Even just a few years ago, online courses were not widely available and were only offered by more prominent state universities. Nearly every college and university now provide fully and partially online bachelor’s degree programs for students who may not be able to attend brick-and-mortar schools. Best University has perused the world of post-secondary education to provide this list of the online options for the cheapest bachelor’s degree. This ranking weighs the costs, accreditations, and degree programs.
Regardless of your life’s demands, online learning opens the door to flexible courses for everyone. Students can begin or return to school in each online bachelor’s degree program listed here. Whether you cannot commute, have limited childcare options, or face other obstacles, online college can still make earning a degree a reality.
As you peruse Best University’s rankings and lists, please note that net prices compared to tuition costs are very different. This is because tuition, books, and class fees minus grants, scholarships, and other financial aid are all factored into the net cost in Best University’s net price calculation.
Cheapest Online Bachelors Degrees
| Rank | School | Average Net Price | Annual Tuition |
| 1 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | $3,129 | $2,878 |
| 2 | Fayetteville State University | $6,969 | $5,379 |
| 3 | Louisiana State University-Alexandria | $7,301 | $6,884 |
| 4 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | $8,703 | $7,327 |
| 5 | Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | $8,961 | $6,648 |
| 6 | Western Governors University | $9,969 | $7,452 |
| 7 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | $10,792 | $3,495 |
| 8 | Columbia Southern University | $11,241 | $5,775 |
| 9 | Clayton State University | $11,663 | $5,568 |
| 10 | Valley City State University | $11,676 | $8,195 |
| 11 | Minot State University | $12,205 | $8,164 |
| 12 | University of Missouri at Saint Louis | $12,232 | $11,214 |
| 13 | Mississippi University for Women | $12,761 | $7,756 |
| 14 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $13,092 | $7,873 |
| 15 | Fort Hays State University | $13,189 | $5,430 |
| 16 | Valdosta State University | $13,240 | $6,583 |
| 17 | Southern Utah University | $13,578 | $6,726 |
| 18 | Western Carolina University | $13,924 | $4,367 |
| 19 | Arkansas State University | $14,189 | $7,130 |
| 20 | Georgia Southern University | $15,571 | $6,485 |
| 21 | Idaho State University | $17,410 | $7,872 |
| 22 | Kennesaw State University | $18,522 | $6,436 |
| 23 | Ohio University-Main Campus | $23,831 | $12,840 |
| 24 | Central Methodist University | $25,095 | $26,470 |
Top Ten Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees
1. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Annual Net Price: $3,306
Annual Tuition: $2,878
Florida State College at Jacksonville is a high-quality institution providing inclusive education for its communities. FSC Jacksonville does this by delivering intellectual growth and lifelong learning opportunities to students and economic mobility for those who need it. Florida State College at Jacksonville does this by using programs and interventions designed to be transformative for the students to provide them with the opportunity for enrichment. These methods also rely on community-based organizations to give students a way to feel part of something while going through their college experience and a personal connection with the faculty.
Florida State College at Jacksonville is a community college that offers online bachelor degree programs. The online bachelor’s programs offered by FSCJ are designed to help students who want to pursue their degrees while they work. The courses are designed for adult learners, and the curriculum is designed to meet their needs. As an online student at Florida State College at Jacksonville, you can earn your online bachelor in areas of study, including arts/humanities, business, education, health sciences, industry/construction, public safety, science, engineering, and social/behavioral services. A bachelor’s degree provides students with a foundational understanding of the field they are interested in and can be a stepping stone to graduate or professional degrees. FSCJ is an affordable option for many students, with an average tuition of $2,878 for an online bachelor’s degree.
