7. Peirce College
Peirce College is a private college in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It focuses on adult education, with many distance programs on offer. These include business, healthcare, IT, general studies, and paralegal studies.
At Peirce, you can take your first class for free and save money on 22 credits. The college also offers a variety of personalized student services that help students succeed: academic advising and counseling, financial aid counseling, a career center, and even a Center for Male Engagement, which helps Black and Brown students access personal coaching.
8. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Embry-Riddle is a private, non-profit university that focuses on aerospace and aviation. Starting out in 1926 as a school for pilots and aircraft mechanics, it has since expanded into a national university with almost 31,000 students.
Emry-Riddle Worldwide, its online affiliate, offers degrees in aviation, applied science, business, technology, engineering, security, and space, to name a few.
With multiple start dates, students learn on their own schedule, and undergraduate and graduate terms are divided into 9-week sessions.
Embry-Riddle leverages a variety of technological solutions to make online learning more enjoyable. These include Canvas (a cloud-based learning platform), EagleVision (a virtual classroom), eUnion (a virtual community for networking), and Virtual Labs.
9. Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Arizona State University’s Digital Immersion program delivers high-quality ASU degrees in an online format. The public university, now referred to as ASU Online, is based in Phoenix, Arizona.
It offers the same degrees as Arizona State University (no one has to know you were studying online).
Prominent ASU faculty build interactive courses that you can navigate asynchronously – meaning you can take them at your own pace. Most courses take 6-7.5 weeks.
10. Western Governors University
Western Governors University is a private, non-profit online university based in Utah. Its logo is “A New Kind of U.” It features a competency-based learning model that focuses on real-world outcomes.
WGU offers affordable, highly regarded degrees in business, technology, health, and education.
WGU’s personalized learning model means that students build a degree plan with a special Program Mentor, study on their own schedule, set their learning pace, and schedule an assessment themselves.
Learning takes place whenever and wherever is convenient for the student.
There is an Online Access Scholarship for underserved communities.
11. Capella University
Capella University is a private, for-profit online university based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Most of its programs are online.
Capella prioritizes flexibility, with several study options depending on your preferences. You can choose the FlexPath mode, which allows you to set your own deadlines and work at your own pace, or the GuidedPath mode, which has more structured timelines.
Popular programs include the RN-to-BSN nursing bridge program, the bachelor’s in IT, and the bachelor’s in social work.
Around 70% of students are studying part time.
12. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus is the online-learning version of the University of Maryland, which is the largest higher education institution in the state. It caters especially to working professionals and non-traditional students, with education centers in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. metro areas. Online students are from across the world.
Students can choose between online and hybrid courses, with online courses offered asynchronously – meaning you don’t have to log in at a specific time.
Popular programs include teaching, business administration, cybersecurity technology, and strategic communications.
13. National University
National University is a private, not-for-profit institution based in San Diego, California. It is one of the largest nonprofit universities in the country.
There are over 190 programs available. These are offered online and on campus throughout California. Its online classes feature both asynchronous learning and real-time virtual classrooms.
Founded by veterans, NU serves students across the world. Education plans feature adaptive instruction, holistic student support, and competency-based credentialing.
Scholarships are available for students in need.
14. Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies
Warner Pacific University is a private, not-for-profit institution based in Oregon. A Christian college, WPU is affiliated with the Church of God. It is an officially designated Hispanic-serving institution.
Its “professional and graduate studies” program caters especially to adult learners, offering hybrid, online, and weekend courses, as well as accelerated options. The program’s multiple start dates and small cohort-based Learning Communities make this a convenient option for people who want to study in an online, Christian-friendly environment.
It is one of the best cheap online Christian colleges in the country.
15. SUNY Empire State College
SUNY Empire State College, usually referred to as SUNY Empire, is a public university in Saratoga Springs, New York. It offers online degrees worldwide through its Center for Distance Learning.
SUNY Empire is a pioneer in developing online education for adults, regardless of age and location.
It offers over 120 online programs, many of which can be customized to fit your unique goals. To save you time and money, SUNY Empire will give you credit for experience outside the traditional classroom.
