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2026 Most Affordable jmcomics & Degrees

Find the most affordable online colleges ranked by manually collected tuition.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Why Trust Us?

  • 90,000+ Verified Student Reviews
  • Manually Researched Tuition
  • 200+ Expert Interviews
  • 1,800+ jmcomics
  • 30,000+ Online Degrees

Higher education can be an invaluable asset to students who are looking for professional advancement, higher wages, or a change in their career paths. Online programs are strong options for those who are also looking for flexibility when working toward a degree. 

OnlineU aims to support students in their personal and professional endeavors by highlighting the most affordable colleges offering online degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.

Key Takeaways:

  • The cheapest option, Indian River State College at $3,513/year in-state, costs less than many students pay per semester at traditional schools. 
  • Even the most expensive school on this list, Liberty University at $11,700/year, is well below the national average for four-year college tuition.
  • Most of these are public universities, not for-profit schools.
  • Many schools charge the same regardless of where you live. About 16 of the 25 schools listed have identical in-state and out-of-state tuition. 

Affordable online colleges are listed below ranked by the lowest tuition. We include only institutionally accredited schools that offer fully online degrees at the cheapest rate among in-state students. 

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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How We Rank "Most Affordable" Schools

2025 Most Affordable Online Degrees Badge

The OnlineU research team manually collects and verifies tuition data for every school on our lists, ensuring you see accurate, up-to-date costs whether you're pursuing an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program. To qualify, schools must offer fully online degrees, hold institutional accreditation, and have verifiable enrollment data through the National Center for Education Statistics. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.

We prioritize schools that offer a consistent tuition rate across programs at the same degree level, so you're not caught off guard by unexpected price differences between majors, and for graduate programs we go a step further by individually calculating program costs since credit requirements and fees vary widely.

All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Only verified student reviews informed our overall ratings and recommendation rates
Rank School Annual In-State Tuition Annual Out-of-State Tuition Recommendation Median Salary
# 1 #1 Indian River State College $3,513 $12,000 86% $49,755
# 2 #2 University of Central Florida $5,018 $21,882 93% $59,760
# 3 #3 Kennesaw State University $5,700 $5,700 86% $63,969
# 4 #4 Weber State University $5,836 $5,836 87% $68,727
# 5 #5 University of the Cumberlands $6,600 $6,600 88% $49,246
# 6 #6 Thomas Edison State University $7,044 $9,122 63% $80,920
# 7 #7 Florida International University $7,068 $20,706 91% $62,110
# 8 #8 Southern Utah University $7,368 $7,368 95% $53,752
# 9 #9 University of Houston - Downtown $7,755 $20,055 69% $61,405
# 10 #10 Utah State University $7,831 $9,720 98% $62,578
# 11 #11 Fort Hays State University $7,951 $7,951 78% $55,824
# 12 #12 Old Dominion University $8,040 $13,320 86% $60,174
# 13 #13 Utah Valley University $8,310 $8,310 88% $67,706
# 14 #14 Columbia Southern University $8,340 $8,340 78% $72,842
# 15 #15 SUNY Empire State University $8,850 $10,590 60% $63,700
# 16 #16 University of Maryland Global Campus $9,900 $14,970 59% $80,146
# 17 #17 Ohio University - Main Campus $9,930 $10,230 95% $67,645
# 18 #18 Southern New Hampshire University Online $10,260 $10,260 62% $64,955
# 19 #19 Northwestern State University of Louisiana $10,548 $10,548 83% $53,450
# 20 #20 Capella University $10,680 $10,680 63% $78,942
# 21 #21 National University $11,100 $11,100 47% $74,293
# 22 #22 Purdue Global $11,130 $11,130 76% $58,518
# 23 #23 Colorado State University Global $11,250 $11,250 56% $82,270
# 24 #24 Oregon State University $11,520 $11,520 82% $68,413
# 25 #25 Liberty University $11,700 $11,700 57% $54,445
#1
Annual In-State Tuition: $3,513
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $12,000
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.88 / 5
Overall Rating
86%
Recommend
94%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • At $3,513 per year, IRSC is in a pricing tier that most four-year schools simply don't compete in.
  • With 4,700+ online students, IRSC has enough volume to smooth out common online pain points, like course availability, scheduling gaps, and inconsistent delivery. Courses are built to Quality Matters standards (a nonprofit quality assurance organization for online higher education), run through Canvas with 24/7 support, and backed by services like Brainfuse tutoring. This shows execution at scale.
  • With median graduate earnings around $49,755 (21st percentile), IRSC’s programs appear designed more for access, skill-building, and degree completion than for maximizing earnings immediately after graduation.

9 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

tacwilson247, Graduated 2020
Overall Rating: 4/5

School provided the opportunity to take all classes online. Advisors were always available and helpful.
I graduated from IRSC with multiple degrees and a Nursing License. My children have also attended classes at IRSC.
Trickier to become an instructor as... Read More

IRSC, Graduated 2026
Overall Rating: 4/5

IRSC was affordable and practical for those returning from an absence in college level courses, new college students, and/or anyone enrolling in collegiate courses for their very first time (regardless of age). The campuses, classrooms, and advisors are... Read More

anonymous, Graduated 2021
Overall Rating: 5/5

My previous review is incorrect. IRSC was the single greatest experience of my life. IRSC offers constant opportunities to network and participate in school functions both promotional and charitable. Between my professors and fellow students, I have been... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: There's repeated praise for supportive instructors, approachable staff, and practical resources that help you succeed academically while also building confidence, leadership, and public-speaking skills. We also see strong appreciation for affordability, with low tuition and accessible online classes standing out as meaningful advantages for working adults, returning learners, and anyone seeking flexibility without sacrificing quality. Several reviews highlight that professors are invested, career-informed, and helpful without being overly dependent, which suggests a learning environment that is both supportive and adult-centered. Distinctive positives include leadership seminars, networking opportunities, campus events, a sense of safety, and extracurricular enrichment such as Emerging Leaders Path.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 4,833 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $49,755
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 42%
  • Retention Rate: N/A
#2
Annual In-State Tuition: $5,018
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $21,882
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.98 / 5
Overall Rating
93%
Recommend
88%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • At $5,018 annually, it is one of the most affordable schools on this list, but the stronger story is that students also appear to persist and finish at unusually high rates. Its 75% graduation rate is in the top 7% nationally, while its 92% retention rate is in the top 5%.
  • With 10,076 online students, it's in the top 2% for online enrollment, which suggests it's a mature, high-capacity system that has been built to serve thousands of learners across bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, doctoral, and minor options.
  • Student sentiment adds important context here. Based on 845 verified student reviews we've collected, UCF holds a 93% recommendation rate. And with the scale mentioned above, it suggests the student experience here is consistently positive even across a very large and diverse population.

