Many international students want to earn a U.S. degree but may not be able to relocate or attend classes on campus. A lower-cost online degree program can be one option. Fully online programs can allow students to study from outside the United States, and many provide scheduling flexibility. However, availability, delivery format, and country restrictions vary by institution and program. Students who plan to study while physically in the United States in F-1 status should review the visa rules carefully because, in general, only one online or distance-learning class may count toward a full course of study each term.
Recognition of an online degree depends on the institution, program, accreditation, and the requirements of employers or professional regulators. For example, UF Online states that its students earn the same University of Florida degree and take courses taught by the same instructors as residential students. The options below are starting points; review each official program and tuition page before applying.
Cheap Online Degree Programs for International Students and Tuition Fees per Semester
1. Brigham Young University–Idaho
Brigham Young University–Idaho is a private university in Rexburg, Idaho, supported and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was founded in 1888 as Bannock Stake Academy, later became Ricks College, and transitioned to a four-year university in 2001. Its online offerings include options for international students served through BYU-Pathway Worldwide.
2. University of Florida
The University of Florida is a public university. UF Online offers fully online bachelor’s degree pathways and welcomes students from around the world. UF Online states that students earn the same University of Florida degree and take courses taught by the same instructors as residential students. Most UF Online programs do not require a campus visit.
3. Thomas Edison State University
- Tuition Fees
- Online Tuition Fee (bachelor’s, 9 or more credits per term): 3,522 USD (New Jersey residents) | 4,561 USD (out-of-state residents)
Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, New Jersey, is a public institution established in 1972. TESU offers more than 100 online programs and provides international students with access to flexible online undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate options.
4. Utah State University
Utah State University offers online degrees and courses through USU Online. Tuition varies based on factors such as the student’s location, course load, program, and applicable fees. International students living outside Utah should review the official USU Online cost page and their chosen program page before applying.
5. American Public University
- Tuition Fees
- Online Tuition Fee (bachelor’s, 12-credit semester): 4,320 USD (standard rate) | 3,000 USD (Preferred Military Rate) | 3,888 USD (Veteran Grant or APUS Opportunity Grant, if eligible)
American Public University offers more than 200 online degree and certificate programs. American Public University System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. APU welcomes international applicants from many countries, and students are not required to enter the United States to attend its online programs.
6. Amridge University
- Tuition Fees
- Estimated Online Tuition and Comprehensive Fee (bachelor’s, 12-credit semester, Fall 2025 through Summer 2026): 3,795 USD (first-time freshman, full-time) | 5,235 USD (transfer or returning student, full-time); textbooks are additional
Amridge University in Montgomery, Alabama, is a private, nonprofit Christian university. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Amridge states that its degree programs are 100% online.
We hope this guide to affordable online bachelor’s degrees was useful. Make sure to also check out the Available Undergraduate Programs for International Students!
