15 Affordable Online Colleges with Self-Paced Programs and Flexible Schedules

Looking for affordable online colleges with self-paced programs and flexible schedules? Check out our list of 15 online colleges that offer low-cost, high-quality, and personalized online education.

Online education has become a popular and convenient option for many students who want to pursue higher education without sacrificing their personal or professional commitments. However, not all online programs are created equal. Some online programs may have rigid schedules, high tuition fees, or low-quality instruction. That’s why it is important to find an online college that offers self-paced programs and flexible schedules, as well as affordability and quality.

Self-paced programs allow students to complete courses at their own pace, without deadlines or fixed class times. This gives students more control over their learning and allows them to adjust their study time according to their needs and preferences. Flexible schedules enable students to choose when and where to study, as well as how many courses to take at a time. This helps students balance their online education with their other responsibilities and interests. Affordability and quality are also essential factors to consider when choosing an online college. Students should look for online colleges that offer low tuition fees, financial aid options, accreditation, and academic support.

In this article, we will present 15 affordable online colleges with self-paced programs and flexible schedules that meet these criteria. These online colleges offer a variety of degree programs, from associate’s to doctoral level, in various fields of study, such as business, education, health, technology, and more. We will also provide some information about each online college, such as its tuition rate, accreditation status, admission requirements, and student services.

1. Western Governors University (WGU)

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit online university that was founded by 19 U.S. governors in 1997. WGU offers more than 60 degree programs in four colleges: Business, Education, Health Professions, and Information Technology. WGU uses a competency-based education model, which means that students can advance through courses as soon as they demonstrate mastery of the subject matter, rather than following a fixed schedule or credit hours. WGU also provides personalized faculty support, online resources, and career services to help students succeed.

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Tuition rate: $3,225 per six-month term for most undergraduate programs; $3,895-$4,180 per six-month term for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; demonstration of college readiness; program-specific requirements
Student services: Academic mentors; course instructors; program faculty; student success center; library; writing center; math center; career center; alumni network

2. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit online university that was founded in 1932. SNHU offers more than 200 degree programs in eight schools: Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering & Technology, Health & Human Services, Nursing & Health Professions, Professional Studies, and Social Sciences. SNHU uses a flexible online learning platform that allows students to access courses anytime and anywhere. SNHU also provides dedicated academic advisors, faculty support, online tutoring, career services, and financial aid options to help students achieve their goals.

Tuition rate: $320 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs; $627 per credit hour for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Academic advisors; faculty support; online tutoring; library; writing center; math center; career center; alumni network

3. Capella University

Capella University is a private, for-profit online university that was founded in 1993. Capella offers more than 50 degree programs in six schools: Business & Technology, Counseling & Human Services, Education, Health Sciences & Nursing, Psychology & Social Work, and Public Service Leadership. Capella uses two learning formats: GuidedPath and FlexPath. GuidedPath follows a structured schedule with weekly assignments and deadlines. FlexPath allows students to complete courses at their own pace and set their own deadlines. Capella also provides faculty support, academic coaching, online resources, and career services to help students succeed.

Tuition rate: $336-$487 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs; $425-$925 per credit hour for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Faculty support; academic coaches; library; writing center; career center; alumni network

4. Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global is a public online university that was established in 2018 as part of the Purdue University system. Purdue Global offers more than 175 degree programs in seven schools: Business & Information Technology, Health Sciences, Nursing, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Education, Concord Law School, and Open College. Purdue Global uses a flexible online learning platform that allows students to access courses 24/7. Purdue Global also provides faculty support, academic advisors, online tutoring, career services, and financial aid options to help students achieve their goals.

Tuition rate: $371 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs; $420-$700 per credit hour for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Faculty support; academic advisors; online tutoring; library; writing center; career center; alumni network

5. Ashworth College

Ashworth College is a private, for-profit online college that was founded in 1987. Ashworth offers more than 130 degree programs in four schools: Business, Creative Services, Education, and Healthcare. Ashworth uses a self-paced online learning platform that allows students to complete courses at their own pace and schedule. Ashworth also provides faculty support, academic advisors, online resources, and career services to help students succeed.

Tuition rate: $79-$99 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs; $499-$699 per course for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Faculty support; academic advisors; online resources; career center; alumni network

6. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is a public online university that was established in 2007 as part of the Colorado State University system. CSU Global offers more than 40 degree programs in five schools: Business & Management, Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement, Education & Teaching, Healthcare & Nursing, and Information Technology. CSU Global uses a flexible online learning platform that allows students to access courses anytime and anywhere. CSU Global also provides faculty support, academic advisors, online tutoring, career services, and financial aid options to help students achieve their goals.

