This comprehensive guide to online colleges and universities is the web’s most thorough and reliable source of information for online higher education. Students trying to decide whether to study online, and if so where, need look no further.
First, we present our insightful Online Colleges FAQ. Need a question about online colleges answered quickly? Look no further than our list of the 20 most frequently asked questions about online colleges and online education.
Next we include an extensive list of resources for online students, which we are constantly expanding and improving over time. Any question you have about online colleges and online education — from scholarships and affordability to accreditation and rankings of top online colleges — is likely to be answered here.
Do you know what you want to study? Have you narrowed it down to a particular field? In that case, check out our ranking articles of various online degree programs or our overall ranking of the best online colleges. These articles make you aware of high quality schools as well as the best online degree programs specific to your interests.
Finally, we present an interactive map of the United States that enables readers to see a ranking of the best online colleges and universities in each state. Even though online education knows no boundaries, there are advantages to studying at an online college that’s close by.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges and Online Education
1. Is online education right for me?
Online education requires more discipline than traditional college courses. Because students do not meet in person at a set time, there is a need for online students to schedule their own time for study and coursework. Successful online learners will be self-starters who can incorporate their studies into an existing schedule.
2. Will I miss out on the college experience?
Many students choose to pursue online education because they cannot attend classes on campus because of work or family schedules. While this does provide the opportunity for high quality education for those who would not otherwise be able to purse their studies, other online students long for a traditional college experience.
You should consider what you want to get out of your educational experience. Are the friendships and networking that occur on campus important to you? If so, you may wish to seek out night classes or other flexible on-campus options. Some online programs attempt to simulate these interactions using online message boards that are available for everything from study groups to emotional support. As with every other aspect of online education, you will need to evaluate if the virtual environment is right for you.
3. What subjects can I reasonably study online? Are there any subjects that I cannot study online?
In the past, the largest obstacle for online students in any field of study was the asynchronous nature of discussion. Because all students in the class were not available online at the same time, the classroom discussion and dialogue that lead to higher level thinking required active participation through discussion boards and email correspondence over the course of several days. This can be rewarding considering students and instructors alike have time to consider their input into discussions, which can lead to a more meaningful dialogue. However, for some students there is a need for discussion and feedback to be in real time. In recent years, technological advances have allowed online courses to incorporate asynchronous and synchronous elements.
Synchronous online classes allow students and instructors to be online at the same time. All Lectures, discussions, and presentations occur at a scheduled times. In order to participate in these activities, everyone must be online at the ordained time. This may be a concern for those seeking out online education because of a busy or unpredictable work schedule.
Asynchronous classes allow students to participate in course activities whenever they choose. Materials, lectures, tests, and assignments are provided by instructors beforehand and can be accessed by students at any time. Students are often given a time frame during which they need to connect at least once or twice.
REMAINING QUESTIONS 4 THRU 20 OF FAQ:
4. Is online education effective?
4. Is online education effective?
If you feel comfortable flying solo—and many students are more than prepared to do so—an online degree program may be right for you. If this is your first attempt at managing your educational affairs without the assistance of parents or teachers, make sure you are up to the challenge, that you are using all the support services available to you, and that you have somebody in your corner, be it a family member or a professional tutor, to help you through the early stages of transition and hold you accountable. Your performance at an online college is determined in large part by the way that you have historically approached education.
As an editorial from the New York Times (2013) points out, your performance at an online college is determined in large part by the way that you have historically approached education. The editorial observes that “courses delivered solely online may be fine for highly skilled, highly motivated people, but they are inappropriate for struggling students who make up a significant portion of college enrollment and who need close contact with instructors to succeed.”
It is important that you, as the college applicant, know into exactly which of these categories you fall. For some enrollees, compatibility will require the adoption of improved study habits, better schedule management, and a stronger work ethic. Of course, the positive offshoot is that if you can successfully make this transition, you will also be gaining absolutely essential life skills. These skills won’t just help you to succeed in your online education; they will make you more valuable to prospective employers.
That said, high rates of non-completion are rampant in online education and suggest that one must be realistic about one’s abilities before deciding to go this route.
5. How many students participate in online education?
5. How many students participate in online education?
The 2015 Survey of Online Learning by the Babson Survey Research Group shows that nearly six million students take at least one course online. Just over one-fourth (28%) of students in higher education are taking at least one online course. While the number of online learners has fallen slightly since 2011 (nearly 33%), more of the students are taking online courses at major, public non-profit universities.
