In this article, we highlight the 50 most affordable online degree programs for in-state students.
Not all accredited online degree programs are affordable. Some come with a hefty price tag. To get the best bang for your buck, students are turning to schools located in their own state. Attending a school in your state allows you to take advantage of in-state tuition rates.
In recent years, online colleges and universities that offer in-state tuition rates have expanded their boundaries, now allowing students living in nearby states to also take advantage of in-state tuition prices. More and more affordable options are available.
Methodology
We researched the most affordable online degree programs for in-state students. We looked at over 200 institutions that offered one or more online degree programs. We pulled the 50 most affordable schools based on the in-state net price listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator). All of the schools listed in our article are regionally or nationally accredited, and many have received rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We listed the top 50 schools in order of affordability. Since tuition rates are subject to change without notice, it is important to check with the school directly to receive the most recent price.
Below is our list of the 50 most affordable online degree programs for in-state students.
#50 – University of Minnesota
Crookston, Minnesota
Undergraduate tuition: $11,646
The Digital Campus at University of Minnesota offers a mix of online and hybrid degree programs. Depending on student needs, course work for certain programs may be completed entirely online or with limited sessions required on campus. Undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate programs are offered online. Some of the most popular online programs include the bachelor of science in accounting, the bachelor of science in health management, and the master’s in computer science. The doctoral programs require minimal campus visits and are offered in a hybrid format. A post-master’s doctor of nursing is offered through the University of Minnesota. The school has received numerous rankings from U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #63 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by the publication.
#49 – University of Illinois
Springfield, Illinois
Undergraduate tuition: $11,413
The University of Illinois offers affordable online degree programs designed for the busy and working student. In-state tuition rates are available for Illinois residents, which makes education costs less expensive. Online bachelor’s degree programs include business administration, English, history, information systems security, liberal studies, and psychology. Online master’s degree programs include education, environmental studies, public administration, and public health. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution among the best regional universities in the Midwest. The online programs are also ranked. These rankings include #30 among the best bachelor’s programs, #18 among the best online graduate business programs, and #104 among the best online graduate education programs.
#48 – Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Undergraduate tuition: $9,935
Fitchburg State University offers online degree options that are affordable for in-state residents. The school offers two undergraduate programs, including the business administration bachelor’s degree and the RN to BSN, which are entirely online. Students do not need to visit the campus to complete any part of the program. The online nursing program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, with clinical placements arranged to fit the student’s schedule and geographic location. This means that students may complete their clinical requirement in the town or city of residence. The school’s online programs have earned rankings with U.S. News and World Report. The online bachelor’s programs are ranked #135 and the online MBA programs are ranked #124 out of over 1,200 programs.
#47 – Baker College
Flint, Michigan
Undergraduate tuition: $8,640
Residents of Michigan can earn accredited online degrees from Baker College that are highly affordable. Baker College is considered to be the largest independent college in the state and boasts a 97 percent employment rate among its graduates. The school offers over 40 online degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines. According to Baker’s website, online classes are small, averaging 12-15 students per course. Popular online programs include bachelor’s degrees in business administration, criminal justice, health service administration, information systems, and web development. Popular master’s degree programs available online include the MBA and MSN. Baker College is one of the most affordable online schools for in-state students seeking online degree options.
#46 – University of Tennessee
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Undergraduate tuition: $8,356
The University of Tennessee (UT) offers accredited online degrees that provide affordable educational options for in-state students. There are five undergraduate programs and four graduate programs that may be completed through UT Online. Bachelor’s degree programs include business administration, agriculture (agribusiness and farm and ranch management) interdisciplinary studies, and nursing. Students pursuing an online BS in business administration have the option of earning a management concentration. Popular online graduate degree programs include the MBA, MS in Agriculture, and the MS in Education. UT’s online MBA program has earned a #66 ranking in U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 edition of Best Colleges.
