Accredited Online Colleges

Online Bachelor's Degrees

Popular Online Bachelor's Degrees

How Much Does An Online Bachelor's Cost?

At many private universities, you’ll pay the same tuition for an online undergraduate degree as you would for one earned on campus. Tuition rates may differ for in-state and out-of-state online students at public schools. On their websites, most schools post information about tuition and required fees for online programs, just as they do for most on-campus bachelor’s programs. You can also request info from the bursar’s office, which is responsible for handling college tuition payments.
There are also several ways students can reduce the cost of an online degree. For instance, they can transfer previously earned college credits or enroll in an accelerated program. In competency-based education, students demonstrate mastery of specific skills to progress faster through what they already know, spending more time on the new information and paying a set price per billing period. Employer tuition reimbursement — where an employer pays for some or all tuition — and scholarships for online students can also help reduce the price of getting an education.
Prospective students can contact a financial aid adviser to ensure they are on track with paying each term. Generally, online programs will accept payments online by credit card, debit card or electronic check; by mail via a check or money order; or by wire transfer. Most online degree programs also permit students to pay tuition for a given term in several sums rather than all at once. While on-campus students may need to pay athletic, transportation and activity fees, these are usually waived for online learners. That said, a school may charge them a distance education or technology fee. This varies by institution.

How to Get Financial Aid for Online College

1. Submit the FAFSA: To receive financial aid, the first and most important step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This is available online on Oct. 1 each year. To receive the most financial aid possible, prospective students should check school and state grant deadlines and submit the application as early as possible.
The FAFSA requires applicants to fill in basic information such as their contact information and social security number as well as provide their latest federal income tax returns and bank statements. Undergraduate students who are under 24 years old – and not married, veterans or active military members – will need to file as a dependent and provide their parents’ financial information.
2. Fill out other financial aid forms and apply for scholarships: Many colleges offer their own source of financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships and loans. You may need to fill out additional forms to receive this aid. This information – including deadlines – is generally available on a school’s website.
Applicants can also search online for scholarships available at specific schools or from organizations tied to their discipline. Online learners may be eligible for the same scholarships available to on-campus students, and there may even be additional scholarships for online or adult learners.
3. Review and correct the FAFSA Student Aid Report: A few days after submitting the FAFSA online, applicants will receive a Student Aid Report from the Federal Student Aid office. This report restates answers that applicants provided on the FAFSA as well as other relevant information, and it’s an opportunity for applicants to correct any errors on the FAFSA, including adding or removing colleges.
4. Compare awards: Each school will calculate an applicant’s financial need, which determines their financial aid eligibility. Students will receive an award letter stating what financial aid they are being offered. They can compare their award packages based on the aid they are eligible to receive, the school’s tuition and other costs.
5. Reapply for financial aid each year: To continue receiving financial aid each year, applicants need to fill out the FAFSA annually for as long as they plan to be a student. An undergraduate degree can be a major investment, and financial aid can help ease the burden of costly tuition. Much like financial aid for on-campus students, aid for online students is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and even federal work-study jobs. That said, some online degree programs may not offer work-study opportunities, as many online students are already working full time.
Even though a prospective undergraduate student may plan to complete his or her degree online, the financial aid process is often identical to students earning a degree in person. Online students also need to meet similar – if not the same – requirements to be eligible for financial aid at a given school. Additionally, deciding between part-time and full-time enrollment status can affect an online student’s ability to qualify for financial aid. To receive certain amounts or types of aid, many online programs require students to meet specific credit-hour requirements.
It’s important to understand that applying for financial aid is a complex process. In the 2019 Online College Students survey by Aslanian Market Research and Learning House, 26% of online undergraduate students indicated that completing financial aid forms was the most difficult part of the enrollment process, followed by determining how to pay for school. Luckily, there are often financial aid advisers at accredited online colleges to answer questions and help applicants through the process.

How Long Does an Online Bachelor's Take?

