Why This Matters
-
CONSUMERS OWE NEARLY $1.6 TRILLION IN STUDENT LOAN DEBT
Student loan debt is the second-highest consumer debt category in the U.S., with more than 45 million borrowers paying off loans from school.
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65% OF STUDENTS BORROWED MONEY FOR COLLEGE IN 2019
The average loan amount students borrowed for the 2019-20 academic year was $30,062, a 26% increase from the amount students borrowed 10 years ago.
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UNDERGRADUATE TUITION RATES RISING STEADILY SINCE 2000
Between the 2007-2008 and 2017-2018 academic years, undergraduate tuition increased by 31% at public four-year institutions, and 23% at private four-year institutions.
Our Research
For our list of the most affordable colleges, we looked closely at what institutions charge for tuition, fees, and room and board at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. For public universities, we also considered in-state versus out-of-state tuition, to find the institutions that offer the best overall value to students.
To ensure that we are recommending schools that are not only affordable, but also provide a quality education, we only included institutions that are regionally accredited. This type of accreditation confirms that schools meet certain quality standards. It also means students are eligible for more financial aid, and can transfer credits more easily.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. Our top picks for the Most Affordable Colleges program are affordable, respected, and flexible. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)
- 55 hours to write this article
- 17,169 universities and colleges we assessed
- 21,272 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Affordable Colleges
intelligent score 99.93
Award
Intelligent Pick
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Intelligent Pick
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-33 credits
Undergraduate: 120-150 credits
Graduate: 30-66 credits
Doctoral: 60 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $305 per credit; Out-of-State: $620 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $470 per credit; Out-of-State: $855 per credit
Doctoral: In-State: $709.29 - $876.43 per credit; Out-of-State: $965 - $1,190 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
718-951-5000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-33 credits
Undergraduate: 120-150 credits
Graduate: 30-66 credits
Doctoral: 60 credits
intelligent score 98.94
Award
Best Urban Campus
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Urban Campus
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-124 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $305 per credit; Out-of-State: $620 per credit
Graduate: $470 - $725 per credit: Out-of-State: $855 - $1,110 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
646-312-1000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-124 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
intelligent score 98.36
Award
Best Public University
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Public University
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-34 credits
Undergraduate: 120-137 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Doctoral: 48-60 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate:
Graduate: In-State: $470 - $865 per credit; Out-of-State: $855 - $1,110 per credit
Doctoral: In-State: $560 - $695 per credit; Out-of-State: $965 - $1,190 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
212-650-7000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-34 credits
Undergraduate: 120-137 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Doctoral: 48-60 credits
intelligent score 98.1
Award
Best in the Midwest
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best in the Midwest
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-31 credits
Associate: 60-75 credits
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 30-34 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $249 per credit; Out-of-State: $319 per credit
Graduate: $336.67 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
701-483-2507
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-31 credits
Associate: 60-75 credits
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 30-34 credits
intelligent score 97.57
Award
Best HBCU
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best HBCU
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120 credits
Graduate: 30-42 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $125 per credit; Out-of-State: $625 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $421.93 per credit; Out-of-State: $2,054.64 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
252-335-3400
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120 credits
Graduate: 30-42 credits
intelligent score 96.87
Award
Best Ivy League University
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Ivy League University
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128 credits
Graduate: 32-64 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,655.10 per credit
Graduate: $2,060.33 - $2,286.67 per credit
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-495-1000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128 credits
Graduate: 32-64 credits
intelligent score 96.33
Award
Best Public Research University
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Public Research University
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-18 credits
Undergraduate: 120-157 credits
Graduate: 30-63 credits
Doctoral: 60-150 credits
College of Veterinary Medicine: 165 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $205.30 per credit; Out-of-State: $695.90 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $230.45 per credit; Out-of-State: $876.40 per credit
College of Veterinary Medicine: In-State: $601.27 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,240.48 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
405-744-5000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-18 credits
Undergraduate: 120-157 credits
Graduate: 30-63 credits
Doctoral: 60-150 credits
College of Veterinary Medicine: 165 credits
intelligent score 96.28
Award
Best in the Northeast
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best in the Northeast
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 18-21 credits
Undergraduate: 120 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $305 - $445 per credit; Out-of-State: $620 - $915 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $470 per credit; Out-of-State: $855 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
718-997-5000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 18-21 credits
Undergraduate: 120 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
intelligent score 95.95
Award
Best in the West
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best in the West
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-131 credits
Graduate: 30-40 credits
