7 Ways to Reduce the Cost of an Online Degree | Online Education - U.S. News & World Report

Jordan Friedman, New York-based freelance reporter writes, Tuition reimbursement from an employer and scholarships may be options for online students.

It's becoming more common for companies to help their employees pay for online degree programs.
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An online degree program can be a big investment. Luckily for 37-year-old northern Virginia resident Grant Clough, his employer offers workers $8,000 per year toward tuition reimbursement for those who choose to continue their education.

Clough, director of talent acquisition at AARP, initially considered an MBA program, possibly on campus. But he ultimately decided against pursuing another business degree, in part because he studied accounting as an undergraduate.

He then came across the online Master of Studies in Law at Wake Forest University, and it turned out that his employer would be covering nearly all his tuition. With the online format, he would also have more flexibility to study around his schedule...

Stackable MOOC-based credentials.  
More schools are offering online degrees at significantly lower costs due to massive open online courses, or MOOCs, which are classes created by companies such as edX and Coursera in collaboration with universities and are accessible to anyone with internet access.

Generally, MOOCs can be audited for free, but those who pay a fee can receive a certificate of completion and, in some cases, college credit. At certain schools, students can then progress into a full degree program at a significantly lower overall cost upon being formally admitted. Prospective students should note that the costs and processes associated with completing MOOC-based degrees vary widely, Uranis says.

For example, through Coursera, students can earn low-cost degrees such as an online MBA at the University of Illinois for about $22,000 total with fees, whereas an on-campus MBA would cost nearly $82,000 with fees for out-of-state students, and around $57,600 for in-state residents, also including campus fees. 
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Source: U.S. News & World Report