The Cost of an Online Bachelor's Degree

Experts suggest that students should consider more than just the total costs when evaluating online bachelor's degrees.

**Key Takeaways

***Online programs generally offer greater flexibility for students.

***Some online programs may be more expensive than their in-person counterparts.

***Understanding financial aid and scholarship options for online programs is crucial.

***An online bachelor's degree comes with numerous benefits—convenience, the ability to maintain a full-time job, flexible scheduling, and a unique learning environment—but is cost one of those benefits?

According to data from U.S. News on ranked Best Online Bachelor's Programs, the average cost for an online bachelor's degree ranges from $40,536 at public in-state institutions to $63,185 at private schools. A few public universities report charging in-state students less than $100 per credit.

However, total program cost is just one aspect. Students should also consider their location relative to the institution, the availability of financial aid, and how online tuition compares to on-campus costs.

Online Bachelor's Degree vs. On-Campus Bachelor's Degree

For students returning to education or older learners, particularly those with dependents, an online bachelor's degree may provide access to higher education that would not be possible if on-campus attendance were required. Karen Sanders, the director of admissions and recruitment at Daytona State College in Florida, notes, “The flexibility of online programs allows students to work more hours.” She adds that students can choose to live in more affordable areas.

For younger students, online programs may allow them to stay at home instead of paying for on-campus housing or an apartment, helping them save on utilities, groceries, and campus parking fees. For international students, the savings can reach thousands of dollars in travel expenses.

While the online learning experience differs from in-person classes, schools typically offer comparable benefits to online students, including virtual office hours and opportunities for collaboration. Rhiannon Pollard, interim director of UF Online at the University of Florida, states, “Nowadays, choosing online doesn’t require many trade-offs. Online students often have access to peer communities and networking opportunities.”

When comparing costs, it can be challenging to calculate the expenses associated with attending college online versus on-campus, as it largely depends on individual circumstances.

In some cases, earning a bachelor's degree online may be more expensive. For instance, Miami Dade College in Florida charges $118 per credit for in-state, on-campus tuition, while online in-state tuition is $130 per credit.

Some schools report slightly higher costs for online programs compared to in-person classes. However, on average, the costs are similar. Among the 199 ranked public colleges that provided online tuition data and the 137 that reported on-campus tuition, the average tuition for both in-state online and on-campus bachelor's degrees is $337 per credit for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Kelly Brennan, vice chancellor for enrollment management at the University of North Carolina—Pembroke, explains, “Some online degree programs may be pricier due to the costs associated with creating courses and the technology used.” This is especially true in fields that require advanced technology for laboratory assignments in engineering and the hard sciences.

If online enrollment numbers fall below a certain threshold, some schools may raise tuition to cover course delivery costs, according to Brandon Cox, an adjunct professor at Kentucky Wesleyan College.

Nonetheless, many students find they can save money through online programs. For example, the University of Central Florida charges $179 per credit for in-state online students and $212 per credit for in-state, on-campus students. For out-of-state students, online tuition is $716 per credit compared to $749 for on-campus students.

On average, students attending private institutions online save money compared to those attending in person, according to U.S. News data. The average per-credit cost for online programs at the 142 ranked private colleges that reported this information is $516, while on-campus students at the 109 ranked private colleges pay an average of $1,170.

Some private institutions charge the same for online and on-campus degrees, such as Lindenwood University in Missouri, which charges $495 per credit.

Attending an out-of-state public university online may incur higher costs. For instance, the University of Missouri—St. Louis charges $1,362 per online credit for out-of-state students, compared to $613 for in-state students.

Geordie Hyland, president and CEO of the American College of Education in Indiana, states, “Online programs are often more affordable than in-person degrees because they eliminate costs like dormitories, campus amenities, and sports programs.” He adds that online programs also reduce the need for additional supplies, such as lab equipment. However, trade-offs include fewer opportunities for face-to-face networking with peers and professors, limited access to on-campus resources like libraries and labs, and a less structured environment, which may challenge time management for some students.

Online Tuition Varies by Location

Unlike on-campus bachelor's programs, many online bachelor's programs charge varying tuition amounts based on the student's distance from campus, even for in-state students enrolled in a public online program.

Some programs charge different rates for in-state students who live beyond a certain distance, referred to as out-of-district tuition.

Some public institutions offer in-state tuition to all students enrolled in online programs, says Ray Schroeder, professor emeritus at the University of Illinois—Springfield and senior fellow at UPCEA, the online professional education association. For example, Louisiana Tech University charges $185 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state online students.

Financial Aid for Online College

The availability of financial aid can significantly impact the affordability of online programs. Schools that participate in federal financial aid offer it to online students, who can also take advantage of state and institutional financial aid, such as grants and merit- or need-based scholarships.

When comparing programs, it’s important to inquire about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Many colleges have recently expanded their institutional aid, sometimes creating scholarships specifically for online students. The University of Florida has a fund to assist online students facing unexpected hardships, Pollard notes.

Some online students may benefit from tuition assistance or reimbursement programs provided by their employers. Companies like Advent Health, Chipotle, Target, and Lowe's offer financial support to UCF online students, according to Thomas Cavanagh, vice provost for digital learning at UCF.

Military veterans also receive educational benefits that can be applied to online programs.

“For many Americans who must balance a full-time job with raising children, caring for aging loved ones, and managing everyday life challenges, an online program is often the only path to earn a life-changing college degree,” Cavanagh emphasizes.“ Additionally, an online program offers millions of Americans who have taken college courses but have been unable to complete their degree the ability to transfer those credits and the flexibility to learn where, when, and how it fits best into their lives.”