#45 – Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $8,317
Youngstown State University offers four online bachelor’s degree programs and seven online master’s degrees through its distance education division. Online undergraduate degree programs include allied health, nursing (RN to BSN), public health, and respiratory care. Online master’s degree programs include business administration (MBA), engineering with a management option, financial economics, health and human services, respiratory care, and teacher education. Youngstown is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as being among the best regional universities in the Midwest. The institution’s online graduate criminal justice program and the graduate physical therapy program have also earned rankings.
#44 – Columbia College
Columbia, Missouri
Undergraduate tuition: $8,240
Columbia College offers a variety of associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs for students with the desire to learn online. Some of the most popular degree programs include bachelor’s in business administration, computer information systems, nursing (RN to BSN), and public administration. Online master’s degree programs include the MBA with various concentrations and the master’s in educational leadership. Columbia College’s online programs have earned rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #106 among the best online bachelor’s programs, #107 among the best online MBA programs, #146 among the online graduate education programs, and #6 among the best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#43 – Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Undergraduate tuition: $8,050
Arkansas State University offers affordable online degrees in various disciplines. Both undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available, and may be completed entirely online at the student’s pace. Popular online bachelor’s degree programs include business administration, communication studies, criminology, nursing (BSN), political science, and sociology. Online master’s programs include business administration (MBA), engineering management, public administration, and sport administration. Arkansas State has earned rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The institution is ranked #53 among the best regional universities in the South and the 41st best college for veterans. The school’s online MBA program is ranked #10 in the nation.
#42 – Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Undergraduate tuition: $7,618
Sam Houston State University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs 100% online. The programs support flexible learning in a convenient method for students who require a balance between educational demands and life obligations. Popular online bachelor’s degree programs include criminal justice, general business administration, history, nursing (BSN), and psychology. Over 25 online master’s degree programs are available. Popular master’s programs offered online include curriculum and instruction, library science, political science, and public administration. Sam Houston’s online programs are ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #72, the online MBA programs are ranked #66, the online graduate education programs are ranked #30, and the online graduate criminal justice programs are ranked #3.
#41 – Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
Undergraduate tuition: $7,608
Murray State University is a regionally ranked institution that offers affordable online degree programs for busy adults. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 28th best regional university in the South, the 9th top public school, and the 6th best college for undergraduate teaching. Online programs are offered through the university’s academic outreach division. Online programs include six bachelor’s degrees and 11 master’s degrees. Students looking for an online bachelor’s degree may choose from business administration, computer information systems, integrated studies, logistics and supply chain management, RN to BSN, and telecommunication systems management. Online master’s degree programs include business administration, information systems, and library media.
#40 – Utah State University
Logan, Utah
Undergraduate tuition: $7,260
Utah State University offers affordable online degrees for in-state students. The school offers eight undergraduate degrees and six graduate degrees, delivered entirely online. Popular online programs include the bachelor’s degree in agribusiness, economics, liberal arts, and psychology. Online master’s degree programs include career and technical education, instructional technology, and professional studies in horticulture. An online MHR (master’s in human resources) is also available. The school’s online degree programs have earned rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The online bachelor’s programs are ranked 20th and the online graduate education programs are ranked 17th in the nation.
#39 – West Texas A&M University
Canyon, Texas
Undergraduate tuition: $7,041
Students in Texas find accredited and affordable online degrees offered by West Texas A&M University. For nearly 100 years, the university has offered educational options to students. Today, busy students require online options to balance their education and work-life obligations. West Texas A&M offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that are administered entirely online. Popular online bachelor’s degrees include business administration (BBA), criminal justice and administration (BA and BS), and general studies (BGS). RN to BSN degree completion is also available online. Graduate programs offered 100% online include business administration (MBA), instructional design and technology (MEd), and RN to MSN completion.
#38 – Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Undergraduate tuition: $7,006
Northwestern State University offers affordable online degree programs designed for working and busy adults. Northwestern’s global campus is Louisiana’s first and largest electronic campus. Over 38 online degree programs are available, from associate’s to doctorate degrees. Online bachelor’s degree programs include accounting, addiction studies, business administration, computer information systems, and psychology. Online master’s degree programs include adult learning and development, education, English, and nursing (MSN). The online nursing degree offers five areas of concentration. Northwestern’s online programs have been ranked by U.S. News and World Report. The online bachelor’s program ranks #143 and the online graduate nursing program ranks #69.
