25 Online Public Bachelor’s Colleges with the Least Four-Year Tuition Change

Washington State University (WSU) had an overall drop of $1286 for tuition, from AY2013-14 through AY2016-17. WSU enjoys a number of ranking awards, including from Forbes and U.S. News & World Report (USNWR). The latter’s rankings includes general and topical awards for writing, business schools, international business, online graduate business and engineering, best online bachelor’s programs, etc. Other kudos: top ranked by Campus Pride (2017) for both the safety and inclusion of LGBT students; most productive researchers (Academic Analytics); tops in communications research (Communication Institute for Online Scholarship) and more.

WSU, established in 1890, is based in Pullman, Washington, and is a top doctoral research university. It awards bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, as well as a range of certificates, and has over 600 study abroad programs in several dozen countries. Over 200 undergrad fields are offered, and of these, there are 12 online bachelor’s degree programs: BA Accounting; BA Criminal Justice; BS Data Analytics; BS Economics; BA Hospitality Business Management; BA Human Development; BA Humanities; BS Integrated Strategic Communication; BA Management; BA Management Information Systems; BA Social Sciences; BS Psychology. Students have access to nearly 700 thousand ebooks through WSU libraries.

Central Washington University (CWU) tuition dropped $1257 between AY2013-14 and AY2016-17, inclusive. The Economist ranked CWU tops in the state for economic value to students, while Campus Pride ranked it a top 50 LGBT-friendly school in the country, and Minority Access Inc designated it “national role model” for student diversity commitment. Additional awards come from: Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (2015); state Veteran Affairs (Veteran Supportive Campus), amongst others.

CWU, established 1891, is based in Ellensburg, Washington. It offers over 135 undergrad majors and 32 master’s programs. Twelve online bachelor’s programs are available: BS Aviation Management; BS Business Administration; BS Information Technology and Administrative Management; BA English: Professional and Creative Writing; BAS Information Technology and Administrative Management; BS Interdisciplinary Studies – Social Sciences; BA Law and Justice; BS Public Health; BS Social Services; BA Sociology; BS Paramedicine; BA Psychology. Notes: (1) Paramedicine program has some on-campus requirements; (2) Online tuition may differ from on-campus; (3) In-state residents are eligible for up to eight free undergrad credits with 10 paid credits.

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA, est. 1923) tuition has dropped $696 in the period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. The average financial aid package per student is over $12K per year. The school is named after a Texas state hero sometimes referred to as the “father of Texas.” The university has earned numerous topical rankings from various independent college review publishers, including for business administration, public administration, special education, early childhood education, family and consumer studies and others.

SFA’s campus, based in Nacogdoches, Texas, is surrounded by well over a dozen bodies of water — worth a visit for nature lovers and those who like to get to know a campus, even if studying online. For academics, there are over 120 degree programs — including major, minor and concentration options — from bachelor’s through doctorate levels. Of the 80 undergrad programs, six are online bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS, completion program) with three Concentration options (Early Childhood-6 Teacher Certification, Middle Level Grades 4-8 Teacher Certification, Special Education Teacher Certification); Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in General Business; BS Human Sciences with an Emphasis in Human Development and Family Studies; BS Nursing (completion).

Valdosta State University (VSU, est. 1913) tuition experienced a decline of $587 over the period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. Students who are resident to Alabama or South Carolina get the same in-state tuition as Florida students. U.S. News & World Report ranked VSU for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (2016) and Best Online Graduate Programs (2016, 2017 – Education and MBA). Depending on program selected, undergrad students might enjoy “unique experiences” such as conducting research in the Florida Keys.

VSU, which is based in Valdosta, Georgia, is a member of the University System of Georgia. It offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus a range of certificate programs. Of the 50 academic programs that are online (all levels), 12 are online bachelor’s degree programs, including Track options: Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice (BSCJ); Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Emergent Media and Communication; Bachelor of Arts (BA) French with two Track options (Language and Culture, World Languages and Cultures); Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Human Capital Performance; BA Legal Assistant Studies; Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Management; BS Office Administration and Technology; BS Organizational Leadership; BS Psychology; BA Spanish with two Track options (Language and Culture, World Languages and Cultures). Programs require 120 credits or more for graduation. Students should ask an advisor about VSU’s SmartPath Core online course options, which accelerates program completion.

