Introduction: The Need for Affordable Online Colleges
Working adults seek affordable online colleges because these address their unique challenges. With their financial responsibilities to their families, affordability is a key consideration. Otherwise, it’s more challenging to earn a college degree as a working adult.
Online programs offer more affordable tuition and generous financial aid than on-campus programs. Such affordability attracts working adults juggling mortgages, bills, and food expenses. There’s also less risk of taking out student loans that add to the financial burden.
Being an online student also means less transportation costs. Going to and from on-campus classes takes time and money.
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Working adults also seek affordable online programs because of their flexible scheduling options. Self-paced learning, asynchronous courses, and multiple start dates are common. These flexible scheduling features enable them to study at their own pace. Students maintain a good work-life balance while pursuing their studies.
Another reason is the extensive range of online programs and courses available. Choose courses that align with your personal interests and career goals.
There are no geographical barriers to online programs either. Such accessibility means working adults can earn a degree without relocating.
Indeed, working adults recognize the best value an online education will provide. No wonder then that in 2022, there were 2.9 million undergraduate adult learners.
Benefits of Online Education for Working Adults
Affordability, accessibility, and flexibility are the reasons for the popularity of online education. Let’s look at these reasons in greater detail.
Enables students to pick from a wide range of programs and courses
The extensive array of online degrees for working adults means there’s something for everybody. Students choose from traditional and non-traditional fields of study. If you search hard enough, you can find weird majors and courses, too. Penn State World Campus has a BS in Turfgrass Science program, for example.
Provides affordable options
Don’t dismiss cheap online colleges because they are ultra-affordable than prestigious colleges. These colleges also provide quality instruction, rigorous academics, and excellent student support services. The key here is to choose from among regionally accredited online colleges.
Provides flexible scheduling options
Adult learners gravitate toward flexible online degree programs because these accommodate their busy lifestyles. Self-paced learning means the ability to study at your own time and pace. Asynchronous courses don’t have set log-in times for maximum flexibility. Rolling admissions and multiple start dates add to the flexibility.
Promotes work-life balance
Working adults can enjoy better work-life balance thanks to flexible schedules. There’s less stress and pressure to be everywhere and do everything. Schedules can be set and followed based on coursework and deadlines.
Provides exposure to a broader range of viewpoints
With classmates from all over the country, working adults gain a broader perspective. Being open to new viewpoints contributes to personal and professional growth.
Boosts knowledge and skills for leadership positions
Working adults have different reasons from traditional students in choosing online programs. Foremost of their reasons is career advancement or career change. With a college degree, career advancement opportunities are within reach. This is also true for professional certificates and diplomas.
Increases earning potential
Most employers still consider a college degree a valuable asset. This is true even with an increasing emphasis on skills-based hiring. With career advancement comes higher income, of course.
Emphasizes the value of lifelong learning
Online education strengthens the value of lifelong learning among students of all ages. Building connections and learning new skills are all par for the course.
Other benefits of online education for working adults are:
- Enables students to gain workplace-applicable lessons
- Develops effective time management skills
- Gains better virtual collaboration skills
So, if you’re still on the fence about online education, don’t be.
Top 10 Affordable Online Colleges for Working Adults
We selected these ten best online colleges for working professionals because of their:
- Current and valid regional accreditation
- Wide range of online degree, certificate, and diploma programs
- Affordable tuition and fees
- Extensive financial aid options
- Satisfactory to excellent student support services
- Excellent learning management systems
- Flexible and accessible course schedules
If you have more questions, visit their official websites.
Western Governors University
WGU was established as an online university for working professionals seeking advanced education. Indeed, it’s our best choice for online education for adults. Students pay affordable tuition and fees and can apply for financial aid. WGU uses a competency-based learning model. Students can use prior learning experiences to prove subject mastery.
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU is among the fastest-growing universities in the US, with more than 135,000 online students. Low online tuition, transfer credits, and financial aid result in affordable education. Students choose from 200+ career-focused programs in business, healthcare, and technology, among others.
University of Florida Online
UF Online offers cost-effective online degrees with excellent quality and acceptability. Students choose from 25+ majors and 17 minors from UF’s renowned colleges. Popular majors are in the liberal arts and sciences, business, and healthcare. Online students can also join on-campus events.
Arizona State University Online
ASU Online’s programs feature the same faculty and curricula as on-campus programs. Online students receive the same diploma, too. Business, engineering, and digital media are among the 300+ programs available. Asynchronous and synchronous learning options are available.
Penn State World Campus
PS World Campus online programs feature the same rigorous academics as on-campus programs. However, online programs offer more flexibility, convenience, and accessibility for adult learners. Choose from 150+ online programs taught by on-campus faculty. Penn State is a public university, therefore, affordable tuition and financial aid are available.
