7 Affordable Accredited Online Degree Programs: Budget-Friendly Options for Higher Education (2024)

Online degree programs have become a popular choice for many students.

They offer flexibility and the chance to earn a degree while balancing other commitments.

But finding an affordable and accredited program can be tricky.

You can find quality online degrees that won’t break the bank. This article looks at seven affordable accredited online degree programs.

These options allow you to get a respected education without taking on too much debt.

Each program offers a unique mix of value and quality for different fields of study.

1) Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a top choice for students seeking affordable, accredited online college degrees.

With over 200 flexible programs to choose from, you can find a path that fits your career goals and schedule.

SNHU offers online bachelor’s degrees in various fields.

You can study at your own pace and access coursework 24/7.

This flexibility allows you to balance your education with work and personal commitments.

The university has been a leader in online education since 1995.

You’ll benefit from their extensive experience in delivering quality distance learning.

SNHU’s online programs are designed to be engaging and interactive.

As a nonprofit institution, SNHU provides some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

This makes it easier for you to pursue your degree without breaking the bank.

SNHU’s online courses are career-focused.

You’ll gain practical skills that can be applied directly to your job.

The university offers over 1,700 courses, ensuring you can find classes that align with your interests and career goals.

With a large online student body of 170,000, you’ll join a diverse community of learners.

SNHU provides robust student support services to help you succeed in your online education journey.

2) University of Florida

The University of Florida offers high-quality online bachelor’s degrees through UF Online.

You can earn the same respected UF degree from anywhere in the world.

UF Online provides a wide range of programs to choose from.

You’ll find options in business, psychology, and many other fields.

The online psychology program is ranked #3 nationally by U.S. News and World Report for 2024.

Flexibility is a key advantage of UF Online.

You can complete your coursework on your own schedule.

This makes it easier to balance your studies with work and family commitments.

UF Online gives you access to the same faculty who teach on campus.

You’ll benefit from their expertise and engage with challenging coursework.

The academic standards are just as rigorous as the on-campus programs.

As a UF Online student, you’ll have support services to help you succeed.

These include academic advising, career counseling, and tech support.

You can also connect with other online students through virtual study groups and discussion forums.

Admissions requirements for UF Online programs are clearly outlined on their website.

You’ll find information about application deadlines, required documents, and transfer credits.

The University of Florida is known for its affordability.

As an online student, you’ll pay lower tuition rates than on-campus students.

This makes a UF degree more accessible and budget-friendly.

3) Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs and certificates through ASU Online.

You can choose from a wide range of fields, including nursing, engineering, and management.

ASU Online provides both undergraduate and graduate options.

For bachelor’s degrees, you have access to recorded and archived classes, allowing for flexible study schedules.

The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

This accreditation is crucial as it affects the quality of education and impacts financial aid opportunities.

If you’re interested in graduate studies, ASU ranks among the top schools for online master’s programs.

You can select from over 120 online master’s degrees and doctorate programs.

The online programs are taught by the same faculty who teach on-campus courses.

This ensures you receive high-quality education from experienced professors.

ASU has been offering online bachelor’s degrees since 2006-2007.

The university’s long-standing experience in online education contributes to its well-developed programs.

When you enroll in ASU Online, you become part of a prestigious institution.

U.S. News & World Report recognizes ASU as one of the best online colleges in the country.

4) University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers many affordable online degree programs.

UCF is known for its high-quality education and innovative approach to learning.

You can choose from over 30 fully online master’s degrees at UCF.

These programs cover a wide range of subjects, giving you plenty of options for your career goals.

To get into an online master’s program at UCF, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school.

You also need a GPA of at least 3.0 in your bachelor’s program or in your last 60 credit hours.

UCF has been offering online degrees for 25 years.

This experience makes them a trusted choice for online education.

They use the latest technology to make sure you get a great learning experience.

You don’t have to live near Orlando to attend UCF.

Their online programs are open to students from all over.

This makes it easy for you to get a degree from a top school without moving.

