Increasing your college search to the entire United States and finding the cheapest online schools for out-of-state students can save you thousands of tuition dollars. Most public institutions jack up their prices for students who live outside the home state’s borders. For Fall 2019, the U.S. News & World Report found the average annual public, out of state cost was $22,577. That’s more than double the average public, in state cost of $10,116. Tuition hikes for non-resident bachelor’s majors can really add up over four years. Fortunately, several affordable colleges for online bachelor’s degrees have lowered the sticker price for out of state learners. Online bachelor’s programs give you the greatest flexibility to attend schools miles away anytime 24/7 on your unique schedule. Online universities strive to make it easier and cheaper to complete the bachelor’s degree many careers now require. According to Forbes ,bachelor’s degree graduates benefit from a 50 percent increase in job security. Unemployment for college graduates is currently only 2.1 percent. Baccalaureates also provide a rewarding average lifetime ROI of $2.26 million.
Our Methodology
Therefore, Affordable Schools sought to locate the cheapest online schools for out of state students to advance their career with a valuable bachelor’s degree. We started our research using the NCES College Navigator tool. We searched for four-year public or private universities with distance bachelor’s education available. Our team set the maximum bachelor’s tuition at $10,000 to collect an initial pool of 125 options. We carefully analyzed the 2018-19 tuition data for full-time undergrads. Our analysts recorded the in state and out of state cost of attendance for 30 credits each year. Though both are mentioned below, we focused on the out of state values for our ranking rubric. We gave each economical online bachelor’s degree program one to five points based on out of state expenses.
Points:
Under $7,500: 5 Points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 Points
$15,001 and Up: 1 Point
Next, the AS Staff evaluated the student-faculty ratio at affordable colleges for online bachelor’s degree programs out of state. We recorded the average student-faculty ratio from the U.S. Education Department’s NCES database. This ratio shows the quantitative relation between the number of learners for every one professor. Lower student-faculty ratios of 10:1 or less correlate to the smallest online courses. Small online bachelor’s cohorts ensure each pupil has sufficient support from the teacher. In other words, professors will be readily available to answer questions and lend helpful career advice. Even shy students will find it easier to engage in online discussions and form strong bonds in close-knit courses. Our researchers awarded another one to three points based on this engagement ratio.
Points:
10:1 or Less: 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 Points
Greater Than 15:1: 1 Point
Lastly, Affordable Schools wanted to make sure out of state students have the best shot of completing their cheap online bachelor’s degree. That’s why we prioritized inexpensive online schools with high graduation rates. The National Center for Education Statistics defines “graduation rate” as the percentage of students who finish their degree in four to six years. Business Insider reports that the current average U.S. graduation rate is 61.1 percent. Some online universities have graduation rates as low as 5 percent though. Dropping out of online bachelor’s programs leaves learners with all debt and no reward. We looked for high-quality online options with a proven record of retaining their pupils. Our team gave the last one to three points for graduation rate. We added up the totals and arranged our cheapest online schools for out of state students paying under $10,000 from least to most points.
Points:
More than 50 Percent: 3 Points
Between 30 and 50 Percent: 2 Points
Less than 30 Percent: 1 Point
Ranking the 25 Most Affordable Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Degrees Out of State
25. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
Total Points: 4
School Website
Given a 2015 AFC Communications Commission Award of Excellence, Florida State College at Jacksonville is a public, state-funded First Coast NJCAA member that’s endowed for $32 million under Dr. John Avenandano to train 52,000 BlueWave ages 12-106 from 154 nations. Community College Week ranked FSCJ the 11th biggest degree producer. WalletHub placed Florida State College 210th for career outcomes. Florida State College at Jacksonville is our list’s 25th most affordable university for online bachelor’s degree programs with a $9,992 out of state price. On Canvas, the Center for eLearning delivers accelerated, eight-week courses at a 25:1 student-faculty ratio. Nine low-0cost bachelor’s degree options, including Human Services (B.S.), Early Childhood Education (B.S.), Logistics (B.A.S.), Financial Services (B.S.), and Public Safety Management (B.A.S.), can be completed online in as little as 18 months.
