Why This Matters
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179 OCCUPATIONS TRACKED BY THE BLS REQUIRE A FOUR-YEAR DEGREE
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks around 800 occupations, and 179 of those typically require a bachelor’s degree. That includes jobs in nursing, business management, accounting, and marketing.
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A HIGHER DEGREE EQUALS REDUCED RISK OF UNEMPLOYMENT
Those with a high school diploma have an average unemployment rate of 6.2%. Those with a four-year degree have an unemployment rate of 3.5%, and those with a master’s degree or higher have a rate ranging from 1.5% to 2.6%.
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EARN $525 MORE PER WEEK WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
The average pay for those with a four-year degree is around $1,334 per week. For those with only a high school diploma, this figure is around $809.
Our Research
This list features the best online college programs with low out-of-state tuition in the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list have been accredited by reputable organizations, such as the Higher Learning Commission and New England Commission of Higher Education, that assess the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of colleges and universities.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online college programs with low out-of-state tuition to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The Top 50 Online Colleges with Lowest Out-of-State Tuition
intelligent score 99.42
Award
Intelligent Pick
Rankings
#1 Best Colleges
School Information
University Park, PA
Graduation Rate: 71%
Admission Rate: 78%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Penn State University World Campus landed at the top of our list for being an affordable institution offering more than 175 high-quality degree and certificate programs in a wide assortment of areas of study. Tuition for Penn State World Campus programs is based on a few factors, including specific degree levels and programs, the number of credits a student plans to take in a term, and the number of credits already accrued. For undergraduate programs, per-credit tuition rates start at $620. Students can choose from associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, and certificate programs, in in-demand areas like nursing, STEM, education, and more.
Award
Intelligent Pick
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Certificate: $1,007
Undergraduate: $620 - $664
Graduate: $1,007
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
814-863-5386
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 99.1
Award
Most Affordable
Rankings
#2 Best Colleges
School Information
Boca Raton, FL
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 75%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Florida Atlantic University's online tuition rates are among the lowest in the state, making this a good option if you're looking for a high-quality online education at an affordable price. FAU offers online degree programs through all of its undergraduate and graduate schools, in fields as diverse as business, engineering and computer science, and humanities and social sciences. FAU ensures you receive the same quality education whether you study online or on campus, and the extensive online student support portal replicates the support and guidance on-campus students receive. You can earn everything from a certificate or a bachelor's degree to a master's degree or a Ph.D.
Award
Most Affordable
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 34
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $105
Graduate: $303
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
561-297-3040
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 34
intelligent score 98.53
Award
Best Alumni Network
Rankings
#3 Best Colleges
School Information
Gainesville, FL
Graduation Rate: 75%
Admission Rate: 62%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
University of Florida Online is among the most highly ranked and well-respected online universities - not only in Florida but in the entire country. U.S. News & World Report ranks UF Online as #1 in America for Best Online Programs. As a UF Online student, you get access to all the perks of a traditional UF education. In addition to a first-class education, you can join UF's extensive alumni network, which can help you make connections and open doors even decades after you complete your degree. You can also make use of UF's exclusive career services to help you transition seamlessly from school to your dream career.
Award
Best Alumni Network
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $111
Out-of-State: $500
Graduate
In-State: $448
Out-of-State: $690
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-376-9160
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 98.17
Award
Most Innovative
Rankings
#4 Best Colleges
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 57%
Admission Rate: 95%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Maryville University - Online calls itself "tech-forward and future-focused," and it's been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2021-2024 thanks to its spirit of innovation and technological advances. Apple's designation confirms that Maryville has a track record of technological leadership in education, especially important for online degree and certificate programs. As an online student at Maryville, you can pursue future-proof degrees and certificates that equip you for careers that don't even exist yet but will by the time you graduate. Maryville has partnered with industry leaders like Boeing and Edward Jones to build programs that prepare you for the jobs of the future.
