Top 10 Cheapest Online Colleges in the U.S.

For working professionals and high school students seeking higher education without breaking the bank, finding an affordable online college is crucial. This in-depth review of the top 10 cheapest online colleges in the U.S. provides detailed insights to help you make an informed decision.

1. Pierce College District

Pierce College District is a public institution located in Pierce County, Washington, approximately 30 miles south of Seattle. The district includes campuses in Lakewood and Puyallup. With an out-of-state tuition and fees of $4,902 and in-state tuition and fees of $4,539, it is one of the most budget-friendly options. Pierce College is particularly known for its associate degrees in arts and humanities, science, math, and direct transfer degrees in business, education, biology, and health science. It also offers professional/technical programs and certificates in high-demand career fields such as construction management, business, computers, criminal justice, dental hygiene, and veterinary technology.

Key Features

Tuition and Fees: Out-of-state: $4,902; In-state: $4,539
Programs Offered: Associate degrees in arts and humanities, science, math, direct transfer degrees in business, education, biology, health science, professional/technical programs and certificates
Student Support: Comprehensive resources for online learners, flexible scheduling, and robust academic advising

2. Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

Central Methodist University is a private institution located in Fayette, Missouri. It offers a tuition and fees rate of $6,960 for both in-state and out-of-state students. This university is known for its flexibility and support for working professionals and adult learners. Central Methodist University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, including accounting, applied behavior analysis, biology, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity, early childhood education, health care administration, nursing, psychology, and sociology. It also offers special and cooperative programs such as pre-law, pre-engineering, and study abroad opportunities.

Key Features

Tuition and Fees: $6,960
Programs Offered: Accounting, applied behavior analysis, biology, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity, early childhood education, health care administration, nursing, psychology, sociology
Student Support: Flexible scheduling and robust academic advising

3. Mississippi University for Women

Mississippi University for Women is a public institution located in Columbus, Mississippi. It has an out-of-state tuition and fees of $7,866 and in-state tuition and fees of $7,866. This university offers a supportive environment for women and provides a variety of online programs. While specific program details are not provided in the search results, it is known for its commitment to women’s education and career development.

Key Features

Tuition and Fees: $7,866
Programs Offered: Diverse range of bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Student Support: Strong emphasis on women’s education and career development

4. Peru State College

Peru State College is a public institution located in Peru, Nebraska. It has an out-of-state tuition and fees of $7,920 and in-state tuition and fees of $7,920. This college is known for its commitment to providing quality education at an affordable price. While specific program details are not provided in the search results, it offers a variety of online programs designed to meet the needs of working professionals and adult learners.

Key Features

Tuition and Fees: $7,920
Programs Offered: Various online bachelor’s and associate degrees
Student Support: Comprehensive academic and career support services

5. Minot State University

Minot State University is a public institution located in Minot, North Dakota. It has an out-of-state tuition and fees of $8,508 and in-state tuition and fees of $8,508. This university offers a wide range of online programs and is known for its supportive learning environment. While specific program details are not provided in the search results, it is recognized for its commitment to providing quality education to online learners.

Key Features

Tuition and Fees: $8,508
Programs Offered: Diverse range of bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Student Support: Strong academic and career support services

6. Broward College

Broward College is a public institution located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It has an out-of-state tuition and fees of $8,952 and in-state tuition and fees of $2,830. This college is known for its affordable tuition and a wide range of online programs. The most popular majors at Broward College include business administration, management and operations, information technology, registered nursing, special education, and liberal arts and sciences. It also offers programs in social work, psychology, government, and emergency medical technology.

Key Features

Tuition and Fees: Out-of-state: $8,952; In-state: $2,830
Programs Offered: Business administration, management and operations, information technology, registered nursing, special education, liberal arts and sciences, social work, psychology, government, emergency medical technology
Student Support: Comprehensive resources for online learners

7. Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College is a public institution located in Gainesville, Florida. It has an out-of-state tuition and fees of $9,189 and in-state tuition and fees of $2,563. This college is known for its affordable tuition and a wide range of online programs. While specific program details are not provided in the search results, it offers a variety of associate and bachelor’s degrees designed to meet the needs of working professionals and adult learners.

Key Features

Tuition and Fees: Out-of-state: $9,189; In-state: $2,563
Programs Offered: Various associate and bachelor’s degrees
Student Support: Comprehensive resources for online learners

8. Jackson State University

Jackson State University is a public institution located in Jackson, Mississippi. It has an out-of-state tuition and fees of $9,445 and in-state tuition and fees of $8,445. This university is known for its commitment to providing quality education at an affordable price. While specific program details are not provided in the search results, it offers a variety of online bachelor’s and master’s degrees designed to meet the needs of working professionals and adult learners.

Key Features

Tuition and Fees: Out-of-state: $9,445; In-state: $8,445
Programs Offered: Various online bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Student Support: Strong academic and career support services

9. Central State University

Central State University is a public institution located in Wilberforce, Ohio. It has an out-of-state tuition and fees of $9,596 and in-state tuition and fees of $7,596. This university is known for its commitment to providing quality education at an affordable price. While specific program details are not provided in the search results, it offers a variety of online bachelor’s and master’s degrees designed to meet the needs of working professionals and adult learners.

Key Features

Tuition and Fees: Out-of-state: $9,596; In-state: $7,596
Programs Offered: Various online bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Student Support: Comprehensive academic and career support services

10. Georgia Highlands College

Georgia Highlands College is a public institution located in Rome, Georgia. It has an out-of-state tuition and fees of $9,696 and in-state tuition and fees of $3,344. This college is known for its affordable tuition and a wide range of online programs. While specific program details are not provided in the search results, it offers a variety of associate and bachelor’s degrees designed to meet the needs of working professionals and adult learners.

Key Features

Tuition and Fees: Out-of-state: $9,696; In-state: $3,344
Programs Offered: Various associate and bachelor’s degrees
Student Support: Comprehensive resources for online learners

Final Recommendations

When choosing an online college, consider not only the tuition costs but also the quality of education, program offerings, and student support services. Based on our analysis, Pierce College District and Central Methodist University stand out for their affordability and diverse program offerings. Both institutions provide robust support services for online learners, making them excellent choices for working professionals and high school students alike.