Best Online Colleges for Nontraditional Students
Making the transition back into the classroom can present distinct challenges. Read on to discover the best online colleges for nontraditional students.
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For nontraditional students, returning to school may seem daunting or overwhelming. Fortunately, many institutions, including high-ranking colleges and universities, offer resources to support nontraditional students in a successful transition to the classroom.
Earning a degree online can help you level up your career prospects, boost your salary, or facilitate your transition into a new career path.
Whether you are juggling a full-time job, family responsibilities, or other outside commitments, you can find a degree program that best aligns with your needs.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Colleges for Nontraditional Students
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH4 yearCampus + Online
$15,000
$15,000
92%
96%
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.
$18,900
$18,900
62%
145,533
Private
Yes
$15,000
$15,000
Manchester, NH4 yearCampus + Online
$15,000
$15,000
92%
96%
$18,900
$18,900
62%
145,533
Private
Yes
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.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,409
$15,409
99%
92%
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.
$7,847
$7,847
83%
15,822
Private
Yes
$15,409
$15,409
Lynchburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$15,409
$15,409
99%
92%
$7,847
$7,847
83%
15,822
Private
Yes
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.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$9,208
$28,010
53%
47%
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.
$9,718
$28,520
91%
50,884
Public
Yes
$9,208
$28,010
West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$9,208
$28,010
53%
47%
$9,718
$28,520
91%
50,884
Public
Yes
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.
Averett University
Danville, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,900
$36,900
76%
85%
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.
$11,790
$11,790
62%
1,317
Private
Yes
$36,900
$36,900
Danville, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,900
$36,900
76%
85%
$11,790
$11,790
62%
1,317
Private
Yes
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.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD4 yearOnline
$7,344
$11,976
N/A
93%
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.
$9,072
$11,862
52%
55,323
Public
Yes
$7,344
$11,976
Adelphi, MD4 yearOnline
$7,344
$11,976
N/A
93%
$9,072
$11,862
52%
55,323
Public
Yes
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.
Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT4 yearOnline
$7,656
$10,056
N/A
N/A
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.
$9,288
$9,720
67%
1,618
Public
Yes
$7,656
$10,056
New Britain, CT4 yearOnline
$7,656
$10,056
N/A
N/A
$9,288
$9,720
67%
1,618
Public
Yes
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.
University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$12,000
$12,000
93%
99%
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.
$12,240
$12,240
19%
9,798
Private
Yes
$12,000
$12,000
Irvine, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$12,000
$12,000
93%
99%
$12,240
$12,240
19%
9,798
Private
Yes
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.
Thomas University
Thomasville, GA4 yearCampus + Online
$10,800
$10,800
29%
100%
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.
$13,050
$13,050
64%
1,388
Private
Yes
$10,800
$10,800
Thomasville, GA4 yearCampus + Online
$10,800
$10,800
29%
100%
$13,050
$13,050
64%
1,388
Private
Yes
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.
Pacific Oaks College
Pasadena, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$11,482
$11,482
13%
75%
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.
$21,074
$21,074
N/A
1,175
Private
Yes
$11,482
$11,482
Pasadena, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$11,482
$11,482
13%
75%
$21,074
$21,074
N/A
1,175
Private
Yes
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.
Herzing University
Brookfield, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$13,320
$13,320
91%
76%
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.
$10,800
$10,800
69%
351
Private
Yes
$13,320
$13,320
Brookfield, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$13,320
$13,320
91%
76%
$10,800
$10,800
69%
351
Private
Yes
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.
What Is a Nontraditional Student?
There are many ways to define a nontraditional student. In general, nontraditional students are students who did not attend college one or more years after graduating high school.
While some colleges define all students above a specific age as nontraditional, other institutions take into account variables like income level, marital status, and high school graduation status.
Students who commute a specific distance to campus, individuals who don’t live on campus, or those who have previously been enrolled in college but did not complete their degree may also be considered nontraditional.
Pros and Cons of Going to College as a Nontraditional Student
Going to college as a nontraditional student comes with a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages.
As a nontraditional student, you can enhance your career prospects or transition into new career fields. However, you should weigh the financial and time commitments before you enroll.
Pros
Accessing new job opportunities- Building a professional network
- Switching career fields
- Upgrading skills and increasing expertise
Cons
Balancing life and work commitments- Feeling disconnected from peers
- Adjusting to return to an academic environment
- Facing the financial burden of tuition costs
5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Nontraditional College Program
There are several things you should keep in mind as you decide which college program is right for you, including the learning format, cost, and time commitment.
1. Format
Several learning formats are available to nontraditional students, including on-campus and online programs with asynchronous and synchronous classes.
Online programs can provide a variety of flexible learning formats. Some offer virtual classes on platforms such as Zoom while operating completely asynchronously, allowing you to complete coursework on your own schedule.
2. Cost
You should weigh the financial cost of a college program before enrolling.
According to the College Board’s 2023 Trends in College Pricing report, the average tuition cost at public four-year institutions for the 2023-24 academic year is $11,260 for in-state students and $29,150 for out-of-state students. Private universities are even more expensive, costing an average of $41,540 in 2023-24.
If you support a family or have other financial obligations, you may find it more difficult to pay for your education. If you are able to qualify for financial aid, the cost of college may not be an issue for you.
3. Schedule
Nontraditional students may have to balance academics, work, and family commitments while pursuing their degree. You should look for programs that offer flexibility, such as rolling start dates, night and weekend classes, and online options, which can eliminate time spent commuting to campus.
Accelerated programs are beneficial for students aiming to graduate in less than four years. However, they typically require that you manage a heavier course load at a quicker pace.
4. Grading
Some programs may use a pass/fail grading system instead of the conventional letter grades system. With pass/fail grading, you can earn credit for a course without a low grade negatively impacting your overall GPA.
This option may alleviate stress related to specific assignments, allowing you to concentrate on your overall course experience and success.
5. Services
Some schools offer tailored services and resources for nontraditional students, such as career services, family housing, tutoring services, and student organizations specifically designed for nontraditional learners. Before you apply to a program, make sure to check what resources may be available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About College for Nontraditional Students
Yes, nontraditional students may qualify for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Nontraditional students must follow the same processes and deadlines as other students.
The FAFSA is required for students, regardless of age, to receive federal financial aid, including federal student loans, work-study opportunities, and grants.
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