Award
Most Innovative
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15 - 47
Undergraduate: 128
Graduate: 30 - 57
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Certificate: $500 - $765
Undergraduatre: $500
Graduate: $714 - $833
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-437-4104
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15 - 47
Undergraduate: 128
Graduate: 30 - 57
intelligent score 97.59
Award
Best for Doctoral Degrees
Rankings
#5 Best Colleges
School Information
Lubbock, TX
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
By the time students reach the doctoral level of study, they've likely already invested a significant amount of money into their education. We like Texas Tech University not only for the breadth of online doctoral programs they offer but for the affordability of those programs. Non-resident tuition at Texas Tech University is $458 per credit hour. The majority of online doctoral degree programs Texas Tech University offers are in education-related areas, including higher education research, special education, curriculum and instruction, and educational leadership. They also offer hybrid doctoral programs in engineering, technical communication, and rhetoric.
Award
Best for Doctoral Degrees
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $319
Out-of-State: $459
Graduate: $495
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
806-742-1480
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 96.88
Award
Best for Minority Students
Rankings
#6 Best Colleges
School Information
Los Angeles, CA
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
California State University has been making higher education accessible for over 70 years. Based on the diversity of their student body, they are federally designated as a Hispanic-serving institution, minority-serving institution, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution. The university also participates in California Promise, a program designed to help incoming first-year students stay on track to complete their degrees in four years. Tuition for undergraduate non-Californian residents at CSU Los Angeles starts at $16,286 per year. As a comprehensive public university, CSU Los Angeles offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in many areas of study, including liberal arts, business, education, healthcare, and more.
Award
Best for Minority Students
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $478
Out-of-State: $874
Graduate
In-State: $598
Out-of-State: $994
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
323- 343-3901
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 96.62
Award
Best for Undergraduate Degrees
Rankings
#7 Best Colleges
School Information
Scottsdale, AZ
Graduation Rate: 52%
Admission Rate: 73%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
With more than one-hundred online bachelor's degree offerings, Arizona State University has a program to fit just about every student's interests and goals. They also make these programs accessible with affordable tuition for non-Arizona residents. Undergraduate tuition for out-of-state students at ASU Online starts at $561 per credit hour. Students can choose from in-demand areas of study like biological and social sciences, information technology, humanities, engineering, sustainability, and more. In many programs, students have the flexibility to choose between earning a BA or a BS, letting them tailor their educational experience to their specific career goals.
Award
Best for Undergraduate Degrees
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $561 - $661
Graduate: $543 - $1,343
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-278-5080
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 96.29
Award
Best for Graduate Certificates
Rankings
#8 Best Colleges
School Information
Boone, NC
Graduation Rate: 74%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Graduate certificates are an effective, efficient way for working professionals to continue learning new skills and explore advanced education in a particular field without committing the time and money to earn a complete master's degree. Appalachian State University offers multiple online graduate certificates in education, human services, global studies, nursing, and more. With these programs, students typically only have to commit one year (or less) to completing all their coursework and receiving their certificate. Students can access these programs from anywhere, thanks to low graduate tuition costs, which start at $1,138 per credit hour.
Award
Best for Graduate Certificates
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $176
Out-of-State: $843
Graduate
In-State: $268
Out-of-State: $1,102
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
828-457-8070
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 96.27
Award
Best for Continuing Education
Rankings
#9 Best Colleges
School Information
San Marcos, TX
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Another option for adult learners who want to investigate a new career path, acquire additional expertise, or keep their minds sharp is continuing education courses. Texas State University has a robust continuing education program allowing students the opportunity to advance their knowledge regardless of location. Through Texas State University's continuing education division, students can complete online coding and IT bootcamps, in-depth study in human biology for social workers, and professional development courses in areas like human resources, medical coding and billing, pharmacy technician, and more. Texas State University helps students cover the cost of their continuing education studies with financing programs and third-party payment options.
Award
Best for Continuing Education
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 66
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $307
Out-of-State: $715
Graduate
In-State: $357
Out-of-State: $765
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
512-245-2364
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 66
intelligent score 96.15
Award
Best for Graduate Degrees
Rankings
#10 Best Colleges
School Information
Orlando, FL
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 45%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Students seeking an online graduate degree at an affordable price may want to consider the University of Central Florida. This research institution offers more than 80 graduate degree options, with tuition starting at $288 per credit hour for non-Florida residents. UCF Online has flexible online master's degrees in in-demand fields such as engineering, social work, healthcare, education, and more. They also operate two online doctorate-level nursing programs. Regardless of which program students enroll in, they benefit from UCF's support services, including the UCF Online Connect Center, which links students with coaches who can help guide them through their educational journey.
