The Best Online Colleges for Working Adults
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Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
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No matter who you are — a career changer, a working parent, or a college dropout ready for another go — the stats don't lie: A four-year college degree can really pay off.
A bachelor's degree is worth $2.8 million on average over a lifetime. That's 84% more lifetime earnings than high school graduates and 31% more than those with an associate degree.
But if you're raising children, working full time, or both, enrolling in on-campus classes isn't always doable.
Online degree programs are a go-to choice for many nontraditional students because they're relatively convenient and increasingly customizable.
Work-Life-School Balance
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44% of all undergrads take classes exclusively online
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51% of online undergrads and 70% of online grad students work full time
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41% of online students are parents
Sources: National Center for Education Statistics, Wiley Education Services
But working full time or parenting and keeping up with school can be challenging.
According to the Institute for Women's Policy Research, about 5 in 10 student-parents leave college without a degree or certificate within six years of enrolling, compared with around 3 in 10 of all students. These student-parents often drop out because they have fewer hours to fit in school, work, childcare, and housework.
One key to success is finding a school ready to support you along your journey.
So, what should full-time workers or student-parents look for in a school? Based on BestColleges' data and metrics, the best online colleges for working adults have:
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High rates of enrollment, retention, and graduation -
Strong federal financial aid support -
The opportunity to earn credit for life experiences -
Ample academic and career counseling services -
A high percentage of online programs
Read on to explore why these benchmarks matter, the pros and cons of online classes, frequently asked questions about online colleges, and a list of the best online schools for full-time workers and parents.
Explore Featured Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How to Choose the Right Online School as a Working Adult
So how do you decide on an online school? You can start by looking for schools that are clearly 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.
Ask Melissa
Melissa Venable, Ph.D., online education advisor and principal writer for BestColleges, explains why you should consider certain benchmarks when choosing an online school.
- Enrollment, retention, and graduation rates: "An institution's enrollment, retention, and graduation rates provide one perspective on quality and student satisfaction. While these numbers certainly don't tell the whole story, they do provide evidence of how many students are enrolling, how many continue in their programs after their first semester or academic term, and how many complete their degree."
- Federal financial aid support: "Federal student aid is the largest source of financial assistance for college students in the U.S. But before you accept federal aid, it's important to understand the ins and outs of grants and loans, such as how much you should borrow, what you might owe, and when you will be expected to repay. Schools that accept federal aid should have a strong support system for students who are eligible for this aid that includes advisors who can help you navigate the details and make the best decisions possible about your college finances."
- Credit for life experiences: "Some schools have programs in place to evaluate work and life experiences for academic credit, often through a portfolio that documents the knowledge and skills students learned through these experiences and how they align with college-level coursework. While this kind of evaluation usually has a fee, getting credit for work and life experience that applies toward degree requirements can mean taking, and paying for, fewer courses."
- Academic and career counseling services: "Many students enter college with some idea of their career and employment goals, but that's not the case for everyone. Working with academic advisors and career development professionals, whether you are already on a career path or not, can help you not only reach your goal of graduation, but also thrive as a new graduate in the workforce."
- Percentage of online programs: "Schools that offer multiple programs online typically have committed the resources necessary to ensure their success and the success of online students. This could include using the latest technology to deliver courses and providing faculty training for online teaching, as well as offering access to a variety of student support services ranging from library collections and tutoring to health and wellness programs."
Summary
"Overall, working students have a lot to think about before adding online education to their schedules. Finding a school and program that is committed to your success means researching and comparing the variables that are most important to you, such as finances, career development, and support services."— Melissa Venable, Ph.D., online education advisor and principal writer for BestColleges
Best Online Colleges for Working Adults
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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Union Institute & University
Cincinnati, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can prepare for various careers with Union Institute & University’s diverse catalog of 28 programs. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, this private, not-for-profit, 4-year college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Once they have access to the internet, students in remote areas can benefit from 79% of programs being available online. The institution offers 14 online bachelor's and 4 online master's programs for students not interested in the 14 bachelor's and 6 master's programs available on campus.
About 100% of students receive financial aid to pay for tuition and study in classes with an 8-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Degree-seekers benefit from these investments, graduating at a rate of 58%.
Union Institute & University at a Glance:
Undergrad Tuition In State: $13,080
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $13,080
Graduate Tuition In State: $14,652
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $14,652
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.
Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT - 4 years
- Online
A wide variety of degree-seekers can find the training they need with Charter Oak State College's robust catalog of 29 programs. Degrees at the Connecticut-based public, 4-year school are accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education. Some may also have programmatic accreditation.
