We’re always looking for ways to help you find greater value in a college education. For this ranking, we present the most affordable online colleges with better-than-average graduation rate compared to the pool of online colleges overall. When it boils down, we have a list schools that are both relatively affordable and relatively successful at making sure their students are equipped to progress to graduation in a timely fashion.
Methodology
For purposes of this article, we used Wikipedia’s list of colleges offering degrees online, along with National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator as a source for accreditation information, graduation rate, and net price data. We consulted each school’s website to confirm that they offer at least one undergraduate degree online. The initial set of colleges offering an online degree and for which graduation rate* and net price data were available numbered 193. The average graduation rate among these was 54%; all the schools in this ranking outperform this mark. All data was pulled November 2014.
The list is presented in descending order based on net price as reported to NCES/College Navigator.
50. Anderson University Indiana
Anderson, Indiana
Website
Anderson University is a private Christian liberal arts university accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commission.
Net price: $22,607
Graduation Rate: 57%
Online degrees: Integrative Leadership
For more information: Anderson University
49. Concordia University Wisconsin
Mequon, Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin is a private liberal arts coeducational institution accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $22,448
Graduation Rate: 56%
Online degrees: Nursing (RN-BSN), Health Care Management, Management of Criminal Justice, Human Resources Management, and Business Management
For more information: Concordia University Wisconsin
48. University of La Verne
La Verne, California
The University of La Verne is a private not-for-profit university founded in 1891 and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Net price: $21,720
Graduation Rate: 59%
Online degrees: Business Administration, Public Administration, and Organizational Management
For more information: University of LaVerne
47. Crown College
Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota
Crown College is a private Christian college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central association.
Net price: $21,538
Graduation Rate: 56%
Online degrees: Business Administration, Christian Ministry, Criminal Justice, Disaster and Emergency Management, General/Liberal Studies, and Psychology/Counseling
For more information: Crown College
46. Drury University
Springfield, Missouri
Drury University is a private liberal arts college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Net price: $21,357
Graduation Rate: 57%
Online degrees: Business Administration, General Studies, Health Services, History, Human Services, Law Enforcement, Organizational Communication and Development, Instructional Technology, Criminal Justice, Sociology and Psychology
For more information: Drury University
45. Mercer University
Macon, Georgia
Website
Mercer University is a prestigious school, known for its rigorous academics, with degree offerings ranging from the undergraduate to the doctoral level.
Net price: $33,780
Graduation Rate: 59%
Online degrees: Psychology, Public Safety, Early Childhood Education, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Technical Communication Management
For more information: Mercer University
44. University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research institution accredited by the Higher Learning Council.
Net price: $19,310
Graduation Rate: 58%
Online degrees: Early Childhood Education, Fire Science Technology, Health Information Management Administration, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Substance Abuse Counseling
For more information: University of Cincinnati
43. University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the largest public university in New England and is accredited by the Northeast Association of Schools and Colleges.
Net price: $19,120
Graduation Rate: 73%
Online degrees: Arts Management, Criminal Justice Studies, Human Services, Writing, Advocacy and Social Justice, Business Studies, Early Care and Education, Journalism Studies, Applied Psychology, Children’s Learning and Development, Health Studies, Sustainability Studies, and a “Design Your Own Degree” option
For more information: University of Massachusetts-Amherst
42. University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
University of Alabama is an urban public research university accredited by the South Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $19,042
Graduation Rate: 67%
Online degrees: Commerce and Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, Food and Nutrition, General Studies, Consumer Sciences, Early Childhood Education, Human Development and Family Studies, Restaurants, Hotel and Meeting Management, and Nursing (RN to BSN)
For more information: University of Alabama
41. North Park University
Chicago, Illinois
North Park University is a private four year university founded by the Evangelical Covenant Church and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Net price: $18,724
Graduation Rate: 56%
Online degrees: Business Administration, Church and Ministry Management, Management Information Systems, Organizational Management and Leadership, and Nonprofit Management
For more information: North Park University
40. Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Website
Ohio University is a public research university and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $17,846
Graduation Rate: 67%
Online degrees: Criminal Justice, Applied Management, Technical and Applied Studies, and Nursing (RN to BSN)
For more information: Ohio University
39. Mercy College of Ohio
Toledo, Ohio
Mercy College of Ohio is a Catholic institution with a focus on healthcare and accredited by the Higher Learning Council.
Net price: $17,645
Graduation Rate: 68%
Online degrees: Healthcare Administration, Medical Imaging, and Nursing (RN to BSN)
For more information: Mercy College of Ohio
38. Aurora University
Aurora, Illinois
Aurora University is a private nonprofit co-educational liberal arts college accredited by the Higher Learning Council.
