Best Online Universities in 2024

Deciding to attend school online can be a tough decision. Though the benefits of online programs—convenience, flexibility, accessibility—are highly appealing, the thousands of online program options can be overwhelming. How do you know which program you want to pursue? Which schools offer the accreditation and modules you need, and how do you know which one is right for you?

We’re here to simplify the decision for you. Explore this list of some of the best online colleges to find programs offering bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and postgraduate certificates.

The Best Online Universities in 2023

How We Rank the Best Online Universities

The making of this list of affordable online colleges was based on undergraduate tuition costs per credit hour (where possible) and are listed from the lowest tuition per credit hour to the most. For schools that don’t present tuition per credit hour, the semester amount was divided by 12 to get a general idea of the cost per credit hour for a full-time student. Please visit our methodology page for more information.

We are always looking to make our lists and rankings stronger, so we can provide our readers with the most accurate information. For more specific information on these programs, please visit the links provided in this article, or feel free to contact us with any other concerns.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about 34.4 hours each week working. That figure, however, doesn’t paint the complete picture. People between 25 and 54 years old spend about 40.5 hours a week working, or 8 hours a day.

Now add to that the number of hours spent in traffic, on social visits, running errands, and for about 7.8 million Americans…a second job. If you do the math, you will find that most adults don’t have the time for much of anything else, let alone time to further their education by getting a bachelor’s degree.

That is one of the main reasons why online colleges and universities have become so popular — they give busy, working adults the freedom to join an online degree program and get their certification while still maintaining their jobs and busy lifestyles.

Which, to millions of potential under and postgraduate students, is excellent news. Imagine being able to choose the kind of degree program you want to undertake and being able to take it at your own pace, in your own time until completion. That is exactly what most online universities offer you.

Most offer courses that do not include any set class times and can be taken at the student’s convenience. In contrast, others offer classes that require the students to attend live online lectures at specified times. Whichever way you look at it, distance learners can attend these classes from wherever they are without going too much out of their way to do so.

In this guide, we will look at online universities and all that they bring to the table. We will also look at some of the best online degree courses, how to choose the best online university for your needs, and why accreditation is so important throughout this process.

Comparing the Best Online Universities

There is a reason why Ivy League schools are so in demand, so difficult to get into, and just as equally expensive – they are worth it. You can be sure you are going to get a high-quality education when you join one. You know that you will interact with students and faculty from across the globe, all of which will open up your mind to previously unseen opportunities.

The same applies to online colleges. If you choose the best ones, not only will you get a top-quality education, but you will be introduced to a network of students, albeit distance learners, faculty, and culture, that will expose you to new opportunities to not only progress your career but maybe also your social life.

Unfortunately, not all online programs or universities are created equal. It’s up to you to choose the best one for your needs that will give you a high-quality online degree program at your preferred price point. They are there – it just takes a bit of researching and knowing what to look for when doing so.

How to Choose the Best Online University for You

With thousands of online colleges offering you degree programs 100% online, it can be very easy to go for the cheapest and most flexible ones. However, that isn’t always the best approach.

Just as you would take your time picking land-based colleges, researching them, maybe taking a campus tour, and meeting a few of the students before deciding to enroll, you should also take your time researching and choosing an online college.

Instead of campus tours, here are some factors that you should consider when choosing the best accredited online college for you:

1. Discover the history

Some of the best colleges and universities have earned their pedigree because they have been around for ages. Some are even more than a hundred years old. These kinds of institutions have a clear and respectable reputation.

While they might have all started as in-person learning institutions, most of them have gone the online way and started their own online bachelor’s program that has the same quality standards as their usual on-campus programs. Whenever you get an online degree from such institutions, you know that you are getting a degree that has proven value.

2. Insist on accreditation

Think of accreditation as the quality control placed upon institutions of higher education. Any school that has been accredited must follow extremely meticulous standards to maintain that accreditation, which means that anyone going or attending an online degree program offered by an accredited institution can rest assured that they are receiving a good quality education.

3. Consider your career goals

Unfortunately, there are degree programs that look very good on the surface but offer many unnecessary credits. Most of these credits are akin to “fluff” designed to prop up the program and cost you a lot of money. Make sure the program will help you achieve your career goals, not offer unnecessary learning that sounds great but has no practical benefit.

4. Look at transfer credits

Let’s face it. Most of us have done a few low-cost online courses to better our knowledge and qualifications for our careers. There is a very good chance that by the time you reach the conclusion that you need to complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited online college, you have gone through one or two online schools and realized that a full-blown degree is what you need. Many online programs will allow you to transfer these to your degree program.

5. Consider the total cost

There is a growing concern that some online schools are out to milk their students for all they can without necessarily providing value in terms of education. You have probably noticed some schools advertising entire online degree courses for as little as “$9,000” only for you to get slapped with a $17,000 bill thanks to a host of other hidden charges such as registration fees and so on. Talk to the school directly to get an accurate idea of the cost.

