Attending an online university comes with many benefits. Online programs often feature more flexibility and affordability than on-campus options. Distance learners typically save time on commuting and can complete their studies from anywhere.
Many colleges and universities offer online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Online learning allows students to attend accredited schools anywhere in the country without relocating.
This guide explores common learning formats and the cost of accredited online colleges. The following ranking highlights the best online universities to help prospective students choose a school that fits their goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges & University
Most accredited institutions accept credits from other accredited schools. Online colleges usually limit the number of credits students can transfer.
Degrees from accredited online colleges hold the same value as degrees earned in person.
Accreditation is voluntary and can significantly impact graduates' career opportunities. Learners can verify each prospective school's accreditation status through the Department of Education's online database.
Why Get a Degree Online at one of the Best Universities?
Online degrees provide flexibility for independent learners. The convenient virtual format allows students to complete academic requirements around family and work responsibilities. Many online programs feature asynchronous formats, allowing students to watch recorded lectures and engage in discussion boards at convenient times.
Degree-seekers who need accountability can still benefit from online learning. Some courses use synchronous formats, which require students to attend virtual classes at set times.
Attending an online university allows students to network with learners based around the world. Additionally, online students may have more free time to invest in their community.
Featured Online Programs
How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?
In most cases, an online degree from one of the best online colleges costs less than an in-person degree. According to a 2021 report by the Education Data Initiative, an online bachelor's degree costs an average of $51,090.
However, residency status and school type impacts overall cost. In-state tuition averages $38,496 for online bachelor's programs, while out-of-state tuition costs an average of $54,183. Online learners at private schools pay an average of $60,593 in tuition.
Online learners may also save money on commuting costs and living expenses. Distance students often live with relatives or roommates to save money.
Additional Online College Student Fees
Only 17% of schools the Education Data Initiative surveyed reported waiving student activity and campus fees for online learners. Additionally, many online colleges charge a technology fee. This fee usually covers technical support and virtual learning platforms. Online students may need a subscription to an online library database.
Online students should also budget for a reliable computer and internet connection. Certain online classes require software subscriptions. Online learners can save money on textbooks by purchasing used or digital versions.
Available Online Degrees
Many programs translate well to an online format. Degrees in fields such as medicine, teaching, and counseling require in-person supervised experience. Online learners in these programs typically complete in-person components at a local facility.
Before enrolling in an online university, learners should research their prospective program's in-person requirements. Some programs feature annual seminars on campus. Learners can also consider hybrid programs, which blend online and on-campus instruction.
The following list highlights three common online degrees. Not all online colleges offer these programs.
Students learn how to communicate with company stakeholders. They explore best practices for forming relationships with customers and the local media. Coursework covers event planning, strategic campaigns, and press release writing. Graduates often become public relations, marketing, and communication directors.Public Relations
Business programs prepare learners for roles as entrepreneurs and company leaders. This multidisciplinary degree covers topics such as management techniques, marketing skills, and accounting basics. Most business programs require an internship.Business
Learners studying elementary education prepare to teach K-5 students. Degree-seekers discover how students develop and advance between grades. Coursework explores age-appropriate instruction techniques and methods for tailoring lessons to diverse learners. Elementary education programs usually require in-person student teaching.Elementary Education
Best Online Colleges and Universities
#1
Southern New Hampshire University
| Location | Manchester, New Hampshire |
| Admission Rate | 88% |
| Graduation Rate | 44% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 94% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Programs Available: Accounting and finance, art and design, business, criminal justice, education, engineering, health, liberal arts, math and science, psychology and counseling, social science, technology
Accredited By: New England Commission on Higher Education
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University offers more than 200 online programs. Learners can pursue certificates or degrees at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Popular programs from this online college include business, healthcare, and technology. SNHU's business school offers more than 20 undergraduate concentrations and 15 specializations for graduate students.
Online learners benefit from SNHU's career services, including career assessments and personalized career coaching. Enrollees build skills through internships, service learning, and experiential hours.
