Online Degrees – Searching for an affordable, accredited online degree in the United States for 2026? You’re not alone—and the answer is rarely as simple as “lowest tuition wins.”
This guide compares low-cost online bachelor’s and master’s programs using:
- Published 2025–2026 tuition rates
- Clearly stated mandatory online fees
- Verified institutional accreditation
- No estimates for housing, textbooks, or optional expenses
If the aim is to earn a legitimate U.S. degree without taking on unmanageable debt, the programs below appear, based on current published data, to sit at the lower end of the national cost spectrum.
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Executive Summary (2026):
After comparing tuition schedules and fee disclosures across institutions, several patterns emerge.
- Lowest estimated bachelor’s total: University of the People (~$6,300 under its assessment-fee model)
- Multiple public universities advertise online tuition below $200 per credit
- Several University System of Georgia (USG) institutions list rates between $174–$190 per credit
- Lower-cost online master’s programs begin around $8,000–$13,000 total
- Final cost varies substantially depending on:
- Total credit requirements
- Online learning or technology fees
- Residency classification
- Program-specific charges
In other words, the “cheapest” option on paper can shift once structural details are factored in.
How “Cheapest” Was Calculated?
To avoid misleading comparisons, the following baseline assumptions were used.
Bachelor’s Degrees
- 120 total credits
- 8 semesters (4 academic years)
- Tuition plus clearly disclosed mandatory online fees only
Master’s Degrees
- 30 credits (unless explicitly stated otherwise)
- 4 semesters (2 academic years)
Where institutions publish:
- All-inclusive per-credit pricing, that figure was used directly.
- Tuition-only rates, the estimate is labeled accordingly.
All totals reflect 2026 USD based on official 2025–2026 published schedules. No projections. No extrapolated inflation adjustments.
Cheapest Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degrees (2026):
Below are institutions that, based on published data, appear among the lowest total-cost options nationally.
1. University of the People (UoPeople)
Degrees: B.S. Business Administration, B.S. Computer Science
Accreditation: WSCUC
Estimated Total Cost: ~$6,300
Model: Tuition-free instruction; assessment fees per course
The cost structure is unusual. There is no traditional tuition. Instead, students pay assessment fees for completed courses, which keeps the total dramatically lower than most competitors.
That said, prospective students should independently verify transfer policies and graduate school recognition. Lower cost does not eliminate the need for due diligence.
2. UNC Pembroke – Online B.A. in Criminal Justice
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Estimated Total (Non-Resident): ~$22,700
Estimated In-State: ~$6,700
Format: Fully online
The in-state pricing is notably low, largely because of a flat-rate semester structure for students taking 12 or more credits. Out-of-state students face a higher total, though still competitive relative to national averages.
Public university pricing helps—but residency classification matters a great deal here.
3. University System of Georgia (Multiple Institutions)
Several USG institutions publish online tuition between:
- $174–$190 per credit
- Additional semester-based online learning fees
Examples include:
- Middle Georgia State University
- Clayton State University
- Fort Valley State University
- Georgia Southwestern State University
Estimated Bachelor’s Total: ~$22,000–$26,000
These pricing structures tend to favor students who move efficiently—full-time enrollment and on-time graduation can materially reduce the overall bill.
4. University of West Florida (UWF Online)
Estimated Total: ~$26,000
Per Credit: ~$219 (fees included)
UWF’s pricing stands out for clarity. In many cases, published online rates include fees upfront. The institution also offers out-of-state tuition waivers, though students must apply and confirm eligibility.
Transparency, here, may be as important as the rate itself.
5. Fort Hays State University (FHSU)
Estimated Total (Tuition Only): ~$31,800
Per Credit: ~$265
The listed estimate reflects tuition alone. Additional institutional or program-specific fees may increase the final amount. Compared to private institutions, however, this remains relatively moderate for a regionally accredited online program.
