According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average U.S. undergraduate student paid more than $22,000 in tuition, fees, and other college expenses during the 2015-16 academic year. This represents a significant financial investment for most learners. Online students often spend less on their degree than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. A growing number of schools have begun to offer flat tuition rates for online students, regardless of their state residency status. Additionally, most spend less on housing and meals than brick-and-mortar students, whose room and board expenses can be fairly high. However, the cost of an online degree can still amount to thousands of dollars per year.

Because affordability is such a key factor for postsecondary education, prospective students are encouraged to compare costs at all potential colleges and universities before committing to a school. Below you'll find our list of the 50 most affordable accredited online colleges. Our guide also discusses different types of fees and expenses online students can expect to pay, along with some tips for applying for and receiving loans, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid.

10 Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges in 2020

University of South Florida - Sarasota, FL
Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, OK
University of Washington - Seattle, WA
Peirce College - Philadelphia, PA
University of Illinois at Springfield - Springfield, IL
Indiana University - Indianapolis, IN
University of Florida - Gainesville, FL
South Texas College - McAllen, TX
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College - Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
California State University-Dominguez Hills - Carson, CA