SNHU has kept its tuition the same since 2012. Students can transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree, 45 credits toward an associate degree, and 12 credits toward a graduate degree.
Available Scholarships: The Finlay Family Scholarship, established by SNHU graduate Robert J. Finlay, offers awards to full-time students pursuing a degree from the School of Business.
#2
Liberty University
| Location | Lynchburg, Virginia |
| Admission Rate | 51% |
| Graduation Rate | 47% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 92% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Programs Available: Accounting, apologetics, aviation, biblical studies, business, business administration, creative writing, criminal justice, early childhood education, elementary education, education, history, information systems, information technology interdisciplinary studies, medical office assistant, military history, paralegal studies, philosophy, politics, economics, psychology, religion, social work, STEM mathematics
Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
Founded in 1971, Liberty University features 450 online programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Like many online universities, learners can pursue degrees at all levels. Liberty's online college also offers diplomas through the Willmington School of the Bible and virtual high school programs.
Most online classes run asynchronously and take about eight weeks to finish. Some classes take 14-17 weeks. Enrollees can transfer up to 75% of undergraduate credits and 50% of graduate credits. Students can also take exams to get credit for their professional training.
Available Scholarships: The Missionary Kid Scholarship benefits children of missionaries. Full-time students under age 24 may apply.
#3
Florida International University
| Location | Miami, Florida |
| Admission Rate | 58% |
| Graduation Rate | 63% |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 68% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Programs Available: Arts and interdisciplinary studies, business, communication and journalism, criminal justice and legal studies, dietetics and nutrition, education and teaching, hospitality and tourism, international and public affairs, language, nursing and healthcare, sociology and anthropology, sustainability
Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
Florida International University ranks among the nation's top online colleges and universities. The school offers more than 100 online programs and 1,500 courses. FIU's online college also offers career readiness services for learners studying engineering, hospitality, and public health.
Some programs run fully online. Others, like the online RN-to-BSN program, require in-person clinical hours. The online bachelor's in computer science program requires students to take credits outside of the department for certification or a minor.
Each student receives one-on-one help from a success coach. Enrollees can complete mock interviews, create their LinkedIn profile, and gain certifications.
Available Scholarships: FIU Online Academic Merit Scholarship offers $2,000 to new students pursuing an online master's in engineering management, master's in hospitality management, or executive master of public administration degree.
#4
University of Maryland Global Campus
| Location | Adelphi, Maryland |
| Graduation Rate | 15% |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 90% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Programs Available: Accounting, African American studies, art, art history, biology, biotechnology, business administration, business and management, communication studies, computer network cybersecurity, computer science, computer studies, criminal justice, cybersecurity, cybersecurity management and policy, digital media and web technology, diversity awareness, east Asian studies, economics, emergency management, English, foreign language area studies, legal studies, management studies, mathematics, military history, psychology, women's studies
Accredited By: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers more than 90 online degrees and certificates. Working students can get credit for workplace learning and prior learning. Degree-seekers can get 3-6 credits for workplace learning by completing project tasks over 15 weeks at their job. They must work under the supervision of their employer or college mentor. UMGC's online college also lets enrollees save time and money through prior learning credit offered by an exam or portfolio review.
Students earn their degree in a cohort, but study on their own time. They complete asynchronous work individually and in groups. Students can save money by using free digital materials instead of buying textbooks.
Available Scholarships: The Maryland Completion Scholarship offers associate degree-holders from Maryland community colleges up to $12,000 to apply toward a bachelor's degree.
#5
University of Florida
| Location | Gainesville, Florida |
| Admission Rate | 37% |
| Graduation Rate | 88% |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 46% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Programs Available: Advertising, business administration, environmental management, health education, journalism, public relations, sport management, tourism, hospitality and event management
Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
The University of Florida opened UF Online in 2014. This online college offers more than 200 degrees and certificates. UF offers more than 25 undergraduate majors. Online learners can take 15-18 credits a semester. Most classes run asynchronously.
