A curated list of reputable public universities that offer comprehensive online degree programs with a total cost well below $20,000. These institutions provide accessible, accredited education for budget-conscious students seeking flexible learning options without compromising on academic quality or institutional prestige.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
Known for its competitive tuition rates, this university offers various fully online bachelor's and master's degrees. Students can complete programs in fields like business, engineering, and education while benefiting from the lower cost of living associated with Louisiana public institutions.
While primarily known for its medical programs, FSU offers several online graduate certificates and degree completion options through its College of Medicine and College of Arts and Sciences. Their public status ensures tuition remains significantly lower than private alternatives for eligible residents.
UNCW provides a wide array of online undergraduate and graduate degrees with a strong emphasis on accessibility. Their total program costs for bachelor's degrees are often well under $20,000, making it a top choice for students seeking a traditional university experience remotely.
UWF offers numerous fully online programs across disciplines including psychology, business, and health sciences. As a public institution, it maintains affordable tuition rates, and many of its bachelor's degree programs can be completed for under $20,000 total.
Georgia Southern delivers high-quality online education with a focus on workforce readiness. Their total cost for many online bachelor's degrees falls below the $20,000 threshold, offering excellent value for students in Georgia and out-of-state residents with specific waivers.
MSU provides robust online degree programs in agriculture, engineering, and business. The university's public funding model helps keep tuition low, allowing students to earn accredited degrees for a fraction of the cost of private universities, often staying under $20k total.
UARK offers a diverse selection of online degrees, including popular options in education, health, and technology. Their commitment to affordability means that many undergraduate programs can be completed for less than $20,000, providing a strong return on investment for graduates.
Located in Texas, SHSU provides extensive online learning opportunities with a focus on student support services. Its public status and efficient program structures allow students to complete bachelor's degrees at a total cost that is frequently under $20,000.
WGU is a nonprofit, competency-based public university that allows students to progress at their own pace. This model often reduces the total time and cost of degree completion, making many of its bachelor's and master's programs affordable enough to fit within a $20,000 budget.
Excelsior specializes in online and credit-by-examination pathways, making it highly cost-effective for non-traditional students. As a private nonprofit, it still maintains low tuition rates, and many degrees can be completed for under $20,000 by leveraging prior credits and exams.
TESU is renowned for its flexibility in accepting transfer credits and offering credit-by-examination options. This approach significantly lowers the overall cost of earning a degree, allowing students to complete bachelor's and master's programs for well under $20,000.
UT System universities offer collaborative online degrees that leverage the resources of multiple campuses. Students can access accredited programs at public institution rates, often keeping the total cost of a bachelor's degree below $20,000 depending on residency and program choice.
ASU Online provides a vast catalog of degrees with a focus on innovation and accessibility. While costs can vary, many undergraduate programs offer competitive tuition rates and financial aid options that can bring the total cost under $20,000 for eligible students.
CMU offers a range of online degrees designed for working professionals and traditional students alike. Its public university status ensures affordable tuition, and many of its programs can be completed for a total cost significantly below the $20,000 mark.
USM provides fully online options in various fields including education, business, and health. The university's commitment to affordability means that students can earn accredited degrees at a low cost, often staying under $20,000 for undergraduate completion.
UND offers a variety of online degrees with a strong reputation in STEM and business fields. As a public university, it maintains competitive tuition rates, allowing many students to complete their degrees for under $20,000, especially with state residency benefits.
This consortium allows students to take courses from various Kentucky public universities. By leveraging resident tuition rates and credit transferability, students can often complete degrees at a significantly reduced cost, making it a viable option for staying under $20,000.
UCM offers online degrees in education, business, and health sciences with a focus on affordability. Its public status and efficient program design help keep the total cost of undergraduate degrees below $20,000 for many students.
IUGC provides online degrees from Indiana University with a focus on professional development and undergraduate completion. While costs can vary by program, many options are available at public institution rates that can fit within a $20,000 budget for eligible students.
The UW System offers collaborative online degrees through its various campuses. Students can access accredited programs at public institution rates, often keeping the total cost of a bachelor's degree below $20,000 depending on residency and specific program choices.