Net price: $17,529
Graduation Rate: 58%
Online degrees: Business Administration, Communication, Criminal Justice, Social Work, and RN to BSN
For more information: Aurora University
37. University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
University of Missouri is a public research university offering over 300 degree programs and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Net price: $16,884
Graduation Rate: 70%
Online degrees: General Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Educational Studies, Health Sciences, Radiography, and Respiratory Therapy
For more information: University of Missouri
36. University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $16,780
Graduation Rate: 66%
Online degrees: Administrative Leadership, Liberal Studies, World Cultural Studies, and Criminal Justice
For more information: University of Oklahoma
35. University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a selective public research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $16,536
Graduation Rate: 83%
Online degrees: Business Administration, Education, Nursing (BSN), and Criminal Justice
For more information: University of Wisconsin
34. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public research-intensive university and founding member of the Big Ten Conference and accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $16,490
Graduation Rate: 84%
Online degrees: Business Administration, Computer Science, Earth, Society and Environmental Sustainability, English, Health Information Management Degree Completion Program, History, Information Systems Security, Liberal Studies, Management Information Systems, Mathematical Sciences, Philosophy, and Nursing (RN to BSN)
For more information: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
33. Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
Washington State University is a public research university accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Net price: $16,287
Graduation Rate: 65%
Online degrees: Accounting, Management and Operations, Management Information Systems, Criminal Justice, Human Development, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Psychology
For more information: Washington State University
32. University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
University of North Dakota is a public research university accredited by Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $16,114
Graduation Rate: 55%
Online degrees: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Communication, Electrical Engineering, General Studies, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing (RN to BSN), Petroleum Engineering, Psychology, and Social Science
For more information: University of North Dakota
31. Dominican University
River Forest, Illinois
Dominican University is a coeducational, comprehensive, Catholic institution of higher education and research accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Net price: $15,882
Graduation Rate: 63%
Online degrees: Human Services, and Legal Studies
For more information: Dominican University
30. University of Vermont
Burlington, Vermont
The University of Vermont is a public research university, considered “Public Ivies”, and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation.
Net price: $15,793
Graduation Rate: 76%
Online degrees: Nursing (RN to BSN)
For more information: University of Vermont
29. Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, California
Fresno Pacific University is a Christian university accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools.
Net price: $15,742
Graduation Rate: 54%
Online degrees: Early Childhood Development
For more information: Fresno Pacific University
28. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana
Net price: $15,685
Graduation Rate: 60%
Online degrees: Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Creative Writing, Criminology, Education, English, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management, Human Services, Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, Marketing, Mathematics, Paralegal Studies, Psychology, Teaching Licensure, Theology, and Nursing (RN to BSN)
27. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Minneapolis, Minnesota
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a public research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $15,531
Graduation Rate: 73%
Online degrees: Accounting, Applied Studies, Applied Health, Business Management, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Health Management, Information Technology Management, Manufacturing Management, Manufacturing Management-Quality Management, Manufacturing Operations Management, Marketing, Multidisciplinary Studies, Psychology, and Sport & Recreation Management
For more information: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
26. Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public research university located in the state capital and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Net price: $15,511
Graduation Rate: 77%
Online degrees: Public Safety and Security, Computer Science, Criminology, and Interdisciplinary Social Science
For more information: Florida State University
25. Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Mississippi State University is a land grant university classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a “comprehensive doctoral research university with very high research activity” and accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $15,422
Graduation Rate: 61%
Online degrees: Elementary Education, Geosciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Technology Teacher Education
For more information: Mississippi State University
24. University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is an urban public research university accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Net price: $15,215
Graduation Rate: 54%
Online degrees: English, Liberal Arts, Psychology, Information Technology, Criminal Justice, and Business Administration
For more information: University of Massachusetts Lowell
23. University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
The University of Florida is a public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Net price: $15,157
Graduation Rate: 87%
Online degrees: Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business Administration, Health Education and Behavior, Sport Management, Telecommunication Media & Society, Biology, Computer Science, Criminology & Law, Geology, Psychology, and Sociology
For more information: University of Florida
22. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a public research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $15,132
Graduation Rate: 67%
Online degrees: Applied Science, and Early Childhood in a Mobile Society
For more information: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
21. Trident University International
Cyprus, California
Trident University International is a virtual, for-profit university accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges where all courses are delivered online.
Net price: $15,107
Graduation Rate: 58%
Online degrees: Health Sciences, Computer Science, IT Management, Human Resource Management, Leadership, and Business Administration
For more information: Trident University International
20. University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
The University of Central Florida is a metropolitan public research university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Net price: $15,033
Graduation Rate: 67%
Online degrees: Anthropology, Criminal Justice, English, Creative Writing, English Literature, English Technical Communication, Health Services Administration, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, International and Global Studies, Latin American Studies, Nursing B.S.N. Completion Program, Political Science, Psychology, Religion and Cultural Studies, Sociology, and Technical Education and Industry Training
For more information: University of Central Florida
19. University of Northwestern Ohio
Lima, Ohio
The University of Northwestern Ohio is a private, not-for-profit University founded in 1920 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission/North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $14,806
Graduation Rate: 62%
Online degrees: Accounting, Accounting (CPA Track), Business Administration, Business Administration with Agribusiness Management Option, Business Administration with Marketing Option, Forensic Accounting, Healthcare Administration, Marketing, Specialized Studies, and Sport Marketing and Management
For more information: University of Northwestern Ohio
18. South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota
South Dakota State University is a public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association.
