What Is the Cheapest Online College — and Which University Truly Offers the Best Value?

For many learners, affordability is not just a priority—it’s the deciding factor in choosing an online degree. Yet the phrase “cheapest online college” can be misleading. Some institutions advertise low per-credit tuition but add hidden fees. Others offer low in-state pricing that doesn’t apply to the majority of online learners. And a few—most notably University of the People (UoPeople)—operate unconventional models that dramatically change what students actually pay.

This article explores why University of the UoPeople consistently emerges as the most cost-effective accredited online university for a wide range of students.

What Does “Cheapest Online College” Really Mean?

To make this comparison meaningful, we look at affordability through four measurable factors:

Total cost to complete the full degree (not just per-credit prices).
Transparency of fees, including application charges, course fees, assessment fees, and hidden costs.
Accreditation and credibility, which affect long-term degree value.
Access to financial aid, especially for U.S. students who might rely on federal assistance.

Using these criteria allows us to compare institutions on what students actually pay—not just what marketing pages highlight.

How Much Does It Actually Cost to Attend University of the People?

UoPeople’s model is unusual—and that’s precisely why it stands out. The university charges no tuition for instruction. Instead, students pay:

$60 application fee (one-time), and
$160 per undergraduate course in assessment fees.

Based on standard program requirements, UoPeople estimates a bachelor’s degree cost of around $6,460, a total far below typical online programs in the U.S.

Because fees are predictable and published clearly, students can calculate the full cost of their degree without worrying about fluctuating tuition or residency-based pricing.

Is UoPeople Properly Accredited — and Does Its Degree Hold Value?

Affordability has to be paired with legitimacy. UoPeople holds accreditation from WSCUC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission).

Regional accreditation from WSCUC is especially significant—it places UoPeople in the same recognized category as many mainstream U.S. universities. This provides students with stronger credibility, smoother credit transferability, and better post-graduate prospects than many low-cost private or for-profit online institutions.

Are There Other Affordable Online Colleges in the USA?

While UoPeople is one of the most cost-effective options, several other accredited U.S. institutions offer comparatively affordable online degrees:

Western Governors University (WGU)

Competency-based model (students can finish more quickly and reduce total cost)
Tuition: approximately $3,500–$4,000 per 6-month term for most undergraduate programs (This reflects WGU’s published rate of around $3,575–$3,750 per term; exact amounts vary by program and year.)
Regionally accredited
Strong programs in IT, business, education, and health

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Online

One of the largest online universities in the United States
Tuition: approximately $9,500–$12,000 per year for most online bachelor’s programs (Derived from the typical online undergraduate rate of about $330 per credit; annual cost varies by course load.)
Regionally accredited
Broad catalog of undergraduate and graduate programs

Fort Hays State University (FHSU Online)

Tuition: about $265 per credit hour for undergraduate online programs (This is the published online rate for non-resident undergraduates; subject to small annual adjustments.)
Regionally accredited
Considered affordable for both U.S. and international online students

American Public University System (APUS) – includes American Public University (APU) and American Military University (AMU)

Tuition: approximately $285 per credit hour, or roughly $8,500–$9,000 per year, depending on course load (APUS markets a flat $285/credit rate for most bachelor’s programs; military students pay less.)
accredited
Broad catalog of undergraduate and graduate programs
Particularly strong in public service, cybersecurity, homeland security, and national security studies

What Should Students Consider Beyond Tuition and Fees?

Even when an institution is low-cost, students should evaluate:

Financial aid access

UoPeople does not participate in U.S. federal financial aid (Title IV), since it does not charge conventional tuition. Students who rely on Pell Grants or federal loans may find public institutions more financially accessible.

Learning pace and program structure

Flat-rate models like WGU reward students who complete multiple courses per term. A rapid learner might reduce the total cost significantly. In contrast, UoPeople’s pay-per-course system offers flexibility but does not change based on speed.

Professional licensure or regulated fields

Some careers—such as nursing, education, or social work—require state-specific accreditation or clinical placements. While UoPeople offers relevant programs, applicants should always check state requirements if licensure is involved.

Why Does UoPeople Stand Out Among Low-Cost Online Universities?

Three key factors make UoPeople an exceptional choice for cost-conscious learners seeking a high-quality U.S. degree:

A truly tuition-free model that eliminates the single most significant expense in higher education and makes access possible for students who would otherwise be priced out of a degree.
Low, transparent assessment fees that remain predictable and scale only with the courses a student chooses to complete—ensuring no hidden costs and no financial surprises.
Recognized accreditation that provides real academic and professional value, enabling graduates to pursue employment, transfer opportunities, and further study with confidence.

Taken together, these advantages position UoPeople as one of the most affordable accredited universities in the United States. For international learners and working adults in particular, it offers a rare combination of academic legitimacy, financial accessibility, and genuine flexibility—making it not just a budget-friendly option, but a uniquely empowering one.

How Can Students Verify Costs, Accreditation, and Real Value?

A practical approach is to:

Visit each institution’s official tuition and fees page to calculate total degree cost.
Check accreditation through official directories such as WSCUC, DEAC, or the U.S. Department of Education databases.
Evaluate your pace and lifestyle, as some models are more cost-effective for fast-track learners while others suit part-time students better.
Confirm aid eligibility, especially if you are a U.S. student expecting Pell Grants or federal loans.

This ensures your comparison is based on transparent, verified data—not rankings or outdated third-party lists.

Who Benefits Most from a UoPeople Education — and Who Might Prefer a Different Option?

UoPeople is ideal for:

international students,
working adults balancing family and employment,
learners who need ultra-low cost without sacrificing accreditation, and
students not relying on U.S. federal aid.

Alternatives may suit you if:

You want to use Pell Grants or federal student loans,
You plan to accelerate aggressively in a flat-rate model like WGU, or
Your program requires specific state or professional credentials.

Is University of the People the Cheapest Online University in the USA?

For a large share of prospective learners, the answer is yes.

When examined through the combined lenses of total degree cost, transparent fee structure, and accreditation quality, University of the People consistently stands out as the most affordable accredited online university in the United States.

Its tuition-free model and predictable per-course assessment fees remove traditional financial barriers, while its recognized accreditation ensures academic rigor and credibility. UoPeople’s curriculum is developed in collaboration with experts from leading institutions, and its growing community of alumni—who have gone on to work at global companies, launch businesses, and pursue advanced degrees—demonstrates that affordability and high-quality education can indeed coexist.

Taken together, these strengths make UoPeople not just the cheapest option for many students, but one of the most accessible and outcomes-driven pathways to earning a respected U.S. degree.