Pursuing an online bachelor’s degree presents various advantages, such as convenience, the opportunity to keep a full-time job while studying, schedules, and a different learning atmosphere—though is affordability one of its perks?
According to U.S. News data on the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, the total tuition for an online bachelor’s degree varies from $40,926 for public in-state programs to $62,756 for private institutions. For 187 public universities that submitted their cost data for in-state online bachelor’s degrees, the average tuition stands at $40,926, whereas out-of-state students pay around $59,011. In contrast, the average tuition at the 146 private colleges that provided information is $62,756.
Experts emphasize that students should take into account several crucial factors when comparing the costs of online colleges. These include the student’s location relative to the college, the availability of financial aid, and how online tuition rates measure up against on-campus fees.
Michael Marrapodi, associate provost for online programs at Cambridge College in Massachusetts, noted in an email, “At many institutions, the cost per credit is determined by the degree level or the specific program rather than the mode of delivery. Thus, there might be no cost difference between online and in-person programs. However, time is a vital factor. The expenses associated with commuting, along with the time and effort needed to travel to a physical campus, can be considerable for some students.”
Online Bachelor’s Degree vs. On-Campus Bachelor’s Degree
For those who are returning to their studies or are adult learners, especially parents, an online bachelor’s degree can provide access to education that would be infeasible if in-person attendance were mandatory.
Marrapodi adds, “Students also benefit from the flexibility to complete their coursework on their terms, rather than having to conform to schedules dictated by traditional course offerings.”
While the learning experience online differs from that in-person, educational institutions typically adapt to ensure that online learners receive many of the same benefits as those attending on-campus, offering virtual office hours with instructors and opportunities for collaborative work, according to Rhiannon Pollard, interim director of University of Florida Online.
“Today, opting for online learning doesn’t entail many sacrifices compared to residential programs,” Pollard stated in an email. “Even online students can connect with peer communities, build networks, and collaborate with each other.”
Students ought to compare the costs of enrolling in an online college against those of attending in person. However, calculating these expenses can be complicated, as costs can fluctuate based on individual circumstances.
In certain instances, pursuing a bachelor’s degree online may come with a higher price tag. For instance, Marshall University in West Virginia charges $300 per credit for on-campus, in-state students and $368 per credit for online, in-state students.
Based on data from an annual survey by U.S. News, on average, institutions reported that online programs cost more than traditional in-person offerings. Among the 192 ranked public colleges that shared this data, the average tuition for an online bachelor’s degree for in-state students is $338 per credit for the 2023-2024 academic term, while the average charge for in-person, in-state students is $331 per credit across 123 ranked colleges.
Pollard explains, “The cost of online education can often exceed that of classroom instruction due to expenses related to technology, the personnel engaged in creating and managing online courses, tech support, and other relevant areas. Additionally, fluctuations in the market, such as supply and demand, can contribute to increased costs.”
Whether an online degree is more costly than its on-campus counterpart can differ based on the specific program. There are several scenarios where students can actually save by choosing an online program. For example, the University of Florida charges $112 per credit for in-state online students and $500 for out-of-state online learners. In contrast, on-campus charges are $149 per credit for in-state students and $856 per credit for out-of-state students.
In general, online private institutions tend to offer lower costs compared to their in-person equivalents, as per U.S. News data. The average per credit cost for online programs at 148 ranked private colleges is $516, while the price for on-campus students at 114 such institutions averages $1,123.
Some private colleges charge the same fees for both online and on-campus degrees; for instance, Concordia University, St. Paul in Minnesota, and Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. charge $420 and $709 per credit, respectively.
Attending a public institution out of state may lead to higher costs. For example, Weber State University in Utah has the highest online bachelor’s program tuition for out-of-state students at $1,422 per credit, but it drops to $531 for in-state students. Conversely, the most affordable online tuition among ranked institutions reported to U.S. News is $42 for in-state students at the University of North Carolina—Pembroke.
On-campus programs often incur additional costs that are not represented in the official tuition and fees structure, such as textbooks, meal plans, health services, and living expenses. Online learners may face certain technological costs; however, they generally avoid some of the same fees charged to on-campus students, such as recreational and parking costs.
In many cases, online studies can help parents save on childcare and time away from work, according to Thomas Cavanagh, vice provost for digital learning at the University of Central Florida.
“Such considerable savings may be the deciding factor that allows students to either complete their bachelor’s degree or give up on their educational journey altogether,” he notes.
Online Tuition Varies By Location
Unlike traditional on-campus bachelor’s programs, many online bachelor’s programs adjust their tuition based on geographic distance from campus, even for in-state students enrolled in a public online program.
Certain programs implement different tuition rates for in-state students residing beyond a specific distance from the institution, classifying them as out-of-district.
Some public universities extend in-state tuition rates to all students pursuing online degrees, which is advantageous for those interested in attending a college located out-of-state. For instance, Fitchburg State University, a public institution in Massachusetts, has a flat rate of $150 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Financial Aid for Online College
The presence of financial aid can significantly impact how affordable online programs are. Colleges that participate in federal financial aid programs make assistance available to both online and in-person students. Online learners can also benefit from state and institutional aid, which may be available as grants or merit- or need-based scholarships.
When evaluating programs, students should inquire about financial aid opportunities and scholarships. Many colleges have recently expanded their institutional aid offerings, sometimes establishing scholarships exclusively for online students, according to Ray Schroeder, a professor emeritus at the University of Illinois—Springfield and senior fellow at UPCEA, the online professional education association.
“This trend is likely to continue,” he states. “Federal aid remains largely unchanged, and expenses can be lower because you may not need to cover campus housing costs.”
Pollard mentions that the University of Florida has a fund dedicated to assisting online students facing unanticipated financial hardships.
Some online students may have access to tuition benefits or reimbursement programs through their employers. Companies like Advent Health, Chipotle, Target, and Lowe’s provide financial assistance to online students at UCF, according to Cavanagh. Additionally, military veterans can leverage educational benefits applicable to online programs.
“For many Americans balancing full-time jobs with parenting, caring for aging relatives, and managing everyday responsibilities, an online program is often the only means to attain a transformational college degree,” Cavanagh observes. “Moreover, online education enables countless individuals who have previously taken college courses yet were unable to complete their degrees to transfer those credits while enjoying the flexibility to study at their convenience.”