Many colleges and universities have reasonable terms for student financing and payments while you are in school. A higher education is likely one of the most significant investments you and your family may make in your future. It is important to analyze your options carefully and choose a school and a degree program that will be useful in your career and life. A: In most cases, no. Some schools offer fully online, partially online with some physical attendance on campus required, and hybrid degrees, with much of the classwork fully online and some of the labs or practical exercises requiring you to visit campus at some point during the semester.
For more information on designing a plan for a college degree that fits your needs, check out this list of the best online colleges. Learn more about getting the most for your college tuition by reading the affordable colleges with the highest return on investment. Text vs. AD accredited-online-college. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us.
This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. Got it! Phone Vs. Text Vs. Email The Everlasting Lessons of Mr. What is Online College Accreditation? Online Graduates Vs. Why National Accreditation is Important One sign of a school that may be worth your time and money is accreditation.
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus At Penn State World Campus, students can choose from more than accredited programs, including undergraduate degrees, certificates, and graduate degrees, to help them achieve their career goals. Abraham Lincoln University Founded in with an online law school designed to give busy professionals the chance to study part-time, Abraham Lincoln University has since added more degree programs in areas like Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and General Studies.
University of Arizona An online degree from the University of Arizona, another of our top 10 accredited online colleges, comes with the same prestige associated with attending the school in person. Grantham University At number five in our ranking of the best online schools, Grantham University is designed to help students balance the expenses of a professionally relevant degree or certificate with the costs of adult life.
Washington State University Building on the experience and reputation it has earned over a century of delivering higher education, WSU Global Campus has offered distance learning programs since Florida International University With a reputation for excellence throughout 20 years of delivering online college degrees, Florida International University Online gives students an opportunity to gain an education and build a solid foundation for their careers.
Oregon State University Celebrating six straight years of top ranking in U. Liberty University As a leader in online Christian colleges, Liberty University holds its values deeply.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Offered in a flexible format for busy students, programs at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Online are equal to the degrees and certificates earned on campus — they typically have the same instructors, curriculum, and program details.
University of Central Florida All of the degree programs at the University of Central Florida are designed to provide an affordable and accessible educational opportunity for all.
Colorado State University-Global Campus Colorado State University-Global Campus degree programs use leading-edge technology that allows you to connect with instructors and peers through interactive lectures, message boards, and emails. Baker College Its educational legacy reaches back over the past century, but Baker College has adapted to changing times. Missouri State University-Springfield Students at Missouri State University-Springfield online appreciate total educational costs that are well below the national average.
Rasmussen College Online With online learning choices that let you pursue a degree on a flexible schedule in one of seven specialty schools, Rasmussen College serves busy working adults and traditional students who need flexibility in their study schedule.
Minot State University A public university with a mission to provide excellence in education and community involvement, Minot State University in North Dakota challenges students to achieve academic excellence and to participate actively in community life.
Features Phone Vs. Unless you attend a school that only has online programs, hiring managers may not know your degree was earned through distance learning, as diplomas do not state whether programs are delivered online. However, if asked, you can explain that you were required to fulfill the same requirements as your on-campus counterparts, including taking equivalent courses, participating in team-building collaborative work, and passing equally challenging exams.
The vast majority of colleges and universities undergo a process of evaluation to determine how well all aspects of the school compare to quality standards set by the U. If the school meets or exceeds these high expectations, it is deemed accredited.
Not only can an entire school become accredited at the institutional level, individual programs within a school may also be accredited by professional organizations. You'll find that all of the schools on OnlineU. If you'd like to do additional research, you can search the online databases of the U. Another option is to check the school's website. Some schools will have a special Accreditation page devoted to this topic, or it may be shown on the About Us page.
Also, school websites often list programmatic accreditation on specific program pages. When evaluating a college or university as a whole, institutional accreditation can come from either a regional agency or a national agency. Regional accreditation is generally the preferred type, indicating that the school has met the highest academic standards. However, because exclusively online schools serve students across the entire U. Founded in to review earlier forms of distance learning, DEAC is recognized as an official accrediting agency by both the U.
The commission positions itself as a reliable expert in the field of distance teaching and learning. When evaluating online schools, it focuses on accountability for meeting student learning outcomes through an effective, competency-based educational model. Many online trade schools and career schools are also nationally accredited by DEAC or other approved agencies.
In addition to institutional accreditation, many online colleges have earned accreditation for individual programs. Programmatic accreditation is usually awarded by professional organizations related to the program field, and signals that a program prepares graduates to meet industry expectations. Accreditation is an important quality to look for in an educational institution. Students must attend accredited schools in order to be eligible for federal and state financial aid programs.
