Cheap Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA

Explore 2025’s cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA, like Sinte Gleska, ENMU, SNHU, and more, with tuition under $11,500/year. NextGraduate’s guide lists budget-friendly programs and how to apply for aid.

Budget-friendly online colleges that accept FAFSA make higher education affordable, offering low-cost undergraduate and graduate degrees with federal funding from Federal Student Aid.

Our 2025 guide highlights the 10 cheapest online colleges with tuition under $11,500/year, helping you save while earning an accredited degree.

Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or certificate, learn how to apply for FAFSA and enroll in a program that fits your budget.

Why FAFSA is Key for Affordable Education

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) unlocks grants, loans, and work-study to reduce college costs. Key benefits include:

• Grants: Free money, like Pell Grants (~$7,600 in 2025) NASFAA.
• Loans: Low-interest federal loans with flexible repayment Federal Student Aid.
• Work-Study: Part-time jobs to cover education expenses Federal Student Aid.

In 2019-20, ~50% of undergraduates used federal aid, saving thousands compared to private loans.

Top 10 Cheap Online Colleges Accepting FAFSA

These colleges offer tuition under $11,500/year for 2025, accept FAFSA, and provide accredited undergraduate and graduate programs. Tuition reflects in-state rates where applicable (out-of-state noted), adjusted for ~3% inflation from 2024 data.

University of Florida Online

• FAFSA Link: Financial Aid
• Tuition: $3,875.40/year (in-state, 30 credits), $16,579 (out-of-state) UF Online
• Programs:
  • Bachelor’s: Anthropology, Business, Journalism
  • Master’s: Education, MBA UF Online Programs
• Details:
  • Top-ranked public university with a 91% graduation rate U.S. News
  • Robust student support, prestigious degrees
  • Financial aid: FAFSA, Bright Futures, UF scholarships
  • Ideal for Florida residents seeking quality education
• Pros:
  • High graduation rate
  • Diverse programs
  • Strong reputation
• Cons:
  • Higher out-of-state tuition
  • Competitive admissions

Sinte Gleska University

• FAFSA Link: Financial Aid
• Tuition: $4,500/year (in-state, 30 credits), $7,500 (out-of-state) Sinte Gleska
• Programs:
  • Bachelor’s: Education, Human Services
  • Master’s: Lakota Leadership Sinte Gleska Programs
• Details:
  • Tribal college in South Dakota, Native American focus Sinte Gleska
  • Culturally relevant education
  • Financial aid: FAFSA, tribal scholarships, grants
  • Best for low-cost, community-focused degrees
• Pros:
  • Very affordable
  • Culturally relevant
  • Flexible
• Cons:
  • Limited program variety
  • Smaller support network

Eastern New Mexico University

• FAFSA Link: Financial Aid
• Tuition: $5,100/year (in-state, 30 credits), $7,650 (out-of-state) ENMU
• Programs:
  • Bachelor’s: Nursing, Business
  • Master’s: Education, Communication ENMU Online
• Details:
  • Regionally accredited, flexible for working adults ENMU
  • Financial aid: FAFSA, New Mexico grants, scholarships
  • Great for residents seeking practical, high-demand degrees
• Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Strong nursing program
  • Flexible
• Cons:
  • Higher out-of-state tuition
  • Limited graduate options

Great Basin College

• FAFSA Link: Financial Aid
• Tuition: $5,490/year (in-state, 30 credits), $7,650 (out-of-state) GBC
• Programs:
  • Bachelor’s: Business, Education
  • Certificates: Health Sciences GBC Programs
• Details:
  • Nevada-based, emphasizes practical skills GBC
  • Financial aid: FAFSA, Nevada Promise, scholarships
  • Ideal for Nevada residents seeking regional relevance
• Pros:
  • Low-cost
  • Practical programs
  • Strong regional ties
• Cons:
  • Fewer graduate programs
  • Limited national recognition

Thomas Edison State University

• FAFSA Link: Financial Aid
• Tuition: $5,977/year (in-state, 30 credits), $7,736 (out-of-state) TESU
• Programs:
  • Bachelor’s: Business, IT
  • Master’s: Public Service Leadership TESU Programs
• Details:
  • Adult-focused with credit-by-exam, portfolio options TESU
  • Financial aid: FAFSA, military benefits, scholarships
  • Perfect for working adults seeking flexible degrees
• Pros:
  • Adult-focused
  • Credit transfer options
  • Affordable
• Cons:
  • Less traditional support
  • Self-directed learning

University of Texas Permian Basin

• FAFSA Link: Financial Aid
• Tuition: $7,500/year (in-state, 30 credits), $9,500 (out-of-state) UTPB
• Programs:
  • Bachelor’s: Psychology, Business
  • Master’s: Education, MBA UTPB Online
• Details:
  • Career-focused programs for Texas residents UTPB
  • Financial aid: FAFSA, Texas grants, scholarships
  • Ideal for regional, practical degrees
• Pros:
  • Affordable for Texans
  • Diverse programs
  • Career-focused
• Cons:
  • Higher out-of-state tuition
  • Smaller online presence

