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Finding the best online program can be a struggle. With so many ads for places you’ve never heard of, plus controversies about “diploma mills” and scam universities that just want your money, it can be hard to know who to trust. But there are some simple steps you can take to search for an online college or certificate program that’s right for you. Whether you’re looking to study for the first time or make a pivot in your career with new training and development, you can trust that you’re making the right decision about your next educational step with just a little bit of help from our Best Online Colleges list. 

How should you search for an online college? 

Search for programs in your chosen field of study 

The first step in your search process should be searching for the best online programs in your chosen field of study. Even if you find traditional brick-and-mortar universities that are highly ranked in your chosen field, they might also have a coordinating online program with courses taught by the same faculty. So many of the schools on our list fall into that category! 

Search for accredited online programs 

The next thing you’ll want to do is make sure that the programs you’re searching for are accredited by a regional accrediting institution. The accrediting process holds universities and colleges to a specific standard of instruction that ensures you’re getting a solid education. You want to be sure that you’re looking at websites for schools that are definitely accredited and have transparency around their accreditation status. 

We’ve written a series of articles about the accreditation status of the most popular online-only colleges and universities to help you on your way.

All of the schools on our list are accredited—no need to worry. 

Consider financial aid possibilities 

No matter your economic situation, you should definitely look to maximize your financial aid package. If you’re searching for an online program that has absolutely no options for scholarships or grants, you might want to take your search in another direction. 

Of course, filling out a FAFSA form is the best way to apply for financial aid and to see what kinds of federal grants and loans you might qualify for. 

You’ll also want to find out if your desired program is a state school, and if they have different tuition costs for in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid might also differ for in-state and out-of-state students, as well. There are several state schools on this list that might fit the bill if you’re a resident! 

Consider program length of study and time commitment 

Before you sign up for any online program, it’s good to do an assessment of how much time you have to commit to studying. If you’re working, taking care of a family, or otherwise occupied, you should take a look at how much time you can dedicate to school in a given week. This will help you determine if you want to go to school full-time or part-time. 

When you’re searching for programs, pay attention to those that have both full-and-part-time options. If you need to maintain a full-time job and you can only study part-time, it’s probably not super effective to apply for full-time-only programs. So many schools on our list are built for professionals and non-traditional students who want that flexibility. 

Vice versa, if you have the ability to study full-time and you want to get done with your degree faster, you might not want to pursue a program that will only allow you to study part-time. 

Online course format: synchronous vs. asynchronous 

Studying online can present unique challenges to students. You’ll have more flexibility in your schedule, but you’ll have to be more responsible for your own time management. Do you do better in a situation in which you are expected to show up for an online course in a video platform, like Zoom, at a specific date and time every week? If so, you should consider programs that have synchronous online programming. That means your schedule is “synched up” with the schedule of the professor and other students. 

Do you have the kind of time management skills—and personal needs—to structure your time and studies on your own without showing up for class at a given time? If so, you might consider programs with asynchronous online programming. That means you are “not synchronized” with the schedules of professors and other students. You will watch or read course content at your own speed, and you’ll be responsible for producing work and submitting it to your professors without showing up to class. 

Lots of online colleges offer a blend of synchronous and asynchronous programming, which means you can pick and choose the format that works best for you. You’ll see a blend of those options on our list below! 

The Best Online Colleges 

One way to start your search is by taking a look at the offerings from the most highly ranked online colleges and universities. 

Luckily, we have a list of the top 25 online colleges that will promise you the best combination of flexibility and instruction that you need to take your career to the next level.

1)

SUNY Buffalo has a top-ranked RN to BS program that allows nurses to get their bachelor’s degree from expert faculty while staying in their home communities.

• Enrollment: 124
• Tuition per credit: $353
• Application deadline: Rolling

Faculty credentials and training* for this highly specialized program are rated highly, making SUNY Buffalo a great choice for aspiring nurses who want to interact with experts in their field.

2)

The University of Florida has been offering online bachelor’s degrees since the early 2000s, which makes them a veteran in the industry. Classes are recorded and archived so students can access materials at their convenience.

• Enrollment: 4,252
• Tuition per credit: $500
• Application deadline: Rolling

Best Online Colleges (Continued)

3)

The University of Illinois–Chicago has been offering online bachelor’s degrees since 2007. Classes are recorded and archived so students can access materials at their convenience.

• Enrollment: 681
• Tuition per credit: $361
• Application deadline: Rolling

4)

ASU’s online bachelor’s programs are all developed by the same international-recognized faculty who teach on the school’s physical campus. The experience offers access to eight award-winning libraries and an alumni network of tens of thousands of members.

Enrollment: 4,252
Tuition per credit: $500
Application deadline: Rolling

Best Online Colleges (Continued)

5)

This is a highly specialized, fully online undergraduate program that grants students a B.A. in leadership in the public sector (LPS). It’s ideal for students who have already completed some college coursework, and are perhaps returning as adult learners. Students go on to seek careers in public and nonprofit organizations, as well as in private firms.

• Enrollment: 61
• Tuition per credit: $1,225
• Application deadline: February 15

6)

OSU’s Ecampus is consistently ranked among the nation’s best providers of online education for its quality, affordability, and student support, according to the school.

• Enrollment: 10,821
• Tuition per credit: $350
• Application deadline: Rolling

Best Online Colleges (Continued)

7)

OSU offers four online bachelor’s programs in the health sciences: Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences, and Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.

