When a student is choosing a distance learning program, the two questions that usually come to mind immediately are "which programs are the fastest?" and "which programs are the cheapest?" There are many different ways to study a distance learning degree program, and the cost of a degree usually depends on transfer credit, prior learning assessment, courses needed to finish a degree program, etc. However, we’re going to talk about some of the cheapest bachelor degree programs available via distance learning.
There are three factors we’re going to take into account when revealing some of the cheapest degree programs: cost per credit hour, accreditation and whether the program is for degree completion (transferring with an associate degree or several credits) or and entire degree program (assuming there are no transfer credits.
Among nationally-accredited colleges, the contenders for cheapest degree programs are:
Ashworth University — This DETC-accredited school just recently started offering bachelor degrees in business administration, eBusiness, management and marketing. Cost per credit hour: $80, and that includes books.
Pros: CHEAP
Cons: There will be little to no interaction with instructors or other students. You are truly on your own with this program. This program is for students who are very self-motivated. I have also heard that it is very difficult to get in touch with instructors if you are having problems.
California Coast University — Accredited by the DETC, California Coast University offers bachelor degrees in business, health care, management and psychology. The cost is $110 per unit, or $330 per course. The price does not include textbooks, but CCU does rent books to student for $25 each.
Pros: Cheap, been around for 34 years, convenient payment plans
Cons: Only recently received accreditation, psychology degree may not meet licensing requirements in some states.
The regionally accredited contenders for cheapest schools include:
Peru State College — That’s Peru, Nebraska...not Peru the country. This little (and little-known) college is the best-kept secret of distance learning among regionally accredited schools. Peru offers undergraduate degrees in business with an emphasis in management, accounting, computer and management information systems, human performance and systems management and marketing, as well as bachelor degrees in criminal justice, psychology and liberal arts. The cost is $157 per credit hour.
Pros: One of the cheapest, online, regionally accredited colleges around. Out-of-state students pay the same tuition as resident students. Peru also accepts associate degrees and credits from DETC accredited schools.
Cons: The school isn’t well-known, but as more distance learning students discover it the price of tuition has been creeping upward. When I first "discovered" this school a couple of years ago, the tuition was less than $130 per credit hour.
The Big Three — Excelsior College, Charter Oak State College and Thomas Edison State College are collectively known by distance learning students as "The Big Three". These schools have been offering degrees at a distance for several years. They all offer a number of BA and BS degrees, and the cost of completing a degree at these schools depends upon how many credits you are transferring. A good, low-cost option for students who already have a number of credits to transfer.
Pros: Relatively low cost. Students usually pay a "matriculation fee" which covers a year of advisement and credit banking. Students earn credits through CLEP/DANTES exams, courses at other schools or prior learning assessment.
Cons: Best for students who already have several credits to transfer, courses offered by the Big Three themselves are higher in cost, little name recognition by those outside of distance learning circles.
Chadron State College — This is another low-cost college in Nebraska which offers very affordable programs. Chadron offers degree completion programs in general business, marketing, management, management information systems, library information management, mathematics and psychology. Cost: $157 per credit hour.
Pros: Low cost, several programs available online
Cons: These are degree completion programs only. You cannot do an entire bachelor degree strictly through online study.
Fort Hays State University — Located in Hays, Kansas, this university offers several undergraduate degrees in business, education, IT, nursing, justice studies and sociology. FHSU also offers a general studies degree which can be customized to fit a student’s needs. Tuition is $148 per credit hour.
Pros: Low cost, offers several degrees, entire programs can be completed online
Cons: Little name recognition
Don’t forget to check the distance learning possibilities at state universities and colleges in your own state. Residents can get great tuition rates at their own state’s institutions of higher learning, including the distance learning programs. You can be a resident of a state and still study via distance learning at that state’s colleges and universities. There may even be some grants and scholarships available to your because you are a state resident. More and more "brick-and-mortar" state institutions are offering distance learning courses and degrees. Be sure to check out the opportunities in your state!