UCF is recognized as one of the most innovative universities in the nation.

This means you’ll be learning from a school that’s always trying to improve and offer the best education possible.

5) Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers top-ranked online bachelor’s degree programs.

You can choose from over 110 online degrees and programs through OSU Ecampus.

The university designs its online programs specifically for the virtual environment.

This means you’ll get a high-quality education tailored to distance learning.

OSU Ecampus has been ranked in the top 5 nationally for best online bachelor’s degrees for four years in a row.

This recognition comes from U.S. News & World Report.

You’ll have access to knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions about programs, courses, and the application process.

They’re available by phone or email during business hours.

The online degrees at Oregon State push you to be your best.

You’ll get a challenging education that prepares you for your career goals.

OSU offers affordable tuition rates for its online programs.

This makes it a good choice if you’re looking for quality education at a reasonable price.

You can study from anywhere while earning your degree from a respected institution.

Oregon State’s online programs give you flexibility and a strong academic foundation.

6) Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers affordable online degree programs for students seeking quality education from a distance.

You can choose from a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to advance your career.

CSU’s online programs are designed for flexibility.

You can study at your own pace while balancing work and personal commitments.

The university uses cutting-edge technology to deliver course content and facilitate student interaction.

One popular option is the online bachelor’s degree in computer science.

This program covers essential topics like algorithms, networks, security, and machine learning.

It prepares you for a career in the fast-growing tech industry.

CSU also offers online graduate degrees.

If you’re interested in pursuing advanced studies, you can explore PhD programs in various fields.

Some of these are hybrid, combining online learning with short on-campus residencies.

The university is known for its strong academic reputation.

When you earn your degree from CSU, you’ll receive the same diploma as on-campus students.

This can boost your credibility with potential employers.

Financial aid options are available to help make your education more affordable.

You can check with CSU’s financial aid office to learn about scholarships, grants, and loans you might qualify for.

7) Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) offers affordable, accredited online degree programs in various fields.

This non-profit institution provides a unique learning model that allows you to earn your degree at your own pace.

WGU’s competency-based approach lets you move quickly through material you already know.

You can focus more time on new concepts, potentially saving money and graduating faster.

The university offers over 30 bachelor’s and master’s programs in education, business, IT, and healthcare.

These programs are designed to align with industry needs and prepare you for real-world careers.

WGU’s tuition is often lower than many traditional universities.

For example, graduate tuition for the business program is $4,180 per term, plus a small resource fee.

You’ll have access to personalized faculty support throughout your studies.

WGU assigns a mentor to guide you through your program and help you stay on track.

The university is fully accredited and recognized by employers across the country.

This ensures that your degree will be valued in the job market.

WGU’s flexible online format allows you to balance your studies with work and family commitments.

You can complete coursework when it’s convenient for you, without sacrificing the quality of your education.

Benefits of Accredited Online Degree Programs

Online degree programs offer many advantages for students.

They can help you save money and time while still getting a quality education.

Let’s look at some key benefits.

Flexibility and Convenience

Online programs let you study when and where you want.

You can fit classes around your work and family life.

This is great if you have a busy schedule.

Many online bachelor’s degrees let you access course materials 24/7.

You can watch lectures and do assignments at times that work for you.

This means you don’t have to quit your job to go back to school.

You can also learn at your own pace.

If you need extra time on a topic, you can review it as much as you need.

This can help you really master the material.

Cost-Effectiveness

Online programs often cost less than on-campus ones.

You can save money on things like:

• Housing
• Meals
• Transportation
• Textbooks (many use e-books)

Some affordable online colleges charge as little as $1,342 per year for tuition.

This is much less than many traditional schools.

You can also keep working while you study.

This lets you earn money and gain experience in your field at the same time.

Accreditation Importance

Accredited programs meet strict quality standards.

This means your degree will be respected by employers and other schools.

When you choose an accredited program, you can be sure you’re getting a good education.

The courses will cover important topics in your field.

Accreditation also lets you transfer credits more easily.