In-State Tuition: $2,878
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,992
Student-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 38 percent
24. Miami Dade College
Miami, FL
Total Points: 4
School Website
Chosen for the 2019 EC-Council Academia Best Newcomer Award, Miami Dade College is the largest public, coed FCS member that’s endowed for $306 million and led by Dr. Rolando Montoya to educate 92,085 for-credit Sharks at 29 Florida locations or on the internet. The Institute of International Education ranked MDC third for study abroad programs. The U.S. News & World Report placed Miami Dade seventh regionally for undergrad teaching. Miami Dade College boasts our 24th top-value online bachelor’s degree for out of state students paying $9,661 annually. Founded in 1999, the Virtual College schedules 16-week and eight-week Fast Track courses with Quality Matters certification on Blackboard. The USDLA Gold Award winner offers a cheap Information Systems Technology BS, Public Safety Management BAS, Supply Chain Management BAS, Supervision and Management BAS, or Nursing RN to BSN online.
In-State Tuition: $2,838
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,661
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
23. Mayville State University
Mayville, ND
Total Points: 4
School Website
Awarded a $2.24 million Strengthening Institutions Program Grant in 2018, Mayville State University is a public, coed NDUS member directed by Dr. Brian Van Horn that employs 67 faculty teaching 613 full-time and 517 part-time Comets from seven countries. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Mayville the 50th top Midwest school with the 67th best social mobility. On Niche, Mayville is America’s 11th best online college and 214th top public university. Mayville State University is our 23rd best affordable accredited college for online bachelor’s degree offerings priced $9,399 out of state. On Blackboard, the Extending Learning Division has NC-SARA authorization to deliver five-week online course blocks. Thirteen low-cost online programs, such as the B.S. in Mathematics, B.A. in Early Childhood, B.A.S. in Business Administration, B.S. in Nursing, and B.U.S. in University Studies, accept up to 90 transfer credits.
In-State Tuition: $6,666
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,399
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 28 percent
22. Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH
Total Points: 4
School Website
Home to the 2019 Ohio Governor’s Award for Community Development recipient, Youngstown State University is a public, mid-sized USO member led by President Jim Tressel that’s endowed for $265 million to teach 11,524 undergrad Penguins from 36 countries in 115 majors. The U.S. News & World Report ranked YSU 143rd for social mobility. Niche recognized Youngstown State for America’s 305th top public education. Youngstown State University has our 22nd most cost-effective online bachelor’s degree opportunities for out of state students charged $9,327 per year. On Blackboard, the Office of Distance Education admits junior-level associate transfers for 2+2 completion programs. Six cheap bachelor’s degrees, including the B.A.S. in Public Health, B.A.S. in Criminal Justice, B.G.S. in General Studies, B.S. in Respiratory Care, and B.A.S. in Allied Health Science, are fully online with synchronous video conferencing.
In-State Tuition: $8,967
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,327
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent
21. West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX
Total Points: 4
School Website
Bestowed a 2019 CASE District IV Educational Fundraising Award, West Texas A&M University is a public, state-funded LSC member in Amarillo that’s endowed for $88.7 million under Dr. Walter Wendler to employ 317 faculty teaching 7,477 undergrad Buffs for 44 percent graduation. The U.S. News & World Report ranked WTAMU 18th for online bachelor’s programs and 13th for veteran services. Niche named West Texas A&M the 174th top public school. West Texas A&M University stands 21st among our affordable colleges for online bachelor’s degree majors priced $9,304 out of state. On Blackboard, the Distance Education Division has accelerated six-week or semester-based courses with free SmartThinking tutoring. Online undergrads pursue 14 inexpensive degree programs like the Marketing B.B.A., Health Sciences B.S., Communication Studies B.S., Economics B.B.A., and Emergency Management Administration B.A.A.S.