147 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

Genesis, Graduated 2023
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

In UCF you will make many acquaintances but it was very difficult for my to make long lasting friends. I grew up thinking that once I was in college I would make some forever friends but that was not the case. I also noticed that the professors are always... Read More

SGM, Graduated 2022
Overall Rating: 5/5

I loved going to UCF and being a part of the Radio/Television Program. I learned a lot and got a ton of hands-on experience in class, especially with the equipment in the studio. Advisors were also really great when it came to helping me with course scheduling,... Read More

Natasha, Graduated 2023
Overall Rating: 5/5

I would recommend UCF to any student. First of all, they have many professional organizations such as SWE, NSBE, and SHPE that can help you find like-minded students and help you land a job or internship. Secondly, they are very friendly and helpful towards... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: Reviewers value UCF's strong professors, abundant internships, research access, career services, and a campus culture with extensive clubs, events, and networking. We also see recurring friction tied to scale. Because UCF is very large, many reviewers describe oversized lecture classes, difficulty scheduling required courses, parking headaches, and inconsistent advising or financial aid support. Several reviewers felt certain majors were less personalized or weaker in career preparation. A notable takeaway is that reviewers often succeed most when they proactively use office hours, internships, research, and campus resources rather than expecting a guided experience by default.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 8,871 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $59,760
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
#3
Annual In-State Tuition: $5,700
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $5,700
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.61 / 5
Overall Rating
86%
Recommend
87%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • KSU Online offers 100+ programs across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, including 40+ bachelor’s options. You can move from a bachelor’s to a graduate credential, or stack certificates and endorsements, without leaving the same online ecosystem.
  • KSU is very transparent about how its online model actually works. Programs are labeled as either 100% online or 95% online, giving you a clearer expectation of any in-person components.
  • Based on 121 verified student reviews, KSU holds an 89% recommendation rate, which shows that many students find the experience worthwhile. And 88% of students said their degree here improved their career prospects.

32 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

CB, Graduated 2016
Overall Rating: 3/5

For the most part, your experience is what you make of it, but I do wish that the Comms program was more applied - so much of what I do as a professional in the last ten years has been learned on the job. To be fair, the program did change after I graduated,... Read More

Jess L, Graduated 2016
Overall Rating: 5/5

I absolutely love KSU! It is a great school for busy professionals looking to advance their career while also working towards their degree. I was working full time while attending KSU part time. I was apart of the Sociology program with a minor in Criminology.... Read More

Chris, Graduated 2011
Overall Rating: 4/5

Great school and has a lot of new dorms and amenities for the students. It is a very good place to get your education and a great place to find yourself. You can always find friends and find groups and activities to do in your spare time to make you feel... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: Reviewers say faculty were knowledgeable, supportive, career-aware, and often brought real-world experience into class. There is repeated appreciation for smaller major-specific communities within a growing university, modern facilities, active clubs, research opportunities, study abroad, and practical preparation for careers or graduate school. On the negative side, you would likely notice frustration with parking shortages, limited course availability, crowded registration, and inconsistent advising. Several reviewers describe financial aid and administrative processes as confusing, slow, or impersonal. A notable negative theme is weak career support after graduation. Overall, KSU is often rewarding when your department is strong and you manage your path proactively, but institutional systems do not consistently scale well with growth.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 7,532 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $63,969
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
#4
Annual In-State Tuition: $5,836
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $5,836
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.71 / 5
Overall Rating
87%
Recommend
97%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • At $5,836 per year, the price is clearly competitive. But the more interesting signal is the outcome mismatch. Students are paying near-bottom-tier tuition and still reporting median earnings of $68,727 (around the 61st percentile nationwide).
  • There’s also a subtle pricing advantage that’s easy to overlook. Most online-only, nonresident undergraduates pay in-state tuition. That effectively removes one of the biggest barriers public universities usually have — out-of-state pricing.
  • Student feedback reinforces this same pattern. The 90% recommendation rate and 3.9/5 rating suggest broad satisfaction. Student reviews highlight small classes, direct access to professors (not TAs), and strong preparation.

16 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

Michelle Boshard, Graduated 2022
Overall Rating: 3/5

Overall I had a great experience at this school. I enjoyed my classes, professors, and the activities on campus. The math department, at least when I was attending was terrible. I had to take my math at another school and transfer it there because it... Read More

Leslie Denson, Graduated 2010
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

The faculty and staff for the Medical Laboratory Sciences program are beyond amazing. Each and every one of them is not only dedicated to their field of study but also to the students in the program. I received so much advice and guidance during my time... Read More

Leslie Denson, Graduated 2010
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

The faculty and staff for the Medical Laboratory Sciences program are beyond amazing. Each and every one of them is not only dedicated to their field of study but also to the students in the program. I received so much advice and guidance during my time... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: Reviewers repeatedly value small class sizes, direct instruction from professors rather than teaching assistants, and faculty who are approachable, flexible, and personally invested in your success. Health sciences and applied programs receive especially strong praise, with several reviews citing excellent preparation for careers, graduate study, and licensure-oriented pathways, as well as meaningful advising and support. There is appreciation for affordable tuition, a commuter-friendly structure, schedule flexibility, online options in some programs, and community-engaged learning tied to real-world experience. Distinctive positives include undergraduate research, campus jobs that build resumes, and a diverse, friendly environment. The main criticisms are concentrated rather than widespread, as multiple reviewers describe some departments as rigid or poorly managed, especially for you if you work full time or expect fully online testing flexibility.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 4,774 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $68,727
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 43%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
#5
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,600
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $6,600
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.63 / 5
Overall Rating
88%
Recommend
77%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • Most schools advertise low tuition, then layer on costs later. UC does the opposite. At $6,600 per year, the school bundles textbooks, fees, tech access, and support services into that rate. This is because of the One Price Promise.
  • UC’s 81% retention rate (top ~18%) is unusually strong for a lower-cost online program, suggesting students are actually sticking with it. It also serves a sizable online population (3,531 students, top ~8%).

2 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

Top Small-School Experience, Graduated 2017
Overall Rating: 4/5

The University of the Cumberlands is an amazing small school where you can really get connected with your professors. While the actual city of Williamsburg is small and in the middle of no where, it forces you to focus mainly on your education. I recommend... Read More

Bbutts, Graduated 2015
Overall Rating: 4/5

Overall I was happy with my experience at UC. The professors are helpful and experienced in their fields. I especially enjoyed the accelerated format (8 weeks) as it allowed me to focus on my studies. I would recommend this school to any one that wants... Read More

  • Undergraduate Online: 5,021 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $49,246
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 46%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
#6
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,044
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $9,122
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.37 / 5
Overall Rating
63%
Recommend
71%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • TESU is one of the best examples of a school built around degree completion rather than traditional college sequencing. This is clear in the number of ways students can turn prior learning into college credit, including transfer credits, military training, professional licenses, corporate training, exams, portfolio assessment, and guided independent study.
  • TESU is priced well below many online college options, yet its median alumni earnings of $80,920 land in the 83rd percentile nationally. In this way, TESU seems especially valuable for students who already have experience or career momentum and need a flexible institution to help convert that into a completed credential. The 100+ student reviews we've collected for this school verify that TESU seems to work best for independent learners who know what they want.

43 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

Sandra c Carlson, Graduated 2016
Overall Rating: 5/5

Thomas Edison is very proficient in online studies. Some students are even in the military while they are students. Thomas Edison is also more flexible regarding testing out of a subject, submitting a portfolio, and accepting previous coursework taken... Read More

RF, Graduated 2026
Overall Rating: 4/5

Great method for secondary education I have earned 19 credits thus far here and it has enabled me to better my knowledge and skills. Sometimes it feel too challenging but with the effort I’ve gotten good grades. I like that there are 12 semesters a year... Read More

Daniel Hines, Graduated 2014
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Enjoyed attending TESU, the affordability of degree programs is outstanding. The outcomes after graduation further solidified I had made the right choice attending this university. The 5 courses needed for graduation didn't bankrupt me and the faculty... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: Reviews are mixed, but the strongest positive theme is flexibility for working adults, military members, veterans, and transfer-heavy learners. Many reviewers value the university’s liberal transfer-credit policies, credit-by-exam options, portfolio assessment, and the ability to finish quickly while working full time. Several say these features helped them advance careers, qualify for graduate study, or complete long-delayed degrees affordably. The main dissatisfaction is not with degree access, but with execution. Reviewers repeatedly cite inconsistent mentor quality, weak advising, poor responsiveness, confusing administrative processes, unexpected fees, and financial aid complications. Several also describe courses as highly self-directed, with heavy writing loads, limited teaching, broad or poorly aligned study guides, and high-stakes midterm/final exams that felt disconnected from instruction.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 6,609 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $80,920
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: N/A
#7
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,068
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $20,706
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.9 / 5
Overall Rating
91%
Recommend
90%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • FIU is a big public research university that has a dedicated online infrastructure, with 5,100+ fully online courses offered, 120+ fully online degree programs, and more than 25 years of online teaching experience. Priced like a budget-conscious online option, it still carries the identity of an R1 research university.
  • The school emphasizes global reach, diversity, and workforce relevance, and student reviews echo that. Reviewers frequently mention diverse classmates as well as internationally minded programs. That makes FIU feel like large, urban, and globally connected university.

