Best Accredited Online Colleges of 2025

Q: Is online college worth the cost?

Earning a degree online can be worth it if you enroll in a program that will help you reach your goals while minimizing debt. Going to college, at any level, is expensive. Start with research about the actual costs of the programs you are interested in and ask questions about scholarships, financial aid, and grants. Many students graduate with student debt. Estimating your financial return on investment in higher education includes finding out how much you can expect to earn as a new graduate. Do the research before you enroll to set realistic expectations and avoid financial surprises.

Q: Are online colleges legitimate?

Online schools follow the same accreditation process and are accredited by many of the same agencies that review traditional schools. As you identify and compare programs, it is important to know the current accreditation status of the institutions offering them. You should also do some to make sure the school and program are a good fit for your goals. Ask about faculty qualifications and if any college credits you've already earned will be accepted as transfer credit, for example. Look for opportunities to connect with current or past students through online information sessions or program open houses — many online programs offer these events. Alumni associations offer opportunities to network with graduates. It can also be helpful to look for recent news coverage or articles about the institutions you are considering to learn about potential issues as well as innovative work.

Q: Are degrees earned online respected by employers?

Employers, by and large, are looking for new hires with relevant workplace skills. They want to bring in candidates who can hit the ground running and quickly become productive members of the team. Finding an online program that includes requirements or opportunities to complete internships or other service learning or practical experiences will help you become more competitive, no matter where or how you earn your degree. Additionally, ask your current supervisor or human resources office to share the organization's expectations for applicants applying for positions you might be interested in pursuing in the future.

Want to earn a degree online? Discover the best online colleges and universities, plus resources on choosing a school and applying for financial aid.

Edited by

Updated May 14, 2025

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At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online Colleges

#1: University of Florida Online — Tuition is just $129 per credit for Florida residents.
#2: University of Minnesota Online — Students have access to more than 140 online and hybrid programs.
#3: Florida International University — 92% of online students re-enroll the following year.

Interest in online education has surged over the last decade, causing schools to increase their investments in online degrees. So we compared graduation rates, admission rates, net price, and more to create a holistic ranking of the best online schools.

If you’re still unsure whether online education or in-person instruction better suits your needs, we also cover some of the top reasons for pursuing an online degree.

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In this Article

Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2025

We use trusted sources like Peterson’s Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.

How We Rank Schools

1. University of Florida

$6,381
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State

$10,770
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State

$28,659
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State

$27,335
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 24%
Retention Rate: 97%
Online Enrollment: 4%
Institution Type: Public

Why UF Online Made Our List

The University of Florida shines in offering affordable online degree programs. UF Online’s 26 bachelor’s degree programs include biology, criminology, nursing, and environmental management. No matter the degree program you choose, at UF Online you can transfer up to 60 credits from a previous accredited two-year college in order to graduate faster.

Why Attend UF Online

More Affordable Than Other Schools:Online tuition is just $129 per credit for Florida residents.
High Retention Rate: 94% of UF Online first-year students return the next year — a great indicator of student satisfaction and success.
Online Student Support: The UF Online Plaza is a social space for community and resources just for online students. You can join social groups based on location, major, or interest. You’ll also have a dedicated academic advisor.

Know Before You Go

No Flat-Rate Tuition: Some online programs offer a discounted flat rate for online students, regardless of state residency. The out-of-state tuition cost at UF Online is $552 per credit hour, which is still $400 cheaper than it is for on-campus programs.
Competitive GPA: UF Online reports that competitive first-year applicants typically have a 3.7 high school GPA or higher.
Fewer Electives: Online students typically get a limited variety of elective courses. For example, you can take a fiction writing elective on campus at UF, but it’s not offered online.

2. University of Minnesota

$16,488
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State

$19,116
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State

$36,402
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State

$29,580
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 77%
Retention Rate: 91%
Online Enrollment: 2%
Institution Type: Public

Why UMN Online Made Our List

One of the country’s top research universities, the University of Minnesota offers more than 100 online programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. Students can choose from 21 fully online bachelor’s degree programs in fields like health management, psychology, international business, and software engineering. We also love that UMN boasts several student support services for online students, including disability resources, technology help, and career counseling.

Why Attend UMN Online

High Admission Rate:More than 3 in 4 UMN Online applicants are admitted each year.
Wide Range of Programs: UMN Online students have access to more than 140 online and hybrid programs.
High Retention Rate: 91% of students who enroll stay enrolled the following year.

