Advances in online learning bring the college classroom to you. Online students can learn from highly qualified professors and receive the same rigorous education as on-campus students. Many of the country's top schools offer a catalog of online degrees and programs.

You'll find yourself in good company if you choose to earn a degree online — about 15% of all college students learn this way, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

The best online universities will provide the same high-quality education as traditional colleges, with affordable tuition, academic support, and career services.

Featured Online Colleges

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The Most Popular Online Colleges

#1 Most Popular Online Colleges

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $330

Out-of-State | $330

Credits to Graduate: 120

What's the most popular online college? By the numbers, it's Southern New Hampshire University. Nearly 140,000 students enroll online at this private institution. 

SNHU is popular for a good reason. The college appeals to many students with its low tuition rate, generous transfer credit policy, and over 200 online programs. And the flexible programs at SNHU require no set class times, making it a great option for busy learners. 

If you're ready to apply, you can submit an online application for free, with no test score requirement. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,000
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,900
Out-of-state
$18,900
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
145,533
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#2 Most Popular Online Colleges

University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Adelphi, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $318

Out-of-State | $499

Credits to Graduate: 120

The University of Maryland Global Campus is one of the largest online colleges. In fact, more than 50,000 students attend UMGC online. And the public university blends convenience with affordability. 

UMGC offers online programs in accounting, English, biotechnology, and homeland security. You can also major in public safety administration, software development, or legal studies.

There are over 125 online programs to choose from and lifetime career services you can use as a UMGC graduate. The college offers a streamlined admission process and free digital course materials. And you can transfer up to 90 credits for prior coursework, professional experience, and military experience.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,344
Out-of-state
$11,976
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,072
Out-of-state
$11,862
Retention Rate
52%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
55,323
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 Most Popular Online Colleges

The Pennsylvania State University

  • University Park, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $626-671

Out-of-State | $626-671

Credits to Graduate: 120

Still debating which major to choose? At Penn State World Campus, you'll have over 175 options for degrees and certificates. Students can specialize in unique fields like agribusiness management or turfgrass science. Or earn a degree in criminal justice, business, journalism, or integrated social sciences.

At Penn State, you'll benefit from support services like help throughout the application process and personalized financial aid support. Penn State also offers career counseling, undergraduate advising, and tutoring for distance learners. In addition, the public university offers special services for military members, international students, students with disabilities, and transfer students.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,400
Out-of-state
$25,084
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$23,189
Out-of-state
$39,248
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
88,914
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Most Popular Online Colleges

Purdue University Global

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $280

Out-of-State | $371

Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter credits

With Purdue University Global, you can test out online classes for three weeks completely free. If it's a good fit, you'll join more than 40,000 online learners at Purdue.

Bachelor's students take two years on average to graduate at Purdue. And learners typically meet 46% of their degree requirements through prior learning credits. You can create a personalized learning pathway with ExcelTrack degrees, which build on career experience and transfer credits to save you time and money.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$13,356
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,730
Out-of-state
$9,700
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
43,458
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Most Popular Online Colleges

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $236

Out-of-State | $649

Credits to Graduate: 120

As one of the largest colleges in the country, Florida International University enrolls nearly 54,000 on-campus students, plus more than 36,000 online learners. The public university in Miami offers dozens of online degrees, making it a popular choice.

FIU's online programs include unique options like Asian studies, the Internet of things, and global sustainable tourism. Or choose from popular majors in business, the social sciences, or education. You can also major in hospitality management with a concentration in food innovation, spirits management, or hospitality leadership.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 Most Popular Online Colleges

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $129

Out-of-State | $553

Credits to Graduate: 120

Live in Florida? Then, the University of Florida might be your cheapest option for college. Through UF Online, you can earn a bachelor's degree at a low tuition rate of $129 per credit.

Choose from two dozen majors, including advertising, microbiology, and health education. These accredited programs meet the same high standards as on-campus programs. 

You can also add a minor to customize your degree — the public college offers 11 online minors. UF also holds virtual career fairs and offers exclusive job postings for distance learners.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,477
Out-of-state
$25,694
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,770
Out-of-state
$27,335
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
30%
Students Enrolled
55,781
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Most Popular Online Colleges

George Mason University

  • Fairfax, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $421

Out-of-State | $1,428

Credits to Graduate: 120

George Mason University is Virginia's largest public research university and has over 50 online and hybrid programs. By combining a flexible schedule with a collaborative learning environment, Mason helps learners reach their educational goals.

You can study exciting tech fields like cybersecurity, computer game design, or data science. Or explore global affairs, international security, or health administration. 

GMU students also benefit from academic advising, career services, and wellness support as distance learners.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,510
Out-of-state
$32,970
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,035
Out-of-state
$34,347
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
38,628
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 Most Popular Online Colleges

Kennesaw State University

  • Kennesaw, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $185

Out-of-State | $185

Credits to Graduate: 120

At Kennesaw State University, a public college in Georgia, you can earn a bachelor's degree online for less than $200 per credit. Join more than 25,000 online students to earn your degree at this popular online college.

KSU students can choose from 15 fully online bachelor's programs, with majors in business administration, information technology, sociology, and software engineering. You can meet with academic advisors to plan your course schedule and connect with financial aid counselors to cover your costs. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,450
Out-of-state
$15,704
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,238
Out-of-state
$19,188
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
42,899
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Most Popular Online Colleges

University of Missouri

  • Columbia, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $542-692

Out-of-State | $659-809

Credits to Graduate: 120

Missouri's flagship public university also offers online degrees. Through Missouri Online, you can choose from dozens of Mizzou bachelor's degrees that use a fully online format. Enroll in a popular program like business administration or explore majors in education, information technology, or psychology.

