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Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Cost and affordability are two of the most important considerations students must weigh when choosing an online college. Not only will choosing an affordable online school impact your ability to complete your college degree, but it will also leave you in a better financial position post-graduation.

To help you find a college or university that meets your budget, Intelligent.com compiled this list of the most affordable online colleges and universities for 2023. Independent college counselor Dana Marvin also contributed to this article to help online students understand the factors that influence the cost of college, ways to pay for an online degree, and how to choose the online college that best meets your needs.

According to Marvin, financial aid works the same whether students enroll in an online or in-person program. “As long as the program is currently accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, the student can use any federal financial aid that they qualify for to take online classes, just as they would if they were taking traditional courses,” she says. “Additionally, some schools will offer students access to the same scholarships and grants whether they are taking online or in-person classes, while others will have separate scholarship programs depending on how you’re taking classes.”

Cost Breakdown for Online Colleges and Universities

Understanding the costs associated with an online degree can help you determine what will make a college affordable to you.

Tuition

The primary cost for any college degree, whether you’re earning it online or in person, is tuition. Generally, online students who are enrolled in a full-time program will pay a flat tuition fee for the term. Meanwhile, part-time students typically pay per credit hour, which means they may pay less per term than full-time students. However, it’s important to remember that all online programs have minimum credit requirements, so students who pay per credit hour will end up paying the same amount (or possibly more) in the long run than full-time students. Your degree level (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) also makes a difference in tuition rates.

Fees

Even the most affordable online colleges typically charge additional fees to help offset costs for specific resources. For online programs, this can include fees for technical support, online classroom technology and software, health and wellness services, academic and library resources, and more. These fees for online courses may be assessed on a per-term, per-year, or one-time basis.

Personal technology

A reliable personal computer and high-speed internet connection are essential for success in an online degree program. Online students taking live virtual classes also need good audio and video equipment, including a microphone and webcam. Before enrolling in an online college, assess your current tech set-up and determine if you’ll need any new equipment so that you can include those costs in your budget. If you need a computer or other hardware, find out if your online school partners with any stores or companies to offer discounts.

Books and other learning materials

Even in an online program, you may still be required to purchase books, either in a hard copy or digital format. Some online courses may also require specific software programs or other online learning materials for completing assignments. While these costs may be minimal compared to tuition, online learners should include them in their budget to help avoid unexpected expenses during the school year.

Factors Influencing the Cost of an Online Degree

Tuition rates vary between different online colleges (and sometimes even between different online programs at the same online college) based on several factors.

Public vs. private institutions

A key determining factor in a school’s tuition costs is whether it’s a public or private institution. Public online colleges receive federal and state money to help lower tuition rates, particularly for students within the state where the school is located. Private online colleges rely primarily on tuition (as well as endowments and investments) to fund their operations and typically charge higher tuition rates than public colleges.

Student residency status

For online students who attend public universities rather than private colleges, where they reside can impact their tuition. Online students who live in the state where the school is located are considered “in-state” and typically pay a lower tuition rate than out-of-state students. However, with the expansion of online programs, more schools are offering in-state tuition to all students, regardless of residency. You may want to seek out affordable online colleges that offer this benefit. Private institutions charge all online students the same tuition rates, regardless of their home state.

Nonprofit vs. for-profit

Online colleges in the U.S. are classified either as nonprofit or for-profit entities. All public universities are nonprofit, while private colleges can be nonprofit or for-profit.

While tuition rates at some for-profit schools may be lower than private nonprofit schools, it’s important to remember a key difference between these two types of schools. Nonprofit institutions must reinvest their revenue into the institution in the form of infrastructure, faculty and staff salaries, student services, and more. Meanwhile, for-profit institutions are designed, as the name implies, to generate a profit for the company and shareholders behind the school, meaning they often spend less on instruction, infrastructure, financial aid, and other services that directly support students.

Regardless of which type of online college you’re considering, it’s important to research how they invest your tuition, to ensure you’re getting good value for your money.

Student military status

Affordable online colleges often offer discounted tuition rates for individuals who are active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and spouses of military members. Online students who think they may be eligible for discounted tuition based on past or current military service should check with their school’s financial aid or military services office.

Most Affordable Online Colleges and Universities

How we rank schools

This list features some of the most affordable online colleges and universities in the U.S. All are nonprofit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each of these affordable online programs on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and student resources. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared our picks for the most affordable online colleges 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.

