Students seek online degree programs for flexibility, allowing them to learn from various locations with internet access. The demand for adaptable education has grown amid the pandemic, leading colleges to provide remote, hybrid, and in-person course options.
Online programs may appear cost-effective initially due to savings on transport, housing, and meals. However, the expenses associated with software and instructor training can make online degrees comparably costly to on-campus education.
According to a U.S. News survey for the 2023-2024 academic year, the average total out-of-state program tuition for online bachelor’s degrees among 184 ranked public schools was $59,185, with an approximate per-credit cost of $489 among 190 ranked public schools.
Despite the perception of online education being costly, there are affordable options available at certain public colleges even for out-of-state students.
Among the 20 most budget-friendly schools for out-of-state online undergraduates, the average total tuition cost was $28,811, significantly lower than the general average.
Fitchburg State University and Middle Georgia State University offer the lowest out-of-state per-credit rate at $150, with total tuition costs of $18,000 each. The University of Southern Indiana follows closely, charging $290 per credit for out-of-state undergraduates, totaling $34,800.
The average per-credit cost for out-of-state undergraduates among these 20 colleges is approximately $240, as per U.S. News data. A significant portion of the most cost-effective online schools for out-of-state students are located in the South, with states like Georgia, North Carolina, Arkansas, Texas, and Florida hosting multiple schools on the list.
Other schools in the ranking are situated in states such as Alaska, Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Dakota, and Utah. Out of the 184 ranked public colleges offering online programs, with data on the required credits for graduation, the average number of credits needed is 122.
While most of the top 20 affordable schools mandate 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree, exceptions include Columbus State University in Georgia and the University of Utah, which have higher credit requirements.
Fitchburg State University, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $18,000.
Middle Georgia State University, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $18,000.
Columbus State University, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $22,386.
Kennesaw State University, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $22,200.
University of West Georgia, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $23,880.
University of North Carolina–Pembroke, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $24,960.
University of Texas Permian Basin, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $26,280.
Western Carolina University, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $27,84.
Sam Houston State University, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $29,280.
Utah Tech University, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is, $30,600.
University of Utah, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $31,720.
Florida International University, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $31,680.
Southeast Missouri State University, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $32,640.
Arkansas State University, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $33,120.
Valley City State University, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $33,120.
University of Central Missouri, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $33,360.
Missouri State University, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $33,480.
University of Central Arkansas, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $34,200.
University of Alaska–Fairbanks, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $34,680.
University of Southern Indiana, Out-of-State Total Program Cost is $34,800.