• Enrollment: 462
• Tuition per credit: $390
• Application deadline: Rolling

8)

Texas A&M’s RN-to-BSN program offers associate degree nurses an “affordable and flexible pathway to a bachelor’s degree.” Students can finish the program in as few as 12 months. There are many scholarships, leadership opportunities, and military-friendly services available.

• Enrollment: 54
• Tuition per credit: $1,198
• Application deadline: January 15 

Best Online Colleges (Continued)

9)

UCF’s online bachelor’s program is an extension of the on-campus curriculum, according to the school. Courses share the same policies, faculty, and learning activities. Students can also take classes online or in-person, to create a hybrid experience.

• Enrollment: 12,790
• Tuition per credit: $716
• Application deadline: Rolling
  

10)

The online program at UNC Charlotte allows students who have previously completed training at another institution (like an associate’s degree) to continue their education and earn their bachelor’s. Programs are student-centered and practice-oriented.

• Enrollment: 461
• Tuition per credit: $318
• Application deadline: July 1

Best Online Colleges (Continued)

11)

CUNY’s affordable tuition makes this option one of the most affordable in the country. The online offerings are billed as “degree-completers” and look to maximize students’ transfer credits.

• Enrollment: 3,289
• Tuition per credit: $350
• Application deadline: Rolling

12)

University of Arizona’s online courses are designed with adult students in mind, the school says. Programs and courses are all created and taught by the same UA faculty who teach on campus, which means you don’t lose any of the rigor of a face-to-face experience.

• Enrollment: 7,996
• Tuition per credit: $505
• Application deadline: Rolling

Best Online Colleges (Continued)

13)

ERAU’s courses are all delivered asynchronously in fast-paced, nine-week terms. These offerings are aimed at both traditional and working students. Courses include virtual labs and simulations, adaptive learning, and a virtual community.

• Enrollment: 12,578
• Tuition per credit: $485
• Application deadline: Rolling
  

14)

GW’s online offerings are geared toward advancing careers in high-demand and high-skill areas. The school is well known for its reputation in the health sciences, and GW online students are able to access a network of policy and health care experts in Washington, D.C.

• Enrollment: 279
• Tuition per credit: $661
• Application deadline: Rolling

Best Online Colleges (Continued)

15)

UGA prides itself on delivering online courses with the same rigor as its in-person classes. Courses provide busy working professionals the chance to complete their bachelor’s degree from anywhere in the world while studying with consistently highly-ranked faculty.

Enrollment: 20
Tuition per credit: $326
Application deadline: May 1

16)

This 100% online, nonprofit state university provides bachelor’s degrees to help professionals reach their potential. Courses are reviewed and revised by industry experts and doctoral faculty to develop curriculum that aligns with industry standards and demands.

• Enrollment: 9,107
• Tuition per credit: $350
• Application deadline: Rolling

Best Online Colleges (Continued)

17)

UK’s online courses are taught by the same faculty who teach its on-campus classes. Most courses also offer asynchronous delivery.

• Enrollment: 736
• Tuition per credit: $611
• Application deadline: Rolling

18)

• Enrollment: 4,252
• Tuition per credit: $500
• Application deadline: Rolling

Best Online Colleges (Continued)

19)

Washington State’s online bachelor’s courses are taught by the same faculty as its on-campus courses. The school also says its students also participate in co-and-extra-curricular activities, helping to create a well-rounded college experience.

• Enrollment: 3,189
• Tuition per credit: $633
• Application deadline: Rolling

20)

IU Online is the state of Indiana’s largest provider of online education for bachelor’s degrees. The same faculty who teach on-campus also teach the online courses.

• Enrollment: 4,302
• Tuition per credit: $365
• Application deadline: Rolling

Best Online Colleges (Continued)

21)

Loyola offers a flexible online learning experience characterized by the school’s commitment to the Jesuit tradition. The program is attuned to the needs of adult and non-traditional learners.

• Enrollment: 191
• Tuition per credit: $760
• Application deadline: Rolling

22)

Amherst’s online students learn from the same faculty who teach on campus, with a “high-touch, inclusive, flexible approach” that is “tailored to accommodate busy lifestyles.” The Isenberg School of Management, Stockbridge School of Agriculture, Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, and UWW Department of Interdisciplinary Studies all offer online programs.

• Enrollment: 1,183
• Tuition per credit: $454
• Application deadline: Rolling

Best Online Colleges (Continued)

23)

UNF’s RN to BSN program is nationally recognized, with a degree founded in the AACN standards. The program also includes a community component, focusing on the principles of nursing in a community and public health context.

• Enrollment: 102
• Tuition per credit: $600
• Application deadline: Rolling

24)

University of Oklahoma’s Online Bachelor’s Degree programs are specifically designed to help non-traditional students and adult learners complete their degrees. This includes service members, veterans, and their families.

• Enrollment: 565
• Tuition per credit: $738
• Application deadline: Rolling

Best Online Colleges (Continued)

25)

Student success is a top priority at UWM, with “excellent online student support services,” according to the school. Online courses are designed and taught by the same “highly qualified, innovative, and caring faculty who teach on-campus students.” The school offers more than 47 fully online degrees and certificates.

• Enrollment: 3,841
• Tuition per credit: $383
• Application deadline: Rolling
  

Best Online Colleges – 2025

Here are some additional resources that may be of interest to those exploring an online degree:

• Best Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees Online
• Best Online High Schools – 2025
• 100 Easiest Colleges to Get Into