Online Colleges Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The Top 50 Most Affordable Online Colleges & Universities

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#1
Gainesville, FL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Florida

Intelligent Score: 99.6
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,477

Out-of-state: $25,694

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,770

Out-of-state: $10,770

Test scores

SAT: 1290-1460

ACT: 29-33

Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
31%
On-campus students
8%
Graduation Rate
89%
Students enrolled
53,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$48k
Average Student Debt
$16k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Certificate: $590 Undergraduate Resident: $112 Non-Resisident: $500 Graduate: $449 - $734

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 9-18 Undergraduate: 120-128 Graduate: 30-60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 855-994-2867

#2
Ogden, UT | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Weber State University

Intelligent Score: 99.22
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $5,090

Out-of-state: $15,272

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,935

Out-of-state: $7,935

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
N/A
On-campus students
40%
Graduation Rate
36%
Students enrolled
30,000
Student to faculty ratio
21:01
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$16k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Certificate: $225UndergraduateIn-State: $506

Out-of-State: $1,495GraduateIn-State: $557

Out-of-State: $1,645

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 10-27 Associate: 60-67 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 31-36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 801-626-6600

#3
Bloomington, IN | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Indiana University

Intelligent Score: 99.01
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,815

Out-of-state: $36,194

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $9,786

Out-of-state: $9,786

Test scores

SAT: 1120-1350

ACT: 24-31

Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
80%
On-campus students
7%
Graduation Rate
80%
Students enrolled
43,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$44k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

CertificateIn-State: $317 - $1,410

Out-of-State: $600 - $1,410AssociateIn-State: $224 - $317

Out-of-State: $224 - $476UndergraduateIn-State: $290 - $350

Out-of-State: $390 - $475GraduateIn-State: $350 - $1,982

Out-of-State: $490 - $1,982

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 12-36 Associate: 60 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 30-90

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 844-948-4863

#4
San Diego, CA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

San Diego State University

Intelligent Score: 98.43
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $5,742

Out-of-state: $17,622

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,176

Out-of-state: $7,176

Test scores

SAT: 1090-1300

ACT: 22-29

Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
37%
On-campus students
1%
Graduation Rate
76%
Students enrolled
36,000
Student to faculty ratio
27:01:00
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$15k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Certificate: $230Undergraduate: $552Graduate: $566 - $593

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 15 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 30-51

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 619-594-0000

#5
Americus, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Georgia Southwestern State University

Intelligent Score: 98.18
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,064

Out-of-state: $14,786

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $3,492

Out-of-state: $3,492

Test scores

SAT: 940-1110

ACT: 19-22

Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
73%
On-campus students
26%
Graduation Rate
36%
Students enrolled
3,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$33k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Certificate: $172Undergraduate: $174Graduate: $263

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 15-18 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 30-42

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 877-871-4594

#6
Tallahassee, FL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Florida State University

Intelligent Score: 97.29
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,640

Out-of-state: $19,084

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $9,684

Out-of-state: $9,684

Test scores

SAT: 1220-1350

ACT: 27-31

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
32%
On-campus students
3%
Graduation Rate
84%
Students enrolled
44,000
Student to faculty ratio
21:01
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Undergraduate: $105Graduate: $404

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 12-16 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 30-61

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 850-644-4635

#7
Boca Raton, FL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Florida Atlantic University

Intelligent Score: 96.02
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $2,522

Out-of-state: $14,374

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $5,467

Out-of-state: $5,467

Test scores

SAT: 1060-1220

ACT: 21-26

Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
75%
On-campus students
3%
Graduation Rate
56%
Students enrolled
31,000
Student to faculty ratio
22:01
Average Salary
$39k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Undergraduate: $105Graduate: $304

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 12-15 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 30-72

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 561-297-3040

#8
Hays, KS | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Fort Hays State University

Intelligent Score: 95.97
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,140

Out-of-state: $14,580

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $3,726

Out-of-state: $3,726

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
91%
On-campus students
43%
Graduation Rate
46%
Students enrolled
15,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$37k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Undergraduate: $257Graduate: $338 - $453

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-Campus, Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 8-15 Associate: 60 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 30-66

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 785-628-4291

#9
Nashville, TN | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Tennessee State University