New Mexico State University (NMSU, est. 1888) in-state tuition decline $126 in the period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. NMSU, the oldest college/ university in the state, is based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and the main campus in the system (five total), with a dozen research and science centers supplementing student learning through distance education. The National Science Foundation (NSF) designated it #1 in the country for science and engineering funding, and the Brookings Institution scored it #2 for “research and improving lives.” The university has also ranked in several college review lists, including from Forbes (tops in research – overall and South), Washington Monthly (top National Universities), U.S. News & World Report (best graduate schools – eduction), Victory Media (Military Friendly School) and others.

NMSU offers associate’s through doctorate level degree programs, plus certificates. It has three 100%-online 2+2 bachelor’s degrees (Bachelor of Arts Sociology, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) General Business, BBA Marketing) that have the first two years at NMSU Alamogordo Community College and the second two years at NSMU Las Cruces. It also offers six online bachelor’s degree completion programs (2nd two years): Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Gender and Sexuality Studies, Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology, BS Elementary Education, BS Family and Consumer Sciences. Note: the majority of General Education courses required for most of the NMSU bachelor’s programs (traditional or online) are available online.

Texas Woman’s University (TWU, est. 1901) in-state tuition declined $101 in the period Y2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. TWU, based in Denton, Texas, is a top-5 institution in country for diversity. It also attracts transfer students, who make up over 50% of all new undergrads. This main campus is supplemented by two more, in Dallas and Houston, plus their E-Learning campus. Note: while TWU is the largest American university *primarily* for women, it is co-ed, with the first male students admitted in 1972.

TWU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Undergrad students can choose from over 100 programs, including 13 fully online or hybrid bachelor’s degrees (or completion programs): Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) Business; Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ); BS RDH-BSDH Dental Hygiene; Bachelor of General Studies (BGS); BAAS Health Sciences; Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BAS) Health Studies; Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with four Concentrations (Accounting, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing); BS Sociology; BS RN-BS Nursing (completion).

Mayville State University (MSU, est. 1889) in-state tuition dropped $99 in the period Y2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. Based in Mayville, North Dakota, MSU is part of the North Dakota University System. Some of the recognition it has received including rankings from U.S. News &
World Report (Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; top three Public Regional Colleges in the Midwest, Top 10 Schools with the Lowest Out-Of-State Tuition), Princeton Review (Nest in the Midwest), and others.

MSU offers associate’s through master’s level degree programs. Of these, there are nine online bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood (BAEC); Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Business Administration (BS is hybrid; completion); Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) with three majors (Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Mathematics Education); BS Mathematics (BSM); BS Nursing (RN to BSN, completion); Bachelor of University Studies (BUS). Note: programs marked “completion” require a suitable associate’s degree. Some programs combine online and IVN (Interactive Video Network) courses. Graduation from these programs requires at least 120 credits earned.

Indian River State College (IRSC, est. 1959) in-state tuition stayed at the same rate for period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. IRSC, based in Fort Pierce, Florida, is a member of the Florida College System and also participates in the FloridaShines program, which provides students additional online course and degree opportunities. The college is not only one of the least expensive by in-state tuition in the country for several years, it is also one of three finalists for the 2017 Aspen Prize (for community college excellence), selected from over a thousand community and state colleges.

IRSC offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, plus certificates. Of these, there are nine online bachelor’s degree options: Bachelor of Science Business Administration (BSBA, completion); BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ, completion); BS Exceptional Student Education (BSESE) with ESOL Endorsement Specialization; BS Information Technology Management/ Cyber Security (BSIT, completion); BS Education (BSE, completion) with Middle Grades Mathematics Specialization; BS Nursing (RN to BSN completion program); Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Organizational Management (completion); Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration (completion) with two Concentration options (Emergency Planning and Management, Public Policy and Leadership). Note that students should expect one or more proctored tests for each online course.

University of Southern Maine (USM, est. 1878) is one of two institutions on this list having no change in in-state tuition over four years (AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive). USM, based in Portland, Maine, and a member of the University of Maine System, offered up $11M in scholarships in the last academic year. Students are served on three campuses plus online.