Cheapest Accredited Online Master’s Degrees (2026):
Graduate pricing varies more sharply than undergraduate pricing, primarily because credit requirements differ.
All estimates below assume ~30 credits unless otherwise specified.
1. Fort Valley State University – Online M.S. Programs
Estimated Total: ~$8,200
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Per Credit: ~$224 plus online fee
Among the lowest published master’s totals in this comparison set. The final figure depends on the specific program and any applicable fees.
2. Middle Georgia State University – Online MSN
Estimated Total: ~$8,800
For graduate nursing education, this rate is comparatively restrained. Nursing programs elsewhere often exceed this range significantly, though program requirements should be reviewed carefully.
3. Augusta University – Online M.Ed.
Estimated Total: ~$8,600
Select programs qualify for an “eTuition” rate, which may reduce costs for online students regardless of residency.
4. University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB Online)
Estimated Total: ~$10,800
One notable feature: the same tuition rate applies to in-state and out-of-state online students. The institution defines its online programs as at least 85% asynchronous delivery, which may appeal to working professionals.
5. University of West Florida – Graduate Programs
Programs include:
- M.S. Computer Science
- M.S. Cybersecurity
- M.Ed. Educational Leadership
Estimated Total: ~$12,500–$12,750**
UWF offers a substantial out-of-state tuition waiver percentage for qualifying students, though approval must be secured each term.
What Actually Drives Online Degree Costs?
A low per-credit rate can be misleading. Several structural variables tend to shape the final number.
1️⃣ Residency Policy
Some institutions charge a uniform online rate. Others separate in-state and out-of-state pricing, even for fully online programs. The difference can be dramatic.
2️⃣ Online Learning Fees
Public systems frequently add $200–$400 per semester in online or technology fees. Over eight semesters, those charges compound quietly.
3️⃣ Credit Requirements
Not all master’s degrees require 30 credits. Some extend to 36, 45, or even 60 credits. That difference alone may add thousands of dollars.
Verification of official program length is essential.
4️⃣ Per-Term vs. Per-Credit Structures
Flat-rate tuition for 12+ credits can reduce total cost—if students maintain full-time enrollment and avoid extended timelines. Part-time pacing, however, may eliminate the advantage.
Speed matters. So does planning.
How to Minimize Your Online Degree Cost?
If affordability is the central concern, consider the following:
- Choose institutions with flat, clearly published online rates
- Investigate out-of-state tuition waivers
- Transfer the maximum allowable credits
- Avoid programs with recurring per-semester online fees when possible
- Confirm total credit requirements before committing
Small structural differences can translate into meaningful financial consequences over time.
The Best Accredited Online Colleges of 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Online Degrees legitimate?
All listed institutions hold recognized institutional accreditation (e.g., SACSCOC, HLC, WSCUC). Even so, applicants should independently verify accreditation through the accreditor’s official website before enrolling.
Will my diploma state “Online Degrees”?
In most cases, no. Still, policies vary by institution. It is wise to confirm directly.
Why do some Online Degrees low per-credit programs cost more overall?
Because cost is cumulative. Semester-based online fees add up. Some programs require more credits than the baseline assumption used in estimates. Published rates can obscure structural expenses.
Can out-of-state students pay in-state rates?
Occasionally.
- UTPB publishes equal online tuition regardless of residency.
- UWF offers tuition waivers for qualifying students.
Policies shift, so confirmation is necessary before enrollment.
Final Thoughts
The least expensive online degree is not always the one with the smallest per-credit number. Often, the determining factors are less obvious: fee transparency, credit requirements, waiver policies, and how efficiently a student progresses through the program.
For 2026, the institutions listed above appear—based on publicly available schedules—to represent some of the more economical accredited options in the United States. Affordability, though, is contextual. What looks inexpensive on paper may feel different once enrollment patterns, transfer credits, and program structure enter the equation. Careful reading of tuition disclosures remains indispensable.