How Much Does Online College Cost?
- Online and in-person tuition are comparable, but virtual students save in other ways.
- At many public colleges, online students pay the same rate as in-state students, regardless of where they live.
- Online students also save on room, board, and commuting, and may have more flexibility to continue working while completing their programs.
- Like in-person students, online students can qualify for federal student aid and scholarships.
Today, earning a degree online is becoming increasingly common. In addition to primarily online colleges, many large state universities and private research institutions offer online degrees and certificates.
Many learners turn to online degree programs because they offer flexibility. But you may be wondering: How much does online college cost, and can I afford it?
Keep reading to learn about the cost of online college, virtual learning vs. in-person costs, and tips for paying for a degree.
Average Cost of Online College
The average cost of attending college online includes tuition as well as other fees, including for books, materials, and technology.
Tuition and Required Fees
Tuition and required fees usually make up the biggest portion of your online college costs. And, tuition varies widely, ranging from about $200-$1,000 per credit hour. (Tip: A typical college course is three credit hours.)
To better understand the average cost of online college, we calculated the tuition rates of colleges on our list of best online schools. Generally, these costs describe fully online programs offered by large university systems that also have campus offerings (e.g., University of Florida, University of Minnesota).
Some —but not all — online degree programs at state schools charge different rates for state residents and non-state residents, so we’ve listed the differences below.
Average Tuition and Fees of Best Online Colleges – State Residents:
- $420 for a single undergraduate credit
- $1,260 for a single undergraduate course (3 credit hours)
- $18,000-$35,000 for an associate degree
- $36,000-$68,000 for a bachelor’s
- $19,000-$27,000 for a master’s
Average Tuition and Fees of Best Online Colleges – Non-State Residents:
- $780 for a single undergraduate credit
- $2,340 for a single undergraduate course (3 credit hours)
- $32,000-$56,000 for an associate degree
- $63,000-$112,000 for a bachelor’s
- $24,000-$45,000 for a master’s
The tuition and fees listed above are pretty typical for online programs offered by large public research universities. Private research universities may charge $600 or more per credit hour. The most affordable online schools charge an average of $360 per credit hour for undergraduate courses.
Additional Fees
Certain majors or fields of study may charge additional fees, especially if you will be using special software or equipment. This applies to on-campus and online students. At some schools, these majors just cost more per credit. At other schools, all fields of study have the same cost per credit, but certain programs charge additional fees, usually per semester.
Also, it used to be more common for online programs to charge an extra technology fee to support the online education infrastructure. Today, those costs are typically either included in your per-credit cost, or paid by all students — including in-person learners. These technology fees usually range from $10-$50 per semester.
Books and Materials
The National Center for Education Statistics estimated that textbooks and supplies cost first-year college students an average of $1,200 in 2022-2023. However, most students pay far less than that by renting books, buying used textbooks, or using digital materials that their professors provide for free or cheap.
It’s a good idea to talk to an instructor or admissions counselor at your program of choice to find out what materials they expect students to purchase.
How Online College Students Save Money
Room and Board
Room and board (housing and meals) make up a big chunk of the total cost of college for students who live on campus. According to 2024-2025 data collected by CollegeBoard, the average cost of room and board was $13,310-$15,250 per year at four-year colleges.
If you’re completing your studies online from home, your cost of living isn’t likely to change.
Commuting Costs
CollegeBoard also found that students who didn’t live in dorms but commuted to campus for school paid an average of $1,150-$2,000 per year in transportation costs in 2024-2025 —another way online students save.
Out-of-State Fees
Some online programs at public universities charge higher tuition rates for out-of-state students, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, on both our lists of the best online colleges and most affordable online colleges, 4 out of 10 online schools charge the same tuition rate regardless of a student’s state of residence.
Working While Studying
A huge financial incentive to complete a degree program online is the ability to keep earning income while studying.
There are many online colleges designed for working professionals. Several online programs offer asynchronous courses — meaning you can watch lectures when they fit into your schedule.
Paying for Online College
While online students can save on their education in many ways, tuition is still a hefty investment. Explores these ways to curb the cost.
- 1
Apply for Federal Student Aid
Anyone interested in enrolling in a degree or certificate program — online or in-person —should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA.
This application will let schools know if you qualify for:
- Free grants you don’t have to repay
- Federal student loans you do have to repay —often at a lower interest rate than private loans
- Work-study programs
It’s best to complete the FAFSA early. Traditional undergraduate students should apply for the next program year as soon as the application becomes available, annually in October.
But, if you’re trying to enroll in your program as soon as possible, try to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, too. Boise State Online recommends filling out the FAFSA at least two months before starting your program.
Finally, remember to apply for funding through the FAFSA every year you are enrolled.
- 2
Explore Tuition Reimbursement Options at Your Work
Many employers, especially larger companies, offer tuition reimbursement as a workplace perk. Check out our list of 60 companies offering tuition reimbursement — from a few thousand dollars per year to 100% of the total cost.
If you’re a working professional, check with your human resources department to see what your company may offer.
- 3
Find Scholarships
Outside of federally offered aid, you can find scholarships offered by private organizations or even your school of choice. Some scholarships are based on financial need, others on merit.
Ask your school’s financial aid office about the scholarships their institution offers. Explore BestColleges’ list of scholarships for online students.
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