For those with low income jobs, earning a university degree may seem like a dream that will always be out of reach. Attending classes means missing work, and for those who already struggle to pay bills, this can never be an option. That is why looking into online courses may be the only solution for those in this position. Studying during the free time they have available, while still allowing them to work at their scheduled hours, can be a lifesaver. Moreover, because there are a number of universities that offer online programs with low tuitions, the dream of an education and a new career is easier to achieve for low income students than ever before.
1. Southern University at New Orleans
With a tuition fee of $4,911, this is the cheapest university for accredited online programs, and the best option for low income students. They have a basic Bachelor of General Studies completion program available, but if this area is of no interest, keep this school in mind anyway since new programs could be placed online at any time.
2. Chadron State College
With 7 accredited online programs, a business program that gives its students the chance to focus on nine different concentrations, and the internships needed to complete a variety of general majors that are organized by the university and an organization near to the student, this university is worth more than the $5,630 tuition price.
3. Western Governors University
Conceived by 19 U.S. Governors in 1995, Western Governors University accepted its first students 4 years later. It has since become one of the best school options available to low income students, thanks to the comprehensive online programs available for a tuition of only $6,070.
4. Minot State University
Though some of its programs require students to be in attendance online at certain times, the low tuition price of $6,086 coupled with the 10 undergraduate programs available make this an excellent choice for low income students hoping to earn a bachelor’s degree.
5. Peru State College
Though this school only has seven online undergraduate programs (five of which are in business, and the others in both criminal justice and psychology), they are high quality programs, which is where Peru’s focus is aimed. If interested in earning a degree in these fields, the tuition of $6,188 is well worth the price.
6. Bellevue University
Its rank in the top 20 for its online undergraduate program is due to the wide selection of courses available to its students. It also has a tuition of $6,300, which makes this university hard to beat for those with low incomes who want to complete their education.
7. West Texas A&M University
For those interested in business, nursing, or criminal justice, this university offers the programs necessary to acquire an undergraduate degree in these fields. They also offer their online students an Emergency Management Administration program, which is not available at many other online schools. The tuition is only $7,220.
8. Granite State College
Unlike other colleges, Granite has decided to offer only two graduate programs. Instead, they give their students the opportunity to choose from a wider variety of undergraduate programs. Focusing in this area can help to create higher quality programs for online students, yet still keep the tuition low at only $7,065.
9. Columbia College
Columbia College is a low income student’s dream, thanks to its 14 online undergraduate programs, all of which allow the student to work according to their own schedule, rather than coercing them to attend classes at a given time. The low tuition of $7,115 is also a bonus for low income students.
10. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
This is one of the few schools that focus mainly on aeronautical programs. Those available for online students include aviation, aviation maintenance, and avionics. There is also a variety of graduate level programs available, such as Space Education, Management, and Systems Engineering. Those interested in any of these online courses will be required to pay a tuition of $7,800.