This is helpful if you want to switch schools or go on to graduate studies later.

Many financial aid options are only available for accredited schools.

This includes federal loans and grants.

Choosing an accredited program gives you more ways to pay for your degree.

Criteria for Choosing the Right Program

Picking the best online degree program requires careful thought.

You’ll need to look at a few key factors to make a smart choice.

Accreditation Standards

Accreditation is crucial when choosing an online degree program.

It shows the school meets quality standards.

Look for regional accreditation, which is the gold standard for colleges.

Check if professional groups approve the program too.

This matters for careers like nursing or teaching.

Make sure the U.S. Department of Education recognizes the accrediting body.

This affects your ability to get financial aid and transfer credits.

Program Reputation

A program’s reputation can impact your future job prospects.

Look at rankings from trusted sources like U.S. News & World Report.

Check what other students say about the program.

Look for reviews and ratings online.

Ask about graduation rates and job placement stats.

These show how well the program prepares students.

See if the school has won any awards for its online programs.

This can be a sign of quality.

Student Support Services

Good support services are key to your success in an online program.

Look for schools that offer:

• 24/7 tech support
• Online tutoring
• Career services
• Library access
• Academic advising

Check if the program has a dedicated team for online students.

This can make a big difference in your experience.

Ask about orientation programs for new online learners.

These can help you get off to a strong start.

See if the school offers ways to connect with other students.

This could be through online forums or virtual study groups.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Money is available to help pay for your online degree.

You can get grants, loans, and scholarships to lower your costs.

Let’s look at your options and how to apply.

Types of Financial Aid

Federal grants don’t need to be paid back.

The Pell Grant gives up to $6,895 per year to students in need.

Work-study programs let you earn money through part-time jobs.

Loans must be repaid with interest.

Federal loans have lower rates than private ones.

Subsidized loans don’t charge interest while you’re in school.

Parent PLUS loans help parents pay for their child’s education.

Some schools offer their own aid.

The University of Florida gives $17,260 on average in financial aid packages.

Check with your school about institutional grants and scholarships.

Applying for Scholarships

Start by filling out the FAFSA form.

It’s free and opens the door to federal, state, and school aid.

Submit it as early as October 1st for the next school year.

Look for scholarships based on your background, major, or skills.

Many are open to online students. Historically Black Colleges and Universities offer full and partial scholarships for African American students.

Use scholarship search engines to find matches.

Apply to many, even small ones.

They add up.

Write strong essays and get good recommendation letters to stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many students have questions about affordable and accredited online degree programs.

These FAQs cover financial aid, international student options, fast-track degrees, and verifying accreditation.

What are some accredited online bachelor degree programs that offer financial aid through FAFSA?

Southern New Hampshire University, University of Florida, and Arizona State University are accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA.

You can apply for federal financial aid to help cover tuition costs at these schools.

Which accredited online universities offer the most affordable tuition for international students?

University of Central Florida and Oregon State University provide competitive rates for international students.

UCF charges around $750 per credit hour for online courses, while OSU’s eCampus has a flat rate for all students regardless of residency.

Can you list online degree programs that are both affordable and accredited in the USA?

Florida Atlantic University offers affordable online bachelor’s degrees starting at about $200 per credit for in-state students.

Southern New Hampshire University and Western Governors University also have low-cost accredited programs.

Are there online colleges that provide cheap but fast-track degree options?

Yes, some schools offer accelerated online programs.

Western Governors University uses a competency-based model that allows you to move through courses quickly.

Southern New Hampshire University offers 6-week terms to speed up degree completion.

What is the easiest accredited online degree program to enroll in?

Southern New Hampshire University has a simple enrollment process.

You can apply online for free and get an admission decision within days.

They accept most students and don’t require SAT/ACT scores for admission.

How can one verify the accreditation status of an online degree program?

You can check a school’s accreditation on the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

Look for regional accreditation from agencies like SACS, HLC, or WASC for the most widely recognized credentials.