In-State Tuition: $7,935
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,304
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
20. St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, FL
Total Points: 4
School Website
Granted a 2007 OLC Outstanding Online Program Award, St. Petersburg College is a public, coed FCS member in Pinellas County that’s endowed for $57.4 million and headed by Dr. Tonjua Williams to teach 39,507 for-credit and 7,199 non-credit Titans at an average age of 27. The U.S. News & World Report ranked SPC the 63rd best Southern school with the 45th most social mobility. Community College Week named St. Petersburg 10th among four-year institutions. St. Petersburg College has Affordable Schools’ 20th best high-value online bachelor’s degree programs costing $9,286 out of state. On Desire2Learn, the Online College offers more than 560 eight- or 16-week online courses for 52 full degrees. Affordable online degree options like the Health Services Administration B.A.S., Veterinary Technology B.A.S., Dental Hygiene B.A.S., Sustainability Management B.A.S., and Educational Studies B.S. have a 24:1 student-faculty ratio.
In-State Tuition: $2,682
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,286
Student-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Graduation Rate: 32 percent
19. Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA
Total Points: 4
School Website
Highly regarded for winning a 2017 NCEES Surveying Education Award, Nicholls State University is a public, four-year UL System member in Acadiana that’s endowed for $8.8 million under President Jay Clune to instruct 6,366 Colonels across six colleges with 45 percent completion. The U.S. News & World Report ranked NSU 242nd for online undergrad teaching. Washington Monthly crowned Nicholls the 38th best Southern value. Nicholls State University is the AS Staff’s 19th pick among affordable colleges for online bachelor’s degree studies worth $9,045 out of state. Since 2013, Nicholls Online has developed more than 100 accelerated, eight-week Moodle courses for 654 undergrads. Nine cheap bachelor’s degrees, including the B.A. in Political Science, B.A. in Psychology, B.A. in History, B.S. in Business Administration, and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, are entirely online with 24/7 support plus ProctorU tests.
In-State Tuition: $7,952
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,045
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 45 percent
18. Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN
Total Points: 4
School Website
Selected for a 2015 Nonprofit Colleges Online Students Before Profits Award, Bemidji State University is a public, coed MNSCU member managed by Dr. Faith Hensrud that budgets $95 million yearly to train 5,912 undergrad Beavers from 36 states and 38 countries across 47 majors. The U.S. News & World Report ranked BSU 248th for distance bachelor’s education. Washington Monthly declared Bemidji State the 128th top Midwest value. Bemidji State University is our article’s 18th most affordable university for online bachelor’s degree offerings with universal $8,696 tuition. The Center for Extended Learning serves nearly 1,300 students on D2L Brightspace with $1,000 scholarships like the Niganawenimaanaanig Grant. All seven cheap bachelor’s degrees, including the Accounting BS, Psychology BA, Criminal Justice BS, Applied Engineering BAS, and Marketing BS, require transferring 24 or more previous credits.
In-State Tuition: $8,696
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,696
Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
17. Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Goodwell, OK
Total Points: 4
School Website
Presented the 2019 Board of Regents’ Business Partnership Excellence Award, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public, four-year AASCU member chaired by Dr. Tim Faltyn that’s endowed for $4.7 million to attract 1,720 Aggies into three colleges at a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked OPSU fifth in the West for social mobility. On Niche, OPSU boasts America’s 193rd most conservative students and 209th most diversity. Oklahoma Panhandle State University finished 17th among affordable colleges for online bachelor’s degree options with a $8,674 out of state rate. On Canvas, OPSU Online starts its 30-credit, 12-month low-cost RN to BSN Program thrice annually for registered nurses. Other inexpensive online degrees, such as the Accounting BBA, Agribusiness BS, Technology BTEC, Criminal Justice BS, and English BA, are partly Web-based with cheap $10 textbook rental fees per credit.
In-State Tuition: $7,930
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,674
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 27 percent
16. Central State University
Wilberforce, OH
Total Points: 4
School Website
Named an Ohio Center of Excellence in Emerging Technologies, Central State University is a public, land-grant HBCU founded in 1887 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church that’s now endowed for $2.1 million and headed by Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond to enroll 2,119 diverse Marauders. The U.S. News & World Report ranked CSU the 41st best historically Black college with the 14th most social mobility. Washington Monthly declared Central the 51st top baccalaureate institution. Central State University landed 16th among the cheapest online schools for out of state students paying $8,346 yearly. On Schoology, the Center for Instructional Technology Innovation offers 30+ fully online economical courses each semester. Students log into affordable, regionally accredited, online degree programs like the Management BSBA, Accounting BS, Hospitality BSBA, Computer Science BS, and Psychology BA for 23 percent graduation success.
