By now you probably know that college student debt in the United States is at just over $1.5 trillion (as of Jun 2018, according to Forbes.com). Part of that may be collectively due to the significant increase in tuition since 1982, an increase in the cost of living, and a decrease in the purchasing power of the dollar. In fact, depending on when you measure from, tuition has increased by between 500-1000% since the late 1970s.
The good news is that there are institutions trying to keep costs down, with many of them offering a baccalaureate education at under $10,000 average net price (defined below in Ranking Methodology) per year. Taking such a degree online can potentially reduce your overall costs.
As such, we’ve put together a list of colleges/universities that offer online/hybrid bachelor’s degrees and whose most recently reported average yearly net price was $10,000 or under. Since we published the original edition of this ranking list, many more colleges have fallen below the $10K mark. We’ve updated the methodology, discussed below, to be more selective. While our target was $10K net price or below, even with more selectivity, all 25 colleges listed below stayed under $10K. This updated edition has nine new colleges.
Ranking Methodology
NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) defines net price for a given college/university as the average cost per undergraduate student, factoring fees, room and board, books, and factoring any financial awards. (Definition subject to change.) We used the most recent data from NCES for each college, then applied the following steps to produce the ranking:
- Step 1: Query NCES for all public and private nonprofit colleges/universities that offer “distance” bachelor’s programs.
- Step 2: Drop colleges not in the United States proper — e.g., drop protectorates such as Guam, Costa Rica, etc.
- Step 3: Sort colleges in increasing net price order
- Step 4: Drop colleges with average yearly net price exceeding $10K.
- Step 5: Manually verify that a college has actual online or hybrid bachelor’s degrees. (NCES does not distinguish between distance and online programs.)
- Step 6: Keep only those colleges with at least five online or hybrid bachelor’s degree options, including concentration choices.
- Step 7: Select the top 25 by increasing net price, starting from the lowest.
This approach not only highlights colleges with a net price under $10K, it finds those with the most options, thus potentially appealing to the largest audience.
Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Colleges Under $10,000 in Net Price
1. Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, Florida
Indian River State College (IRSC, est. 1959) is a public institution and a member of the Florida College System. The Aspen Institute has recognized IRSC as a top-10 community college (2014) out of over 1,000 American community and state colleges. The college is consistently one of the most affordable by tuition price for the past four years, as well as net price. It makes access to post-secondary education easier with its open-door admission policy, and also serves adult students through its Lifelong Learning Institute. U.S. News & World Report ranked the college in their 2019 review list for the Regional Colleges South category. Notable IRSC alumni include numerous professional athletes, amongst them several Olympic participants.
IRSC offers associate’s and bachelor’s level degrees, plus certificate programs — over 100 in total. It has nine online or hybrid bachelor’s degree programs (including concentration or track options) — some with in-person clinical components.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
- BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ)
- BS Education – ESE track with ESOL Endorsements specialization (BSE-ESE)
- BS Education – Middle Grades Mathematics specialization (BSE-MGM)
- BS Elementary Education (BSEE) with ESOL Endorsements track
- BS Information Technology Management/Cyber Security
- BS Nursing – RN to BSN (BSN, online courses plus in-person clinical components for practicum courses)
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management (BAS-OM)
- BS Public Administration (BSPA) – Emergency Planning and Management concentration
- BSPA – Public Policy and Leadership concentration
These are degree completion programs requiring a suitable associate’s degree to qualify for admission. NOTE: IRSC also has five online associate’s degrees, and offers workforce training programs. Note: all online courses require a minimum of one proctored assessment (free of charge at an IRSC Assessment Center, only).
- Type: public
- Net price: $1,064
- In-state: $2,764 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $10,201 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 17,598
- #undergrads: 17,598
- Graduation rate: 39%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
2. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ, est. 1966) is a public institution and a member of the Florida College System. Ranked a top college (#11 nationally) by Community College Week magazine (amongst those granting associate’s and bachelor’s degrees), it serves students on four campuses, plus a number of learning centers, and online. FSCJ is also designated a military friendly school, offering a variety of benefits to members of the military, veterans, and spouses. Notable FSCJ alumni include astronomer Michael Reynolds.
FSCJ offers associate’s and bachelor’s level degrees, plus certificate programs — over 150 in total. FSCJ Online has eight online bachelor’s degree programs, some of which have concentration or track options:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) – with three Concentration options: General Business; Human Resources; Entrepreneurship
- BS Early Childhood Education (BSECE)
- BS Financial Services (BSFS)
- BS Human Services (BSHS)
- BS Nursing (BSN) — online and hybrid courses (those with in-person clinical components)
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Management (BAS-ITM)
- BAS Logistics (BASL)
- BAS Supervision and Management (BASSM) with a optional degree completion track for holders of a suitable AA or AS degree
Note: Some of these programs, such as the BSBA, have an accelerated option whereby (most) courses are offered online in an 8-week format, making it possible to finish a degree sooner. Credit requirements for all programs are a minimum of 120 credits. Certification exams may be part of graduation requirements. Seven online associate’s degrees and over a dozen online certificate programs round out the online offering.