University of Massachusetts Online
UMass Online offers online and hybrid academic programs. Students can also choose from online programs offered by UMass Global. Both institutions offer degree and certificate programs, as well as professional development courses. Business, healthcare education, and information technology programs are available. Flexible learning options and affordable tuition are available, too.
Fort Hays State University Online
FHSU Online offers 200+ degree and certificate programs. Students praise the affordable tuition and generous financial aid. Online students enjoy in-state tuition, too. Flexible learning options, quality education, and admission-to-graduation support are its hallmarks.
Central Washington University Online
CWU Online understands the value of education and its importance as an investment. Online students praise the programs’ flexible learning options, up-to-date curriculum, and affordable tuition.
Eastern Oregon University Online
Choose from 30+ online degree programs offered by EOU Online. Business, education, and computer science are popular programs. Students can earn their degrees in 2-3 years. Personalized attention and academic excellence go hand-in-hand here.
Columbia College
Every one of the 70+ programs offered at Columbia College is 100% online for full flexibility. Students have 24/7 access to their learning platform. Eight-week courses allow for accelerated studies.
Choosing the Right Online Degree Program for Working Adults
Choosing from among 170+ online colleges can be overwhelming. But it can be easier when you know the crucial factors in making the right choice.
- Always check the validity of the online schools’ regional accreditation.
- Compare the tuition, fees, and other expenses between online schools. Assess if these fit your budget.
- Consider the financial aid options offered. Determine if your estimated financial aid will cover most, if not all, of tuition and fees.
- Review the academic programs, including their majors, minors, and specializations. Read the course descriptions, too. Decide if one of the programs aligns with your career goals.
- Determine the level of flexibility and accessibility offered. Self-paced programs and asynchronous courses are the best for this purpose. Fully online programs are more flexible than hybrid programs.
- Ask about the availability and quality of student support services for online students. Academic advising, tutoring, math and writing services, and career development services are a must.
- Look at the professional credentials of faculty members. Expertise in their fields is a must.
- Ask about the quality of instruction and professor interactions. Current students and alumni are great sources of information.
- Understand the programs’ technology requirements. You may have to either purchase new equipment or get an upgrade.
When you have reliable information regarding these factors, you can make an informed decision. Your choice must be based on your:
- Financial resources
- Personal interests
- Career goals
If necessary, you can also participate in virtual open houses and listen to podcasts.
Paying for Your Online Education: Tuition Tips and Financial Aid
These tuition tips for online colleges are useful in keeping costs down.
- Compare tuition costs and financial aid between online colleges. Choose the one that best fits your financial situation, among other factors.
- Consider accelerated programs that allow for faster time-to-degree and tuition savings.
- Transfer as many credits from prior learning, professional certifications, and military service as possible.
- Apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible, too.
- Ask your employer about financial assistance for your online education.
- Check out tuition discounts for specific populations, such as military discounts.
- Plan for the costs of an online education.
- Create and follow a budget.
There are plenty of options for financial aid for online students, too.
- Federal aid, such as grants and loans. Always file your FAFSA on time. Even when you think that you’re qualified, just file it. Many need-based scholarship programs use its information in their selection process.
- State aid is also available. The New York State Tuition Assistance Program, Cal Grant, and Minnesota SELF Loan are examples.
- Institutional aid options are available, too. Contact your online college’s financial aid office for more information. WGU, SNHU, and Liberty University are known for their scholarship programs.
- Work-study programs are great options, too, if you don’t have a job yet.
You can also consider installment payment plans, income-sharing agreements, and private loans.
Balancing Work, Life, and Online Studies
Maintaining a good work and study balance demands hard work, too. But it’s manageable with these useful tips.
- Adopt effective time management habits.
- Set SMART goals.
- Eliminate distractions during study sessions. Create a dedicated study space, too.
- Identify priority tasks and finish them first.
- Use traditional and digital calendars to create schedules, set reminders, and keep track of deadlines.
- Avoid procrastination. Use the Pomodoro Technique, if necessary.
- Create a study schedule.
- Schedule study time when you’re most focused and alert.
- Set specific times during the day and week. Be consistent.
- Take regular breaks.
- Be flexible. Regular reviews of your study schedule are a must.
- Stay motivated and focused on your goal.
- Reward yourself, even for small wins.
- Stay connected with your family and friends.
- Adopt effective stress management habits.
- Visualize your success.
Conclusion: Taking the Next Step in Your Education Journey
When you’re considering earning a college degree, be sure to consider affordable online colleges. You will love the benefits that being an online student brings.
But don’t take our word for it either. You should also consider other reliable resources such as college websites and online directories. Admissions and financial aid offices are also excellent resources. Read student reviews and forums, too, for first-hand experiences.
