Best Online Colleges, Universities, and Schools
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Editor & Writer
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Editor & Writer
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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- An online degree can get you the education you need for the career you want on the schedule you have.
- But picking the right online university is crucial for success.
- The best online school needs to be a match for your lifestyle, your career goals, and your budget.
- We've ranked the top 25 schools that offer great programs, lots of support, and strong student outcomes for online learners.
Remember when people used to go to college? Like actually get in a car, drive to a physical campus, and attend class at a set time in a real classroom with a bunch of other people? Wild.
The pandemic fundamentally changed the college experience for many. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the number of undergrads exclusively enrolled in online college courses jumped from 2.4 million to 7.0 million between 2019 and 2020.
Today, more and more students see online education as the most pragmatic path to career readiness. And with new online programs popping up everywhere, it's important to pick the right online university for the job.
Never fear: We've sorted through all the options to find the 25 best online schools in 2023.
Featured Online Schools
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How We Rank Top Online Colleges
Each year, BestColleges evaluates hundreds of schools in order to produce our annual Best Online Colleges ranking, using the most recent data from sources like the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (hosted by the NCES) and College Scorecard (hosted by the U.S. Department of Education).
We select schools according to the following criteria:
- Each school must be an accredited, public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Each school must be a four-year institution.
- Each school must offer at least 10 online bachelor's degrees and three online master's degrees in a variety of subjects.
- Schools must be in the continental U.S., Alaska, or Hawaii.
From there, we apply our proprietary methodology to identify the 25 best online colleges nationwide — carefully weighing the quality of online offerings, student outcomes, and your expected return on investment.
Review our Editorial Policy to learn more about the standards we uphold.
Our Methodology
50%: Expected Early Career Earnings (ROI)
To figure out your ROI, we subtract your net cost from your expected earnings as a new grad (compared to what you would be making if you only had a high school degree).
15%: Full-time Retention Rates
We only select schools that have consistently strong retention rates: because if students aren't sticking around, they aren't getting their money's worth.
15%: Online Offerings
Schools must offer a variety of high-quality online programs, degrees, and certificates to make the cut.
20%: High Graduation Rates
We prioritize schools that will get you to the finish line.
Top Accredited Online Colleges and Schools
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
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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University of Florida
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Florida is a public university in Gainesville, Florida — a city known for its historic architecture and natural beauty. UF offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees across 16 schools of study.
The University of Florida secures the top spot on our list this year thanks to its strong student outcomes, affordability, and excellent online program offerings. UF offers top-tier academics, a 17-to-1 student-to-staff ratio, Division I sports (go Gators!), and many cutting-edge research facilities.
Notable Fact: UF recently announced that sitting U.S. senator Ben Sasse will become the school's 13th president in early 2023.
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.
Golden Gate University
San Francisco, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Golden Gate University is a private university in San Francisco, California. The campus is right in the heart of the city's financial district. GGU offers over 60 degree programs in fields like business, accounting, technology, taxation, and law.
A self-described "university for professionals," Golden Gate University is a great choice for working adults looking to boost their careers. You can choose from online, weekend, and evening classes. GGU is known for its high-quality curriculum, small class sizes, strong career placement support, and robust alumni network. The school is also committed to removing financial barriers to education, with most students receiving financial aid.
Notable Fact: Golden Gate University has a storied history serving members of the U.S. military. For roughly 100 years — ever since returning WWI soldiers first came home to enroll in GGU law programs — the school has been turning out distinguished military graduates and helping veterans meet post-service career goals.
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.
Union Institute & University
Cincinnati, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Union Institute & University is a private university in Cincinnati, Ohio, that offers 100% online and hybrid options. You can pursue degrees in business and leadership, education, healthcare and mental wellness, or public service and social justice.
Union has been recognized for the diversity of its student body and its success in helping older adult learners. It also offers a low 7-to-1 student-to-staff ratio — you can be confident you'll get the support and attention you need to find success. As a result, the school is widely recognized as one of the best online colleges available.