The length of time it takes to earn an online bachelor’s degree depends on a number of factors. First and foremost, a majority of online undergraduates do not start their bachelor’s degree from scratch, as many have previously earned college credits that can be applied toward their new degree. This saves time because students do not have to retake certain classes. Students generally need to submit transcripts from their previous college so that the new school can evaluate which credits will transfer.
The length of time needed to complete an online undergraduate program also depends on how the academic year is divided at a given school. While some programs have a traditional months-long semester system for online courses, others have an accelerated time frame. An example of this includes 10-week courses with multiple start dates throughout the year. This accelerated schedule can be appealing to individuals who want to earn their credentials as quickly as possible.
Other factors that affect how long it takes to earn an online bachelor’s degree include whether the student enrolls part time or full time and the number of courses a student takes each term. Some programs allow students to choose how many courses they take each term, and students can base that decision on their other obligations outside of classes. Other programs are cohort-based, meaning students take most classes in a sequence determined by the school. Generally, this model puts the same classmates together through every step of the process, so students tend to build stronger relationships with one another.

Online Graduate Degrees

How Much Does An Online Master's Cost?

At many private institutions, online and on-campus students pay the same tuition for a master’s degree. As is the case for undergraduate degrees, at public schools, tuition rates may differ for in-state and out-of-state students, which can lead you to pay more for an online degree if you’re not a resident of the state where your school is located. While online learners likely won’t need to pay for room and board and other fees that campus-based students pay, there may be distance learning and technology fees to pay on top of tuition. Affordability ties with school reputation as the top factor prospective students consider when choosing an online graduate school, according to a 2019 survey by Aslanian Market Research and Learning House.
In terms of materials, online master’s students will need to rent or buy their textbooks. These may come in print or online format, with the exact requirements varying from class to class. Even though the curriculum is often the same for online and on-site classes, online students shouldn’t assume that the textbook requirements will be identical. Students should research the requirements for their specific class section and reach out to the professor with any questions.

How to Get Financial Aid for Online Graduate Degrees

Graduate schools can come with a high price tag, but financial aid can help make the cost more affordable. Brace yourself for a challenge, though. A 2019 survey by Aslanian Market Research and Learning House found one-fifth of graduate online students said completing financial aid forms was the most difficult part of the enrollment process. Compare that with the 17% who reported the most challenging component was determining how to pay for school. Fortunately, financial aid advisers are usually available to answer questions and guide students through the application process.
Students working toward an online master’s degree aren’t eligible for subsidized loans, and because loans received at the graduate level are unsubsidized, students begin accumulating interest immediately. Graduate and professional students can borrow up to $20,500 each year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans and can use Direct PLUS loans to pay for expenses not covered by financial aid, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
To apply for graduate program financial aid, follow the steps below:
1. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): First, you’ll want to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID on fafsa.gov, which you’ll need to access information on the U.S. Department of Education website. The FAFSA enrollment period opens on Oct. 1 each year. Graduate schools and programs use the submitted information to determine eligibility for federal, state and school-sponsored financial aid. This part of the process requires applicants to collect and submit documents including bank statements and federal tax returns from previous years.
Generally, the financial aid process for graduate students is similar to the undergraduate level. The biggest difference is that graduate students will almost always have to apply under independent status, regardless of their age and whether they live with their parents. Therefore, parents’ information will not need to be provided on the FAFSA.
2. Fill out other financial aid forms: Some graduate schools or programs offer their own sources of need-based and merit-based aid, including scholarships. Applicants will likely need to fill out additional forms to receive these funds. You can typically find more information about financial aid options on a respective program’s website. Prospective online students can also search for organizations tied to their area of study that offer scholarships to graduate degree-seeking students. Online learners are often eligible for the same scholarships as on-campus students.
3. Review and correct the Student Aid Report: After receiving a Student Aid Report a few days after the submission of the FAFSA, applicants should review their information to ensure everything is correct. This is a chance for students to correct any mistakes on their form and add or remove graduate schools to which the application will be sent.
4. Compare financial aid awards: Students should assess the financial aid package offered by each institution and compare offers based on each school’s tuition and additional costs.
5. Re-apply for aid each year: To receive financial aid on an annual basis, students need to submit the FAFSA each year for as long as they plan to continue as a student.