Intelligent Score: 92.4
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,854

Out-of-state: $20,574

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $9,276

Out-of-state: $9,276

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
N/A
On-campus students
48%
Graduation Rate
26%
Students enrolled
8,000
Student to faculty ratio
12:01
Average Salary
$31k
Average Student Debt
$27k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

UndergraduateIn-State: $307

Out-of-State: $461GraduateIn-State: $497

Out-of-State: $746

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 15-18 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 33-48

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 615-963-5000

#10
Minot, ND | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Minot State University

Intelligent Score: 91.35
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $6,691

Out-of-state: $6,691

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $8,731

Out-of-state: $8,731

Test scores

SAT: 880-1070

ACT: 18-24

Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
77%
On-campus students
33%
Graduation Rate
55%
Students enrolled
3,000
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$38k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Undergraduate: $299Graduate: $390

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 12-15 Associate: 68 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 30-91

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-777-0750

#11
Fayetteville, AR | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Arkansas

Intelligent Score: 90.18
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,568

Out-of-state: $24,056

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,752

Out-of-state: $7,752

Test scores

SAT: 1090-1280

ACT: 23-29

Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
78%
On-campus students
3%
Graduation Rate
68%
Students enrolled
28,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$41k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Certificate: $263 - $313Undergraduate: $263Graduate: $313 - $594

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 12-21 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 30-96

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-952-1165

#12
San Diego, CA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

National University

Intelligent Score: 89.3
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $13,320

Out-of-state: $13,320

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $15,480

Out-of-state: $15,480

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
45%
Admission Rate
89%
On-campus students
56%
Graduation Rate
47%
Students enrolled
18,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$52k
Average Student Debt
$27k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Certificate: $370 - $1,148Associate: $370Undergraduate: $348 - $370Graduate: $442 - $1,241

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 8-24 Associate: 60 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 30-48

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 855-355-6288

#13
Albany, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Albany State University

Intelligent Score: 88.98
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,064

Out-of-state: $14,786

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $3,438

Out-of-state: $3,438

Test scores

SAT: 740-900

ACT: 15-18

Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
73%
On-campus students
36%
Graduation Rate
26%
Students enrolled
7,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$27k
Average Student Debt
$27k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Associate: $111Undergraduate: $174Graduate: $308

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 19-29 Associate: 60-70 Undergraduate: 122-123 Graduate: 30-64

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 866-775-1214

#14
St. Petersburg, FL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

St. Petersburg College

Intelligent Score: 88.73
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $19,485

Out-of-state: $26,089

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: Not Required

ACT: Not Required

Retention Rate
N/A
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
57%
Graduation Rate
35%
Students enrolled
18,984
Student to faculty ratio
20-to-1
Average Salary
42,557
Average Student Debt
16,868

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Certificate/AssociateIn-State: $112

Out-of-State: $387UndergraduateIn-State: $123

Out-of-State: $426

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 12-24 Associate: 60 Undergraduate: 120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 727-341-4772

#15
Williamsburg, KY | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

University of the Cumberlands

Intelligent Score: 88.72
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,875

Out-of-state: $9,875

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,282

Out-of-state: $4,282

Test scores

SAT: 930-1140

ACT: 19-24

Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
81%
On-campus students
1%
Graduation Rate
40%
Students enrolled
19,000
Student to faculty ratio
20:01
Average Salary
$29k
Average Student Debt
$17k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Certificate: $315 - $355Associate: $220Undergraduate: $220Graduate: $315 - $549

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-Campus, Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 12-18 Associate: 60 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 30-66

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-343-1609

#16
Valdosta, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Valdosta State University

Intelligent Score: 88.06
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,371

Out-of-state: $15,426

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,572

Out-of-state: $4,572

Test scores

SAT: 990-1140

ACT: 19-23

Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
78%
On-campus students
21%
Graduation Rate
40%
Students enrolled
12,000
Student to faculty ratio
20:01
Average Salary
$33k
Average Student Debt
$25k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Undergraduate: $187Graduate: $300 - $757

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 12-18 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 30-55

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 229-333-5800

#17
Lincoln, NE | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Nebraska Omaha

Intelligent Score: 87.29
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,770

Out-of-state: $24,900

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,138

Out-of-state: $6,138

Test scores

SAT: 1110-1320

ACT: 22-28

Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
78%
On-campus students
33%
Graduation Rate
66%
Students enrolled
25,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Undergraduate Resident: $277 - $397