6. Discuss the viability of online learning

Some courses are simply not teachable online. This includes courses that require a lot of practical lab work and physical observation. If your career path leads you down this road, you need to be very careful when deciding to take your classes online. Check with the online college to find out how they go about making sure that you get a quality education despite it being online.

7. Look at the support for online students

This ties into the previous point – the best online schools go above and beyond to provide their students with the best possible course outline (geared towards online viability) and all the necessary support they need.

Here’s the thing about online degree programs: most of them aren’t as structured as regular degree programs. This is especially true for asynchronous courses that don’t require you to log into a lecture at any specific time but allow you to complete the coursework at your pace and leisure. This opens the door to procrastination that can hurt your finish time. A well-staffed support team can help you overcome this challenge.

Tips for Comparing Online College Degrees

Not only do you need to choose a school, but you also need to look at the college degrees offered. To compare online college degrees, consider the following:

• Delivery – Are you going to have the flexibility to study at your own pace, or will you need to log in at specific times? Does the program require in-person labs or clinical work?
• Qualifications – What are the qualifications of the faculty who teach in the online environment? Do you get the same quality of instruction as an on-campus student? Does the school have any awards or accolades worth considering?
• Accreditation – Does the program have accreditation? You will likely want accreditation to help with financial aid and future job opportunities. Look for not just regional accreditation but also degree-specific accreditation for programs like business.
• Program offerings – Look at the specifics of the program you are considering. Make sure it meets your expectations and offers the learning you need. Consider concentrations and electives and the overall courses offered.

What Is College/University Accreditation?

Accreditation is a voluntary process that seeks to ensure that higher learning institutions such as a college, a university or even a degree program meet a set of universal standards designed to ensure quality. This process is used to give an institution credibility that is then transferred to its graduates and acknowledged by employers.

Interestingly, this process isn’t administered by the U.S Department of Education; it is, however, overseen by it in conjunction with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Many different federally-recognized agencies are tasked with setting the accreditation standards.

Every institution of higher learning, whether or not they offer online classes, answers to the same set standards. A “regular” degree isn’t necessarily more valuable than an online degree of the same course in this aspect.

National vs. Regional Accredited Colleges

When it comes to choosing a college, there’s plenty to consider. You can compare universities by tuition fees, school reputation, cost of living, and much more. But perhaps one of the most powerful factors to consider when looking for the best online universities is accreditation.
Depending on your career goals and life ambitions, the type of accreditation you receive will determine how and where you can use your degree in the future.

The two main differences in accreditation are national and regional. But what do these differences look like?

National accreditation focuses on trade and vocational schools with a specialty in career-based programs offering certificates and degrees. National accreditation agencies include the Distance Education & Training Council (DETC) and Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).

Regional accreditation is geared more toward institutions focusing on academics. Agencies such as Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensure these academic institutions hold themselves to a high standard, offering an exceptional level of academic learning. These institutions can either be non-profit or state-owned universities and colleges.

Why Choose Regional Accredited Schools Instead of National?

It should first be stated that both types of accreditations hold value in the educational world. That being said, regionally accredited schools tend to offer students more benefits than nationally accredited schools.

Here are some main differences between regionally accredited schools and their nationally accredited counterparts:

Characteristics and Benefits of Regionally Accredited Schools

• Their designated regional accreditation agencies periodically review regionally accredited schools.
• This accreditation is more widely-recognized and considered the most prestigious.
• These schools tend to be more expensive.
• These schools tend to be more selective during their student selection and admission process.
• They are mostly academic institutions that fund-raise and depend on legacy giving and federal grants to meet financial obligations.
• Unfortunately, regionally accredited schools don’t typically accept credit transfers from nationally accredited schools. They tend to favor other regionally accredited schools.
• When you attend a regionally accredited school, you are eligible for pretty much every corporate tuition reimbursement plan.

Characteristics and Benefits of Nationally Accredited Schools

• These schools tend to be less expensive than regionally accredited schools.
• They are institutions of trade and vocational training, such as nursing schools, art and design, and so forth.
• Their selection and admission standards tend to be more relaxed than regionally accredited schools.
• These are predominantly for-profit schools that earn their revenue through enrollment and selling educational products.
• They tend to accept credit transfers from both regionally and nationally accredited schools alike.
• Graduates may or may not be eligible for corporate tuition reimbursements.

Both regionally and nationally accredited schools have their merits and demerits. The important factors are that you attend an accredited school as opposed to one that isn’t accredited.