- Type: public
- Net price: $4,422
- In-state: $2,878 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $9,992 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 21,092
- #undergrads: 21,092
- Graduation rate: 35%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
3. Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Fayetteville State University (FSU, est. 1867) is a public institution. Designated a Historically Black College/University (HBCU), it is a member of the University of North Carolina System and one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state. In addition to have satellite campuses on three military bases, it earned Victory Media’s Military Friendly School Silver designation. U.S. News & World Report ranked the university on several of their college review lists for 2019, including: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Top Public Schools; Regional Universities South; Business Programs. Notable FSU alumni include actor/comedian/rapper Affion Crockett, who has appeared in shows such as Blackish and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
FSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees — over 60 in total — plus certificate programs. It has 10 online bachelor’s degree completion programs, offering upper division courses only, to students with qualified lower division credits. The degree options are:
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (BAS)
- BA in Intelligence Studies (BAIS)
- Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies (BSPS) with custom concentration
- Bachelor of Business Administration: General Concentration (BBA)
- BS Accounting
- BS Birth through Kindergarten – Non-Teaching (BSBK) with optional minors in Sociology, Psychology, or Social Work
- BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ)
- BS Fire and Emergency Services Administration (BS-FESA)
- BS Nursing (RN-BSN)
- BS Psychology
These programs require a minimum of 120 credits each, including transfer credits awarded for lower division courses completed in a qualified associate’s degree program.
- Type: public
- Net price: $5,626
- In-state: $5,183 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $16,791 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 6,226
- #undergrads: 5,393
- Graduation rate: 33%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
4. Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona State College (DSC, est. 1957) is a public institution and a member of the Florida College System. It serves students on a half-dozen campuses, a performing arts center, plus online. For those who visit campus, DSC even has a beach. For several consecutive years, U.S. & World Report ranked them in their top 10 list of online bachelor’s programs. Notable DSC alumni include film composer Richard Gibbs and golfer/Olympian Tiffany Chan.
DSC offers associate’s and bachelor’s level degrees, plus certificate programs — over 100 in total. It has five online bachelor’s degree options, including concentration choices:
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management (BASSM)
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) – with two Concentrations: General or Electrical Engineering
- BS Information Technology (BSIT)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
These are 2+2 (degree completion programs), and as such offer only upper division courses. To qualify for admission, students must first complete qualified lower division credits, typically in the form of a suitable associate’s degree. DSC does offer eight online and one hybrid associate’s of science (AS) degree programs, as well as over a dozen online certificate programs. Because DSC is a member of FloridaShines, students that take one of the online associate’s programs may qualify to complete an online bachelor’s degree at University of Central Florida.
- Type: public
- Net price: $6,064
- In-state: $3,109 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,998 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 13,970
- #undergrads: 13,970
- Graduation rate: 36%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
5. Utah Valley University
Orem, Utah
Utah Valley University (UVU, est. 1941) is a public institution. A member of the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), it serves students on multiple campuses/satellite campuses, plus online. The university enjoys college review list rankings from Forbes Magazine and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Regional Universities West, Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate, Business Programs). Notable UVU alumni include actress Andrea Joy Cook (Criminal Minds).
UVU offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has 13 online bachelor’s degree options, including emphasis choices:
- Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science (BSAS) – Aviation Administration Emphasis
- BSAS – Professional Pilot Emphasis degree completion program (requires AS or AAS in Aviation Science)
- BS Business Management (BSBM) with three Emphasis choices: General Business; Hospitality Management; International Business
- BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ)
- BS Dental Hygiene (BSDH) degree completion program (upper-division courses only; requires AASDH degree)
- BS Emergency Services Administration (BSESA) with two Emphasis choices: Emergency Care; Emergency Management
- BS Family Science (BSFS)
- BS Hospitality Management (BSHM) — with three online track choices: General Operations; Revenue Management; Event Planning
- BS Nursing (RN to BSN) degree completion program (full- or part-time) requiring at least an RN license and the equivalent of an ASN degree
- BS Technology Management (BSTM) – with option for students with a suitable AAS degree
While most of these are full four-year programs by default, some have options to accept qualified associate’s degree holders. Credit requirements are 120, 123 or 126 credits for graduation. In addition, UVU has nearly a dozen online associate’s degrees and a handful of online certificate programs.