6. How long has distance learning been around?
6. How long has distance learning been around?
The first distance learning course is generally recognized to have started in 1728, when an American shorthand instructor named Caleb Phillips thought to offer instruction by mail in Boston. The idea of waiting days to receive assignments and return them is something today’s distance learning student can barely comprehend, but in the absence of computer, telephone, and even telegraph, the ability to learn through the postal system was a real head-turner at the time.
England later realized the potential of learning by mail, when the innovation of standardized penny postage in the United Kingdom made distance education a reality. In the 1840s, Sir Isaac Pitman needed just three years to parlay this innovation into the Phonographic Correspondence Society and, thereafter, Sir Isaac Pitman’s Correspondence Colleges.
Distance learning opportunities were soon created for foreign language instruction in Germany, and mining safety in California. The University of London created what some believe is the first university-based distance learning program in 1858. This is an important development for two reasons. First, this is the inaugural effort to use distance learning as a substitute for a comprehensive college experience. Until then, distance learning had an emphasis on discrete topics, with a particular focus on development of a skill, like shorthand. University of London’s program is also an important milestone, based on its success to innovate and expand its offerings. Its distance learning program reaches thousands of students in 180 countries, offering over one hundred credentials that can be obtained completely online. This advancement would only be possible with continued expansion of the mission and vision of the purpose of distance learning, as well as the incorporation of the latest technology.
Distance learning gained ground with educators throughout Europe as the nineteenth century wore on. According to Distance Learning, the late 1800s saw the emergence of several leading distance education institutions, including Edinburgh’s Skerry’s College in 1878, London’s Correspondence College in 1887, and, in Sweden, the influential Hermod’s, which was officially established in 1898. Newly established institutions like the University of Chicago making correspondence education a major part of their educational arsenal as early as 1890.[36] Within the decade, major distance education institutions had emerged in Boston and eastern Pennsylvania as well.
7. Can I blend online courses with on-campus courses?
7. Can I blend online courses with on-campus courses?
Increasingly, students are experiencing higher education through a blended course of study that includes some combination of online learning and physical class time. This can provide students the opportunity to take a course that they previously were not able to take because of a scheduling conflict. Additionally, some students who commute can reduce the number of trips to campus by blending on-campus and online courses. Some science courses may offer the lecture portion of a course online while requiring students to attend a laboratory component in person.
8. Can I still work full-time?
8. Will I be able to continue to work full-time while earning an online degree?
The allure of online education, for many, lies in the fact that classes can be taken anytime and anywhere. Many students think that because online courses are so flexible that they can incorporate a college education into a life that already includes a full-time job and a family. They are correct, but should be careful.
While a great number of students have successfully completed degrees while working a full-time job, it is important to consider all the obligations on your time before beginning a program of study. Online courses require as much, if not more, study time as traditional college classes.
9. Are online degrees accredited?
9. Are online degrees accredited?
Yes. There are several types of accreditation which may be given to a college or university. The gold standard is regional accreditation. If an institution is regionally accredited, the online courses and degrees offered by that school are accredited by the same organization.
According to the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), regional accreditation “is a self-regulatory process based on rigorous standards.” Accordingly, academic institutions receive accreditation based on internal evaluations conducted by colleges and universities and in accordance with such rigorous standards.
Once self-review is complete, accrediting commissions call for a peer review of the applying university or college. Following these steps, a commission within the agency determines an institution’s accreditation status. This process should also conclude with a concrete plan of action for subsequent review of accreditation status in the event that consequential changes take place in the way the institution operates.
Schools not awarded accreditation status at the end of this process often receive counsel and support from the accrediting agency so that they can make the changes and improvements needed to merit accreditation. For instance, the accrediting agency may identify lapses in quality or consistency of academic programs, and set out a course of action to redress them before the school can reapply for accreditation. Institutions with accreditation may lose this recognition due to a decline in quality or a problematic change in operations.
10, How do I know if an online school is legitimate?
10. How do I know if an online school is legitimate?
Unfortunately, not all online colleges have your best interest in mind. As with any new technology and industry, online education has proliferated over the past decade. There is no shortage of for-profit institutions that claim to offer high quality online education that are little more than scams that prey on those wishing to obtain a college degree. It is important to research any institution in which you are considering enrolling.
So, how do you know if a school is legitimate? Regional accrediting agencies regulate and evaluate higher education in order to make this determination easier for prospective students. Accreditation is the educational stamp of approval that guarantees your selected academic institution has attained certain standards of operational, procedural, financial, and academic practice. Regional accreditation is the gold standard!