77 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

Ana, Graduated 2020
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

At my time of attendance, Florida International University had a great college experience. The campus is big with a lot of activities, eating options and amenities for both residents of the campus and commuters. The course work was taught by knowledgeable... Read More

Christian Larose, Graduated 2016
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

When I was at FIU there wasn't as many majors in the exercise science field. They didn't have kinesiology as a major nor some of the biological science majors that I was interested in. I am unsure of how it is now as I am aware that the school has expanded.... Read More

samantha, Graduated 2025
Overall Rating: 5/5

Florida International University was an important part of my academic and personal growth. As a psychology student at FIU, I had the opportunity to develop strong critical thinking, research, and analytical skills while learning about human behavior and... Read More

One of the things I appreciated most about FIU was the diversity of the student body. Being surrounded by people from many different cultural and academic backgrounds created an environment where multiple perspectives were encouraged and respected. This diversity helped broaden my understanding of the world and made classroom discussions more engaging and meaningful.

FIU also provided many opportunities for students to get involved both academically and socially. There were numerous clubs, campus events, and academic resources that supported students throughout their time at the university. I found that professors were generally supportive and knowledgeable, and many of them encouraged students to ask questions, think critically, and explore their interests within the field.

Another benefit of attending FIU was its location in Miami, which offers a unique blend of cultural, professional, and networking opportunities. Being in such a dynamic city gave students access to internships, community organizations, and experiences outside the classroom that can help prepare them for future careers.

Overall, my experience at Florida International University helped me grow academically and personally. It provided a strong educational foundation while also encouraging independence, curiosity, and engagement with the community. My time at FIU played an important role in shaping my academic interests and preparing me for the next steps in my professional journey.

AI Student Review Summary: Overall, you see a strongly favorable pattern: many reviewers praise knowledgeable professors, diverse campuses, affordable tuition, and practical career preparation. There is appreciation for faculty who bring real-world experience into class as well as for hands-on learning through research, internships, festivals, labs, student organizations, and networking. You also see a distinctive theme around FIU’s diversity and global orientation. Many reviewers say this broadened their perspective, helped them feel welcomed, and made the university especially valuable for internationally focused fields. Campus facilities, school spirit, and flexibility, including online options for working adults, are also frequently highlighted. The main criticisms are structural rather than academic. Several reviewers describe weak advising, inconsistent administrative support, poor financial aid or enrollment service experiences, and a commuter-school atmosphere that can make you feel anonymous unless you actively get involved.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 11,038 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $62,110
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
#8
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,368
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $7,368
Average Program Length: 4 years
4.03 / 5
Overall Rating
95%
Recommend
90%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • SUU offers a lot before you even commit. Free webinars, career sessions, and open-access events create a kind of “trial layer” that sits between marketing and enrollment.
  • To save money, course materials and fees are bundled into tuition.
  • Multiple start dates, transfer-friendly pathways, and a readiness self-assessment signal that this is a system built to help nontraditional students successfully enter online education.

15 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

A. Burnett, Graduated 2017
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Southern Utah University is a college located in a bueatiful small town. The environment is perfect for peaceful outdoor studying. The college itself has very educated professors and small classroom sizes. It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend... Read More

SouthernRunner, Graduated 2015
Overall Rating: 5/5

Loved the small town feel, and the small class size. The teachers were great and very supportive. Near graduation I felt like I had a plan for the next part of my life. I really enjoyed my experience on campus, going to sporting events, and being very... Read More

Shannon Hall, Graduated 2014
Overall Rating: 5/5

The number one hesitation I hear from students considering (or maybe not even daring to consider) Southern Utah University is, "What is there to do in Cedar City?" This question always baffles me because even though Cedar City is a small town, and SUU... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: Reviewers consistently value small class sizes, approachable professors, affordable tuition, and a campus culture that feels personal rather than impersonal. There is repeated praise for faculty who know you by name, provide individualized support, and create access to research, internships, workshops, hands-on learning, and job preparation. Several reviews connect the experience directly to career outcomes, including job placement, practical experience, and confidence to pursue graduate study. You also see appreciation for the clean campus, beautiful setting, arts scene, and balance of small-town atmosphere with a full college experience. The main dissatisfaction is administrative and online-delivery problems. A few reviewers describe severe frustration with transcript processing, unclear advising, missed deadlines, and rigid online instructors who were seen as disengaged and unsympathetic.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 3,149 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $53,752
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 59%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
#9
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,755
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $20,055
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.46 / 5
Overall Rating
69%
Recommend
94%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • UHD is a targeted, career-aligned college that's embedded in Houston’s large urban economy. In this way, it's regionally calibrated to one of the largest job markets in the country.
  • Its online catalog is heavily weighted toward upper-division coursework and degree-completion tracks, with 17 bachelor’s and 5 graduate programs designed specifically for students who have already finished core requirements elsewhere.
  • Not only is the school institutionally accredited (as are all schools across this site), but it values programmatic accreditation on top of that. For example, business degrees are AACSB-accredited (top ~5% globally) while engineering programs are ABET-accredited.

12 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

Dez, Graduated 2022
Overall Rating: 5/5

I started attending this college during the end of the pandemic and they really had a large variety of courses available online for online students. The administration and teachers were very helpful throughout my whole college experience. This school... Read More

Anonymous, Graduated 2020
Overall Rating: 5/5

Had the BEST experience attending this university to complete my bachelor's degree. The professors were attentive and provided high quality instruction material. The social work program at UHD truly prepared me academically and in practice to be the best... Read More

marlon t moonsammy, Graduated 2021
Overall Rating: 3/5

I only have 5 more classes to finish my degree, but the financial Aid is keeping me back to signup for classes since I cannot get early Financial AID. Remember, that UHD downtown is a public University and their are like Government management (worse)... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: The overall picture is mixed, but it leans positive because many reviewers describe UHD as affordable, accessible, and especially workable for commuters, transfer learners, working adults, and those returning to school later in life. We see repeated praise for low tuition, flexible scheduling, online options, small classes, supportive professors, strong mentoring, and inclusive campus communities. Several reviewers also highlight meaningful faculty relationships, career services, leadership opportunities, and environments that helped you build confidence, complete a degree, or balance full-time work. The biggest criticism centers on advising, financial aid delays, inconsistent degree planning, poor communication, and administrative disorganization. In some programs, reviewers say curriculum depth was too shallow, overly textbook-driven, or poorly aligned with employer expectations and graduate study.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 4,244 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $61,405
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 34%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
#10
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,831
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $9,720
Average Program Length: 4 years
4.18 / 5
Overall Rating
98%
Recommend
97%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • A lot of schools can point to affordability or decent outcomes, but far fewer combine mid-sized online enrollment (~3,500 students) with a 99% recommendation rate. And that's currently based on 137 student reviews we've collected for this school so far.
  • With 30+ years of online education experience, 70+ programs, and 600+ courses, USU’s platform reflects a long-running system. jmcomic education here has been developed, tested, and refined over time, making it a reliable choice for many.