- Type: public
- Net price: $6,690
- In-state: $5,652 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $16,066 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 37,282
- #undergrads: 36,868
- Graduation rate: 30%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
6. Indiana University-Northwest
Gary, Indiana
Indiana University-Northwest (IUN, est. 1963) is a public institution and a member of the Indiana University System notable for its business school with an award-winning faculty. The university is notable for its diversity, including approximately 40% of enrolled students being African-American or Hispanic students. A significant percentage of senior-level students balance work with studies. IUN enjoys college review list rankings by U.S. News & World Report in several 2019 categories: Regional Universities Midwest, Business Programs. (Previously: Best Grad Schools).
IUN offers associate’s through master’s level degrees — over 70 in total — plus certificate programs. It has eight online or hybrid bachelor’s degree programs:
- Bachelor of Applied Science interdisciplinary degree completion program (requires AAS degree) with two track options: Health Management or Interdisciplinary (customizable)
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science (BSAHS)
- BS Informatics
- BS Computer Information Systems (BSCIS, hybrid)
- BS Philosophy (hybrid)
- BS Political Science (BSPS, hybrid)
- Registered Nurse to BS Nursing (RN to BSN) degree completion program; in-person clinical components
- BS Labor Studies (BSLS)
- BS Health Information Management (BSHIM)
These programs require a minimum 120 credits for graduation. Two online/hybrid associate’s programs (Labor Studies or History) are available. Alternatives: Working professionals seeking non-credit career training may find other non-degree online courses of interest.
- Type: public
- Net price: $6,736
- In-state: $7,207 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $19,038 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 4,055
- #undergrads: 3,700
- Graduation rate: 28%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
7. University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP, est. 1914) is a public institution and a member of the University of Texas System. A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), its faculty also has one of the highest percentages of Hispanic faculty nationally. Overall, faculty have earned awards in multiple topics, and some programs have been recognized as “innovative.” UTEP President Diana Natalicio earned a spot in Time Magazine’s most influential people list (2016). Several government agencies (NSF, NIH, Dept. of Energy, etc.) provide funding for various research programs, and some of which have recognized UTEP’s model of academic excellence. It has garnered multiple recognitions in the form of college review list rankings from publishers and organizations that include: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (2019: National Universities, Business Programs, Engineering Programs – schools with a doctorate, Best Online Graduate Education Programs, Best Online Graduate Education Programs for Veterans, Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs); Victory Media (Military Friendly School); Washington Monthly (Social Mobility, National Research Universities). Notable UTEP alumni include Academy-Award-winning actor F. Murray Abraham and NBA Hall of Famer Nate Archibald.
UTEP offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has eight online bachelor’s degree programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (BACJ)
- BA Security Studies (BASS)
- BA Organizational and Corporate Communication (BAOCC)
- BA Media Advertising (BAMA)
- BA Chicano Studies (BACS)
- Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (BAAS) degree completion program with multiple dual-concentration choices (requires AAS)
- Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies (BMS) degree completion program
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN Option (degree completion program)
Degree options designated as degree completion programs offer upper division courses only, and typically require a qualified associate’s degree (or equivalent credits) and possibly professional licensing.
- Type: public
- Net price: $6,785
- In-state: $7,851 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $21,596 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 25,078
- #undergrads: 21,341
- Graduation rate: 41%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
8. St Petersburg College
Clearwater, Florida
St Petersburg College (SPC, est. 1927) is a public institution and a member of the Florida College System. It has nearly a dozen locations to serve students, plus online, and offers an open admissions policy to qualified students. An interest-free monthly payment plan option may be available, and the college boasts top entry wages in the state for graduates. Notable SPC alumni include NASA astronaut Nicole Stott.
SPC offers associate’s and bachelor’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has 14 online bachelor’s degree options:
- Bachelor of Applied Science Dental Hygiene (BASDH)
- BAS Health Services Administration (BAS-HSA)
- BAS International Business (BAS-IB)
- BAS Management and Organizational Leadership (BAS-MOL)
- BAS Public Safety Administration (BAS-PSA)
- BAS Sustainability Management (BAS-SM)
- BAS Technology Development and Management (BAS-TDM)
- BAS Veterinary Nursing (BAS-VN)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
- BS Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS)
- BS Elementary Education (BSEE)
- BS Middle Grades General Science Education (BS-MGGSE)
- BS Nursing (RN to BSN) degree completion program (requires RN licensing and appropriate lower division credits)
- BS Educational Studies and Community Leadership (BSESCL) with Preschool specialization
Students without an associate’s degree may be interested in SPC’s 15 online associate’s programs, some of which have in-person components, or the two-dozen online certificate programs. (Through the FUSE program and a partnership with the University of South Florida (USF), students graduating with an associate’s degree get guaranteed admission to USF for a bachelor’s program in over 20 majors.) Dual enrollment and AP (Advanced Placement) online options may be available for high school students. Consult admissions for more information.
