Colleges with online programs

First name. Top Nav. Find Your College. Early childhood education degree online. Best Online History Degree Programs. Featured Online Programs Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school. Any schools charging substantially higher out-of-state tuitions were removed from our list. You might also like. Read More. Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

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We are always looking to make our lists and rankings stronger, so we can provide our readers with the most accurate information. For more specific information on these programs, please visit the links provided in this article or feel free to contact us with any other concerns.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average American spends about People within 25 — 54 years of age spend about That comes to about 8 hours every day on average.

Now add to that the number of hours spent on traffic, social visits, other obligations, and for about 7. That is one of the main reasons why online colleges and universities have become so popular: they give the busy, working adult an avenue to join an online degree program and get their certification while still maintaining their jobs and hectic lifestyle.

Which, to millions of potential under and postgraduate students, is excellent news. Imagine being able to choose the kind of degree program you want to undertake and being able to take it at your own pace and in your own time until completion?! That is exactly what most online universities offer you.

In contrast, others offer synchronous classes that require the students to attend live online lectures at specified times. Either way, you look at it, distance learners can attend these classes from wherever they are without going too much out of their way to do so. In this guide, we will look at online universities and all that they bring to the table.

We will also look at some of the best online degree courses, how to choose the best online university for your needs, and why accreditation is so important throughout this process. There is a reason why Ivy League schools are so in demand, so difficult to get into, and just as equally expensive — they are worth it. You know that you are going to get a high-quality education when you join one. You know that you will interact with students and faculty from across the globe, all of which will open up your mind to previously unseen opportunities.

The same applies to online colleges. If you choose the best ones, not only will you get a top-quality education, but you will be introduced to a network of students, albeit distance learners, faculty, and culture, that will expose you to new opportunities to not only progress your career but maybe also your social life.

Unfortunately, not all online programs or universities are created equal. They are there — it just takes a bit of researching and knowing what to look for when doing so. Just as you would take your time picking land-based colleges, researching them, maybe taking a campus tour, and meeting a few of the students before deciding to enroll, you should also take your time researching and choosing an online college.

Instead of campus tours, here are some factors that you should consider when choosing the best accredited online college for you:. Some of the best colleges and universities have earned their pedigree because they have been around for ages.

Some are even more than a hundred years old. These kinds of institutions have a clear and respectable reputation. Whenever you get an online degree from such institutions, you know that you are getting a degree that has proven value.

Most of them are very good and offer an extremely valuable education at an affordable rate. You need to know which ones. The best part about most of the world going online is finding real-life reviews and opinions about any brand you want. Think of accreditation as the quality control placed upon institutions of higher education.

Before applying to any university or college, you absolutely must make sure that it is properly accredited. Any school that has been accredited must follow extremely meticulous standards to maintain that accreditation, which means that anyone going or attending an online degree program offered by an accredited institution can rest assured that they are receiving a good quality education.

Unfortunately, there are degree programs that look very good on the surface but offer many unnecessary credits. Thankfully, many high-quality institutions offer online programs that allow you to tailor-make, albeit to a limited degree, your entire course to cover all the necessary subjects that are in exact alignment with your career goals.

Do not allow yourself to be sucked into a degree program that sounds fancy yet offers very little educational and practical value as far as your career goals are concerned. Most of us have done a few low-cost online courses to better our knowledge and qualifications for our careers. Not necessarily. If they are in line with your desired career path, you can incorporate them into your online degree program as transferred credits.

Examine the different majors offered by a variety of top online colleges that relate to the field of study you're interested in. Research what specific courses are required in each major. Also consider what specific hard and soft skills will be most valuable to the work you want to be doing. You can explore our collection of academic program rankings to learn more about the best online degrees in various fields of study.

Source: National Center of Education Statistics undergraduate and graduate degree fields. Once you've determined what area you're interested in studying, determine which degree or degrees you'll need to meet your professional goals. Also be sure to double-check for required prerequisites.

