10 Best Online Colleges and Universities for 2017-2018
Online two-year and four-year colleges represent some of the most affordable ways to enter higher education. Academic programs at the two-year level provide a solid foundation in the liberal arts and basics within certain major paths. Vocational programs take a more career-oriented track, helping students acquire specific skills they can apply on the job day one. Beyond the material itself, many junior and community colleges and universities have embraced online learning, opening their doors to a more inclusive student body – from working professionals and stay-at-home parents to those who may not be able to commute to a physical campus. The following two-year and four-year colleges offer some of the best combinations of online program volume, breadth, and affordability available today. See who stands out for 2017-2018.
Accredited online colleges are an exciting opportunity for students balancing their busy lives and educational needs.
Many of the best online universities offer exciting, engaging, and flexible opportunities for degree completion.
College Choice’s easy-to-digest data pages will help you make an informed decision quickly so that you can find the best accredited online colleges that fit your needs.
The need for accredited online universities has grown exponentially.
Even when institutional enrollment numbers decline, accredited online university programs steadily increase, which makes selecting from the best online colleges an important task.
The best online universities are adapting to the evolving digital learning world. With 90% of students using smartphones and tablets, regionally accredited online colleges are making device-based learning a priority.
Part-time students above age 25, people returning to school after a long absence, and people with families, full-time jobs, or other adult responsibilities are all regarded as non-traditional students.
Many of these students are looking for a flexible, quality education in the form of the best online universities.
If you’re thinking about going back to school or enrolling for the first time, but wondering whether or not to get an online degree, take heart that determining what’s right for you is actually quite simple!
We at College Choice know the ins and outs of online education, and we are eager to point you toward the best possible academic fit.
Are online degrees respected?
The short answer is, yes and no.
Some degree programs—namely those that are regionally accredited and allow credits to be easily transferred in (and out!)—are highly reputable. Likewise, some online degrees have been in place for over a decade and have gone to great lengths to earn their renowned reputation.
For a list of such schools, see below. Then there are those offered through for-profit schools, are nationally accredited, and have not been in place for very long. Keep your eyes out for those shaky programs.
Should I get an online degree?
Online degrees are an affordable, flexible option for some people, especially working adults who juggle many responsibilities. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of fantastic online degree programs that are, at once, highly regarded and affordable.
For example, you can earn a degree from renowned Penn State while living and working from anywhere in the country. However, this means Penn State football games, student social opportunities, campus lectures, etc., will not be part of your college experience.
Are online degrees easier? More affordable? Faster?
Because schools must offer the same curriculum to their online students, it’s not easier to get an online degree. Added challenges include a difference of technical and academic support as an online student.
However, many programs offer deep cuts on tuition rates for their online students (these vary by school), as well as the option to expedite your degree, earning it a full year (or more!) before “traditional” students. Again, this varies by school.
What do employers really think about online degrees? Can I get a job with an online degree?
Here’s the truth. Employers care much more about advanced education than whether you took classes online, and most won’t even know because your diploma lists only the school name and degree granted.
Job placement is never a guarantee after graduation, but online education is definitely not a hindrance. And advanced education is a guaranteed strength on your resume!
How are online degrees different than “traditional” degrees?
Actually, the differences are minimal, and that which is different points to the strengths of online education. That is, online learning lends itself toward flexibility, affordability, and adaptability.
The difference between the two kinds of learning is mostly in “the college experience.” That is, you won’t have access to the kind of social life you would if you took classes on campus.
However, “traditional” degrees don’t emphasize the self-driven nature of online degrees, a huge asset in all industries.
How do online colleges work?
This really depends on the school itself, whether students are required to login for lectures, to test at exam centers, to supplement their online education with practicums in their local community, etc.
However, most schools subscribe to a student-centered approach to education, stressing flexibility and independence. Online students complete coursework at their own pace, logging into the school’s online infrastructure to access services, lectures, assignments, virtual discussion, and much more.
How do I spot a good online college or university?
This one is super important. Here’s what to look for in online education, regardless of what degree you are pursuing:
- A highly reputable, regional accreditation. Though some national accredited schools still provide great programs, regional accreditation points to high academic standards.
- A school that accepts prior educational credits and, perhaps even more importantly, allows students to transfer credits if they choose to switch programs later.
- Solid stats when it comes to graduation, retention, and student loan default rates. You can find all over at U.S. News & World Report.
- Can boast a breadth of services to their online students, from academic advising to technical help, financial guidance, and faculty accessibility.
What Are the Best Online Colleges?
In our 2017 Rankings of the Best Online Colleges, we account for factors like the number of online degrees offered, academic reputation, affordability, scholarly quality of the faculty teaching online courses, engaging methods of teaching, and technological resources.