- Type: public
- Net price: $7,077
- In-state: $3,352 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,607 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 29,548
- #undergrads: 29,548
- Graduation rate: 29%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
9. West Virginia State University
Institute, West Virginia
West Virginia State University (WVSU, est. 1891) is a public institution and member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). Designated an Historically Black College/University (HBCU), it claims to be the first HBCU in the U.S. with an aviation program, and graduates of that program served in the historic Tuskegee Airmen corps. The university campus is recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a “Tree Campus USA” location. Other recognition includes college rankings from U.S. News & World Report (2019: Historically Black Colleges and Universities, National Liberal Arts Colleges). Notable WVSU alumni include screenwriter/film and music video director Antoine Fuqua (including the Academy-Award winning Training Day).
WVSU offers bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has six online bachelor’s degree programs, including concentration options:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with two concentrations: Accounting or Management
- BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ) with four certificate program options: Generalist, Law Enforcement, Corrections or Investigation
- BS Health Sciences (BSHS)
- Bachelor of Arts in English: Technical Writing (BAE)
- Regents Bachelor of Arts degree completion program for non-traditional students out of high school for 4+ years, offering some credit for qualified work experience
Credit requirements for these programs are a minimum of 120 credits.
- Type: public
- Net price: $7,370
- In-state: $7,546 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $16,550 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 3,879
- #undergrads: 3,755
- Graduation rate: 26%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
10. Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, Idaho
Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYUI, est. 1888) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Church of LDS (Latter Day Saints) and is a member of the Brigham Young University (BYU) System. It integrates faith-based principles with its academic offering to develop “leaders who are disciples of Jesus Christ.” U.S. News & World Report ranked it in a number of its 2019 college review lists, including: Regional Colleges West; Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate). Notable BYUI alumni include illustrator Brandon Dorman (some Goosebumps covers).
BYUI offers 120 associate’s and bachelor’s level degree programs. It has eight online degree programs some with customization options:
- Bachelor of Science Applied Management (BSAM) degree completion program – requires a non-management AAS degree for admission — see site for options
- BS Business Management (BSBM) with emphasis in Entrepreneurial Management
- BS Computer Information Technology (BSCIT)
- BS Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIDS) with options: seven concentrations; 10 minors; or 26 cluster choices
- BS Marriage and Family Studies (BSMFS)
- BS Software Engineering (BSSE)
- BS University Studies (BSUS) with options: 10 minors or 25 cluster choices
- BS Web Design and Development (BSWDD)
These programs require a minimum 120 credits for graduation, and some programs may have minimal in-person presence requirements. Online dual-credit options for qualified high school students may also be available.
- Type: private, nonprofit
- Net price: $7,727
- In-state: $4,018 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $4,018 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 51,881
- #undergrads: 51,881
- Graduation rate: 59%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
11. Kent State University at Geauga
Burton, Ohio
Kent State University at Geauga (KSUG, est. 1964) is a public institution and a member of the Kent State University System. Students are served on this campus, an academic center, and online (operating out of a LEED-certified building at the center). Kent State collectively enjoys college rankings from Washington Monthly and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Top Public Schools, National Universities, Business Programs), amongst others. Kent State collectively has a very long list of notable alumni (not necessarily at Geauga) that includes entertainers such as Steve Harvey, Drew Carey (Price is Right), and boxing promoter Don King.
KSUG offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has eight online degree options, including concentration choices:
- Bachelor of Science in Insurance Studies (BSIS)
- Nursing for Registered Nurses (BSN) degree completion program (upper year courses only) — requires RN license and diploma or associate’s degree in nursing – part- and full-time tracks
- BS Public Health (BSPH) with five concentrations (Allied Health, Clinical Trials Research, Community-Based Public Health, Health Promotion and Education, Health Services Administration — more choices on-campus). Dual-degree BSPH/MPH option available
- BS Respiratory Care (BSRC)
Requirements for graduation include completion of at least 120 credits. Students in some programs may be able to start their bachelor’s degree at Kent State Geauga and complete it the main Kent State campus, which has additional majors available that are fully or partially online.
- Type: public
- Net price: $7,771
- In-state: $5,664 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $14,196 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 2,249
- #undergrads: 2,247
- Graduation rate: 30%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
12. Indiana University-Kokomo
Kokomo, Indiana
Indiana University-Kokomo (IUK, est. 1945) is a public institution and a member of the Indiana University System. In addition to having award-winning faculty for excellence in teaching, excellence in leadership and other categories, IUK ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 college review lists for Best Regional Campuses – Midwest and Business Programs, and previously in Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools list.