Award
Best for Graduate Degrees
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $179
Out-of-State: $715
Graduate
In-State: $327
Out-of-State: $1,151
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
407-823-5625
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 96.07
Award
Rankings
School Information
Las Cruces, NM
Graduation Rate: 52%
Admission Rate: 63%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $395
Graduate: $444
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-662-6678
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 95.91
Award
Rankings
School Information
Stillwater, OK
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 67%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $180
Out-of-State: $697
Graduate
In-State: $233
Out-of-State: $364
accreditation
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
405-744-7092
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 95.69
Award
Rankings
School Information
Athens, OH
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 87%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $307
Out-of-State: $312
Graduate
In-State: $508
Out-of-State: $527
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
704-533-4600
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 95.64
Award
Rankings
School Information
Livonia, MI
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 50
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $500
Graduate: $935
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
734-432-5339
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 50
intelligent score 95.61
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fairbanks, AK
Graduation Rate: 34%
Admission Rate: 67%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $329
Out-of-State: $918
Graduate
In-State: $620
Out-of-State: $1,209
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-478-1823
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 36
intelligent score 94.89
Award
Rankings
School Information
Columbia, SC
Graduation Rate: 23%
Admission Rate: 65%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120 - 121
Graduate: 45
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $418
Graduate: $450
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
803-376-5780
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120 - 121
Graduate: 45
intelligent score 94.35
Award
Rankings
School Information
Madison, SD
Graduation Rate: 40%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $354
Out-of-State: $464
Graduate
In-State: $470
Out-of-State: $580
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-378-9988
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 94.22
Award
Rankings
School Information
Pippa Passes, KY
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 21%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
N/A
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
606-368-6146
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128
intelligent score 93.82
Award
Rankings
School Information
Dickinson, ND
Graduation Rate: 37%
Admission Rate: 99%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 84 - 89
Graduate: 35
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $249
Out-of-State: $319
Graduate: $336
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
701-483-2175
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 84 - 89
Graduate: 35
intelligent score 91.79
Award
Rankings
School Information
Arkadelphia, AR
Graduation Rate: 37%
Admission Rate: 75%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 18
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Certificate: $350
Undergraduate
In-State: $245
Out-of-State: $337
Graduate: $350
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-228-7333
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 18
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 33
intelligent score 91.77
Award
Rankings
School Information
Aberdeen, SD
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online or On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $114
Out-of-State: $171
Graduate
In-State: $173
Out-of-State: $366
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-678-5330
Delivery Format
Online or On Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 91.47
Award
Rankings
School Information
Las Vegas, NM
Graduation Rate: 39%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 32 - 60
Graduate: 36 - 63
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $325
Graduate: $525
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-985-0689
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 32 - 60
Graduate: 36 - 63
intelligent score 91.42
Award
Rankings
School Information
Memphis, TN
Graduation Rate: 24%
Admission Rate: 64%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $449
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected].