Doctoral: 60-88 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $145 per credit; Out-of-State: $603 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $282 - $753 per credit; Out-of-State: $843 - $1.311 per credit
Doctoral: In-State: $496 per credit; Out-of-State: $960 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
307-766-1121
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-131 credits
Graduate: 30-40 credits
Doctoral: 60-88 credits
intelligent score 94.37
Award
Best Private University
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Private University
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128-144 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,470 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
859-985-3000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128-144 credits
intelligent score 93.71
Award
Best in the South
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best in the South
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-129 credits
Graduate: 30-36 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $280.25 per credit
Graduate: $420 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
662-254-9041
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-129 credits
Graduate: 30-36 credits
intelligent score 93.69
Award
Best Early Entrance Program
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Early Entrance Program
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-39 credits
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 30-76 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $282.67 per credit; Out-of-State: $677 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $342.33 per credit; Out-of-State: $738.33 per credit
accreditation
WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
323-343-3000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-39 credits
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 30-76 credits
intelligent score 93.51
Award
Best Student Diversity
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Student Diversity
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-24 credits
Undergraduate: 120-132 credits
Graduate: 30-59 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $407 per credit; Out-of-State: $803 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $507 - $777 per credit; Out-of-State: $903 - $1,173 per credit
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
562-985-4111
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-24 credits
Undergraduate: 120-132 credits
Graduate: 30-59 credits
intelligent score 93.48
Award
Best Tribal College
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Tribal College
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 29-34 creditsAssociate: 64-74 creditsUndergraduate: 120-133 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$55 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
928-724-6600
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 29-34 creditsAssociate: 64-74 creditsUndergraduate: 120-133 credits
intelligent score 93.4
Award
Best Financial Aid
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Financial Aid
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-21 credits
Undergraduate: 120-131 credits
Graduate: 30-71 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $486.13 - $623.63 per credit; Out-of-State: $895.13 - $1,032.63 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $453.10 - $677.13 per credit; Out-of-State: $875.10 - $1,086.13 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-288-8748
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-21 credits
Undergraduate: 120-131 credits
Graduate: 30-71 credits
intelligent score 92.37
Award
Best Service Learning Opportunities
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Service Learning Opportunities
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-20 credits
Undergraduate: 120-124 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Doctoral: 60-110 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In- State: $286.33 per credit; Out-of-State: $682,33 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $355.83 per credit; Out-of-State: $751.83 per credit
Doctoral : $853.14 - $1,235.86 per credit
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
Phone:
559-278-4240
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-20 credits
Undergraduate: 120-124 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Doctoral: 60-110 credits
intelligent score 90.48
Award
Best for Technology Degrees
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Technology Degrees
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-36 credits
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 30 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $295 per credit; Out-of-State: $708 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $471 per credit; Out-of-State: $963 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
934-420-2000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-36 credits
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 30 credits
intelligent score 89.44
Award
Most Degree Options
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Most Degree Options
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-132 credits
Graduate: 30-63 credits
Doctoral: 60-110 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $410.14 per credit; Out-of-State: $806.14 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $512.57 - $875 per credit; Out-of-State: $908.57 - $1,271 per credit
Doctoral: $509 - $575 per credit
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
657-278-2011
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-132 credits
Graduate: 30-63 credits
Doctoral: 60-110 credits
intelligent score 89.38
Award
Best Scholarships
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Scholarships
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-36 credits
Associate: 60-88 credits
Undergraduate: 120-137 credits
Graduate: 30-42 creditsDoctoral: 36-172 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $443 - $470 per credit; Out-of-State: $715 - $756 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $659 - $867 per credit; Out-of-State: $840 - $989 per credit
Doctoral: $746 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
231-598-8210
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-36 credits
Associate: 60-88 credits
Undergraduate: 120-137 credits
Graduate: 30-42 creditsDoctoral: 36-172 credits
intelligent score 89.08
Award
Best for Visual and Performing Arts Degrees
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Visual and Performing Arts Degrees
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-123 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $305 per credit; Out-of-State: $620 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $470 - $620 per credit; Out-of-State: $855 - $1,000 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
212-772-4000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-123 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
