30 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges in 2024

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30 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges
30 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges

A lot of students believe that affordable online colleges are not accredited and can’t provide recognized degrees. However, there are some affordable accredited online colleges that are exceptions to this myth.

Affordability and accreditation are among the factors to consider before you enroll in any online college. For this reason, we decided to do wide research on affordable accredited online colleges.

We will be providing you with a list of the 30 most affordable accredited online colleges; but before that, let’s find out the meaning of accreditation.

What is an Accredited Online College?

An accredited online college is an online college recognized for meeting a series of education standards, set by an accrediting agency.

Accrediting agencies make sure that institutions undergo a rigorous review process to show that they meet specific educational standards.

There are two main types of accreditation for colleges:

  • Institutional accreditation
  • Programmatic accreditation.

Institutional accreditation is when an entire college or university is accredited by a regional or national accreditation agency.

Examples of institutional accrediting agencies are:

  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), etc.

Programmatic accreditation, on the other hand, is when an individual program within a college or a university is accredited.

Examples of programmatic accrediting agencies are:

  • Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), etc.

List of Affordable Accredited Online Colleges

Below is a list of the most affordable accredited online colleges:

30 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges

1. Brigham Young University – Idaho (BYUI or BYU-Idaho)

Tuition: less than $90 per credit

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Brigham Young University is a private university affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Laith-day Saints. Founded in 1888 as Bannock State Academy.

At BYU-Idaho, students can earn a degree entirely online at an affordable cost. BYU-Idaho offers online certificate and undergraduate degree programs.

In addition to affordable tuition, all students living in Africa are eligible for a guaranteed scholarship of 50 off tuition; and there are other scholarships available too.

2. Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW)

Tuition: $169.33 per credit hour for undergraduate students and $257 per credit hour for graduate students

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Georgia Southwestern State University is a public university located in Americus, Georgia, United States. It is part of the University System of Georgia.

Founded in 1906 as the Third District Agricultural and Mechanical School, and acquired its current name in 1932.

Georgia Southwestern State University offers more than 20 online programs. These programs are available at different levels: undergraduate, graduate, and certificate.

Georgia Southwestern State University believes that degrees shouldn’t come with years of debt. So, GSW makes education affordable and offers a variety of scholarships.

3. Great Basin College (GBC)

Tuition: $176.75 per credit

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Great Basin College is a public college in Elko, Nevada, United States. Founded in 1967 as Elko Community College, It is a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Great Basin College offers online certificate and degree programs that are completely online. GBC also offers several short courses that can enhance your professional or personal skills.

4. Florida International University

Tuition: $3,162.96 per semester

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Florida International University is a Miami-based public research university, offering more than 190 degree programs, on-campus and online. Founded in 1972, Florida International University is one of the largest universities in the United States.

Florida International University has more than 20 years of experience in online education. FIU’s first online course was offered in 1998 and laughed its first fully online degree program in 2003.

FIU Online, the virtual campus of Florida International University, offers online programs at different levels: graduate, undergraduate, and certificate.

5. University of Texas, Permian Basin (UTPB)

Tuition: $219.22 per credit for undergraduate students and $274.87 per credit for graduate students

Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

University of Texas, Permian Basin is a public university with its main campus in Odessa, Texas, United States. It was established in 1969.

UTPB offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degree, and certificate programs. Its online programs are very affordable. UTPB claims to be one of the most affordable colleges in Texas.

6. Western Governors University

Tuition: $3,575 per 6-month term

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Western Governors University is a nonprofit, private, online university, offering affordable and accredited online programs. Founded in 1997 by a group of U.S. Governors; the Western Governors Association.

Western Governors University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate online programs. WGU claims to be the most student-centered university in the world.

At Western Governors University, tuition is charged at a low flat rate each term and covers all coursework completed each term. The more courses you complete each term, the more affordable your degree becomes.

7. Fort Hays State University (FHSU)

Tuition: $226.88 per credit hour for undergraduate students and $298.55 per credit hour for graduate students

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Fort Hays State University is a public university in Kansas, offering affordable programs, on-campus and online. Founded in 1902 as the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School.

FHSU, the virtual campus of Fort Hays State University, offers more than 200 pine degree and certificate programs. Its online programs are recognized among the best online programs in the World.

8. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU)

Tuition: $257 per credit hour

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Eastern New Mexico University is a public university with a main campus in Portales, New Mexico. It is New Mexico’s largest regional comprehensive university.

Founded in 1934 as Eastern New Mexico College and was renamed Eastern New Mexico University in 1955. Eastern New Mexico University is the youngest state university in New Mexico.

ENMU offers affordable programs online campus and online. Over 39 degrees can be completed 100% online. These online programs are available at different levels: bachelor’s, associate’s, master’s, etc.

Eastern New Mexico University has very low tuition rates. ENMU is one of the most affordable four-year universities in the State of New Mexico.