In this list, we don’t consider associate’s degrees or certificates, only undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degrees. Occasionally, our list includes hybrid programs as well.
Our data came from the National Center for Educational Statistics, from the websites of the universities themselves, and publications like U.S. News and World Report.
1
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY WORLD CAMPUS
Pennsylvania State University has been named one of the country’s best online colleges since it founded its internet portal back in 2000. The school currently serves over 4,000 students across 82 degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Penn State World Campus one of the world’s top accredited online colleges with a focus on STEM and humanities degrees at all levels of education. Through this robust and fully supported online school, students will find a standard of excellence that is hard to beat on a traditional campus. And along with a superb online education, students will find nearly all of the online degree programs have no on-campus visits required—not even proctored exams.
As with many regionally accredited online colleges, Penn State World Campus offers its online courses asynchronously. This means students can attend class when and where they choose. The only deadline a student has at this school is the end of term, when all assignments and final examinations are due in order to complete the course.
Top Degrees offered:
- Bachelor in Accounting
- Bachelor in Biobehavioral Health
- Bachelor in Health Policy and Administration
- Master of Electrical Engineering
- Master of Data Analytics
2
EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY - WORLDWIDE
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been considered to be the home of one of the best online colleges in the country for over 20 years. Its online portal has been in existence since 1993 and has a current online student body of over 13,000 students that are working towards 31 degrees and the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Embry-Riddle is unique among accredited online universities in that it has a focus on aeronautics and engineering degrees. These degrees can be difficult to find in an online format, but the school has pioneered innovative teaching platforms to make it a reality. This is why this school is favored by the aeronautics industry and continuously graduates working professionals in that sector to move into leadership roles.
Along with the focus on aeronautics, Embry-Riddle joins other regionally accredited online colleges in providing a world-class curriculum that is taught by industry professionals with an average of five years work experience in the field. These instructors can then lead online courses and projects through the perspective of potential employers, ensuring that students understand the industry inside and out before graduation.
Top Degrees offered:
- Bachelor of Homeland Security
- Bachelor of Aviation Security
- Master of Aeronautics
- Master of Systems Engineering
- D. in Aviation
3
THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
The University of Illinois—Chicago is considered to be among the best online universities in the country and is currently ranked in the top ten best schools to get a bachelor’s degree online by U.S. News and World Report. The online portal was established in 2007 and offers 45 degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and School.
UIC is unique from many accredited online universities in that the school contributes to an online consortium of schools from the University of Illinois System. This allows students who are already enrolled in courses within the consortium to take online courses at other schools, provided that the courses meet the requirements for their degree.
Because UIC has partnered with other universities in Illinois, the virtual school is a comprehensive and well-supported institution. Students from other regionally accredited online colleges will find it easy to transfer into the school and continue with their education with little to no interruption. And along with a faculty that is well trained in the art of online instruction, students are treated to a world-class education that can be found at their fingertips.
Top Degrees offered:
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- RN to BSN
- Master of Engineering
- Master in Public Health Informatics
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH in Leadership)
⇒ Learn More about University of Illinois at Chicago
4
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Arizona State University is well known for being one of the best online colleges in the country and is world-renown both for its comprehensive listing of online degrees and for its student-friendly virtual college setting. The school, which confers 101 degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels, currently holds an online student body of well over 10,000 students. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
ASU provides the gold standard of education for the country’s accredited online colleges. Rather than providing degree programs that are one-size-fits-all, the school choose to offer students the ability to customize their programs to fit their career objectives and needs. Students can transfer in credits, use work experience as credits and even test out of certain subjects should they meet the requirements to do so.
And along with personalized degree programs, ASU, along with other regionally accredited online colleges, offers state-of-the-art virtual classrooms and experiences. Students can talk and chat with classmates and instructors using audio and visual communication platforms, participate in lab simulations and even turn in ePortfolios for their coursework. It’s no wonder why ASU is one of the most preferred online destinations for both working students and career professionals.
Top Degrees offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Arts in Business – Global Leadership
- Master of Science in Biomedical Diagnostics
- Master of Science in Clinical Research Management
- Master of Advanced Study in Sustainable Tourism
5
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
The University of Florida has been consistently ranked as one of the best online universities by U.S. News and World Report for the past five years, cementing its place as one of the top online colleges and universities for students from around the country. The online school was founded in 2001 and offers 93 online undergraduate and graduate degrees to the over 1,000 students that are enrolled within its programs. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
UF ranks in the top five of all accredited online universities for its affordability. The tuition rates are extremely low at this school and can be furthered reduced by grants, scholarships, and student employment. UF’s helpful and resourceful online support staff will work with students to find the best route for them to pay for their education.