intelligent score 88.78
Award
Best Job Placement Rate
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Job Placement Rate
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-17 credits
Associate: 60-80 credits
Undergraduate: 120-151 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $181.64 per credit; Out-of-State: $226.88 - $529.86 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $250.02 - $400 per credit; Out-of-State: $631.89 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
785-628-3478
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-17 credits
Associate: 60-80 credits
Undergraduate: 120-151 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
intelligent score 87.79
Award
Best for Agricultural Progams
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Agricultural Progams
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-19 credits
Undergraduate: 120-144 credits
Graduate: 30-48 credits
Veterinary Medicine: 160 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $336 - $449 per credit; Out-of-State: $968 - $1,101 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $543 - $695 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,374 - $1,550 per credit
Veterinary Medicine: In-State: 1,010 per credit; Out-of-State: $2,221 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
515-294-4111
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-19 credits
Undergraduate: 120-144 credits
Graduate: 30-48 credits
Veterinary Medicine: 160 credits
intelligent score 87.68
Award
Best for Science Degrees
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Science Degrees
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-44 creditsAssociate: 62-67 creditsUndergraduate: 120-125 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $333 - $519 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
906-632-6841
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-44 creditsAssociate: 62-67 creditsUndergraduate: 120-125 credits
intelligent score 87.43
Award
Best for Graduate Certificates
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Graduate Certificates
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120 credits
Graduate: 30-63 credits
Doctor of Nursing Practice: 85 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $445 per credit; Out-of-State: $915 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $470 - $620 per credit; Out-of-State: $855 - $1,000 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
718-960-8000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120 credits
Graduate: 30-63 credits
Doctor of Nursing Practice: 85 credits
intelligent score 85.46
Award
Best Minor Options
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Minor Options
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15 credits
Undergraduate: 120-123 credits
Graduate: 30-62 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $458.59 per credit; Out-of-State: $881.76 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $516 per credit; Out-of-State: $774 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
660-785-4000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15 credits
Undergraduate: 120-123 credits
Graduate: 30-62 credits
intelligent score 84.85
Award
Best Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-27 credits
Undergraduate: 120-155 credits
Graduate: 30-65 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $263.79 per credit
Graduate: $348.78 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-777-0750
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-27 credits
Undergraduate: 120-155 credits
Graduate: 30-65 credits
intelligent score 84.36
Award
Most Unique Bachelor's Degrees
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Most Unique Bachelor's Degrees
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 30 credits
Undergraduate: 124-136 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $255.67 per credit; Out-of-State: $567.67 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $315 per credit; Out-of-State: $696.33 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
580-332-8000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 30 credits
Undergraduate: 124-136 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
intelligent score 83.44
Award
Best in the Southeast
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best in the Southeast
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-30 credits
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 30-65 credits
Doctoral: 72-90 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $396.25 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,373.75 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $506 - $852 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,360.25 - $1,732 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
703-993-1000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-30 credits
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 30-65 credits
Doctoral: 72-90 credits
intelligent score 83.24
Award
Most Experienced Faculty
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Most Experienced Faculty
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 18-30 credits
Undergraduate: 120-128 credits
Graduate: 30-45 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $306.67 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,131.07 per credit
Graduate: $360 - $1,330.51 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-968-7486
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 18-30 credits
Undergraduate: 120-128 credits
Graduate: 30-45 credits
intelligent score 82.8
Award
Best Study Abroad Opportunities
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Study Abroad Opportunities
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15 credits
Undergraduate: 120-128 credits
Graduate: 30-69 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $294.58 per credit; Out-of-State: $353.33 - $707.50 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $471 - $625 per credit; Out-of-State: $565 - $1,016 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
315-312-2500
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15 credits
Undergraduate: 120-128 credits
Graduate: 30-69 credits
intelligent score 82.52
Award
Best for Resource Engineering Programs
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Resource Engineering Programs
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-41 credits
Associate: 62-70 credits
Undergraduate: 120-136 credits
Graduate: 30-37 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $237.79 per credit; Out-of-State: $628.50 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $261.48 per credit; Out-of-State: $740.45 per credit
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-445-8324
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-41 credits
Associate: 62-70 credits
Undergraduate: 120-136 credits
Graduate: 30-37 credits
intelligent score 80.66
Award
Best Student Organizations
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Student Organizations
