by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
In fall 2020, approximately 7 million of all undergraduate students in the United States exclusively took online courses due to the pandemic (NCES, 2022). While there used to be a distinction between traditional college education as offered on-campus and online, the shift to online classes during the pandemic slowly blurred that line. Today, the best online colleges are the long-established institutions that also offer their programs online.
Over the years, our research team has observed that the traditional higher education business model has been challenged by the sudden shift to online learning. As learners quickly adjusted to online modalities, some found the format effective, if not more flexible compared to the traditional setup. With online learning, traditional campus-based lectures were replaced by self-paced courses that learners can access anytime. This flexibility provided increased access to education and elevated the learning process through AI- and analytics-driven teaching and student support.
In this guide, Research.com has evaluated the best online colleges that offer the most flexible learning arrangements to online students, while at the same time providing the academic rigor required to make virtual learning effective. Our team has also researched data on the application fees, and cost per credit per institution as well as other information that can help you narrow down your options.
The demand for online education is growing. Even prior to the pandemic, 94% of American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AACSU) member institutions already offered fully online programs. From 48% in 2013, the number of institutions with five or more fully online programs increased to 76% in 2022 (Capranos and Magda, 2022).
Universities and colleges are expanding their online offerings to provide more access to students, with 85% of institutions believing that one major strategic outcome of online learning is that it increases student access to their programs. In addition, it has been established that online learning can lead to increased success among minority students. These trends in online education have significantly impacted the online learning landscape in higher education.
Source: AACSU 2022
If there’s one thing that I have realized from my days as a student, there truly is no fixed formula for finding the best college. The process involves finding the unique fit between the student and the services provided by the institution. As such, it is up to the student to carefully assess prospects.
For instance, it is important to understand whether the curriculum at your prospective school can cater to your goals. You may also want to consider the school’s culture and whether it aligns with your values.
More than the abovementioned, our research team also found that among the factors considered in choosing an online college are the courses offered, the learning modalities, as well as the services provided to students. To help you out, you can follow this process as you narrow down your options:
The Research.com team has prepared the following list of the best online colleges, which are institutions that offer fully online degree programs and certificates. These long-established universities, in no particular order, also have on-campus programs.
Our team has verified the schools on this list to be of high quality. As part of our evaluation process, we referred to data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator. Among the criteria that we focused on are the school’s course offerings, accreditation status, and affordability.
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in-state: $129
Undergrad, out-of-state: $553
Application fee: $30
Launched in 2014, the University of Florida Online, also called UF Online, offers 25 undergraduate majors and 11 minors in the fields of computer science, advertising, psychology, environmental management, and sport management. This public university offers students flexibility, affordability, reputation, academics, networking, and research as part of its Gators Online Advantage program.
High-quality learning is what UF Online offers through synchronous and asynchronous courses. UF Online receives more than $700 million in research funds per year and employs 5,000 faculty members. The Gator Pathways is a network that learners can access which provides them with academic options through employer partners. The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges to award bachelor, master, specialist, engineer, doctoral and professional degrees.
Location: Orange County, Florida
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in-state: $179
Undergrad, out-of-state: $716
Application fee: $30
With more than 25 years of experience in providing online degrees, the University of Central Florida Online is a public university that offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs that include degrees in healthcare, education, engineering, and criminal justice. Through online studies, students are able to earn bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, including various graduate certificates.
Online students are provided with success coaches who are trained to give guidance to learners as they access student resources, study and work at the same time, get to know the university systems, and balance work and personal life. Online courses are a combination of synchronous and asynchronous formats. UCF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels.
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Cost per credit:
In-state: $270-$1,300
Out-of-state: $270-$1,430
Application fee: $60
Purdue University (PU) Online brings together the online programs of Purdue University, the online bachelor’s, minors, and certificates of Purdue University Fort Wayne, the more than 175 online programs of Purdue Global, as well as the online course offerings of Purdue University Northwest. Across the PU system, PU online also offers graduate and post-graduate programs.