Phone:
800-737-7778
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 91.27
Award
Rankings
School Information
Mayville, ND
Graduation Rate: 41%
Admission Rate: 53%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 34
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $328
Out-of-State: $463
Graduate: $365 - $478
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-437-4104
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 34
intelligent score 90.78
Award
Rankings
School Information
Trenton, NJ
Graduation Rate: 48%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $411
Out-of-State: $535
Graduate: $675
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
609-777-5680
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 36
intelligent score 90.63
Award
Rankings
School Information
Canyon, TX
Graduation Rate: 52%
Admission Rate: 58%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36 - 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $218
Out-of-State: $652
Graduate
In-State: $282
Out-of-State: $708
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
806-651-2020
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36 - 60
intelligent score 90.54
Award
Rankings
School Information
Holly Springs, MS
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 29%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $404
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
662-252-8000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
intelligent score 90.42
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 16%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $226
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-340-3366
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 89.89
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bellevue, NE
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Associate: 60
Undergraduate: 127
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Associate: $440
Undergraduate: $440
Graduate: $630
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-756-7920
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Associate: 60
Undergraduate: 127
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 89.84
Award
Rankings
School Information
Wilberforce, OH
Graduation Rate: 26%
Admission Rate: 58%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $218
Out-of-State: $326
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
937-376-6011
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
intelligent score 88.95
Award
Rankings
School Information
Wayne, NE
Graduation Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $299
Graduate: $380
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
866-972-2287
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 36
intelligent score 88.51
Award
Rankings
School Information
Itta Bena, MS
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 83%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $317
Graduate: $461
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
662-254-3335
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 36
intelligent score 86.52
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bemidji, MN
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 35
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $313
Graduate: $494
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
218-755-2040
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 35
intelligent score 86.38
Award
Rankings
School Information
Goodwell, OK
Graduation Rate: 24%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 60 - 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $154
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
662-254-9041
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 60 - 120
intelligent score 86.38
Award
Rankings
School Information
Winston Salem, NC
Graduation Rate: 95%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 57
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Graduate: $333
accreditation
Association for Biblical Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
336-744-0900
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 57
intelligent score 86.33
Award
Rankings
School Information
Minot, ND
Graduation Rate: 43%
Admission Rate: 77%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $299
Graduate: $374
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
701-858-3350
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 36
intelligent score 85.66
Award
Rankings
School Information
Chadron, NE
Graduation Rate: 43%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $299
Graduate: $380
accreditation
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
308-432-6263
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 36
intelligent score 84.31
Award
Rankings
School Information
Cleveland, MS
Graduation Rate: 41%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $351
Graduate: $469
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
662-846-4020
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 33
intelligent score 84.23
Award
Rankings
School Information
Marshall, MN
Graduation Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 81%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 37
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $305
Graduate: $486
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
507-537-7224
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 37
intelligent score 84.22
Award
Rankings
School Information
Alcorn State, MS
Graduation Rate: 39%
Admission Rate: 38%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 33 - 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $304
Graduate: $405
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
601-877-6148
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 33 - 36
intelligent score 84
Award
Rankings
School Information
Odessa, TX
Graduation Rate: 51%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $219
Out-of-State: $627
Graduate
In-State: $274
Out-of-State: $682
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
432-552-2605
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 83.89
Award
Rankings
School Information
Peru, NE
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $299
Graduate: $380
accreditation
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-742-4412
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 83.83
Award
Rankings
School Information
Carthage, TX
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Associate
In-State: $60
Out-of-State: $312
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
903-693-2048
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Associate: 60
intelligent score 83.46
Award
Rankings
School Information
Memphis, TN
Graduation Rate: 23%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $300
accreditation
Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
901-375-4400
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Discover More Options
What You Should Know About This Degree
Online programs should be compared with hybrid and in-person programs. Hybrid programs involve classes that are online and in-person. Online programs are appealing to many because you can get an education from the best school for your niche without regard to location. Just be sure you’re choosing an affordable online college that offers the same academic quality as in-person learning.
Regional accreditations are typically the best demonstration of quality for educational organizations, though national accreditations are also a positive indicator. You should avoid schools that aren’t accredited at all.
Make sure you understand all the requirements for your degree and what licensure may be needed. If you’re getting a nursing degree, for example, you will likely need to pass a licensure exam before you can land a job as an RN.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching the best online colleges with low out-of-state tuition:
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Synchronous classes require you to log in at certain times and interact with teachers and other students. Asynchronous courses are more flexible, as coursework can be completed at your own pace. You’ll also want to consider factors such as time zones when you’re looking at out-of-state colleges — especially if classes are synchronous.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Associate degrees typically take two years to complete, while bachelor’s degrees tend to take four years. You can complete degrees faster or slower depending on how many credits you take every semester.
When you’re researching online colleges with low out-of-state tuition, write down the number of credits required and the cost per credit — as well as additional fees — so that you can compare costs. And if you’re worried about the cost of school, you can also reach out to financial aid offices to find out what options might be available to help you pay for your education.