Finding the “Cheapest Per Credit Hour Online College” — What to Know & Where to Look

As more students turn to online learning, one of the most important questions is how much it will cost. When you’re seeking the cheapest per credit hour online college, you’re essentially asking: which institution offers the lowest cost for each credit (the building‑block of a degree) in an online format. This matters because lower cost per credit means less debt and a more affordable path to a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree.

In this article we’ll explore: what “per credit hour” means, why cost matters for online colleges, what typical price ranges are, how to evaluate truly cheap options, and some of the best low‑cost online colleges to consider.

What Does “Per Credit Hour” Mean?

In higher education, courses are often measured in credit hours (for example, a course might be 3 credit hours). The tuition cost is frequently expressed per credit hour so that you can multiply by the number of credits required for your program to estimate total cost.

For example, if a college charges $200 per credit hour, and you need 120 credits for a bachelor’s, your tuition cost (before fees and other costs) is $24,000. If it’s $400 per credit hour, the cost doubles to $48,000 all else equal.

When you’re comparing online programs, the “per credit hour” metric is helpful because many variables (residency, in‑state vs. out‑of‑state, online vs on‑campus) affect cost. Focusing on the per‑credit rate gives you a cleaner way to compare across schools.

Why Cost Per Credit Hour for Online College Matters

1. Affordability & Student Debt

Affordable tuition per credit helps reduce the final debt load for students. If you pay less per credit, you have a better chance of graduating with less borrowing.

2. Transparency for Online Programs

Online programs may have different pricing than on‑campus offerings. Sometimes online courses cost more (due to technology, licensing, support) or less (due to no campus infrastructure). So checking the per‑credit rate helps you verify what you’ll actually pay.

3. Budgeting & Planning

If you know the cost per credit, you can estimate how much you’ll spend each semester and plan your budget accordingly. This is especially important for adult learners, working students, or those paying out of pocket.

4. Value & Return on Investment (ROI)

Lower cost per credit doesn’t always equal low quality, but it helps with ROI. If you spend less to complete your degree, the payoff (in terms of earning potential) improves.

Typical Price Ranges & What Counts as “Cheap”

To understand what “cheapest” looks like, it helps to know typical cost ranges:

According to one source, the average cost per credit hour for online undergraduate courses at four‑year public universities is around $316 for in‑state students. (Academic Influence)
Online tuition rates vary widely — some programs report online rates under $200 per credit, while others exceed $1000 per credit. (EssayShark.com)
For example, one ranking lists a program at $129 per credit hour for in‑state students at the University of Florida online. (College Raptor)

So, when you’re looking for the “cheapest per credit hour online college,” you might target programs in the $100‑$300 per credit hour range (for undergraduate online courses) as especially affordable.

What to Consider When Evaluating Cheap Online Per Credit Rates

Just seeing a low number per credit hour isn’t enough. Here are key factors to check:

Accreditation

Ensure the college is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Otherwise your credits may not transfer, and your degree might not be accepted by employers.

In‑State vs Out‑of‑State Rates

Some colleges charge different rates depending on your residency. A “cheap” per credit for in‑state might be far higher if you’re out‑of‑state. For example: the University of Florida charges about $129 per credit for in‑state online students, but much more for non‑residents. (College Raptor)

Additional Fees & Hidden Costs

Sometimes the listed per credit rate excludes fees (online delivery fee, technology fee, course materials, etc.). Make sure you calculate all costs.

Program Requirements & Credit Total

Cheaper per credit doesn’t always mean fewer credits needed. A program that requires many more credits may end up costing more overall. Also, check how many credits you’ll realistically take per term.

Quality of Online Delivery

A low cost is great, but if the online experience is poor (limited support, outdated curriculum, low completion rates), you might pay in time or outcome.

Transferability & Career Outcomes

If you plan to transfer credits or use your degree for a specific career, check if the online college’s credits will be accepted and whether the program is respected in your field.

Examples of Some of the Cheapest Online Per Credit Hour Colleges

Here are some schools and their approximate per‑credit cost for online undergraduate courses, which illustrate what affordable looks like:

Great Basin College: For in‑state online students, about $131.25 per credit; for out‑of‑state online students, about $193.25 per credit. (University of the People)
Southern New Hampshire University (online): Charges about $330 per credit online regardless of in‑state or out‑of‑state. (College Raptor)
Daytona State College: Part of the “Top 10 bargain colleges” list. Online in‑state cost around $92 per credit hour for Florida residents. (fastweb.com)

These examples show you what the lower end of pricing looks like. If you find a program under, say, $200‑$250 per credit for an online bachelor’s, you’re likely in the “cheapest” tier.

How to Maximize Value from These Cheap Online Colleges

Here are strategies to get the best value and not just the cheapest per credit:

Take Maximum Credits Each Term
Completing more credits per term (if your schedule allows) helps you graduate faster and reduces total cost.
Use Transfer Credits
If you can transfer in general education or prior learning credits, you can reduce the number of new credits you pay for at all.
Look for Flat‑Rate Terms
Some colleges charge a flat rate per term rather than per credit—if you can take many credits in that term, your cost per credit goes down even further.
Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships
A low rate is great, but the net cost after aid matters. Complete the FAFSA or scholarship applications to reduce your actual cost.
Avoid Out‑of‑State Premiums
If you’re out‑of‑state, find colleges that offer the same online rate regardless of residency (like SNHU) or ones with low out‑of‑state online fees.
Check for Technology or Delivery Fees
Online students may pay extra fees. Subtract these from the effective rate to compare true cost per credit.

Things to Be Wary Of

Extremely Low per credit fans out‑of‑state? If the rate is low but only applies to in‑state students, make sure you qualify.
Non‑transferable credits: Some very cheap online offerings may not transfer into another college if you plan to switch.
Low completion/quality indicators: Cheap cost is nice, but if few students finish or the degree is not respected, the ROI suffers.
Hidden extra costs: Textbooks, required online proctoring, lab fees—even online—may add up and raise the “real” cost per credit.

Final Thoughts

Seeking the cheapest per credit hour online college is a smart move if you’re budget‑conscious, want to manage debt, or need flexibility. By focusing on per‑credit rates in the range of $100‑$300 (or better yet under $200 when possible), you put yourself in a strong position. But remember: cost is only one piece of the puzzle. Accreditation, quality, total credits, transferability, online experience, and career outcome matter too.

To recap:

Know what “per credit hour” means and how it translates into total cost.
Understand typical cost ranges for online colleges and what counts as “cheap.”
Evaluate every cheap option by accreditation, fees, residency differences, and program quality.
Use strategies like transferring credits, taking maximum credits per term, and leveraging financial aid to maximize value.
Beware of trade‑offs: extremely low cost can sometimes mean less support or fewer outcomes.

If you follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way toward finding an online college that offers both affordability and value—allowing you to pursue your degree without breaking the bank.

Good luck with your search, and remember: the cheapest option that still meets your needs is the one that truly pays off.