IUK offers associate’s through master’s level degrees — around 60 in total — plus certificate programs. It has six 100% online bachelor’s programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Science (BSAS) with two track options: Community Health Educator; Health Administration
- BS Applied Health Science (BSAHS) with same two track options
- Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) with multidisciplinary learning areas: arts and humanities; science and mathematics; and social and behavioral sciences
- BS Nursing – RN to BSN track (BSN) degree completion program with online or hybrid track option
- BS Informatics (BSI) – joint offering between multiple IU campuses
- BS Medical Imaging Technology (BSMIT) degree completion program — requires ARRT or related certification, plus qualified previous college credits
Note: some of these programs offer a part-time study option. Students require a minimum 120 credits for graduation.
- Type: public
- Net price: $7,935
- In-state: $7,207 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $19,038 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 3,029
- #undergrads: 2,876
- Graduation rate: 39%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
13. Indiana University-East
Richmond, Indiana
Indiana University-East (IUE, est. 1971) is a public institution and a member of the Indiana University System. It serves students living in a region straddling part of Indiana and Ohio, as well as online. Some of the numerous study-abroad programs available at IUE may be open to students in select online degree programs. The university’s academic offering is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in their 2019 Regional Universities Midwest college review list.
IUE offers bachelor’s and master’s level degrees and certificate programs in over 60 areas of study. It has 20 online bachelor’s degree options, including concentration choices — all but one of which are degree completion programs offering only upper division courses. The degree options are:
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science (BSAHS) – requires AS, AA or 30 equivalent credits
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) with Health Care or Individualized track options – requires qualified AAS degree
- BS Business Administration (BSBA) with six optional concentration choices: Accounting; Computer Information Systems; Economics; Entrepreneurship; Finance; Marketing
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (BACS)
- BS Communication Studies (BSCS)
- BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ)
- BA English, Technical and Professional Writing (BA-ETPW)
- Bachelor of General Studies (BGS, completion or 4-year tracks) with three concentration options: Arts and Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Natural Science and Mathematics
- BS Informatics with specialization choices
- BS Mathematics with customization options
- BA Natural Science and Mathematics (BANSM) with Mathematics Concentration)
- BS Nursing, RN to BSN Mobility Option (BSN)
- BS Political Science (BSPS)
- BS Psychology
These programs require at least 120 credits for graduation, including transfer credits from previously-completed college studies.
- Type: public
- Net price: $7,971
- In-state: $7,207 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $19,038 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 3,490
- #undergrads: 3,292
- Graduation rate: 36%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
14. Baptist College of Florida
Graceville, Florida
Baptist College of Florida (BCF, est. 1943) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Florida Baptist Convention. It integrates Christian principles into its academic offering, including online programs — which U.S. News & World Report ranked in their 2019 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs college review list.
BCF offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has 18 online bachelor’s programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (BABS)
- BA Business Leadership (BABL)
- BA Christian Studies (BACS) degree completion program – requires qualified AA degree
- BA Education Studies (BAES)
- BA Elementary Education (BAEE)
- BA English
- BA English Secondary Education (BAESE), grades 6-12, public or private schools
- BA History/Social Studies (BAHSS)
- BA History/Social Studies Secondary Education (BAHSSSE), grades 6-12, public or private schools
- BA Leadership/Christian Education (BALCE)
- BA Ministry
- BA Ministry Studies (BAMS)
- BA Missions
- BA Missions with a Concentration in Aviation
- BA Music
- BA Psychology
- Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Worship Leadership (BMCWL)
- Bachelor of Music Education (BME)
These programs require a minimum of 120, 123, 124 or 129 credits for graduation, including any qualified transfer credits, possibly in the form of an associate’s degree.
- Type: private, nonprofit
- Net price: $8,183
- In-state: $11,100 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,100 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 426
- #undergrads: 405
- Graduation rate: 47%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
15. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, Oklahoma
Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU, est. 1909) is a public institution with award-winning faculty (outstanding educators). Diverse: Issues In Higher Education magazine recently ranked the university as a top producer of Native American graduates, while U.S. News & World Report ranked it in their 2019 best colleges lists for the categories of Regional Universities West and Business Programs. Notable SOSU alumni include singer/actress Reba McEntire.
SOSU offers bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has nine online bachelor’s degree options, including concentration or transfer choices:
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Organizational and Strategic Communication emphasis (BAC)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in General Business
- BBA in Hospitality Management
- BBA in Management
- BBA in Management (Minor Required – designed for transfer students)
- BBA in Marketing
- BBA in Marketing (Minor Required – designed for transfer students)
- Bachelor of Science in Liberal and Applied Studies (BSLAS) – for students with previous college credits
- BS in Occupational Safety and Health (BSOSH)
These bachelor’s programs have a minimum requirement of 124 credits for graduation.