In-State Tuition: $6,346
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,346
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 23 percent
15. Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, NM
Total Points: 4
School Website
Picked for the 2014 ESGR Service Member Patriot Award, Eastern New Mexico University is a public, Hispanic-serving HACU member led by Dr. Jeff Elwell that budgets $62.23 million to serve 5,694 Greyhounds from 33 countries across 60 majors with 97 percent satisfaction. The U.S. News & World Report ranked ENMU 72nd in the West for social mobility. Washington Monthly named Eastern New Mexico the region’s 180th top value. Eastern New Mexico University broke the top 15 affordable colleges for online bachelor’s degree majors with a $8,247 out of state cost. On Blackboard and Mediasite, the Office of Distance Learning delivers fast four- or eight-week sessions with NC-SARA authorization. Students utilize a cutting-edge Online Writing Center while completing 29 cheap bachelor’s degrees like the BA in Sociology, BS in Physical Education, BA in Mathematics, BA in Religion, and BS in Communicative Disorders.
In-State Tuition: $6,326
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,247
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
14. Peru State College
Peru, NE
Total Points: 4
School Website
Conferred a 2018 CASE District VI Circle of Excellence Award, Peru State College is Nebraska’s oldest public, four-year HAAC member that budgets $90 million under Dr. Daniel Hanson to teach 3,458 Bobcats with an average 3.24 GPA in 47 majors for 35 percent completion. Washington Monthly ranked PSC the 523rd best national institution and 189th top Midwest value. College Consensus applauded Peru State for the 16th best online ROI. Peru State College features our list’s 14th best affordable distance education bachelor’s degree programs that cost everyone $7,512. Peru State Online accepts free applications on a rolling basis to begin eight- or 16-week Blackboard courses anytime. Eleven transfer-friendly and cheap online degrees, such as the Management BAS, Psychology BS, Public Administration BBA, Criminal Justice BS, and Human Resources & Risk Management BBA, allow up to 21 life experience credits.
In-State Tuition: $7,512
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,512
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
13. Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ
Total Points: 5
School Website
Given the 2011 NUTN Distance Education Innovation Award, Thomas Edison State University is a public, majority-online CAEL member that budgets $24.42 million under Dr. Merodie Hancock to educate 17,200 adults and connect 56,460 alumni from 60 countries with 95 percent satisfaction. Washington Monthly ranked TESU the 18th best college for non-traditional learners. PayScale positioned Thomas Edison State University 106th for an average mid-career salary of $70,000. Thomas Edison State University claimed 13th place among affordable colleges for online bachelor’s degree studies priced $9,967 out of state. On Moodle, the Online Degrees Division has PhD-level mentors guiding adults through engaged 12-week courses. Thirty-two low-cost online bachelor’s degrees, including the BS in Electronic Engineering Technology, BSBA in Finance, BS in Homeland Security, BA in International Studies, and BSBA in Entrepreneurship, are available.
In-State Tuition: $7,519
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,967
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
12. Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN
Total Points: 5
Crowned a 2019 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence finalist, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, coed MNSCU member led by Dr. Kumara Jayasuriya that budgets $57 million each year to employ 224 faculty teaching 6,818 Mustangs from 23 nations. The U.S. News & World Report ranked SMSU the 114th top Midwest school with the 64th most social mobility. College Factual recognized Southwest Minnesota for the 265th best financial aid. Southwest Minnesota State University is the AS Staff’s 12th most affordable accredited college for online bachelor’s degree choices priced $8,612. On D2L Brightspace, the Extended Learning Office currently immerses 441 students exclusively in eight-week Web courses. Inexpensive online degree programs, such as the Community Psychology & Health Promotion BA, Interdisciplinary Studies BS, Justice Administration BS, and Nursing RN to BSN, report 97 percent job placement.