This public school offers study areas on communication, agriculture, law, veterinary medicine, and technology. PU Online provides learners with experienced faculty members and confers the same degrees to campus-based learners. Accredited by the Higher Education Commission, the individual PU programs have specific accreditation for specific fields of study. Admission requirements for the online courses vary for each program but common requirements include high school GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and advanced placement exam scores.
Location: Miami, Florida
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in-state: $229
Undergrad, out-of-state: $346
Application fee: $30
Offering more than 100 fully online degree programs and tracks plus, 1,500 fully online courses, Florida International University (FIU) Online is one of the largest online universities in the U.S. and also one of the largest providers of online learning. FIU Online faculty and curricula are similar to those on campus, while the online degrees are identical to on-campus offerings. One thing to note, however, is that the online courses are not self-paced, but are structured to accommodate the schedule of working professionals.
FIU Online has 1,400 instructors handling 1,500 classes and is accredited by more than 18 accrediting bodies, including the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education designated by NSA and DHS.
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Cost per credit:
Undergrad: Approximately $419
Application fee: $55
University of Minnesota Online provides online education that has the same rigor as on-campus offerings. UM Online is one of the top public research universities in the U.S. and is designed with traditional degree seekers and working adults in mind. In 2022, 66% of online students are employed full-time, and UM Online ensures that these types of online students are provided with all the support necessary for them to thrive in their programs. Online learners pay in-state tuition rates regardless of where they live. Offering more than 100 online programs, UM Online has bachelor’s master’s, and doctoral degrees, including minors, certificates, and licensing courses.
UM Online includes all the programs of all five campuses. Online learners are provided support via live chat. This online university also offers online professional development courses, which also count toward a certificate or degree. Online courses include business administration, electrical and computer engineering, and health management. The University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in-state: Approximately $250
Undergrad, out-of-state: $350
Application fee: $65
Offering more than 200 online programs, Indiana University Online is a public college that lets learners access quality education. Offering certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate courses in applied science, business, computing technology, humanities, and education to name a few, Indiana University provides flexible schedules to learners. Instructions come from on-campus faculty, which means that online courses are developed and taught by the same set of faculty and professors.
Online learners enrolled in Indiana University are assigned a home campus but can take online courses from any IU campus. The home campus handles advising, financial aid, and other administrative details. Within the regular terms in the fall, spring, and summer, online learners follow the home campus academic calendar. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, IU Online requires SAT and ACT scores for admission, including a minimum GPA requirement for first-year applicants.
Location: Logan, Utah
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in-state: $345
Undergrad, out-of-state: $382
Application fee: $50
Utah State University Online offers more than 70 online degrees and over 600 online credit courses. Whether the learner wants to find a meaningful profession, reenter the workforce, or advance a current career, USU offers options. This online campus allows students to earn degrees conveniently. Advisors are provided to fine-tune learner applications and assist in the transfer of prior credits.
USU Online offers undergraduate and graduate certificates, endorsements and degrees at the associate, bachelor’s master’s, and doctoral levels. In addition, USU offers online professional education licensures. USU Online is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Department of Education, and National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Cost per credit:
Undergrad: $350
Application fee: $25
Colorado State University – Global is 100% online university that is designed to help modern learners by providing 24/7 academic support, career coaching, experienced faculty, and student success counselors. Among the course offerings are business management, healthcare management, information technology, project management, and criminal justice.
CSU Global is a public non-profit institution that offers affordable and fixed tuition with the Tuition Guarantee. Programs are industry-aligned and are focused on career readiness. CSU Global has flexible class schedules and unlike 85% of similar four-year universities, does not charge student fees. CSU Global has a Regional Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which means that it is highly regarded globally for its comprehensive and peer-reviewed process.
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Cost per credit:
Undergrad: $561-$661
Certificate: $543-$1,099
Application fee: $70
Arizona State University Online offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs and certificates in engineering, nursing, management, psychology, anthropology, and more. This public university also offers minors to students that wish to pursue undergraduate degrees. The online programs are mostly asynchronous and run from six to eight weeks. Learners have the option to start their classes in the fall, spring, or summer.
