The Best Online Certificate Programs
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Online certificate programs allow you to pick up specialized skills quickly. These programs can help you advance within your current field or enter a new one without having to invest the time and money necessary for a full degree.
While many schools offer online certificate programs, they can be challenging to find because degrees often take center stage. For that reason, we felt it was important to highlight the best schools with online certificate programs to make your search a little easier.
Featured Online Certificate Programs
What Are Certificate and Diploma Programs?
The terms diploma and certificate refer to academic credentials awarded to students who complete vocational programs in different subjects. Both diplomas and online certificate programs are available at community colleges, technical and vocational schools, and some four-year colleges.
Although some schools use the terms interchangeably, diploma programs tend to be longer and more comprehensive than certificate programs. Certificates and diplomas are each designed to be completed within two years, making them both shorter alternatives to associate degrees.
The popularity of certificates has risen in recent years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 1,000,000 certificates were conferred during the 2020-21 academic year.
10 Best Online Certificate Programs
Along with the difficulty of choosing a school, you may find it challenging to narrow down what certificate you should pursue. For that, check out the top online certificate programs from the schools below to get an idea what direction the industry leaders are heading.
You can also check out CareerOneStop's Certification Finder tool, which sorts certifications by industry and occupation.
How We Rank Schools
When putting together the list of schools with the best online certificate programs, we considered several factors, including the number of options, school reputation, faculty, affordability, flexibility, and support services. We also assess both program quality, applicability, and outcomes.
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
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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Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers more than 30 certificates at various levels and in different delivery formats, including several undergraduate options.
The online certificate programs at SNHU run asynchronously, some finishing in less than 20 weeks and for $330 per credit. The school also runs five online boot camp-style certificate programs, which cost an average of $14,400.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
University Park, PA - 4 years
- Campus
A pioneer in online education, the Penn State World Campus offers 16 online undergraduate certificates in several unique fields, including weather forecasting, turf grass management, and earth sustainability. You can complete these certificates asynchronously at your own pace. Tuition prices come in at $626 for new students.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Liberty University Online features 28 online undergraduate certificates in disciplines such as biblical studies, cybersecurity, and education. The programs run asynchronously throughout eight-week sessions and boast several start dates throughout the year. Full-time students pay a tuition rate of $390 per credit.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been a leader in online learning since the 1990s. The school's 17 online undergraduate certificates give you plenty of career-focused options, including agritourism management, cannabis production and management, and food systems.
Courses in the online certificate programs run primarily asynchronously and cost $424 per credit.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Community College of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, PA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
At the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), nearly half of the programs offered are online certificate programs. The 15 online undergraduate certificates cover homeland security, court reporting, and e-commerce and may feature flexible asynchronous or synchronous sessions.
In-state students at CCAC pay $126 per credit, and out-of-state students pay $378 per credit.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Austin Community College
Austin, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Austin Community College (ACC), you have more than 15 online undergraduate certificates at your fingertips, including real estate, fashion design, and computer information technology.
Along with asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid programs, you have various student resources available to you, such as academic coaching and career services. ACC tuition costs $85 per credit for in-district students and $286 for everyone else.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Houston Community College
Houston, TX - 2 years
- Online + Campus
You have nearly 20 online undergraduate certificates available to you at Houston Community College (HCC). While you learn asynchronously, the tutoring, counseling, and advising services at HCC will make you feel part of the school no matter where or when you study.
HCC also offers low tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students at $33 and $151 per credit, respectively.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Wake Technical Community College has more than 100 online programs, including over 50 online undergraduate certificates. You can choose from options in computed tomography, web development, and supply chain management. These online certificate programs run primarily asynchronously.
For North Carolina residents, tuition prices sit at $76 per credit, while out-of-state learners pay $268 per credit.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Santa Monica College, there are more than 75 online certificates spread across seven study areas, including STEM, health and wellness, and business. Online certificates feature flexible and mostly asynchronous classes throughout 6- to 16-week sessions.
California residents pay only $46 per credit for most certificates, while out-of-state students pay $362 per credit.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
The University of Florida offers over 200 online programs, including more than 100 online certificates. The school boasts unique online certificate programs in nuclear radiation and reactor analysis, plus primarily asynchronous study options and flexible scheduling. Tuition rates come in at $129 per credit for Florida residents.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
How to Choose an Online Certificate Program
If you are considering an online diploma or certificate, you should weigh several factors before settling on which institution to attend. Some of the most important variables include:
Accreditation
Accreditation is essential when choosing where to earn an online diploma or certificate. Accreditation is a comprehensive vetting process that evaluates degree-granting institutions based on their academic programs, faculty members, student outcomes, and student resources.
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) accredits more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide. Additionally, certificate programs in select fields — such as nursing — may also receive programmatic accreditation. The Department of Education (DOE) maintains a full list of all recognized accreditors.
Location
For certificates and diplomas that include a fair amount of hands-on training, you may want to consider living relatively close to campus. Some hybrid programs hold their practicum sessions on campus or at facilities that are near school grounds.
If a certificate or diploma pathway is 100% online, then location may not be as much of an issue. However, living close to campus also allows you to take advantage of libraries, labs, and computer centers.
Cost
Many online certificate programs feature the same per-credit tuition rates as degrees. When comparing program costs, you may need to factor in your location and school type. While many online programs charge the same rates for everyone regardless of location, some charge out-of-state students higher tuition rates than in-state students.
In terms of school type, community colleges tend to charge the lowest rates, then public four-year schools, and then private schools. The credits required for a certificate vary, but for programs between 12-20 credits, tuition for the online schools on this list fall anywhere between $396-$12,520.
Program Offerings
Exploring the program offerings is one of the most important parts of the process. While some schools cover a wide variety of study areas at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, most schools specialize in a select few fields.
When looking at program offerings, evaluate the faculty teaching the programs and the applicability of the credentials awarded in your target field as well.
5 Reasons to Get a Certificate or Diploma
Certificate and diploma programs are popular educational pathways for both established professionals seeking higher salaries and more advancement opportunities, as well as high school graduates who wish to receive relevant job training and enter the workforce without completing a full degree program.
Here are some of the most common reasons for earning a diploma or certificate online:
- Professional development: Diplomas and certificates provide foundational training that you can use to negotiate for more advanced occupations and positions.
- Career changes: The diploma or certificate track is ideal if you're unsatisfied with your current profession and wish to switch to a field where some job training is required.
- Skill building: Diploma and certificate programs focus on specialized skills, making these pathways appealing if you're looking to develop your skill set.
- Resume improvement: If you're unable to secure work in your chosen field, you may get a much-needed resume boost from earning a diploma or certificate.
- License requirements: Certificates or diplomas may be necessary to obtain licensure. If you earn a nursing diploma, for example, you'll be qualified to take the required registration exams and become a registered nurse.
Certificate Programs for Jobs That Pay Well
Not all careers require a bachelor's degree. There are many high-paying jobs you can get with a certificate or diploma (and by passing a required exam). Below you will find detailed information on some jobs that employers require or prefer certifications for, as well as salary expectations.
Note: Jobs marked with an asterisk may require additional licensure.
| Job | Median Salary (2022) |
|---|---|
| Web Developer | $80,730 |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $64,480 |
| Paralegal | $59,200 |
| Wind Turbine Technician | $57,320 |
| Real Estate Agent* | $52,030 |
| Massage Therapist* | $49,860 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $47,180 |
| Dental Assistant | $44,820 |
| Emergency Medical Technician | $39,410 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $37,790 |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Certificate and Diploma Programs
Are online certificate programs different from traditional campus-based programs?
Online certificate programs usually only differ from campus-based certificates in the delivery method. The content should be identical, and teachers typically teach both.
If the online certificate program features a field experience component, you can often complete it at a location near you. Depending on the school, the tuition rates may also differ for online and on-campus students.
How long does it take to get an online certificate or diploma?
Most certificates span 10 to 30 credits in length and can be completed in one year or less. Diplomas, on the other hand, generally include 10 to 25 courses and require between one and two years for completion. However, some schools offer certificates and diplomas that can be earned in as little as one semester or quarter.
The length of a certificate or diploma program will largely depend on the subject and whether the program is full-time or part-time. Subjects that have a broader scope — such as nursing or dental assistant — will usually require a longer time commitment than specialized subjects like medical billing and coding, HVAC, and automotive mechanics.
Are certificate and diploma programs worth it?
Today's job experts stress the importance of post-high-school vocational training. The BLS notes that those with some college but no degree (including certificate recipients) face a 3.3% unemployment rate and earn a median weekly salary of $833.
By comparison, those who complete their education with a high school diploma face a 3.7% unemployment rate and earn a median weekly salary of $746 per week. Diploma and certificate programs can also serve as a useful stepping stone to earn an undergraduate degree.
Can you get financial aid for certificate programs?
Yes, you can often get financial aid for certificate programs. For example, if you complete the FAFSA, you may receive federal financial aid for eligible certificate programs. You may also receive location or school-based scholarships and grants for certain programs.
Eligibility typically relies on program length and student status, such as part-time or full-time. Check with your desired school to find out if their certificate programs qualify for aid.
