Best Online Colleges, Universities, and Schools

Want to earn a degree online? Discover the best online colleges and universities, plus resources on choosing a school and applying for financial aid.
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Updated on January 2, 2024
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www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. 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.

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Best Online Colleges, Universities, and Schools

Today, 60% of college students take online classes. That’s a huge change from 20 years ago, when just 16% of students enrolled online.

It’s easy to see why online colleges are so popular. The flexible format appeals to students with diverse needs, and online schools can save you money. Plus, an online bachelor’s degree can mean new job opportunities and a higher earning potential.

Want to know more? Check out our rankings of the best online colleges and universities.

Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online Colleges Rankings Summary

Jump to a school below using the links in the "School" column.

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
$4,477 $25,694 30%
#2 George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
$9,510 $32,970 91%
#3 University of Missouri
Columbia, MO
$10,017 $28,992 77%
#4 Northeastern University Professional Programs
Boston, MA
$12,984 $12,984 Not provided
#5 Florida International University
Miami, FL
$4,721 $16,529 64%
#6 Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
$54,766 $54,766 83%
#7 Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA
$41,900 $41,900 78%
#8 Parker University
Dallas, TX
$23,760 $23,760 Not provided
#9 Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR
$10,065 $29,456 89%
#10 Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO
$24,766 $24,766 92%

Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

No Rankings for this ExtID

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

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To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Is Online College Worth It?

Earning a degree online pays off. In our 2023 Online Education Trends Report, 96% of online students said they’re expecting or already experiencing a positive return on investment for their online degree. And 98% of current online students said they would recommend online education to others.

At accredited colleges, online programs meet the same academic standards as on-campus programs. Many colleges offer the same classes taught by the same faculty for both in-person and online programs. And online students typically earn an identical diploma to in-person graduates. In short, online college is worth it for many students.

How to Choose an Online College

Choosing the right school will shape your education and future career. Here are the main factors you need to consider before enrolling:

  • Cost: On top of tuition, you need to budget for additional tech costs, books, supplies, and fees.
  • Financial aid: Some schools offer better financial aid packages than others. Grant-based aid and scholarships can help lower your out-of-pocket costs.
  • Accreditation: Don't waste your time and money on a school that isn't properly accredited. This is especially true if you want to qualify for a professional license, certifications, or federal financial aid.
  • Learning format: Can you handle some in-person requirements, or do you need a fully online program? Will you attend on a full-time or part-time basis? Do you prefer synchronous or asynchronous courses?
  • Student resources: The best online colleges have robust systems and resources to help students succeed, including advisors, tutors, library access, career services, internship programs, and mentorship opportunities.

How to Apply to an Online College

Most online schools have similar admission requirements:

  • An online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Standardized test scores (though some schools are test-optional)
  • A personal essay
  • 1-3 letters of recommendation

You may also need to meet additional requirements, such as sitting for an interview, submitting a portfolio, and submitting financial aid forms, application fees, or transcript evaluations.

Keep in mind: The average student applies to about six colleges, so budget enough time for the application process.

Featured Online Schools

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Online Colleges and Schools Near Me

Why Choose an Online College Near You

  • Check
    Save Money: You can save money by researching in-state tuition discounts at local colleges.
  • Check
    Visit Campus: Attend campus events, meet with faculty, and visit the career center in person.
  • Check
    Networking: Your state’s online colleges have local connections with employers and alumni that can help you after graduation.
  • Check
    Hybrid Learning: If you enjoy in-person learning, you can design a hybrid schedule that works for you.

Best Online Colleges in Each State

Types of Online Learning Formats

Distance education comes in many formats. Which is right for you? Learn more about the types of online learning formats you might encounter at online colleges.

Fully Online

Many programs are fully online, which means you don’t need to visit campus. You’ll take classes virtually with no in-person requirements. However, some fully online programs do require face-to-face components such as labs, practicums, or internships. Distance learners can complete these requirements in their local area.

When researching programs, check whether it’s 100% online or includes some in-person learning. These programs can be either synchronous or asynchronous.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous

What’s the difference between synchronous and asynchronous classes? Synchronous classes take place at a set time. Students attend live lectures where they interact with faculty and classmates. In contrast, asynchronous classes use recorded lectures that students watch on their schedule.

Some prefer the live interaction of a synchronous format. Busy students, especially working adults, often prefer the flexibility of an asynchronous learning format.

Blended vs. Hybrid

You’ll encounter many different course structures at online colleges. For example, you’ve likely heard of a hybrid program. But what’s the difference between blended vs. hybrid programs?

Many students think “blended” and “hybrid” mean the same thing for online learning. But there’s an important difference. Hybrid programs use online and in-person classes. Blended programs use in-person classes with supplemental online content.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

MOOCs let you take courses online, and you can often find free online classes. And many universities offer MOOCs in many subjects through their online learning platforms.

However, MOOCs typically do not count toward a degree as they do not grant credits. Instead, you’ll receive a certificate of completion.

Financial Aid for Online College

College isn't getting any cheaper, and most online students require some kind of financial aid. To qualify for federal aid, you have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Make sure to look into scholarships, as well. You may be able to find online-specific scholarships just for distance learners.

Pro Tip

The FAFSA always opens on October 1 — make sure to get your application in as quickly as possible. If you wait too long, the money might run out.

More Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Explore Online Degree Programs

If there's a career you want, there's almost certainly an online degree program that can help you achieve your goals. Some of the most popular degrees for our readers are psychology, education, social work, business, and healthcare.

What are your career goals? Our rankings and program information page has everything you need to find the right course of study.


Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges

Is online college harder than on-campus college?

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Both online and on-campus programs can be challenging. You’ll need to master the course material and demonstrate your knowledge. But, online college does pose some unique benefits and challenges.

Online programs give students greater flexibility compared to on-campus programs. That means they require strong organizational skills and determination. For some students, online college can be harder. It’s a good idea to take an online class before enrolling in an online college to see if the format matches your learning style and needs.

What can I do with an online degree?

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You can do all the same things with an online degree that you can do with an in-person degree: expand your knowledge, master a subject area, become career-ready, qualify for higher-paying jobs, and apply to graduate school — the list of opportunities is endless.

How much does online college cost?

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The cost of an online degree varies depending on the college and program. On average, online colleges cost $600 per credit. But some charge less than $200 per credit. Your transfer credits will also impact the total cost of an online degree.

You can save money by enrolling online if you choose an affordable college. For example, in-state public universities typically charge the lowest tuition rates. In addition to tuition, factor in fees, textbooks, and other expenses to calculate the total cost. Then, apply for financial aid to determine how much you’ll pay for your degree.

Are online colleges legitimate?

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Yes! If you pick an accredited school with a good program, your online degree is just as legitimate as a traditional on-campus degree.

In the past, some employers may have been skeptical about the value of an online degree. But today, online college degrees have become very common: More than 50% of students have taken at least one online course and 40% of undergrads study fully online, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Once you have that degree, pretty much no one is going to ask you: Did you get this online?

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed November 20, 2023.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. 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.

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