Non-Resident: $643 - $1,158 Graduate Resident: $401 - $531

Non-Resident: $531 - $1,375

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate: 15-18 Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 51-54

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 402-554-2393

#18
Barbourville, KY | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Union College

Intelligent Score: 86.96
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $26,330

Out-of-state: $26,330

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $8,160

Out-of-state: $8,160

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: 17-22

Retention Rate
62%
Admission Rate
57%
On-campus students
32%
Graduation Rate
28%
Students enrolled
1,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$29k
Average Student Debt
$26k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Undergraduate: $225Graduate: $370

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Undergraduate: 120 Graduate: 30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-489-8646

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How To Pay for an Online Degree

Out-of-pocket

If you or your family are paying your own money directly to your online school, that’s considered paying out of pocket. Depending on their financial circumstances, online students may pay entirely out of pocket or combine their own money with other financial aid like student loans, scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance benefits.

According to Marvin, “If you’re paying out of pocket, find out if the college offers a payment plan, which spreads tuition payments over the term. For some families, a small monthly payment plan going directly to the college without interest may be a better solution to taking out a large student loan.”

Federal student loans

The U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program offers different types of loans to online undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and their families. These include Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans. Interest rates and repayment terms for federal student loans are fixed and generally more favorable than private education loans.

To determine eligibility for federal student loans, online students and their families (if online students are dependents) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For a more in-depth overview of the FAFSA and financial aid application process, check out our Ultimate FAFSA Guide.

Private education loans

Online students can borrow money from private lenders like Sallie Mae, SoFi, and Ascent. While the government sets interest rates for federal student loans, rates for private loans vary based on factors like current market rates and individual credit scores.

Marvin advises online learners to use federal loans for their college education before looking into private loans. “Federal loans are preferable because qualification doesn’t depend on a credit score, and they offer multiple options for repayment, like income-driven plans and loan forgiveness programs,” she says. For online learners who need private loans, Marvin says, “Keep an eye on what rates are like throughout the year. While one company might have the best rate while you’re browsing, it can easily change by the time you’re ready to commit.”

Scholarships

A scholarship is money awarded to a student to cover tuition costs and other college education expenses that doesn’t need to be repaid. Scholarship sources include schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, community and religious groups, and professional organizations. Scholarships may be awarded based on merit, financial need, or specific demographics, such as women, first-generation college students, or adult learners. Generally, online students must complete the FAFSA and other application materials to apply for scholarships.

Researching and applying for scholarships can be time-consuming, but Marvin says it can be well worth the effort. “Students and families should explore all avenues for scholarships, both from the school and outside organizations, before officially taking out a loan,” she says. “Scholarships can lower the loan amounts students need to borrow or cover the cost completely!”

Grants

Like scholarships, grants are gift aid that doesn’t have to be repaid. However, grants are typically awarded based on financial need as opposed to merit, like scholarships. The U.S. government offers grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the TEACH Grant, through the federal student loan program. Many state governments and individual colleges and universities also award grants to eligible online students.

Work-study

As part of their financial aid package, online students may choose to participate in the Federal Work-Study Program. This allows students to earn money to pay for school and living expenses by working part-time at their college. Students earn at least the federal minimum wage, although some positions pay more based on responsibilities and level of experience.

Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for work-study. Online students who are interested should contact their school to find out if they have remote work-study opportunities.

Employer tuition assistance

Students who intend to work while earning their online degree should find out if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits. Although specifics vary by company, tuition assistance typically involves employers reimbursing employees for some or all of their educational expenses. This is becoming a more common employee benefit, with major companies like Apple, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and UPS offering employees money to attend college.

