Best Online College Options
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
University of Florida – Online
Location
Gainesville, Florida
Tuition
$129/credit (in state); $553/credit (out of state)
Course format
Asynchronous
Location
Gainesville, Florida
Tuition
$129/credit (in state); $553/credit (out of state)
Course format
Asynchronous
Why We Picked It
The University of Florida’s online campus is called UF Online and offers 25 undergraduate majors in areas such as advertising, computer science, environmental management, psychology and sport management—along with 11 minors. A public institution, UF Online prides itself on what it calls the “Gators Online Advantage,” which includes benefits like affordability, flexibility, student experience, academics, reputation, networking and research.
Through asynchronous courses, UF Online students enjoy flexible, high-quality learning. The university employs nearly 5,000 faculty members, including two Pulitzer Prize winners, and receives more than $700 million in order to conduct research annually. Learners have access to Gator Pathways, which is a network comprising employer and academic partners that give UF Online students a leg up on their goals.
UF’s application fee is $30.
Pros & Cons
- Low average net price per year
- Low percentage of students who take out federal loans
- High graduation rate
- High median total debt among graduates
- Low socioeconomic diversity
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
University of Central Florida
Location
Orange County, Florida
Tuition and Fees
$179/credit (in state, undergrad); $327/credit (in state, graduate)
Course format
Synchronous and asynchronous
Location
Orange County, Florida
Tuition and Fees
$179/credit (in state, undergrad); $327/credit (in state, graduate)
Course format
Synchronous and asynchronous
Why We Picked It
UCF Online is the online campus at University of Central Florida, a public university. UCF Online offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in areas like criminal justice, engineering, healthcare and education. Students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees through UCF Online, along with graduate certificates.
Distance learners at UCF Online have access to student success coaches. These coaches are trained to help learners navigate the university’s systems, connect with student resources and balance work, school and personal life.
Courses at UCF Online follow either a web-based format or a video-based format. Video-based courses may be live (synchronous) or flexible (asynchronous), so students experience a combination of course modalities.
UCF’s application fee is $30. Out of state tuition is $716/credit (undergrad) and $1,152/credit (graduate).
Pros & Cons
- Low average net price per year
- High graduation rate
- Low percentage of students who take out federal loans
- High student-to-faculty ratio
- High median total debt among graduates
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Purdue University
Location
West Lafayette, Indiana
Tuition
$270-$1,300/credit (in state); $270-$1,430/credit (out of state)
Course format
Asynchronous and synchronous
Location
West Lafayette, Indiana
Tuition
$270-$1,300/credit (in state); $270-$1,430/credit (out of state)
Why We Picked It
Purdue University, a public school, runs its distance learning programs through Purdue Online. Students at Purdue Online can choose from over 200 programs leading to associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, along with certificates and professional development courses. Study areas include agriculture, communication, law, technology and veterinary medicine.
Purdue Online brings together online and hybrid programs from all members of the Purdue University system (Purdue West Lafayette, Purdue Fort Wayne, Purdue Northwest and Purdue Global). This gives learners a wealth of study options regardless of where they live. All online programs offer challenging curricula and experienced faculty members, conferring the same degrees as their campus-based counterparts.
Purdue’s application fee is $60.
Pros & Cons
- Low average net price per year
- High graduation rate
- High student retention rate
- Low socioeconomic diversity
- No live chat tech support for online learners
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Florida International University
Location
Miami, Florida
Tuition
$229/credit (in state, undergrad); $479/credit (in state, graduate)
Course format
Synchronous
Location
Miami, Florida
Tuition
$229/credit (in state, undergrad); $479/credit (in state, graduate)
Course format
Synchronous
Why We Picked It
FIU Online is the online campus of Florida International University, a public college. FIU is one of the largest universities in the U.S., with over 200,000 alumni and a current student body of more than 56,000. The university holds virtual events for its online learners and offers a Career Engage program, which helps prepare online engineering students for their careers.
The faculty and curricula at FIU Online are identical to those on campus, and online degrees are the same as on-campus degrees as well. Though FIU Online’s courses are not self-paced, they are designed to accommodate working professionals’ schedules. Around 48,000 students enroll in online courses at FIU each year, learning from more than 1,400 instructors in over 1,500 classes.
FIU’s application fee is $30. Out of state tuition is $346/credit (undergrad) and $1,025/credit (graduate).
Pros & Cons
- Low average net price per year
- 24/7 live chat tech support for online learners
- Low application fee
- High student-to-faculty ratio
- Low median earnings among graduates 10 years after graduation
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
University of Minnesota
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tuition
Approximately $419/credit (undergrad); $700-$1,400/credit (graduate)
Course format
Synchronous and asynchronous
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tuition
Approximately $419/credit (undergrad); $700-$1,400/credit (graduate)
Course format
Synchronous and asynchronous
Why We Picked It
University of Minnesota Online is the digital component of one of the United States’ top public research universities. Many online programs at U of M offer in-state tuition rates to all distance learners regardless of where they live. Online students can choose from over 100 programs, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees; minors; certificates; and licensing courses.
