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Why is college so expensive? That's probably everyone's number-one question when they begin their journey toward pursuing higher education. And with , it's no wonder many potential students are discouraged from taking the next step.

Fortunately, there are ways to make college more affordable. It starts by exploring all the options, both when attending online and campus colleges, and getting the facts on ways to save money no matter the school.

Comparing the cost of online and campus colleges

The average cost of attending an online college

For individuals returning to college after a hiatus or those with a full-time job or dependent children, attending an online college can be an ideal pathway toward higher education.

According to a 2026 , an online bachelor's degree from an on-campus college costs an average of $1,228 per credit hour, while an online bachelor's degree costs an average of $542 per credit hour. Furthermore, some colleges use alternative credit loads to appear cheaper. So, while they are $542 per credit, each class is 4 or 5 credits, making them more expensive. 

Where the savings may come into play is outside of tuition costs. Attending an online college may help save money in indirect ways. This can include lower (or non-existent) commuting costs, buying digital textbooks and spending less money on meals, parking, and day care or babysitters.

The average cost of attending a college on campus

The average cost of attending a traditional college depends on . Attending an in-state college will typically be less expensive than an out-of-state college. Additionally, a two-year college will cost less than a four-year college. Attending a private institution is usually more costly than attending a public one.

According to College Board’s report "," the following reflect the average tuition costs for the 2025-26 academic year (including fees, but excluding room and board) for full-time undergraduate students:

• Public two-year in-district: $4,150
• Public four-year in-state: $11,950
• Public four-year out-of-state: $31,880
• Private nonprofit four-year: $45,000

Those averages increase when room and board are included:

• Public two-year in-district: $21,320
• Public four-year in-state: $30,990
• Public four-year out-of-state: $50,920
• Private nonprofit four-year: $65,470

The bulk of most college students' educational expenses goes to tuition and fees. This means the choice of online and campus college will have the greatest impact on the final cost of the education. However, it's wise to consider other expenses as well. Expenses include the cost of books and supplies, transportation, clothing, personal items and entertainment.

For example, the average for public four-year in-state students at a traditional college is estimated to be $1,330 in 2025-26, a considerable sum that should be factored into a student's total budget.

Ways to save with online and campus colleges

While these numbers provide a baseline for the average cost of attending online and campus colleges, they’re not the whole story. In other words, there are ways to save:

If the degree of choice allows it, students may attend a two-year institution, otherwise known as a community college. Students can also start their education at a community college to complete the mandatory general education classes, then transfer to a four-year institution.

Applying for scholarships can help reduce some of the costs of higher education. This money does not have to be paid back, and there are many different scholarships available for students to apply for from colleges, community organizations, private companies and associations.