How Long Does an Online Master's Take?

Many working adults want to complete their online graduate degree as quickly as possible so they can rapidly advance in their career. It can be helpful for those students to map out their path to graduation in advance so that they are prepared to integrate their coursework into their existing lifestyle.
A U.S. News survey of schools looked at how much time it took students in ranked online master’s degree programs to earn their degrees. The students were enrolled between July 2015 and June 2016. For online MBA and other graduate business students, as well as those studying education and information technology, the survey found an online graduate degree program most often takes two years to finish, whereas engineering and nursing degrees usually take a bit longer, at three years.
The time it takes students to get an online graduate degree varies, with the most influential factors being whether there’s flexibility in how many courses a student must take each term and whether he or she enrolls part time or full time. For instance, if a program is cohort-based, students will need to stick to a set course roadmap established by the school, taking specific courses each term with many of the same classmates. If there’s more flexibility in terms of scheduling, students can choose to take fewer classes during terms when they have conflicting work, family or other personal obligations.
[READ: How Long It Takes to Earn an Online Master's Degree]

Online Certificate Programs

Compared with online graduate degrees, online graduate certificate programs are generally shorter in length and therefore lower in cost. At Pennsylvania State University – World Campus, for example, an online graduate certificate in accounting requires 12 credits and costs a total of $11,412, whereas an online master’s degree in professional accounting requires 30 credit hours for a total of $28,530. According to a 2019 survey from Aslanian Market Research and Learning House, 14% of undergraduate online students and 20% of graduate online students are interested in online certificate programs or are currently enrolled.
[READ: What Employers Think of Your Online Graduate Certificate]
Usually, online certificates take a year or less to complete. They can provide a basic introduction to a new field of study, focus on a specific area of a field – such as special education – or center on learning a specific skill, such as social media marketing. In contrast, an online degree is generally broader in scope. Similar to any online credential program, getting a certificate online allows students to schedule classes and coursework around other obligations, which is ideal for full-time employees and stay-at-home parents.
An online undergraduate certificate can in some circumstances be enough to land an entry-level job. They may also be a good choice for prospective students who want to advance their career but don’t need a full online degree. For example, someone with a computer science bachelor’s degree might find value in a graduate certificate in bioinformatics or information security. A professional with a well-established career may use an online certificate program to stay up-to-date in the field without investing in a full degree.
An online certificate can also let students get their feet wet in online education or in a particular field of study. After earning the certificate, they can decide if continuing on to get an online degree is a good fit. Many schools even design online certificates so that they can be used as a portion of an online degree in a related field. A student who completes a five-course certificate program, for instance, can easily apply those course credits to a degree in the same discipline to avoid retaking classes.
Online certificates can usually be completed alone or alongside an online degree, though policies vary across schools. A growing number of reputable universities are launching these types of programs, and experts say a majority of employers have become more accepting of them when the certificate is applicable to the position.

Online Colleges by State Near Me

While online education offers students the opportunity to study from anywhere in the world, many students still choose an online program with a campus located close to home. Cost is a big factor in staying local. Online programs at public universities and colleges often charge different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. For example, the University of Florida charges in-state residents $112 per credit hour for its online programs, while residents of other states pay $500 per credit hour. That’s a significant savings for Florida residents. Additionally, this in-state tuition is much lower than what Florida residents might pay to attend an online public school based in another state like Ohio or Texas. Sticking with a public school in your state can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the course of earning your degree.
You might also choose a nearby online college so you can easily visit the campus to meet with professors or advisers. Visiting the school can help you better connect with the school community, and join on-campus student clubs or attend events.
Some students enroll in a locally based online degree program because they are already familiar with its culture and traditions, or they have family or friends with ties to the institution. The school may also be more recognizable to local employers.
Certain online degrees have in-person residency or orientation requirements where students have to visit campus a few times each term or throughout the course of the program. In this case, a local program makes sense. Some online learners also like having the option of going to campus so that they can talk face-to-face with their professors and advisors.