Even better: It's free to apply and test scores are not required!
Notable Fact: In 2018, the school launched The Institute for Social Justice, an initiative that seeks to advance social justice at home and abroad by reducing economic disparities and eliminating racism.
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.
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Thomas Jefferson University is a private research institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 colleges and four schools.
Jefferson is known for offering a distinctive, hands-on, inter-professional approach to learning called "Nexus learning." The idea is to equip graduates for a rapidly changing world and workplace where their future professions may not even exist yet. As a result, Jefferson grads have a competitive edge that many employers are looking for. The school reports that 97% of its 2021 graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school.
Notable Fact: Jefferson's nursing graduates regularly score among the highest in Pennsylvania on national licensure and certification examinations. For example, the licensure pass rate for the most recent class graduating from Jefferson's College of Pharmacy was 98%.
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 Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Central Florida is a large public research university based in the suburbs of Orlando, Florida. The school offers more than 220 degree programs across 13 colleges. Popular majors for UCF undergrads include psychology, computer science, biology, health sciences, and mechanical engineering.
The University of Central Florida is known for being a destination for space science. For over 50 years, the school has played a big role in space research and exploration. Students and researchers at UCF's Stephen W. Hawking Center for Microgravity Research and Education are leading the charge to develop safer space travel to the moon and Mars.
Notable Fact: Nearly 30% of Kennedy Space Center employees are UCF alumni.
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.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida International University is a public university with campuses in North Miami and West Miami-Dade County. The school offers more than 190 degree programs and certificates, with over 130 available online.
Florida International University is recognized for the high quality of its online bachelor's degree programs — especially in business — as well as for excellence in teaching. FIU is the only public university in Southern Florida to receive the R1-Very High Research Activity classification from the Carnegie Foundation.
Notable Fact: FIU has a famously good hospitality school, and it hosts the massive Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival every year to prove it.
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.
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ - 4 years
- Online
Thomas Edison State University is a public university in Trenton, New Jersey. You can choose from more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and professional certificate options, most of which are also available online.
Adults looking to go back to college to boost their career prospects should feel right at home at Thomas Edison State University — most TESU students are non-first-time, part-time students balancing school with other responsibilities. TESU awards an average of 38 credits for prior work, life, or military experience, saving you time and money. As a result, 95% of recent graduates say they would recommend the school to others.
Notable fact: The average age of a TESU student is 35. Millennials, you've got this! Way to be life-long learners.
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.
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
University Park, PA - 4 years
- Campus
Pennsylvania State University - World Campus is the fully online branch of Penn State. You can choose from more than 175 career-enhancing degrees and certificates.
The idea behind Penn State World Campus is to make the Penn State educational experience available to people who can't travel to a physical campus. Since 1998, the school has provided a career-focused curriculum taught by experts in business, engineering, tech, healthcare, and more. A degree from Penn State is a big deal: According to the Wall Street Journal, Penn State undergrads are some of the best-prepared on the market.
Notable Fact: Penn State World Campus has over 750,000 alumni in 171 countries — talk about a strong network for new grads to lean on as they start their careers.
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 Missouri
Columbia, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Missouri is a public university in Columbia, Missouri. It operates as the flagship campus of the four-campus University of Missouri System. The school offers more than 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including over 75 online degrees.
The University of Missouri (or "Mizzou) is known for excellence in many academic areas, including journalism, medicine, writing, and law. Mizzou students go on to find success, with 95% enrolled in higher education or employed within six months of graduation. More than 100 different Fortune 500 companies currently employ Mizzou grads. Top industries for recent alumni include healthcare, education, finance, marketing, and information technology.
Notable Fact: Mizzou has an impressive list of famous alumni that (along with athletes, astronauts, performers, and Pulitzer-prize winners) includes playwright Tennessee Williams and actor Brad Pitt.
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.
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Oklahoma State University is a large, nationally ranked, public research university in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It offers over 300 undergraduate majors and minors, and over 200 master's, Ph.D., and graduate certificate options.