In-State Tuition: $8,612
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,612
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
11. Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC
Total Points: 5
School Website
Honored with the 2006 ATE Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award, Western Carolina University is a public, four-year SoCon member that’s endowed for $11.4 million and headed by Dr. Kelli Brown to enroll 10,024 undergrad Catamounts with low NC Promise tuition. The U.S. News & World Report ranked WCU 58th for online bachelor’s education and 37th for veteran services. Niche named Western Carolina the 191st most selective school. Western Carolina University is Affordable Schools’ 11th best accredited university for online bachelor’s degree plans costing $7,926 out of state. On Blackboard, the Distance Education Office requires orientation to begin eight- or 16-week online courses. Eight cheap online bachelor’s degree programs, including the B.S. in Early Childhood, B.S. in Emergency Medical Care, B.S.B.A. in Innovation Leadership, and B.S.B.A. in Business Law, come with free BrainFuse tutoring.
In-State Tuition: $3,926
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,926
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 62 percent
10. Dickinson State University
Dickinson, ND
Total Points: 6
School Website
Recognized with a 2018 Collegiate Advertising Gold Award, Dickinson State University is a less selective public, coed NDUS member run by Dr. Thomas Mitzel that’s endowed for $7.9 million to educate 1,375 undergrad Blue Hawks from 17 nations across 75 fields at a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked DSU the 48th top Midwest school with the 64th most social mobility. The Student Loan Report noticed Dickinson for the 74th lowest loan debt. Dickinson State University kicks off our top 10 affordable colleges for online bachelor’s degree majors with a $9,546 out of state price. DSU Online utilizes state-of-the-art platforms like Blackboard, NetTutor, and Hoonuit to deliver accelerated eight-week courses. Ten cheap bachelor’s degree options, such as the B.S.Ed. in Business Education, B.A.S. in Applied Science, B.S. in Accounting, B.B.A. in Finance, and B.B.A. in Administration, require zero campus trips.
In-State Tuition: $6,768
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,546
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent
9. University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NC
Total Points: 6
School Website
Home to the 2017 Board of Governors O. Max Gardner Award recipient, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a public, American Indian-serving Sloan-C member that’s endowed for $24 million under Dr. Robin Gary Cummings to support 7,698 Braves in 41 majors with 41 percent completion. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UNCP 226th for online bachelor’s education. Washington Monthly declared Pembroke the seventh best Southeast bang for the buck. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke has our list’s ninth best affordable online bachelor’s degree options with $7,418 out of state tuition. On Canvas since Spring 2018, the Online & Distance Education Office has taught 1,080 undergrads with two years of transferrable credit. Four inexpensive online degree completion programs lead toward a Criminal Justice B.A., Sociology B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies B.I.S., and Business Administration B.S. in 24 months.
In-State Tuition: $3,418
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,418
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
8. Chadron State College
Chadron, NE
Total Points: 6
School Website
Selected for a 2019 NSCS Teaching Excellence Award, Chadron State College is Western Nebraska’s only public, four-year ACBSP member led by Dr. Randy Rhine that’s investing $28.5 million to expand its 280-acre Dawes County campus and better serve 2,448 Eagles with an average 21 ACT score. Niche recognized CSC for America’s 180th most conservative students. Washington Monthly ranked Chadron State 173rd for baccalaureate studies. Chadron State College came in eighth among the cheapest online schools for out of state students spending $7,414 each year. On Canvas, the Online Learning Office has an accelerated, eight-week format for Section 79 courses and a 24/7 help line. Undergrads fast track through 21 cheap online bachelor’sdegrees , such as the Technical Operations BAS, Family Consumer Science BS, Geoscience BS, Special Education BSEd, and Information Systems BBA, at a 17:1 student-faculty ratio.
In-State Tuition: $7,384
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,414
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent
7. Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC
Total Points: 6
School Website
Bestowed the 2018 U.S. Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program Grant, Elizabeth City State University is a public, historically Black UNC member that’s endowed for $11.7 million under Dr. Karrie Dixon to serve 1,695 undergrad Vikings in 26 majors for 42 percent graduation. The U.S. News & World Report named ECSU the 26th best Southern school with the seventh most social mobility. Student Loan Hero picked Elizabeth City State as the top cheapest HBCU. Elizabeth City State University has our ranking’s seventh most cost-effective online bachelor’s degree program that charges $7,194 out of state. In Fall 2019, the Distance Education Center launched an inexpensive 100 percent online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies on Blackboard Learn 9.1 for six high-value degree concentrations: Social & Behavioral Science, Humanities, STEM, Children & Community Services, African Studies, or Politics & Government.
