Choosing an Affordable Online College

Choosing which college to earn your degree from is a big decision. With so many choices, how do you determine which is best for you? Well, a great starting spot is understanding your needs and goals.

Online colleges can be an affordable option that makes higher education more accessible to a broader range of students. There are programs designed to fit your needs, even as you work full time, have family obligations and navigate life's curveballs.

With so many options available, figuring out which is the best fit for you can take time and effort. Let's explore why picking an online school may be a good choice and how to research and choose an affordable online college that works for you.

Is Online School a Good Choice?

Online education can offer flexibility, affordability and access to a wide range of programs — all from the comfort of your home or wherever your work or travels take you. If you have a lot on your plate, online programs can allow you to pursue an education without sacrificing other aspects of your life.

But is online school the right choice for you? 

For Emily Narahara '23, a Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) graduate from Massachusetts with a bachelor's in communication, virtual learning became a life-changing opportunity. After spending years switching majors and feeling uncertain about her future, SNHU's online program helped her regain confidence in her path.

"SNHU allowed me to work (full time) and work towards my degree at the same time," Narahara said. "That way, I could afford to pay out of pocket and not go further into debt."

For students like Narahara, the benefits can extend far beyond the classroom. Online programs allow you to earn a degree at your own pace.

The Benefits of Online Education 

There are several advantages to earning your education online. For Michelle Dorman '23, an SNHU graduate from Georgia, flexibility was essential. She made it her personal goal to complete her bachelor's degree in business administration before she retired. That meant taking classes while working full-time and having a family. Dorman realized her goal when she walked at SNHU's 2023 spring Commencement.

Flexibility also resonated with Narahara, who appreciated the freedom to take classes at her own pace. "I took a year off from school to figure out what I wanted to do," she said.

Another key advantage of online programs is affordability. By taking classes online you can often reduce costs associated with commuting, housing and campus expenses. Lee Cannard, MBA, a solutions team support analyst for Student Financial Services at SNHU, stressed the importance of fully understanding the total cost of a program. The student financial services team at the school you're considering can help answer questions specific to your situation about paying for your degree.

He recommended reaching out to a school's admission office. They can help you determine the number of credits you'll need to graduate, identify any previous credits that can transfer and see if your employer offers any tuition reimbursement. 

"If you have credits from a prior institution that could be transferred in, that can reduce the amount it would cost toward the degree," he said.

As a volunteer for the New Hampshire Association for Student Financial Aid Administrators (NHASFAA), Cannard provides training and updates regarding financial aid to schools throughout New Hampshire.

Dorman's story illustrates a deeply personal achievement. She set a personal goal to become the first person in her family to graduate from college, also known as being a first-generation graduate. But for her, it wasn't about just earning a credential.

"(Earning my degree) is something personal. It wasn't something someone made me do. This was something I did," she said. "I feel I've grown as a person."

So, How Do You Choose the Best Online College?

Finding the right online college is a decision that requires careful consideration of your goals, budget and learning preferences. With so many options available, understanding what to look for can help you select a program that aligns with your needs and sets you up for success. Here are some factors to consider when weighing your options:

Accreditation

Accreditation is a factor to consider when evaluating online colleges. Accredited programs meet recognized academic standards. Cannard noted the importance of verifying a school's accreditation.

"Knowing the difference between regional and national accreditation is crucial," Cannard said. "Credits from regionally accredited schools are often more widely accepted."

Degree Programs Offered

It's important to choose a school that offers a degree program aligned with your personal or career aspirations. For Narahara, a program that fit her goals gave her the clarity and direction she had been seeking.

"I'm more excited for my future," Narahara said. "I'm excited to go into the workforce and start my career. Before, I had just changed majors (and) changed schools so much (that) I was unsure. But, now I'm a lot more confident in my future."

Affordability

Understanding the financial implications of earning a degree is important. According to Cannard, evaluating the total cost of attendance is crucial — not just tuition and fees. This includes expenses like books, materials and technology requirements.

There are ways to make college more financially accessible, too, through scholarships or tuition reimbursement. For example, Dorman took advantage of her company's benefits to help her reach her goals.

"I work for a company that pays tuition reimbursement on many different colleges, and one of the colleges they pay for is Southern New Hampshire University," Dorman said. "It looked like a good fit for me, so I enrolled."

Student Services

Supportive student services can play a role in your success. Academic advising, career counseling and technical support can all make a big difference. Narahara appreciated the hands-on approach that SNHU takes.

"I honestly thought that out of all the schools, SNHU, they're the ones who care the most," she said. "The teachers were checking in on me, my advisor was checking in on me. They really care, you can tell."

For Dorman, the community she found through her program was a revelation. "I learned that I have a tribe — I don't have to do this by myself," she said.

Tips for Researching Your Options

Finding a budget-friendly online college requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some tips to help guide your research:

• Explore school websites: Review degree offerings, tuition costs and available student services.
• Check for total cost: Look beyond tuition for potential costs related to technology, textbooks and other materials.
• Research financial aid opportunities: Investigate scholarships and financial aid options that could help reduce your overall expenses.
• Compare your options: Take time to evaluate the overall costs, schedules and programs a school offers before making a decision.

Following these steps will help you determine which online college program fits your budget and meets your goals and needs.

Nicholas Patterson ’22 is a writer and alumnus of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing. He is currently honing his craft further as he pursues an MFA in Creative Writing from SNHU. Connect with him on LinkedIn.