OSU is known for elite academics, affordability, and quality of student life. More than 50% of recent students graduated with zero student loan debt. And the school boasts the largest university student union in the world. OSU students report that the campus is beautiful, the community is friendly, and the professors are helpful.
Notable Fact: The OSU student body cares about democracy: In 2022, OSU won ALL IN's "Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting."
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.
Excelsior University
Albany, NY - 4 years
- Online
Excelsior University (previously Excelsior College) is a private online university in Albany, New York. It offers more than 35 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, health sciences, nursing, technology, liberal arts, and public service.
Excelsior is committed to helping nontraditional students "pursue your passion and achieve your career goals without putting the rest of life on pause." That means a generous acceptance rate; awarding credit for previous college, work, volunteer, and military experience; and a flexible approach to learning.
Notable Fact: An Excelsior degree can really boost your career. Nearly 60% of Excelsior grads report post-graduation career advancement — and of those, nearly 70% report a pay increase.
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.
Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northeastern University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. The Lifelong Learning Network is Northeastern University's school for nontraditional learners. It offers over 200 professional bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate options and bootcamps.
The Lifelong Learning Network is built with flexibility in mind. You can choose from online, in-person, and hybrid learning channels. Each credential can stand alone or be built into a future degree. You have the opportunity to develop a customized career plan, receive professional support, study an industry-aligned curriculum, and join a large global network of alumni and peers.
Notable Fact: Successful Northeastern alumni include U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, Emmy-award winner and original SNL cast member Jane Curtin, and Challenger space shuttle astronaut Gregory Jarvis.
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 Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Massachusetts at Lowell is a public research university located just north of Boston. The school offers nearly 150 undergraduate majors and certificates, as well as 50 master's programs, 28 doctoral degrees, and 31 certificates.
UMass Lowell takes pride in preparing students for "solving real problems and helping real people" by providing a top-notch education. The results of a Lowell education speak for themselves: 96% of the 2021 graduating class are either employed or in graduate school. The school also reports that the average mid-career salary for UMass Lowell graduates is $116,000.
Notable Fact: Lowell, Massachusetts, is the birthplace of the famous American novelist and poet Jack Kerouac.
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 North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of North Dakota is the state's oldest and largest public university. It's located in the city of Grand Forks. The school offers more than 225 academic programs. Nearly 40% of UND students attend classes exclusively online.
The University of North Dakota is known for being a leader in engineering, medicine, space, aviation, and unmanned aircraft systems. Student life at UND is about more than studying: the school boasts 17 NCAA Division I athletic teams and has over 250 student clubs and organizations.
Notable Fact: The first graduating class of UND (in 1889) was made up of two men and six women. One of those graduates was Dr. Cora Smith King, who became the first woman to receive a medical license in North Dakota.
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.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Oregon State University is a public institution located in Corvallis, Oregon. The school offers over 200 academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Oregon State University is one of only two designated land-, sea-, space-, and sun-grant universities in the country. This quadruple honor acknowledges that Oregon State is at the forefront of research projects that address society's most urgent challenges, including climate change. And online students are a part of that effort as well: Oregon State offers some of the best online programs in environmental science, computer science, and horticulture (to name just a few).
Notable Fact: Without Oregon State professors and alumni, we would be without useful inventions like video conferencing, the computer mouse, and the artificial heart valve.
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.
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
East Carolina University is a large public university in Greenville, North Carolina. It offers 89 bachelor's degrees and 87 graduate degrees. Currently, ECU has roughly 130 degree and certificate programs approved for online delivery.
East Carolina University is known for providing an affordable education. More than 80% of full-time undergraduate students receive some kind of financial aid. Popular majors at ECU in 2021 included nursing, management, biology, marketing, and psychology.
Notable Fact: In 2019, an ECU archaeology student detected the ruins of a lost colonial tavern in nearby Brunswick Town, North Carolina. The discovery launched a month-long excavation led by ECU's archaeology department.