46 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

Jiyi Choi, Graduated 2020
Overall Rating: 5/5

I attended Utah State University for my undergraduate degree from 2017 to 2020. I loved my time at Utah State University. It has a strong community and well-respected academic programs. They have gone through significant leadership changes in the past... Read More

Anonymous, Graduated 2019
Overall Rating: 4/5

Overall, my experience and Utah State was positive. The educators were knowledgeable, and passionate about the subjects they were teaching. They taught the fundamentals clearly and I enjoyed the subject matter. Even the courses that aren't typically interesting... Read More

5d5c76f891ca7e0001dbf4c7, Graduated 2016
Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Utah State provided ample opportunities to create a great academic experience if a student actively sought to do so. There were some top notch professors and leadership who really wanted to create opportunities for leading students. If you were a top... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: There's repeated praise for approachable professors, small-class feel within major courses, responsive advisers, affordable tuition, and a beautiful Logan campus with strong community life, outdoor access, and abundant activities. We also see consistent appreciation for flexible online and blended delivery, particularly for you if you are balancing work or family responsibilities. The most distinctive insight is that satisfaction varies meaningfully by program. Education programs are praised for research-based instruction, practicum placements, classroom readiness, and strong mentoring. Several professional and applied programs are also seen as hands-on and career-relevant. We find the sharpest criticism in specific departments rather than the university overall.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 4,059 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $62,578
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 57%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
#11
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,951
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $7,951
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.8 / 5
Overall Rating
78%
Recommend
66%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • FHSU started teaching remote students before online education even existed in its current form. In the early 1900s, it was sending coursework to rural teachers who couldn’t physically attend campus. That's when they began figuring out, how do you teach students who aren’t there? In this way, it's ahead of the game in online education and it's continuing a century-old system built for students who can’t follow a traditional college path.
  • It has a catalog of 200+ online programs, and online tuition is the same regardless of residency for many of these. Also, FHSU is one of only a small number of universities to earn accreditation from the U.S. Distance Learning Association.

14 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

Robert Michael Perry, Graduated 2019
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

This is one of the most affordable colleges to attend. Tuition is very reasonable, and the school is regionally accredited. Corsework can either be on campus or fully online. The classes vary in quality, but overall, I would say they are on par with any... Read More

A not happy camper, Graduated 2023
Overall Rating: 3/5

Residential life and housing here is a joke run by absolute clowns, departments don't answer calls and instead choose to use have you talk to a robot, and the cafeteria food is about as bad as the Griswald's family Thanksgiving. The campus is becoming... Read More

James, Graduated 2020
Overall Rating: 4/5

Went to the online BS in CS program for a second degree (first is in Biology from Kansas State). The program is super affordable, and while the learning is largely self-study/self-directed, the curriculum is solid. I was able to land an internship at... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: There's a strongly favorable pattern driven by affordability, flexible online delivery, supportive professors, and approachable class sizes. There is repeated praise for faculty who know you personally, advisors who help you stay on track for graduation, and programs that work especially well for working adults, second-degree seekers, and athletes. Several reviewers also highlight career preparation, leadership opportunities, extracurricular involvement, and low debt outcomes. There are complaints aimed at student services, financial aid, advising quality in some departments, slow administrative response times, and inconsistent housing or campus service experiences. A few online reviewers felt instruction could be overly self-directed, with outdated materials, weak program specialization, or limited instructor responsiveness.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 4,567 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $55,824
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
#12
Annual In-State Tuition: $8,040
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $13,320
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.81 / 5
Overall Rating
86%
Recommend
90%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • Most online programs expanded after ~2015. ODU has been doing this since the 1980s. Currently, ODU has 40+ years of distance education experience and 125+ online offerings. It's important to consider this because ODU built its online education system over decades, so its model is fundamentally engineered for distance learners, not retrofitted.
  • ODU's high 88% recommendation rate is based on over 200 student reviews, and 90% of those same students said their degree at ODU improved their career prospects. This high career impact reported by real students reflects actual economic value.

32 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

Donald Cutler, Graduated 2003
Overall Rating: 5/5

In my opinion, ODU is probably the best kept secret in Hampton Roads. Their Electrical Engineering program is well respected among employers in the Hampton Roads area and I had a job lined up six months before I graduated. Their engineering program is... Read More

Sam, Graduated 2013
Overall Rating: 4/5

Old Dominion University was a great program. Not many people were math majors, so it was great having smaller classes. The professors were extremely smart and helped often. Additionally, the other students were great. We did several group meet ups to... Read More

Courtney, Graduated 2017
Overall Rating: 5/5

Overall, Old Dominion University affords its students a tremendous amount of opportunities and resources. I loved the university so much, I chose to stay for graduate school. ODU is known for its inclusive environment and is proud of its diverse population... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: Students seem to praise for faculty quality, especially professors and advisors who are described as knowledgeable, caring, accessible, and effective in preparing you for careers, graduate school, internships, practicum work, and licensure-oriented paths. There is strong appreciation for ODU’s diversity, inclusive campus culture, flexible course formats, and online options, which appear especially valuable for working adults, transfer learners, and nontraditional enrollees. Several reviews highlight successful credit transfer, affordable tuition, strong campus involvement, and direct employment outcomes after graduation. The most consistent dissatisfaction centers on administrative friction: financial aid, transcript processing, advising availability, course access, and bureaucratic runaround. There are concerns about parking, older freshman housing, uneven professor quality in some programs, limited support for some online learners, and safety in the surrounding Norfolk area.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 5,614 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $60,174
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
#13
Annual In-State Tuition: $8,310
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $8,310
Average Program Length: 4 years
4.03 / 5
Overall Rating
88%
Recommend
94%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • At UVU, it's interesting the types of programs that survive the move online. It's not the generic, scalable majors you'd expect. It offers hands-on, licensure-adjacent, and technical pathways in online formats, like aviation, respiratory therapy, dental hygiene, and applied AI. These are not easy programs to standardize digitally. The fact that they exist here suggests the online model was built around real-world jobs.
  • UVU’s online population is pretty geographically tethered. A large share of students live within driving distance, which creates a hybrid reality where “online” students can still access physical resources, like labs, advising, tutoring, and career services.

29 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

Anonymous, Graduated 2020
Overall Rating: 5/5

Utah Valley University was a great university, being so close to the mountains and being so close to Salt Lake City without actually being in the city put it in a perfect location. It was easily the best four years I had and after i graduated the faculty... Read More

HA, Graduated 2018
Overall Rating: 4/5

I had a good experience attending school here. The professors and instructors in my department were knowledgeable and engaged in helping the students learn and grow. The university offers a large variety of courses so you can customize your degree and... Read More

Dillon, Graduated 2024
Overall Rating: 5/5

UVU is a fantastic school. While getting my business degree, I worked with great students and excellent educators with real world, business experience. I learned so much and felt adequately prepared to enter the workforce after attending here. UVU is... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: There is strong sentiment in professional programs, where you are often given practical assignments, internships, practicum placements, community engagement, or direct job-relevant experience. Several reviewers say they felt confident entering the workforce or graduate school, and some credit UVU with helping them secure employment soon after graduation. Despite UVU's large size, many programs maintain small or intimate classes and professors who are accessible, supportive, and invested in your success. The main complaints are structural: overcrowding, difficult parking, a sprawling campus, inconsistent instructor quality in a few departments, outdated coursework in isolated cases, and weak responsiveness from some faculty or offices such as financial aid.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 6,407 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $67,706
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 41%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
#14
Annual In-State Tuition: $8,340
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $8,340
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.96 / 5
Overall Rating
78%
Recommend
86%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • At many schools, books quietly add thousands to the cost of a degree, but at CSU, it's a firm $0 textbook model.
  • With 13,000+ online students, CSU operates like a high-throughput online system that's built to handle continuous enrollment, asynchronous pacing, and students balancing shift work, deployments, or family obligations. Student reviews reinforce this, as many describe fitting coursework around real-life constraints rather than having to restructure their lives around school.