Institutional and programmatic accreditation may also be a factor when obtaining licensure or credentials for certain occupations or when enrolling in another college or university to earn a higher-level degree. Thus, when considering attending a particular college or university, students may want to consider the effects of the school's accreditation status on their long-term goals.
The internet provides an abundance of information that can help you decide which online colleges and universities will best meet your needs. For example, OnlineU. In addition to reviewing the information about each school on our site, you may want to visit individual school websites, where you'll find even more details about specific programs, curricula, faculty, student services, and financial aid.
The following are some useful questions to consider that may help you determine which of the many options are right for you:. Does the school's program include a concentration or area of emphasis that will help you achieve your career goals? Can you take electives that will help you achieve those goals? Do you prefer asynchronous courses that let you complete assignments on your own time each week, or do you prefer synchronous courses that require you to log in for lectures at specific days and times?
Which does the school offer? If needed, does the school provide financial aid? What percentage of the student body receives aid, and what is the average award? What is the ROI for graduating from your prospective program or school?
How does the cost of the program compare to your potential for increased earnings over the life of your career? One of the benefits of going to college online is the ability to choose from a larger pool of educational options in a broader range of prices while remaining in the same location.
However, there are several benefits to earning an online degree from a local university or college that are worth considering. Some schools charge a higher tuition rate for out-of-state residents—even if they are taking online courses—and some offer additional scholarships for in-state students. Also, some students prefer to develop their professional networks with nearby residents to increase their chances of landing jobs with local employers. Finally, opting for an online program at a nearby college creates an opportunity to take some courses in person, if you wish.
In general, the admissions requirements and application process are identical for online college programs and on-campus programs. To begin, you'll submit an online application, either directly through the school's website or through a universal college application portal, such as the Common App. Some schools only charge you the fee if you are accepted, and some are willing to waive the application fee for low-income students.
After submitting the application form, you will be given some additional time to submit the rest of your application materials.
When applying to an associate or bachelor's degree program, these additional items usually include:. When applying to transfer into a bachelor's program or to a master's or doctoral program, you may also be required to submit transcripts of your previous college coursework and a resume.
In rare instances, such as when applying to a fine art or computer programming degree program, you may be asked to present a portfolio of recent projects. If you are applying to enter an online program at a traditional bricks-and-mortar school, you will probably need to submit your application by a specific deadline, and you may need to wait several months for a response.
If accepted, you may be able to begin with the next term, although some schools may ask you to wait for the next fall term. However, if you're applying to a fully online school, especially one that offers accelerated programs featuring multiple short terms throughout the year, you may be able to apply anytime and, if accepted, start within a matter of weeks or months.
Application deadlines and timeframes are usually listed on each school's website. As long as they're attending accredited colleges and universities, online students are eligible for all types of financial aid.
Like their on-campus peers, students enrolled in online programs should begin by filling out the FAFSA form to determine what types of funding and how much financial aid they may receive.
Most exclusively online colleges offer many forms of financial assistance, including federal financial aid such as Pell grants and student loans and work-study programs, and they usually accept employer tuition reimbursement programs. They also frequently offer tuition discounts for select groups of students, such as military service members, law enforcement officers, and employees or members of partner organizations.
Many offer payment plans that make paying for college easier for some. However, they generally do not fund their own scholarships or grants, nor do they offer financial aid funded by state governments.
These types of aid are typically only available to students enrolled in online programs at state-run and private non-profit schools. As much as possible, students at all levels should search for grants and scholarships—or fellowships for graduate students—because these types of aid do not have to be paid back.
When available to online students, work-study programs are another good option because they allow students to earn part of their tuition. However, if you're enrolled in a school that is not within driving distance, a work-study program is probably not going to be possible for you, a situation that becomes more significant at the doctoral level. Many on-campus Ph. Logistically, this is simply not possible for online Ph.
A quick online search will lead you to a few online colleges and universities that claim to offer tuition-free degree programs, but read the fine print carefully. These schools typically charge other fees—often referred to as enrollment fees, assessment fees, and other similarly named fees for utilizing their services—that can add up to a considerable amount of money. The total price for attending "tuition free" colleges may be approximately the same as the tuition costs at some of the more affordable online schools, giving you more low-cost options to choose from.
You can balance life's competing demands, like work and childcare, while finishing your education in an online degree program. Use the following guide to learn more about online degrees and how students can choose the best online universities and online degree programs. Find information about cost, the application process, and what it takes to succeed while learning from home.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below. We review hundreds of online college programs each year to help students find the best online universities and colleges to meet their needs. Each ranked school is fully accredited and nonprofit. Our methodology uses qualitative measures and data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics and proprietary school surveys.