ASU Online provides students with tutors and career advisors to help them make the most of their distance learning experience. Since most courses are self-paced, ASU Online also offers time management coaching to learners, including counseling, childcare, eldercare, and personal finance guidance. ASU Online is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
Cost per credit:
Undergrad: $620-$677
Application fee: $65
Established in 1988, Penn State World Campus is one of the pioneers in online learning. Offering more than 175 degree and certificate programs in business, education, engineering, technology, and healthcare, Penn State World Campus has a career-focused curriculum aligned with industry trends. About 75% of online students enroll in degree programs that can prepare them for a specific career, and among the top programs that college students study are business, technology, and health-related courses (Aslanian and Fischer, 2022).
Penn State World Campus aims to provide a flexible and convenient education to online learners, and they can use chat, video conferencing, email, discussion boards, and social media in distance learning. Courses offered on campus are the same as those offered online. A nationally recognized university with the largest alumni networks, PSWC offers academically rigorous and accredited programs by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Source: Education Dynamics 2022
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in-state: $320
Undergrad, out-of-state: $320
Application fee: $20
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting and finance, art and design, criminal justice, business, engineering, and education, among others. With more than 200 online programs, This public university also offers certificate and associate programs, including accelerated bachelor’s to master’s courses that are duly accredited. Some graduate courses have undergraduate tuition rates.
Online learners of SNHU are provided with academic and technical support, and they are also encouraged to become part of the community even when enrolled online by joining honor societies and clubs, and by becoming a volunteer in helping other online students. Rolling admission is practiced in the university and applicants are required to submit an application with all the necessary documents that will show high school completion. SNHU has regional accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in state: $390-$455
Undergrad, out of state: $390-$455
Application fee: $50
Liberty University Online offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees that can be completed fully online. Established in 1985, LU Online is one of the first institutions to offer online education and is a Christian college that provides affordable tuition by accepting military tuition assistance, financial aid, and veteran benefits. Both the undergraduate and graduate degrees of LU online are offered in eight-week formats.
LU Online also awards certificates and associate degrees. Bachelor’s in biblical and theological studies and master’s in religious leadership are also included in the course offerings. To apply, applicants need to submit an application and high-school self-certification form, while transfer students are required to submit postsecondary transcripts. Academic advising, online library resources, and technical support are among the student services offered by LU Online. This public university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Location: Adelphi, Maryland
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in-state: $306
Undergrad, out-of-state: $499
Application fee: $75
University of Maryland Global Campus offers career-focused online programs with flexible learning options and affordable tuition. As one of the largest public online schools in the nation, UMGC caters to undergraduate and graduate students that wish to earn a degree and work at the same time. They are provided with electronic textbooks and online library resources. Courses are facilitated by industry experts and all UMGC alumni have lifetime access to career services.
Offering more than 125 degrees and certificates, the undergraduate and graduate programs of UMGC are designed for collaborative learning. First-year students are required to submit a high school GED or diploma upon application. Undergraduate programs have eight-week sessions, while others follow a cohort model. UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Location: Pensecola, Florida
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in state: $219
Undergrad, out of state: $342-$648
Application fee: $30
University of West Florida Online offers affordable programs in the fields of nursing education, criminal justice, accounting, business, and health sciences, to name a few. Courses are structured to accommodate working students who need schedule flexibility, while the rolling admissions process welcomes learners at any time of the year.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, UWF Online degree and certificate options require online application as well as the submission of transcripts. ACT and SAT scores are required for some programs. University requirements are typically submitted as separate requirements from program requirements.
Location: Irvine, California
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in-state: $500
Undergrad, out-of-state: $500
Application fee: $85
University of Massachusetts Global is a private nonprofit online university that is fully accredited and offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The top three objectives among online college students currently earning their online degree are to start a new career to earn more money (36%), to start a new career more aligned with their interests (21%), and to get a first professional/salaried job (15%) (Aslanian and Fischer, 2022). UMass Global supports students at all stages of their academic careers by providing enrollment coaches, academic advisors, as well as career services, and continued alumni support.