Net price: $14,716
Graduation Rate: 56%
Online degrees: General Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing (RN to BS), and Sociology
17. Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State University is considered to be one of America’s Public Ivy universities and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $14,526
Graduation Rate: 77%
Online degrees: Nursing (RN to BSN)
For more information: Michigan State University
16. Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Texas Tech is a public research university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Net price: $14,119
Graduation Rate: 59%
Online degrees: General Studies, Science in Plant and Soil Sciences, Multidisciplinary Studies, and University Studies
For more information: Texas Tech University
15. University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
University of Arizona is a public university accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $14,070
Graduation Rate: 61%
Online degrees: Science Teacher Preparatory Program (Biology and Chemistry)
For more information: University of Arizona
14. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Net price: $13,745
Graduation Rate: 54%
Online degrees: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, and Health Care Management
For more information: University of Alabama at Birmingham
13. Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Colorado State University is a public land grant research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Net price: $13,487
Graduation Rate: 64%
Online degrees: Agricultural Business, Anthropology, Fire and Emergency Administration, Human Development and Family Studies, Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts, and Psychology
For more information: Colorado State University
12. University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
The University of Virginia is a research university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $13,463
Graduation Rate: 93%
Online degrees: Engineering
For more information: University of Virginia
11. Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Net price: $12,380
Graduation Rate: 59%
Online degrees: Art History, Business-Food Industry Management, Business-Global Leadership, Business-Global Logistics Management, Business- Retail Management, Business- Sustainability, Business and Communication, Communication, Criminal Justice & Criminology, Educational Studies, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, English, Family & Human Development, Film, Global Health, Graphic Information Technology, Health Sciences, Healthy Lifestyles Coaching, History, Information Technology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies (Organizational Studies), Internet & Web Development, Justice Studies, Liberal Studies, Mass Communication and Media Studies, Nursing (RN to BSN), Nutrition Communication, Operations Management, Organizational Leadership, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Software Engineering, Spanish, Technical Communication, and Technological Entrepreneurship and Management
10. North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
North Carolina State University is a public, coeducational, research university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $12,129
Graduation Rate: 74%
Online degrees: Leadership in the Public Sector
For more information: North Carolina State University
9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the oldest public university in the United States and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
.Net price: $11,994
Graduation Rate: 90%
Online degrees: Accounting
For more information: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
8. University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
The University of Illinois at Chicago is a state-funded public research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $11,645
Graduation Rate: 57%
Online degrees: Health Information Management, and Nursing (RN to BSN)
For more information: University of Illinois at Chicago
7. University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
The University of South Florida is a member institution of the State University System of Florida and a public research university accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $11,335
Graduation Rate: 63%
Online degrees: Criminal Justice, Information Studies, Public Health, Information Studies, Information Technology, Nursing (RN to BS), Women’s and Gender Studies, and Criminology
For more information: University of South Florida
6. Virginia College
Birmingham, Alabama
Virginia College is a chain of private for-profit institutions located primarily in the southeastern United States and accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $11,302
Graduation Rate: 57%
Online degrees: Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Golf Course Management, Health Service Management, Human Resource Management, Management Information Systems, Network Management, Paralegal Studies, and Private Sector Accounting
For more information: Virginia College
5. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public research university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges.
Net price: $10,506
Graduation Rate: 54%
Online degrees: Respiratory Therapy, Nursing (RN to BSN and RN to MSN), Engineering Technology-Electrical, Engineering Technology- Fire Safety, and Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Science
For more information: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
4. West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
West Virginia University is a public land grant research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Net price: $9,826
Graduation Rate: 57%
Online degrees: Multidisciplinary Studies, Nursing RN to BSN, and Regents Bachelor of Arts
For more information: West Virginia University
3. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public research university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Net price: $9,581
Graduation Rate: 55%
Online degrees: Liberal Studies, Business Administration, Human Development and Family Studies, Public Health, and Supply Chain Management
For more information: University of North Carolina at Greensboro
2. University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
University of Washington is a public research university accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Net price: $9,559
Graduation Rate: 82%
Online degrees: Early Childhood and Family Studies, and Integrated Social Sciences
For more information: University of Washington
1. St. Joseph’s College New York
Brooklyn and Patchogue, New York
St. Joseph’s College is a liberal arts college in New York State accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Net price: $9,114
Graduation Rate: 72%
Online degrees: Organizational Management
*College Navigator indicates that graduation rate “tracks the progress of students who began their studies as full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking students to see if they complete a degree or other award such as a certificate within 150% of “normal time” for completing the program in which they are enrolled.”
For more information: St. Joseph’s College New York
Related Resources: