OREM, Utah — Utah Valley University (UVU) has been named one of the country’s most affordable online colleges in OnlineU’s 2026 ranking of online bachelor’s programs. The annual ranking recognizes institutions that combine low tuition, broad access, and strong enrollment among online undergraduate learners.
UVU earned a place on the list for the second year in a row due to its competitively priced online bachelor’s programs, with tuition rates among the most accessible in the nation for students seeking flexible, high-quality education. Recognition in the bachelor’s category reflects the university’s continued commitment to expanding equitable educational opportunities for learners across the United States.
“Being recognized on OnlineU’s affordability list reflects UVU’s long-standing commitment to access and student-centered design,” said Bonnie Rodriguez Mortensen, senior director of Online and Graduate Studies. “Our goal is to ensure that students can pursue a high-quality education in ways that fit their lives, without affordability becoming a barrier.”
This national recognition aligns closely with recent institutional enrollment trends showing sustained growth in online and flexible learning. From fall 2024 to fall 2025, online-only student enrollment increased by more than six percent, while enrollment across all flexible modalities, including online, livestream, and hybrid formats, grew by nearly five percent overall.
Growth is even more pronounced when viewed through student engagement and instructional activity. During the same period, online-only student headcount increased by more than 10 percent, and online-only full-time equivalent enrollment rose by nearly nine percent, indicating both increased demand and deeper participation in online coursework.
“These trends signal a meaningful shift in how students are choosing to access their education,” Mortensen said. “Affordability paired with flexibility is no longer optional for many learners. It is central to how they evaluate institutions, and UVU has been intentional about designing online pathways that respond to those realities.”
While face-to-face enrollment has remained stable, continued growth in online and flexible delivery highlights UVU’s evolving instructional ecosystem that balances access and quality. The affordability recognition reinforces strategies already underway across the institution, including stronger alignment of scheduling, modality design, dedicated online student support through the Student Success Center, advising, and course delivery to better support students who need flexible pathways to degree completion.
As UVU continues to scale online and hybrid offerings for both undergraduate and graduate students, this recognition serves as both affirmation and accountability. It reinforces the importance of sustaining affordability while continuing to invest in the academic, advising, and student support infrastructure that makes high-quality, flexible education possible.
About Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University believes in the power and potential of every student. Our work is guided by a commitment to exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results. We provide a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. From certificates to master’s degrees, UVU offers flexible, relevant programs grounded in hands-on learning and real-world experiences, ensuring that students graduate with career-ready skills and are ready to receive a strong return on investment. As an open-enrollment university, we invite students to come as they are, and they leave prepared to make an immediate impact in their careers and communities.