Online College/Degree Scholarship Database

Intelligent Scholarship Finder Tool

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"A Helping Hand" Scholarship

Award Amount: $500

Due Date: January 31, 2025

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"A Helping Hand" Scholarship

Award Amount: $500

Due Date: January 31, 2025

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"Commencing at Community College" Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,000

Due Date: Closed for 2024

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"Follow Your Own Path" Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: $500

Due Date: January 31, 2025

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"Follow Your Own Path" Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: $500

Due Date: January 31, 2025

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"Mom to Scholar" Scholarship for Mother

Award Amount: $1,000

Due Date: January 31, 2025

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"Outstanding Undergraduate" Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,000

Due Date: January 31, 2025

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"Tuition Solution" Scholarship for STEM Students

Award Amount: $500

Due Date: January 31, 2025

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$1,000 Excellence in Online Education Scholarships

Award Amount: $1,000

Due Date: October 15 or March 15

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$25k "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship

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How To Choose the Online College or University That’s Right for You

Step 1: Clarify what you want

There are many factors to consider when choosing an online college or university. It’s essential to have as much clarity as possible on what you want before beginning your search to find the best fit.

To find affordable online programs, first determine how much you or your family can pay out of pocket and how much you’ll need to be subsidized through loans, scholarships, and other funding avenues. Even if you need student loans to pay for your college education, setting an overall budget can help you limit the total amount of money you’ll need to borrow.

Other practical considerations include scheduling and instruction methods. Now is an excellent time to determine if you prefer synchronous or asynchronous online classes and part-time or full-time enrollment. Consider your learning style and whether you should seek out online programs that rely on autonomous teaching methods, like pre-recorded lectures and reading assignments, versus interactive programs with group discussions and hands-on learning experiences.

Clarifying your education and career goals is also helpful. What level of education will qualify you for the jobs you want? Does your intended field require a particular major or specialization? Will you pursue graduate study in the future?

With so many online colleges to choose from, the more specific you can be about what you want, the easier the following steps will be.

Step 2: Research schools and programs

Having clear parameters will help you narrow your search among the hundreds of available online colleges available.

Regardless of personal needs and wants, all students should confirm that the schools they are considering are accredited. There are two types of institutional accreditation for schools in the U.S., regional and national. Regional accreditation is more common and more widely recognized, as their quality standards are more rigorous. A school’s accreditation (or lack thereof) can impact a student’s job prospects and ability to transfer credits to another school or pursue further education. Most schools publish their accreditation status on their website. You can also verify accreditation through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s online directory.

As you research schools and programs, the following questions can help you determine the right fit:

  • What financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and grants, are available to online students?
  • What fees does the school charge online students?
  • How do online students interact with faculty, classmates, and staff?
  • Does this school offer a quality academic program in the major I want?
  • What type of support services does the school offer online students?
  • What kind of networking opportunities do online students have access to?

In addition to visiting the school’s website, students can learn more by contacting the school’s admissions office or program representatives, following the school on social media, and attending in-person or virtual open houses and information sessions.

Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests

It’s also a good idea to dig deeper into the school’s application and admissions requirements during the research process. These can vary based on individual college and the specific degree or program, but generally speaking, an application for an online program consists of the following:

  • Application form
  • Official transcripts (high school for first-time freshmen or college for transfer and graduate students)
  • Letter(s) of recommendation
  • Personal essay
  • Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT for undergraduate students, GRE or GMAT for graduate students)

Regarding standardized tests, students should be aware that an increasing number of schools are moving to test-optional or test-blind admission policies. Students should confirm school policies before signing up for standardized college entrance exams.

Application deadlines also vary by school. Some online colleges have rolling admissions and multiple start terms throughout the academic year, while others only enroll new students once or twice per year. Confirm application deadlines and submit all required materials by due dates to ensure you can register for your desired term.

Step 4: Select your program

Once you’ve conducted all your research and have a clear understanding of your options, you can select the colleges and programs to which you’ll apply.

How many schools you apply to is a personal choice. Some students apply to multiple schools to increase their chances of acceptance, especially if they’re applying to competitive schools or programs. Others focus on one or two schools based on cost, location, or program availability.

One thing to keep in mind is that most schools charge application fees, with the average fee costing around $45. Students should budget for application fees or determine if they’re eligible for application fee waivers from organizations like the College Board.

Step 5: Determine how you'll pay for your degree

Your research should also include speaking to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re considering to learn more about tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities like scholarships and grants. Find out if students are automatically considered for all scholarships and grants or if there are specific application requirements.

If you still need to complete your FAFSA, now is the time to do so. Most schools will send students a financial aid package, including federal student loan eligibility, scholarships, and grants, with their acceptance or shortly after. It’s important to have as much information as possible about how much your program will cost and how much financial aid you’re receiving so you can make a well-informed decision about which online college you should attend.

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