11. What are the best online degrees?
11. What are the best online degrees?
The best online degrees are going to be those offered by affordable schools which help you to further your education and accomplish your goals. That being said, some online degrees are better received by graduate schools and employers than others. We have highlighted The 25 Best Online Degrees which tend to fall into one of the five following categories: Business, Computers and Information Technology, Healthcare, Science and Engineering, and Social Science and Criminal Justice.
12. How much can I expect to pay?
12. How much can I expect to pay?
Prices can vary based on public or private institutions, location, and degree level. As a general rule, public institutions are more affordable than private schools (assuming you are attending a school in a state where you hold residence) and undergraduate courses are less expensive than graduate level instruction.
For the 100 best online colleges of 2017, average undergraduate cost per credit for in-state students was $430 per credit while out of state students could expect to pay $616 per credit on average. Keep in mind that this list includes both private and public institutions at which tuition for undergraduates rages from $120 per credit at the most affordable option to as much as $1824 per credit for the most expensive undergraduate option. When considering the total cost of a bachelor’s degree, this difference can amount to over two hundred thousand dollars. It is important to research the cost of you degree program at each school you are considering before enrolling.
13. How do I finance an online education?
13. How do I finance an online education?
Because online students do not require on campus housing or meal plans the cost of online education can be much more affordable than attending classes in person.
However, you must consider that you will still need a place to live and need to meet your basic needs. Will you be able to continue to work full time while pursuing your degree? If not, you may need to take advantage of financial aid options available to online students.
Online programs from accredited institutions offer similar financial aid packages to on-campus options. Many online students receive scholarships and grants. Additionally, federal student loans are available to finance online education with the same limits and terms as traditional college.
14. For-Profit vs. Non-Profit?
14. What is the difference between For-Profit and Non-Profit Schools?
It is simplistic to see for-profit colleges as motivated purely by money and non-profit colleges as motivated purely by academic excellence. For-profit colleges, if they are to succeed in the long run, need to provide a good product and thus are incentivized to strive for academic excellence. Alternatively, non-profit colleges can be tempted to cash in on their non-profit status, milking the government for student loans to cover their ever upward spiraling tuition costs.
You should not limit your search to non-profit schools. Indeed, some for-profit schools have had remarkable success forging corporate partnerships and helping employees of corporations advance their education. Stories of success as well as stories of failure cover the entire gamut of American online education.What this all means is that in searching for the right online college, you need to be thorough, exercising due diligence, and leaving nothing to chance.
15. Will my computer/internet connection be good enough?
15. Will my computer/internet connection be good enough?
Online education obviously requires a computer and a reliable internet connection. You may wish to consider the age and condition of your device before beginning an online education program. Many programs require you to view large video and audio files. You will want to ensure that you have a computer with a high-speed internet connection so that you can stream these files without frustrating delays.
Additionally, many schools use specialized software for certain classes. While you do not need the latest and greatest hardware, it would be wise to ensure that your computer has sufficient memory and meets all necessary technical specifications. Even if you do not own a reliable computer or high-speed internet is not available in your area, there may be options for your online education. Public libraries often offer computer access. However, you should ensure that such use does not violate policies and consider such factors as daily usage limits.
16. Are online degrees as good as on-campus degrees?
16. Are online degrees as good as on-campus degrees?
When considering an online college and an online degree, the reputation of the school and specific program is of great importance. Schools which are renowned for a given program of study will offer degrees which are useful to students whether they earn their credentials in person or through distance education.
However, the prestige of the school is not the only consideration when weighing the value of a degree. In many cases, the skills you gain during your studies will eclipse the degree that you earn. If this is true for you, then you need to seek an online college with a positive track record in its quality of instruction. Consider conducting some research on the employment rate for those who have previously graduated from a given online college program. Evidence that graduates are enjoying gainful employment in their chosen field of study is usually a good indicator of an online college’s relative quality.
17. How quickly can I expect to finish an online education?
17. How quickly can I expect to finish an online education?
Graduation rates for online students suggest a trend that completing an online degree may be a slightly lengthier undertaking than traditional in-person college courses. Various studies suggest that less than 20 percent of students in online degree programs will graduate in 3 years or less.
When we extend the time period to six years, we see graduation rates rise to nearly 50 percent. These data are unsurprising considering many online students do not take as full a course load as their on-campus counterparts because of career or familial obligations which also require their time and energy.
