Best Online Colleges for Nontraditional Students

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $320
Undergrad, out of state | $320
Graduate, in state | $627
Graduate, out of state | $627

Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, SNHU is among the best colleges for nontraditional students in the nation. The university offers more than 200 online programs in fields like business, criminal justice, psychology, and computer science.

Most courses at SNHU last for eight weeks. Many programs accept significant transfer credits and deliver coursework asynchronously, providing flexibility for working professionals. Prospective undergraduates must complete an application and submit academic transcripts.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $390-$455
Undergrad, out of state | $390-$455
Graduate, in state | $565-$615
Graduate, out of state | $565-$615

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty enrolls over 100,000 students, many of whom take classes online. The university also serves approximately 30,000 military students. Liberty provides online programs in fields like arts and sciences, criminal justice, education, and business. Most programs take place 100% online, and students pursuing bachelor's degrees can transfer in up to 75% of their required credits.

Admission requirements vary by program, but often include an application, official transcripts, and a minimum GPA. Military students can receive up to 55% off of tuition.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $371
Undergrad, out of state | $371
Graduate, in state | $420-$700
Graduate, out of state | $420-$700

Based in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue operates Purdue University Global, which serves as the university's virtual campus. This online university provides a career assessment tool that helps match prospective students with the right program. Students can also access one-on-one career advice once they enroll. Applicants must be proficient in English. Popular programs include business, health sciences, human services, and nursing.

The university also offers online programs geared specifically toward members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. Military students can often earn transfer credit for their experience.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $480
Undergrad, out of state | $480
Graduate, in state | $530-$695
Graduate, out of state | $530-$695

Based in Danville, Virginia, Averett operates a graduate and professional studies division that offers online bachelor's programs in business administration, leadership, sociology, nursing, and human services. Most programs eliminate in-person requirements, and incoming transfer students can submit all prior credits for evaluation. Each program offers five start dates per year, offering increased flexibility to working professionals and parents.

Prospective undergraduate students must submit an application, official transcripts from previous schools, and a copy of their driver's license or government-issued identification.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $306
Undergrad, out of state | $499
Graduate, in state | $504
Graduate, out of state | $659

Based out of Largo, Maryland, UMGC is the virtual campus of the University of Maryland System. UMGC offers bachelor's degrees in fields like accounting, English, environmental management, homeland security, and software development, among many others. The university offers multiple start dates per semester to provide flexibility for older adult learners and working professionals.

Undergraduate applicants need a high school or GED diploma to qualify for admission. Former community college students can transfer in up to 70 credits, while students transferring in from four-year schools can earn up to 90 credits for prior coursework.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $319
Undergrad, out of state | $419
Graduate, in state | $516
Graduate, out of state | $540

Located in New Britain, Connecticut, Charter Oak is a public college that exclusively offers online programs — primarily in career-focused fields like healthcare administration, paralegal studies, organizational leadership, and public safety administration. Aiming for flexibility, Charter Oak offers six start dates throughout the year for all of its online programs.

Students can earn credit for prior learning and through various tests and assessments. Prospective undergraduate students must submit an application and official academic transcripts.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $500
Undergrad, out of state | $500
Graduate, in state | $680
Graduate, out of state | $680

Based in Irvine, California, Brandman University became UMass Global in 2021. The university offers three online delivery methods: 100% online, hybrid, and a competency-based option that allows students to earn credits as they demonstrate mastery of material (as opposed to following a semester schedule). Approximately 90% of students keep their jobs while enrolled at UMass Global.

Prospective students applying to bachelor's programs need at least 12 college credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $450
Undergrad, out of state | $450
Graduate, in state | $524-$725
Graduate, out of state | $524-$725

Located in Thomasville, Georgia, TU is a private college that focuses on offering strong academics to military students. The university oversees online bachelor's programs in fields like computer information systems, criminal justice, elementary education, marketing, and rehabilitation studies.

Prospective undergraduate students must submit an application and official transcripts. They should also have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA on previous coursework.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $360-$855
Undergrad, out of state | $360-$855
Graduate, in state | $1,115
Graduate, out of state | $1,115

Located in Pasadena, California, Pacific Oaks offers online bachelor's programs in early childhood education, human development, business administration, and social work. The college delivers most online coursework asynchronously through the Canvas learning management system. Most online courses at Pacific Oaks last for seven weeks each.

Undergraduate applicants must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative high school GPA. They must also complete an interview with a member of the admissions department and have either three years of professional experience or 24 completed college credits.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $490
Undergrad, out of state | $490
Graduate, in state | $590
Graduate, out of state | $590

Based out of Madison, Wisconsin, Herzing primarily offers career-focused online programs in fields like nursing, healthcare, business, legal studies, public safety, and technology. The university delivers all online coursework asynchronously and offers multiple start dates throughout the academic year. Online students can also complete some coursework through blended learning if they wish.

All applicants must meet online with a member of the admissions department. Additional requirements include an application, transcripts, and placement testing.