Tuition rate: $350 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs; $500 per credit hour for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Faculty support; academic advisors; online tutoring; library; writing center; career center; alumni network

7. American Public University System (APUS)

American Public University System (APUS) is a private, for-profit online university system that was founded in 1991. APUS consists of two universities: American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU). APUS offers more than 200 degree programs in six schools: Arts & Humanities, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Science Technology Engineering & Math (STEM), and Security & Global Studies. APUS uses a flexible online learning platform that allows students to access courses anytime and anywhere. APUS also provides faculty support, academic advisors, online resources, and career services to help students succeed.

Tuition rate: $285 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs; $370 per credit hour for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Faculty support; academic advisors; online resources; library; writing center; career center; alumni network

8. Penn Foster College

Penn Foster College is a private, for-profit online college that was founded in 1890. Penn Foster offers more than 30 degree programs in four schools: Business Management & Administration, Health Services & Technology, Veterinary Studies & Animal Care, and Engineering & Drafting Technology. Penn Foster uses a self-paced online learning platform that allows students to complete courses at their own pace and schedule. Penn Foster also provides faculty support, academic advisors, online resources, and career services to help students succeed.

Tuition rate: $79-$99 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs
Accreditation status: Nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts
Student services: Faculty support; academic advisors; online resources; career center

9. Liberty University Online

Liberty University Online is a private, nonprofit online university that was established in 1985 as part of Liberty University. Liberty Online offers more than 450 degree programs in 17 schools and colleges: Aeronautics, Arts & Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Business Administration & Management Studies, Communication & Digital Content, Divinity, Education, Engineering, General Studies, Government, Health Sciences, Law, Music, Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine, Visual & Performing Arts, Worship Studies, and Online Education. Liberty Online uses a flexible online learning platform that allows students to access courses anytime and anywhere. Liberty Online also provides faculty support, academic advisors, online tutoring, career services, and financial aid options to help students achieve their goals.

Tuition rate: $390-$595 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs; $275-$615 per credit hour for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Faculty support; academic advisors; online tutoring; library; writing center; career center; alumni network

10. University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is a private, for-profit online university that was founded in 1976. University of Phoenix offers more than 100 degree programs in nine colleges: Business & Management, Criminal Justice & Security, Education, Health Professions, Humanities & Sciences, Information Systems & Technology, Nursing, Psychology, and Social Sciences. University of Phoenix uses a flexible online learning platform that allows students to access courses anytime and anywhere. University of Phoenix also provides faculty support, academic advisors, online resources, and career services to help students succeed.

Tuition rate: $398-$698 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs; $540-$810 per credit hour for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Faculty support; academic advisors; online resources; library; career center; alumni network

11. Ashford University

Ashford University is a private, for-profit online university that was founded in 1918. Ashford offers more than 60 degree programs in five colleges: Business & Professional Studies, Education, Health Human Services & Science, Liberal Arts, and Technology. Ashford uses a flexible online learning platform that allows students to access courses anytime and anywhere. Ashford also provides faculty support, academic advisors, online tutoring, career services, and financial aid options to help students achieve their goals.

Tuition rate: $510 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs; $635-$740 per credit hour for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Faculty support; academic advisors; online tutoring; library; writing center; career center; alumni network

12. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University is a private, for-profit online university that was founded in 1900. Rasmussen offers more than 50 degree programs in seven schools: Business, Design, Education, Health Sciences, Justice Studies, Nursing, and Technology. Rasmussen uses a flexible online learning platform that allows students to access courses anytime and anywhere. Rasmussen also provides faculty support, academic advisors, online tutoring, career services, and financial aid options to help students achieve their goals.

Tuition rate: $155-$310 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs; $500-$668 per credit hour for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Faculty support; academic advisors; online tutoring; library; career center

13. Walden University

Walden University is a private, for-profit online university that was founded in 1970. Walden offers more than 80 degree programs in five colleges: Health Professions, Management & Technology, Nursing, Psychology & Counseling, and Social Work & Human Services. Walden uses two learning formats: Course-Based and Tempo Learning. Course-Based follows a structured schedule with weekly assignments and deadlines. Tempo Learning allows students to complete courses at their own pace and set their own deadlines. Walden also provides faculty support, academic advisors, online resources, and career services to help students succeed.

