Best Online Colleges for Working Adults of 2025

Getting a degree is hard, but getting a degree while working can be even harder. Family responsibilities, busy schedules, tight budgets, and added stress can be challenging to balance with your studies.

However, for most adults, earning your degree is worth it. It will make you more marketable as a job candidate and help you earn more money.

Many working adults and other nontraditional students choose online programs because of their flexibility, the possibility of learning from anywhere, and the potential to save time and money.

As you research the best programs for you, consider the school’s enrollment and graduation rates, academic and counseling services available, and the number and variety of online programs.

Our guide will help you learn about some of the best online colleges for working adults.

We ranked the best online colleges for working adults based on factors like the number of programs offered, the support services available to nontraditional students, affordability, and financial aid.

We used data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We also ensured each school was accredited to make sure it provided a quality education.

Purdue offers a wide variety of online programs, and students will benefit from its prestigious reputation. Purdue also offers personalized student support services, including career support, no-cost tutoring, an online library, and networking opportunities.

At Purdue, you can earn your online degree in business, criminal justice, education, or nursing. Programs at Purdue have frequent start dates throughout the year and do not require SAT or ACT scores for admission.

The University of Florida (UF) has exceptionally low tuition rates for its online programs and offers the Yellow Ribbon program for veterans and their dependents. Online programs on UF Online cost 40% less than in-person programs at the University of Florida. Students are also eligible to be considered for federal, state, or institutional financial aid.

The University of Florida offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as non-degree programs. Some online bachelor’s programs include advertising, computer science, elementary education, and journalism.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers 300 online program options. The private university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and has programmatic accreditation for its business, education, health, and hospitality programs.

You can transfer up to 90 credits to SNHU. SNHU has no undergraduate or graduate fees and charges $342 a credit for undergraduate degrees and $659 a credit for graduate degrees.

Charter Oak offers a flexible transfer program by which students can transfer up to 87 credits and earn credit for standardized tests, military experience, and prior learning.

Charter Oak enrolls over 2,000 students and has an alumni network of over 19,000 professionals. Undergraduate tuition is $329 per credit, and graduate tuition is $529 per credit. It is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is well-regarded for its online, flexible format that caters to adult, working students.

It is a public university based in Trenton, New Jersey. TESU is open to evaluating your prior life and work experience and giving you credit so that you can spend less time and money on school.

At TESU, you can pick from a variety of bachelor’s degree options, including anthropology, computer science, criminal justice, or English. TESU also offers online master’s degrees in nursing, accounting, and business administration.

Regis University is a Jesuit university in Denver, Colorado. It offers nationally recognized programs, hands-on career training, and expert faculty. Regis also makes a special effort to provide academic support to working students, which has earned it a place on our list.

At Regis, you can study psychology, criminology, cybersecurity, and communication. Regis also offers accelerated programs so you can earn your degree faster.

Maryville University is a private university located in Town and Country, Missouri, with 150 years of experience providing education. It has an acceptance rate of 88% and a graduate rate of 71%.

Maryville is a fast-growing university that has strong industry ties to businesses like Boeing and Edward Jones. Admissions to Maryville University doesn’t require an admissions fee or entrance exam. Once you’re admitted, you can take advantage of their generous transfer policies and 100% online options.

Northeastern Online is designed for working professionals. It offers industry- and career-centered programs like degrees in business, engineering, healthcare, and technology. The 100% online courses are flexible to your schedule and include high-quality video lectures and interactive content.

There will be no “online” designation on your diploma, as a degree from Northeastern Online carries the same weight as one earned on campus. Northeastern offers you an international network of alumni and top-rated faculty.

Endicott College is a private college in Beverly, Massachusetts. Its acceptance and graduation rates are 73% and 74%, respectively. The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Endicott’s online students at the Van Loan Division of Professional Studies have the same access to support services as on-campus students. You can earn an online bachelor’s degree in business management, criminal justice, nursing, or psychology.

Bethel University is a private Christian university that offers online associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as non-degree certificates. At Bethel, you can get your bachelor’s degree in business management, psychology, social work, and special education.

The university has an acceptance rate of 72% and a graduation rate of 74%. Associate programs and certificate programs cost $450 per credit, and bachelor’s programs, depending on the program, cost between $480 and $857 per credit.

So, how do you decide on an online school? You can start by looking for schools that are prepared to help working adults reach their academic and career goals.

BestColleges’ ranking methodology considers various factors, including graduation rates and the availability of academic and career counseling services.