89 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

Damian, Graduated 2019
Overall Rating: 4/5

I have a Bachelors Degree from CSU earned before the regional accreditation was obtained. Honestly I did worry about the accreditation but I found the coursework to be challenging and the resources helpful. In fact, the course work was as challenging... Read More

Jamie, Graduated 2024
Overall Rating: 5/5

I recently graduated from CSU but have decided to pursue my Master’s degree at another university. There's no problem with transferring my credits. I'm not sure why some people say that credits don't transfer. That's simply not true. I thoroughly enjoyed... Read More

Margaret, Graduated 2024
Overall Rating: 4/5

I am happy I picked CSU. They are Regionally Accredited effective 12/6/2022, but retroactive from 1/1/2022. It is all political don’t feel bad because it’s all about money. I like the school and the program. The classes are not easy, I’ve don’t in person... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: There is repeated praise for affordability, flexible online pacing, generous transfer-credit policies, included textbooks or book grants, and strong fit for working adults, military personnel, parents, and midcareer professionals. Many reviewers say the asynchronous format let them study around deployments, shift work, childcare, and full-time jobs, and several report promotions, salary gains, new jobs, or progress into graduate study after completing their degrees. Coursework is writing-heavy, APA-intensive, and often more demanding than expected, which some value as evidence the school is not a diploma mill. A major recurring concern is accreditation and transferability, particularly in older reviews, where some felt the degree limited graduate-school or employer options.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 12,213 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $72,842
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 37%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
#15
Annual In-State Tuition: $8,850
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $10,590
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.18 / 5
Overall Rating
60%
Recommend
77%
Helpful for Career

What Sets This School Apart:

  • SUNY Empire has a guided mentor model. This means you often work with a dedicated mentor who helps shape your degree path, interpret transfer credit, and guide your progress over time. This level of personalization creates a very different experience from typical online programs, less prepackaged. Reviews, however, do show that outcomes hinge on your mentor quality as well as your ability to self-direct.
  • Instead of forcing in-person attendance, SUNY Empire adds short, purpose-built field experiences, like Civil War site visits or environmental studies trips, for example, that give online students access to hands-on learning. (That option is rare in programs designed primarily for distance learners, though.)

17 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees

LRoth, Graduated 2023
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Attending Empire State online was a great experience. The advisors are exceptional and will truly help you find the right course plan for you. Despite being online, the school did a great job supporting us with various opportunities for additional academic... Read More

Javier Martinez, Graduated 2021
Overall Rating: 4/5

I was in my mid-30's and wanted to make a career change, but needed to finish my bachelor's degree to do so. I did extensive research into online degree programs because I was going to have to work full time while taking classes and didn't have a schedule... Read More

Sen-Pei Hsia, Graduated 2018
Overall Rating: 4/5

Excellent school for adult learners. This school is meant for those non traditional adult learners who have either had a break in their education, a career, a family that they had to take care of, or any other reason why they couldn't pursue linear academic... Read More

AI Student Review Summary: Many reviewers praise the school’s flexibility for working adults, generous transfer-credit policies, affordable tuition pathways, and the mentor model when it works well. You can often study fully online, design a personalized degree plan, and balance employment, family, or military obligations. Several reviews also highlight supportive mentors, responsive professors, helpful academic coaching, and practical benefits such as easier re-entry for returning learners, smoother graduate school preparation, and career advancement. There are recurring complaints about inconsistent mentor quality, self-directed courses that rely heavily on textbooks and papers, slow grading, weak instructor communication, confusing degree-plan approval, technology outages, and administrative problems involving billing, disability accommodations, and transfer-credit clarity.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate Online: 7,518 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $63,700
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 29%
  • Retention Rate: 46%

Stories Behind the Rankings: An Editorial Analysis

Best Execution at the Lowest Price Point

Indian River State College isn’t just the cheapest college, it actually functions well, too. The combination of , 24/7 support, and stable course access suggests this is a scaled system built to deliver consistency for budget-conscious students. And student feedback repeatedly points to supportive faculty, accessible resources, and smooth online delivery, which reinforces that the system works.

Low Tuition, Above-Average Earnings

Weber State stands out because the numbers don’t usually line up this way. At $5,836 per year, it sits near the bottom for cost, yet graduates report median earnings of $68,727 (61st percentile nationally). Students here are entering the workforce with earnings that outperform many higher-priced peers. 

Highest Verified Student Approval on Affordability List

Utah State University's 99% recommendation rate holds up alongside its 3,500+ online students (top ~8%) and $7,831 tuition. That level of near-universal approval is rare, especially at scale, and suggests a consistently positive student experience across the board. 

A College Counselor's Honest Guide to Affordable jmcomics

Headshot of Alex Ellison (MPP)

College & Career Counselor

Alex Ellison is the founder of Throughline Guidance, a college and career counseling practice that has worked with schools, nonprofits, and families across the country for over a decade. She is the author of "Go Your Own Way: 7 Student-Centered Paths to the Best College Experience." A sought-after voice in college and career readiness, Alex has been a featured speaker at SXSW and TEDx. She holds a BA from Northwestern University, a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a certificate in college counseling from UCLA Extension.

What characteristics make a student successful in an affordable online degree program?

"The ideal candidate for any online school is highly motivated, organized, and a self-advocate. Ideally, these candidates are more mature, know what they want, and don't hesitate asking for what they need. 

You can have an incredible experience in any environment — large & small, online & in-person, selective or open-enrollment — but you have to possess the self awareness to know how much support you need — or don't need — to make the most of your schooling."

What are the biggest misconceptions about affordable online colleges?

"I think the biggest myth is that they're just churning out diplomas. Unfortunately, a lot of for-profit schools put profits before students, but the the good open-enrollment, online schools don't have this model. 

The best programs also don't 'underwrite' corporate interests by footing the bill to train students for a discrete set of jobs in a given industry. The best institutions prioritize students' long-term interests and durable skills."

Do online colleges offer opportunities to learn from industry professionals?

"Sometimes, the most accessible institutions attract faculty with more industry-relevant experience who are eager to share their knowledge with the next generation. These professors are enthusiastic and engaging, offering relevant, contextualized classroom instruction. For students who want industry connections early, these institutions can provide a wide network to do so."

How can online colleges help students build real-world experience before graduation?

"Students should ask about internships and other work-related connections the institution can help students make while enrolled. 

As entry-level jobs are threatened by advances in AI, it's more important now than ever that students have robust work experiences while they have the safety net and the network that college provides. This is different than skills-based learning in the classroom; I'm talking about real work experiences that happen alongside the classroom experience. This may be in addition to the job the student already has, but these industry-relevant work experience will be essential to employment after graduation."


