Hey everyone, I'm pretty concerned about the high cost of college these days. Does anybody know of any least expensive online colleges? If you could break it down by tuition, fees, and so on, I would seriously appreciate it!
Certainly, for many students, affordability is a key factor in their college decision and online programs can offer considerable savings. The exact cost of an online college varies widely depending on the institution and program, but I'll mention a few that are known to be notably affordable:
1. Western Governors University (WGU): This is a purely online, nonprofit institution that uses a competency-based education model. This model allows students to progress through their programs at their own pace. Tuition is about $8,300 per year for most undergraduate degree programs, which includes all coursework, resources, and materials. So, if you can complete your course faster, you can save some money.
2. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): It's another accredited, nonprofit institution offering a wide range of online programs. SNHU's online tuition for undergraduate programs is about $330 per credit hour. However, the school offers discounts for U.S. service members and the spouses of those on active duty.
3. University of Florida Online: Here you can gain a degree from a recognized and respected brick and mortar institution at a significantly reduced cost. The undergraduate tuition rate stands at about $212.71 per credit hour for in-state students and $955.28 for out-of-state students.
Remember to factor in extras like textbook and technology fees when considering the cost. Also, each of these schools has financial aid available, so you might not necessarily be paying the full tuition cost out-of-pocket. Remember to consider your eligibility for federal student aid by filling out the FAFSA and look into scholarship opportunities.
Finally, since affordability is important for you, keep in mind that it's key to select an accredited program. If your chosen program is not accredited, you won't be able to transfer credits to another institution or earn a professional certification later, which could cost you more in the long run.
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