#37 – Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $6,852
Appalachian State University offers affordable online degree programs for in-state students. Undergraduate degree completion programs include child development (BS), communication and advertising (BS), communication studies (BS), health promotion (BS), management (BS, BA), and nursing (RN to BSN). Most of the online programs may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, and are administered 100% online. Students are not required to attend informational meetings or visit the campus to complete most of the online degrees. Online graduate degree programs include educational media (MA), library science (MLS), nursing (MSN), and school administration (MSA). U.S. News and World Report ranks Appalachian State’s online bachelor’s programs as the 212th best in the country.
#36 – Valley City State University
Valley City, North Dakota
Undergraduate tuition: $6,800
Valley City State University offers accredited online degree programs in some of the most popular disciplines. Online bachelor’s degree programs include business education, English education, history education, and music. Master’s degrees are also available in an online format and include programs in business and education. Programs are nationally accredited, and the online education degrees meet the North Dakota teacher licensure requirements. Valley City State has earned high rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the institution as the #1 top public school. The university’s online bachelor’s programs have earned a #143 ranking and the online graduate education program has earned a #83 ranking.
#35 – Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $6,623
Western Carolina University offers affordable distance and online degree programs with convenient class schedules and in-state tuition rates. North Carolina residents may take advantage of the in-state tuition while earning an undergraduate degree in any one of the eight programs offered. Popular undergraduate degrees include bachelor’s programs in criminal justice, emergency medical care, engineering technology, entrepreneurship, and the RN to BSN. Graduate online degree programs are also available and include the master in nurse leadership, master of project management, and master of entrepreneurship. Western Carolina’s online programs have earned rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the publication ranks the school’s online bachelor’s programs #72 and the online graduate business programs #48.
#34 – East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $6,580
East Carolina University offers low-price online degree programs for in-state students. Undergraduate programs include the BSBA in General Business, BS in Communication, BS in Education, and RN to BSN. The school also offers various online master’s degree programs in business administration, communication, computer science, education, library science, nursing, and technology systems. Over 80 online degree and certificate programs are available from East Carolina University. The school and its online programs are ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Rankings include 14th among the best online graduate education programs, 30th among the best online graduate criminal justice programs, and 23rd among the best online graduate nursing programs.
#33 – University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $6,410
The University of South Florida offers accredited online degrees for both undergraduate and graduate students. In-state tuition rates are available for Florida residents, making the online programs affordable. Popular bachelor’s degree programs available online include criminal justice, information studies, public health, and women’s and gender studies. Online graduate degrees include programs in cybersecurity, engineering, global sustainability, music education, and public health. The University of South Florida is highly ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The institution’s online degree programs have also earned recognition. The school’s online graduate business programs rank #22, the online graduate education programs rank #36, the online graduate engineering programs rank #20, and the online graduate computer information technology programs rank #14.
#32 – Minot State University
Minot, North Dakota
Undergraduate tuition: $6,390
For residents of North Dakota, Minot State University offers affordable online degrees with in-state tuition rates. The institution offers 10 undergraduate degrees, seven graduate degrees, three undergraduate certificates, and one graduate certificate entirely online. Popular bachelor’s degree programs available online include applied business information technology, human services, management, management information systems, and marketing. Online graduate degree programs include information systems (MSIS), management (MSM), and special education. Minot State has earned rankings from U.S. News and World Report. The university’s online bachelor’s programs are ranked #191 and the online graduate business programs (excluding the MBA) are ranked #78.