In-State Tuition: $3,194
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,194
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent
6. University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Odessa, TX
Total Points: 6
School Website
Chosen for the 2019 NASPA Service to Student Affairs Award, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a fast-growing public, coed UT System member overseen by Dr. Sandra Woodley that’s endowed for $48.7 million to instruct 7,628 Falcons from 46 states in 53 degrees. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UTPB the 86th best for vets school with the 173rd best online options. Diverse Issues in Higher Education placed Permian Basin 38th for Hispanic learners. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is our sixth most affordable college for online bachelor’s degree studies with a $7,100 out of state price tag. On Canvas, the REACH Center currently helps 1,321 undergrads complete two fast eight-week sessions each semester. Sixteen cheap online bachelor’s degrees, including the Political Science BS, Industrial Technology BAAS, Humanities BA, Communication BA, and Accountancy BBA, are offered.
In-State Tuition: $6,260
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,100
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
5. Alcorn State University
Lorman, MS
Total Points: 6
School Website
Honored with a 2019 NCAA Accelerating Academic Success Career Development Award, Alcorn State University is Mississippi’s oldest public, historically Black APLU member that’s endowed for $18.7 million under Dr. Felecia Nave to enroll 3,173 undergrad Braves in seven schools. The U.S. News & World Report ranked ASU the 82nd best Southern college with the 53rd most social mobility. On Niche, Alcorn boasts America’s 214th best professors and 296th most liberal academics. Alcorn State University begins the top five affordable colleges for online bachelor’s degree programs costing $7,084. On Canvas, the Office of Online Education accepts undergrads with a minimum 2.0 GPA or 18 ACT score year-round into eight-week courses. Three low-cost online degree paths toward a B.A. in Business Administration, B.A. in Child Development, and B.A. in Criminal Justice entail 120 total credits with J.D. Boyd Library access.
In-State Tuition: $7,084
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,084
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
4. Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena, MS
Total Points: 6
School Website
Affiliated with the 2019 NASA Exceptional Service Medal recipient, Mississippi Valley State University is a public, four-year HBCU that’s managed by Dr. Jerryl Briggs in Itta Bena with a $2.1 million endowment to support 2,500 Delta Devils across 36 programs at a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked MVSU the 44th best historically Black college with the 17th most social mobility. Washington Monthly picked Mississippi Valley as the 126th top Southern value. Mississippi Valley State University finished fourth among affordable colleges for online bachelor’s degree opportunities with a $6,550 annual cost. The Office of Online/Distance Education logs into Blackboard for more than 100 virtual courses each 16-week semester. Cheap bachelor’s degrees like the B.S. in Criminal Justice, B.A. in Mass Communication, B.S. in Business Administration, and B.S. in Environmental Health are mostly online.
In-State Tuition: $6,550
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,550
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
3. Delta State University
Cleveland, MS
Total Points: 7
School Website
Presented a 2011 Blackboard Catalyst Exemplary Course Award, Delta State University is a public, four-year GSC member that’s endowed for $32.9 million under Dr. William LaForge to employ 122 faculty inspiring 3,700 Statesmen, including Okra Scholars, with $0 out of state fees. The U.S. News & World Report ranked DSU the 79th best Southern school with the 76th most social mobility. Washington Monthly placed Delta State 312th for community service participation. Delta State University is Affordable Schools’ third best accredited university for online bachelor’s degree majors worth $7,246 annually. Based in Kent Wyatt Hall, the Distance Education Office switched to Canvas in Fall 2013 for MCCA-approved, seven-week courses. Cheap bachelor’s degree programs like the BS in Social Justice & Criminology, BBA in Healthcare Administration, BS in Entertainment Industry Studies, and BA in Psychology have online classes.