2. Fayetteville State University
Annual Net Price: $6,969
Annual Tuition: $5,379
Fayetteville State University is a public university focused on providing quality education to its online students and improving their lives in Southeast North Carolina and beyond. Florida State University’s primary mission is to provide students with the highest quality of learning experiences possible, producing well-equipped individuals to shape the future as global citizens and leaders. They also want these students to be firmly committed to becoming engaged in their community. U.S. News and World Report ranked Fayetteville #18 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, #38 in Top Public Schools, and #24 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Fayetteville State University provides online degree completion programs for undergraduate and graduate students who can study when convenient for them and receive a high-quality, flexible, and affordable education. These programs provide the same standard of education and accreditations as FSU’s non-online campus programs. FSU offers 15 online bachelor’s degrees, including accounting, computer science, criminal justice, fire/emergency services administration, nursing, political science, and many other programs. Even with their online education, FSU provides hands-on experience and is designed to allow students to learn and explore various aspects of their major. Students will have the opportunity to work with faculty and staff who are experts in their field. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in internships, research, and service learning.
3. Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Annual Net Price: $7,301
Annual Tuition: $6,884
The Louisiana State University of Alexandria is a quality higher education institution that provides undergraduate-level college education to students in Central Louisiana. LSU of Alexandria is committed to providing its students with the education, skills, and resources they need to succeed. Louisiana State University-Alexandria has been ranked #18 in Top Performers on Social Mobility and tied for Top Public School by the U.S. News and World Report. Niche.com has given the school a B grade for its academics, value, and diversity.
LSU of Alexandria offers in-demand academically rigorous degrees that can be taken entirely online. With 26 100% online accelerated degree programs, LSUA allows students to complete their degrees wherever and whenever they want. Some of their most popular online degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Medical Lab Science, Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Clinical Psychology, Business in Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Bachelor of Arts in English, and so many more. The faculty are professionals in their field of study and work hard to give you the most relevant education for tremendous success.
4. Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Annual Net Price: $8,703
Annual Tuition: $7,327
Louisiana State University strives to offer high-quality education and is committed to excellence, community engagement, and cultural enrichment. They aim to educate a diverse population by providing techniques and methods that encourage critical thought and creativity. The U.S. News and World Report ranked LSU-Shreveport #51 in Top Public Schools and #102 in Regional Universities South.
LSU Shreveport’s online degree programs are mostly online and are designed to be flexible for students who work full-time or have other obligations outside of their education. The LSU Shreveport online degree programs are designed to help students complete their online degree program from home. They are offered in collaboration with Louisiana State University and provide a wide range of courses, such as business, education, engineering, and computer science. LSU Shreveport is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The university is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for its regional accreditation.
5. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Annual Net Price: $8,961
Annual Tuition: $6,648
Eastern New Mexico University was founded in 1955 and is home to almost 5,000 students. Eastern New Mexico University offers a stimulating learning environment alongside state-of-the-art technology to provide an enjoyable educational experience. They prepare students for their future careers and promote leadership and research skills. They provide support through excellent teaching, as well as providing students with the tools to respond wisely to a rapidly changing world. Niche.com ranked ENMU #3 in Best Colleges in New Mexico.
Eastern New Mexico University has over 35 online bachelor’s degrees in various subjects. If you are taking an online course from ENMU, you have multiple resources available to help you. These include anything from specialized library services and flexible course formats to help with writing papers. A few of their most popular subjects to study online include aviation science, hospitality management, journalism, nursing, social work, and sports/recreation management. You still have access to qualified faculty as an online student. So while you won’t be in the classroom, you will still get the guidance and support you need to succeed. They provide feedback on your progress and offer encouragement when you need it most.
6. Western Governors University
Annual Net Price: $9,969
Annual Tuition: $7,452
Western Governors University’s primary goal is to be the most student-centric university, with every decision reflecting its central focus on students’ success. Prioritizing their students, alums, and their families ensures that everything they do – from education to career services – is driven by a commitment to individuals. Niche.com ranked WGU #5 in Best Value Colleges in Utah and #57 in Best Colleges for Nursing in America.