Distance learners at U of M have access to tech support via live chat, though the hours are limited. Those preparing to enter the workforce can also take advantage of online professional development courses, some of which count toward a degree or certificate. These courses cover a broad scope of professional areas, including festival and event management, Agile coaching, editing and proofreading, tree inspection and writing business reports and proposals.
U of M’s application fee is $55.
Pros & Cons
- High graduation rate
- High student retention rate
- High median earnings among graduates 10 years after graduation
- High median total debt among graduates
- Low socioeconomic diversity
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Indiana University
Location
Bloomington, Indiana
Tuition
Approximately $250/credit (in state, undergrad); $300-$1,900/credit (in state, graduate)
Course format
Asynchronous
Location
Bloomington, Indiana
Tuition
Approximately $250/credit (in state, undergrad); $300-$1,900/credit (in state, graduate)
Course format
Asynchronous
Why We Picked It
A public college, Indiana University offers over 200 online programs covering a broad scope of education levels and study areas. Students can pursue associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as graduate certificates. Fields of study include applied science, humanities, mathematics, public health and social work, among others.
If you study online at IU, the university will assign you a home campus (i.e., your campus of enrollment). You can still take online courses offered through any IU campus, but your home campus handles financial aid, advising and other administrative details. Distance learners follow a traditional academic calendar with terms in the fall, spring and summer. Your specific calendar and start date depend on your home campus.
IU’s application fee is $65. Out of state tuition is $350/credit (undergrad)
and $450-$1,900/credit (graduate).
Pros & Cons
- Low average net price per year
- High graduation rate
- High student retention rate
- High median total debt among graduates
- Low socioeconomic diversity
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Utah State University
Location
Logan, Utah
Tuition
$345/credit (in state, undergrad, part time); $3,694/term (in state, undergrad, full time) ; $404/credit (in state, graduate, part time); $4,399/term (in state, graduate, full time)
Course format
Asynchronous
Location
Logan, Utah
Tuition
$345/credit (in state, undergrad, part time); $3,694/term (in state, undergrad, full time) ; $404/credit (in state, graduate, part time); $4,399/term (in state, graduate, full time)
Course format
Asynchronous
Why We Picked It
Utah State University’s online campus helps students earn their degrees quickly, conveniently and on their own schedule. Incoming distance learners can work with advisors to fine-tune their applications and transfer any prior credits. Course sessions run for seven or 17 weeks
USU has offered online courses for 25 years and now features over 500 distance learning courses and more than 60 fully online degrees. USU confers online undergraduate and graduate certificates, professional education licensures and endorsem*nts and degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.
USU’s application fee is $50. Out of state tuition is $382/credit (undergrad, part time,; $4,584/term (undergrad, full time), $488/credit (graduate, part time) and $5,856/term ( graduate, full time).
Pros & Cons
- Low average net price per year
- Low percentage of students who take out federal loans
- High retention rate
- Low socioeconomic diversity
- High acceptance rate
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Colorado State University – Global
Location
Aurora, Colorado
Tuition
$350/credit (undergrad); $500/credit (graduate)
Course format
Asynchronous
Location
Aurora, Colorado
Tuition
$350/credit (undergrad); $500/credit (graduate)
Course format
Asynchronous
Why We Picked It
Colorado State University – Global is the digital branch of CSU, a public university. CSU Global boasts affordability, locking each student’s tuition rate upon enrollment and charging $0 in student fees (unlike 85% of similar four-year universities). All courses are fully online and asynchronous for maximum flexibility.
CSU Global offers undergraduate degrees and certificates, graduate degrees and certificates and licensure programs for educators. Areas of study include accounting, criminal justice, human resources, marketing and technology, among others. Moreover, every distance learner works with their own student success counselor to ensure a smooth journey from enrollment to graduation.
CSU Global’s application fee is $25. Waivers are available on the school’s website.
Pros & Cons
- Low average net price per year
- 24/7 live chat tech support for online learners
- High socioeconomic diversity
- High median total debt among graduates
- High percentage of students who take out federal loans
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Arizona State University
Location
Tempe, Arizona
Tuition
$561-$661/credit (undergrad); $543-$1,343/credit (graduate); $543-$1,099/credit (certificate)
Course format
Asynchronous
Location
Tempe, Arizona
Tuition
$561-$661/credit (undergrad); $543-$1,343/credit (graduate); $543-$1,099/credit (certificate)
Course format
Asynchronous
Why We Picked It
Arizona State University, a public school, offers its online programs through ASU Online. These distance programs are 100% online and predominantly asynchronous. Courses run for six to 7.5 weeks, and enrollees can start their classes in the fall, spring or summer. Learners can choose from over 300 undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and certificates.
