does not seem to differ significantly from a traditional bachelor's degree. Of course, both types of bachelor's programs require about 120 course hours.
Is an online degree worth the same as a regular degree? ›
Many students worry whether an online degree holds the same prestige as a traditional degree. The truth is, they're equal in terms of academic quality, job preparation and career opportunity. Online degrees and traditional degrees only differ in the format they're delivered.
What are the disadvantages of online courses? ›- Lack of face-to-face interaction.
- Difficulty staying motivated.
- Limited access to resources and support.
- Technical difficulties.
- Isolation.
For some people, online programs are easier because they offer a flexible schedule. In addition, people with great time management skills and a sense of responsibility can excel in online classes. However, online education may be more challenging for those who enjoy learning in a classroom environment.
What degrees are going in demand? ›- Engineering. Engineering professionals use principles of physics and mathematics to design buildings, vehicles, electronics, and other structures. ...
- Business. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Hospitality. ...
- Education. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Architecture. ...
- Pharmaceutical Sciences.
According to data published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the wage premium for early-career college graduates was 52%, or $17,680. The unemployment rate for college grads was also far lower in the first quarter of 2023 at 2.1% versus 6.9% for young workers without a college degree.
What colleges offer the most value for the money? ›- Princeton University.
- Yale University.
- Stanford University.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
- Rice University.
- Dartmouth College.
- Vanderbilt University.
- Johns Hopkins University.
Among the states offering the cheapest tuition for in-state students, Florida and Wyoming topped the list with prices under $7,000 a year, based on 2022 data from the College Board.
What is the cheapest way to go to college in the US? ›In general, local public colleges and universities provide the most competitive tuition rates because taxpayer money is also helping the school meet its needs. Community colleges and local state schools also offer the option to live at home and pocket those funds you would have otherwise paid for room and board.
How much is the cheapest college in us? ›School | Location | Total Cost (2022-2023) |
---|---|---|
Texas A&M International University | Laredo, TX | $4,165 |
South Florida State College | Avon Park, FL | $4,228 |
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | $4,419 |
CUNY City College | New York, NY | $4,546 |
- #1 — St. Petersburg College.
- #2 — Pensacola State College.
- #3 — Broward College.
- #4 — South Florida State College.
- #5 — Lake-Sumter State College.
- #6 — Western Iowa Tech Community College.
- #7 — Missouri Western State University.
- #8 — Fox Valley Technical College.
What is the cheapest college out of state? ›
Youngstown State University has the lowest out-of-state tuition rates and provides financial aid to its students. Out-of-state students are treated equally to in-state students. They receive the same caliber of education and pay the same tuition and fees as residents.
What universities in the US have no tuition fee? ›The US Service Academies are among the tuition-free universities in the USA. There are five United States Academies. They are U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
Is online school free in Florida? ›Virtual education programs are available at no charge to all Florida students. FLVS courses are free to all Florida students and are available to public, private, and home education students.
What is the most expensive online school? ›For online colleges that offer online degrees/programs, Nightingale College has the most expensive tuition & fees ($70,800) and California College of the Arts has the second highest tuition & fees ($54,706) based on academic year 2022-2023 tuition data.
Is online school better? ›Traditional school hours in a physical institution are not ideal for families who travel often, or for students pursuing pre-professional athletics or performing arts. An online program offers more flexibility for students, and, in turn, helps students improve time management skills.
Which state has cheapest university in USA? ›California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a public university in Long Beach, California. A cheap and best university in the USA it offers more than 189 academic programs. The student faculty ratio is 26:1 and 24 % classes with less than 20 students.
Which state is the cheapest to study and live in USA? ›- Alabama. Alabama is renowned for being inexpensive in terms of education and living expenses in the US. ...
- Wyoming. The state of Wyoming has a mountainous landscape. ...
- Kansas. ...
- Baltimore. ...
- Atlanta. ...
- San Diego. ...
- Philadelphia. ...
- Chicago.
- Nicholls State University. ...
- Eastern New Mexico University. ...
- Brigham Young University. ...
- Bridgewater State University. ...
- Minnesota State University-Moorhead. ...
- Mississippi University for Women. ...
- Southwest Minnesota State University.
# 1 | University of Nebraska at Kearney Annual tuition: $9,702 |
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# 2 | Tennessee State University Annual tuition: $11,434 |
# 3 | University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Annual tuition: $12,726 |
Associate degree | |
---|---|
Length of time | 2 years |
Average annual tuition | $3,800 (public in-district schools) |
Credit requirements | 60 credits |
Common enrollment requirements | High school diploma or GED |
What is the most expensive college in the US right now? ›
College | Tuition Cost |
---|---|
1. Franklin & Marshall College | $65,652 |
2. Columbia University | $65,524 |
3. Reed College | $64,450 |
4. Vassar College | $63,840 |