Use our ranked list of the best online colleges and universities to begin your search for a program that works with your budget, schedule, and learning style. Each school profile includes information about available subjects and majors, as well as notable student outcomes.
Rankings compiled by the the BestColleges Ranking Team. At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings. Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
Since opening in , Northeastern University has become a leader in experiential learning, earning a place among the top online universities.
Northeastern offers roughly degree and certificate programs across its nine schools and colleges. Distance learners can access a network of partner organizations to gain experience in the field while they study online. At Northeastern, distance learners can study largely at their own pace.
The university offers an array of fully online degrees with no on-campus components. Degree-seekers can also access Northeastern's writing and tutoring center for academic support and career services for professional guidance.
Request more information about this school. The flagship school in the Indiana University System, Indiana University Bloomington serves about 6, students through more than online degrees and certificates.
Online learners can also access success coaching, tutoring and academic support, and the university's extensive libraries and resources. IU students can complete their programs on a convenient schedule, and many learners may study asynchronously from anywhere in the world.
Some programs require applicants to be employed in a relevant field while studying. Most courses run throughout week sessions, but some six-week, eight-week, and week courses are available. The network serves more than 8, students through thousands of online classes and over online programs, including public administration and agricultural education. Cal State LA offers fully online degrees, certificates, and completion programs. Additionally, students can take online courses outside of their degree as long as the schedules align with their main program.
Some programs offer accelerated study, although these options may include synchronous or on-campus components. The oldest and largest higher education institution in the Sunshine State, the University of Florida significantly increased the accessibility of its programs in by establishing UF Online.
The university offers more than 20 online bachelor's degrees, including options in nursing, computer science, and psychology. Graduate students and certificate-seekers can also choose from a wealth of programs. UF Online's classes run in the fall, spring, and summer. Online learners get full access to academic and student support services, including tutoring, wellness programs, career services, and UF's libraries.
Furthermore, UF's online programs cost significantly less than on-campus options. Founded in to give the U. The university launched UCF Online in , which currently hosts more than 2, online courses and over online degrees and certificates.
UCF serves more than 5, online students, providing access to success coaches, skills training, career support services, and library services. Through the Center for Distributed Learning, UCF develops stronger online programs, advances learning technology, and trains instructors more effectively. The center has won over awards in areas like online teaching and digital learning innovation. Despite enrolling just over 3, students, LeTourneau University is among the top online universities in the country, offering more than 35 degree plans and hundreds of courses to distance learners.
While degree-seekers can complete most programs entirely online, some classes feature interactive assignments or in-person practicum requirements.
At LETU, online students can access a student success center for academic and professional support services. Classes typically run asynchronously in eight-week time slots throughout the spring, fall, and summer semesters, although some graduate programs may offer shorter sessions. Since introducing a revolutionary distance learning program in , Texas Tech University has now expanded its catalog to include online offerings.
The university currently hosts about 80 online degree and certificate programs. At TTU, online learners can enroll in programs like a bachelor's in human services, a master's in agribusiness, and a Ph.
Distance students can also access extensive student support resources like career services and academic advising. Degree-seekers can complete many programs entirely online and asynchronously, although some programs may require occasional on-campus components. Most online courses run throughout the fall, spring, and summer semesters, and certain programs provide accelerated sessions.
TTU also offers hybrid programs, where students take some in-person classes at one of eight regional locations. Out-of-state students who take all of their classes online pay comparable tuition rates to Texas residents. The Grand Canyon State's flagship school, Arizona State University also earns a place among the top online universities.
ASU offers over online programs, including degrees in sports business, food and nutrition entrepreneurship, and biomedical diagnostics. The university also hosts many online student groups to help distance learners feel like part of the academic community. Students can choose from six start dates each year, typically taking classes one at a time during 7.
In addition to traditional student support services, ASU offers online students access to wellness services and time management coaching. At the graduate level, all online learners pay the same tuition rate, regardless of their location. Established in , Colorado State University has offered distance learning for more than 50 years.
Students at CSU can choose from more than 50 online degrees, including programs in natural resource economics, applied statistics, and systems engineering. Online classes run asynchronously, although some programs feature synchronous sessions. Courses run throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Online courses may last for four, eight, or 12 weeks. The university does not charge distance learners out-of-state tuition rates.
Online students can access a variety of resources, including the school's writing center, libraries, career center, and IT helpdesk. Founded in , Trine University currently offers more than 20 online programs at various levels, including degrees in business analytics, manufacturing technology, and organizational leadership. First-time distance learners take a four-week online learning orientation at the beginning of their program to get used to the online format. Full-time students typically complete two courses in each eight-week session in the spring and fall.