Best Online Colleges in Your State

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
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• Montana
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• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

How Online Degrees Work

The structure of online degree programs varies. That’s why prospective students must research a program thoroughly to ensure that it meets their needs. In general, however, online courses require students to regularly log in to a learning management system, or LMS. This is a virtual portal that serves as a classroom, where students can access relevant course materials and monitor their progress on lessons.
Online courses typically have an asynchronous, or self-paced, component. Students complete coursework whenever they wish but must follow weekly deadlines. Some programs also require students to attend what are often referred to as synchronous class sessions. These sessions are held in real time through videoconferencing, which can help students interact and build strong relationships with their classmates and the instructor.
[READ: How Do Online Classes Work?]
Certain online classes and programs have in-person requirements, including on-site residencies before or during the program where students take part in peer-to-peer activities, network and attend information sessions. The length and details of residencies vary.
Some programs – especially those in fields where face-to-face communication and hands-on learning is more significant, like nursing or social work – may have an additional clinical or internship portion. Schools have different policies regarding how these requirements may be completed, and there may be some flexibility. For instance, students may be able to intern for a company virtually or in another department at their current job. For working adults who also need to intern for their degree, good time-management skills are key to success.
Online students may interact with each other through a variety of other channels, including discussion forums, social media, videoconferencing, by phone and through email. Prospective students should not expect an online class to be easier than an on-campus class just because of the format. In fact, many online learners say they spend 15 to 20 hours a week on coursework, with some instructors assigning group work that requires students to communicate virtually, possibly even across time zones.

How to Apply to Online College

1. Conduct research and note important deadlines: When it comes to applying to an online college, there are multiple deadlines for prospective students to consider. It’s important to note deadlines for things like the school’s admissions application, financial aid, and test score submission.. Prospective students can find this information on websites for the online degree program they are interested in. Because online program academic calendars may be structured differently from on-campus offerings, deadlines may differ for these applicants.
2. Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important tool for many students when it comes to paying for a degree in any format, whether online, in person, or a combination of both. Prospective students must fill out the FAFSA for federal loans, grants and work-study jobs. Nearly all students who apply for financial aid qualify for some form of it. Because of the complex nature of the FAFSA and financial aid, many schools have trained advisers who can guide prospective students through the process and answer questions.
3. Fill out an application: At the bachelor’s level, the Common Application is accepted by nearly 900 schools, including some colleges located outside the U.S. It’s likely that an online degree-seeking student will also need to complete this application. The Common Application requires students to fill out basic information such as their name, address and contact information as well as answer school-specific questions. Because master’s degree applications are usually tied to a specific program in a school, the types of applications students need to complete varies depending on the discipline.
4. Write a great essay: As part of their application, applicants will likely have to submit an essay of some kind . Because many online students already have some work experience, many experts recommend that they emphasize their professional skills as part of their application and explain how their experience has prepared them for online college.
5. Ask for recommendation letters: Letters of recommendation are often required from both undergraduate and graduate online students. These may come not only from teachers and school counselors but also current or previous employers who can speak to a student’s work ethic. At the graduate level, a recommendation letter will more likely come from an employer.
6. Submit transcripts and test scores: At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, many programs allow students to waive test requirements if they have a certain amount of work experience in a related field. How competitive it is to receive a waiver varies. Online master’s degree applicants will likely need to submit a college transcript. Whether the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required depends on the school and area of study. Students may need to submit SAT scores, ACT scores or their high school transcript, and depending on the program’s requirements, the student’s prior work experience and their previously earned credit hours.
The admissions process for online college is usually similar to the process for on-campus programs. Many undergraduate online students already have some previously earned college credits and therefore may be able to forgo standardized testing, such as the SAT or ACT, if enough of their credits transfer.
At the graduate level, admissions requirements also vary depending on the discipline and school. For instance, an online MBA program may or may not require students to submit GMAT or GRE scores – this information is typically available on a program’s website. Consult an admissions officer at schools of interest to determine the exact requirements. Note that just because a program is offered online, there’s no guarantee that getting admitted will be easier.