- Type: public
- Net price: $8,289
- In-state: $6,750 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,390 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 4,006
- #undergrads: 3,122
- Graduation rate: 27%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
16. Indiana University-South Bend
South Bend, Indiana
Indiana University-South Bend (IUSB, est. 1916) is a public institution and a member of the Indiana University System. Recent enrollment figures show the female students outnumber male students 61% to 39%. The university enjoys recognition in the form of college review list rankings from U.S. News & World Report (2019: Regional Universities Midwest, Business Programs) and Princeton Review (outstanding business schools). Notable IUSB alumni include science fiction author Michael McDowell.
IUSB offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. Of the over 100 undergrad degree programs, five are online bachelor’s degree options:
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science (BSAHS) degree completion program (requires at least 30 qualified college credits)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree completion program (requires AAS degree) with three track options: Healthcare; Sustainability Studies; Individualized
- BS Informatics (BSI)
- BS Medical Imaging Technology (BSMIT) degree completion program (requires ARRT or related certification, plus qualified college credits)
- BS Nursing – RN to BSN degree completion program (requires RN licensing and qualified nursing credits, such as from an associate’s degree in nursing
These programs require a minimum 120 credits for graduation.
- Type: public
- Net price: $8,331
- In-state: $7,207 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $19,038 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 5,385
- #undergrads: 4,876
- Graduation rate: 29%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
17. University of Hawaii-West Oahu
Kapolei, Hawaii
University of Hawaii-West Oahu (UHWO, est. 1976) is a public institution and a member of the University of Hawaii System. Nearly half of available classes offered at the university are online or hybrid in delivery. Enrollment increases over a decade have recently put UHWO at the top of the fastest growing colleges/universities list for the United States. Its academic offering has earned it positions on two 2019 college review lists published by U.S. News & World Report (Regional Colleges West, Top Public Schools), and it previously earned the designation of Military Friendly Schools from Victory Media.
UHWO offers bachelor’s degree programs. It has 11 online or hybrid bachelor’s degree options, including concentration choices. Lower division courses are in-person, and some distance courses are delivered via Interactive Television. The degree options are:
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA) with four concentration options (Accounting; General Business Administration; Hospitality and Tourism; Marketing)
- BA in Public Administration (BAPA) with four concentration options (General Public Administration; Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management; Health Care Administration; Justice Administration)
- BA in Social Sciences with Early Childhood Education concentration (BASS-ECE)
- BASS with Political Science concentration (BASS-PS)
- BASS with Psychology concentration (BASS-P)
Note: fully online courses are only accessible to residents of Hawai’i at present. The university is part of an Early College High School Program Consortium that provides qualified high school students the opportunity to earn 15 free credits — some of which may be online.
- Type: public
- Net price: $8,571
- In-state: $7,440 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $20,400 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 3,082
- #undergrads: 3,082
- Graduation rate: 39%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
18. University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, Texas
University of Houston-Downtown (UHD, est. 1974) is a public, Hispanic-Serving Institution, and a member of the University of Houston System. It is also designated a “minority-serving institution,” due to the overall diversity of its student population. According to the Student Loan Report, UHD has one of the lowest average student loan debt per graduate (in dollars) in the state (#14 statewide in the 2018 ranking). Other rankings UHD has earned include from Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2018), U.S. News & World Report (2019: Regional Universities West, Business Programs, Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs), and Washington Monthly. Notable UHD alumni include boxer Juan Díaz.
UHD offers bachelor’s and master’s level degrees — over 50 in total — plus certificate programs. It has 15 online bachelor’s degree completion programs (upper division courses only):
- Bachelor of Arts in Humanities
- Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication (BSTC)
- BS Psychology
- Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Criminal Justice (BAAS-CJ)
- BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ)
- Bachelor of Business Administration with Finance concentration
- BBA General Business concentration
- BBA Insurance and Risk Management concentration
- BBA International Business concentration
- BBA Management concentration
- BBA Management Information Systems (MIS) concentration
- BBA Marketing concentration
- BBA Supply Chain Management (SCM) concentration
- Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Applied Administration (BAAS-AA)
- BS Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS)
Students taking any of these online programs have access to both on-campus and online student services. Note: lower-division course can be completed outside of UHD, including at other universities and community colleges.
- Type: public
- Net price: $8,766
- In-state: $6,470 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $16,430 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 13,919
- #undergrads: 12,407
- Graduation rate: 21%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
19. Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Northeastern State University (NSU, est. 1909) is a public institution and a member of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. The oldest college/university in the state, it serves students at three locations, plus online. While originally founded as Cherokee National Female Seminary (1846), it is not a tribal college but does have the distinction of having either the largest or one of the largest (depending on year) numbers of Native American students in a U.S. public college/university. The university’s academic offering earned it rankings on several 2019 college review lists by U.S. News & World Report: Regional Universities West, Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online Graduate Programs – various topics). Notable NSU alumni include singer and Americal Idol (reality TV show) winner Carrie Underwood.
