55 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges in 2024

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In the dynamic landscape of education, the quest for the most affordable accredited Online colleges has risen as it ensures quality education in this digital world. This would give you the leverage of having to learn at a very cheap rate from home. 

In this blog post, I will take you through some of the 55 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges, their locations, accreditation,  some of the notable programs offered there, and the links to those courses. 

Get ready to make your choices as I take you through these topics. 

Table of Contents

Criteria for selection of the Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges. 

In the selection of the 55 Most affordable accredited online colleges, some factors should be put into consideration as they guide the selection process. They include : 

Tuition Costs: Quite ironic to speak of tuition cost when speaking of the Most affordable accredited online colleges but that’s always remember that even among the affordable online colleges some are cheaper and should be selected when given the chance. 

Accreditation: Accreditation is essential, especially in the search for affordable online colleges.  This reason is simple some universities might be affordable but not accredited.  Remember accreditation is a sign that a university meets the standard of education. Take good note of it. 

Financial Aid Options: Affordable online colleges are usually served better with grants, financial aid, or loans to cover the cost. While not all affordable online offers this some do few ones do so and would be worth searching for.  

Accessibility: Even though a college might be among the 56 most affordable accredited online colleges, it might not be accessible as per the user-friendliness of its website. This is something we ought to look out for.  

Academic Excellence: A most affordable accredited online college does not necessarily translate automatically to an academically elite school. I’m our quest for affordable online college we must also quest for an academically sound one for better education. 

List of the 55 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges

Below is a list of the most affordable accredited online colleges:

55 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges

1. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Known for its affordability, UNCP offers online programs that cater to various fields of study.
Tuition Cost: In-state: $3,383 per semester (2021-2022), Out-of-state: $7,470 per semester (2021-2022)

   – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

   – Notable Programs: Nursing, Education, Business Administration

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges. 

2. University of Central Florida

UCF is renowned for its online degree options, making education accessible and cost-effective for many students.

   – Tuition Cost: In-state: $212.28 per credit hour (2021-2022), Out-of-state: $748.89 per credit hour (2021-2022)

   – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

   – Notable Programs: Engineering, Health Sciences, Computer Science

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges. 

3. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

UALR provides affordable online courses, allowing students to earn degrees conveniently.

   – Tuition Cost: In-state: $216.58 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $452.67 per credit hour

   – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

   – Notable Programs: Criminal Justice, Nursing, Business Administration

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges. 

4. University of Louisiana at Monroe

ULM offers affordable online education, making it accessible to a wide range of students.

   – Tuition Cost: In-state: $400 per credit hour (2021-2022), Out-of-state: $850 per credit hour (2021-2022)

   – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

   – Notable Programs: Nursing, Pharmacy, Business Administration

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges. 

5. University of South Florida

USF’s online programs are designed to provide quality education while keeping costs reasonable.

   – Tuition Cost: In-state: $211.19 per credit hour(, Out-of-state: $688.12 per credit hour.

   – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

   – Notable Programs: Health Sciences, Engineering, Business

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

6. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

UNCG’s online programs offer affordability and flexibility, catering to diverse student needs.

   – Tuition Cost: In-state: $2,979 per semester, Out-of-state: $8,059 per semester

   – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

   – Notable Programs: Education, Nursing, Business

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

7. University of Texas at Arlington

UTA is known for its cost-effective online education options, appealing to students seeking affordability.

   – Tuition Cost: In-state: $9,208 per year (2021-2022), Out-of-state: $28,604 per year (2021-2022)

   – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

   – Notable Programs: Nursing, Engineering, Business

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

8. University of West Georgia

UWG provides affordable online courses, allowing students to pursue degrees with flexibility.

   – Tuition Cost: In-state: $7,716 per year (2021-2022), Out-of-state: $16,086 per year (2021-2022)

   – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

   – Notable Programs: Nursing, Education, Business Administration

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

9. University of Southern Mississippi

USM offers cost-effective online programs, making education accessible to a broader audience.

   – Tuition Cost: In-state: $7,988 per year (2021-2022), Out-of-state: $11,588 per year (2021-2022)

   – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

   – Notable Programs: Nursing, Psychology, Business

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

10. University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB is recognized for its affordable online education options, enabling students to pursue degrees at lower costs.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $8,568 per year, Out-of-state: $19,704 per year 

    – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

    – Notable Programs: Health Professions, Business, Engineering

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

11. University of Wisconsin – Stout

UW-Stout offers affordable online courses, emphasizing practical education.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $346.22 per credit, Out-of-state: $523.48 per credit 

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Computer Science, Education

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

12. University of Wisconsin – Parkside

UW-Parkside provides accessible online education that is both affordable and quality-driven.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $346.22 per credit, Out-of-state: $523.48 per credit 

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Management, Computer Science, Nursing

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

13. University of Wisconsin – Superior

UWS offers affordable online programs, ensuring students have access to higher education.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $346.22 per credit, Out-of-state: $523.48 per credit 