Know Before You Go

Online Student Resources: Fully online students who want to utilize mental health resources can only do so on one of UMN’s five campuses.

3. Florida International University

$6,565
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State

$9,119
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State

$18,963
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State

$21,600
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 59%
Retention Rate: 92%
Online Enrollment: 25%
Institution Type: Public

Why FIU Online Made Our List

Florida International University is a longstanding powerhouse in online learning. The institution has offered online degree programs in popular subjects like economics, psychology, nursing, and Spanish for more than 20 years. FIU pairs every online undergrad with a success coach. Students even have access to professional development programs and free online therapy.

Why Attend FIU Online

Low Tuition Rates for Residents: Tuition costs for Florida residents are as low as $3,545 per semester, much lower than other schools on our list.
High Retention Rate: 92% of students who enroll are likely to re-enroll the following year.
Reputable Programming: FIU Online students have access to over 130 fully online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Know Before You Go

Lower Completion Rates for Low-Income Students: Low-income students at FIU Online have a 51% completion rate.

4. George Mason University

$13,815
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State

$13,726
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State

$39,397
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State

$35,677
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 87%
Online Enrollment: 14%
Institution Type: Public

Why Mason Online Made Our List

George Mason University offers more than 50 flexible online and hybrid programs in health, engineering, business, and more. One of the institution’s most notable programs is its online RN-to-BSN program, which can be completed in as few as two semesters. You can also transfer previous educational and professional credentials into one of five degree programs targeted at nontraditional students at GMU.

Why Attend Mason Online

High Acceptance Rate:More than 80% of Mason Online applicants are admitted each year.
High Retention Rate: Nearly 9 in 10 students who enroll choose to re-enroll the following year.
Shorter, Accelerated Courses: Depending on their program, some students can earn their degree in a year by taking seven-week courses.

Know Before You Go

High Costs: Mason Online is one of the pricier programs on our list, with out-of-state tuition exceeding $1,450 per credit hour.

5. University of Arizona

$13,626
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State

$12,718
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State

$41,095
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State

$32,290
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 88%
Online Enrollment: 18%
Institution Type: Public

Why Arizona Online Made Our List

The University of Arizona offers over 150 online undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs. Prospective students can benefit from the school’s flexibility: You can choose from among six online start dates throughout the year. Each course is 7.5 weeks long to maximize your ability to balance courses with a career and other responsibilities.

Why Attend Arizona Online

No Out-of-State Upcharge:All students, regardless of where they live, can anticipate per-credit tuition costs ranging from $525 to $1,332, depending on their program.
High Admission Rate: More than 80% of Arizona Online applicants are accepted.
Shorter Course Lengths: Arizona Online offers some 5-week intensive courses for both undergraduates and graduates, allowing you to make faster progress toward your degree.

Know Before You Go

Lower Graduation Rate: Arizona Online’s graduation rate is 66%, lower than some of the other schools on our list.

6. Appalachian State University

$7,541
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State

$5,081
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State

$24,537
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State

$20,841
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 85%
Online Enrollment: 6%
Institution Type: Public

Why App State Online Made Our List

Appalachian State University offers over 15 online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, along with 17 online certificate programs in business, education, and health. The university is known for creating the country’s first fully online BS in veterinary technology. Students can pursue this four-year degree part time or full time, but they must complete in-person clinicals to earn hours toward the degree.

Why Attend App State Online

Expansive Aid Offerings: About 7 in 10 students are awarded financial aid each year.
Low-Income Student Success: Compared to other schools on our list, low-income students are more likely to complete their program.
High Post-Grad Employment Rate: After earning their online degree, 91% of App State graduates are employed and/or enrolled in additional education.

Know Before You Go

Lower Earning Power: App State Online graduates earn less than those from other schools on our list, on average.

7. University of Missouri

$14,130
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State

$12,000
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State

$34,338
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State

$30,000
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 77%
Retention Rate: 91%
Online Enrollment: 5%
Institution Type: Public

Why Mizzou Online Made Our List

Missouri Online offers nearly 400 online programs from Mizzou’s four institutions. These include programs in business administration, information systems and technology, and public health. You can design your own degree plan with a BA in interdisciplinary studies or liberal studies. And one of Mizzou’s standout features is its seamless credit transfer system, allowing you to earn your degree faster.