USM offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, and a selection of certificate programs. Of the nearly 50 undergrad majors (and 80 minors), there are seven online bachelor’s degrees available: Bachelor of Science Applied Technical Leadership (BSATL); BS Business Administration (BSBA), General Management, Generalist Track; Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BAC); BS Leadership and Organizational Studies (BSLOS), with optiona Integrative Professional Studies Track (IPS); BA Liberal Studies (BALS), Humanities Track; BA Social and Behavioral Sciences (BASBS). Students also have three online undergrad minors to choose from, which can be combine with either on-campus or online bachelor’s degrees: Business Administration; Communication and Media Studies; Leadership Studies. Three undergrad online certificate programs are also available: Gerontology, Leadership Studies and Creative Leadership and Global Strategy. Note: graduation from the above degree programs requires a minimum of 120 credits, depending on the major selected.

University of West Florida (UWF, est. 1963) in-state tuition increased $3 in the period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. UWF, based in Pensacola, Florida, is part of the State University System of Florida. It has received numerous rankings from various college review publishers, including: Princeton Review; Bizjournals; Victory Media; Military Times; U.S. Veterans Magazine; Money Magazine; Latino Leaders Magazine; Center for Online Education; INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine; Washington Monthly; U.S. News & World Report and others. Additional college ranking categories include best regional (southeastern), top online, best public, military friendly, best for vets, most affordable, top diversity, best value, green colleges and more.

UWF offers over 70 degree programs, from associate’s through doctorate level, plus graduate certificate programs. Undergrads can choose from 10 online bachelor’s degree options: Bachelor of Science in Building Construction (BSBC); BS Workforce and Program Development (BSWPD); BS Engineering Technology (BSET) – Information Engineering Technology; Bachelor of Arts Exceptional Student Education (BAESE); BS Health Sciences (BSHS) with three Concentration options (General, Healthcare Administration, Public Health); BS Information Technology (BSIT) – Network Systems Operations; BA Maritime Studies (BAMS); BS Nursing: RN-BSN (BSN, completion). Qualified undergrad students can also combine non-online UWF courses/ degrees with fully online programs and courses (600+) from other Florida universities or state colleges through the FloridaShines program. Graduation requires at least 120 credits.

California State University-East Bay (CSUEB, est. 1957) in-state tuition increased $14 in the period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. CSUEB, based in Hayward, California, is part of the California State University System. Students are served at two other campuses besides this main campus, plus online. College ranking awards include those from: Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine (Top Producers of Minority STEM Graduates – topical, Top Producers of Asian American Graduates – topical); U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Bachelor’s Programs – Business Administration, Best Colleges – Regional West and ethnic diversity); Wall Street Journal (Top 10 Colleges West – Diversity); Princeton Review (Best in the West; Best Business Schools); Payscale.com (Best Schools by Salary Potential – Computer Science); Nerdwallet (Best U.S. College for Business Majors) and others.

CSUEB offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. Undergrads can choose from five online bachelor’s programs plus track options: Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies (BAES) with two options (Asian American Studies, Genders and Sexualities in Communities of Color); BA Human Development (BAHD) with three options (Adult Development and Gerontology, Women’s Development, Early Childhood Development); Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA); BS Hospitality and Tourism (BSHT); BS Recreation (BSR). Graduation from these programs requires at least 180 quarter credits, and some may require previously earned credits.

Florida Atlantic University (FAU, est. 1961) in-state tuition increased $41 in the period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. FAU, which is based in Boca Raton, Florida, is part of the State University System of Florida and has been designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). FAU has earned ranking positions in college review lists from publishers such as: U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Graduate Programs, Best Graduate Schools – Master and Doctor of Nursing programs); Bloomberg Businessweek (top Public Universities, to part-time MBA programs – South Florda); Princeton Review (Best Business Schools); Victory Media (Military Friendly School); Military Times (Best for Vets).

FAU offers over 170 degree programs from associate’s through doctorate levels, as well as a selection of certificate programs. Undergrads can choose from nine online bachelor’s degree options, including concentrations: Bachelor of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS); Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with three Major options (Accounting, Management (Concentration: Leadership and Applied Managerial Skills), or Marketing (General)) and one Minor (Hospitality and Tourism Management) — online for upper division classes only; Bachelor of Science Computer Science (BSCS); BA Criminal Justice (BACJ); BA Geography (BAG); Bachelor of Public Safety Administration (BPSA); BS Nursing – RN to BSN (completion – requires associate’s degree). Students can also choose from six online minors (Anthropology, Political Science, Geography, Geographic Information Science, Criminal Justice, Hospitality Management), which can be combined with on-campus or online bachelor’s degree programs. Graduation from a FAU bachelor’s program requires at least 120 credits.

