The cost of higher education can be a significant burden for many students. Still, fortunately, several affordable online colleges can provide students with quality education without breaking the bank.

This article will highlight 12 of the least expensive online colleges in the US. These schools were chosen based on their reputation, accreditation, and the cost of tuition and fees.

12 Cheapest Accredited Online Colleges

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, non-profit school with many online undergraduate and graduate programs. Tuition at SNHU is very affordable, with undergraduate programs starting at just $320 per credit hour.

Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit institution specializing in online education. WGU has programs in high-demand fields like nursing, teaching, and business, and it charges tuition by the term instead of by the credit hour.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints runs the private, non-profit Brigham Young University-Idaho. BYU-Idaho offers several online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and tuition is very affordable, with undergraduate programs starting at just $270 per credit hour.

Liberty University is a private, nonprofit institution that is one of the largest Christian universities in the world. Liberty offers a wide range of online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and tuition is very affordable, with undergraduate programs starting at just $375 per credit hour.

American Public University is a private, for-profit school that helps military members and their families get a high-quality education at a price they can afford. APU offers several online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and tuition is very affordable, with undergraduate programs starting at just $270 per credit hour.

Grantham University is a private, for-profit institution that offers a wide range of online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Grantham is known for its flexible, fast-paced programs and affordable tuition. Undergraduate programs start at just $250 per credit hour.

Florida International University is a public research university with both undergraduate and graduate programs that can be taken online. FIU is a large, comprehensive university with a strong reputation, and tuition is very affordable, with undergraduate programs starting at just $212 per credit hour.

University of North Dakota is a public research university that offers several online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. UND is a large, comprehensive university with a strong reputation, and tuition is very affordable, with undergraduate programs starting at just $277 per credit hour.

University of Texas at Arlington is a public research university that offers several online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. UTA is a large, comprehensive university with a strong reputation, and tuition is very affordable, with undergraduate programs starting at just $270 per credit hour.

University of Central Florida is a public research university that offers several online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. UCF is a large, comprehensive university with a strong reputation, and tuition is very affordable, with undergraduate programs starting at just $203 per credit hour.

University of Arkansas is a public research university that offers several online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. UA is a large, comprehensive university with a strong reputation, and tuition is very affordable, with undergraduate programs starting at just $262 per credit hour.

University of Louisiana at Monroe is a public research university that offers several affordable online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. ULM is a large, comprehensive university with a strong reputation and affordable tuition.

How can I make college more affordable?

1. Apply for financial aid: The first step in making college more affordable is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will determine your eligibility for grants, scholarships, and loans that can help cover tuition and other expenses.
2. Look for scholarships: Scholarships are a great way to help pay for college; they are free money you do not have to pay back. Many different types of scholarships are available, including those based on merit, financial need, and specific fields of study.
3. Consider attending a community college: Community colleges often have lower tuition rates than four-year colleges and universities, and credits earned at a community college can often be transferred to a four-year institution.
4. Enroll in an online program: Online programs can often be more affordable than traditional on-campus programs, as they often have lower tuition rates and fewer fees.
5. Take advantage of tax credits and deductions: Several tax credits and deductions are available to students and their families to help reduce college costs. For example, the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit are two tax credits that can help cover tuition and other expenses.
6. Work part-time or full-time while in school: Working while in school can help offset tuition and other expenses. Many colleges and universities have job placement programs that can help students find part-time or full-time employment while enrolled.
7. Look for tuition reimbursement programs: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to employees who are enrolled in college. If you are already working, it may be worth checking with your employer to see if they have a tuition reimbursement program for which you may be eligible.