Affordable Online Degrees at KU
Earn a respected University of Kansas degree online with transparent tuition, flat-rate pricing, and flexible options designed for working students. Understand how much your degree may cost, explore financial aid options, and plan your next step with confidence.
Tuition & cost
How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?
KU Online tuition is flat-rate and charged per credit hour: bachelor's degree-completion programs are either $445 or $495 per credit hour, depending on program, and master's and doctoral programs run $595–$800+ per credit hour — with no additional out-of-state tuition. Your total cost depends on your program, the credits required, and your enrollment pace.
Quick Tuition Estimator
1. Choose your degree level
2. Set your credit hours
Estimate covers tuition only and varies by program. For an official figure, use KU's tuition and fees estimator.
What Shapes Your Total Cost
- Credits required — programs differ in total credit hours
- Enrollment pace — full-time or part-time, on your schedule
- Your specific program — per-credit rates vary by degree
Why KU Costs Are Predictable
- Flat-rate tuition per credit hour
- No additional out-of-state tuition
- Clear cost structure across programs
KU is an AAU member and Carnegie R1 research university — a high-quality education with transparent, competitive pricing.
Why KU offers a more predictable cost
Many online programs include variable tuition rates, additional fees, or pricing differences based on location. KU Online takes a different approach.
- Flat-rate tuition per credit hour
- No additional out-of-state tuition
- Clear cost structure across programs
This approach helps reduce uncertainty and allows you to plan your education with fewer surprises. KU is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and a Carnegie R1 research institution, offering a high-quality education with transparent and competitive pricing.
How to pay for an online degree
Earning your degree is a significant investment in your future. KU Online provides a range of funding pathways to ensure your education remains attainable and affordable.
- Federal financial aid (FAFSA)
- State-based financial aid programs
- Scholarships and grants
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Military and veteran benefits
- Payment plans
Earn While You Learn: Because online programs are designed for flexibility, many students continue working full-time, allowing them to fund their education while maintaining professional momentum.
FAQs about cost and affordability
Tuition for KU Online programs is charged per credit hour, with many bachelors programs offered at a flat rate of $445 per credit hour and master's programs starting at $595 per credit hour, regardless of residency.
Your total cost will depend on how many credits you need to complete your degree and your specific program.
In many cases, online programs can reduce costs related to commuting, housing, and fees, while offering more flexibility to work while enrolled.
Use KU’s tuition estimator to estimate your cost based on your program and enrollment.
Yes. Online students may qualify for federal financial aid and other funding sources, depending on eligibility.
Yes. Many students continue working while earning their degree online. KU Online programs are designed for flexibility, allowing you to complete coursework while balancing work and other responsibilities.
Course formats may vary by program, but many online courses include asynchronous elements that let you engage with materials and complete assignments on your own schedule within each term.
Students can enroll full time or part time depending on their availability and goals.
Yes. KU Online offers flat-rate tuition with no additional cost for out-of-state students.