How Much Does Online College Cost? A Complete Guide to Tuition and Savings

Learn the average cost of online college, including per-credit tuition, total cost of attendance, and ways to save on your degree.

Updated on February 12, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Studying online costs an average of $21,900–$29,700 for a four-year undergraduate program and between $34,000–$37,400 for graduate programs.
While the average cost per credit for online and in-person degree programs is similar, online programs are often more affordable as they allow many students to save on housing, commuting, and related expenses.
You can help offset the cost of an online degree by applying for federal financial aid, using employer tuition reimbursement, and pursuing scholarships.

For many students, earning a degree online is one of the most affordable paths to higher education. That’s because studying online can help you save on extra costs such as gas, dining out, and campus housing. Still, even with those savings, it’s important to look closely at how schools calculate tuition and fees.

From cost per credit to total cost of attendance, several factors shape what you’ll actually pay. And understanding how college pricing works can help you make a more informed decision, potentially saving thousands along the way.

Read on to learn more about the average cost of online college programs and how to pay less for your degree.

Average Cost Of Online College Programs

The cost of online college programs can vary widely, but looking at average per credit cost and total cost of attendance (COA) can help you understand what to expect.

Below, we explain what goes into these costs and what they mean for students.

Average Cost Per Credit

The cost per credit is the amount a school charges for one academic credit. If a class is worth three credits, for example, its price is based on three times the per-credit rate.

Online in-state students — meaning those who live in the same state as the school they attend — pay about $317.26 per credit for undergraduate programs and $507.36 per credit for graduate programs. These numbers are similar to in-person programs, which average $327.92 and $532.31 per credit, respectively.

Price differences are more noticeable for out-of-state students — those who live in a different state than the school they attend — but the gap still may not be as dramatic as you might expect.

On average, out-of-state students pay about $853.59 per credit for online undergraduate programs and $992.41 for online graduate programs, compared to $1,095.93 and $1,199.49 for in-person programs.

At first glance, these averages might suggest that online and in-person programs cost about the same — especially for in-state students. However, per-credit rates only reflect tuition and don’t account for additional expenses, such as campus fees, books, housing, food, and transportation.

That’s why looking at the total cost of attendance, discussed in the section below, offers a clearer picture of what students can expect to pay for online and in-person degree programs.

Undergraduate Avg. In-State Cost per Credit

Online: $317.26

In-Person: $327.92

Graduate Avg. In-State Cost per Credit

Online: $507.36

In-Person: $532.31

Undergraduate Avg. Out-of-State Cost per Credit

Online: $853.59

In-Person: $1,095.93

Graduate Avg. Out-of-State Cost per Credit

Online: $992.41

In-Person: $1,199.49

These averages are based on per-credit tuition rates reported directly by schools on our list of the Best Accredited Online Colleges of 2026.

Average Cost of Attendance (COA)

The cost of attendance (COA) represents the total estimated cost of attending a college or university for one academic year. Each school calculates this estimate to help students understand what they may spend on education-related expenses during the school year.

Cost of attendance usually includes an estimated cost for:

Tuition and required fees
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment
Housing and food
Transportation
Federal student loan fees
Personal and miscellaneous expenses
Childcare expenses
Costs to obtain required licenses, certifications, or professional credentials

While cost per credit looks only at tuition, COA offers a more accurate picture of what students actually spend across the school year. This makes COA a more useful measure when comparing the overall cost of studying online versus in person.

As the charts below highlight, online students often pay less overall than those attending on campus.

Undergraduate Avg. In-State COA

Online: $21,882

In-Person: $24,777.17

Graduate Avg. In-State COA

Online: $29,715.67

In-Person: $39,711

Undergraduate Avg. Out-of-State COA

Online: $33,987

In-Person: $45,803.83

Graduate Avg. Out-of-State COA

Online: $37,369

In-Person: $54,517.17

These averages are based on 2025–26 COA figures reported directly by schools on our list of the Best Accredited Online Colleges of 2026.

How Studying Online Can Save You Money

Online college programs often cost less overall than attending school on campus. Here are some of the key reasons why:

No Relocation Needed

Earning your degree online can eliminate the need to move closer to campus — and the expenses that come with it.

Instead of paying for a dorm or an apartment near school, you may be able to stay in your current home or live with family, potentially saving thousands on housing, meal plans, and moving costs.

If you’re an adult learner, the impact can go beyond housing. You may already have a steady job, a lease or mortgage, and established responsibilities. Relocating could mean stepping away from income or disrupting the life you’ve built.

Commuting Costs

Because they attend classes remotely, online students often spend less on gas, parking, public transit, and vehicle maintenance compared to students who commute to campus several times a week.

Work While Studying

Online programs are often designed with working adults in mind. Many offer asynchronous courses, which allow students to watch lectures and complete coursework on their own schedule. This flexibility can make it easier to keep earning an income while pursuing a degree.

Avoid Campus Fees

Some colleges waive certain campus-related fees for online students, since they don’t typically use on-campus facilities or services. For example, online students at the University of Florida are not required to pay activity and service, health, transportation, or athletic fees.

That said, policies vary by school, and some do allow online students to opt into campus services for an additional cost.

How To Pay Less for Your Online College Education

Even if online students generally pay less for college, tuition is still a hefty investment. There are several ways you can save on your online degree:

Apply for Federal Student Aid

Anyone planning to attend college — online or in-person — should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA.

By submitting the FAFSA, colleges can determine whether you qualify for:

Grants, including Pell Grants
Federal student loans, such as Direct and PLUS loans
Work-study programs

Some states and colleges may also use your FAFSA information to award their own grants and scholarships.

The FAFSA opens each year in the fall and remains available until June 30 of the applicable award year. Students should complete the form as early as possible, as many states and colleges have their own deadlines and may award aid on a first-come, first-served basis.

Research Scholarships

Scholarships may be offered by private organizations, nonprofits, or colleges themselves. They’re often awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, or field of study.

Start by asking your school’s financial aid office about available scholarships. You can also explore our scholarships guide for online students to find opportunities you may qualify for.

Use Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs

Some employers offer tuition reimbursement as a benefit. Depending on the company, this benefit may cover all tuition costs or up to a certain amount per year. Eligibility requirements vary and may include full-time employment, maintaining a minimum grade point average, or enrolling in an approved school.

Check out our list of companies that offer tuition reimbursement. If your employer isn’t listed, contact your human resources department to see whether this benefit is available.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Cost of Online College

Is studying online cheaper than on campus?

Usually, yes, studying online is cheaper than attending in person. While tuition rates are often similar, studying online often costs less because students save on housing, transportation, and certain campus-related fees.