Graduate students can pursue master's degrees in fields like biostatistics, civil engineering, and international business. Online doctoral degrees include classical civilization, educational leadership, and nursing practice. This online college also offers career services such as job postings and access to virtual career fairs.
UF requires the same online application and fee for all students. Candidates must meet admission requirements depending on their applicant status.
Available Scholarships: UF offers out-of-state tuition waivers to offset the cost of out-of-state tuition
#6
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
| Location | West Lafayette, Indiana |
| Graduation Rate | 27% |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 99% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Programs Available: Agriculture, arts and sciences, aviation and aerospace, business and economics, communication, education, engineering, health and human sciences, law and legal studies, nursing, pharmacy, psychology, technology and computer science, veterinary medicine
Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
Purdue Global offers more than 200 online and hybrid degrees and certificates. Students can earn associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in areas like business and economics and health and human sciences. Most programs offer self-paced work that students complete on deadline.
Online learners can take as many accelerated classes as they want for a flat price through Purdue Global's ExcelTrack. The program features master's degrees in business administration and nursing. Degree-seekers can also enroll in bachelor's programs in analytics, criminal justice, and nursing.
One of the nation's best online universities and colleges, Purdue Global offers multiple annual start dates. Online learners can take free classes for three weeks on a trial basis.
Available Scholarships: Returning Student Relief Grants encourage students who have withdrawn from a Purdue Global program to return to t school. Students receive repayment of their student debt up to $4,500.
#7
Florida State University
| Location | Tallahassee, Florida |
| Admission Rate | 36% |
| Graduation Rate | 83% |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 47% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Programs Available: Applied studies, arts and sciences, business, communication and information, criminology and criminal justice, education, engineering, entrepreneurship, fine arts, hospitality, law, nursing, social sciences and public policy, social work
Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
Florida State University offers several online programs, many of which lead to licensure. Students can prepare for licensure in their respective state by earning degrees such as a doctor of nursing practice, juris doctor, or master of social work degree. Programs offer asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid formats that follow the semester schedule. Prospective students need at least 60 or more transferable college credits.
Online learners can access tutoring, career advising, and mentoring services.
Available Scholarships: The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program awards full-time students studying healthcare majors. Applicants must commit to work in underserved areas for at least two years. Students receive funds for tuition and college expenses and monthly stipends.
#8
San Diego State University
| Location | San Diego, California |
| Admission Rate | 34% |
| Graduation Rate | 73% |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 50% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: American Indian studies, business administration, communication, criminal justice, economics, computer engineering, public health, child development, civil engineering, teacher leadership, public health, public administration, big data analytics, electrical engineering, regulatory affairs, rehabilitation counseling, hospitality and tourism management, meeting and event management, fine arts in screenwriting
Accredited By: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
San Diego State University offers several online programs. This online college also offers career training and personal enrichment classes. Many programs offer self-paced classes that let students design their own schedules.
SDSU Global Campus offers fully online programs that include a bachelor's in economics, master's in screenwriting, and master's in public health. Students can also complete professional certificates in areas like marketing and construction.
SDSU offers online programs through the Global Campusin every location except Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, West Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Available Scholarships: California undergraduate students with a reported family income less than $184,000 and household assets less than $184,000 may apply to the Middle Class Scholarship. Award amounts depend on income and other financial aid received.
#9
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
| Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Admission Rate | 57% |
| Graduation Rate | 83% |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 30% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: Psychology, tribal administration and governance, manufacturing management, manufacturing management in quality management, accounting, agricultural business, applied health, communication, criminal justice, English, finance, health management, information technology management, international business, management, marketing, sports in recreation management, public health administration and policy, healthcare administration, public health administration and policy, public health practice, applied child and adolescent development, integrative health and wellbeing, business administration, computer science, education, education in family education
Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
One of the nation's best online colleges and universities, University of Minnesota Twin Cities features fully online and partially virtual undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and minors. Enrollees study at their own pace. Online learners can receive academic help through the Crookston Tutoring and Duluth Tutoring Center, Crookston Writing Center, and Twin Cities Academic Success Center.
