Is Online College Affordable? Breaking Down the Real Costs (and Savings)

If you’ve been thinking about going back to school, you’ve probably asked yourself a familiar question: “Can I actually afford this?”

It’s a fair concern. The cost of college is no small thing — and it’s smart to think it through before making a decision. But online college might be more affordable than you think. And when you factor in things like commuting time, work-life balance, and schedule flexibility, the value of earning your degree online can go well beyond the price tag.

At Bellevue University, we’re focused on helping adult learners and working professionals earn their degrees without turning their lives upside down. We’ve been innovating online learning for nearly 30 years and are committed to delivering the highest quality digital experience possible. Our flexible online learning formats allow our students to communicate seamlessly, submit assignments with ease, and collaborate in meaningful ways–wherever they are.

Read more about what it’s like to go to school online.

Bellevue University is one of America’s top online colleges and universities, according to Newsweek, and one of 125 institutions to receive a five-star rating — the recognition list’s highest honor. Bellevue ranked #36 overall among public and private universities in Newsweek’s ranking of online colleges and universities for 2025.

So let’s break down what “affordable” really looks like when it comes to online college — and how we help make it doable.

The “Hidden” Costs of Traditional College (That You Won’t Miss)

When you attend college on campus, there’s more than tuition to consider. Even if you’re not living in a dorm, you’re likely paying for things like gas, child care, meals out, and more. These are the additional costs that don’t show up on your bill, but definitely show up in your budget.

Here’s where online learning starts to shine:

No Commute = Big Savings

Think about the time and money spent driving to and from campus multiple times a week. Gas, wear-and-tear on your car, and even parking fees can add up quickly. Online classes? You’re already there — all you need is a Wi-Fi connection and a good cup of coffee.

Time Back in Your Day

Traditional college can eat into your job schedule or family time. Online learning gives you the flexibility to fit school around your life — not the other way around. That means no missed shifts, no canceled plans, and way fewer stress headaches.

Flexibility Around Work and Family

Balancing college with a full-time job or parenting can be overwhelming. Online courses let you learn when it works best for you — early mornings, lunch breaks, after bedtime — so you don’t have to miss work hours (or bedtime stories) to make progress.

I needed a distance learning format that was flexible in terms of hours and days of the week. I was teaching polygraph in many different countries and time zones, so a structured learning format was just not possible. I found Bellevue's instructional staff to be very responsive to my needs and found the cohort experience enjoyable. Most of my course work was asynchronous and that suited my unique circumstances well. I highly recommend Bellevue University for working adult learners

– Chip Morgan, BS in Security Management, President, American Polygraph Association

When doing research to find an online college, be sure to look for a reputable school with experience in online education and that are flexible enough to meet your personal and professional needs.
Related reading: How to find the best online colleges for working adults.

Online College Has Some Costs, Too

While online college can help you save on things like commuting and campus fees, it’s important to be realistic about the costs you might still have, especially when it comes to technology.

You’ll Need Decent Tech

At minimum, you’ll need a computer or laptop that can run your courses, stream video, and handle documents. If your current setup is outdated, you might need to invest in a new device, but you don’t need the fanciest tech out there.

Explore online technical requirements.

A Solid Internet Connection Helps

Fast, reliable internet is pretty essential. If you’re sharing bandwidth with a busy household or using a spotty connection, you may need to upgrade. That said, most Bellevue classes are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have to be online at a specific time—so you can plan around peak internet traffic at home.

Software and Tools

Most of the tools you’ll use — like Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, or learning platforms — are either free or provided through Bellevue University. You’ll also have access to tech support if you run into any snags. Most of the time software isn’t likely to cost you extra, bu having the right tools in place makes your learning experience smoother and more efficient.

Let’s Talk Dollars: What About Tuition and Financial Aid?

Okay, back to the money part. Bellevue University knows cost is a huge factor, and we’ve designed our programs to make your degree a smart investment.

Financial Aid? Yes, You May Qualify

Online students are eligible for federal financial aid, just like on-campus students. Fill out the FAFSA, and you might qualify for grants, low-interest loans, or even work-study opportunities (yes, even online!). Bellevue also offers institutional scholarships to help make your education even more affordable.Online students can also apply for various scholarships offered through Bellevue, and those offered by outside organizations.

If you're active-duty military, a veteran, or part of a military family, you may be eligible for military tuition assistance or VA education benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. (some restrictions apply).

Explore financial aid options.

Related reading: Financial Aid for Online Students: How FAFSA Works

Bring Your Credits With You

Already have some college credit? Don’t let it go to waste. Bellevue will accept your entire associate degree, or at least 60 credits from community colleges and up to 90 credits from four-year institutions, depending on the program. That means you could be closer to graduation than you think, and paying for fewer classes.

Accelerated Programs Save Time and Money

Some Bellevue programs are offered in a cohort model, where you move through classes with the same group of students on an accelerated timeline. You only need to register for your cohort major courses once. You'll move right on from one course to the next with short breaks between sessions with no need to re-register. Your student coach/advisor will check in with you on a regular basis to make sure you’re on track to graduate. That can mean fewer terms, less tuition paid overall, and a smoother path to graduation.

Competitive Tuition That Reflects Real Life

Bellevue University offers online programs that are competitively priced, especially compared to other
private universities. And because we’re focused on working adults, many of our programs are designed to help you get maximum value.

Your Employer Might Pay for It

Yes, seriously.

Bellevue University has corporate learning partnerships with hundreds of companies and organizations across the country. If your employer is one of them, you could qualify for tuition discounts or even full tuition reimbursement.

“I’m really proud that I am a graduate of Bellevue. My former employer sponsored my Bachelor's degree and my current employer is paying 90% of the tuition for the Master's. I count myself lucky on that! Bellevue University allowed me to finish out my degree quicker as they were generous at crediting my prior education for my degree at Bellevue, and I'm very grateful for that.” – Tajudeen Garuba, BS Cybersecurity, BU graduate student

The Real Value: An Education That Works for You

Affordability isn’t just about what you spend — it’s about what you gain. When you choose Bellevue University, you’re getting:

• A regionally accredited, military-friendly institution that’s built for working adults
• Flexible programs that respect your time and your other responsibilities
• A dedicated support team that actually picks up the phone and helps you figure things out
• A path to a degree that can help you grow your career—and your income

So… Is Online College Affordable?

When you zoom out and look at the full picture — yes.

Online college can be significantly more affordable than you think, especially when you factor in:

• Savings on commuting, child care, and other soft costs
• Flexible scheduling that lets you keep working full time
• Financial aid, scholarships, and transfer credit opportunities
• Potential employer-sponsored tuition support
• No need to relocate or press pause on your life

At Bellevue University, we’re here to help you earn a degree that fits your goals and your budget — without sacrificing your job, your family, or your sanity in the process.

Related Resources We Think You’ll Like

5 Reasons Adult Learners Thrive at Bellevue University
4 Advantages of Accelerated Degree Programs
What is it like going to school online? Learn what to expect.
Ways to Pay for College Without Breaking the Bank