Online Degree Cost Calculator
Calculate total online degree costs. Compare online vs on-campus tuition and find true cost with fees.
📚 Education📐 Total Online = Credits × Per-Credit Cost + Technology + Fees
Cost per credit hour ($)
Total credits required
Annual technology fee ($)
Annual enrollment fee ($)
Estimated years to complete
Please enter valid values.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Online Degree Cost Calculator | Total Online = Credits × Per-Credit Cost + Technology + Fees | $ |
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
WGU-Style Flat Rate
$350/credit, 120 credits, $500 tech, $200 enrollment, 4 years.
- Tuition: $42K | Fees: $2,800 | Total: $44,800
✓ $44,800
Example 2
State University Online
$300/credit, 120 credits, 4 years.
- Tuition: $36K | Fees: $2,800 | Total: $38,800
✓ $38,800
Example 3
Private Online MBA
$800/credit, 36 credits, 2 years.
- Tuition: $28.8K | Fees: $1,400 | Total: $30,200
✓ $30,200 MBA
Real-World Applications
Online Students
Calculate true cost of any online degree.
Working Adults
Compare online vs on-campus costs.
Financial Aid Counselors
Help students evaluate online programs.
Career Changers
Assess online degree ROI for career transitions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
Not verifying accreditation
Regional accreditation (HLC, SACSCOC, etc.) is required for credits to transfer and for most employers and graduate schools to accept the degree. National accreditation is generally less respected.
⚠️
Ignoring fees
Technology fees, course material fees, proctoring fees, and graduation fees can add $1,000-3,000+ to online program costs that aren't advertised upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online degree respected? ▾
Depends on accreditation and school. Online degrees from regionally accredited universities (Penn State Online, Arizona State Online, WGU) are widely respected. Diploma mills are not.
Online vs on-campus cost? ▾
Online typically saves housing/commuting costs ($10,000-20,000/year) and often has lower tuition for public universities. However, some schools charge online students more for technology fees.
WGU competency-based pricing? ▾
WGU charges ~$3,500-5,000 per 6-month term regardless of how many courses you complete. Students who move quickly can complete entire degrees for $15,000-25,000.