EXPERT TIP


"I would encourage students to explore free, in-person community college options in their state. These can offer a flexible curriculum and night courses that work around a student's work schedule. You'll find many passionate professors, local industry connections, and a more personal in-person experience!"


College Degrees Continue To Deliver Higher Salaries

 A college degree has always been linked to higher earnings — but what's striking is how much that advantage has grown. According to the , back in 2004, degree holders earned about twice as much as high school graduates. By 2024, that multiplier had climbed to 2.3 times.

Perhaps even more telling is what happened to earnings for those who stopped at a high school diploma. Over the entire 20-year period, their median household income barely budged, rising just $510 in real, inflation-adjusted dollars. Meanwhile, households with a bachelor's degree or higher saw their median income climb by roughly $15,000.

This data shows that workers with a degree, whether it's from a traditional college or an online college, consistently earn more than those who stop at a high school diploma. 

Affordable online colleges can help students access these higher earnings without the sky-high costs that are traditionally associated with college. For a growing number of students, an affordable online degree is simply the smartest way to close the gap. 

How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?

According to the , 77% consider affordability important when thinking about college. The data below is from 's most recent 2025 report. It compares average college costs with those of OnlineU's affordable online colleges above. 

To put this in a bit more perspective, the 2025-26 national average public tuition is $10,970/year. Several online schools listed above cost 30-65% less than the public benchmark. In fact, the lowest-cost option, Indian River State College ($3,513), is about 68% cheaper than the national average public university tuition. This suggests many online programs fall closer to community college pricing levels, even when offering bachelor’s degrees.

There are several reasons for the relative affordability of online programs. Some public colleges charge online students the same rate as in-state residents no matter where they live, which can potentially save tens of thousands of dollars over the course of a degree. Similarly, private schools may also charge a lower rate to distance learners. Even though some schools still charge the same amount to all college students, online students rarely pay higher tuition than their on-campus colleagues.

It's important to keep in mind that individual distance learning programs are not always more affordable than in-person programs, so students should research the costs of their individual program before applying. In addition to tuition, applicants should note each program's length and the amount of financial aid they can secure from the school.

For example, while for-profit colleges appeal to many applicants because they frequently allow students to take more classes per year, they may leave students in a more precarious financial situation after graduating. Although for-profit colleges may shorten the program length to make room for more classes, this attractive feature may be offset by higher tuition overall. In addition, these universities tend to offer less financial assistance than other types of schools, which means their students end up taking out more loans. As a result, the alumni of for-profit schools tend to accrue more debt and default on their loans at higher rates.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Affordable Online Programs

Jump to a Program: a b c d e f g h i j l m n o p r s t w

a Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Accounting
( Bachelor's | Master's )
713 2,908 $73,950
Aerospace Engineering
( Master's )
40 138 $101,740
Anthropology
( Bachelor's )
51 119 $48,200
Architecture
( Master's )
29 99 $70,480
Art & Design
( Bachelor's )
133 439 $46,480
Aviation
( Bachelor's | Master's )
47 288 $75,760
b Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Biology
( Master's )
112 582 $62,520
Business
( Associate | Bachelor's )
1,380 10,972 $78,580
c Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Child Development
( Bachelor's | Master's )
208 385 $56,490
Christian Counseling
( Master's )
50 242 $44,020
Civil Engineering
( Master's )
72 221 $89,530
Communications
( Bachelor's | Master's )
469 1,920 $56,700
Computer Science
( Associate | Bachelor's | Master's )
395 1,179 $100,000
Counseling
( Bachelor's | Master's | Doctoral )
387 1,121 $52,220
Creative Writing
( Master's )
79 200 $51,240
Criminal Justice
( Associate | Bachelor's | Master's )
688 2,998 $52,750
Criminology
( Bachelor's )
133 293 $56,320
Cybersecurity
( Bachelor's | Master's )
408 1,053 $63,010
d Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Data Science
( Master's )
239 526 Not reported
Dental Hygiene
( Bachelor's )
39 112 $42,210
DNP
( Doctoral )
215 2,520 $91,470
e Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Early Childhood Education
( Bachelor's )
416 1,504 $51,730
Economics
( Master's )
140 382 $89,120
Education
( Bachelor's | Master's | Doctoral )
1,153 9,815 $63,640
Educational Leadership
( Master's )
568 2,384 $76,550
Electrical Engineering
( Master's )
87 405 $108,670
Elementary Education
( Bachelor's | Master's )
265 933 $49,310
Emergency Management
( Bachelor's | Master's )
200 610 $74,800
Engineering
( Bachelor's )
435 2,703 $97,950
Engineering Management
( Master's )
125 393 $106,490
English
( Master's )
298 715 $48,170
Environmental Science
( Bachelor's | Master's )
244 1,026 $57,530
ESL
( Master's )
242 627 $60,100
Exercise Science
( Master's )
93 346 $55,840
f Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Fashion
( Bachelor's )
26 138 $47,550
Finance
( Bachelor's | Master's )
516 1,504 $90,050
Fire Science
( Bachelor's )
83 353 $72,320
Forensic Accounting
( Bachelor's )
51 94 $63,010
Forensic Psychology
( Master's )
41 127 $66,400
Forensic Science
( Master's )
119 374 $63,010
g Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Geographic Information Systems
( Bachelor's )
132 367 $59,510
Graphic Design
( Bachelor's )
93 321 $51,370
h Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Health Education
( Master's )
229 472 $73,230
Healthcare Administration
( Bachelor's | Master's )
596 2,672 $51,840
Healthcare Informatics
( Bachelor's )
350 766 $92,180
Healthcare Management
( Bachelor's | Master's )
520 2,021 $46,200
History
( Bachelor's | Master's )
230 647 $52,820
Homeland Security
( Bachelor's | Master's )
186 812 $74,220
Hospitality Management
( Bachelor's | Master's )
165 599 $49,520
Human Resources
( Associate | Bachelor's | Master's )
458 1,598 $71,650
Human Services
( Bachelor's | Master's )
357 1,768 $44,640
i Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Industrial Engineering
( Master's )
61 187 $101,980
Information Technology
( Associate | Bachelor's | Master's )
627 2,951 $85,590
j Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Journalism
( Bachelor's | Master's )
131 282 $57,840
l Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Law
( Bachelor's )
201 610 $122,250
Law Enforcement
( Bachelor's )
167 885 $52,750
Library Science
( Master's )
136 364 $57,440
m Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Management
( Associate | Bachelor's | Master's )
1,325 7,626 $78,930
Marketing
( Bachelor's | Master's )
608 1,962 $67,280
Marriage & Family Therapy
( Master's )
56 175 $52,220
Mathematics
( Bachelor's | Master's )
204 537 $78,880
MBA
( Master's )
679 5,108 $78,930
Mechanical Engineering
( Master's )
59 228 $95,180
MFA
( Master's )
32 183 $41,990
MSW
( Master's )
129 532 $58,700
Music
( Bachelor's | Master's )
112 406 $41,070
n Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
( Master's )
241 2,794 $91,470
Nursing
( Bachelor's | Master's )
842 6,230 $86,340
Nutrition
( Bachelor's | Master's )
151 560 $54,790
o Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Organizational Leadership
( Master's )
731 2,666 $78,930
p Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Philosophy
( Bachelor's | Master's )
84 192 $56,470
Physical Education
( Master's )
101 333 $55,840
Political Science
( Master's )
132 462 $66,720
Project Management
( Bachelor's | Master's )
261 782 $78,930
Psychology
( Bachelor's | Master's | Doctoral )
585 2,403 $53,950
Public Administration
( Bachelor's | Master's )
416 1,445 $76,980
Public Health
( Bachelor's | Master's )
296 1,265 $73,230
Public Relations
( Bachelor's | Master's )
123 299 $64,710
r Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Religious Studies
( Master's )
238 1,741 $42,540
s Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
School Counseling
( Master's )
116 385 $60,560
Secondary Education
( Master's )
206 711 $49,310
Social Work
( Bachelor's )
247 790 $58,700
Sociology
( Bachelor's | Master's )
189 487 $54,790
Software Engineering
( Bachelor's | Master's )
119 250 $117,180
Spanish
( Bachelor's | Master's )
74 181 $55,880
Special Education
( Master's )
447 2,046 $69,270
Speech Pathology
( Master's )
43 137 $63,850
Sports Management
( Master's )
258 748 $55,840
Substance Abuse Counseling
( Bachelor's | Master's )
128 433 $52,220
Supply Chain Management
( Bachelor's | Master's )
279 774 $78,930
Systems Engineering
( Master's )
88 289 $138,010
t Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Teaching
( Master's )
644 3,730 $51,360
Theology
( Master's )
115 537 $55,160
w Online Schools Programs Alumni Salary
Web Design
( Bachelor's | Master's )
113 348 $58,040
Web Development
( Bachelor's )
156 310 $58,040