To support learners that are working while enrolled at UMass Global, the university provides flexible learning options. From four online schools, students can select programs on business and professional studies, arts and sciences, nursing health professions, and education, among other course offerings. Applicants are required to submit transcripts, and there is a minimum GPA requirement per program. UMass Global is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Location: Thomasville, Georgia
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in-state: $450
Undergrad, out-of-state: $450
Application fee: $50
Thomas University is a private, nonprofit, and regionally accredited university that provides a highly personalized education experience. This institution offers a wide variety of bachelor and graduate degrees online in fields such as medical laboratory science, computer systems management, nursing, and supply chain management. Online learners can access library services online and attend tutoring sessions via Zoom.
Thomas University allows applicants with prior college credits from two-year colleges to use up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Scholarship opportunities are provided aside from financial aid. Thomas University awards advanced placement for law enforcement training, military service, and other learning experiences. Submission of application, official transcripts, and a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Location: Trenton, NJ
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in state: $399
Undergrad, out of state: $519
Application fee: $50
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) offers online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in various areas of study such as business, sciences, arts, social sciences, homeland and security management, and nursing. Associate and certificate programs are also available for online completion. Students have the option to join asynchronous or synchronous courses.
TESU is a public institution that provides learners with online advising and financial assistance. Students may transfer up to 90 credits earned from other regionally accredited colleges and universities. TESU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Location: Howell, Michigan
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in-state: $735
Undergrad, out of state: $735
Application fee: $35
Cleary University is an institution that offers all of its classes on-campus online. Adult learners ages 24 and older are automatically allowed to take all their courses online, which makes this school the ideal learning community for those that intend to earn a degree while working full-time and attending to family obligations.
Virtual library resources, IT support, and computer skills video tutorials are just a few of the support services provided to Cleary University students. Among the undergraduate programs offered are in the fields of business, accounting, and finance. Most students receive financial aid or scholarships. Cleary University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Cost per credit:
Undergrad, in-state: $395
Undergrad, out-of-state: $425-$804
Application fee: $75
Texas Tech University is a public research university that provides flexible programs that fit the busy learner. Whether you are eyeing degree completion or planning to take your career to the next level, the online and regional site programs of Texas Tech University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate programs that will suit every lifelong learner.
Among the fields of study offered at Texas Tech University are plant and soil science, petroleum engineering, and wind energy. Degrees in education, arts, science, and technology are also among the program offerings. Assistance on financial aid, academics, and IT issues can be easily accessed by students. Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Cost per credit:
Undergrad: $561-$661
Certificate: $543–$1,099
Application fee: $70
Arizona State University – Skysong offers 134 undergraduate, 117 graduate, and 33 certificate programs. Online learners can select from various specializations that include complex science systems, sustainable food policy and tourism, and environmental sustainability, and can also major in digital media, business, and engineering.
As an innovative online institution, ASU-Skysong caters to learners that have a special interest in technology, entrepreneurship, corporate engagement, and education towards becoming a part of a highly skilled workforce. Online students can apply for financial aid and scholarships. ASU-Skysong is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Source: Education Dynamics 2022
Choosing an online college need not be a daunting task. Foremost, set your criteria. Are you looking for an institution with the best track record when it comes to remote learning, or are you looking for the most affordable online degree provider? This process is also applicable when planning to take an online master’s degree program. Start with your preferences, then proceed by identifying the online colleges that meet your expectations. Keep in mind the non-negotiables, which include student support services to ensure that you can access all the necessary assistance to make your online learning seamless.
As higher education institutions continue to invest in online learning infrastructure, more and more programs will be offered online until such time that there will no longer be too big of a difference between on-campus and online course offerings. The best online colleges for bachelor’s degree also offer graduate programs that can accommodate the schedule of the busy learner. The degree of flexibility that online learning provides not only increases access to quality education but also makes the learning process adaptable to any type of delivery. These changes will benefit all online learners, and even those considering taking hybrid courses.
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by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