16. University of Advancing Technology
University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is a private, for-profit university based in Arizona. It focuses on technological applications in the workplace. Classes are available both online and on-campus.
Students must complete an Innovation Project and an internship, ensuring they have real-world experience at graduation. Online students use the SyncFlex learning model, an asynchronous, flexible approach.
You can get an online degree in business & innovation, cyber security, digital arts, game studies, software engineering, and more.
17. Florida Institute of Technology-Online
Florida Institute of Technology, or FIT, is a private research university that focuses on STEM subjects, although it offers liberal arts and business degrees as well. FIT is particularly known for its engineering programs.
FIT’s online learning platform offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s programs in 8-week terms through the Virtual Education Center.
Online students can major in accounting, finance, aviation management, business, IT, healthcare management, psychology, cybersecurity, supply chain management, and more.
18. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a large public research university. It is the second-biggest institution of higher learning in the state. It offers online degrees through its “Flex” platform.
Students enjoy a 100% online career-focused curriculum that can be completed on their own schedule. Start classes in any month and move at your own pace.
Even better, people can apply relevant prior experience to credits, saving time and money. This affordable university offers programs in diagnostic imaging, business administration, nursing, and more.
19. Hallmark University
Hallmark University is a private university in San Antonio, Texas. It offers online, evening, and day courses in nursing, aeronautics, cybersecurity, and business.
Hallmark emphasizes the accelerated nature of its coursework, meaning you can save money and get your degree in nearly half the time of a normal university.
Many different scholarships are available to students in need.
20. University of Northwestern Ohio
The University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) is a private university. While it primarily offers on-campus degrees, many programs are offered 100% online as well.
Bachelor’s degrees offered online include accounting, agribusiness management, business administration, forensic accounting, marketing, motorsports marketing, and more.
Is online college worth it?
Yes, online college can be worth it, as long as you choose a degree that offers good value for money.
Check out our full list of the best online colleges – by value for money – to ensure the degree you’re considering won’t be a rip off.
Online degrees are increasingly respected on the job market – and many prestigious universities are offering fully online programs. Gone are the days when an online degree was considered second-rate.
People also ask
Do online colleges accept FAFSA?
All accredited universities accept FAFSA, meaning you can get financial aid to attend.
However, not all online colleges are accredited. If you’re considering studying online, ensure the college has received full accreditation.
All colleges featured on the Degreechoices website are accredited.
How do online college classes work?
Online college coursework is generally offered synchronously or asynchronously.
With asynchronous, or “self-paced” learning, you can go at your own speed: you can listen to pre-recorded lectures when it’s convenient for you. Some curriculums may even offer flexibility in the order you can progress through a course.
Meanwhile, with synchronous learning, you’ll need to log in to live broadcasts of lectures or participate in Zoom discussions in real time.
While asynchronous learning provides more flexibility and convenience, synchronous learning mimics the traditional college experience more closely.
Final thoughts: what are some cheap alternatives to online college?
If you’re looking for a cheap degree, online colleges aren’t your only option. Consider the following opportunities too:
- Community college – Community colleges are often cheaper than studying online, and many have an open admissions policy (meaning everyone gets in). An associate degree can lead to a high-earning career, especially if you’re technically minded or interested in an allied health profession. You can also use a community college degree to transfer to a 4-year university, saving a lot of cash along the way.
- Online classes from your state university – Check out the online course offerings from your local state university. It may offer certificate programs that open doors to lucrative, niche careers. Some jobs require specific licensure, certification, or certificates that your state’s public university system can help you attain. Remember that public universities are often a better “deal” economically than private colleges.
- Trade school – There are many great jobs in the trade professions, and trade school tends to be more affordable than college. Check out our list of the best electrician schools or the best welder programs in the country as a start! We’ve also compiled a list of 58 trade school statistics we’re sure will surprise you.
- A normal 4-year university – We get it, these aren’t as convenient as studying online, but if saving money is your primary consideration, know that getting a bachelor’s degree the traditional way may pay off in the long run. Check out our list of the best universities in the country – by value for money – to make a financially prudent choice about your education.
