A Complete Guide to the Most Affordable Online Colleges

Do you want to qualify for more jobs and earn a higher salary? Getting a college degree is an important step in achieving those goals. If you're afraid of going into debt, rest assured that there are plenty of online colleges with reasonable tuition fees and payment plans to help you along.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in March of 2021, there was a lower unemployment rate for those with a Bachelor's degree (3.7%) compared to individuals with only a high school diploma (6.7%). Possibilities open up to you when you hold a Bachelor's degree, such as education, business, healthcare, and technology.

Who says going to college needs to leave you broke? Click here to learn about 2021's most affordable online colleges.

Earn More With a Bachelor's Degree

Many careers require at least a bachelor's degree. These are the jobs that pay well and can help you live the life of your dreams. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that people with these degrees earn around $26,000 more per year compared to professionals holding solely a high-school diploma.

Affordable Online Colleges

Here are the top 10 best affordable online colleges in 2021. Listed are each college's average tuition fees per semester while earning a Bachelor's degree.

1. Palm Beach State College ($3064)
2. Strayer University ($3379)
3. St Petersburg College ($3477)
4. California State University-Los Angeles ($4403)
5. Eastern Florida State College ($4408)
6. California Coast University ($4725)
7. Dalton State College ($6484)
8. University Of Phoenix ($9552)
9. Southern New Hampshire University ($9600)
10. Walden University ($12180)

These schools are accredited, and all coursework can be completed while going to college online. Looking through the course catalogs, you might discover a new path you'd like to take or courses you never knew existed! Let's discover more about some of these online colleges that are affordable.

Southern New Hampshire University

This University has been in operation since 1932, and they're constantly reinventing what it means to get a higher education. Because of this, they've been recognized nationally, and have a strong mission to help students succeed on their journey. Tuition has been frozen since 2012, resulting in one of the lowest tuition rates in the country.

Academic and career advisors are there to support and inform you. They offer webinars, internships, and more. All instructors have real-world experience and expertise in their field of education. 

You'll have access to their online library, online bookstore, tutoring, and round-the-clock tech support. The adult learner is in mind as they meticulously design 100% online classes. They offer over 200 different online degrees.

University Of Phoenix

This university is regionally and nationally accredited, which means you can transfer credits to other colleges if you wish. Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree on campus or online. Schedules are flexible so you don't have to put your life on hold.

Walden University

Walden has been an accredited learning institution for over 45 years. They keep you informed on current market trends and help you gain skills you can apply to real work, right away. Walden University has a reputation for creating positive social change in communities.

Strayer University

Since its founding in 1892, Strayer University has been a popular business college, focusing on criminal justice, health services administration, and public administration. Choose from over 100 campuses or earn your degree online.

California Coast University

The focus of California Coast University is to meet the needs of motivated individuals who have unique time constraints, allowing them to learn off-campus from the comfort of home.

They offer flexible programs and payment plans. There are no set meeting times or exam dates. They pride themselves on student-paced learning.

Get credit for your past experience/training as an undergraduate. Receive a 10% discount if you're a veteran, active-duty military, law enforcement, government employee, firefighter, government employee, or CCU graduate. This school is accredited by the DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission. 

Why Earn an Online College Degree?

Sure, you know that opportunities will open up, for both better careers and salaries, but there's more. You'll develop even more critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Choose a major, and then customize your education to reach your goals.

As reported by the NCES, the most popular degree topics are:

• Business
• Social sciences
• Health professions
• Psychology
• Engineering
• Biology
• Communication

Popular undergraduate majors include:

• Education
• The Arts
• Criminal Justice
• Social Work

Many high-paying careers require at least a bachelor's degree. These careers include accounting, management, teaching, and marketing. When it's time for career advancement or a salary raise, those with Bachelor's degrees are considered first in most cases.

While earning your degree online, you can work from anywhere and/or keep your current job. This means the world to those motivated to increase earning potential while still paying the bills. Adult learners are highly considered as these programs are designed.

It's the perfect opportunity to earn a professional degree without geography limiting you. All you need are a computer and internet access. Most of these universities offer flexible meeting times and self-paced learning, so there's a low-stress factor as well.

What Are the Requirements for a College Degree?

If you're looking into taking any of these online degree programs, you must meet the proper requirements/prerequisites. Most schools want you to show proof of a high school diploma. You'll also need to show your standardized test scores and high school transcript.

If you're transferring from another university to one of these cheap online colleges, have your past completed courses handy so you get college credit for them. Let your past work move you ahead and save you money. Also consider recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and a resume (or CV).

What Will You Accomplish?

During your time at one of these affordable online colleges, you'll complete the general education classes, study your major, and pick a minor as well as electives. You can take part in an internship, these, and/or capstone project.

Get yourself motivated to be live your best life! Degrees mean opportunity, growth, confidence, and a higher income. But they also become part of who you are and an accomplishment you can be proud of.

Contact us today to find out more!