#31 – Washburn University
Topeka, Kansas
Undergraduate tuition: $6,350
Washburn University’s School of Business, Nursing, and Applied Studies and about 29 departments in the College of Arts and Sciences offer online degree programs to students in need of flexible scheduling. Online programs include bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, health science, human services, integrated studies, and technology administration. There are five online-only certificate programs offered by the allied health department. Washburn has received regional rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The school is ranked 92nd among the best regional universities in the Midwest and 30th among the top public schools, according to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges.
#30 – Luther Rice College and Seminary
Lithonia, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $6,336
Luther Rice College and Seminary offers nine fully accredited online degree programs. The school reports that over 96% of graduates of Luther Rice indicate satisfaction with the accessibility of faculty in their online courses. Online degree programs include bachelor’s in religion with three areas of emphasis: biblical counseling, Christian worldview, and ministry. Graduate degrees include master’s programs in apologetics, biblical counseling, Christian studies, leadership, and ministry. Seminary degree programs are also available online and offer a master’s in divinity and doctorate of ministry.
#29 – Chadron State College
Chadron, Nebraska
Undergraduate tuition: $6,220
Chadron State College offers accredited online degree programs in various disciplines. Students may earn online bachelor’s or master’s degrees in applied sciences, business, counseling, education, and psychology. According to the school’s website, the most popular undergraduate programs include business, education, and organizational management. The popular undergraduate business program allows students to focus their studies in a specific area of interest. Business administration concentrations include accounting, agri-business, business information systems, finance, and marketing. Courses are offered in an eight-week format so that students may accelerate their education and completion of the program. Part-time and full-time completion options are available.
#28 – Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, Arkansas
Undergraduate tuition: $6,192
Arkansas Tech University offers affordable online degrees for students desiring to balance work and life obligations with education. The university offers online associate’s degrees in early childhood education and general studies and bachelor’s degrees in education, emergency management/administration and nursing (RN to BSN). Online master’s degrees are also available in some programs. These include business administration, emergency management, health informatics, and teaching English. Arkansas Tech is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the publication lists the institution as the 42nd top public school and the 87th best regional university in the South. The university’s online bachelor’s program ranks #193 out of approximately 1,200 programs.
#27 – University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, Alaska
Undergraduate tuition: $6,132
The University of Alaska Southeast offers the most expansive and affordable online degree programs of any Alaska university. In-state residents can take advantage of low tuition rates and the convenience of learning from home. The online programs are designed for working students and those in need of balancing life obligations with schooling. Online bachelor’s degree programs include business administration (BBA), elementary education, social science, and special education. Online master’s degree programs include educational leadership (M.Ed.) and public administration (MPA). The university’s graduate public affairs program has received rankings from U.S. News and World Report in recent publications.
#26 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Undergraduate tuition: $6,070
Western Governors University offers affordable online degree programs in areas of business, education, information technology, and nursing. In fact, the online bachelor’s degree programs include online teacher licensure degrees, BS in business management and related fields, RN to BSN, and BS in information technology. Online master’s degree programs include teaching and education, MBA, MSN, and MS in information technology. Western Governors University is popular among working teachers who want to complete teacher preparation programs or endorsements. Several of these programs are available online. Western Governors’ graduate nursing program has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report in recent publications.
#25 – Columbus State University
Columbus, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $6,011
Columbus State University offers seven online undergraduate degree programs and 18 graduate degree programs. In-state residents can take advantage of affordable tuition rates offered by the university. Online bachelor’s degree programs include business, communication studies, information technology, international business, liberal arts, nursing (RN to BSN), and sociology. Some of the online graduate degree programs include computer science, educational leadership, nursing (MSN), and teacher leadership. Several Columbus State’s online programs are ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, Columbus State’s online MBA programs rank #62 and the online graduate education programs rank #89.
#24 – City Vision University
Kansas City, Missouri
Undergraduate tuition: $6,000
City Vision University is a nonprofit Christian institution that provides online education options for busy adults. Online programs are designed with the working student in mind. Classes are scheduled conveniently and programs may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The institution is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which is recognized by the US Department of Education. Online bachelor’s degree programs include addiction studies, business, nonprofit management, and urban missions. For students interested in ministry, an online master’s in technology and ministry is available. Students may also earn a graduate certificate in technology and ministry and an associate’s degree in business entirely online.