18. How do online retention rates compare?
18. Is the retention rate for online students the same as on-campus students? Why?
Retention rates for online colleges vary widely among the top 100 online schools. The schools in our list boast freshman retention rates from 56 percent to 96 percent. The average retention rate for the 100 best online colleges is 77 percent. This number is on par with the average freshmen retention rate for brick and mortar colleges.
One consideration which must be given to schools with lower retention rates is the lower barrier to entry for online education. Students can begin taking online courses with greater ease than beginning on-campus programs. Upon starting an online education, many may find that they do not have the time necessary to pursue their studies while working full time or maintaining family obligations.
19. How do online graduation rates compare?
19. How do graduation rates for online students compare to on-campus students?
You are wise to be wary of those online colleges with low graduation rates. An editorial in the New York Times (2013) cites a five-year study released in 2011 which determined that students who were enrolled in more online as opposed to brick-and-mortar classes were substantially less likely to earn a degree or move on to a four-year college.
The reason offered by researchers is that too many students begin their college education lacking the basic learning skills needed to succeed in college: from independent time management and healthy study habits to competence in compositional English and research capabilities. This is true of students attending both traditional and online college classes. But it means that many students beginning their college education genuinely need the assistance, support, and motivation often found on campus, either through faculty, college counselors, existing student services, or one’s classmates. Without access to such a support network, ill-prepared students run the risk of struggling with their academic and personal responsibilities.
20. What do employers think?
20. What Do Employers Really Think About Online Degrees?
The perceived dividing line between these two modes of education is becoming increasingly blurred to prospective employers. As online education continues its expansion into traditional institutions of higher learning and becomes a necessary part of the course catalogue for major colleges and universities, employers are becoming less apt to scrutinize the medium through which your degree was earned, though perhaps increasingly likely to place greater stock in the reputation of the college or university from which you earned it.
Some employers may even place a higher premium on prospective employees who have demonstrated the ability to manage their own education, to work well with others from a distance, and to operate on a flexible and non-traditional schedule. Indeed, the same skills that one might exercise to successfully complete an online education are highly adaptable to a wide array of 21st century jobs.
Still, for all of these gains, there are employers who may view online education as subject to too great a variance in quality. There are employers who, if pressed to choose between two worthy candidates, will instinctively choose one with a brick-and-mortar education over one with an online degree. Some employers are just plain old-fashioned. This underscores the recommendation to exercise discretion when applying for a job. There is never a reason to specify on your résumé whether you earned your degree online or in a traditional classroom setting.
NOTE: This FAQ is drawn from our comprehensive Savvy Student’s Guide to Online Colleges and Online Education.
List of Resources for Online Colleges
The 100 Best Online Colleges for 2017. Our most visited article about online colleges and universities. The best of the best.
The Best Online College in Each of America’s Fifty States. Each state has its best online college. See what they are at a glance.
25 Online Colleges with the Best Return on Investment. Best bang for the buck? Check out these online colleges.
The Most Popular Online Colleges. Which online colleges enroll the most students? This article provides the answer.
The 25 Best Online Degrees. So you’ve decided to attend an online college. What degree should you pursue?
Scholarships for Online Students. These scholarships are specifically geared toward online students.
TBS Online Learning Scholarships. TheBestSchools.org offers six $1,000 scholarships to online students annually.
The Savvy Student’s Guide to Online Colleges and Online Education. Everything you need to know about online colleges and online education.
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Project managers love seeing ideas become polished products and need skills to deal with every step in-between. Learn the "in-between" in these top programs.
Sports Management: The 25 Best Master Degree Programs
Not all sports careers are for athletes only. Find the best online Sports Management master degree programs and career information.
Supply Chain Management: The 20 Best Online Master Degree Programs
Excellent supply chain managers keep products moving…they keep business moving. Train with experts from top schools to be your best!
Sustainability MBAs: The 10 Best MBA in Sustainability Degree Programs
More focus is placed on the environmental impacts of businesses, than ever before. Find the best online MBA to help you steer businesses toward better paths.
Computers & IT
Computational Linguistics: The 20 Best Graduate Programs
Computational linguistics is a field of vital importance in the information age. The best schools for computational linguistics have a strong interdisciplinary culture, notable faculty, and numerous specializations to choose from.
Computer Science: The World's 100 Best Comp Sci Programs
Computer science stands at the epicenter of this new age of information. Those who study computer science often access some of the highest paying jobs in a wide range of growing fields. Here are the best programs in the WORLD!
Computer Science: The 20 Best Graduate Programs
Discover the best schools for Computer Science graduate degrees, and get tips on how to choose a school that's right for you and how to navigate the application process.