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.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Kansas State University is a public institution in Manhattan, Kansas. It offers more than 250 undergraduate programs and 165 graduate programs, as well as more than 100 fully online options.
Kansas State University operates according to what it calls the "purple rule" — family comes first. The school puts this mantra into practice by prioritizing student success, embracing diversity and inclusion, and leading with compassion. The American Association of Colleges and Universities recently selected K-State to become a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Campus Center.
Notable Fact: K-State is also home to the new $1.5 billion National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, which was recently developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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 Massachusetts Global
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Massachusetts Global is a private institution focused on educating nontraditional students. It currently offers over 80 online degrees and certificates for associate, bachelor's, and master's students.
In 2021, Brandman University partnered with the University of Massachusetts to become the University of Massachusetts Global. Students may study fully online or opt for a hybrid learning model by taking some classes at locations in California or Washington. UMass Global is committed to the professional development of adult learners, so most of its faculty have both doctoral degrees and relevant real-world industry experience.
Notable Fact: A full 90% of UMass Global students are working adults, and 56% of them are parents. It's never too late to build a better future!
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.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Alabama is a large public university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and programs across eight schools of study, and more than 120 graduate programs. Many of its course offerings are available online.
The University of Alabama is devoted to teaching, research, and service. Your peers at UA will be among the very best — the school currently has over 1,000 national merit scholars. The university is celebrated for its highly ranked schools of business, law, and social work. But perhaps more than anything else, the school is famous for its football team — nicknamed the "Crimson Tide" — which has won 16 national championships.
Notable Fact: The UA football team got its name during a rainy 1907 game against Auburn when the muddy field stained the players' white jerseys a dark red. A local newsman wrote that they played like a "crimson tide."
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.
Washington State University
Pullman, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Washington State University is a public university with six campuses across Washington. WSU offers over 350 undergraduate and graduate courses of study through 11 academic colleges.
Washington State Cougars are serious about serving the public good and log around 66,500 student volunteer hours every year. Part of serving the public good also means making sure education is as accessible as possible, which is why WSU students received a total of over $400 million in financial aid and scholarships in 2020.
Notable Fact: WSU's Vancouver campus was one of the first institutions to use an "interactive electronic classroom" all the way back in 1993. Trendsetters! (Zoom classes would have blown their minds.)
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.
Park University
Parkville, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Park University is a private liberal arts school with campuses all over the U.S. The flagship campus is located in Parkville, Missouri, on a wooded campus near the Missouri River. Park offers over 100 associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees and certificates.
Park University is known for its engaging classes, personable faculty, academic excellence, and commitment to inclusivity. Small classes make learning an intimate, interactive experience. The school is especially popular among international students — it currently has students from over 60 countries.
Notable Fact: Because more than 60% of Park students have some kind of military affiliation, the university recently launched a scholarship to benefit dependents and spouses of disabled or deceased veterans who are not eligible for VA benefits.
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 Arizona
Tucson, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Arizona is a public university in Tucson, Arizona. It offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees across 20 colleges. You can study in person, online, or via "Near You Networks'' throughout Arizona.
The University of Arizona is known for being a highly diverse, top-tier research and development university. The school is helping to close gender employment gaps in higher education with a 56% female workforce. Students — including almost 3,000 transfer students in 2021 — come from all over the world to excel as Wildcats. Additionally, the University of Arizona boasts an impressive first-year retention rate of nearly 90%.
Notable Fact: The University of Arizona helped map the moon so that we could land humans on it for the first time in 1969.
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.
Florida Institute of Technology-Online
Melbourne, FL - 4 years
- Online
The Florida Institute of Technology is a private STEM institution in Melbourne, Florida. Florida Tech Online provides over 40 completely online degrees for nontraditional students and working professionals.
Florida Tech Online is known for its great instructors and engaging classes. The school ranks highly for the quality of its online bachelor's degree programs, especially in business and psychology. Classes are asynchronous, meaning you can study entirely on your own schedule. And great news: No test scores or application fees are required to apply.