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-49 credits
Undergraduate: 120-129 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Doctoral: 60-135 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $425 - $761 per credit; Out-of-State: $915 - $1,053 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $501 - $575 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,310 - $1,360 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
928-523-9011
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-49 credits
Undergraduate: 120-129 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Doctoral: 60-135 credits
intelligent score 80.61
Award
Best in the Southwest
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best in the Southwest
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 18-30 credits
Associate: 60-69 credits
Undergraduate: 120-142 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $266.75 per credit; Out-of-State: $451.75 per credit
Graduate: $295.75 - $305.75 per credit; Out-of-State: $478.75 - $490.75 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
505-425-7511
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 18-30 credits
Associate: 60-69 credits
Undergraduate: 120-142 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
intelligent score 80.6
Award
Best Student Retention Rate
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Student Retention Rate
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-60 credits
Undergraduate: 120-137 credits
Graduate: 30-45 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $212.76 per credit; Out-of-State: $460.99 per credit
Graduate: $285 - $340 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
660-562-1212
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-60 credits
Undergraduate: 120-137 credits
Graduate: 30-45 credits
intelligent score 80.51
Award
Best in the Northwest
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best in the Northwest
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 20-47 credits
Associate: 64-96 credits
Undergraduate: 180-197 credits
Graduate: 45-90 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $194.97 per credit; Out-of-State: $620.58 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $448.43 per credit; Out-of-State: $752.78 per credit
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-422-2017
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 20-47 credits
Associate: 64-96 credits
Undergraduate: 180-197 credits
Graduate: 45-90 credits
intelligent score 79.22
Award
Best Return on Investment
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Return on Investment
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $295 per credit; Out-of-State: $708 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $471 per credit; Out-of-State: $963 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
516-876-3000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
intelligent score 76.95
Award
Best Community College
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Community College
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-35 creditsAssociate: 60-80 creditsUndergraduate: 120-126 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $393 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,178 per credit
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
435-283-7000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-35 creditsAssociate: 60-80 creditsUndergraduate: 120-126 credits
intelligent score 74.99
Award
Best for Bachelor's-to-Master's Programs
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Bachelor's-to-Master's Programs
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-24 credits
Undergraduate: 120-137 credits
Graduate: 30-68 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $295 per credit; Out-of-State: $353 - $708 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $471 per credit; Out-of-State: $565 - $1,016 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
845-257-7869
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-24 credits
Undergraduate: 120-137 credits
Graduate: 30-68 credits
intelligent score 74.98
Award
Best for Veterans
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Veterans
Delivery Format
On-campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-125 credits
Graduate: 30-36 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $400 per credit
Graduate: $500 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
318-342-7777
Delivery Format
On-campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-125 credits
Graduate: 30-36 credits
intelligent score 74.96
Award
Best Conservatory Programs
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Conservatory Programs
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 36-73 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $216.57 per credit; Out-of-State: $768 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $306.53 per credit; Out-of-State: $773.43 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
336-770-3399
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 36-73 credits
intelligent score 74.77
Award
Best Rural Campus
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Rural Campus
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 10-22 credits
Associate: 60-64 credits
Undergraduate: 120-127 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $262.43 - $309.23 per credit; Out-of-State: $607 - $653.80 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $600 - $775 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,041.40 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
262-595-2345
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 10-22 credits
Associate: 60-64 credits
Undergraduate: 120-127 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
intelligent score 74.75
Award
Best for Part-Time Students
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Part-Time Students
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 10-36 credits
Associate: 60-88 credits
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 30-90 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $458.18 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,374.79 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $504 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,512.27 per credit
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
801-626-6000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 10-36 credits
Associate: 60-88 credits
Undergraduate: 120-126 credits
Graduate: 30-90 credits
intelligent score 74.68
Award
Best Internship Opportunities
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Internship Opportunities
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 125-131 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,175 per credit
Graduate: $555 - $1,000 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-942-8033
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 125-131 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
intelligent score 72.99
Award
Best for Dual Enrollment