NSU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs — over 60 majors across 80+ programs. It has five online bachelor’s degree options, including concentration choices:
- Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree completion program for adult students (minimum 50 completed credits)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in Health Organizations Administration (HOA)
- BBA Hospitality and Tourism Management concentration (HTM) – with option of 4-year or 2+2 degree completion tracks
- Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (BSOL)
- BS Nursing (BSN) – RN to BSN degree completion program (30 credits of 124; requires RN licensing)
Graduation requirements include a minimum of 124 credits completed. Some of these are designed for adult students and as such have age or other restrictions. Check the Web site or contact the NSU admissions department for more information. Note that the university’s overall online course offering means that additional bachelor’s degrees may be available in hybrid format.
- Type: public
- Net price: $8,833
- In-state: $6,327 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $14,022 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 7,909
- #undergrads: 6,828
- Graduation rate: 32%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
20. Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Alexandria, Louisiana
Louisiana State University-Alexandria (LSUA, est. 1959) is a public institution and a member of the Louisiana State University System. LSUA has earned a number of accolades including being Military Friendly (Victory Media) and a Tree Campus USA. U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) also recognizes the university in their National Liberal Arts Colleges category of their 2019 Best Colleges lists. In previous years, other USNWR categories include: lightest debt load upon graduation (#2 2014); top ten least expensive universities, etc.
LSUA offers associate’s and bachelor’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has nine online bachelor’s degree options:
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of General Studies (BGS): Psychology
- BGS: Disaster Science and Emergency Management
- BS Business Administration (BSBA)
- BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ)
- BS Elder Care Administration (BSECA) degree completion (consists of 81 of 121 credits)
- BS Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) degree completion (CLT/MLT to MLS, consists of 64 of 120 credits)
- BS Nursing – RN to BSN degree completion (consists of 30 of 120 credits requires RN licensing)
These programs have a minimum requirement of 120 or 121 credits for graduation. Timeline for completion varies by program, as well as by student selections. Clinical/practicum credits require in-person presence, making some of these hybrid programs.
- Type: public
- Net price: $8,853
- In-state: $6,669 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $14,024 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 3,372
- #undergrads: 3,372
- Graduation rate: 26%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
21. Peirce College
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Peirce College (Pierce, est. 1865) is a private, nonprofit institution that caters to working adults — something that U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) confirmed in a past college review list in the category of “most older students.” The college is one of the first in the U.S. to offer a fully online degree, going back to 2000. Their online programs collectively have earned Pierce repeated ranking in USNWR’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs college review list in multiple years including 2019, and in the subcategory for veterans in other years. (Also for 2019: Best Colleges – Regional Colleges North). Notable Pierce alumni include assassinated dictator/President Anastasio Somoza (Nicaragua).
Pierce offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has 15 online bachelor’s degree options, including concentration choices:
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSA)
- BS Business Administration (BSBA) with two optional concentrations: General, Management, Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management
- BS Human Resource Management (BS-HRM)
- BS Organizational Leadership (BSOL) degree completion (requires a minimum 45 prior qualified credits)
- BS Health Information Administration (BS-HIA)
- BS Health Information Technology (BS-HIT)
- BS Healthcare Administration (BSHA)
- BS Information Technology (BSIT) with two concentrations: Networking, Administration, and Security; Programming and Application Development
- BS Technology Management (BSTM) degree completion (requires at least 45 prior qualified credits
- BS Criminal Justice Studies (BSCJ) with five focus options (Correctional System, Criminal Investigation, Introduction to Private Security, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement)
- BS Legal Studies in Business (BS-LSB) degree completion (requires 45+ completed credits for admission)
- BS Paralegal Studies (BSPS)
All of these programs require at least 121 credits, with some being degree completion programs needing fewer credits. Completion timeline varies by program.
- Type: private, nonprofit
- Net price: $8,932
- In-state: $15,060 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $15,060 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 1,478
- #undergrads: 1,389
- Graduation rate: 21%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
22. Central Christian College of Kansas
McPherson, Kansas
Central Christian College of Kansas (CCCK, est. 1884) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Free Methodist Church (Wesleyan tradition). It serves its students with a “Christ-centered education” but welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. U.S. News & World Report recognized the CCCK’s academic offering with a ranking in their 2019 Best Colleges: Regional Colleges Midwest review list.
CCCK offers associate’s and bachelor’s level degree programs in over 40 areas of study. It has seven 100% online bachelor’s degree options:
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration (BSHA)
- BS Business – Organizational Leadership (BSB-OL)
- BS Psychology
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with three concentration options (Accounting, Human Resource Management, Management)
- BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ)
Online courses are six weeks in length and 100% online (and asynchronous), with multiple start dates available. Alternatives: online Associate of Arts (AA, six tracks); online AA in Criminal Justice. Classes are “taught in a manner conducive to learning for adults, creating an atmosphere of shared family, career and age interests for adult learners.”