How to Avoid Online College Scams

Beware of “diploma mills,” which award illegitimate degrees to students on the internet. Among the most important steps a prospective student can take is to ensure an online degree program is accredited by an organization recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This information is typically listed on a school or program’s website and can affect how an online degree is perceived by employers as well as other colleges and universities, should a student decide to transfer. See the Online College Accreditation section below for more information.
It’s also essential to look out for red flags on a program’s website. Anything that seems too good to be true – earning a degree in a very short time period, for instance, or at an extremely low cost – is a warning sign. The opposite is also true: If a program seems abnormally expensive, conduct further research. Other red flags include a program not listing a campus or business address online, the website having a lot of grammatical or spelling errors or lacking a “.edu” URL, and the school failing to post information about student support services.

Online College Accreditation

Accreditation is a process that an outside authority conducts to ensure a school or degree program – either on campus, online or a combination of both – meets certain standards of quality and rigor. Accreditation is a voluntary process, though it has several benefits and essentially validates a program to employers and other institutions. When choosing an online degree program, prospective students should check to ensure it has accreditation from an organization recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the nonprofit Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These organizations monitor programs and schools continuously to renew their accreditation every few years.
In many cases, it’s important for students to confirm that an online degree program is accredited at both the institutional level, which applies to the entire university, and the programmatic or specialized level for particular degrees, departments or schools. Not every program will have specialized accreditation. It varies depending on the school and industry standards, and students can speak with their academic adviser to learn more about what types of accreditation is expected from employers in a given career field. Employers will typically verify that a job candidate’s degree comes from an accredited program, especially if the school name is unfamiliar to them. Should a student decide to change programs, a transfer-friendly school is more likely accept their course credits if they come from an accredited institution.
Information regarding whether an online degree program is accredited is often available on a school’s website. To avoid scams, especially for lesser-known colleges and universities, prospective online students should verify their school or program’s accreditation with CHEA or the U.S. Department of Education. Given the complex nature of accreditation, asking an adviser for clarification is a smart move.

For-Profit Online Colleges

When exploring programs of interest, a prospective student may encounter for-profit and nonprofit schools. Students may perceive for-profit online colleges as a more financially risky option, but experts recommend taking what they hear in the media and through word-of-mouth with a grain of salt.
For-profit online schools became more prevalent in the late 1990s. At the time, these schools accepted most applicants, including those who weren’t prepared enough for college. This contributed to low graduation rates and higher debt, as well as a negative reputation toward for-profit schools. That’s changed in recent years, however, as these schools have begun placing a greater emphasis on student support services and have started requiring some students to take entrance exams to gauge whether they are ready for higher education.
Experts say the lines are blurring in distinguishing between for-profit and nonprofit schools when it comes to overall equivalency, but there are a few primary differences. For one, experts say, admissions are typically less selective at for-profit schools. These online colleges are more likely than nonprofits to have rolling admissions, along with academic calendars that don’t operate around the traditional semester schedule. For-profit institutions tend to have national rather than regional accreditation. Regional accreditation, which some for-profits do have, is usually preferred by employers and other universities if a student transfers.
Experts recommend looking beyond the nonprofit and for-profit classification when choosing an online degree program. Instead, they say, focus on accreditation, tuition, faculty and support services, which can all vary. Prospective students can also look at reviews of different for-profit programs to get a better sense of other students’ experiences.

