What Affects the Cost of a USU Online Degree?
Are you wondering how much an online degree from USU Online costs? It’s a common question, and it can be a major concern for prospective students. Today I’ll walk you through what goes into the cost of a degree, and some options to help you pay for yours. Five factors largely determine the cost of attending USU Online: residency, program, earned credit, course load, and financial & scholarships. We’ll dive into each one so you can better understand the cost of earning a degree with USU Online.
*Please keep in mind that tuition and fees are subject to change. The information below is accurate at the time of publication.
Residency
Utah residents pay a different tuition rate than nonresidents if you are studying in Utah. Residents get a lower tuition rate than non-resident students. You can establish residency after one year of living in Utah. If this applies to you, once you establish residency, you will be charged the residency tuition rate.
For students outside of Utah, you pay a special out-of-state rate that is generally comparable to tuition rates of the unversities in your state. You can learn more about tuition at usu.edu/online/cost.
Your Program of Study
Different programs can have different rates. However, USU Online applies a $15 course fee to all online classes. This helps cover things like Zoom, Canvas, and other digital infrastructure technology. To determine specific rates for your program of interest, you can visit our online degree list page where you’ll find a list of our programs. Selecting the one you’re interested in will lead you to a page with more specific information.
There are also programs that have special rates rather than general tuition. These are per credit rates that differ by program, some examples include:
- Master of Dietetics
- Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences
- MBA
- Master of Human Resources
- Master of Management Information Systems
Rates for these and all other programs are found on their respective webpages on our website.
Earned Credit
For transfer students or those with previous college credits, applying those credits toward your USU Online degree may decrease your cost of attendance. If your credits transfer, you won’t have to pay to retake those classes which will decrease your total cost of earning your degree.
Your Course Load
USU Online charges per credit hour. This means that if you take more courses, your tuition will be higher. This gives you more control over your tuition each semester by considering your course load. Keep in mind that full-time is at least 12 credits, while part-time is anything below that.
Paying For an Online Degree
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Paying for an online degree may seem intimidating. But there are resources available to you. FAFSA and scholarships are available for online students to apply for. FAFSA is federal student aid that is needs based. Scholarships are available to anyone and everyone. You can find scholarships through USU and third-party organizations.
To apply for FAFSA, students may visit the FAFSA website to open an application. The FAFSA calculates your eligibility the same way it does for in-person students. There are deadlines for submission, so be sure to keep an eye on those to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Employer Reimbursement
Are you returning to school while working a full time job in your field? Some employers offer a reimbursement program where they will pay part or all of your tuition. Increasing your skill set and education can benefit you personally and professionally. Even if you’re still undecided about returning to school, knowing if your employer offers a similar program can help you make the decision.
Payment Plans
If you’d rather pay tuition in monthly installments rather than upfront, you can explore enrolling in a payment plan. These usually entail three to four payments throughout the semester. It can be a great way to break up some of the financial stress of tuition.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Thinking about the cost associated with attending online school can feel overwhelming. But, cost isn’t the only thing to consider. While cost is an important consideration, it's also helpful to think about the long-term value of your degree.
A degree can give you the opportunity to move up in your career, increase your earning potential, provide professional credibility, connect you with professionals in your industry, and even give you the ability to switch careers if you would like.
There are also several benefits outside of your career. The process of earning your degree helps you build skills that will have lasting value in your life. You will learn and develop confidence, independence, time management, and more. Depending on the program you choose, you will also develop hands-on skills that you can apply in your career and daily life.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Investing in your education is a big decision, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Understanding what influences your tuition as well as payment options can help you find a path that works for you and your circumstances. Whether you’re just starting to explore online learning or you’re ready to apply, USU Online is here to help.