American Public University

• FAFSA Link: Financial Aid
• Tuition: $8,550/year (30 credits) APU
• Programs:
  • Bachelor’s: Cybersecurity, Business
  • Master’s: National Security APU Programs
• Details:
  • Military-friendly, reduced rates for service members APU
  • Financial aid: FAFSA, grants, scholarships
  • Great for flexible, career-oriented education
• Pros:
  • Military-friendly
  • Low tuition
  • Diverse programs
• Cons:
  • Less traditional campus experience
  • Variable support

Western Governors University

• FAFSA Link: Financial Aid
• Tuition: $8,600/year (flat-rate, unlimited credits) WGU
• Programs:
  • Bachelor’s: Nursing, IT
  • Master’s: Education, Data Analytics WGU Programs
• Details:
  • Competency-based, fast degree completion WGU
  • Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, military benefits
  • Perfect for self-paced learners
• Pros:
  • Flat-rate
  • Fast-track options
  • Affordable
• Cons:
  • Requires self-discipline
  • Non-traditional format

Southern New Hampshire University

• FAFSA Link: Financial Aid
• Tuition: $9,900/year (30 credits) SNHU
• Programs:
  • Bachelor’s: Healthcare, Business
  • Master’s: MBA, Psychology SNHU Programs
• Details:
  • Over 200 programs, strong student support SNHU
  • Financial aid: FAFSA, grants, scholarships
  • Ideal for working adults seeking flexibility
• Pros:
  • Extensive programs
  • Flexible
  • Strong support
• Cons:
  • Slightly higher tuition
  • Large student body

Purdue Global University

• FAFSA Link: Financial Aid
• Tuition: $11,130/year (30 credits) Purdue Global
• Programs:
  • Bachelor’s: Health Sciences, IT
  • Master’s: Nursing, Business Purdue Global Programs
• Details:
  • Purdue-backed, career-focused programs Purdue Global
  • Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, military benefits
  • Great for professionals seeking reputable degrees
• Pros:
  • Purdue reputation
  • Career-focused
  • Flexible
• Cons:
  • Higher tuition
  • Less personalized support

Comparing Key Features

Choose the right college based on your needs:

How to Verify FAFSA Eligibility

Ensure a college accepts FAFSA:

1. Check Financial Aid Page: Look for FAFSA details (e.g., UF Online Financial Aid) Federal Student Aid.
2. Search Federal School Code: Verify at studentaid.gov Federal Student Aid.
3. Confirm Accreditation: Use DAPIP DAPIP.
4. Contact Financial Aid Office: Clarify directly Sallie Mae.

Warning: Non-Title IV schools (e.g., Penn Foster) don’t accept FAFSA Sallie Mae. Verify now to avoid issues.

How to Apply for FAFSA

1. Gather Documents: Social Security number, tax returns Federal Student Aid.
2. Create FSA ID: At studentaid.gov Federal Student Aid.
3. Submit FAFSA: Online by June 30, apply early (October 1) Federal Student Aid.
4. Review SAR: Correct errors online Federal Student Aid.
5. Accept Aid: Follow school instructions, sign notes Federal Student Aid.

Start your application for 2025 aid Federal Student Aid.

Other Financial Aid Options

• Institutional Scholarships: UF Online offers merit-based awards; SNHU provides need-based grants UF Online, SNHU.
• State Grants: Florida’s Bright Futures, New Mexico’s Opportunity Scholarship.
• GI Bill: APU, WGU offer veteran benefits VA.
• Employer Assistance: Purdue Global aligns with corporate benefits Purdue Global.

Finding Budget-Friendly Online Colleges Near You

For “cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA near me,” choose regionally accredited schools with in-state tuition College Navigator:

• Florida: University of Florida Online ($3,875.40/year, in-state) UF Online.
• South Dakota: Sinte Gleska University ($4,500/year, in-state) Sinte Gleska.
• New Mexico: Eastern New Mexico University ($5,100/year, in-state) ENMU.
• Nevada: Great Basin College ($5,490/year, in-state) GBC.
• Texas: University of Texas Permian Basin ($7,500/year, in-state) UTPB.

What’s New for FAFSA in 2025

• Simplified Form: Fewer questions, ~20-minute completion Federal Student Aid.
• Increased Pell Grants: Up to $8,000, pending funding NASFAA.
• Expanded Eligibility: Updated income thresholds Federal Student Aid.

FAQ: Cheap Online Colleges and FAFSA

What are the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA?