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Dual Enrollment
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-128 credits
Graduate: 30-42 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $419 per credit; Out-of-State: $455 - $495 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $620 per credit; Out-of-State: $676 - $733 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-829-8861
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-128 credits
Graduate: 30-42 credits
intelligent score 72.85
Award
Best Research Facilities
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Research Facilities
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-21 credits
Undergraduate: 120-136 credits
Graduate: 30-50 credits
Doctoral: 66-77 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $510 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,188 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $759 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,713 per credit
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
256-824-1000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-21 credits
Undergraduate: 120-136 credits
Graduate: 30-50 credits
Doctoral: 66-77 credits
intelligent score 71.78
Award
Most Sustainable Campus
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Most Sustainable Campus
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-15 credits
Associate: 60-64 credits
Undergraduate: 120-128 credits
Graduate: 30-91 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $547.35 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,470.89 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $280- $964 per credit; Out-of-State: $1,311.68 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
513-529-1809
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-15 credits
Associate: 60-64 credits
Undergraduate: 120-128 credits
Graduate: 30-91 credits
intelligent score 71.61
Award
Best General Education Program
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best General Education Program
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-48 credits
Undergraduate: 120-129 credits
Graduate: 30-63 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $322 per credit; Out-of-State: $644 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $385.50 per credit; Out-of-State: $668 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-778-9111
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-48 credits
Undergraduate: 120-129 credits
Graduate: 30-63 credits
intelligent score 71.19
Award
Best for Small Classes
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best for Small Classes
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-123 credits
Graduate: 30-61 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: In-State: $303 per credit; Out-of-State: $722 per credit
Graduate: In-State: $481 per credit; Out-of-State: $982 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
607-436-3500
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120-123 credits
Graduate: 30-61 credits
intelligent score 70.22
Award
Best Catholic University
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Catholic University
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 14-26 credits
Undergraduate: 120-162 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Doctoral: 117 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $400 - $1,030 per credit
Graduate: $515 - $1,030 per credit
Doctoral: $953 per credit
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
570-348-6211
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 14-26 credits
Undergraduate: 120-162 credits
Graduate: 30-60 credits
Doctoral: 117 credits
intelligent score 70.21
Award
Best Liberal Arts University
Rankings
School Information
Graduation Rate:
Admission Rate:
Urbanicity:
School Size:
Award
Best Liberal Arts University
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12 credits
Undergraduate: 120-161 credits
Graduate: 30-33 credits
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $262 - $1,006 per credit
Graduate: $366 - $792 per credit
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
417-873-7879
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12 credits
Undergraduate: 120-161 credits
Graduate: 30-33 credits
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What You Should Know About This Degree
Determining the cost of a college degree can be a bit tricky, but is not impossible. In most cases, there is a “sticker price” – that is, the advertised cost of tuition, room and board, and other fees. However, the actual price that students usually end up paying is the “net price,” which is the cost of tuition after scholarships, grants, loans, work-study, and other funding has been factored in. Therefore, it’s important to use the net price when calculating the cost of a program.
Many students rely on institutional scholarships to subsidize tuition costs, but it’s also worth noting that there are many outside resources for scholarships as well. These sources can include community, state, and national organizations; employers; religious groups; foundations, and more.
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a college, but it shouldn’t form the whole basis for your decision. Be sure to review the curriculum for your intended program of study, to ensure that it will teach you the skills you need for your career, and meet any education requirements to professional licenses or certifications. You may also want to consider what kind of student resources, extracurricular activities, and experiential learning opportunities the school offers.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching the most affordable colleges:
- Are there any additional fees? While tuition will make up the bulk of your costs for college, make sure you’re aware of any additional fees the institution might impose for technology, support services, or program-specific equipment or experiences. If you cannot find clear information online, talk to a financial aid counselor so you can get a clear picture of what your bill will look like.
- How can I make college more affordable? There are a number of ways to save money while in school. Living at home and commuting, if possible, can save you money on room and board. Likewise, enrolling in an online program may be cheaper than taking classes in person. Additionally, many companies and businesses offer student discounts on everything from software and technology to clothing and entertainment.
While you are researching schools and programs, make sure that you take note of application requirements and deadlines. This can affect not only your admission into a school, but also your eligibility for scholarships, grants, and financial aid. If you are applying for student loans, make sure that you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on time. If you have questions about financial aid and scholarship opportunities, contact the school’s financial aid office to speak to a counselor about your options.
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