Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime
Updated May 16, 2024
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There's a lot to consider when you apply for college. Should you enroll online or attend in person? How much can you reasonably afford to pay for school right now? When do you need to apply to start the following semester?
Online colleges that start anytime help you check the last question off your list. These schools have flexible start dates — often monthly or quarterly — so you have more control over when you apply and begin. For example, schools with monthly start dates may let you apply in January to start your first class in February.
Schools design their online programs for flexibility, and open enrollment is another way they give students more wiggle room to create their ideal educational environment. Explore this guide to learn what to expect from online colleges with start-anytime programs.
The Benefits of Flexible Start Dates
Imagine finding the college program of your dreams, only to find out that the deadline has passed to enroll for the fall semester. You'll now need to wait to apply until enrollment opens for the spring semester — or possibly the following year.
An online college with start-anytime programs offers more start dates throughout the year, allowing you to apply and begin when you're ready. Many of these colleges also offer open enrollment, creating a simpler and more accessible application process.
Below are a few top benefits of online colleges with start-anytime programs.
Control Over Your Schedule
Are you ready to attend college now and dive into your career faster? Start-anytime programs allow you to enroll outside of the traditional semester or quarter system to begin your degree on your own time.
Shorter Course Lengths
Although not always the case, programs with flexible start dates often have shorter term lengths than traditional courses, making courses 4-8 weeks long.
More Time to Finalize Financial Aid
A start-anytime college can give you time to budget for your degree or wait for your financial aid determination.
For example, say you apply in July to start the fall semester in August, but your school can only finalize your financial aid package in September. A program with monthly start dates lets you begin in September or October after receiving your financial aid instead of waiting until the spring semester.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime
Miami Dade College
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
With campuses throughout South Florida, Miami Dade College offers undergraduate and college prep courses online. Programs include public safety management, supervision and management, supply chain management, and an RN-to-BSN program.
Students may also complete a one-semester certificate and transfer it into an associate program. Courses are offered in formats lasting eight, 12, 14, or 16 weeks. Applicants should submit their GED certificates or high school transcripts and test scores for admission.
Credits to Earn Bachelors: 120-134
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $92
Out-of-State | $449
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD - 4 years
- Online
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) features online graduate and undergraduate degrees with flexible transfer credit options. Popular programs include psychology, computer science, and cybersecurity technology. Once enrolled, students take new courses every eight weeks. The university also provides several fast-track options for enrollees with experiential credits.
To apply to UMGC, each candidate submits an application and a $50 fee. The university will admit new students while still evaluating their transcripts. With multiple start dates available, new learners can register for their first classes right away.
Credits to Earn Bachelors: 120
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $318
Out-of-State | $499
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Purdue Global provides numerous paths for working students to gain college credit. The university offers aviation, business, health sciences, nursing, and public policy degrees. New terms start every month, and first-time applicants can study for three weeks at no charge to see if the program works for them.
The university reports that undergraduate students complete an average of almost 50% of their program requirements through non-traditional credits. Enrollees learn through quizzes, seminars, discussion boards, feedback, and real-world experiences.
Credits to Earn Bachelors: Varies
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $280
Out-of-State | $371
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Orem, a suburb of Provo, Utah Valley University (UVU) offers 47 online certificates, associate programs, and bachelor's degrees. Majors include nursing, digital marketing, dental hygiene, and respiratory therapy.
New online classes begin and end simultaneously as on-campus courses, giving new students three primary start dates throughout the year. UVU's online courses do not have on-campus or regular synchronous meetings. However, some classes may require students to participate at the same time.
Credits to Earn Bachelors: 120
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $260
Out-of-State | $260
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#5 Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1959, Broward College (BC) now enrolls 56,000 students and employs 4,000 staff members. The school offers academic and non-degree education across eight career pathways. BC's degrees include business, education, health science, public safety, and STEM majors.
The school offers credit for prior learning. New students can earn bachelor's degrees by completing a series of certificates that become an associate degree before finishing their final 60 credits. Online students may begin at new start dates in the fall, spring, or summer.
Credits to Earn Bachelors: Varies
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $136
Out-of-State | $320
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
With 800 online courses and 80 fully online programs plus 11 locations throughout Pinellas County, Florida, St Petersburg College (SPC) makes earning a degree convenient for working students. Online majors include business administration, cybersecurity, education, health services administration, and sustainability management.
SPC's online classes offer synchronous and asynchronous educational experiences lasting eight, 12, or 16 weeks. Each candidate submits proof of graduation, an application, and a $40 fee. New students can begin at one of 16 start dates throughout the year.
Credits to Earn Bachelors: 120
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $112-$123
Out-of-State | $387-$426
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime
San Jacinto Community College
Pasadena, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established in downtown Pasadena, Texas, in 1961, San Jacinto Community College now maintains five campuses and has graduated 90,000 students. Students can complete 26 associate degrees and 34 certificates online.
The school offers 200-plus majors, including business, construction, health sciences, STEM, and social and behavioral sciences. San Jac offers courses online anytime (asynchronous), on a schedule (synchronous), or through hybrid learning. New classes begin during two eight-week spring and fall sessions and mini-terms throughout the year.