University of Florida Online ($3,875.40, in-state), Sinte Gleska University ($4,500, in-state), Eastern New Mexico University ($5,100/year, in-state).

Does FAFSA cover cheap online colleges?

Yes, FAFSA covers accredited, Title IV-eligible programs Federal Student Aid.

How do I find budget-friendly online colleges that accept FAFSA near me?

Search at College Navigator and verify at studentaid.gov. Try Great Basin College.

Can I use Pell Grants for cheap online colleges?

Yes, FAFSA-eligible schools accept Pell Grants.

What other financial aid is available for online colleges?

Scholarships, state aid, GI Bill, employer benefits.

Conclusion

Cheap online colleges like University of Florida Online and Sinte Gleska University offer affordable online degrees with FAFSA in 2025. Apply at studentaid.gov and enroll at NextGraduate.

Sources

• Bankrate. (2025, April 28). Student loan interest rates in June 2025. Bankrate. Retrieved from https://www.bankrate.com/loans/student-loans/student-loan-interest-rates/
  • Corresponding Data: As of May 30, 2025, new federal loan rates for the 2025-2026 school year have been announced. The lowest federal loan rate for undergraduate students for 2025-26 is 6.39%. The average amount of financial aid awarded to a student from 2024-2025 was $16,360.
• BestColleges.com. (2025, March 7). Fast Facts Financial Aid. Retrieved from https://www.bestcolleges.com/financial-aid/fast-facts-financial-aid/
  • Corresponding Data: In 2022-2023, the average amount of gift aid (grants and scholarships) awarded to first-time, full-time students at four-year schools was $15,750.
• College Board. (2024, October 1). Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2024. Retrieved from https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/Trends-in-College-Pricing-and-Student-Aid-2024-ADA.pdf
  • Corresponding Data: In 2023-2024, undergraduate students received an average of $16,360 per full-time equivalent (FTE) student in financial aid, with $11,610 in grants. Undergraduate and graduate students received a total of $256.7 billion in student aid.
• College Raptor. (2025, January 28). 35 Interesting FAFSA Stats All Students Should Know. Retrieved from https://www.collegeraptor.com/college-match/resources/articles/fafsa/fafsa-stats/
  • Corresponding Data: As of January 28, 2025, 60% of undergraduate financial aid recipients are women. Black college students are most likely to receive financial aid (81% acceptance rate), and Asian college students are least likely (66% acceptance rate).
• Education Data Initiative. (n.d.). College Scholarship Statistics [2023]: Yearly Total + Analysis. Retrieved from https://educationdata.org/college-scholarship-statistics (Note: While dated 2023, this source references 2021 NCES data for this specific point).
  • Corresponding Data: For four-year institutions, private nonprofit schools award the highest average value of scholarship and grant aid at $24,500, followed by public schools ($8,400).
• National College Attainment Network (NCAN). (2024, September 5). National FAFSA Completion Rates: High School Seniors & Grads. Retrieved from https://www.ncan.org/page/NationalFAFSACompletionRatesforHighSchoolSeniorsandGraduates
  • Corresponding Data: For the 2024-25 FAFSA filing cycle (High School Class of 2024), the FAFSA completion rate for high school graduates as of June 30 is 50.1%.
• National Center for Education Statistics. (2023, July). 2019–20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20): First Look at Student Financial Aid Estimates for 2019–20. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2023/2023466.pdf
  • Corresponding Data: 72% of undergraduates received financial aid in 2019-20, with an average amount of $14,100 (including student loans).
• Saving For College. (2024, September 26). Average Financial Aid Packages, Federal Student Loans, and More. Retrieved from https://www.savingforcollege.com/article/financial-aid-statistics
  • Corresponding Data: For the 2022-23 undergraduate school year, the average total financial aid award was $15,480, with average grant aid at $10,320 and average federal loans at $3,860. Approximately 74% of families completed the FAFSA for the 2023-24 academic year.
• Sallie Mae. (2024, August 6). How America Pays for College 2024. Retrieved from https://www.salliemae.com/about/leading-research/how-america-pays-for-college/
  • Corresponding Data: Families reported spending an average of $28,409 on college for academic year 2023-24. Families covered nearly half (48%) of expenses with income and savings. About 3 in 4 families (74%) reported completing the FAFSA® for the 2023-2024 academic year. Scholarships and grants were used by 80% of families and covered 27% of costs, with families reporting an average of $8,250 in scholarships from their schools.
• U.S. Department of Education. (2025, March 17). U.S. Department of Education Announces More Than 8 Million FAFSA® Forms Complete and Additional Form Improvements. Retrieved from https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-announces-more-8-million-fafsa-forms-complete-and-additional-form-improvements
  • Corresponding Data: As of March 17, 2025, more than 8 million 2025–26 FAFSA® forms have been successfully submitted and processed.

Last Updated: June 12, 2025