Why Attend Mizzou Online

High Retention and Graduation Rates: The vast majority of Missouri Online students not only re-enroll each year, but also successfully graduate from their programs.
Massive Breadth of Programs: Missouri Online offers more online programs than any other school on our list.
Seamless Credit Transfer: Prospective students with previous coursework can use the school’s transfer course equivalency site to determine how to receive credit for prior studies.

Know Before You Go

High Net Price: Even after financial aid, most Missouri Online students can expect to pay a high price.

8. University of Massachusetts Amherst

$17,357
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State

$14,723
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State

$39,293
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State

$32,434
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 58%
Retention Rate: 91%
Online Enrollment: 4%
Institution Type: Public

Why UMass Amherst Made Our List

One of the top public universities in the state, UMass Amherst offers students certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is one of the few schools on our list to offer a fully online associate degree program. The associate degree program is centered on general education and covers a broad range of subjects, from science and math to history and liberal arts.

Why Attend UMass Amherst

Lower Tuition Costs: Online students at UMass Amherst can expect to pay just $495 per credit hour — much lower than other schools on our list.
High Retention Rate: Over 90% of enrolled students return the following year.
Seamless Transfers: Through its University Without Walls program, you can pursue a degree in interdisciplinary studies and receive credit for work you began at another institution.

Know Before You Go

Competitive Acceptance Rate: With a 58% acceptance rate, it may be harder to get accepted into UMass Amherst’s online programs than to get into other colleges on this list.

9. Louisiana State University

$11,954
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State

$9,132
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State

$28,631
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State

$9,132
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 84%
Online Enrollment: 6%
Institution Type: Public

Why LSU Online Made Our List

Louisiana State University offers more than 150 flexible online programs, with six start dates each year. Seeking flexibility? Many of these programs run asynchronously and don’t require campus visits. LSU Online also boasts stellar student support services. From application to graduation, each online learner receives a support coach, ensuring someone is dedicated to helping them successfully complete their program.

Why Attend LSU Online

High Admission Rate:Nearly 3 in 4 LSU Online applicants are admitted each year.
No Out-of-State Fees:Regardless of where you live, all LSU Online students pay the same price per credit, depending on their program.
Retention Rate: More than 70% of LSU online students graduate from their programs.

Know Before You Go

High Net Price:Even after financial aid awards, students can still expect to pay a higher net price at LSU Online than at most of our other top 10 schools.
Lower Retention Rate: Year-over-year, fewer students seem eager to re-enroll at LSU than at other schools on our list.

10. Kansas State University

$10,942
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State

$10,808
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State

$27,816
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State

$24,169
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 87%
Online Enrollment: 10%
Institution Type: Public

Why K-State Online Made Our List

Kansas State University features more than 70 fully online and accredited programs in which distance learners can earn certificates and bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Popular fields of study include animal science, electrical and computer engineering, personal financial planning, and youth development.

Why Attend K-State Online

High Admission Rate: More than 7 in 10 online applicants are admitted each year.
Special Aid for Online Students: Students have access to special scholarships specifically for online programs at K-State.
Robust Job Opportunities:97% of K-State’s online graduates are placed in a career in their field.

Know Before You Go

High Net Price: Despite scholarships, students who attend K-State online pay higher prices than they would at other schools on our list.

Is an Online Degree Right for You?

Here are some pros and cons of online learning that can help you determine whether an online education is right for you.

Pros

An online learning format gives you flexibility to study full or part time, possibly leaving you time to be a caregiver or maintain other commitments.
As an online learner, you’re not limited by where you live or forced to commute to a campus.
Dozens of major companies partner with accredited institutions to offer employees full or partial tuition discounts if they enroll in eligible online courses.
73% of online program graduates surveyed in BestColleges 2024 Online Education Trends Report said their online education prepared them well for their first job after graduation.
Even more graduates (89%) said their online degree had a positive return on investment.

Cons

Online education can often cost just as much as in-person education.
28% of online learners surveyed in our report say they wish they had done more research about cost and financial aid when choosing an online program.

How to Choose the Best Online Degree Program for You

Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing an online college.

Cost of an Online Degree

The cost of earning your degree online can vary greatly by institution type and the number of credits you need to graduate. According to data from the NCES College Navigator of 41 distance-learning-only institutions, the average net price of a fully online education at a four-year college in 2022-2023 was $17,410 a year. However, public colleges cost nearly $5,000 less than private institutions, on average.