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Education, Health and Wellness Management

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

14. Western Illinois University

WIU is known for its affordable online courses, providing diverse academic opportunities.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $327 per credit hour (2021-2022), Out-of-state: $387 per credit hour (2021-2022)

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Nursing, Law Enforcement, Business

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

15. Wayne State College

Wayne State College offers cost-effective online programs, promoting accessibility to higher education.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $235 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $405 per credit hour   

  – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Education, Criminal Justice, Business Administration

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

16. Weber State University

WSU provides affordable online education options, catering to a wide range of students

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $276.50 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $756.50 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

    – Notable Programs: Nursing, Computer Science, Business

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

17. West Texas A&M University

WTAMU offers affordable online courses, making education accessible to many.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $213.88 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $535.63 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

    – Notable Programs: Agriculture, Nursing, Business

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

18. West Virginia State University

WVSU is committed to providing affordable online education opportunities to its students.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $342 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $640 per credit hour

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Education

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

19. West Virginia University Institute of Technology

WVU Tech offers cost-effective online programs, making higher education more attainable.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $337 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $848 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Business

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

20. Wichita State University

WSU is known for its affordable online courses, allowing students to pursue degrees conveniently.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $280.15 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $562.85 per credit hour

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Engineering, Business, Health Professions

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

21. Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers accredited online degree programs known for their affordability and flexibility.

    – Tuition Cost: Approximately $390 per credit hour (2021-2022)

    – Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Education, Nursing

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

22. Winston-Salem State University

WSSU provides accessible online education with accredited degree programs designed to cater to various student needs.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $2,794 per semester, Out-of-state: $8,308 per semester 

    – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

    – Notable Programs: Nursing, Education, Business

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

23. Winthrop University

Winthrop University offers affordable accredited online degree programs, making higher education more accessible.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $406 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $727 per credit hour

    – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

    – Notable Programs: Education, Business Administration, Psychology

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

24. Wright State University – Lake Campus

WSU’s Lake Campus offers accredited online degree programs known for their affordability and convenience.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $5,343 per semester, Out-of-state: $9,613 per semester 

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Nursing, Business, Engineering

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

25. Youngstown State University

YSU provides cost-effective accredited online degree programs, allowing students to pursue their education with flexibility.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $4,473 per semester, Out-of-state: $9,527 per semester 

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Engineering, Business Administration, Nursing

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

26. Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus

ATU Ozark Campus offers accredited online degree programs designed to be affordable and convenient for students.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $120 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $240 per credit hour

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Nursing, Applied Science, Industrial Electronics

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

27. California Baptist University

CBU is known for its accredited online degree programs, providing quality education with an emphasis on affordability.

    – Tuition Cost: Approximately $613 per unit (2021-2022)

    – Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Nursing, Education

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

28. California State University-East Bay

CSU East Bay offers affordable accredited online degree programs that cater to a wide range of academic interests.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $2,871 per quarter, Out-of-state: $4,000 per quarter 

    – Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Health Sciences, Education

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

29. California State University-Fullerton

CSU Fullerton provides accessible accredited online degree programs, allowing students to balance education with other commitments.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $3,441 per semester, Out-of-state: $7,617 per semester 

    – Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Nursing, Computer Science

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

30. California State University-Los Angeles

CSU LA offers accredited online degree programs that are both affordable and academically rigorous.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $3,398 per semester, Out-of-state: $7,574 per semester 

    – Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Nursing, Engineering

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

31. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Cal Poly Pomona provides affordable accredited online degree programs, promoting accessibility to higher education.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $2,871 per quarter, Out-of-state: $4,000 per quarter 

    – Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    – Notable Programs: Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

32. California State Polytechnic University-San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offers accredited online degree programs known for their affordability and quality.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $2,871 per quarter 

 Out-of-state: $4,000 per quarter 

    – Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    – Notable Programs: Engineering, Business Administration, Agriculture

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

33. California State San Bernardino

CSSB offers cost-effective accredited online degree programs, making education accessible to a diverse student population.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $3,398 per semester, Out-of-state: $7,574 per semester 

    – Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Education, Nursing

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

34. Cameron University

Cameron University provides affordable accredited online degree programs, ensuring that students can pursue their educational goals without excessive financial burden.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $173 per credit hour (2021-2022), Out-of-state: $384 per credit hour (2021-2022)

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Education, Criminal Justice

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

35. Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University offers accessible accredited online degree programs, focusing on affordability and academic excellence.

    – Tuition Cost: Approximately $399 per credit hour (2021-2022)

    – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Education, Nursing

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

36. Central Michigan University

CMU provides affordable accredited online degree programs that cater to a wide range of academic interests.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $581 per credit hour  Out-of-state: $695 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Education, Health Administration

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

37. Chadron State College

Chadron State College offers accredited online degree programs known for their affordability and flexibility.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $207 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $310 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Education, Criminal Justice, Business Administration

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

38. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade University offers accredited online degree programs designed to be affordable and convenient for students.