Mizzou also offers flexible majors in general studies and interdisciplinary studies that maximize your transfer credits. Costs vary depending on your major, and distance learners qualify for many forms of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,017
Out-of-state
$28,992
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,950
Out-of-state
$27,245
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
31,401
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Most Popular Online Colleges

Florida Atlantic University

  • Boca Raton, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $203

Out-of-State | $722

Credits to Graduate: 120

Nearly 20,000 students enroll online at Florida Atlantic University, making it one of the most popular online colleges. Online students take classes taught by the same faculty as on-campus learners. They also benefit from online student support services, including academic advising, career support, and financial aid counseling. 

Choose from unique majors like public management, geosciences, and exercise sciences. Florida residents can take advantage of the low in-state tuition rate. FAU aims to keep course material costs low, with a goal of no more than $20 per credit hour. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,522
Out-of-state
$14,374
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,467
Out-of-state
$16,695
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
30,155
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes 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, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.

For this page, we've ranked colleges by their online enrollment numbers. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.

Pros and Cons of Online College

The most popular online colleges feature a wide variety of accredited degrees, certificates, and classes for you to choose from. Other advantages may include the ability to take classes asynchronously, meaning you can take classes and watch lectures at your own time — a plus if you work while in school.

However, even popular online schools may not offer everything you need for academic and career success. Review these pros and cons closely to find out which learning style meets your needs.

Pros of Online College

  • You can attend a great school from anywhere.
  • Online programs prepare you for a career by offering the same academic quality as on-campus programs.
  • Online students qualify for the same financial aid programs, such as scholarships and grants.
  • The flexibility allows you to schedule school around your job, family, or other responsibilities.

Cons of Online College

  • You may learn better in an in-person environment surrounded by like-minded peers.
  • Professors may take longer to respond to questions and concerns than if you learned on campus.
  • Some popular online degrees cost as much as if you earned the degree in person.
  • Learning at home requires discipline and an ability to self-study.

How to Choose an Online College: 5 Tips

The best online college for you will vary depending on your educational goals, budget, and preferences. Use these five tips to help you choose the right online college.

1. Define Your Goals

You need to define your academic and career goals before researching online colleges. Consult with friends, family, coworkers, and mentors to find out which path works best for you.

Do you want to increase your expertise? Advance to a higher position? Quality for a higher salary? All of these goals can influence the school you choose.

2. Choose Your Degree

Knowing your career goals makes choosing a degree a straightforward process. Your goal may require an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctorate. Fortunately, many popular online universities offer graduate degrees.

Understanding the degree you'd like to pursue, the subjects you want to specialize in, and how long you'd like to be in school will all influence which online college is best for you.

3. Look for Accreditation

The best online colleges hold legitimate accreditation from one or more independent agencies. You can check a school's accreditation status by visiting the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website. Its free database offers detailed information about thousands of U.S. colleges and universities.

Accreditation is essential for applying to graduate programs, earning employment, and qualifying for professional licensures.

4. Set a Budget

Many factors make up your total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, textbooks, and other education-related expenses. You may also qualify for scholarships or grants. Create a budget with this information so you can determine how much you can contribute toward your education annually.

Fortunately, many online programs offer cost savings compared to on-campus degrees. You can learn more about these discounts on school websites.

5. Talk With Representatives and Alumni

The most popular online colleges produce satisfied alumni and employ qualified faculty. Reach out to alumni and staff to learn more about the school's educational opportunities, culture, and career-planning resources.

You may find that a school on your shortlist does not offer what you need for academic and career success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online College

Are online degrees respected?

Employers and other universities respect online degrees as long as the school issuing them holds proper accreditation. Accreditation acts as a seal of approval, showing that a school's academic requirements result in a quality education. An online degree from an unaccredited school may not prepare you adequately for a job or graduate education.

Check with the Department of Education or CHEA to find the latest accreditation information for all schools on your shortlist.

Is online college easier?

Properly accredited online colleges require the same rigorous academic experience on-campus students receive. Expect to complete identical coursework and meet the same expectations as traditional on-campus programs.

Although the most popular online colleges expect the best from their learners, the convenience of online learning may make earning a degree easier. Asynchronous programs let you complete coursework around your busy schedule. Other advantages may include 24/7 access to student services.

What is the biggest online school?

Enrolling over 76,000 online degree-seekers, the University of Phoenix ranks as the largest online school in the United States. This figure does not include the many learners enrolled in certificate programs or individual online classes.

Consider more than a school's size before enrolling. Figuring out your short- and long-term goals can help you identify the majors and student support services you need for academic success.

What is the easiest degree to get online?

Some popular online colleges let you earn an associate degree in just one year. You can also graduate sooner than your peers if you have transfer credit. Transfer advisors can help you plan the easiest path to graduation.

An online degree can feel easier if you feel passionate about the subject or already hold some background knowledge. Try to find a major aligning with your interests and career goals.

Does Harvard offer online degrees?

Harvard University's Extension School offers online classes, certificates, and degrees. You can enroll in the fully online bachelor's-completion program if you hold an associate degree or at least 64 transferable credits. Some of the university's 23 online graduate degrees include American literature, biotechnology, and business economics.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by TheBestSchools. Page last reviewed January 30, 2023.

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