Best Online Colleges of 2024
Want to earn a degree online? Discover the best online colleges and universities, plus resources on choosing a school and applying for financial aid.Why Trust BestColleges
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An online degree program is more than just a price tag. At BestColleges, we compare graduation rates, admissions rates, faculty-to-student ratios, net price, and more to create a holistic ranking of the best online schools.
The University of Florida is our top online university for 2024. With more schools rolling out online degree programs, Florida and others still managed to rise above the rest and stand out as top online schools in the country.
Featured Online College Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,477
$25,694
30%
57%
$10,770
$27,335
97%
55,781
Public
Yes
$4,477
$25,694
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,477
$25,694
30%
57%
$10,770
$27,335
97%
55,781
Public
Yes
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,510
$32,970
91%
78%
$13,035
$34,347
84%
38,628
Public
Yes
$9,510
$32,970
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,510
$32,970
91%
78%
$13,035
$34,347
84%
38,628
Public
Yes
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$10,017
$28,992
77%
63%
$9,950
$27,245
88%
31,401
Public
Yes
$10,017
$28,992
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$10,017
$28,992
77%
63%
$9,950
$27,245
88%
31,401
Public
Yes
Northeastern University Professional Programs
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$12,984
$12,984
N/A
66%
$22,866
$22,866
N/A
10,918
Private
Yes
$12,984
$12,984
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$12,984
$12,984
N/A
66%
$22,866
$22,866
N/A
10,918
Private
Yes
Florida International University
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,721
$16,529
64%
65%
$8,912
$21,393
90%
56,664
Public
Yes
$4,721
$16,529
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,721
$16,529
64%
65%
$8,912
$21,393
90%
56,664
Public
Yes
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$54,766
$54,766
83%
50%
$36,234
$36,234
90%
23,216
Private
Yes
$54,766
$54,766
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$54,766
$54,766
83%
50%
$36,234
$36,234
90%
23,216
Private
Yes
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$41,900
$41,900
78%
66%
$22,068
$22,068
84%
8,270
Private
Yes
$41,900
$41,900
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$41,900
$41,900
78%
66%
$22,068
$22,068
84%
8,270
Private
Yes
Parker University
Dallas, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$23,760
$23,760
N/A
31%
$13,320
$13,320
83%
1,954
Private
Yes
$23,760
$23,760
Dallas, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$23,760
$23,760
N/A
31%
$13,320
$13,320
83%
1,954
Private
Yes
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR4 yearCampus + Online
$10,065
$29,456
89%
52%
$13,446
$27,297
87%
33,193
Public
Yes
$10,065
$29,456
Corvallis, OR4 yearCampus + Online
$10,065
$29,456
89%
52%
$13,446
$27,297
87%
33,193
Public
Yes
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$24,766
$24,766
92%
84%
$14,346
$14,346
82%
10,596
Private
Yes
$24,766
$24,766
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$24,766
$24,766
92%
84%
$14,346
$14,346
82%
10,596
Private
Yes
No. 1 Program: University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) took the top spot for best online colleges and universities in 2024. With a high graduation rate and a low average net price of $3,679, UF offers both affordability and a path to successfully earning your degree.
UF hits all the marks for accessibility and student outcomes. Roughly 94% of UF students receive financial aid. You’ll also have access to a large selection of degree programs at UF — the university offers 22 online bachelor’s and 40 online master’s degrees.
UF continues to roll out high-demand degrees, featuring career support for online students as they enter fast-growing fields. In fall 2024, UF plans to launch three new majors for online students: agricultural education and communication, early childhood education, and entomology and nematology.
At UF Online, we strive to provide students pursuing fully online bachelor’s degrees with high levels of support and resources, as well as a strong sense of community,
Rhiannon Pollard, interim director of UF Online, told BestColleges. The
big why
of our work is ensuring that students receive a rigorous and enriching education that also connects them with their peer community of learners and the greater Gator Nation.
UF manages all of this while still being a relatively selective institution with high academic standards and a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, combining the best of high academic performance with student outcomes and affordability.
No. 2 Program: George Mason University
George Mason University couples accessibility and affordability with a relatively high graduation rate, offering students both an avenue to higher education and a path to graduation. Good student outcomes and an affordable tuition rate landed GMU the number two spot on our best online colleges and universities list this year.
GMU has a relatively high admissions rate at 90% but also maintains an impressive 70% graduation rate. The university offers 13 online bachelor’s degrees and 28 online master’s degrees in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, technology, and information technology.
GMU also boasts a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. It also includes a number of virtual services and resources for online students.
The average net price of an online degree at GMU is $18,581, and roughly 80% of students are awarded some form of financial aid.
Why George Mason University Ranked Second
George Mason University has a high graduation rate, a large amount of financial aid awarded to students, and a number of degree offerings — but it didn’t quite stack up to UF when it comes to student outcomes and affordability.
The net cost at GMU is $18,581, compared to $3,679 at UF. That, coupled with a lower graduation rate, put GMU in second place.
No. 3 Program: University of Missouri
The University of Missouri comes in at third on our list of best online colleges and universities thanks to a high graduation rate, hefty student aid, and plenty of resources for students.
Mizzou boasts a 73% graduation rate against a 79% admission rate. That means that, like GMU, it offers an accessible pathway to higher education without sacrificing good student outcomes.
The University of Missouri system’s Missouri Online combines resources from all of the system’s schools into a convenient, centralized online portal for students. This digital-focused platform means that online degrees from different university campuses are available to students, alongside student support and flexible learning systems.
Heading to Missouri for online education means you’re not just likely to get in, but also likely to graduate. You’ll probably also see financial aid: Roughly 91% of students received some form of financial aid with a net cost of $17,899.
Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges
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.
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