#23 – Western New Mexico University
Silver City, New Mexico
Undergraduate tuition: $5,704
Western New Mexico University offers online degree programs that are fully accredited and highly affordable for in-state students. Students may choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate studies. Online bachelor’s degrees may be earned in criminal justice, elementary education, general business, nursing, psychology, or social work. Graduate online degrees include business administration, education, educational leadership, and social work. Three online associate’s degrees are also available and include criminal justice, human services, and liberal studies. Western New Mexico University is ranked with U.S. News and World Report. The school’s occupational therapy graduate degree program ranks #127 out of 1,200.
#22 – Kent State University
Liverpool, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $5,664
Kent State University offers accredited online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level. It offers online bachelor’s degree programs in insurance studies, nursing, public health, and technical and applied studies. The RN to BSN program is offered in an accelerated online format and may be completed in less than two years. Graduate online programs offered at Kent include master’s degrees in art education, criminal justice, education, geographic information science, health informatics, and journalism. Kent’s online graduate education program has earned a best program ranking from U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the program ranks 136th out of more than 1,200 programs.
#21 – Cameron University
Lawton, Oklahoma
Undergraduate tuition: $5,580
Cameron University offers undergraduate and graduate online programs designed for busy and working students. Many of the traditionally taught undergraduate programs are available entirely online or in hybrid format. Online graduate programs include the Master of Business Administration, the MS in Education, the MS in Educational Leadership, and MS in Organizational Leadership. The MBA is taught entirely online, while the MS in Educational Leadership program can be completed 64% online. Cameron University is ranked as a best regional university by U.S. News and World Report. The publication also lists the institution’s online MBA program as the 131st best program of its kind.
#20 – University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $5,564
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers accredited online degree programs designed for working adults. Students may choose from eight undergraduate programs and three master’s degree programs. Online bachelor’s degree programs include business administration (finance and management tracks), criminal justice, and sociology. Online master’s degree programs include business administration (MBA), elementary education, and public administration. UNC-Pembroke is a highly ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 93rd best regional university in the South and the 47th top public school. The online bachelor’s programs rank #212 and the online graduate education programs rank #53.
#19 – Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, Missouri
Undergraduate tuition: $5,523
Missouri Southern State University is a regionally accredited institution that offers online degree programs for busy adults. The university recently expanded its boundaries, allowing residents of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and several counties in Illinois to qualify for in-state tuition. Online bachelor’s options include programs in business administration, criminal justice, environmental health and safety, and various health science degrees. The online BSBA degree offers six areas of concentration, including accounting, general business, human resource management, international business, management, and marketing. The university is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as having one of the best online bachelor’s programs in the nation.
#18 – Albany State University
Albany, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $5,490
Albany State University offers seven accredited online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Three online bachelor’s degrees are available and include business information systems, fire services administration, and the RN to BSN. Online graduate programs include master’s degrees in criminal justice, education (early childhood and special education), and nursing. The online MSN program requires students to hold a current RN license to practice in Georgia, prior to admission. Albany State University is a highly ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 93rd best regional university in the South. The university’s graduate nursing school has also been ranked in prior years.
#17 – Clayton State University
Morrow, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $5,340
Clayton State University offers affordable online degree programs for busy adults located anywhere in the world. Students may choose from various online bachelor’s degrees and select online master’s programs. Online undergraduate programs include bachelor’s degrees in business administration, English, history, integrative studies, and nursing (RN to BSN). Two master’s degree programs are available exclusively online and include archival studies (MAS) and nursing (MSN). Clayton is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as being one of the best regional colleges in the South. The institution’s online graduate nursing program is ranked #88 out of 1,200 similar programs.