Credits to Earn Bachelors: 120
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $83-$144
Out-of-State | $223
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime
Weber State University
Ogden, UT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Enrolling more than 30,500 students in 200-plus academic programs, Weber State University (WSU) serves Utah residents and learners worldwide. WSU offers fully online educational programs at all levels, up to doctorates. Popular majors include communication, criminal justice, computer science, and elementary education.
The school also provides numerous online and independent study classes. Distance courses operate on a traditional semester system, while students start and end independent study courses on their own schedules, provided they finish within six months.
Credits to Earn Bachelors: 120
Cost per Year:
In-State | $5,620
Out-of-State | $5,620
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#9 Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime
College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, NV - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Offering 150 degrees and certificates in 70 academic programs, the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) maintains three campuses, seven learning centers, and online programs. Areas of study include business, computing technologies, hospitality, and public safety.
To increase accessibility, CSN offers short-term classes in four-week, eight-week, and late-start formats. New courses begin at least every month during the regular semester. Applicants should submit proof of high school graduation or its equivalent.
Credits to Earn Bachelors: 120-123
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $4,358
Out-of-State | $13,024
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#10 Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime
Austin Community College District
Austin, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
With over 70,000 students enrolled in 100-plus academic programs across 11 campuses, Austin Community College District is one of the 20 largest colleges in the country. Located in central Texas, this institution offers online synchronous, asynchronous, hybrid, and flex courses to students nationwide.
Classes operate year-round, beginning and ending on the start dates of each semester. The college also provides continuing, career, corporate, and community education programs that may operate on different calendars.
Credits to Earn Bachelors: 120
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $85-$286
Out-of-State | $353
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
How We Chose These Schools
At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, considering key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.
Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
Schedule Structures in Online Colleges
You may be wondering: When do online classes start? Well, you're in luck — most online colleges offer flexible start dates. However, they do so within a clear scheduling structure. Some online schools use a traditional semester system, while others use quarter or trimester systems.
You can typically begin taking online courses at the start of any term. However, schools without start anytime programs may require you to start in the fall. Online Colleges with Start Anytime programs offer several options, such as monthly start dates and self-paced programs.
Multiple Start Dates
Many online college courses have multiple start dates. Individual departments or programs usually set these dates at various times within the academic year. Accelerated courses often use these start dates to accommodate the varying needs of busy learners, but some traditional and self-paced classes also offer them.
Online colleges with weekly start dates are rare — usually only for certificate or vocational degrees. It's more common to see monthly or quarterly start dates.
Self-Paced Programs
Self-paced programs let you move through your coursework on your own schedule. Although there's usually a completion deadline for each course or program, you can decide how fast you finish. You'll have 24/7 access to your assignments, so you have complete control over when you study and flexibility to work around a busy schedule.
Online Courses vs Correspondence Courses
Online and correspondence courses offer lots of flexibility for students. Still, deciding which fits your scheduling needs and learning preferences better before enrolling in a program is important.
Compare each option below.
Online Courses
- May require active online class participation with peers and the instructor
- Take online exams on your own or require a proctor's supervision
- Receive incremental instruction, similar to an in-person class
Correspondence Courses
- Self-paced, independent learning with little interaction between you and the teacher
- Teachers may grade assignments and offer feedback on projects
- Course materials sent via email or an online portal
The Difference Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Courses
Online colleges that start anytime may offer synchronous or asynchronous courses. While asynchronous classes usually work best for learners with busy schedules, synchronous classes are often a better fit for students who want more structure.
Here's what to consider.
Synchronous Courses
- Requires scheduled online live attendance, much like an in-person class
- May work collaboratively with fellow students outside of scheduled classes
- Good choice for students that excel in a structured learning environment
Asynchronous Courses
- Self-paced learning through pre-recorded lectures and assigned reading materials
- Participate in discussion boards and schedule group work when convenient
- Ideal learning format for working students or those with busy schedules
Frequently Asked Questions About Open Online Enrollment
How do flexible start dates accommodate students in online colleges?
Flexible start dates remove the enrollment barriers that a typical three-semester schedule creates. Students who want to start college when it works for their schedule can choose from more start dates throughout the year when they choose a start-anytime college.
Which types of start dates are common in online colleges offering flexible scheduling?
Online colleges with flexible scheduling typically offer monthly or quarterly start dates. However, some schools have start dates outside the norm, like weekly or bimonthly.
What is the difference between self-paced courses and asynchronous classes in online education?
Asynchronous online classes typically have some peer and instructor interaction through video recordings, emails, or online discussions, while self-paced courses are student-led. Learners in self-paced courses move through the material independently without assignment due dates, although they may still have deadlines for course or program completion.
Do online colleges with flexible start dates offer monthly or rolling enrollment options?
Many online colleges with flexible start dates offer monthly enrollment options, but rolling enrollment is rare. However, rolling admissions is more common, allowing you to apply at any time for consideration for an upcoming enrollment period.
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