Best Online Colleges for Low-Income Students
These schools are the best online colleges for low-income students. This list was developed using the six-year salaries of low-income students, provided by the government database College Scorecard, and the schools' annual tuition rates to identify the schools that give low-income students the best return on their investment. All of these schools have two-year withdrawal rates for low income students of 50% or less, and offer at least 10 fully online degrees, at least three of which are associate degrees.
In addition to our comprehensive list, we highlight the 25 Best Online Schools for Low Income Students and the Most Affordable Online Schools for Low-Income Students. View our methodology or learn more about OnlineU.
Featured Popular Online Colleges

Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Online Enrollment: 157,898
Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) offers over 200 flexible, career-focused online degree programs. These include popular fields such as accounting, business, healthcare, and technology, providing personalized education to meet your goals. As a nonprofit institution, SNHU emphasizes affordability, maintaining some of the nation's lowest online tuition rates. Undergraduate classes cost $330 per credit hour, while graduate classes cost $637. SNHU also supports your success through extensive online resources, including 24/7 tutoring and career services. Additionally, military service members and spouses may benefit from a 30% tuition discount, reinforcing SNHU's commitment to accessible education.

Purdue Global
- Online Enrollment: 45,007
At Purdue Global, we prioritize a personalized online learning experience designed to fit your schedule and career goals. Through innovative technology, our user-friendly platform allows you to study anytime, whether early morning or late at night. Engage with peers and faculty through interactive seminars and message boards. Our extensive online resources include full library access and comprehensive support services. With thousands of academic journals and personalized assistance available, your academic journey is well-supported. Contact an Admissions Advisor to discover how our flexible degree programs can help advance your career while maintaining your current lifestyle.

Walden University
- Online Enrollment: 42,312
At Walden University, you can access more than 100 online degrees and certificates designed for working adults, backed by over 50 years of distance learning expertise. We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and have specialized accreditations in counseling, social work, business, nursing, and education. Walden is ranked No. 1 for awarding research doctorates to African-American students and is the nation’s top conferrer of doctoral degrees in nursing, psychology, and education. Our supportive learning environment, 174,000+ alumni network, flexible program options, and hands-on learning experiences help you advance your career and create social change.
Comprehensive List of Accredited Online Schools for Low-Income Students
2019 Best Value Online Colleges for Low-Income Students
These online schools stand out for the high return on investment they provide their graduates. Their low tuitions and relatively high alumni salaries mean that they offer students who come from low-income families a good chance of achieving a stronger financial future. They also have low two-year withdrawal rates for low-income students. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide tops the list with an annual tuition of $11,700 and a six-year salary of low-income students of $48,000 per year. Several community colleges also make the list, such as Pratt Community College, which costs just $4,800 per year and where graduates who were classified as low-income when they enrolled make $33,000 per year. You can read our full methodology for these rankings here.
Featured Popular Online Colleges

Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Online Enrollment: 157,898
Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) offers over 200 flexible, career-focused online degree programs. These include popular fields such as accounting, business, healthcare, and technology, providing personalized education to meet your goals. As a nonprofit institution, SNHU emphasizes affordability, maintaining some of the nation's lowest online tuition rates. Undergraduate classes cost $330 per credit hour, while graduate classes cost $637. SNHU also supports your success through extensive online resources, including 24/7 tutoring and career services. Additionally, military service members and spouses may benefit from a 30% tuition discount, reinforcing SNHU's commitment to accessible education.

Purdue Global
- Online Enrollment: 45,007
At Purdue Global, we prioritize a personalized online learning experience designed to fit your schedule and career goals. Through innovative technology, our user-friendly platform allows you to study anytime, whether early morning or late at night. Engage with peers and faculty through interactive seminars and message boards. Our extensive online resources include full library access and comprehensive support services. With thousands of academic journals and personalized assistance available, your academic journey is well-supported. Contact an Admissions Advisor to discover how our flexible degree programs can help advance your career while maintaining your current lifestyle.

Walden University
- Online Enrollment: 42,312
At Walden University, you can access more than 100 online degrees and certificates designed for working adults, backed by over 50 years of distance learning expertise. We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and have specialized accreditations in counseling, social work, business, nursing, and education. Walden is ranked No. 1 for awarding research doctorates to African-American students and is the nation’s top conferrer of doctoral degrees in nursing, psychology, and education. Our supportive learning environment, 174,000+ alumni network, flexible program options, and hands-on learning experiences help you advance your career and create social change.
This website offers school details to prospective students as an informational resource. The appearance of a school listing on this website should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the school by this site.