    – Tuition Cost: Approximately $590 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Education, Nursing

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

39. Charleston Southern University

CSU offers cost-effective accredited online degree programs, ensuring that education is accessible to many.

    – Tuition Cost: Approximately $560 per credit hour (2021-2022)

    – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Nursing, Education

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

40. Chicago State University

Chicago State University provides affordable accredited online degree programs, emphasizing accessibility and quality education.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $324.94 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $625.64 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Nursing, Criminal Justice, Business Administration

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

41. City Vision College

City Vision College offers affordable accredited online degree programs with a focus on nonprofit and ministry-related fields

    – Tuition Cost: Approximately $199 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

    – Notable Programs: Addiction Studies, Nonprofit Management, Christian Ministry

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

42. Clayton State University

Clayton State University provides accredited online degree programs that are known for their affordability and accessibility

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $194 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $386 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

    – Notable Programs: Nursing, Business Administration, Information Technology

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

43. Cleveland State Community College

CSCC offers cost-effective accredited online degree programs, making higher education more attainable

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $186 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $372 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

    – Notable Programs: Nursing, Business, Information Technology

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

44. Coastal Carolina Community College

CCC offers accredited online degree programs that are designed to be affordable and convenient for students

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $76 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $268 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Nursing

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

45. Coastal Carolina University

CCU provides accessible accredited online degree programs that cater to various academic interests.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $387 per credit hour (2021-2022), Out-of-state: $670 per credit hour (2021-2022)

    – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Marine Science, Education

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

46. Colorado Christian University

CCU offers affordable accredited online degree programs with a Christian focus

    – Tuition Cost: Approximately $498 per credit hour (2021-2022)

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Nursing, Business Administration, Psychology

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

47. Colorado Mesa University

CMU provides accredited online degree programs known for their affordability and flexibility.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $292 per credit hour Out-of-state: $688 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Nursing, Business Administration, Engineering

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

48. Colorado Mountain College

CMC offers cost-effective accredited online degree programs, allowing students to pursue education without excessive financial burden.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $93 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $309 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Outdoor Leadership, Sustainability Studies

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

49. Colorado Northwestern Community College

CNCC provides accessible accredited online degree programs, focusing on affordability and convenience.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $102 per credit hour (2021-2022), Out-of-state: $344 per credit hour (2021-2022)

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Nursing, Criminal Justice, Business

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

50. Columbia Southern Education Group

Columbia Southern Education Group offers affordable accredited online degree programs with a wide range of academic offerings.

    – Tuition Cost: Approximately $230 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

    – Notable Programs: Occupational Safety and Health, Business Administration, Criminal Justice

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

51. Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU is known for its accredited online degree programs, emphasizing affordability and quality education.

    – Tuition Cost: Approximately $320 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Psychology, Nursing

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

52. Western Governors University

WGU provides affordable accredited online degree programs, known for their competency-based approach.

    – Tuition Cost: Approximately $3,370 per 6-month term

    – Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

    – Notable Programs: Information Technology, Business Management, Nursing

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

53. University of Florida Online

UF Online offers accredited online degree programs that combine the prestige of the University of Florida with affordability.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $129.18 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $553.33 per credit hour 

    – Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Education, Health Sciences

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

54. Purdue University Global

Purdue Global provides accessible accredited online degree programs designed to be affordable and flexible for students.

    – Tuition Cost: Approximately $371 per credit hour

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Nursing, Criminal Justice, Business Administration

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

55. Arizona State University Online

ASU Online offers affordable accredited online degree programs with a strong focus on innovation and accessibility.

    – Tuition Cost: In-state: $561 per credit hour, Out-of-state: $686 per credit hour (2021-2022)

    – Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

    – Notable Programs: Business Administration, Engineering, Psychology

Click here to enroll in one of the most affordable accredited online colleges.

FAQs for the 55 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges. 

How do I determine which of these colleges is the most affordable for me?

Simply knowing that the affordability of a college can vary based on factors like your state of residence, program of interest, and financial aid eligibility would help solve this. All these factors, if looked out for carefully, would help you determine if it is an affordable online college.

Do these colleges offer a wide range of online degree programs?

Yes, a majority of the affordable accredited online colleges listed here offer a wide range of degree programs.

Can I transfer credits to these colleges from another institution?

Yes some of them accept transfer policies and some of them do not. Be sure to check them out properly to know which does and which does not.

How do I apply for admission to one of these colleges?

Admission requirements can differ, but generally, you'll need to complete an online application, provide transcripts, and possibly meet other criteria.

Are there scholarships available for online students at these colleges?

Yes. For many of them, the scholarship opportunities are what makes them affordable aside from the low tuition fees.

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Conclusion

While in search of education, knowing the affordable and accredited online college would help you save a lot of income during your search. 

In this blog post I have provided you with a lot of them, their links, accreditation status, and other vital information I feel would be of help to you.  

Do well to ask me questions in the comment section if this blog helped you. Also please share with others would would find this blog post helpful too.