In-State Tuition: $7,246
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,246
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 39 percent
2. Minot State University
Minot, ND
Total Points: 7
School Website
Named a 2018 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Elite 18 Award winner, Minot State University is North Dakota’s third-largest public, coed NDUS member that’s headed by Dr. Steven Shirley and endowed for $27.6 million to welcome 2,279 undergrad Beavers into 60+ majors. The U.S. News & World Report ranked MSU the 248th best online bachelor’s provider. On Niche, Minot boasts America’s 27th best online education and 286th top public schooling. Minot State University has the AS Staff’s second best-value online bachelor’s degree options priced $7,064 out of state. Since 2014, the Center for Extended Learning has held NC-SARA approval for eight- or 16-week Blackboard courses anywhere. Twelve affordable bachelor’s, including a B.S. in Human Services, B.A.S. in Information Technology, B.S. in Management, B.S. in Early Childhood Education, and B.S. in International Business, are online.
In-State Tuition: $7,064
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,064
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
1. Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, MS
Total Points: 7
School Website
Placed on the 2018 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll, the Mississippi University for Women is a public, coed space-grant AASCU member led by President Nora Miller that’s endowed for $3.8 million to retain 3,465 Owls for 48 percent graduation. The U.S. News & World Report ranked MUW the 24th best Southern school for undergrads. Diverse Issues in Higher Education placed The W seventh for African-American students. The Mississippi University for Women claims our top spot among affordable colleges for online bachelor’s degree studies costing $6,940. On Canvas, the Online Learning Department admits juniors with 60 or more credits and GPAs above 2.0 for 2+2 completion tracks. Thirteen cheap online bachelor’s degrees, such as the BBA in Human Resources, BS in Public Health Education, RN to BSN, BAS in Legal Administration, and BBA in Information Systems, qualify for the $2,500 Presidential Transfer Award.
In-State Tuition: $6,940
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,940
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
What are Some Career Options With a Low-Cost Online Bachelor’s Degree?
Attending the cheapest online schools for out of state students will help you affordably complete an in-demand bachelor’s degree for graduate school admission or diverse careers. For example, software developers are bachelor’s grads who design and test innovative computer programs for digital devices. Registered nurses utilize their BSN degree to care for ill or injured patients across the lifespan. Data analysts build mathematical skills in STEM bachelor’s majors to draw conclusions from organizational data. Social media mangers often finish online bachelor’s degrees and start marketing corporate brands on platforms like Facebook. Preschool teachers earn bachelor’s-level certification to instruct young toddlers under age five and prepare for kindergarten. Case managers usually have human services bachelor’s degrees to develop and implement client treatment plans. Other options with high-value online bachelor’s degree majors include graphic designer, accountant, construction manager, event planner, logistician, technical writer, sales manager, research assistant, electrical engineer, and hydrologist.
How Much Can Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree Graduates Make?
Investing in affordable distance education bachelor’s degree programs that cost under $10,000 out of state will reap tremendous ROI in wide-ranging, well-paid professional jobs. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Class of 2019 had an average starting salary of $51,347. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor’s grads enjoy median weekly earnings of $1,173. Engineering occupations provide the highest mean entry-level wage of $80,170. Moving into management positions brings a pay hike to $104,240 on average. Actuaries can expect median yearly income of $102,880. Computer systems analysts make mean profits of $93,610. Human resources specialists bring home an average annual paycheck of $66,790. Financial risk analysts earn a median salary of $85,660. High school teachers are rewarded $64,340 on average. Art directors benefit from mean income of $104,590. Compliance officers receive median compensation of $68,860. Health administrators make an average $99,730 salary.
Are Employers Hiring After Top-Value Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs?
Today’s market is booming with opportunity for cost-effective online bachelor’s degree students to begin a gratifying professional career in various disciplines. In February 2019, CNBC found that the number of U.S. job openings hit a record-high 7.3 million. The Department of Labor lists many bachelor’s-level occupations with double-digit growth expected by 2028. For instance, the demand for information security analysts will jump 32 percent. Employment of operations research analysts and applications developers will both increase by 26 percent. Forest fire inspectors can expect a 24 percent job uptick. Hiring of financial managers will speed up 16 percent. Contracts for management analysts will swell by 14 percent this decade. The 10-year outlook for social service managers shows 13 percent growth. Cartographers will benefit from a 15 percent hiring surge. Jobs for film and video editors will open faster-than-average by 11 percent. The need for forensic science technicians will also skyrocket by 14 percent. Pursue your unique vocational interests at the above affordable colleges for online bachelor’s degree studies out of state.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 25 cheapest online schools for out of state students.
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