Tuition rate: $335-$465 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs; $440-$955 per credit hour for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Faculty support; academic advisors; online resources; library; writing center; career center

14. Grantham University

Grantham University is a private, for-profit online university that was founded in 1951. Grantham offers more than 50 degree programs in four schools: Business & Management, Engineering & Computer Science, Nursing & Allied Health, and Professional Studies. Grantham uses a self-paced online learning platform that allows students to complete courses at their own pace and schedule. Grantham also provides faculty support, academic advisors, online resources, and career services to help students succeed.

Tuition rate: $295 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs; $325 per credit hour for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Faculty support; academic advisors; online resources; career center

15. Strayer University

Strayer University is a private, for-profit online university that was founded in 1892. Strayer offers more than 40 degree programs in four schools: Business & Finance, Education & Liberal Arts, Health Services Administration, and Information Technology. Strayer uses a flexible online learning platform that allows students to access courses anytime and anywhere. Strayer also provides faculty support, academic advisors, online tutoring, career services, and financial aid options to help students achieve their goals.

Tuition rate: $1,480 per course for most undergraduate programs; $1,615-$2,385 per course for most graduate programs
Accreditation status: Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; program-specific requirements
Student services: Faculty support; academic advisors; online tutoring; library; writing center; career center

Conclusion

Online education can be a great way to advance your career, improve your skills, or pursue your passion. However, finding the right online college can be challenging. You need to consider several factors, such as the cost, quality, flexibility, and pace of the online program. Fortunately, there are many online colleges that offer affordable, high-quality, self-paced, and flexible online programs that can suit your needs and goals.

We have listed 15 of these online colleges in this article, along with some information about their degree programs, tuition rates, accreditation status, admission requirements, and student services. These online colleges offer a wide range of degree options, from associate’s to doctoral level, in various fields of study, such as business, education, health, technology, and more. Whether you are looking for a cheap online degree fast, a self-paced online course with certificate, or a best self-paced online college with flexible schedule, you can find it among these 15 affordable online colleges.

We hope that this article has helped you narrow down your choices and find the best online college for you. Remember that online education is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You need to do your own research and compare different online colleges and programs before making a final decision. Good luck with your online education journey!

FAQs

What are the benefits of self-paced online programs?

Self-paced online programs offer several benefits, such as:

Flexibility: You can study when and where you want, without having to follow a fixed schedule or attend classes at a specific location.
Control: You can set your own pace and deadlines, without having to worry about falling behind or rushing ahead of your classmates.
Efficiency: You can save time and money by completing courses faster or slower than the average student, depending on your learning style and needs.
Personalization: You can choose the courses and programs that match your interests and goals, without having to follow a predetermined curriculum or sequence.

What are the challenges of self-paced online programs?

Self-paced online programs also pose some challenges, such as:

Motivation: You need to have a strong sense of self-discipline and motivation to stay on track and complete your courses and assignments.
Isolation: You may feel lonely or disconnected from your peers and instructors, especially if you do not have frequent or meaningful interactions with them.
Support: You may have difficulty finding or accessing the academic or technical support you need, especially if you encounter problems or questions along the way.
Quality: You may have doubts about the quality or credibility of your online degree, especially if it is not accredited or recognized by employers or other institutions.

How can I succeed in self-paced online programs?

To succeed in self-paced online programs, you need to:

Set realistic and specific goals for yourself and track your progress regularly.
Create a study plan and schedule that works for you and stick to it.
Seek feedback and guidance from your instructors and advisors whenever you need it.
Engage with your classmates and peers through online forums, chats, or groups.
Use the online resources and tools provided by your online college to enhance your learning experience.
Balance your online education with your other commitments and interests.

How can I find affordable online colleges with self-paced programs?

To find affordable online colleges with self-paced programs, you need to:

Do your research and compare different online colleges and programs based on their tuition rates, accreditation status, admission requirements, and student services.
Look for financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, loans, or employer assistance that can help you reduce the cost of your online education.
Consider the return on investment (ROI) of your online degree, which is the ratio of the expected income to the cost of the degree.
Choose an online college that offers self-paced programs that match your interests and goals.

What are some examples of affordable online colleges with self-paced programs?

Some examples of affordable online colleges with self-paced programs are:

Western Governors University (WGU)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Capella University
Purdue University Global
Ashworth College

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