9. Dalton State College

Tuition: $273 per credit hour

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Dalton State College is a public college located in Dalton, Georgia, United States. It is a part of the University System of Georgia.

Founded in 1903 as Dalton Junior College, the college offered its first bachelor’s degree and gained its current name in 1998.

Dalton State College is among the top 10 best public colleges in Georgia. It offers affordable undergraduate programs online.

10. American Public University

Tuition: $288 for undergraduate students and $370 for graduate students

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

American Public University is a public university, founded in 2002 to provide quality, affordable, and flexible education. It is among the American Public University System.

American Public University System is one of the largest providers of online higher education, offering more than 200 academic programs to students.

APU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, undergraduate certificate, and graduate certificate programs. It also offers several individual courses and professional certification training programs.

11. Valdosta State University

Tuition: $299 per credit hour

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Valdosta State University is a public university located in Valdosta, Georgia, United States. It is one of the four comprehensive universities in the University System of Georgia.

Founded in 1913 as a Normal College for Women, with a two-year course in teaching preparation. It opened as South Georgia State Normal College.

VSU Online College, the virtual campus of Valdosta State University, offers several affordable 100% online degree programs. However, online programs at VSU are only available at the undergraduate level.

12. Peru State College

Tuition: $299 per credit hour for undergraduate students and less than $400 per credit hour for graduate students

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Peru State College is a public college in Peru, Nebraska, US. Founded in 1867 as a teacher training college, it was the first college established in Nebraska. It is a member of the Nebraska State College System.

Peru State College started online education in 1999; it has more than 20 years of experience in online education. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

13. Chadron State University (CSU)

Tuition: $299 per credit hour for undergraduate students and $390 per credit hour for graduate students

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Chadron State University is a public college with a campus in Chadron, Nebraska, and also offers online programs. It is part of the Nebraska State College System.

CSU Online offers a variety of online undergraduate degree programs and 5 different graduate degree options.

Chadron State University offers flat rate tuition; no out-of-state tuition or add-ons. Everyone pays the same tuition.

14. Mayville State University

Tuition: $336.26 per semester hour

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Mayville State University is a public university located in Mayville, North Dakota. It is part of the North Dakota University System.

Mayville State University has more than 130 years of history in preparing teachers and other professionals. The university offers 21 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs, 9 online certificates, and many online courses and other professional development opportunities.

Mayville State University is recognized as one of the most affordable colleges offering online degrees. Every student pays the same online tuition and fee rate, regardless of residency.

15. Minot State University

Tuition: $340 per credit for undergraduate students and $427.64 per credit for graduate students

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Minot State University is a public university in Minot, North Dakota. Founded in 1913 as a normal school, Minot State is the third-largest university in North Dakota.

Minot State University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and certificate programs entirely online at an affordable cost. Financial aid is also available for online courses.

16. Aspen University 

Tuition: $9,750

Accreditation: Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC)

Aspen University is a private, for-profit, online university. Founded in the 1960s as International Academy and gained its current name in 2003.

Aspen University offers online certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Aspen’s online programs are very affordable and a majority of students will be able to afford to pay tuition.

17. National University (NU)

Tuition: $370 per quarter unit for undergraduate students and $442 per quarter unit for graduate students

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

National University is the flagship institution of the National University System. It is the largest private, nonprofit university in San Diego.

For over 50 years, NU has been offering flexible online degree programs for busy adult learners. NU offers more than 45 degree programs that can be completed 100% online. These programs include online undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and certifications.

18. Amridge University

Tuition: $375 per semester hour (full-time rate)

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Amridge University is a private university with a main campus in Montgomery, Alabama, and also offers online programs. Founded in 1967, Ambridge University is a long-time leader in online education. Ambridge has been offering online education since 1993.

Amridge University offers 40 online programs as well as hundreds of online courses for students who are looking for a flexible path to complete their degree.

As an affordable private university, Ambridge University has low tuition rates, and also offers excellent scholarships and discounts. 90% of its students qualify for federal financial aid.

19. West Texas A & M University

Tuition: $11,337

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

West Texas A & M University is a public university in Canyon, Texas, United States. Founded in 1910 as West Texas State Normal College. It is part of the Texas A & M University System.

West Texas A & M University offers 15 online undergraduate degree programs and 22 online graduate degree programs. These programs are available in these formats:

  • 100% online
  • Fully online (86 – 99% online)
  • Hybrid/blended (81 – 88% online)

20. University of Maine Fort Kent 

Tuition: $404 per credit hour

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

University of Maine Fort Kent is a public university located in Fort Kent, Maine. Founded in 1878 as a training school for teachers in the Madawaska territory and was commonly known as Madawaska Territory School.

University of Maine Fort Kent offers 6 online undergraduate degree programs and 3 certificate programs. These programs have affordable tuition rates.

21. Baker College

Tuition: $435 per credit hour

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Baker College is a Michigan-based private, non-profit university with campuses across the state and online. Founded in 1911 as Baker Business University, It is the largest private, non-profit university in Michigan.

