10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in 2026
Quality education doesn’t require a premium price. Here are 10 of the most affordable accredited online colleges, with annual costs under $9,000.
Note: Tuition figures are approximate and change yearly. Always verify current rates on each university’s official website before applying.
1. University of Florida Online
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://ufonline.ufl.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1853
- 📍 Location: Gainesville, FL, USA
- 📞 Contact: 352-392-4123 | 1-855-994-2867
Notable Programs: Business, CS, Nursing
Tuition: ~$129/credit in-state
Accreditation: SACSCOC
26 online bachelor’s, 100+ master’s. Top-ranked public online programs.
2. Eastern New Mexico University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.enmu.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1927
- 📍 Location: Portales, NM, USA
- 📞 Contact: 575-562-1011 | 1-800-367-3668
Notable Programs: Education, Business, Liberal Arts
Tuition: ~$4,904 avg net price/year
Accreditation: HLC
One of the most affordable 4-year universities in the Southwest.
3. Great Basin College
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.gbcnv.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1967
- 📍 Location: Elko, NV, USA
- 📞 Contact: (775) 753-2102
Notable Programs: Nursing, Business, Education
Tuition: ~$3,593/year in-state
Accreditation: NWCCU
Nevada public college with associate, bachelor’s, and certificates.
4. BYU-Idaho
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.byui.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1888
- 📍 Location: Rexburg, ID, USA
- 📞 Contact: (208) 496-1300
Notable Programs: Business Mgmt, CS, Applied Health
Tuition: ~$4,118/year (~$131/credit)
Accreditation: NWCCU
Affordable private nonprofit with strong online programs.
5. Western Governors University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.wgu.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1997
- 📍 Location: Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- 📞 Contact: 1-866-225-5948
Notable Programs: IT, Business, Healthcare, Teaching
Tuition: ~$4,030 per 6-month term
Accreditation: NWCCU
Competency-based flat rate. Finish faster, pay less.
6. Fort Hays State University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.fhsu.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1902
- 📍 Location: Hays, KS, USA
- 📞 Contact: (785) 628-4000
Notable Programs: Nursing, Education, Business
Tuition: ~$218/credit (all states)
Accreditation: HLC
169 online programs at one flat rate nationwide.
7. American Public University System
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.apus.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1991
- 📍 Location: Charles Town, WV, USA
- 📞 Contact: 1-877-755-2787
Notable Programs: Business, Criminal Justice, IT
Tuition: ~$8,400/year flat rate
Accreditation: HLC
Same rate in every state. Popular with working adults.
8. Minot State University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.minotstateu.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1913
- 📍 Location: Minot, ND, USA
- 📞 Contact: Admissions@MinotStateU.edu | (701) 858-3000
Notable Programs: Business, Education, Nursing
Tuition: ~$7,606/year
Accreditation: HLC
No out-of-state surcharge. Small classes, accessible faculty.
9. University of the People
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.uopeople.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 2009
- 📍 Location: Pasadena, CA, USA
- 📞 Contact: admissions@uopeople.edu | 626-264-8880
Notable Programs: Business, CS, Health Science
Tuition: Tuition-free (~$6,460 total bachelor’s)
Accreditation: WSCUC
Tuition-free accredited degrees for students worldwide.
10. Columbia Southern University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.columbiasouthern.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1993
- 📍 Location: Orange Beach, AL, USA
- 📞 Contact: admissions@columbiasouthern.edu | 800-977-8449
Notable Programs: Business, Criminal Justice, Safety
Tuition: ~$270/credit undergrad
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Fully online with 130+ programs in practical fields.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an affordable program doesn’t mean compromising on quality. All institutions listed above are regionally accredited, ensuring your degree holds value with employers and other institutions. Take time to compare total costs, not just per-credit rates, and explore financial aid options.
