There is no denying it. College is expensive. One of the primary factors students look at when choosing a college is the cost of tuition, and the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition can be significant. However, online degree programs may offer a way around this, with many programs choosing not to charge extra for out-of-state students. Find out how in-state and out-of-state tuition may apply to online students — or not — and look at some of the top schools that don’t factor location into the cost of their online program.
Throughout this article, we will discuss tuition rates based on state residency for online college degree programs nationwide.
In-State vs. Out-Of-State Tuition for Online Students
Tuition costs can differ depending on your state residency. Often, public colleges will charge students living outside the school’s state more to attend the school, and students who reside in the state are charged less.
This difference in price is due in part to in-state students and their parents are already providing some funding through state taxes. Public colleges receive government funding for operational costs, which comes from state residents’ taxes. In-state students who have paid in-state taxes benefit from lower prices, whether they paid them directly or through their parents.
Private colleges generally have one cost of tuition, regardless of where the student lives. Many schools have also dropped out-of-state tuition charges for online programs to help make them more affordable. However, this varies by institution, so checking costs before committing to a program is important.
Considerations for Students Applying to Online Programs in Another State
Online degree programs make it possible to continue your education at a top institution for your field, no matter where it’s located, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. If your chosen career requires passing an exam to get your license, you may need a program from your state to ensure you’re adequately prepared. Completing in-person practicums can also be difficult if you live in another state. Check with an admissions counselor to find out how the program handles these situations before committing your time and money.
How to Make an Online Degree More Affordable
Even if a school doesn’t charge extra for out-of-state residency, the cost can still be formidable. In addition to looking for an affordable online school that offers particularly low tuition rates, there are various types of financial aid available that can help. Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline for your academic year. Most schools use this form use to determine your eligibility for loans, need-based scholarships, and other programs. Remember that you’ll also be saving money on expenses like room and board and commuting.
Top 4 Online Colleges That Don’t Charge Extra for Out-of-State Residency
Choosing a college that doesn’t charge extra for out-of-state residency can make it more affordable to pursue your degree. This ensures you can take full advantage of the benefits of an online program without being penalized just for living in a different state.
The following list includes four high-quality colleges that offer online degree programs at no extra cost to out-of-state residency students.
1. University of the People
Noted to be best for their business administration and related programs, the University of the People is an accredited, free-tuition school offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and non-degree programs. Instead, the University of the People charges a per-course free for every class completed. The completion fee for undergraduate courses is $140.
While there are nine degree programs and four non-degree programs to choose from, this 100% online program allows for asynchronous learning with support from professors and Program Advisors. Associate and bachelor’s degrees are available for business administration, computer science, and health science. Students can earn a master’s degree in business administration, information technology, or education.
The website mentions, “Our programs are American-accredited, 100% online, and affordable, so you can graduate debt-free with the knowledge you need to become an industry leader.” If you want to complete an online program in computer science, business administration, information technology, education, or health sciences, check out one of the most affordable options at the University of the People.
2. Liberty University
Liberty University is known and recognizable worldwide. Whether you’re physically on one of its campuses or taking one of its dozens of online degree programs, LU promises a rigorous and high-quality education. Liberty University is religiously affiliated and offers programs related to religion, such as Biblical Studies and Pastoral Counseling. However, the university also provides a variety of other majors, such as Psychology, Information Sciences, and many options related to education.
With its extensive range of majors and programs, Liberty University keeps tuition costs low, at $390 per credit for full-time undergraduate students and $455 for part-time undergraduate students. Their program rates are the same regardless of whether you live in Virginia, their residency state, or anywhere else in the country. Additionally, Liberty University offers tuition discounts for first responders and military personnel and discounts for corporate partners. They also have a tool to compare their cost of attendance with other programs.
3. Colorado State University
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Colorado State University offers a flexible, quality education for students to complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees for an affordable sticker price. Students have many degrees, including arts and music, political science, sociology, and computer science.
Like other schools on this list, CSU offers affordable tuition to all students, regardless of their state residency. Undergraduate degree programs cost $476 per credit, while graduate degree programs cost between $580 to $1,118 per credit, depending on the program chosen. They also have different fees that students need to cover outside their tuition, such as specialty course fees and a technology fee. However, this is generally standard practice for most colleges nationwide regardless of in-person or online learning status.
4. Trine University
Located in Indiana, Trine University has launched its TrineOnline program to allow students to complete undergraduate and graduate programs online from the comfort of their homes. Trine offers majors, including business administration, criminal justice, engineering, healthcare, and general studies. With the ability to transfer up to 90 credits towards a degree, 24/7 access to online support for faculty feedback and tech support, and the flexibility to start a new course every eight weeks, TrineOnline allows their students the freedom to work on a degree on their own terms.
According to its website, Trine University states, “TrineOnline offers more than 45 courses, including two complete degree programs, with no textbook fees. And you can take your first TrineOnline course for free!” We love the word free here. Once their free course is completed, tuition for TrineOnline is $299 per credit for undergraduate classes and $575 per credit for graduate courses, with a military tuition discount available for those who qualify.
Want to Know More About Online Degree Programs?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.