FAQs About Affordable jmcomics and Degrees

What Other Expenses Should You Budget For When Attending An Affordable jmcomic?


Although low tuition is something many students look for when pursuing a college education, it's not the only expense to consider. Often, there are other costs that online students must pay:

  • Books, whether paper or electronic, vary in price from class to class. However, ebooks as a whole are around 50% less expensive than a hard copy textbook. Currently, the average college student pays for course materials in one academic year. Students may be able to save money by purchasing e-books when available, buying used books, and comparing prices on e-retailers.
  • A technology fee pays for a school's data storage and server expenses, and online learners are often expected to cover this cost. As with other fees, these costs can vary. It can be a few dollars per credit hour or nearly $100 per semester. Check with the school you're interested in so you can budget accordingly. 
    A computer and reliable internet connection are essential to earning an online degree. Distance learners can live and work from anywhere as long as they have a stable internet connection. Students may find it difficult to use a public computer for all their online courses because watching lectures and completing assignments requires long hours. Many libraries and computer labs limit patrons' internet use and may also close in the early evening. However, an online college education is increasingly mobile-friendly, and some schools tout that much of their coursework can be completed on a phone or tablet.

Despite these additional costs, online students can avoid other expenses, such as room and board, by maintaining their current living arrangements. They also save by not commuting to and from campus, from gas money and car maintenance fees to public transportation costs. Ultimately, distance learners don't need to uproot their lives when enrolling in an out-of-state program, which can be an expensive experience for in-person students.

How Can Financial Aid Make Affordable jmcomics Even Cheaper?


Financial aid can lower the total cost of higher education, easing a student's financial burden by leaving them with less debt after graduation. The best forms of aid don't need to be repaid: grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. However, most students still need to take out loans to finance their degrees. Students should prioritize student loans from the government first because they offer better interest rates than private sources.

Most students begin financial aid applications by first filling out the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA), as the majority of states and colleges require this form.

Applicants simply turn in their personal and financial information to determine whether they qualify for federal aid. Although students with undocumented immigration status cannot apply for federal aid, they should still check with their state for an alternate form to complete. They might still be able to acquire state and private aid.

In general, online learners qualify for the same financial aid programs as on-campus students, but students should verify each program's eligibility requirements. It may also be beneficial to contact a school's financial aid office to ensure that they accept the aid that a student has already received.

Below are some of the major financial aid sources that prospective students can investigate:

  • The federal government offers financial aid to students at all levels, including the need-based Pell Grant for undergraduate students. 
  • State governments provide a variety of programs based on need, merit, and ethnic/racial background.
  • Colleges usually host aid programs for their students. These can include need- or merit-based grants for students in any discipline or scholarships funded by alumni for students in specific majors.
  • Professional organizations often provide scholarships for students who study in their field. Programmatic accrediting organizations might also provide similar opportunities.

Students may benefit from contacting their college’s financial aid office after enrolling. Administrators may be able to guide students to aid programs that they had not even considered. Also, it's the best practice to apply for as much assistance as possible because having multiple sources of financial aid helps reduce a degree's overall cost.

Why Is Accreditation Important When Choosing An Affordable jmcomic?


One of the most important qualities to look for when you're reviewing online degree options is accreditation. A community college or university must undergo an extensive, multi-year evaluation by an independent agency to become accredited. The agency examines the school's programs, faculty, facilities, and student resources, comparing them against recognized standards of excellence before awarding accreditation. The best online colleges have been accredited by one of six authorized regional accrediting boards or by the .

Choosing an accredited institution is important for several reasons:

  • Future employers may confirm that you earned your college degree from an accredited institution as part of their standard background check.
  • Eligibility for financial aid is usually dependent on enrollment in an accredited school.
  • If you want to transfer credits you've earned to another college, the second school will likely only accept credits from an accredited program.
  • Depending on the occupation you've chosen, you may need to earn additional certification or licensure after graduating. Your ability to do so may depend on whether you attended an accredited school.
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is usually a prerequisite for earning any advanced degree.

OnlineU only lists accredited colleges and universities. 

Student Reviews of Online Bachelor's Programs

TimS., Graduating 2029

Attended: University of Phoenix

Although I've only been at University of Phoenix for a year, the experience has been very positive. Flexibility that I have to take my courses on my time as imperative right now and I couldn't be happier with my instructors or the school as a whole. This has been a very positive experience so far.

Review Date: 4/15/2026

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

TimS., Graduated 2029

Sabal Prasain, Graduating 2028

SNHU billed me for courses I never took. Their dispute team ignored evidence, forcing me to pay Nelnet for fake debts. Financial nightmare for my family of eight. Stay far away!
SNHU’s current dispute resolution process meets baseline federal requirements but fails to address the financial and emotional toll of erroneous charges on vulnerable students.

Review Date: 6/9/2025

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Sabal Prasain, Graduated 2028

Francise Vanover, Graduating 2028

Attended: University of Phoenix

I love the school and the professors I do have one minor issue is I believe the school work should be more detailed and informative I can get one weeks work done in a day. Besides that I love the school and the staff. The professors do not get the recognition they deserve.

Review Date: 4/15/2026

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Francise Vanover, Graduated 2028

Shannon Hensley, Graduating 2027

Attended: Western Governors University

The exams are horrible, times are the biggest downfall you can be right in the middle of an exam and they want you to sit still like a statue while taking this exam and these exams can be up to 2 1/2 hours long and it’s very stressful you can’t understand what they’re saying because they don’t speak English. It’s frustrating and if they would get rid of the proctor exams or at least have a proctor exam without a WebCam, it would be great I mean if you’re so worried about People cheating they don’t... Read More

Review Date: 4/12/2023

Attended: Western Governors University

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Shannon Hensley, Graduated 2027

Darius snow, Graduating 2027

Attended: American InterContinental University

During my recent phone conversation with Jason Wallschlaeger, I had an exceptional experience that I believe deserves recognition. From the moment he answered the call, Jason demonstrated a high level of professionalism, patience, and genuine care for helping me understand every part of the financial aid process. Financial aid can often feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with multiple questions, deadlines, and detailed requirements. However, Jason made the entire experience smooth... Read More

Throughout the call, he took the time to explain each step thoroughly, never rushing me or making me feel like any question was too small or too complicated. Whenever I needed clarification, he walked me through the information clearly and in a way that was easy to understand. His tone was respectful and reassuring, which made me feel comfortable asking follow-up questions without hesitation.