#16 – The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Undergraduate tuition: $5,250
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin offers low-price online degree programs designed for working and busy students. Online bachelor’s degree programs include communications, humanities, management, marketing, nursing (RN to BSN), psychology, and sociology. Online master’s degree options include business administration (MBA), computer science, criminal justice administration, professional accountancy (MPA), and public administration. The University of Texas of Permian Basin is a regionally ranked institution. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school’s online bachelor’s programs #92 in the nation. Other rankings include #115 for best online MBA programs and #136 for best online graduate education programs.
#15 – Langston University
Langston, Oklahoma
Undergraduate tuition: $5,042
Langston University offers low-price online degree programs in business for residents of Oklahoma. The School of Business offers online studies and degree completion for students who want to earn a bachelor’s in business or management. Degree options include a BBA with several areas of emphasis. Students may earn a general business administration degree or focus on a particular area of interest, such as entrepreneurship, human resource management, international business, marketing, or supply chain management. Langston University is a historically black college and has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report for being among the best colleges of its kind.
#14 – University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
Undergraduate tuition: $4,892
The University of Wyoming’s Division of Outreach Credit Programs offers undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs at a distance. Bachelor’s degree programs delivered online include business administration, criminal justice, nursing, and psychology. Online master’s degree programs include education, English, human development and family sciences, nursing, public administration, and speech pathology. The University of Wyoming is highly ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the publication lists the institution as the 168th best national university and the 134th best college for veterans in the nation.
#13 – Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $4,885
Fayetteville State University offers affordable online degree programs for residents of North Carolina who want to take advantage of in-state tuition rates. FSU’s undergraduate online programs are considered to be degree completion, which means upper level courses may be taken online as long as core requirements have been satisfied. FSU’s online bachelor’s programs include business administration, criminal justice, nursing (RN to BSN), psychology, and sociology. Currently, two online master’s degree programs are available in business administration (MBA) and criminal justice. Both Fayetteville’s online graduate degree programs have earned rankings with U.S. News and World Report. U.S. News ranks the online MBA program #91 and the online criminal justice programs #33.
#12 – Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $4,831
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers various online degree programs from six of its colleges. The most popular online programs at FAU are in the school’s Colleges of Business, Education, and Nursing. Students may earn a bachelor of business administration with various concentrations, a master’s in education, or RN to BSN. The College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Science, and College of Design and Social Inquiry also offer online bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The university’s online MBA program is ranked 100th in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 publication of Best Colleges. Other rankings include #42 among best online graduate nursing programs and #26 among best graduate business programs (excluding the MBA).
#11 – New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, New Mexico
Undergraduate tuition: $4,800
New Mexico Highlands University offers six online degree programs for working or busy students. Residents of New Mexico may take advantage of affordable in-state tuition rates designed to lower the cost of higher education. Online programs available at the university include business (MBA), education (MA), nursing (RN to BSN), and oil and gas management (BS). The master’s in education program offers three areas of concentration, including curriculum and instruction, rehabilitation counseling, and special education. All programs are accredited with the Higher Learning Commission. According to U.S. News and World Report, the institution’s rehabilitation counseling and social work graduate schools have received rankings in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges.
#10 – Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Undergraduate tuition: $4,654
Fort Hays State University offers a large number of affordable and fully accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Online undergraduate programs include bachelor’s degrees in business education, computer science, elementary education, international business, nursing (RN to BSN), and sociology. Thirteen online master’s degree programs are available. Popular master’s programs administered online include business administration (MBA), education, health and human performance, liberal studies, nursing administration, and nursing education. Fort Hays State’s online programs are ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #24, the online graduate education programs rank #48, and the online MBA program ranks #91.
#9 – College of Coastal Georgia
Brunswick, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $3,971
The College of Coastal Georgia offers affordable online degrees for busy adults who want to balance work-life obligations with education. The school offers online bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice, French, Spanish, and legal studies, as well as organizational leadership. The BS in Organizational Leadership offers four areas of concentration: health care administration, legal office administration, office administration and technology, and public service administration. The institution’s online bachelor’s programs have been recently ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, the ranking is recognized but not published.