University of Central Florida (UCF, est. 1963) in-state tuition increased $51 in the period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. UCF, based in Orlando, Florida, is a member of the State University System of Florida. UCF has earned numerous awards in the form of college rankings. U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) alone ranked 22 grad programs in the top 100 for their 2018 lists, including seven in engineering, plus Best Colleges 2018, and the list’s subcategories of Most Innovative, Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online Graduate Programs (Criminal Justice and Nursing), Best Colleges – Public, and a number of topical rankings. Other ranking list publisher awards: Forbes magazine (America’s Best Value Colleges 2017, Top Colleges, Public Colleges, Research Universities); Princeton (Best Values 2014, #2 Video Game School 2017, Green Colleges 2014); Kiplinger (Top 100 Best Values 2013 – Public); Victory Media (Military Friendly School) and several others.

UCF offers associate’s through doctorate degrees as well as select certificate programs. Of the over 80 online degree and certificates, 25 are online bachelor’s options: Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (BAA); Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS, completion – requires Associate in Science degree) with five Specializations (Criminal Justice, Health Services Administration, Information Technology, Legal Studies, Software Development); BA Communication and Conflict (BACC); BA or Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice (BACJ, BSCJ); BA English (BAE) with three concentrations (Creative Writing, Literature, Technical Communication); BS Health Informatics and Information Management (BSHIIM); BS Health Services Administration (BSHSA); BA History (BAH); BA or BS Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS or BSIS); BA International and Global Studies (BAIGS); BA Latin American Studies (BALAS); BA or BS Legal Studies (BALS or BSLS); BS Nursing – RN to BSN (completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing); BA Political Science (BAPS); BS Psychology (BSP); BA Religion and Cultural Studies (BARCS); BS Social Sciences (BSSS); BA Sociology (BAS); BS Technical Education and Industry Training (BSTEIT). Students can also choose from 30+ online minors and five online bachelor-level certificate programs.

Florida International University (FIU, est. 1965) in-state tuition increased $60 in the period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. FIU, based in Miami, Florida, is a member of the State University System of Florida. FIU, based in Miami, Florida, is #1 in the USA in terms of number of bachelor’s and master’s degrees awarded to Hispanic students. Ranking awards earned include those from: U.S. News & World Report (2017 Best Online Programs, Best Graduate Programs 2017 – online MBA, Best Grad Schools 2018 – Part-Time MBA, Top Online Bachelor’s Programs 2012); Fulbright (U.S. Scholar Top Producer 2015-2016) and others.

FIU offers over 190 degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral), plus certificate programs. Undergrads can choose from 32 online bachelor’s degree options (including tracks /concentrations). A few of these include: BA Asian Studies (BAAS); BA Communication Arts (BACA) – Organizational Communication Studies; BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ); BS Early Childhood Education (BSECE) – Early Childhood Development Track; Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with six Concentration options (Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing); Bachelor of Health Services Administration (BSHA); BS Hospitality Management (BSHM) with five Track options (General, Event Management, Hotel Lodging Management, Restaurant and Food Service Management, Travel and Tourism Management). Additional majors include International Relations, Information Technology, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Sustainability and the Environment and several more. Additional options include 17 online minors and a couple of combined bachelor’s/ masters “4+1” online options.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW, est. 1868) in-state tuition increased $72 in the period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. UWW, based in Whitewater, Wisconsin, is a member of the University of Wisconsin System. College ranking awards it has earned include those from: Military Times (Best for Vets 2016, 2017); Princeton Review (Best 296 Business Schools 2015); U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Programs – MBA 2016, 2017) and others.

UWW offers associate’s through doctorate level degree programs. Eight online bachelor’s degree options are available: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with two Major options (General Business, Marketing);Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Liberal Studies (BALS or BSLS); BA or BS Political Science (BAPS or BSPS – requires a Minor); Law Enforcement Bachelor’s (completion – requires associate’s degree); Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) – Early Childhood Education (ECE4U, hybrid, completion). Graduation from any of these requires a minimum of 120 credits.

