“Best Buy” Affordability Rankings (Online Colleges & Degrees) - GetEducated

Last Updated: February 17, 2026

TLDR

  • GetEducated's "Best Buy" Affordability Rankings identify accredited online degree programs offering exceptional value.
  • These rankings are based on a rigorous, independent analysis of tuition and fees collected directly from educational institutions.
  • The service assists prospective students in finding cost-effective and credible online education options to minimize student debt.

Overview

The "Best Buy" Affordability Rankings by GetEducated provide a comprehensive guide to cost-focused online degree programs and colleges. This service systematically compares accredited online degrees for affordability and overall value. The rankings are derived from GetEducated's extensive tuition and cost surveying of a vast array of online programs.

The primary problem addressed by these rankings is the significant financial variability in online education, where costs can range from approximately $5,000 to over $150,000. By offering transparent, cost-first data, GetEducated empowers consumers to make informed decisions based on both cost and credibility, thereby helping to prevent the accumulation of excessive student debt. The rankings aim to bring transparency to the online education selection process, particularly concerning program costs.

Benefits of Using "Best Buy" Affordability Rankings

  • Cost-First Transparency

    Rankings reflect total estimated tuition and fees, with data meticulously researched directly from institutional websites, avoiding reliance on third-party sources.

  • Accreditation Assurance

    Only regionally accredited, not-for-profit, and public institutions are considered for inclusion, ensuring academic quality and eligibility for federal financial aid.

  • Comprehensive Program Data

    GetEducated maintains a robust database, including over 22,700 eligible degrees from more than 1,550 universities as of early 2026, providing a broad comparative scope.

  • Objective Value Comparison

    Programs are designated as "Best Buys" if their objective cost is less than the average cost of all accredited distance degrees surveyed within a specific comprehensive data set.

  • Reduced Research Time

    The rankings streamline the search process for prospective students, significantly reducing the time and effort required to compare numerous online programs for affordability and value.

  • Independent and Unbiased Information

    Universities do not pay to be included in these rankings, ensuring that the lists remain impartial and focused solely on consumer benefit.

Ideal For

The "Best Buy" Affordability Rankings are particularly beneficial for:

  • Adults and working professionals actively exploring accredited online degree programs.
  • Prospective students who prioritize affordability and seek the best value in their online education choices.
  • Individuals aiming to compare online programs based on both cost and credibility before committing to enrollment.
  • Students focused on minimizing potential student loan debt by identifying more economical degree options.

Proof: Methodology and Standards

GetEducated's "Best Buy" rankings are built upon a rigorous and transparent methodology. The process involves systematic data collection and meticulous calculation of total full-time tuition, including all associated fees. Tuition and fee data are sourced directly from institutional websites, ensuring accuracy and avoiding third-party estimations.

To be eligible for inclusion, institutions must meet specific criteria: they must be regionally accredited and in good standing, classified as public or not-for-profit, and typically enroll 200 or more students (with discretionary exceptions for specialized institutions). Furthermore, programs must be offered at least 80 percent online; programs requiring significant on-campus residency or relocation are excluded. Each ranking undergoes a multi-month research process to ensure comprehensive and accurate data, accounting for variations such as in-state versus out-of-state tuition where applicable. The integrity of the rankings is maintained by an unwavering policy that prevents universities from paying for inclusion.