The Best Online Colleges & Universities

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The flexible format of online bachelor's degrees allows learners to prioritize their work and family lives while they study online. As such, these programs continue to grow in popularity.

Online programs feature different delivery methods. Asynchronous courses do not include set class times, while synchronous courses require that distance learners attend live online lectures at specific times. Some programs offer self-paced or accelerated courses that help working professionals graduate sooner.

A growing number of schools focus on online programs. This guide ranks the best online bachelor's degrees in the nation. It also covers the benefits and costs of these degrees, what to expect from these programs, and how to find scholarships and grants to pay for tuition.

Online Colleges and Universities Overview

Earning a bachelor's degree online requires independent study that can challenge some learners. However, for many students, the pros of online learning outweigh the cons.

Online students benefit from a flexible schedule that allows them to attend class from anywhere. Students never need to visit campus to earn many online degrees. Nevertheless, distance learners can still access online digital library collections, virtual tutoring services, and counseling appointments.

Asynchronous coursework provides additional flexibility for working professionals, who can complete assignments around their schedules.

In addition to the greater flexibility, online bachelor's degrees offer monetary incentives. Out-of-state online students often can receive in-state tuition when they enroll completely online.

Why Choose an Online Degree?

Pursuing a bachelor's degree online provides distance learners with professional and personal advantages, including the following:

Diverse Perspectives

Online learning allows students from around the world to learn in the same classroom. Online programs often include more diverse perspectives than on-campus programs.

Flexibility

The flexibility of an online bachelor's degree enables students to decide when they study and go to school. Online learning also teaches students better organizational and time management skills.

Build Technical Skills

Online students gain knowledge of remote technology and online learning platforms that can help them in their professional lives, as many companies use video conferencing softwareand live chats to hold meetings.

Networking Opportunities

Having a globally diverse classroom provides students with opportunities to network, collaborate, and access career opportunities across borders.

Career Advancement

Earning an online bachelor's degree often gives students access to specialized online courses or certifications.

Cost of Attending an Online College

The best online bachelor's degrees often cost less than on-campus programs. Online learners do not pay for room and board, commuting, and parking. Read on for an in-depth look at online tuition and fees.

Online learning generally offers a more affordable degree pathway. According to the College Board, the average annual cost of tuition and fees was $10,440 for public four-year colleges during the 2019-20 school year. On-campus students attending public four-year schools paid $21,950 for tuition and fees, plus room and board. Since online learners do not pay for room and board or travel costs, they tend to pay less for their education.

During the 2020-21 school year, LeTourneau University's on-campus students paid $43,360 for tuition, housing, meal plans, fees, and course fees. The university's online students paid $9,585-$12,825 during the 2019-20 school year.

While online students avoid housing and transportation costs, they often pay technology, financial aid, capital improvement, and recreational costs. In many cases, colleges offer discounts for out-of-state online learners.

Accreditation for an Online College

Accreditation offers credibility and secures each student's educational investment. Colleges earn regional or national accreditation after independent agencies evaluate their curricula, student outcomes, faculty, and student resources.

Regional accreditation is the most common and reputable designation. National accrediting agencies often focus on for-profit vocational schools.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation oversee the agencies that accredit colleges. Regional agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission accredit schools within geographical areas.

Employers prefer students who attend accredited colleges. Students who attend regionally accredited schools can easily transfer their credits. Regionally accredited schools also offer corporate tuition reimbursements, whereas national accredited schools may not. Without regional or national accreditation, schools cannot receive federal financial aid to distribute to students.

Common Online Bachelor's Degrees

• Accounting

  An online bachelor's in accounting degree prepares students to become financial analysts and personal financial advisors. The curriculum gives students a solid business foundation through courses in federal taxation, auditing principles, and business law.

• Business Administration

  Learners earning an online bachelor's in business administration study leadership, human resources, accounting, and project management. Graduates are prepared for careers as financial managers and human resources managers.

• Criminal Justice

  An online bachelor's in criminal justice program focuses on the courts, law enforcement, and corrections. Common courses include criminology, statistical analysis, and research methods. Graduates often secure jobs as probation officers and correctional officers.

• Psychology

  Core courses in an online bachelor's degree in psychology generally include human lifespan development, learning and cognition, and research methods.

• Social Work

  Online learners enrolled in an online bachelor's in social work degree study human behavior, interviewing, and group and individual practice. Graduates can find work in child welfare, domestic violence centers, and schools.