Miami Dade College (MDC, est. 1959) in-state tuition increased $92 in the period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. The college claims over 90% of undergrads graduate debt-free. MDC, based in Miami, Florida, is a member of the Florida College System. In terms of student enrollment, MDC is tops in the state and country for most undergrad minority students (including most Hispanic undergrads).

MDC offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and a selection of certificates. Five available online bachelor’s degrees are as follows: Bachelor of Science Information Systems Technology (BSIST, some in-person components); BS Nursing – RN to BSN (completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing); Bachelor of Applied Science Public Safety Management (BASPSM); BAS Supervision and Management (BASSM, only upper division courses are online); BAS Supply Chain Management (BASSCM, online or hybrid). Graduation requirements: mostly 120 credits except 125 for BS Nursing. Additional online courses and programs are available through the Florida Shines program, from other member colleges and universities. The college itself has been offering online courses since Fall 1997 (20 years).

University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou, est. 1839) in-state tuition increased $103 in the period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. Mizzou, based in Columbia, Missouri, is a member of the University of Missouri System. Its founding marked the expansion of American public institutions west of the Mississippi River. Awards earned by the university include rankings from: Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2016); Forbes (Top MBAs 2013 overall plus Public Universities category); U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans and topical, Top Business Programs – 2011 Undergraduate); Business First (Top 50 Public Colleges 2017).

Mizzou offers over 310 degree programs, ranging from bachelor’s to doctorate level, plus select certificate programs. This includes over 90 online degrees and 1,000+ online courses. Undergrads have 10 online bachelor’s degree options: Bachelor of General Studies (BGS); Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM); Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS); BA or BS Business Administration (BABA, BSBA); Bachelor of Education Studies (BES); Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) with two Majors (Health Science, Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences – with two Emphasis options (Radiologic Science, Respiratory Therapy) ); BS Early Childhood Education (BSECE) in a Mobile Society; BS Nursing – RN-to-BSN (completion, requires associate’s degree and campus visits). Graduation from these programs requires a minimum 120 credits.

University of Florida (UF, est. 1853) in-state tuition increased $118 in the period AY2013-14 through AY2016-17, inclusive. UFL, based in Gainesville, Florida, is a member of the State University System of Florida and boasts a 96% undergrad retention rate (freshman to sophomore). The university’s college review rankings and awards include: Financial Times (Best Undergraduate Business Programs 2018, best online programs – graduate 2015); Forbes (#2 Best Value Public Colleges 2016, Best Business Schools – 2005, 2015); U.S. News (#11 Online Bachelor’s Programs 2016, Best Graduate Schools – MBA 2016, plus over two dozen topical rankings); Victory Media (Military Friendly School – 2016, 2017), plus additional rankings from The Economist, Princeton Review, and others.

UFL offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus a range of certificates. Students can choose from almost 200 online program options. Nineteen online bachelor’s degrees are available: Bachelor of Arts Anthropology; BA Biology; Bachelor of Science Computer Science (BSCS); BA or BS Business Administration (BSBA); BS Communication Sciences and Disorders (BSCSD); BA Criminology (BAC); BS Environmental Management (BSEM); BS Fire and Emergency Services (BSFES); BA Geography; BA Geology; BS Health Education and Behavior (BSHEB); BS Microbiology and Cell Science (BSMCS); BS Nursing (RN to BSN, completion – requires RN license and associate’s degree in nursing); BA Psychology; BS Public Relations; BA Sociology; BS Sport Management; BS Telecommunication Media and Society. Graduation from these programs requires at least 120 credits.

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO, est. 1873) in-state tuition increased $127 in the four-year period AY2013-14 and AY2016-17, inclusive. SEMO, based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, serves students at this main campus (River Campus), plus four regional campuses and online. Ranking awards include those from: Military Times (Best for Vets 2017); Victory Media (Military Friendly School – multiple years); U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Bachelor’s Programs – 2017 (#1 Missouri, #28 USA), #11 2016, plus topical rankings, 2015 regional) and others.