Counselors, tutors and career advisors help ASU Online students make the most of their distance learning experience. Other student services include counseling, childcare, eldercare and personal finance guidance. ASU Online even offers time management coaching, which can make all the difference to students who are new to a self-paced course load.
ASU’s application fee is $70.
Pros & Cons
- High student retention rate
- 24/7 live chat tech support for online learners
- Mental health/counseling services
- High median total debt among graduates
- High application fee
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Penn State World Campus
Location
University Park, Pennsylvania
Tuition
$620-$677/credit (undergrad); $1,007/credit (graduate)
Course format
Asynchronous
Location
University Park, Pennsylvania
Tuition
$620-$677/credit (undergrad); $1,007/credit (graduate)
Course format
Asynchronous
Why We Picked It
Penn State World Campus is a public online university that educates over 20,000 students in more than 175 degree and certificate programs. This online campus has been in operation since 1998, pushing its mission to make the Penn State educational experience available to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Penn State World Campus aims to deliver a convenient, flexible and high-quality education to its distance learners.
The courses offered through Penn State World Campus are the same as those at Penn State’s physical campus. The faculty and diplomas are the same as well. Online students at this university use chat, email, video conferencing, discussion boards and social media—among other tools—to complete coursework and earn their degrees.
Penn State World Campus’ application fee is $65
Pros & Cons
- High graduation rate
- 24/7 live chat tech support for online learners
- Personalized academic advising available
- High median total debt among graduates
- High acceptance rate
How to Find the Right Online College for You
We used an objective methodology to create this list of the best online colleges, but when it comes to choosing a school for yourself, you should also consider factors that are personal to you. To choose the best online college for your education, you should understand your budget, professional and academic goals and preferred learning style—among other considerations. Let’s take a closer look.
Know Your Time Commitment
Are you already juggling a career or family, or is school about to become your full-time job? If you need to fit your education around other life responsibilities, you may prefer a university with asynchronous learning or part-time enrollment options.
Likewise, if you’re ready to study full time and want to finish your degree as quickly as possible, you might look for a university that offers accelerated programs. Accelerated degrees demand a larger time commitment in the short run, but they also allow you to graduate and enter the workforce more quickly.
Know how many hours per week you can commit to your studies before selecting an online college.
Look at Accreditation
Proper accreditation should be a critical factor in any college search, especially if you want to continue your education after graduation. Most graduate programs require candidates to hold undergraduate degrees from accredited colleges. Moreover, employers value degrees from accredited institutions more highly.
To see whether your prospective online college is accredited, check the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s searchable directory.
Consider Your Future Goals
Are you pursuing a career that requires an advanced degree or professional licensure? Or would an undergraduate degree or a graduate certificate suffice for your career goals? Asking yourself these questions can help you choose the best online college for you.
For example, if you’re deciding on an undergraduate school but plan to pursue a graduate degree after earning your bachelor’s, you might choose an online university that offers both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in your intended field of study. Completing both degrees at the same institution can make the process smoother—and, in some cases, faster.
Cost of an Online College Degree
As demonstrated by our above list of the best online colleges, tuition rates vary drastically among colleges. To give you a general idea of your financial commitment, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports average tuition rates for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Undergraduate Degrees
Average tuition and fees per academic year for full-time undergraduate learners are as follows, according to the NCES.
- Public, four-year, in state: $9,375
- Public, four-year, out of state: $27,091
- Private, four-year: $32,825
- Public, two-year, in state: $3,501
- Public, two-year, out of state: $8,256
Graduate Degrees
The average graduate student pays the following tuition and fees per academic year, according to NCES data.
- Public: $12,410
- Private: $26,597
Methodology
We scored 16 of the largest online colleges in the U.S. using 17 data points in the categories of credibility (including accreditation and nonprofit status), affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process. We chose the 10 best to display based on those scoring 61% or higher.
Student outcomes: 30%
Affordability: 25%
Student experience: 25%
Application process: 10%
Credibility: 10%
Specific characteristics we considered within each category include accreditation, nonprofit status, average price per year, financial aid offerings, Pell Grant recipient graduation rate, graduation rate and transfer-out rate.
The highest-ranking schools were fully accredited, nonprofit institutions with relatively low net prices per year. Schools that ranked well have high graduation rates, high student retention rates and access to mental health services and personalized academic advising.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges
How long does it take to get an online bachelor's degree?
As with on-campus programs, an online bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete on average. Your program length may be shorter or longer depending on your enrollment status and whether you take courses during summer terms.
Is an online degree as good as a traditional degree?
Yes, online degrees from accredited institutions are just as valuable as traditional on-campus degrees.
Can I transfer my credits to an online degree program?
Generally speaking, yes, you can transfer prior credits to an online degree program as long as you earned those credits from a properly accredited institution. However, transfer policies vary among schools and programs, so check with your online college to learn about its requirements.
Do online degree programs have accreditation?
Yes, many online degree programs carry institutional and subject-specific accreditation. Consult the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s searchable directory to see your school’s accreditation status.
Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circ*mstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.