Ideal For: Those who have a high school diploma and want to quickly gain practical career skills. Ideal For: Those who have a high school diploma or some college credits and want to start a new career path or increase their earning potential. Ideal For: Those who already have a bachelor's degree but want to switch careers , qualify for more advanced leadership roles, or increase their earning potential. Ideal For: Those who already have a bachelor's or master's who want to be an expert in their field or pursue positions in research and academia.

There are many factors to consider when judging the quality of an online program and determining whether it's the right fit for your educational goals.

Take time to consider each of the aspects mentioned below. The degree you decide to pursue will help determine the type of institution you need to attend.

The most common types of colleges and universities fall under the following categories. Always verify that an online university or college is accredited. Accreditation matters because it sets quality standards meant to ensure that online degrees are legitimate and hold value. The accreditation status of your college can also impact your ability to apply for financial aid or transfer credits. A school's accreditation status should be mentioned on its official website.

Students can also verify a school's status through the U. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education. Both maintain lists of recognized regional, national, and programmatic accrediting agencies. Many of the best online schools are regionally accredited as regional accreditation is considered the most prestigious.

In the U. Some states also have their own accrediting bodies that are independent of regional agencies. You can learn more about each individual agency, as well as its jurisdiction, through the Office of Postsecondary Education. National accreditation is more commonly found in trade and vocational schools.

Students considering a nationally accredited online college should research the school's reputation and understand how its academic standards might differ from regionally accredited schools. It's important to note that most nationally accredited schools will accept transfer credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities, but the opposite is not always true. Students should also be wary of accreditation mills that offer genuine-looking but ultimately phony endorsements to schools.

In some cases, individual programs may also be accredited by an independent board. One example is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, which evaluates academic programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. Independent agencies assess the competence and rigor of both on-campus and online degree programs, giving students peace of mind that their school's department offers a reputable program.

Some state-level professional credentials require that students graduate from a program with specific programmatic accreditation. Online college courses come in a variety of formats, such as synchronous and asynchronous options, allowing students to choose a structure that works best for their learning style and lifestyle.

Determine what kind of flexibility you'll need in an online program by considering the common online course formats below. The true cost of a program can be one of the most important factors when deciding on the best online university or college for you. When comparing the costs of online vs. In some ways, that may be true — online learners who don't plan on using campus-based services can typically skip costs associated with in-person attendance, including activity, parking, and health fees.

Additionally, at some schools, all online students pay in-state tuition, and other online student discounts and fee waivers may be available. However, many who opt for online college courses encounter fees specific to distance learning, such as certain technology fees. These may be flat fees or charged by the credit hour. Although a significant advantage of a fully online college or university is the fact that you can take courses anywhere with an internet connection, most online students actually take classes from a school located within miles of where they live.

Online degree programs offer a great deal of flexibility, but enrolling in an online degree program close to your home can offer additional advantages. If you enroll in an online degree program close to home, you may be able to save money by paying in-state tuition.

You could also more easily access campus resources e. Interested in learning about the best online degrees available in your state? Explore the map below to find the best online school in each state. Each online program differs in the support it offers to students , so make sure you'll be getting the resources you need to feel comfortable and confident in your studies. For some, that might mean resources for student parents , students of color , or undocumented students.

Student services can also come in the form of writing assistance, coaching and counseling from an academic advisor, and career services for online graduates. Earning an online college degree typically requires a substantial investment. While some students choose to pay for college out-of-pocket using savings or family contributions, many need to seek financial aid to help make college more affordable.

Some online schools also allow students to pay for tuition and housing in monthly installments, rather than paying one lump sum for each semester or quarter term. These deferred payment plans may carry little to no interest, but the balance must be paid off by the end of each term.

Financial aid opportunities are available through various sources, including the federal government, nonprofit organizations, and private companies, as well as the online college or university a student attends. Submitting the FAFSA is recommended for undergraduate and graduate students who qualify, and students should complete this process each year they're in school. It includes questions about the applicant's financial background — including their family's income, tax history, and current assets — to determine how much financial aid a student may qualify for.