SEMO offers a wide range of academic programs from associate’s to master’s level degrees plus certificates. Undergrads alone can choose from over 145 majors and 100 minors, with internships and experiential learning opportunities available. Online bachelor’s degree options include: Bachelor of Science Healthcare Administration (BSHA); BS Healthcare Management (BSHM); BS Computer Information Systems (BSCIS); BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ); Bachelor of Arts Psychology (BAP); BS Business Administration (BSBA); BS Interdisciplinary Studies (BSIS, requires 2-4 areas of emphasis); Bachelor of Arts Social Science (BASS, interdisciplinary: 1 major, 1 minor concentration area); Bachelor of General Studies (BGS); BS Technology Management (BSTM, completion); BS Nursing – RN to BSN (completion). Note: Programs marked completion require a suitable associate’s degree for admission. Graduation requirements include a minimum of 120 credits. Bachelor’s students can also choose 12 online minors and a number of certificates.

University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS, est. 1893) in-state tuition increased $142 in the four-year period AY2013-14 and AY2016-17, inclusive. UWS, based in Superior, Wisconsin, is part of the University of Wisconsin System. It claims 95% of students either find full-time work or continue to grad studies within six months of graduation. Some of the awards that UWS has earned include college review rankings such as those from U.S. News (Best Colleges 2018 – #3 Public and #36 Regional Colleges Midwest, Best Colleges – 2017 Regional Midwest and Regional Public) and Victory Media (Military Friendly School Gold 2017 and multiple other years). The university also earned The President’s Higher Education Community Service award in 2017, for the over 34,000 hours of community service worked by students the previous year.

UWS offers associate’s through master’s level degrees and undergrad certificate programs. Seventeen online bachelor’s options are available: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communicating Arts; BA or BS Community Health Promotion; BA or BS Education – Teacher Education – Elementary; BA or BS Exercise Science; BA or BS Health and Wellness Management; BA or BS Individually Designed (design your own major or minor); BA or BS Interdisciplinary Studies; BA or BS Business Administration with Concentration in Management; BS Sustainable Management (designed for “working adults” with previous college credits or an associate’s degree). An additional eight online minors or concentrations can be selected and applied to online and on-campus bachelor’s programs. Graduation from a UWS bachelor’s program requires a minimum of 120 credits.

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (UWO, est. 1871) in-state tuition increased $143 in the four-year period AY2013-14 and AY2016-17, inclusive. UWO, based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is a member of the University of Wisconsin System. Ratings, rankings and designations that UWO has received include those from: Princeton Review (Green Colleges List); Sierra Magazine (multiple years Cool Schools, including #3 2015 – for environmental initiatives); Military Times (#41 Best for Vets 2015); National Arbor Day Foundation (Tree Campus USA – multiple years); AASHE (STARS Gold rating – for environmental initiatives); Victory Media (Military Friendly School – multiple years) and others.

UWO offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Nine online bachelor’s degree options are available: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice (BACJ, BSCJ, completion: related work experience or associate’s degree); Bachelor of Applied Studies Aviation Management (BASAM); BAS Fire and Emergency Response Management (FERM); BAS in Leadership and Organizational Studies (BASLOS); Bachelor of Liberal Studies – Liberal Studies (BLS, completion – credits or associate’s degree); BLS Leadership Development (completion – credits or associate’s degree); BLS Organizational Administration (completion – credits or associate’s degree); BS Human Services Leadership (BSHSL); BS Nursing – Accelerated Program (hybrid, completion). Graduation requirements for UWO bachelor’s programs include a minimum 120 credits.

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU, est. 1937) in-state tuition increased $147 in the four-year period AY2013-14 and AY2016-17, inclusive. MSSU, part of Missouri’s state education system, is based in Joplin, Missouri, and nestled in the scenic surroundings of the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Ranking awards and designations for the university have been granted by organizations such as U.S. News & World Report (top 10 for affordable out-of-state tuition) and Victory Media (Military Friendly School – multiple years including 2017), amongst others.

MSSU offers over 140 associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus undergrad certificates. Of the 130 bachelor’s degree programs, 10 are available online: Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS, completion or interdisciplinary – requires AAS degree); Bachelor of General Studies (BGS, completion or interdisciplinary – combine online minors); Bachelor of Science Business Administration (BSBA) with six Emphasis areas or six minors; BS Criminal Justice Administration (BSCJA); BS Environmental Health and Safety (BSEHS, completion); BS Health Science (BSHS) with five track options (Business/ Life-Health Science, BSHS Dental Hygiene, BSHS Respiratory Therapy, BSHS Radiology, BSHS Paramedic Program) – all but the Business track are completion programs. In addition, students can combine their choice of 17 online minors with an online or on-campus bachelor’s program. Graduation requirements for MSSU bachelor’s degrees include a minimum 124 credits.