The school is well known for its intimate setting online. Students and instructors are encouraged to have discussions and work together, and to this end UF has created small class sizes. Students can also feel free to sign up for online peer tutoring, a program designed to ensure that mastery of the coursework is attained for all students.
Top Degrees offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Public Relations
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
6
CUNY SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
The CUNY School of Professional Studies, known as CUNY SPS, is home to one of the best online colleges in the state of New York. With an online student body of over 1,200 students, the school offers 12 exceptional degrees, all 100 percent online, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
CUNY SPS was one of the first accredited online colleges in the state and has been a destination for working professionals who work in the psychology, business and healthcare sectors. This is because the school offers an online pathway from bachelor’s to doctorates, ensuring that students who are already comfortable at CUNY SPS can continue their education with no need to reapply. In fact, this school has one of the highest return rates for alumni pursuing higher degrees.
Unlike other regionally accredited online colleges, however, CUNY SPS does not differentiate their tuition rates based on residency. This means that all U.S. students pay that same low tuition rate for their online degree, regardless of where they live. And because the tuition rate is so low, CUNY SPS has earned the reputation of being one of the top ten most affordable online schools in the nation.
Top Degrees offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Business
- Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership
7
PACE UNIVERSITY
Pace University has been named one of the best online universities in the country by U.S. News And World Report and has a reputation for excellence in the academic arena. It has been offering online programs since 2004 and currently has 350 students enrolled in its 20 online degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. It is accredited by the Middle State Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Pace joins other accredited online universities in offering its online courses through Blackboard, the world’s most popular learning management system. This system is a virtual classroom, providing students with access to their instructors, other classmates, the syllabus, assignments, resource papers, and exams. It is a comprehensive tool for an education online that is fully utilized by Pace for all online degrees.
Pace online degrees are held to the same standards as all degrees conferred by the school. Like other regionally accredited online colleges, the school recommends students spend as much time on their coursework as possible to stay on track. But because students can access their coursework whenever and wherever they choose, studying can be done on their time, easing the stress of going back to school while working.
Top Degrees offered:
- Bachelor of Business Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Professional Communication Studies
- Executive Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Internet Technology
- Doctor of Professional Studies in Computing
8
CITY UNIVERSITY OF SEATTLE
City University of Seattle, known as CityU, is one of the best online colleges for working professionals in the healthcare and business sectors. There are over 2,500 students currently enrolled across the 68 online degrees the school offers at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
CityU is counted among the few accredited online colleges that are a private, nonprofit organization. The school is dedicated to providing students with a great education and so have endeavored to become one of the leading regionally accredited online colleges to provide financial assistance for students who require it. Scholarships are also available.
The school also gives students a unique opportunity to earn credit for work experience through its performance-based education mode. This program gives students the chance to proceed to their degree quickly while focusing on the subjects they have not mastered yet. Students interested in the performance-based mode of learning will need to talk with advisers before applying for the program of their choice.
Top Degrees offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
- Master of Counseling
- Master of Healthcare Administration
- Doctor of Business Administration
9
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
Recently rated as one of the best online universities for psychology and healthcare students, Creighton University is a destination school for working professionals in need of flexible education. The school offers 26 online bachelor’s and master’s degrees through its online portal, which was founded in 2008. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Creighton University’s faculty has a place of pride among regionally accredited online colleges. The instructors here are not only world-renown for their own research and work accomplishments; they are also well-respected for their commitment to training in online teaching methods. This has led them to be highly praised by past alumni and current students for their dedication to their students and the rigorous coursework opportunities they provide.
Creighton, like many other accredited online universities, offers working students with support services throughout the entirety of their education. From library services to online tutoring, students will find just about any kind of help they need through the online portal. This is the perfect online home for students who are committed to furthering their education.
Top Degrees offered:
- Bachelor of Science in Leadership
- Bachelor of Arts in Healthy Lifestyle Management
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventative Mental Health
- Doctor of Pharmacy
10
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY-GLOBAL CAMPUS
Colorado State University-Global Campus is America’s first 100 percent public online university. It is currently ranked as one of the top ten best online colleges for working adults and second-career students. The school confers 25 online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level to over 15,000 students. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
CSU-Global is formidable among accredited online colleges. Because all degrees are earned online, this has led to this school becoming an innovator in new teaching methods. Faculty are continuously training in online teaching, ensuring that students are provided with the very best education that can be found in the country.
This school focuses on students, not shareholders. CSU-Global has been dedicated to the goal of educating students in a global environment since 2008 and is currently nationally recognized for the pioneering spirit of both its faculty and students. The school has one of the largest student support services available to students and continues to collaborate with its student body to improve the education experience.
Top Degrees offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration and Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
- Master of Organizational Leadership
- Master of Healthcare Administration
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