Six-week sessions are also available in the summer. Learners may be able to move at a slower or faster pace, depending on the program. Trine offers six enrollment dates each year, and degree-seekers can access career services, tutoring, counseling, and academic advising online. Online students all pay the same rate, even if they live out of state.
Originally founded in , the University of West Florida holds a place among the best online colleges, offering more than 40 online degrees and certificates.
Degree options include clinical lab sciences, exceptional student education, and instructional design and technology. Online students can also pursue shorter certificate programs to boost their professional credentials. UWF offers at least six start dates each year for distance learners, with courses typically running through eight-week or week sessions. In addition to tech support, online learners can access tutoring, a writing center, and career services.
Florida residents pay the lowest tuition for online courses. Founded in , Penn State's World Campus delivers coursework through the Canvas learning management system.
The school offers more than online programs and certificates, including degrees in fields like biobehavioral health, digital multimedia design, and additive manufacturing. To prepare for the distance learning environment, learners complete an online student orientation course. Penn State's online courses begin in the fall, spring, and summer, with classes typically running asynchronously throughout the full semester, although condensed sessions may be available. Degree-seekers can find many opportunities for interaction and community-building with their peers, along with an extensive list of online resources, like academic, professional, and wellness support services.
DePaul University offers more than 30 online degrees, plus various certificates and endorsements that can help boost your resume. The university offers programs in fields like leadership studies, nursing, and human-computer interaction. Online learners at DePaul do not pay out-of-state tuition rates, no matter where they live. Most of DePaul's online classes run asynchronously throughout each quarter.
Summers feature either two five-week mini-terms or a full week term. Depending on their program, many students can complete their entire degree online without campus visits. They can also access a full suite of student support services and join various student and community organizations online. Founded in , New Mexico State University now offers over online courses and more than 60 online degrees in fields like gender and sexuality studies, geomatics, and industrial engineering.
Along with entirely online degrees, NMSU offers hybrid and interactive television programs with classes and viewings held at regional locations. Online students can start classes in the fall, spring, and summer, and most courses run for the full semester or eight-week sessions. At the graduate level, learners can enroll in an online master's program in accountancy, curriculum and instruction, or nursing. Sacramento State also offers a hybrid executive master of business administration program.
The university reports some of the nation's lowest tuition rates. The state's flagship public research institution, UT Austin dates back to Today, the university enrolls more than 50, students annually.
Designed for traditional students, mid-career professionals, and nontraditional learners, TEC provides continuing education, professional training, and online courses for college credit. TEC offers self-paced and semester-based online courses. The self-paced options appeal to self-directed learners seeking the greatest flexibility.
The semester-based courses adhere to UT Austin's academic calendar. Online learners complete activities and assignments divided into learning modules. Thanks to the variety of course formats and flexible options, UT Austin ranks among the nation's best online colleges and universities. A public institution that hosts over 32, students annually, UConn promotes innovation and a global approach to higher education. Degree-seekers can take online classes or pursue a graduate degree in a fully online format.
Designed for working professionals, the flexible online delivery method helps students advance their education and pursue new career opportunities. At UConn, graduate students can enroll in an online master's program in accounting, educational technology, or engineering.
The educational technology program uses a unique two-summer format to help educators expand their skills around the academic calendar. Learners can also pursue an online master's degree in energy and environmental management, human resources management, or family nurse practitioner. In addition to fully online programs, UConn offers low-residency graduate programs. The university also offers technical support and resources for accessing distance learning materials.
A private institution chartered to educate deaf and hard-of-hearing students, Gallaudet University dates back to Today, the university offers the only interpretation degrees taught in an American Sign Language ASL immersive environment. The Washington, D. Gallaudet University offers an online bachelor's degree-completion program for students with prior college experience.
Learners can major in psychology or deaf studies. The university also offers online master's programs in sign language education, school counseling, and clinical health counseling. Gallaudet University offers a unique online master's in deaf education, which trains teachers of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Degree-seekers choose a specialization in educating students with disabilities or ASL and English bilingual early childhood education.
A private Catholic institution founded in , USD prioritizes social innovation, intellectual exploration, and change. USD offers several online graduate degrees , including master's degrees in education, criminal justice, and information technology. Degree-seekers can also earn an online master's degree in applied data science, cybersecurity operations and leadership, or applied data science.
USD also offers online master's programs in healthcare informatics and law enforcement and public safety leadership. USD supports students throughout their educational journey. Prospective students work with a personal enrollment advisor to gain admission.
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