Missouri State University-Springfield (MSU, est. 1906) in-state tuition increased $152 in the four-year period AY2013-14 and AY2016-17, inclusive. MSUS, based in Springfield, Missouri, is part of the Missouri State University System. It serves students on four campuses including one in China, plus online. Students collectively volunteer over 420,000 hours every year at non-profit and government organizations. Some accolades earned including ranking positions in college review lists from U.S. News & World Report (2015 Best Online Programs for Veterans – MBA, Top Online MBA Programs, Top Online Business Schools – low out-of-state tuition) and others.

MSUS offers bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees as well as undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. Undergrads have over 180 bachelor’s degree options (based on 85+ majors) to choose from, eleven of which are online: Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Hospitality Leadership; Bachelor of Science (BS) Communication Studies; BS Criminology and Criminal Justice; BS Finance (Finance Option); BS General Business; BS Health Services – Clinical Services Option; BS Information Technology Service Management; BS Nursing – RN to BSN (completion – requires associate’s degree); BS Professional Writing; BS Psychology; BS Accounting (blended – combines online and evening classes). Additionally, any of 11 online minors can be combined with other bachelor’s degrees. Note that some prerequisite courses for these programs may not be available online. MSUS bachelor’s degrees require a minimum of 125 credits for graduation.

St Petersburg College (SPC, est. 1927) in-state tuition increased $153 in the four-year period AY2013-14 and AY2016-17, inclusive. SPC, based in Clearwater, Florida, is a part of the Florida Community College System. It was designated a “Best for Vet” institution in multiple years by Military Times magazine, as well as designated a Leader College 2015 by Achieving the Dream. Based on U.S. Dept of Education (USDOE) statistics, the college recently ranked #7 overall in the country for the most associate degrees awarded in liberal arts & sciences, general studies, humanities. The USDOE’s NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) division’s data shows SPC to rank #38 for most students taking only online classes.

SPC is an undergrad institution, offering associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, and a range of certificate programs — of which 52 programs (and 560 courses) are fully online. Twelve online bachelor’s degree options are available directly from SPC: Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Dental Hygiene; BAS Health Services Administration; BAS International Business; BAS Management and Organizational Leadership; BAS Public Safety Administration; BAS Sustainability Management; BAS Technology Development and Management; BAS Veterinary Technology; Bachelor of Science Business Administration (BSBA); BS Interdisciplinary Studies; BS Preschool; BS Nursing (completion – requires associate’s degree in nursing). In addition, the college is a member (“Electronic Campus”) of FloridaShines, which gives students access to fully online courses and programs at other Florida universities or state colleges. Students can also start their degree at SPC and take advantage of the college’s FUSE partnership, which allows them direct access transfer to USF Tampa or USF St. Petersburg for degree completion – thereby adding to the number of available fully- or partially-online bachelor’s choices.

University of Central Missouri (UCM, est. 1871) in-state tuition increased $182 in the four-year period AY2013-14 and AY2016-17, inclusive. UCM, based in Warrensburg, Missouri, offers a special “Military Tuition Package.” This is one of the several reasons that Victory Media ranked it at #3 Gold for its top 10 Military Friendly Schools 2016 ranking, and again in 2017, plus a ranking for best Spouse School 2017. Over 90% of students receive some form of financial aid (totalling over $5M per year), which contributes to U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) ranking UCM at #1 in the Midwest for the least graduate debt (2009). USNWR also ranked them in their Best Colleges Regional – Midwest list in multiple years.

UCM’s 150+ academic programs include bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and both undergrad and graduate certificate programs. Seven of the university’s programs are online bachelor’s degree options: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in General Studies (BAGS or BSGS – some college credits required); BS Criminal Justice (BSCJ, with optional dual-degree Master’s CJ program); BS Crisis and Disaster Management (BSCDM); BS Registered Nurses – RN to BSN (completion); BS Occupational Education (BSOE, completion – requires associate’s degree); BS Technology Management (completion – for transfer students). Graduation requirements for an UCM bachelor’s degree includes a minimum 120 credits.