Learners can access research materials and resources through the Crookston Library, Duluth Martin Library, Morris Briggs Library, Rochester Library and Information Commons, and Twin Cities Libraries. Online learners can also access internships and online career services.
Available Scholarships: UMN considers all students for scholarships with no additional application. Learners can apply for additional scholarships like the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Endowed Scholarship for American Indian students. Recipients can renew this award for up to four years.
#10
University of North Texas
| Location | Denton, Texas |
| Admission Rate | 74% |
| Graduation Rate | 56% |
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 49% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Programs Available: Advanced data analytics, applied anthropology, applied behavior analysis, applied arts and sciences, criminal justice, justice policy and administration, curriculum and instruction, digital communications analytics, early childhood education, psychology, educational leadership, general business, health services administration, higher education and general administration, hospitality management, information science, integrative studies, interdisciplinary studies, learning technologies, library science, marketing, rehabilitation studies, sport entertainment management, and more.
Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
The University of North Texas features 14 colleges and schools. Among the nation's best online colleges and universities, UNT offers 86 online programs. Learners can complete accelerated programs in 12-18 months.
Students can pursue certificates or bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. UNT also offers accelerated master's programs. Learners can complete the 36-credit master's in business administration with a focus in marketing in 18 months. Each class takes about eight weeks. The 30-credit master's in early childhood education includes 10 classes and takes 12 months to complete.
UNT offers five annual start dates for accelerated programs. Learners can attend optional in-person classes at the Denton and Frisco campuses.
Available Scholarships: The Westurn Family Scholarship helps working students who attend the G. Brint Ryan College of Business.
Featured Online Master's Programs
FAQs
Best Online Colleges And Universities 2022 | Accredited Schools Online? ›
- University of Florida.
- Medical University of South Carolina.
- University of Illinois--Chicago.
- Oregon State University.
- Arizona State University.
- Ohio State University--Columbus.
- University of Arizona.
- University of Central Florida.
SRM University Chennai
One of the best Indian universities providing online courses, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai is regarded as one of the top universities for science and technology. This private university was founded in 1985.
Antioch University in Culver City, California, offers an online degree program for Liberal Arts. It is arguably considered as the easiest online college – or an 'easy' pick because it takes a well-rounded, generalist approach. The university's online B.A in Liberal Studies accepts up to 75 transfer credits.
Which online college has the highest graduation rate? ›- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA.
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA.
- PENN STATE – WORLD CAMPUS.
- GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY.
- NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY.
- UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI.
- ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY.
- KEISER UNIVERSITY.
- #2 BYU-IDAHO. ...
- #4 WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY. ...
- #5 AMRIDGE UNIVERSITY. ...
- #8 CHADRON STATE COLLEGE. ...
- #9 MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY. ...
- Washtenaw Community College. ...
- Copiah-Lincoln Community College. ...
- Arkansas Northeastern College.
According to the study, 86% of online learners considered the value of their degree equal to or greater than the cost they paid to pursue it. Among those who have attended on-campus and online courses, 85% said that online learning is as good as or better than attending courses on campus.
What degrees can you get online? ›- Computer Science Degree. There is an ever-increasing demand for computer professionals and a wide range of options within the hi-tech industry. ...
- Business Administration Degree. ...
- Education. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Accounting. ...
- Marketing.
The easiest majors that pay well are as follows: Psychology Criminal Justice Education Religious Studies Social Work Sociology Communications History Anthropology Supply Chain Management Humanities Business management Fine Arts Foreign Language Marketing.
What is the quickest degree to get? ›What is the fastest and easiest degree to get? Often students focus on Business Administration, Psychology, or Education degrees for the fastest degrees; however, General Studies, English, and Communications may be considered some of the easiest, along with Psychology.