- Type: private, nonprofit
- Net price: $8,986
- In-state: $17,240 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $17,240 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 865
- #undergrads: 865
- Graduation rate: 22%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
23. University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF, est. 1917) is a public institution and a member of the University of Alaska System. It enjoys rankings in college review lists published by Forbes, Washington Monthly and U.S. News & World Report (2019: Best Online Bachelor’s Programs , Top Public Schools, National Universities, Business Programs, Engineering Programs – schools with a doctorate, and others). Notable UAF alumni include Academy-Award-winning visual effects specialist Ben Grossmann (“Hugo”).
UAF offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has nine online bachelor’s degrees (excluding concentration choices), some of which are degree completion programs offering only upper division courses to students with suitable lower division credits:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with four concentrations (General Business, Leadership, Marketing, Sport Management) and six minors — students choose two concentrations or one plus electives
- Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) – suitable for both new college students and those with previous credits
- Bachelor of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (BHSEM) with 14 concentration options across four categories — students choose one or two, depending on category
- Bachelor of Arts in Justice
- BA Psychology
- Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Business (BSRB) with two concentration options (Sport Management, Recreation Management)
- Bachelor’s Degree Completion – BA, BS, BAAS (130 credits – requires 100 completed credits for admission)
The majority of the above programs require a minimum of 120 credits for completion, with the exception of the last one (130). Alternatives: UAF also has five online associate’s degrees, including a general Associate of Arts (AA), which can later be transferred to a bachelor’s degree, including at other universities.
- Type: public
- Net price: $9,010
- In-state: $6,262 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $19,183 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 7,664
- #undergrads: 6,639
- Graduation rate: 30%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
24. Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, Missouri
Missouri Southern State University (MOSO, est. 1937) is a public institution that claims to have the lowest tuition rates in the state. In addition, according to U.S. News & World Report (USNWR), the university also has one of the lowest (top 10) out-of-state tuition rates nationally. Other recognition: USNWR (2019 Best Colleges list in the category of Regional Colleges Midwest); Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2018-19). Notable MSSU alumni include actor Dennis Weaver (deceased, “Gunsmoke”).
MOSO offers associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. Of the 130 bachelor’s programs, 10 options are available online, with most being degree completion programs (DCP):
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) – DCP (requires associate’s degree) – with multiple study options
- Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) – DCP; inter-disciplinary; General or Directed tracks
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with six Emphasis areas and six minor choices
- BS Criminal Justice Administration (BSCJA)
- BS Environmental Health and Safety (BSEHS) – DCP
- BS Health Science (BSHS) -Business/Life-Health Science – DCP for students with some credits in a non-health background
- BSHS – Dental Hygiene – DCP (requires associate’s degree)
- BSHS – Respiratory Therapy – DCP (requires associate’s degree)
- BSHS – Radiology – DCP (requires associate’s degree and professional licensing)
- BSHS – Paramedic Program – DCP (requires associate’s degree)
Requirements for graduation include either 120 or 124 credits. However, as these are mostly DCPs, actual credits taken and the timeline to graduation will vary by program.
- Type: public
- Net price: $9,018
- In-state: $6,067 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $11,568 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 6,174
- #undergrads: 6,021
- Graduation rate: 33%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
25. University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
University of Missouri-St Louis (UMSL, est. 1960) is a public institution and a member of the University of Missouri System. Its diverse student population has earned it recognition from INSIGHTS into Diversity, which awarded the university a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award in multiple years. Its academic offering has awards from many publishers/organizations, including: Forbes Magazine (America’s Best Colleges); Business Insider; Military Times (Best for Vets: Colleges, most military-friendly four-year universities); Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report (2019: Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Top Public Schools, National Universities); Washington Monthly (Best Colleges for Student Voting 2018). Notable UMSL alumni include rapper Prince Ea.
UMSL offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has 11 online or blended (or both) bachelor’s degree options:
- Business Administration (BSBA, online or blended)
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication (online or blended)
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (BSCCJ, online or blended)
- BA History (online)
- Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS, online or blended) with multiple Emphasis options (Business, Communications, Psychology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Health Communication Certificate
- BS Nursing – RN to BSN (online) degree completion (requires RN licensing and a nursing diploma or associate’s degree — takes 30-credits for completion)
- BA Political Science (BAPS, online)
- BS Information Systems (BSIS, blended)
- BA Philosophy (blended)
- BA Psychology (blended)
- BS Psychology (blended)
Most of these programs require a minimum of 120 credits completed for graduation, with some requiring less.
- Type: public
- Net price: $9,150
- In-state: $9,590 (tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $25,505 (tuition+fees)
- #students: 16,715
- #undergrads: 13,787
- Graduation rate: 56%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
By AS Staff
April 2019
The Best Colleges
The Lowest Costs
The Highest Returns