10 Most Affordable Online Colleges of 2023

Online programs offer affordability and flexibility. Affordability is subject to one’s financial status, which is why this article has been put together. This article seeks to give you insight into the 10 most affordable online colleges of 2023 to help you save some money.

Distance learning has evolved from taking correspondence courses through the U.S. postal service in the 19th century. These days, distance learning has become much easier through technology. Students can complete their bachelor’s degree program at their convenience or anywhere in the world.

As more students seek to attend college online after high school, more and more affordable online college programs are becoming available. Take a look at our list of the 10 most affordable online colleges of 2023.

10 Most Affordable Online Colleges of 2023

1. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) is a public university located in Pembroke, North Carolina.

This college offers a wide array offers of affordable online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, these online programs provide students with flexibility and convenience that allow them to earn a degree online while still receiving a high-quality education.

UNCP offers one of the most affordable online programs that are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus and follow the same curriculum as the on-campus programs. Online students also enjoy access to the same resources and support services as on-campus students, including tutoring, career counseling, and academic advising.

UNCP offers online degree programs in a wide range of subject areas, including business, education, nursing, and criminal justice. Some of the online degree programs offered by UNCP include Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, and Master of Science in Nursing.

2. Arkansas State University Online

Arkansas State University offers online programs and has graduated more than 10,000 students. The program is Arkansas State approved on a regional and national level by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.

The school offers over 20 online undergraduate programs ranging from political science and strategic communication and business administration and criminology. The programs have rolling start dates throughout the year, which makes it easier for online students to start coursework sooner.

The average cost of online programs at this college per credit is $258 for in-State students
and  $774 for out-of-state students.

The most popular majors offered at this college include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Criminology, Radio and Television, Communications, Sociology, Political Science and Government, Homeland Security and Disaster Management, and Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.

3. Western Governors University

Western Governors University was established by 19 governors of the United States. The college makes use of a system based on skills and knowledge that tests essential skills and knowledge instead of adding credit hours.

The school charges students a flat tuition rate, so students can take as many classes as they can in a term. Graduating from this college is solely based on passing assessments that measure online students’ skills and knowledge in their field of study.

The most popular majors offered at this college include Nursing, Business, Elementary Education, Computer and Information Systems Security, Accounting, Human Resources, Special Education and Teaching, Healthcare Management, Information Technology, and Management Sciences and Information Systems.

WGU is the first university where all degrees are competency-based. The estimated cost of annual tuition is $7,452.

4. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

The University of Wisconsin was established in 1965, the college offers 14 online undergraduate programs and 6 online master’s programs, including psychology, human resources management, accounting, and nursing.

The other online programs offered by this college include accelerated degrees for organizational leadership and business administration and “boot camps” to learn coding and data analytics.

For some programs, coursework is available on-campus, with online options, and in a hybrid format. The estimated cost of annual tuition is $7,873.

The most popular majors offered at this college, include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Psychology, Biology, Nursing, Education74 Graduates, Behavioral Sciences, Communications, Computer Science, and History.

5. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

Eastern New Mexico University has approval to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, this allows the school to deliver online courses across state lines. ENMU is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and also a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Students who live in Texas within a 135-mile radius of ENMU are qualified for the in-state tuition rate. Annual tuition for this institution is capped at $6,648.

6. Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University was founded in 1913, the college offers a wide variety of online bachelor’s degree programs, such as management, criminal justice, French, psychology, organizational leadership, workforce education/development, office administration/technology, and Spanish.

The school offers ” The Online Readiness Indicator”, which is a survey designed for those that are unsure whether online learning is the best option for them.

Survey respondents receive tailored feedback and resources to navigate online delivery and potential challenges that may arise. Annual tuition for this institution is capped at $6,583.

7. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University has received several accolades as military-friendly. Online students can choose from various subjects, including interdisciplinary studies (such as arts or social sciences), world languages and cultures, nursing (RN-BSN), and information technology.

Alumni and students enjoy access to Handshake, this is an online connection for internships, co-ops, and jobs.

Handshake provides students with connections to the career and internship adviser, on-campus interviews, access to career fairs and events, and assistance with resumes and cover letters. Annual tuition for this institution is capped at $6,485.

8. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University is located in Kennesaw, Georgia, and offers over 15 online undergraduate programs, including supply chain logistics, software engineering, sociology, marketing, and criminal justice.

This school offers the same academic support services to in-person students and online students, which include financial aid counselors, mental health counseling, and academic advisors. Annual tuition for this institution is capped at $6,436.

9. Clayton State University

Clayton State University offers eTuition, which is a tuition rate designated for select online programs. The adjusted rate is tailored to suit distance learners. The eTuition excludes some of the standard fees that come with the on-campus experience, such as athletic fees or parking.

The college offers over 40 bachelor’s degree programs in biology, dental hygiene, English, music, nursing (RN-BSN), health sciences, theatre, and philosophy.

The school also offers specialized programs including dual degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, pre-engineering and pre-pharmacy, computer science and engineering, and integrative studies and engineering. Annual tuition for this institution is capped at $5,568.

10. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University was established in 1889, Western Carolina University provides online students with several services including 24/7 access to online tutoring services via Smarthinking.

This college is a member of the University of North Carolina system, WCU provides education to more than 10,000 students from 48 states and 35 countries.  Annual tuition for this institution is capped at $4,367.