Finding an affordable online college that offers the lowest cost per credit hour can dramatically reduce the total price of your degree. With tuition costs rising, more students are prioritizing the cheapest per credit hour online college programs that still deliver quality education, flexibility, and accreditation. This guide breaks down the most budget-friendly options, what “per credit hour” really means, and how to choose the right school for your wallet.Why Focus on Cost Per Credit Hour?The per-credit-hour price is the clearest way to compare online colleges apples-to-apples. Unlike traditional sticker prices that include fees, room, and board, online programs usually charge only for credits taken plus minimal fees. Lower per-credit rates mean:
- Faster completion = less total spent
- Easier to pay as you go (no large semester bills)
- Better value for part-time students
- Reduced need for loans and debt
In 2025, the cheapest per credit hour online colleges charge between $99 and $350 per credit—sometimes even less with scholarships or state-specific discounts.Top 10 Cheapest Per Credit Hour Online Colleges in 20251. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Online
- Cost per credit: ≈ $320 (one of the lowest for private non-profit universities)
- Huge selection of bachelor’s and associate degrees fully online
- No application fee and generous transfer credit policy (up to 90 credits)
2. Purdue Global
- Cost per credit: $315–$371 (varies by program, often lower with military or employer discounts)
- Formerly Kaplan University – regionally accredited
- ExcelTrack competency-based programs can drop effective cost even lower
3. Western Governors University (WGU)
- Flat-rate model: $3,755–$4,085 per 6-month term (unlimited credits)
- Effective per-credit cost: often under $200 if you accelerate
- Highly respected competency-based degrees in teaching, IT, business, and health
4. University of the People (UoPeople)
- Tuition-free model
- Only $120 assessment fee per course (roughly equivalent to $120 per credit)
- Associate and bachelor’s degrees in business, computer science, and health science
- Fully accredited and 100% online
5. Georgia Southwestern State University (eCore & eMajor)
- In-state: ≈ $159 per credit
- Out-of-state: still under $300 in many collaborative programs
- Part of the University System of Georgia – excellent transfer pathways
6. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU)
- Cost per credit: $174 in-state / ≈ $275 out-of-state
- No extra online fees for many programs
- Strong liberal arts, business, and aviation degrees
7. Fort Hays State University (Kansas)
- Flat $243.55 per credit for most undergraduate online courses (in-state and out-of-state the same)
- Over 50 online bachelor’s and master’s programs
- Extremely transfer-friendly
8. Arkansas State University Online
- ≈ $182–$269 per credit depending on program and residency
- Popular for education, nursing (RN-to-BSN), and business degrees
9. Thomas Edison State University (New Jersey)
- Per-credit enrollment: $250–$450
- Extremely flexible credit-for-prior-learning and testing options (CLEP, DSST, TECEP)
- One of the cheapest effective costs when you test out of classes
10. BYU-Pathway Worldwide (in partnership with Ensign College and BYU-Idaho)
- $75–$145 per credit (some of the absolute lowest rates available)
- Certificates first, then stack into affordable online bachelor’s degrees
- Strong focus on employability and LDS values (open to all students)
Community Colleges: Often the Absolute Cheapest Per Credit HourMany students save the most by starting at an accredited community college with fully online programs:
- Ivy Tech Community College (Indiana): ≈ $160–$170 per credit
- Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA Online): ≈ $185 per credit out-of-state
- Pima Community College (Arizona): $140–$300 depending on residency
- Florida SouthWestern State College: ≈ $110 in-state / $405 out-of-state
Complete an associate degree for under $10,000 total, then transfer credits seamlessly.How to Get an Even Lower Effective Cost Per Credit
- Apply for federal and state grants (Pell Grant can cover $7,395+ per year)
- Use CLEP, DSST, ACE, and Sophia Learning to earn credits for $50–$150 each
- Look for employer tuition reimbursement
- Choose competency-based or self-paced programs (WGU, Purdue Global ExcelTrack, Capella FlexPath)
- Check for military, veteran, or corporate partnership discounts
What to Watch Out For
- Hidden fees: Some “low-tuition” schools add technology, registration, or e-book fees that raise the real cost.
- Regional vs. national accreditation: Stick with regional accreditation for maximum transferability.
- Residency restrictions: A few state schools still charge higher out-of-state rates even for online students.
Final Thoughts: Your Cheapest Path to a DegreeIn 2025, you can earn a fully accredited bachelor’s degree online for under $15,000 total—and sometimes under $10,000—if you combine the cheapest per credit hour online colleges with transfer credits and acceleration options. Start with community colleges or ultra-low-cost leaders like University of the People and BYU-Pathway, then finish at schools like SNHU, Purdue Global, or WGU.The cheapest per credit hour online college for you depends on your prior credits, desired major, and how fast you want to finish—but the options above consistently rank at the very top for affordability without sacrificing quality. Start comparing programs today and you could graduate with little or no debt.