Notable Fact: Florida Tech has lived up to its motto ("To the stars through science") by sending five alumni into space.
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.
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Bellevue University is a private, religious university in Bellevue, Nebraska. It offers over 80 career-focused programs with the option for online or hybrid learning. You can pursue associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
Bellevue has leaned into the online education model over the past 25 years. In fact, 95% of Bellevue students are online students! Class sizes are small, faculty have real-world experience, and many support services are available to students. You can choose from career-building programs in the humanities, business, education, healthcare, psychology, human services, or STEM subjects.
Bellevue is especially appealing to many adult learners, thanks to its generous credit transfer policies and robust student support systems.
Notable Fact: Bellevue's online student cohort has representatives from all 50 states, as well as international students from countries across the globe.
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.
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Old Dominion University is a public research institution in Norfolk, Virginia. It offers over 90 bachelor's degrees, 50 master's degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. More than 120 ODU degree programs are available online.
Old Dominion University is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in the country and ranks especially well for its IT, education, engineering, nursing, and MBA programs. ODU has a dedicated center for social mobility to ensure the success of students and address systems of inequity.
Notable Fact: Old Dominion educates leaders. Two ODU alumni — Democratic incumbent Elaine Luria and Republican challenger Jen Kiggans — went head-to-head in the 2022 midterms race for Virginia's 2nd Congressional district. The race went to Kiggans, who won by about 12,000 votes.
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.
Pros and Cons of Online Degrees
After almost three years of a pandemic, we've all got a pretty good idea of what it looks like to do life over Zoom. But that doesn't mean online learning is the best fit for everyone.
If you think you want to pursue an online degree, take a moment to consider the pros and cons.
Pros
- Flexible: Move quickly through an accelerated program. Or, slow down to part time. Watch recorded lectures on the treadmill, do assigned readings on your lunch break, fit school into your schedule.
- Accessible: You can log in and work from anywhere, any time. Forget relocating, forget commuting, forget finding childcare or requesting time off from work to attend class.
- Affordable: Online tuition isn't always cheaper than in-person tuition, but you will likely be spared many on-campus fees and expenses. And there are some really affordable online schools out there.
- Minimize opportunity costs: Many online students study and hold down a job at the same time. Instead of losing years of income and work experience, you can keep building your career and your bank account as you work towards a degree.
- Student satisfaction: According to our 2023 Online Education Trends Report, 75% of students think online education is better than or equal to on-campus learning, compared to 70% in 2022. And 96% of graduates said their online degree provided a positive return on investment, compared to 90% in 2022.
Cons
- Less in-person interaction: Some students may learn better in a traditional, in-person classroom setting.
- Harder to network: Building a network can be more challenging in a distance learning environment.
- Requires self-motivation: Some students may need the accountability and structure of in-person learning to manage their time and assignments.
- Low persistence rates: Dropout rates are higher for online learners than in-person learners. According to a 2022 report published in Frontiers in Psychology, this is due to several factors, including low motivation, inadequate technical or time management skills, and workload conflicts.
How to Choose an Online College
Choosing the right school will shape your education and future career. Here are the big-ticket factors you need to consider before enrolling:
- Costs: 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 Program
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 or 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.
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.
Online Colleges and Schools Near Me
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
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.
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.
Make sure to look into scholarships, as well. You may be able to find online-specific scholarships just for distance learners.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Online Degrees
Are online college degrees legitimate?
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, with more than 70% of students having taken at least one online course and 30% of undergrads studying fully online, online college degrees have become very common.
Once you have that degree, pretty much no one is going to ask you: Did you get this online?
What can I do with an online degree?
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, build a network, become career-ready, qualify for interesting jobs, apply to graduate school, and have a robust and fascinating life — the list of opportunities is endless.
Is an online degree worth it?
An online degree can get you the training you need for the career you want on the schedule you have. If that's what you're looking for, then an online degree can definitely be worth it.
How much does an online degree cost?
According to a BestColleges' data summary, the average net cost of online college is $516 per credit.