Western Governors University (WGU) is an accredited online university with multiple degrees from which to choose. They offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for working adults. They provide online bachelor’s degrees in business, teaching, I.T., and health/nursing. Western Governors University has a very high level of faculty involvement. This means that they are not just instructors but also involved in researching and developing new ideas and projects. The research done by Western Governors University focuses on developing new ways of educating students and providing them with skills for the future.
7. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Annual Net Price: $10,792
Annual Tuition: $3,495
The history of Pembroke is a long one. Founded in 1887 as a school for American Indians, with a broad and diverse population, this school serves as the perfect community for people to find the educational experience they’ve been looking for. UNC Pembroke’s students enjoy an undergraduate education that encourages excellence in teaching, learning, and intellectual standards. Students can explore different disciplines with the freedom of inquiry. UNCP has been ranked highly by the U.S. News and World Report as #18 in Top Performers on Social Mobility and #30 in Top Public Schools.
Online programs provide the flexibility needed for people with a busy work schedule or living too far from campus to attend. UNC Pembroke offers bachelor’s degree programs to those wanting to complete their bachelor’s online. The online program offers courses by this university that the same qualified faculty teach, are accredited to the same level as the on-campus programs, and have the same benefits. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers six online bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Business Administration, RN-BSN, and Birth-Kindergarten Education.
8. Columbia Southern University
Annual Net Price: $11,241
Annual Tuition: $5,775
Columbia Southern University (CSU) provides online courses from its base in Orange Beach, Alabama. The university aims to change lives and improve their quality of life by allowing investigators to study at a distance and maximize their potential. CSU provides support services tailored to each student’s individual needs and provides them with the tools they require to achieve their educational goals. Dedicated faculty and staff create innovative curricula for students’ intellectual needs. They incorporate new technology for a challenging yet educational experience.
Columbia Southern University has a long list of online bachelor’s programs in business, criminal justice, emergency medical services, fire science, health, homeland security, human resources, information technology, occupational safety, and psychology. The curriculum for their online degree programs is designed to offer up-to-date materials about the latest issues and practices in your chosen industry. Each course is created with a specific goal in mind and has been designed with input from professionals in the field. The faculty at CSU is there to provide students with the skills they need to be innovative and successful. Along with the caring and supportive environment, you’ll feel supported as you attend smaller class sizes and interact with your peers in small group discussions.
9. Clayton State University
Annual Net Price: $11,663
Annual Tuition: $5,568
Clayton State University provides a stimulating environment in which students are encouraged to gain experience and become engaged with their surroundings. They also strive to make students of different backgrounds feel at home and are involved in active community service opportunities. The U.S. News and World Report ranked Clayton State University #20 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, and the school tied for Top Public Schools and Regional Universities South.
Clayton State’s online degree programs are designed for students who may not be able to study on campus. Their curriculum meets all requirements for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and they offer state-of-the-art facilities to help you stay on track with your studies. Clayton State University has 15 online options for those wanting to earn their bachelor’s degrees without the stress of attending in-person classes. Their most popular online degrees are in accounting, history, marketing, management, political science/government studies, psychology, and Spanish. You will have personalized attention in small class sizes, with teachers who are experts in their field. You will also experience the many perks of this thriving community, such as new connections and exciting opportunities.
10. Valley City State University
Annual Net Price: $11,676
Annual Tuition: $8,195
Valley City State University is a nationally accredited public university in Valley City, North Dakota. VCSU is a small school, enrolling only 894 undergrad students and accepting 81% of applicants. Popular majors at VCSU include English and Speech Education, Elementary Education, and Business. Valley City State graduates earn a starting salary of $36,400 in their first year. U.S. News ranks VCSU 4th in the nation for Top Public Schools, and Niche ranks them as the 2nd best school in North Dakota.
VCSU’s faculty intends to help their students find their identities and embrace their true selves. To support these students in achieving their goals and dreams, Valley City offers over 65 undergraduate degree programs, including Kinesiology, Biology, Digital Design, and Psychology. This broad array of options enables any student to find a program that will help them enter their chosen field and succeed there.