Average Annual Net Price of Fully Online Online Colleges

Two-Year Private

$23,600 per year

$790 per credit

Four-Year Public

$11,920 per year

$400 per credit

Four-Year Private

$17,350 per year

$580 per credit

Source: NCES College Navigator

Here are some of the best ways that online students can cut down college costs:

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

The FAFSA allows new and returning students to access various aid sources, like scholarships, grants, federal work-study, and loans, to fund their college experience.

Student Loans

Loans are financial awards that need to be repaid, typically with interest. You can take advantage of federal or private loans to help offset the cost of college. But keep in mind, repayment typically begins immediately after graduation and can be challenging for some.

Online Student Scholarships

Online learners are often eligible for the same financial aid offerings as on-campus students, and they may also have access to online-specific scholarships and grants.

Online Degree Program Length

Accredited degree programs all require a certain number of credits to graduate:

Associate degree programs: 60 credits or more
Bachelor’s programs: 120 credits or more
Master’s programs: 36 credits or more

You can pursue your degree as a full-time or part-time student. In some programs, you can even complete your studies at an accelerated pace. While part-time options offer great flexibility, they can also lengthen the time spent in school. Conversely, accelerated degree programs are fast-paced with shorter course lengths, but often require more discipline and have heavier workloads.

20%

1 in 5 online students and program graduates in our survey report wishing they had known more about how long their program would take to complete.

Explore popular accelerated degree programs:

Online College Application Requirements

Official Transcripts: These are official, detailed records of your previous academic performance. You can request them from your last school’s registrar’s office.
Test Scores: If you’ve taken the SAT, ACT, or other standardized tests required for your program, you’ll need to submit those scores along with your application. Schools don’t always require standardized tests, but some schools take test scores you submit into consideration, even if they don’t require this information.
Letters of Recommendation: You can ask teachers, school counselors, work supervisors, or mentors for recommendation letters that attest to your work ethic and character.
Academic Honors or Achievements: If you’ve received any previous academic awards, noting them can strengthen your application.

Accreditation for Online Schools

There are different types of accreditation to look for when selecting a school or program.

Institutional accreditation is awarded to U.S. colleges and universities by independent agencies that periodically examine schools’ offerings. These agencies confirm that institutions are providing students with a quality education. Schools can receive regional and/or national accreditation, but generally, it is known as institutional accreditation.

Additionally, some professions like nursing, teaching, and law rely on programmatic accreditation. This means that a specific program of study at a school is accredited to meet certain standards in the field. If you wish to earn licensure in one of these professions, you will need to have attended an accredited program.

If you see that a program is accredited by an agency with an unfamiliar name, you can check the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s directory of programmatic accrediting agencies to make sure it’s legitimate.

Types of Accreditation to Look Out For

Regional Accreditation

Rigorous quality standards
Credits are widely accepted and transferable

National Accreditation

Typically awarded to trade schools, vocational colleges, for-profit institutions, and Bible schools
Quality standards are less rigorous

Programmatic Accreditation

Accreditors audit specific departments (e.g., nursing) to determine whether programs adequately prepare graduates for careers in that field

Getting a Job With an Online Degree

The natural next step after earning your degree online is using it to get a job. Fortunately, online degrees are becoming more mainstream and more widely accepted by employers.

“Every year, there are more online graduates, and many of those graduates move into hiring positions,” said Melissa Venable, Ph.D., a certified career coach, in an interview with BestColleges.

Venable explained that the shift to online education during the pandemic surfaced many advantages of online learning, which may have aided a wider acceptance of online degree programs.

Explore more about how employers view online degrees and read the rest of Venable’s interview below.

Ask an Expert: Frequently Asked Questions About Online Education

Melissa Venable, Ph.D.

College instructor and certified career coach

Melissa Venable, Ph.D., has more than 15 years of experience in online education. She consults multiple organizations on issues related to online curricula, continuing education, and professional development. Find her advice for future online students below. Some responses have been edited for brevity.

Is getting an online degree worth it?

Remove the word “online” and ask yourself if pursuing a degree will be worth it. If you are just starting your career, a degree may be required for entry-level jobs. You may need a degree to be more competitive for promotion in your current workplace or industry.

Maybe you are exploring a career change into a completely new field. Some students choose to pursue a degree based on their interest in a field and desire to learn more in a formal, academic setting.