What stood out the most was his patience. Some representatives focus on getting through the call quickly, but Jason was clearly focused on making sure I understood everything correctly. He checked in frequently to make sure I was following along and never made me feel pressured. His professionalism combined with his willingness to help truly made the difference.

It’s clear that Jason takes pride in his work and in supporting students through a process that can be confusing. People like him make a real impact, and I appreciate the time and effort he put into helping me. Great job, Jason—your dedication and customer service are truly outstanding. Great job Jason!

Review Date: 11/24/2025

Attended: American InterContinental University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Darius snow, Graduated 2027

RF, Graduated 2026

Attended: Thomas Edison State University

Great method for secondary education I have earned 19 credits thus far here and it has enabled me to better my knowledge and skills. Sometimes it feel too challenging but with the effort I’ve gotten good grades. I like that there are 12 semesters a year it’s great for a father of two small children. I look forward to completing a degree and I will be proud of the accomplishment I couldn’t have achieved in a traditional setting.

Review Date: 8/7/2025

Attended: Thomas Edison State University

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

RF, Graduated 2026

Sam, Graduated 2025

I was hell going through this school. You can forget everything you learned after only a month. No breaks from this school. Teacher help was mixed some quick others slow. Late school work don't get me started. You can ask for extension, but some teachers will still give you reduction in points. The positives is the launch box items and while there is no breaks you can work ahead to get a day off. If you want your degree in less than 3 years here you go, but if you don't stay away.

Review Date: 4/16/2025

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Sam, Graduated 2025

Marta, Graduated 2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

When I first enrolled to UOP, I was scared because I didn’t know if I was going to make it. I was scared of failing because I had already given up once about attending a university. However, UOP, made it extremely easy for me to enroll and they guided me through everything and I’m extremely grateful for everyone who helped me when I was in school.

Review Date: 6/5/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Marta, Graduated 2025

RowletBowtie, Graduated 2024

I am currently attending Full Sail and I am very much enjoying it. I was hesitant to actually attend only because I have seen many negative reviews. Although, complete transparency, the school is very breakneck. Courses are four weeks each, and there are lots of learning assignments and assignments that require a turn-in. I've been attending for about 6 months now, and I do warn that it only gets harder as you get on. If you have the drive to take on the accelerated program and enjoy working fast... Read More

Review Date: 1/15/2022

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

RowletBowtie, Graduated 2024

Askyamammy, Graduated 2024

Attended: Strayer University

Classes are mad expensive compared to other universities I've been to and for no reason at that. I think the curriculum Is trash. Not much learning going on when professors are using the same exact assignments every semester with answers that are easily found by using Google. Literally for every assignment. They don't offer too many good programs. Overall it's a good school to waste money and while trying to get through a bachelor's program as quick as possible just to say you did.

Review Date: 9/23/2023

Attended: Strayer University

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 1/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Askyamammy, Graduated 2024

Bonecollector1, Graduated 2024

Attended: Capella University

I was misled by the financial aid department! I was told the same thing by two individuals there regarding my financial aid disbursement. When I called again and spoke to another person in financial aid they told me something else. No help, and it is resulting me in having to pay $2250 for a semester out of pocket. I decided to withdraw from Capella and when I spoke to the academic advisor she did not ask me what the reason was or if there was anything they could do to help. They do not care about... Read More

Review Date: 10/11/2023

Attended: Capella University

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Bonecollector1, Graduated 2024

Katieml, Graduated 2024

I honestly like GCU and the professors I’ve had are not bad had some great ones. Sure I have had some issues with getting a clearance card for part of my education hours in the classroom. I transferred last year to GCU after completing my associates in CA. I decided to switch to Educational studies from Early Childhood Education so I didn’t have to do student teaching as I’m a full time preschool teacher. I feel like I will be getting a good education and techniques I can use in my classroom I will... Read More

Review Date: 8/12/2023

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Katieml, Graduated 2024

Chris P., Graduated 2024

I was a transfer student to SNHU. I had completed my associate degree in business management from a community college with 71 credits. All of my existing credits were accepted at SNHU. I also completed and transferred another 26 credits through Sophia in one month for $79 during my time at SNHU. You have a residency requirement of 30 credits through SNHU, so they can make their money. I completed those 30 credits in 10 months and received my bachelors degree specializing in business administration... Read More

Review Date: 4/15/2024

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Chris P., Graduated 2024

Cody, Graduated 2023

Attended: American Public University System

I started my bachelor's program in electrical engineering back in 2018. I stopped taking classes due to work/life balance in conjunction with somewhat complicated classes. It's not that I didn't understand the material, it's that they stuff so much into such a small amount of time. Not only that, but some of the professors are not easy to get in contact with when you are having problems with lessons. I ended up switching my program to a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2020. From there, I started... Read More

Review Date: 5/10/2023

Attended: American Public University System

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Cody, Graduated 2023

Nate, Graduated 2023

SNHU has been a great choice for me while pursuing a business administration degree. From the start the flexibility of online courses is convenient if you are a full-time working adult. I will say that the learning environment is one where you have to be motivated to do the reading and research yourself on topics to produce quality projects/outcomes for your classes. This is an excellent choice for those that are self-starters at things and need very little outside help. The professor's that I've... Read More

Review Date: 6/13/2023

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Nate, Graduated 2023

Jeanette Nicholas, Graduated 2023

Attended: Purdue Global

I enjoyed my time at Purdue University Global, they are military friendly and have a great response time. My customer service experience is always great and leaves me feeling confident about my school. I have earned my associate and bachelors from them and I am currently in the process of signing up for my masters!

Review Date: 2/3/2023

Attended: Purdue Global

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Jeanette Nicholas, Graduated 2023

Gregory Reese, Graduated 2023

Apparently after earning an Associate degree in Music Production and a Bachelor’s degree in Audio Production, there are no companies that are interested in my education or experience in any capacity. I am extremely disappointed and I regret all aspects of the path I took. Dead End!!

Review Date: 4/23/2024

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Gregory Reese, Graduated 2023

Jasmine Thomas, Graduated 2023

Attended: Strayer University

After finally making the decision to go back to school Strayer has been nothing but the best decision for me! The admissions staff and also EVERY dean I’ve had makes you feel appreciated and supported. The classes are pretty easy and everything is vey clear and easy to find!

Review Date: 11/21/2019

Attended: Strayer University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Jasmine Thomas, Graduated 2023

Naomi, Graduated 2022

Attended: Ashworth College

I love this school. I left for a short time before Ashworth started offering Bachelor Degrees, and enrolled in a 4yr institution (yes I have been trying to get my degree that long). The other school was very expensive, and also required much more online time than I had time to give. The guidelines were very strict for someone that had a busy schedule. I was beyond happy when I re-enrolled at Ashworth. I lost a lot of credits through fault of my own, but I was able to quickly get my Associates. Had... Read More

Review Date: 2/27/2021

Attended: Ashworth College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Naomi, Graduated 2022

Anonymous, Graduated 2022

Attended: SUNY Empire State University

I am currently enrolled in all online classes . Most of what I am learning I can find on google for free. Independent studies are a ripoff because you basically teach yourself everything. You get no holidays but the staff of course get them . Many can’t be as productive without breaks and holidays . I had transferred from CUNY where I was far more productive because we had holidays. State schools should not be allowed to deny Thanksgiving or Spring Holidays but SUNY does that . Only staff get holidays.... Read More

Review Date: 11/26/2021

Attended: SUNY Empire State University

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Anonymous, Graduated 2022

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