Students may seek college loans from the federal government or private lending institutions, such as banks or credit unions. Federal loans carry a fixed interest rate, and the interest may be tax-deductible. Federal loans do not need to be repaid until the student graduates or leaves school.

Online graduates who struggle to repay their loans may be able to postpone or reduce their monthly payments. The bachelor's in biblical studies program emphasizes ministry field experience, professional lessons, and general education.

Learners complete courses at their own pace. Courses include philosophy, psychology, and U. Online learners attend five eight-week modules and meet Thursday and Sunday deadlines. Graduates may work as student ministers, children's ministers, or preaching ministers. Students can access campus resources through Canvas. Resources include career services, spiritual counseling, and online tutoring services. OCC offers five start dates for online learners and a free online application.

School Type : Public Online Degrees Available : Applied science, business, computing and technology, design, education, general studies, health and health sciences, humanities, informatics, labor studies, library science, mathematics, music, parks and recreation, philanthropy, physical education and tourism management, public affairs and administration, public health, science, social work.

Fully online classes run asynchronously with no deadlines. Hybrid programs include live classes and in-person meetings at specific times. Academic advisors coach online students. Learners can access free online math and writing support.

Career services advisors help students prepare for post-college plans. Prospective students can submit a free online application. IUPUI accepts 64 credits from two-year schools and 90 credits from four-year institutions.

This automatic scholarship does not require an application. School Typ e :Private Online Degrees Available :Business administration, Christian studies, criminal justice, education, elementary education, general business, general studies, leadership and missions, mass communication, pastoral ministries, social work, special education learning. Founded in , CU offers more than 54 online degrees grounded in Christian faith.

Students can earn online degrees in areas such as criminal justice, education, and nursing. One of the country's best online colleges, CU accepts up to 72 transfer credits for a bachelor's degree. Learners can apply up to 32 transfer credits for an associate degree. CU accepts nine credits for certificates and 12 credits for a master's degree. School Type : Private Online Degrees Available : Business administration, Christian doctrine, clinical mental health counseling, computing, corporate communication, data science, healthcare data analytics, finance, management, supply chain management.

Established in , Marquette offers online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Learners can also pursue an online certificate in data science. Online degree options include a bachelor's in business administration, a master's in computing, and a master's in finance. Students can earn their degrees fully online. However, learners pursuing a master's in supply chain management must attend in-person meetings. Available Scholarships :Students with a passion for social justice can apply for the Burke Scholarship.

The late Richard A. Burke, who graduated from the College of Business Administration, created this award. School Ty pe : Private Online Degrees Available : Accounting, apologetics, aviation maintenance management, business, computational mathematics, criminal justice, cultural engagement, elementary education, fashion merchandising, law and policy, religion, sports management.

Liberty offers more than online degrees with a biblical focus. Liberty University School of Lifelong Learning has offered distance learning since Online classrooms feature a student-to-instructor ratio of to Online degrees include an associate in accounting, a bachelor's in psychology, and a master of divinity.

Liberty's Office of Online Student Life helps online learners meet other students in virtual forums. A personal advisor provides guidance during online studies at Liberty. Online courses run in eight-week semesters. Liberty offers multiple start dates throughout the year. Available Scholarships : Missionary Kid Scholarship awards Liberty students, born to missionary parents, with a partial or a full-tuition scholarship.

Applicants need at least a 2. School Type : Public Online Degrees Available : Adult education and literacy, business, chemical refining and industries, education, communications, fine arts and humanities, health professions, mechanical and construction technology, personal enrichment, social and behavioral sciences, science, technology, engineering, math. Established in , BC offers distance learning undergraduate courses and online associate degrees.

Students can take general education core classes online. They can also study remotely to earn an associate in arts degree from one of the nation's best online colleges. Some programs offer fully online classes. Others feature hybrid formats.

Students can earn a bachelor's in health services management completely online. Business programs offer transfer pathways directly to all public colleges and universities in Texas. Online learners can access resources such as tutors available through the Student Success Center and E Graduates of Brazoswood and Brazosport high schools may apply. Applicants need a minimum 2.