In 1994, Baker College began offering online classes to students throughout the US and foreign countries. Currently, Baker College offers several associate’s, master’s, and doctorate online programs and a few online certificate programs.

22. Bellevue University

Tuition: $440 per credit hour for undergraduate students and $630 per credit hour for graduate students

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Bellevue University is a private, non-profit university, offering programs online or on-campus. Founded in 1966 as Bellevue College.

Bellevue University has been innovating online learning for more than 25 years and is committed to delivering the highest quality digital experience possible.

At Bellevue University, Students take courses online and can pick the program that works best for them. You can either learn on your schedule or connect with your instructor and fellow students at a set time.

Bellevue University offers online programs at different levels: doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, associate’s, minors, etc.

23. Park University

Tuition: $453 per credit hour for undergraduate students and $634 per credit hour for graduate students

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Park University is a private, non-profit university with a campus in Parkville, Missouri, United States, and offers online programs. It was founded in 1875.

Park University has been teaching students online for more than 25 years. 78% of all Park students take at least one online course. Park University’s online operations began with one pilot class in English in 1996.

At Park University, online programs are available at different levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificate, and undergraduate certificate.

24. Eastern Florida State College

Tuition: $508.92 per credit hour

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Eastern Florida State College is a public college in Florida. Founded in 1960 as Brevard Junior College, adopted its current name in 2013.

Eastern Florida Online is a nationally recognized leader in online education. You can earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree online, as well as certificates.

25. Thomas Edison State University (TESU)

Tuition: $535 per credit for undergraduate students and $675 per credit for graduate students

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Learning (MSCHE)

Thomas Edison State University is a public university in Trenton, New Jersey. Chartered in 1972, TESU is one of New Jersey’s senior public institutions of higher learning and one of the oldest schools in the country designed specifically for adults.

Thomas Edison State University offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in more than 100 areas of study, as well as undergraduate, graduate, and professional certificates.

At TESU, students are eligible for several scholarships. TESU also participates in many federal and state financial aid programs.

26. Palm Beach State College (PBSC) 

Tuition: $558 per credit hour

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Palm Beach State College is a public college in Lake Worth, Florida. Founded in 1933 as Florida’s first public junior college.

Palm Beach State College is the fifth largest of the 28 colleges in the Florida College System. PBSC has five campuses and 1 virtual campus.

PBSC Online offers several online associate’s, bachelor’s, and certificate programs. Almost all courses offered by the college are available online.

27. University of Central Florida (UCF)

Tuition: $616 per credit hour for undergraduate students and $1,073 per credit hour for graduate students

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

The University of Central Florida is a public research university with its main campus in Orlando, Florida. It is part of the State University System of Florida.

The University of Central Florida has more than 25 years of experience in providing top online degrees. Currently, UCF offers more than 100 online programs. These programs include online bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and certificate programs.

28. Appalachian State University (App State)

Tuition: $20,986 for undergraduate students and $13,657 for graduate students

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Appalachian State University is a public university, founded in 1899. It is one of the 17 institutions in the University of North Carolina System.

App State Online is recognized as one of the top destinations for online degree programs in the US. It offers online bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs.

29. Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

Tuition: $721.84 per credit hour for undergraduate students and $1,026.81 per credit hour for graduate students

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Florida Atlantic University is a public research university. Founded in 1967, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida.

FAU Online offers bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D., undergraduate certificate, and graduate certificate programs. FAU’s online programs are nationally recognized for affordability and innovation.

30. St. Petersburg College

Tuition: $9,286

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)

St. Petersburg College is a public college in Pinellas county, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System.

SPC was founded in 1927 as St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida’s first two-year college. It was the first community college in Florida to offer bachelor’s degrees.

St. Petersburg College is recognized as one of Florida’s top providers of online education. It offers more than 60 programs completely online. At St. Petersburg College, you can either earn a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, as well as IT certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is accreditation important?

Students enrolled in accredited colleges enjoy a lot of benefits like easy transfer or credits, recognized degrees, employment opportunities, access to financial aid opportunities, etc.

Is an online program more affordable than an on campus program?

In most schools, tuition for online programs is charged at the same rate as on-campus programs. However, online students can save on on-campus fees like room and board.

Can I apply for financial aid if I study online?

Online students enrolled in schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be eligible for federal financial aid. Some colleges also offer scholarships to online students.

How long will it take to earn a degree online?

Generally, a bachelor's program can be completed in four years, a master's program can be completed in two years, and a doctorate program can be completed within three to eight years.

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Conclusion

Online programs are better options for students who are looking for flexible ways to earn a degree. Students who are looking for top-quality affordable online education should consider the 30 most affordable accredited online colleges.

WSH has just provided you with some of the most affordable accredited online colleges where you can get a degree. It was a lot of effort!

We hope you were able to find some amazing online schools to get quality education at an affordable rate.

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