Why School Accreditation is Important to Your Education and Career

If you decide to attend an institution that isn’t either nationally or regionally accredited, you could very well be wasting money. Here are some reasons why you need to make sure that the school you attend is accredited:

• Financial aid: You won’t receive federally funded financial aid if you don’t attend an accredited institution.
• Credit transfer: You won’t transfer your credits anywhere if you don’t attend an accredited school.
• Impact on employment: Almost every employer conducts a thorough background check. If you don’t have a degree or certification from an accredited school, it may negatively impact your chances of getting employed. This is mostly because accredited institutions are viewed as legitimate learning institutions, while non-accredited schools don’t hold the same reputation.

How to Find Out if an Online College/University is Accredited

Since attending an accredited institution of higher learning impacts the quality of education you get and your employability, it’s important to learn how to find out whether or not that online school you are considering joining is accredited. Here are some steps you can take to find out:

• Run a quick search in the U.S Department of Education database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs. Simply type in the school name in full. For example, typing in “University of California-Los Angeles” will most likely give you results instead of UCLA.
• Run a quick check on each of the six main regional accrediting agencies. You could focus on the one that oversees the region where your intended online school is based, but it’s often best to just run a search on all six just in case you have the region wrong.
• Simply contact the online university or college, ask them for proof of accreditation, and then counter-check that information.

As you can tell, a few things are extremely important when it comes to choosing the best online colleges for your consideration. For one thing, you need to find one that offers the kind of education you need to progress your career.

For another, you need to make sure that the college is accredited, and finally, you need to make sure that it is an affordable online college and in line with your hectic lifestyle.

Thankfully, all this information is easy enough to find online. However, suppose you find it difficult to afford the kind of college that meets all the parameters except that one. In that case, there are often quite a number of college grants offered by individual institutions and the federal government that can help you shoulder that financial burden. All you have to do is look up that information on the college’s website or call them up and ask.

As long as you attend an accredited online school, the education you get will be of the same value as campus-based students at the same institution.

How to Apply to an Online College Program

To apply for an online program, follow these steps:

1. Choose the school that best fits your needs. Take time to research not only the school’s qualifications but also their online delivery formats.

2. Gather your necessary documents. You will need official transcripts from your high school or any college you have attended previously. Your SAT and ACT test scores or the GMAT scores if you have taken these are also required. Poem schools require letters of reference and a summary of your extracurricular activities.

3. Write a personal statement. This will outline your ambitions for college and showcase your writing skills, and it may be required for online admissions.

4. Apply for your school through the school’s online application portal. Fill in all of the fields accurately. Make sure you apply by the application deadline for the school.

5. Pay application fees, and wait to see if you are accepted.

How to Pay for One of the Best Online Universities

Online college offers similar scholarship and financial aid options as traditional college, especially if you choose an accredited program. If you need financial aid, start by filling out the FAFSA. This will tell you if you qualify for any federal aid programs.

Then, reach out to your school’s financial aid department to learn of on-campus financial aid options that may be open to you. Apply for those.

Finally, look for private scholarships and personal loans. Find organizations in your field of study, and ask about scholarship opportunities. If you are part of any minority group or special interest group, look for scholarships that apply to you. Apply to as many of these as possible to get the most financial aid.

Feel Confident in Choosing the Best Online College for You

Choosing the best online university for your educational journey is a decision that deserves careful consideration. It may feel overwhelming to begin with, but being clear about what you’re looking for will help you narrow down your search.

Factors such as the type of accreditation offered, financial aid and future job opportunities are vital considerations when comparing online universities and making your decision. 

It’s also important to thoroughly research school histories, program offerings, transfer credit policies and tuition costs to get a full picture of each university and help you make a more informed decision. You’ll also need to be sure that your institution offers sufficient learning opportunities for your career goals – either with a mix of online and in-person classes or clinical classes.

As the scope of online education evolves and more institutions become available online, finding the best fit for your needs is crucial. It’s not just about choosing the cheapest or most flexible option; it’s about selecting an institution that aligns with your goals and offers a high-quality education.

So, as you conduct your college research, remember that the best online universities are those that empower you to achieve your aspirations, provide the support you need, and offer a recognized and accredited path to success. Take the time to research, evaluate, and choose wisely, ensuring that your online education is a fulfilling and enriching experience.

Online College FAQs

• Can I only apply to one online college?

If you are going to look at a degree program, you would be best served by focusing on one online college at a time. However, you can apply to more than one before choosing a course of study. If your schools are highly competitive, this is often a wise choice.

• Is an online degree as respected as a traditional degree?

An online degree is as accepted and respected as the school it comes from. If you choose a well-known, trusted school, your degree will be trusted as well.

• Are online degrees with it?

If you need flexibility and cannot attend courses on-campus, you will get the benefits of your chosen school in an online degree. These are absolutely worthwhile if you need the format.

• What can I do with an online degree?

You can do anything with an online degree that you could do with the same degree from a traditional program.

• Are online colleges full or part-time?

Most online colleges offer both full-time and part-time schedules to accommodate the needs of students. Each program is unique, so always check with yours to see what the options are.