[expert-qa theme="primary" title="Expert Advice on Choosing the Best College" description="Patrick Mullane leads HBX, Harvard Business School's online learning initiative, as its executive director. In the interview below, he shares key insights into the online college selection process." limit="" controls="false" src=""][expert-qa-item title="Flexibility is a hallmark of online schools, but what other attributes should a student consider?"] Students should understand the extent to which assessment will be used in the course. Are there quizzes? A final exam? Answers to these questions can help prospective students gauge the relative effort required in a given course. The rigor of a program can also signal its efficacy to employers who, when they see the course on your resume, know that you did not just sign up for a cakewalk. If you are taking a course for college credit, pay attention to the transferability of credits to another institution. Not all institutions accept transfer credits, so if you plan to use an online course to lighten your load when you enroll in another school's program, be sure you understand the transfer process.[/expert-qa-item][expert-qa-item title="What are some big red flags to watch for when choosing an online school?"] Fortunately, online education has come a long way in the last 5-10 years, and big red flags are few and far between. Use common sense to make a smart choice. Prospective online students should do plenty of research before choosing a program. They can turn to reputable news sources and websites, which may have lists or references regarding online programs.[/expert-qa-item][expert-qa-item title="What's your best piece of advice for students choosing between a few worthy online schools?"]Students should start with their end goal in mind. Consider what you are trying to accomplish through an online course. Do you want to learn a new hard skill for your current job, enhance your resume for a new job, or make a career change? These questions can help you sift through the options. If you are trying to advance your career or make a career change, a rigorous program that awards a credential of some kind, like the HBX CORe program, would be a good choice. If you are simply trying to brush up on a skill that helps you in your current job, a free course that does not offer a certificate, credential, or degree may be just fine.[/expert-qa-item][/expert-qa]

Online Scholarships and Grants

Loans provide the bulk of financial aid students need for tuition and fees. However, online learners can decrease the number of loans they need by finding scholarships and grants, which they do not have to pay back.

[accordion title="" limit="5" component-theme="primary" controls="true][accordion-item title="Get Educated Online College Scholarship"]

Offered through GetEducated.com, this scholarship goes to online learners based on academic merit and financial need. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay and transcripts.Who Can Apply: Online learners with a 3.0 GPA who attend an accredited college can apply.Amount: $1,000

[/accordion-item][accordion-item title="Study.com Undergraduate Distance Learning Scholarships"]

Study.com awards one scholarship to an undergraduate every year based on their academic record and extracurricular activities. Candidates need at least 30 credits left in their studies.Who Can Apply: Undergraduates earning an online associate or bachelor's degree can apply.Amount: $500

[/accordion-item][accordion-item title="TheBestSchools.org Scholarships"]

TheBestSchools.org offers six scholarships every year to online students with a 3.0 minimum GPA.Who Can Apply: Full-time and part-time students who are at least 18 years old and enrolled in an accredited college can apply.Amount: $1,000

[/accordion-item][accordion-item title="The Christian Connector Scholarship Drawing"]

Any student who completes a free information request form on Christian Connector, a Christian college database, can win this scholarship.Who Can Apply:Online learners attending a Christian college can apply.Amount: $2,500

[/accordion-item][accordion-item title="OnlineColleges.org Support a Student Scholarship for Single Parents"]

OnlineColleges.org offers $10,000 for non-tuition expenses — including rent, food, and childcare — for single-parent students.Who Can Apply: Single parents attending an online program at an accredited college can apply.Amount: $10,000

[/accordion-item][/accordion]

2020 Best Online Colleges and Universities

Online universities allow students to attend the top programs in the country without relocating. This guide ranks the best online universities in the U.S. based on factors like tuition costs, financial aid opportunities, and student learning outcomes.

Online College and University Resource Center

More Online College Rankings and Guides

The following resources cover top online colleges for specific demographics, such as the best online colleges for military students, Christian students, and students on tight budgets. Students can also explore the best online community colleges and learn how to succeed as an online learner.

Best Financial Aid Options for Online Students

While online programs often cost less than traditional programs, they still require a significant financial investment. Fortunately, online students typically qualify for many of the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students, such as loans, scholarships, and grants. Students can explore these opportunities and learn more about how to finance their education through the College Affordability and Transparency Center.

Additional Resources for Online Students

Looking for even more information on how to choose the best online colleges and universities? This list of impartial and informative resources can help students make their final decision and explore other information as well, such as financial aid and scholarships.

College Affordability and Transparency Center

A service of the U.S. Department of Education, this extensive resource provides information on everything from tuition costs, net price, and vocational and trade schools.

College Navigator

Part of the National Center for Education Statistics, this in-depth search tool provides students the opportunity to search through a variety of schools, in addition to helping with career searches and financial aid.

The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs

Another service of the U.S. Department of Education, this important website can help prospective students answer the very important question of whether or not their potential schools are accredited.

Become's Career Hubs

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