10 Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $330
Out-of-State | $330

Credits to Graduate: 120

Online students can save money on out-of-state tuition at this private university. You'll pay a flat tuition rate at Southern New Hampshire University, which also offers a 30% tuition discount for active duty military.

You can earn your degree in business, social science, healthcare, or another field. There are no set class times, allowing you to complete your courses on your own time. In addition, SNHU stands out for its transfer-friendly policies that allow up to 90 transfer credits toward a 120-credit bachelor's degree. Online learners can submit the FAFSA to qualify for grants and other forms of financial aid. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553

Credits to Graduate: 120

You'll save 40% attending online compared to on-campus students at this public university. University of Florida Online offers the same degrees taught by the same faculty as on-campus students in a flexible, affordable format. And you'll also qualify for financial aid.

UF Online prioritizes flexibility, letting students take as little as 3 credits per term or as much as 18 credits. You can choose from 25 online majors and specialize your degree with one of 11 minors. And distance learners can complete internships in their local area to network and gain hands-on experience.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $153
Out-of-State | $567

Credits to Graduate: 120

Pay for college with grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid at this Miami public university. Students at FIU Online qualify for many financial aid options, including the Funds for Books program that covers the cost of books and supplies. 

You'll take interactive classes with a flexible format at FIU. And you'll benefit from dozens of online academic programs, including business, the social sciences, and education. Or earn a unique hospitality management degree and specialize in cruise line operations, entertainment management, or mega-events.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $280
Out-of-State | $315-$371

Credits to Graduate: 180 credits

At Purdue Global, students have access to a sweeping catalog of flexible and affordable degrees. Students can save money through in-state tuition discounts, reduced rates for military personnel, and credit for work experience. Transfer students from partnering community colleges may receive tuition reductions as well. 

Undergraduate majors include accounting, aviation management, health and wellness, and early childhood administration. 

Purdue Global's ExcelTrack programs allow you to earn a degree at your own pace. That means you can quickly move through the courses you know and save money in the process. You also can spend more time on a course if needed.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $626-$671
Out-of-State | $626-$671

Credits to Graduate: 120

Penn State World Campus emphasizes affordability as much as rigor. The school calculates tuition based on the number of credits you plan to take and transfer. 

There's no distinction between your in-state or out-of-state residency status. You pay affordable tuition and can save even more by transferring credits from former programs. Plus, Penn State World Campus participates in federal financial aid and other programs. 

You can choose to pursue an undergraduate major like business, economics, biobehavioral health, or functional data analytics. That's just a sampling of the online school's 175 programs.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $492-552
Out-of-State | $492-552

Credits to Graduate: 120

As a San Diego State University student, you can qualify for federal aid and California grants. By enrolling in qualifying SDSU Global Campus programs, you can apply for Cal Grant A and B or a Pell Grant. Eligible programs include bachelor's degree completion programs in economics, engineering, business, public health, communication, and more.

These flexible programs meet the requirements for several financial aid options. Students can also apply for almost 700 scholarships offered by the public university. SDSU advisors partner with degree-seekers to explore funding options and find financial solutions. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $442
Out-of-State | $442

Credits to Graduate: 120

University of Minnesota offers 18 fully online bachelor's programs. Minnesota residents and out-of-state students pay the same affordable per-credit tuition rate. If eligible, you can use financial aid such as federal loans and scholarships to fund your education.

UMN's online degree options include criminal justice, software engineering, English, and finance majors. The school's strong business program offers IT, health, and manufacturing management degrees. Or you may prefer an applied studies degree designed for transfer students with a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in an occupational field. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $203
Out-of-State | $722

Credits to Graduate: 120

Textbooks can add a lot to your college costs. At Florida Atlantic University Online, faculty lower the cost of online courses by aiming for a maximum course material cost of $20 per credit. That could potentially save you hundreds of dollars while earning your bachelor's degree. And if you're a Florida resident, you'll pay one of the lowest tuition rates for online colleges.

Choose from undergraduate programs in business, public safety administration, or nursing. FAU also offers majors in nursing, computer science, and interdisciplinary studies.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $542-$692
Out-of-State | $659-$809

Credits to Graduate: 120

You can graduate from University of Missouri at an affordable price, thanks to financial aid. Missouri Online, a consortium of four public colleges in Missouri, designs its online programs for busy learners. Online students attending this accredited university qualify for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid.

Mizzou encourages you to submit the FAFSA to qualify for financial aid. The public institution also provides mentoring and financial aid advising to help you pay for your degree. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $260
Out-of-State | $260

Credits to Graduate: 122

You'll pay one of the most affordable tuition rates at UOnline, where Utah residents and out-of-state students pay the same low tuition rate. Make progress toward your degree by accessing student services and working with advisors. You can also connect with the career and professional development center to plan your career path.

As an online student, you'll qualify for the same federal financial aid as on-campus students. Some academic departments also offer scholarships for distance learners.