Years ago, employers might have scoffed at the idea of online school—but those days are long gone. The distance learning landscape has changed significantly in recent years, and online degrees from accredited institutions now hold the same esteem as traditional degrees.
Today, online college is a convenient and cost-effective higher education option that allows you to earn your degree without sacrificing too much of your professional or family life.
We’ve used a strict methodology to rank the best nonprofit, accredited colleges offering online bachelor’s degrees. We take into account each college’s credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. We’ve also provided tips on how to find the right online college for your goals and learning style.
Our Methodology
Best Online Colleges
Should You Enroll in an Online Program?
More than 58% of four-year college students took distance education courses in the fall of 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), indicating that online college has become a popular choice. But is it right for you?
Consider the following when comparing online and in-person degrees.
Your Outside Commitments
Whether you work an irregular schedule or have a busy personal life, your school schedule should adapt to your needs.
Online programs with asynchronous classes usually work best for people who need to plan their assignments around their other commitments. Asynchronous formats provide a high level of flexibility, allowing learners to view lectures and complete assignments at their convenience.
If you can manage a few hours of live instruction each week, a program that blends asynchronous and synchronous classes could work well for you. Synchronous classes have set meeting times for interaction with your instructor and peers, with many schools offering convenient weekend and evening classes to suit working professionals.
Your Budget
If you plan to attend a public college in another state, be aware that you could get charged an out-of-state tuition rate, which is usually considerably higher than in-state tuition. However, some schools offer a special online tuition rate for all distance learners, making out-of-state learning more affordable for online students.
Also, by attending college online, you may avoid some of the costs you’d pay if you attended in person, like on-campus housing and commuting expenses.
Your Learning Preferences
If you appreciate the face-to-face learning you get in a traditional classroom, online learning could be a challenging change. Many modern online programs offer interactive activities with peers and instructors, but you might still miss the social aspect of working with others in person.
Some students struggle to stay motivated to work on their assignments when learning at home. With that said, taking some time to prepare for online classes may help you feel more confident in an online learning environment.
Best Online Colleges By State
- Best Online Colleges In Arizona
- Best Online Colleges In California
- Best Online Colleges In Florida
- Best Online Colleges In Georgia
- Best Online Colleges In Indiana
- Best Online Colleges In Massachusetts
- Best Online Colleges New Hampshire
- Best Online Colleges In New York
- Best Online Colleges In North Carolina
- Best Online Colleges In Pennsylvania
- Best Online Colleges In South Carolina
- Best Online Colleges In Texas
- Best Online Colleges In Virginia
Pros and Cons of Online Degrees
While the flexibility of an online degree may sound tempting, consider the pros and cons before committing to a virtual education.
Benefits
On the plus side, most online college courses are taught by the same professors and have the same expectations and requirements as in-person courses. Plus, your degree won’t specify how your courses were delivered. Online students also qualify to apply for loans, grants and scholarships.
The overall cost of your degree may also be less if you attend online, even if the tuition is the same. You can save money on common expenses like commuting, parking, dining and housing. However, check to see if the college charges a distance learning fee, and understand how that will impact your overall costs.
Potential Drawbacks
Distance learning could be challenging if you’re not technologically savvy or have outdated or slow equipment. Some courses are taught live, meaning you’ll have to show up on time with a reliable internet connection to get the most out of class.
Also, not all learning styles are well-suited to online college. You’ll have to be organized and motivated to stay on top of your courses and complete your assignments without the structure of scheduled class times.
Even though online programs offer virtual interaction opportunities, you may miss out on the social aspect of interacting face to face with classmates and professors.
Accreditation for Online Colleges
There are two types of accreditation to look for in online colleges: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is the most important distinction.
You must attend an accredited higher learning institution to qualify for federal student aid. Institutional accreditation signifies that a college meets a strict set of standards set by a third-party organization approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation standards include having highly qualified faculty, quality academics, positive student outcomes and a dedicated mission statement.
Programmatic accreditation applies to a specific degree program within a college or university. This designation is not generally mandatory but could be necessary for specific fields like nursing or law if you plan to apply for graduate programs or professional licensure.
CHEA’s online directory offers a searchable list of accredited institutions.
How To Choose an Online College
The great news about earning an online degree is that you have a variety of top online colleges to choose from. Here are a few factors to consider before deciding where to earn your online bachelor’s degree.
Consider Your Future Goals
How will your degree help further your career or future education? If you’re working full time and want to graduate quickly, look for a college with an accelerated program. If your schedule is demanding and you’re not in a hurry to graduate, consider a part-time or asynchronous program for added flexibility.
Are you planning to attend graduate school to earn a master’s degree or a doctorate? If so, consider attending an online bachelor’s program at a university that also offers graduate programs in your field. This could make your transition to the next level easier.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
The online colleges listed in the guide charge from as little as $105 per credit for in-state students to more than $500 per credit, translating to between $12,600 and $60,000 for a 120-credit bachelor’s degree.
By comparison, annual undergraduate tuition and fees in the 2021–22 school year averaged $9,596 at in-state, public universities and $34,041 at private colleges, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). For a four-year bachelor’s degree, this totals around $38,400 and $136,200, respectively.
Financial aid is a great way to make online college more affordable. You can apply for loans, grants and work-study opportunities by filling out the FAFSA®. You can also check with the school’s financial aid office for information about scholarships and third-party loans.
How To Apply to an Online Program
You can apply to most online programs through the university’s web-based application. Here’s a basic guide for completing the application process:
- Navigate to the university’s admissions website to review the requirements and application deadline.
- After confirming you’ve satisfied the requirements, create an account and complete the application.
- Provide any requested supplementary documentation, such as letters of recommendation, official transcripts and college essays.
- After you’ve applied, you can track your application status on the college’s applicant portal.
Some schools use the Common App to make the application process even easier by allowing students to use a single application for multiple colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Colleges
Is online college a good option?
Yes, in many cases, online and in-person degree programs demonstrate the same academic rigor. Plus, online programs allow busy students the flexibility to watch lectures, study and complete assignments at their convenience, and the resulting diploma does not specify whether it was earned online or on campus.
Are online college degrees respected?
Yes, employers recognize that online college degrees from accredited universities and degree programs meet the same academic standards as traditional degree programs. Also, diplomas typically don’t indicate whether a student attended online.
How do I know if an online college is legitimate?
Legitimate colleges hold institutional accreditation, which indicates that an accrediting body has determined that a college’s coursework, faculty and academic outcomes meet strict quality standards. You can find a college’s accreditation status on its website and verify it with the listed accrediting body.
What online degrees are popular?
The most popular undergraduate majors are in business, health professions and related fields, according to NCES data. This data includes online degrees.
How long does it take to earn an online degree?
Most online degree programs mimic the length and timing of traditional on-campus offerings. Associate and master’s degrees typically take two years, while a bachelor’s degree takes four. You may be able to finish faster if your college offers an accelerated track or accepts transfer credits.
How do I choose an online college?
Start by finding an accredited college that offers a distance learning degree in the field you want to study. Then, compare options to see which best suits your schedule and can help you meet your future goals. Next, consider your budget and financial aid resources to choose a program you can reasonably afford.
How do I apply to an online college?
Most online colleges use a web-based application form that provides guidance on what materials you need to submit. Application materials might include a high school transcript and a college essay.