The institution offers 10 online bachelor's and 1 online master's programs for students not interested in the 10 bachelor's and 1 master's programs available on campus.
Key features include a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio and 100% of students receiving aid of some form.
Charter Oak State College at a Glance:
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,656
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $10,056
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,288
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $9,720
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 College
Albany, NY - 4 years
- Online
A diverse catalog of 101 programs attracts learners to Excelsior College. The private, not-for-profit, 4-year college, located in Albany, New York, holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Besides about 54 bachelor's and 27 master's programs delivered on campus, degree-seekers can pursue 54 bachelor's or 27 master's programs delivered online.
Excelsior College at a Glance:
Undergrad Tuition In State: Data not available
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: Data not available
Graduate Tuition In State: Data not available
Graduate Tuition Out of State: Data not available
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.
Bethel University
Saint Paul, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A diverse catalog of 96 programs attracts learners to Bethel University. Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the private, not-for-profit, 4-year college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Of the programs available, 38% are delivered online.
The institution offers 8 online bachelor's and 12 online master's programs for students not interested in the 61 bachelor's and 17 master's programs available on campus.
About 79% of applicants gain admission, and study in a learning environment that offers faculty support and a variety of academic resources. Students study in classes with an 11-to-1 student-teacher ratio, and 100% receive financial aid to help fund their education. Among the institution’s student outcomes is a 73% graduation rate.
Bethel University at a Glance:
Undergrad Tuition In State: $38,300
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $38,300
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,700
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $11,700
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.
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ - 4 years
- Online
Thomas Edison State University’s selection of 69 programs ensures th at learners can receive career preparation in a variety of fields. The public, 4-year school offers degrees accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education from a Trenton, New Jersey, campus.
With 100% of programs available online, students have greater access and save money on areas such as transportation and relocation. They can choose from 20 online bachelor's and 9 online master's programs, or 20 on-campus bachelor's and 9 on-campus master's programs.
Thomas Edison State University at a Glance:
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,926
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,856
Graduate Tuition In State: $12,024
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,024
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.
Regis University
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
With 157 programs, Regis University ensures learners have access to degrees in a variety of disciplines. This private, not-for-profit, 4-year college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission is based in Denver, Colorado.
Students can balance work and other life areas by completing 70% of degrees online. Undergraduates enjoy flexibility with 55 on-campus bachelor's and 26 online bachelor's degrees, and graduate students also have format options with 33 on-campus and 26 online master's degrees.
The school has a 71% acceptance rate and gives enrollees the resources they need to succeed in a supportive learning environment. Students study in classes with a 12-to-1 student-teacher ratio, and about 99% use financial aid to help fund their education. The institution’s metrics for educational performance include a 64% graduation rate.
Regis University at a Glance:
Undergrad Tuition In State: $37,830
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $37,830
Graduate Tuition In State: $14,441
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $14,441
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.
Northcentral University
La Jolla, CA - 4 years
- Online
With 53 programs, Northcentral University ensures learners have access to degrees in a variety of disciplines. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, this California-based, 4-year college is located in La Jolla.
Degree-seekers can choose from 3 on-campus bachelor's and 26 on-campus master's programs; there are also 3 online bachelor's and 26 online master's degrees to choose from.
Northcentral University at a Glance:
Undergrad Tuition In State: $11,064
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $11,064
Graduate Tuition In State: $16,983
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $16,983
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.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A wide variety of degree-seekers can find the training they need with Maryville University of Saint Louis's robust catalog of 101 programs. The private, not-for-profit, 4-year college is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Students can balance work and other life areas by completing 51% of degrees online. Undergraduates can pursue 51 bachelor's degrees on campus and 23 bachelor's degrees online. Graduate students can earn 29 master's degrees on campus or 15 master's degrees online.
The school admits about 83% of applicants and provides them with the support and resources necessary for academic achievement. Around 99% of students finance their education with aid options, and a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio provides personalized instruction opportunities. Degree-seekers complete their programs at a rate of 71% with help from these investments in student success.
Maryville University of Saint Louis at a Glance:
Undergrad Tuition In State: $26,070
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $26,070
Graduate Tuition In State: $14,346
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $14,346
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.
Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network’s selection of 88 programs ensures learners can receive career preparation in a variety of fields. The not-for-profit, 4-year college located in Boston, Massachusetts, holds accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Maintaining employment and other obligations is easier with 50% of degrees offered from a distance. Undergraduates can pursue 32 bachelor's degrees on campus and 14 bachelor's degrees online, while graduate students can earn 47 master's degrees on campus or 26 master's degrees online.
Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network at a Glance:
Undergrad Tuition In State: $29,298
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $29,298
Graduate Tuition In State: $24,933
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $24,933
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.
Endicott College
Beverly, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Endicott College’s 70 programs offer degree options for a wide variety of learners. The private, 4-year college is located in Beverly, Massachusetts, and holds accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education. Students here can enroll in a variety of programs, 30% of which are available online. The 5 bachelor's and 8 master's programs delivered online complement the 43 bachelor's and 14 master's programs available on campus.
The school accepts an average of 69% of all applicants, with those admitted finding a supportive academic environment. About 95% of students receive financial aid to pay for tuition and study in classes with an 11-to-1 student-teacher ratio. All of these investments help produce a 74% graduation rate.
Endicott College at a Glance:
Undergrad Tuition In State: $33,304
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $33,304
Graduate Tuition In State: $12,555
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,555
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 Learning
Taking classes online is a much different experience than attending school in person, with various benefits and challenges.
According to BestColleges' 2022 Online Education Trends Report, 1 in 4 online students struggle with work-life-school balance. But about 3 in 5 remote learners prefer online classes over in-person classes if given a choice.
So, let's review what you can expect from online learning — both the good parts and the challenges you might face:
Pros
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Flexibility to learn on your own schedule -
Learn from anywhere -
Save time and money on commuting
Cons
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Requires more self-discipline -
More technical requirements -
Potential social isolation and loneliness
What It's Like to Earn a Degree Online as a Working Student
"My overall experience [with earning a degree online] was really good. I loved my program, but I'm not going to lie — it was extremely challenging to work full time, and go to school, and try to balance everything else in life, with taking care of the house and maintaining relationships and friendships, just because you just don't have as much time, so things can fall to the wayside. But I powered through, and it ended up being a really good experience — just challenging."— Amy Jay, Master's in communication and leadership, Gonzaga University
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges for Working Adults
Can I get a bachelor's while working?
Yes, you can work full time while earning a bachelor's degree. Many working adults prefer online programs, which tend to be more flexible, allowing them to better balance work and school. Many online programs also offer asynchronous class options, which let working students learn at their own pace and more easily manage their workload.
Is going back to college worth it?
Going back to college can significantly boost your employment opportunities and earning potential, according to the Association of Public Land-Grant Universities. The average lifetime income of a bachelor's degree-holder is around $2.8 million.
You're also about half as likely to be unemployed if you have a bachelor's degree compared to individuals who only have a high school diploma.
What degrees can you get online that pay well?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, top-paying online degrees include economics (economists earned a median salary of $105,630 in 2021), information systems security ($102,600), and business management ($102,450).
Other degrees that typically lead to jobs paying more than $50,000 a year include hospitality management, accounting, and public relations.
What are accelerated degree programs?
Accelerated degree programs allow you to earn a degree in a shorter time frame. For example, an accelerated bachelor's degree might take 2-3 years to complete rather than four years.
Students in many programs can control the speed and delivery method of their classes. You can even finish an accelerated program in as little as one year if you have previous college experience. Some universities and colleges offer combined degree programs that lead to bachelor's and master's degrees.
Are online degrees cheaper?
Online degrees typically cost about the same as traditional in-person degrees. However, online students can save money on certain in-person costs, such as campus fees, room and board, and meal plans. Additionally, some public schools offer in-state tuition rates to all online learners.
Ranking Methodology
For this ranking, BestColleges evaluated hundreds of schools using specific criteria. First, a set of general rules:
- Schools must be nonprofit institutions.
- Schools must cater to working adults, such as offering credit for life experience and various online programs.
- Schools must have academic-to-career counseling services.
Then, we analyzed schools to determine a score across different categories, weighted based on importance (explained by Melissa Venable on this page):
- Graduation Rate of Total Cohort — 20%
- Percent of Online Programs — 15%
- Mean Earnings Six Years After Entry — 15%
- Average Amount of Federal Grant Aid Awarded to Full-Time Undergraduates — 12%
- Credit For Life Experiences — 10%
- Percent of Full-Time, First-Time Undergrads Awarded Any Financial Aid — 5%
- Retention Rate for Full-Time Students — 5%
- Student To Faculty Ratio — 5%
- Percent of Federal Grant Aid Awarded to Full-Time Undergraduates — 3%
All data in this ranking is sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, National Council Licensure Examination, and College Scorecard.
We acknowledge this ranking does not account for all schools with online programs for working adults. Nor does it capture all the factors that may or may not affect the value of a school.
