Cheapest Online Colleges [2025 Guide]
Searching for the cheapest online college? Our list takes an in-depth look at the most affordable online colleges with further information about each school to help your search.
The landscape of online education has transformed dramatically, with affordability becoming a crucial factor for students. Our comprehensive analysis reveals the most cost-effective accredited online colleges for 2025, using data from the National Center for Education Statistics and College Scorecard.
Key Findings
- Net prices range from $4,765 to $15,502 among top affordable options
- Florida State University leads in graduation rates at 82%
- University of Florida-Online graduates report highest median earnings at $71,588
- Public universities dominate the most affordable options
Featured Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Ranking Methodology
Rankings are based on average net price data from the National Center for Education Statistics via College Scorecard. Additional factors include graduation rates, retention rates, and median graduate earnings.
Cheapest Accredited Online Colleges 2025
Top Tier (Under $8,000 Net Price)
1. Purdue University Global
2. Peirce College
3. University of Florida-Online
4. Florida State University
5. The Baptist College of Florida
Mid Tier ($8,000-$12,000 Net Price)
1. University of North Carolina at Pembroke
2. Florida International University
3. American Public University System
4. Western Governors University
5. Minot State University
Upper Mid Tier ($12,000-$14,000 Net Price)
1. Granite State College
2. Columbia Southern University
3. San Diego State University
4. Fort Hays State University
5. Hallmark University
Premium Tier ($14,000+ Net Price)
1. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
2. American InterContinental University
3. Charter Oak State College
4. Bryant & Stratton College-Online
5. Franklin University
Accreditation & Quality Metrics
Each ranked institution maintains regional accreditation verified through the U.S. Department of Education database. Data sources include:
- National Center for Education Statistics (2024-2025)
- College Scorecard (2024-25)
- U.S. News & World Report rankings (2025)
Student Aid Guide
FAFSA Deadlines for 2025-26:
- Federal Deadline: July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026
- Average institutional aid per school in our rankings: $2,000-$15,000
- Pell Grant eligibility applies to all listed institutions
Technology Requirements
Standard requirements across all listed online programs:
- High-speed internet connection
- Updated web browser
- Computer with webcam/microphone
- Learning Management System compatibility
National Cost Comparisons
- Public four-year in-state: $11,260
- Public four-year out-of-state: $29,150
- Private nonprofit four-year: $41,540
Best Value Analysis
Highest ROI Programs
- University of Florida-Online: Combines high median earnings ($71,588) with low net price ($6,072)
- San Diego State University: Strong graduation rate (80%) and earnings ($64,909)
- Florida State University: Excellent graduation rate (82%) and solid earnings ($61,675)
Most Affordable Out-of-State Options
According to U.S. News:
- Fitchburg State University: $150 per credit
- Middle Georgia State University: $150 per credit
- Columbus State University: $182 per credit
- Kennesaw State University: $185 per credit
- University of West Georgia: $199 per credit
Best In-State Value
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center: $63/credit
- Western Carolina University: $66/credit
- Daytona State College: $92/credit
Student Success Metrics
Top Graduation Rates
- Florida State University (82%)
- San Diego State University (80%)
- Florida International University (69%)
Best Retention Rates
- Peirce College (100%)
- Charter Oak State College (100%)
- Florida State University (94%)
Expert Recommendations
According to community feedback and expert analysis, prospective students should consider:
- Total Cost vs. Net Price: Look beyond the sticker price to understand actual costs
- Completion Rates: Higher graduation rates often indicate better student support
- Career Outcomes: Consider median earnings and employment rates Financial Aid: Investigate scholarship and grant opportunities
- Program Flexibility: Evaluate course delivery methods and schedule options
Community Insights
Reddit User Experiences
- Many users recommend starting with community college courses
- Several mention SUU Speedway program's affordability at $75 per credit
- Users emphasize importance of employer tuition reimbursement programs
Quora User Recommendations
Users highlight Nexford University for:
- Global accreditation
- Quality education
- Flexible learning options
- Practical skills development
- Strong support services
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Cheapest Online Colleges FAQ
| School Name | Average Net Price |
|---|---|
| Purdue University Global | $4,765 |
| Peirce College | $5,301 |
| University of Florida-Online | $6,072 |
| Florida State University | $6,450 |
| The Baptist College of Florida | $7,594 |
- Public four-year online degrees: $54,183 (average)
- Traditional in-person degrees: $85,348 (average)
- Additional savings on:
- Transportation: $1,360/year
- Meal plans: $600/year
- Per-credit costs at public universities:
- Online: $333
- In-person: $711
- 83% of employers value online degrees equally to on-campus degrees
- 71% of companies hire online program graduates
- 61% rate online education quality as equal or superior
- 52% believe online education is the future of advanced degrees
- Associate Degrees in Health-related fields
- Bachelor's Degrees in Education
- Associate Degrees in Information Technology (IT)
- Bachelor's Degrees in Business Administration
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Want to narrow down your search to the states with the most colleges/universities? Check these links out! California, Texas, Florida, and New York.
Updates and Verification
This guide is updated often. Last update: November 2024
Next scheduled review: March 2025
Further Resources
Best Online Colleges
Most Affordable Colleges
Accelerated Online Degree Programs (Associates, Bachelors, Masters)
Cheapest Online PHD Programs and Online Doctoral Programs
Cheapest Online Master’s Degree Programs
Best Nationally Accredited Online Colleges
Cheapest Affordable Online MBA Programs
Online Medical Assistant Programs
http://colleges.usnews.com/
http://www.niche.com/
Visit Great Basin College’s accredited online programs
Visit the University of Texas at Permian Basin’s Accredited Online Programs
Visit Thomas Edison State University’s Accredited Online Programs
Visit West Texas A&M University’s Accredited Online Programs
Visit American Public University’s Accredited Online Programs