What are the cheapest online universities in the US? This is a flawed question. It almost assumes that all online universities are equal. If you just went for the cheapest online university you could find you may find one with programs that are not up to par or you could even accidentally stumble upon one that was not properly accredited. Cost in an issue when it comes to online universities but there’s more to the story.

The Cost Of An Online Education

The cost of an education at any online university is likely to be much cheaper than any campus education. Online universities do not have to maintain the same campus facilities as a campus university so they can afford to charge you less for your education. Online universities are known for being inexpensive so seeking out the cheapest of the cheap is unnecessary in most cases.

The Cost Of Different Programs

Sometimes programs are not all set at the same cost. In fact, they usually aren’t. Again, seeking out the winner on a list of the cheapest online universities may not be in your best interest. It would be better to go program by program and assess the cost.

One online university may have cheaper business degree programs but more expensive degree programs in another area. It all depends on what type of degree you plan to get through an online university. Online universities are not always consistently cheap or costly. You have to look at the details of the program you need.

Online Grants And Scholarships

Before you calculate the cost of your online education you want to remember that there are a number of grants and scholarships available to students at online universities. Some grants and scholarships are for online students in general while others are for online students pursuing degrees in specific areas. The point is that there are monies available for online students so you do not necessarily have to handle the full price of an online education yourself. A few good grants and scholarships can make attending any online university quite affordable.

The cheapest online universities in the US may not be the best schools for you. But you don’t have to worry. Online universities are notoriously inexpensive and you can offset the cost even more with grants and scholarships specifically for online students. You can have a cheap education and a good one.

With the demand for college education increasing every year and due to the lack of space in traditional public universities and community colleges, earning an online degree is becoming a more viable and acceptable option. Below are the top 10 largest online universities. All are accredited and offer degrees in multiple subjects ranging from healthcare to education to business.

	University of Phoenix — At the University of Phoenix, a student body of over 420,000 study one of 100 degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral levels at more than 200 campuses worldwide. The University of Phoenix has an open enrollment policy, and offers a variety of flexible online courses.
	Strayer University — Programs at Strayer University are designed for working adults seeking career advancement. At its more than 75 campuses, Strayer provides instruction leading to degrees in accounting, business, criminal justice, information systems, management, public administration, health services administration, and education.
	Kaplan University — Kaplan University offers degrees at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's level. In addition, students may pursue certificates in education, business, information technology, arts and sciences, healthcare, nursing, criminal justice, and law.
	Walden University — Through its online program, Walden University confers the Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and Ph.D. Graduates are successful throughout the spectrum of the workforce.
	Nova Southeastern University — Nova Southeastern University is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning dedicated to providing students an unparalleled education at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Programs are offered both in traditional in class and distance learning. The university focuses on intellectual inquiry, leadership, and commitment to community.
	Liberty University — Located in Virginia, Liberty University has over 12,000 residential students and more than 45,000 online students, making it one of the largest Christian universities in the world. Students experience a 23:1 student-to-professor ratio, and can choose from more than 115 programs of undergraduate or graduate courses, residential, online or hybrid options.
	American InterContinental University — American InterContinental University features both in class and online courses leading to associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. The university offers programs in business administration, criminal justice, education, healthcare management, information technology, marketing, and visual communication.
	Capella University — Capella University's online programs confer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in business, information technology, education, psychology, public health, public safety, and human services. Composed of mostly graduate students, Capella's student body hail from all 50 states and 55 countries.
	Grand Canyon University — Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. Grand Canyon University offers its student body of more than 25,000 online and campus-based courses at the bachelor's and master's level. The university emphasizes individual attention for both the traditional and working professional student.
	Ashford University — Ashford University offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees both on campus and online. The university, founded in 1918, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Student Government Association produces a variety of activities on campus, including intramurals, homecoming, and a host of extracurricular activities.
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