For many students, the struggling economy has made affordability and post-graduation jobs prospects priority concerns when choosing a degree program. To help students with their search, we’ve put together this tuition rankings of the top accredited online colleges with our most affordable bachelors degrees online.
This is not a straightforward ranking of the cheapest online bachelor’s degree programs. The fact is, the cheapest online degrees may save students money in the short term, but they may also end up being more expensive than a higher priced program in the long run if they are from non-accredited schools that lack recognition and respect in the job market.Our ranking of the most inexpensive online bachelor’s degrees takes a long term approach to affordability by taking into account tuition costs (50%), accreditation (25%), and market reputation (25%). The idea is to help students find an affordable online bachelor’s program that will also improve their chances of landing a good job or promotion upon completion.
#1. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is a public university in Hays, Kansas. One of six Kansas Board of Regents universities, FHSU is the fourth-largest but fastest-growing and offers the most affordable accredited online bachelor’s degrees on our list.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
FHSU offers nearly 30 accredited online bachelor’s degrees, with such desirable programs as Information Networking and Telecommunications, Marketing, and Nursing RN to BSN. At only $178.30 per credit hour, it’s the most affordable accredited online bachelor’s degree out there.
Accreditation
Fort hays State University Virtual College is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#2. Baker College
Baker College is a respected private career college originally founded in the automotive boom of the early 20th century. Today Baker offers exceptionally affordable, accredited online bachelor’s degrees in a variety of subjects.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Baker College offers 20 accredited online bachelor’s degrees in Business, Information Systems, Computer Science, and several other in-demand fields. Tuition is only $210 per credit hour, making Baker College a great value.
Accreditation
Baker College is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#3. Western Governors University
Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit, all-online college founded by the governors of 19 western states. An unconventional institution that measures student progress by competency rather than credit hours, WGU has been recognized for its quality and innovation by a number of publications.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
WGU offers more than 20 accredited online bachelor’s degrees in Teaching, Business, Information Technologies, and Health Professions. At $240 per competency unit (rather than credit hour), a bachelor’s degree from WGU is an exceptionally affordable option.
Accreditation
WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#4. Columbia College
Columbia College is a private liberal arts college in Columbia, Missouri. In addition to its main campuses, Columbia College provides education on military bases and through its growing online campus.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Columbia College offers 11 accredited, online bachelor’s degrees, including Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Business Administration programs. Columbia’s $240 per credit hour tuition makes for an economical education opportunity.
Accreditation
Columbia College is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#5. Oregon State University Ecampus
Oregon State University is a major public research university in Corvallis, Oregon. OSU Ecampus students benefit from the same quality faculty and receive the same diploma as their on-campus counterparts.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Oregon State University Ecampus offers 15 accredited, online bachelor’s degrees, including new offerings in Environmental Economics and Policy, German, and Sociology. At only $260 per credit hour, OSU provides a very inexpensive online degree option.
Accreditation
Oregon State University Ecampus is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#6. Walden University
Founded as a progressive educational experiment, Walden University began providing working adults with an education while also working for positive social change. Today Walden’s online degrees are both respected and exceptionally affordable.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Walden University offers nearly 20 accredited online bachelor degrees in a variety of fields. At only $280 per credit hour, Walden offers some of the cheapest online programs around.
Accreditation
Walden University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#7. Capella University
Capella University is a private institution reaching underserved adult populations with affordable online degrees. Based in Minneapolis, Capella is noted for offering challenging academic programs and a supportive campus environment.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Capella University offers 22 accredited, online bachelor of science degrees, with many offerings in information technology. Tuition for online bachelor programs ranges between $290 and $350 per credit hour.
Accreditation
Capella University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#8. Herzing University
Herzing University is a private career college originally founded as a computer training school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and retaining a reputation for science and technology programs. Despite a dozen brick and mortar campuses, most of Herzing’s students earn their degree online.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Herzing University offers 21 accredited, online bachelor’s degrees in Healthcare, Business, Technology, Design, and Public Safety at only $300 per credit hour.
Accreditation
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413, www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400.
#9. American InterContinental University
American InterContinental University is a private, career-oriented college with multiple campuses throughout the United States. Most AIU students earn their degree through the school’s online campus, AIU Online.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
AIU offers more than 20 accredited, online bachelor’s degrees in Business, Information Technology, and Criminal Justice, with many specializations available for each. Tuition for online bachelor degrees is $302 per credit hour.
Accreditation
American InterContinental University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
#10. Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University is a private career university specializing in business, management, and technology. CTU operates campuses in Colorado and other midwestern states, as well as a large online degree division.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
CTU offers more than 35 accredited online bachelor’s degrees in fields such as Business Administration, Information Systems and Technology, and Security Studies at $305 per credit hour.
Accreditation
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.