#8 – Middle Georgia State University
Macon, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $3,890
Middle Georgia State University offers accredited online degree programs for busy students seeking non-traditional schooling. From associate’s to master’s degrees, Middle Georgia State offers a wide variety of programs designed with online completion options. Online undergraduate programs include bachelor’s degrees in information technology (BS) and nursing (BSN). Online graduate degree programs include information technology (MS) and nursing (MSN). Several associate degree specialties are available online. Middle Georgia State University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists Middle Georgia State among the best regional colleges in the South.
#7 – Brigham Young University Idaho
Rexburg, Idaho
Undergraduate tuition: $3,830
Online learning at Brigham Young University is affordable for Idaho residents. BYU-Idaho offers in-state tuition rates for residents of the state. Online certificates, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs at BYU are designed with the working student in mind. Online bachelor’s degree programs include applied management, business management, computer information technology, healthcare administration, nursing (RN to BSN), and software engineering. BYU Idaho is a regionally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, the university is ranked #13 among the best regionally colleges in the West.
#6 – South Texas College
McAllen, Texas
Undergraduate tuition: $3,486
South Texas College offers affordable online degree programs for in-state students. The school offers four baccalaureate degrees online, as well as several types of associate degrees. Online bachelor’s degree programs include computer and information technologies, medical and health services management, organizational leadership, and technology management. Associate degrees available online allow students to focus their studies on an area of interest. Specialties include accounting, anthropology, business administration, computer information systems, criminal justice, and education. The school reports that its online programs are designed for working students, military members and veterans, and traditional students desiring flexible online learning options.
#5 – Darton State College
Albany, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $3,395
Darton State College offers affordable online degree programs for in-state students. Darton’s eMajor program works in collaboration with the University System of Georgia. There are currently three bachelor’s degree programs available through Darton. They are designed for working professionals, military members, transfer students, or traditional students who desire online learning. Online majors include criminal justice, legal assistant studies, and organizational leadership. Several certificate programs are available online. These include TESOL, ESOL endorsement, and Spanish for professionals. Students are required to complete an online orientation administered by the college. There are no required campus visits.
#4 – Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $3,282
Daytona State College offers online degree programs and certificates designed for busy adults who want to continue working and balancing life obligations while attending school. Online degree programs at Daytona State include bachelor’s and associate degrees. The online bachelor’s degree programs include engineering technology, information technology, and supervision and management. Daytona State College has earned rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks Daytona’s online bachelor’s programs as the 7th best in the nation. The online bachelor’s programs feature a 2+2 model, which requires students to complete an associate’s degree during the first two years of study followed by two years of baccalaureate coursework.
#3 – Great Basin College
Elko, Nevada
Undergraduate tuition: $2,805
Great Basin College offers online degree programs for working students who require flexible scheduling and non-traditional educational options. The school offers fully online bachelor’s degree programs in English, nursing (RN to BSN), and applied science. Some of the applied science degree options include digital information technology, graphic communications, land surveying and geomatics, and management in technology. The school also offers fully online associate’s degrees in areas such as early childhood education, graphic communication, human services, and office technology. All online programs may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.
#2 – College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Undergraduate tuition: $2,805
College of Southern Nevada offers low-price online degree programs that are fully accredited and designed for working students. Online associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are available for students who need to balance work and life obligations while attending school. There are four types of associate degrees available, along with numerous areas of emphasis. For instance, students may earn an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management, and Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, or and Associate of Business. Currently, only one bachelor’s degree program is available online – the online BS in Dental Hygiene.
#1 – Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $2,753
Broward College offers online accelerated degree programs that are designed for working adults to complete an associate’s degree in less than two years. Broward’s online degree programs include associates degrees in business administration, general business, and computer systems specialist. The program can be completed in less 15 months, and sometimes sooner if the student has completed required coursework elsewhere. Most of the courses do not require textbook purchases, according to the school’s website, which reduces costs. Broward offers in-state tuition rates for residents of Florida. Completion of the online associate’s degree prepares students for four-year universities, or one of the bachelor’s degree programs offered at Broward.