What is the simplest degree to get? ›- English literature. ...
- Sports management. ...
- Creative writing. ...
- Communications studies. ...
- Liberal studies. ...
- Theater arts. ...
- Art. You'll study painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture and drawing. ...
- Education. An article on CBS MoneyWatch named education the country's easiest major.
What college has the highest dropout rate? ›
1. Sewanee-University of the South: 22.7% of students did not graduate within six years.
What college has lowest graduation rate? ›Below is a list of 3187 colleges with the lowest graduation rate in the United States. Western International University tops the list with a graduation rate of 3%. Graduation rate is reported as the percent of students who graduate within 150% of the normal expected time to complete the degree.
What percentage of college students graduate online? ›The average rate that has been reported with the top 10 largest online colleges is only 20%, but this is an average that has a very large range. Some of the better graduation rates are 66%, but some schools have a disappointing 5% that are bringing the average down.
Are online college classes harder? ›Are online classes harder than on-campus classes? The material covered in online courses is typically the same as that covered in on-campus courses.
How much is an online degree? ›The average online bachelor's degree ranges from $38,496 to $60,593 in total program tuition cost, according to U.S. News data of ranked Best Online Bachelor's Programs. Tuition at public online bachelor's degrees for in-state students costs on average $38,496, and $54,183 for out-of-state students.
Are online Colleges cheaper? ›Colleges and universities that offer online degree programs typically will be cheaper than going to a traditional brick-and-mortar university for a variety of reasons. For many schools that solely specialize in offering online degrees, they have fewer expenses to incur.
Do employers take online degrees seriously? ›According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 92 percent of employers view online degrees from brick-and-mortar schools as favorable, while only 42 percent would consider a candidate with an online degree from a university that operates solely online, despite any accreditation.
How does an online degree look on a resume? ›Strategy 2: Omit the “Online” descriptor on your resume.
These students simply list the name of the university or school they attended, omitting the term “online” from the education section of the resume. Using this strategy can help you bypass the issues you may face as a graduate of an online degree program.
No matter the situation or perspective, online career certifications improve current performance and queue up success in the future. Pursuing certifications is always a good idea, but makes even more sense if: you're an employee searching for a new job. you're an employee looking to grow with your current company.
What is the hardest degree in college? ›| College Major | Time Spent Preparing for Class per Week |
|---|---|
| 1. Architecture | 22.20 hrs |
| 2. Chemical Engineering | 19.66 hrs |
| 3. Aero and Astronautical Engineering | 19.24 hrs |
| 4. Biomedical Engineering | 18.82 hrs |
What is the best degree to get? ›
| Rank | Degree subject | Average early career pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petroleum Engineering | $94,500 |
| 2 | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) | $88,000 |
| 3 | Applied Economics and Management | $58,900 |
| 4 | Operations Research | $77,900 |
How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree online? Depending on a specific program's requirements and a student's prior education, the answer is anywhere between two and six years. However long it takes, students who choose online programs benefit in numerous ways.
Which degree is best for distance education? ›- Master of business administration (MBA) ...
- Human resource management. ...
- Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) ...
- Bachelor of education. ...
- Bachelor of Law. ...
- Hospitality management studies. ...
- Bachelor of Business Administration. ...
- Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Taking online courses tends to be significantly cheaper than taking classes on a traditional college campus. The average online student will spend approximately $100-$400 per credit hour in an online course. As an on-campus student, there are often additional costs associated.
Does Harvard offer online degrees? ›For now, the answer is no, you can't get a degree purely through online learning. However, you may be able to get a degree through a mix of online and in-person educational offerings. You can also earn professional certificates through various online learning programs without having to step foot on campus.
Which degree is best in world? ›| Rank | Degree subject | Average early career pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petroleum Engineering | $94,500 |
| 2 | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) | $88,000 |
| 3 | Applied Economics and Management | $58,900 |
| 4 | Operations Research | $77,900 |