Finding a Job with an Online Degree

Several years ago, employers were more hesitant to accept online degrees as legitimate, with concerns that online students didn’t gain the same vital skills as they would in a traditional campus environment. But in recent years, that perception has changed dramatically as even the best-known schools have embraced online education and launched high-quality degree programs. While some employers may still be hesitant about online degrees, many have come to recognize the value of having their employees further their education while working, in part because students can apply what they learn directly to their career. In fact, roughly one-third of online college students are reimbursed for tuition by their employer, according to a 2019 survey by Aslanian Market Research and Learning House.
Typically, it’s the degree itself, and not the format by which it was earned, that hiring managers and potential employers care about most. Experts say it usually isn’t necessary to indicate on a resume that a degree was earned online, as the school’s reputation and accreditation will be significantly more important. Candidates shouldn’t shy away from discussing their online education or become defensive if an interviewer asks them, for example, how they managed to get a degree while also working full time. This can actually be a good opportunity for an online learner to showcase their commitment to their career field and discuss their time-management skills.

Highest Paying Online Degrees

On the list of U.S. News’ 25 Best Paying Jobs, petroleum engineers, who design equipment that extracts oil from reservoirs, are at No. 12 with a median salary of $137,170 in 2018. This career path requires a bachelor’s degree in the field of engineering, which is available online.
Following petroleum engineers on the list are information technology (IT) managers at No. 13, with a median salary of $139,220. Online degrees in the IT field are prevalent at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Business and management degrees can also lead to high salaries, and many can be earned online. These degrees can help an employee climb the ladder at a company and earn a higher salary. In May 2018, the median annual wage for chief executives was $189,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual salary for general and operations managers was $100,930.
On the U.S. News list of Best Paying Jobs, marketing manager ranks No. 15, with a median salary of $132,230 in 2017; financial manager is at No. 16 with a median annual salary of $125,080; and sales managers rank at No. 18, with a median annual salary of $121,060.

In-Demand Online Degrees

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of the fastest-growing occupations in 2018 were in health care and related industries. That’s good news for online students, as programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are prevalent in this discipline. This increasing demand is due in part to an aging population and a rise in individuals living with chronic illnesses, leading to a greater need for home health aides and staff in related roles. Other health care jobs in high demand include nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Online degrees exist that can effectively prepare students for both of these roles.
According to the statistics bureau, computer and mathematical occupations – for which an online degree in engineering or information technology may be relevant – account for the second-highest number of the fastest-growing occupations. This is in large part because of the increased use of mobile and digital devices, which is driving demand for application software developers. Demand for this role is expected to rise 25.6% between 2018 and 2028. Concerns over online security are also leading to a greater demand for employees with cybersecurity experience and knowledge. For positions such as information security analysts, employment is expected to grow by 31.6% through 2028.

Fastest-Growing Fields

Methodology

U.S. News has been publishing school rankings in the education sector since 1983 and has done so specifically for online degree programs for the past 8 years. At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, U.S. News calculates rankings based on a variety of factors, which hold different weights depending on the ranking category. A program’s score for each factor, or ranking indicator, is calculated using data that online programs report to U.S. News in an annual survey. The rankings methodologies for online programs are different and separate from those for U.S. News’ Best Colleges and Best Graduate Schools rankings. Ranking methodologies are updated on an annual basis.
In developing the 2020 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs rankings, U.S. News assessed online colleges based on four general categories. Engagement comprised 35% of each school’s rank, referring to the extent to which a degree program uses strong online teaching practices so students stay enrolled and graduate in reasonable time. Services and technologies made up 25% of each school’s rank, focusing on how programs incorporate diverse technologies to allow for students to more flexibly complete their coursework at a distance. This category also takes into account the quality of student support services, career guidance and financial aid resources. Comprising 20% of each school’s rank was faculty credentials and training, measuring the degree to which online instructors’ credentials mirror those of on-campus faculty. This category also measures the effectiveness of the resources utilized to train instructors to teach distance learners. Finally, expert opinions from surveys of high-ranking academic officials make up another 20% of each school’s rank. These insights help account for factors affecting program quality that hard data can’t capture.
U.S. News calculates rankings for online graduate programs using similar methodologies with an additional category taken into consideration. Student excellence is also considered – a category that measures the extent to which students who enter an online program have proven aptitudes, ambitions and accomplishments that enable them to handle the rigors of online learning.