Information Assurance & Security: The 25 Best Online Master Degree Programs
We know too well what can happen if the wrong people get a hold of a company's private information. Learn from leading experts in the field at these topnotch schools.
IT: The 20 Best Master Degree Programs
Individuals with IT master's degree gain a high level of technical expertise and are more suited for leadership positions, which generally means, a higher income.
Management Information Systems MBAs: The 20 Best Online MBA in Degree Programs
Develop the technical skills, business skills, and leadership skills you need to be your best. Find the best schools to prepare you for your future in management.
Video Game Design: The 50 Best Schools
Video game design schools have arrived on the academic landscape! Find the best school to prepare you for an exciting career in video game design!
Criminal Justice & Legal
Criminal Justice: The 25 Best Online Master Degree Programs
These top online programs can prepare you compete for in-demand criminal justice jobs in the legal, sociological, practical, and theoretical areas of law enforcement.
Homeland Security: The 25 Best Online Master Degree Programs
An online Homeland Security master's degree will prepare you for an array of jobs serving and protecting our country. Find the best program for you!
Education & Teaching
Curriculum & Instruction: The 25 Best Online Master Degree Programs
Learn about the best online programs to help you master the art and science of designing and implementing curricula that will better engage students. Find the best school for you!
Early Childhood Education: The 25 Best Online Master Degree Programs
Gain knowledge to better understand early childhood development, and the skills to better reach children, or run a facility. Find the best online program for you.
Education: The 20 Best Online Master Degree Programs
Whether you are seeking your teacher licensure through graduate work, or aspiring to go into an administrative position, take the next step with an online Master of Education.
Educational Administration: The 25 Best Online Master Degree Programs
A Master's in Educational Administration prepares graduates for an array of leadership positions in the educational system. Find out who's leading the leaders!
Educational Leadership: The 25 Best Online Master Degree Programs
The best leadership is that done by example. Earn your Educational Leadership master's degree with the best, to become the best leader you can be.
Educational Technology: The 25 Best Online Master Degree Programs
Master in Educational Technology degree programs shows students how to apply technology to improve education. Find the best online degree program for you!
Elementary Education: The 20 Best Online Master Degree Programs
Find the best accredited online Elementary Education master degree programs to help you advance your career! We've done the research; you pick the school!
Higher Education: The 25 Best Online Master Degree Programs
An online Master in Higher Education degree prepares you for rewarding leadership roles at colleges and universities. Find the best online program for you.
Library & Information Science: The 20 Best Online Master Programs
What good is a massive storage of information without people skilled in finding what is needed? Perfect your library & information science skills at these top schools!
Reading: The 25 Best Online Master in Reading Programs
Literacy is essential for all success in education. Learn the best strategies to teach people to read from any of these outstanding online programs!
School Counseling: The 10 Best Online Master's Programs
An online master's degree in School Counseling can lead to a rewarding job helping students find the best paths for their lives. But first, you need to find your best path.
Special Education: The 30 Best Online Master Degree Programs
Gain skills you need to help students of all ages overcome their educational challenges. Learn from experts at these great schools. Find the best school for you!
Teacher Education: The 30 Best Online Teaching Degree Programs
Schools don’t teach students; teachers teach students. The job market for teachers is huge, the demand for them is constant. Find the best programs in this article.
Health & Medicine
Healthcare Administration: The 25 Best Online Masters Degree Programs
Shape and hone your unique skill set and interest in America's best graduate online Master of Healthcare Administration degree programs.
Healthcare Informatics: The 25 Best Online Masters Degree Programs
Graduate Healthcare Informatics degree recipients needed immediately! Find the best schools to prepare you for the unique field of healthcare informatics.
Healthcare Management MBAs: The 25 Best Online Master Degree Programs
An online MBA in Healthcare Management equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage healthcare organizations.
Nursing: Top 50 Schools for Online Degrees
Here are 50 schools with topnotch online Nursing degrees that will help you join or advance in a nursing career.
Nursing Administration: The 20 Best Online Master Degree Programs
Find online Master in Nursing Administration degree programs from respected, accredited colleges and universities. Prepare for leadership roles at the department and director level.
Nutrition: The 25 Best Master Programs
Career opportunities in public and private settings abound for those with a master degree in nutrition. Read our article to discover the best master's degree programs in nutrition.
Public Health: The 30 Best Online Master Degree Programs
A Master of Public Health degree can open up many opportunities. Become a leader in improving health policies and conditions around the world.
Social Work Online: The 25 Best MSW Degree Programs
Online offerings make the incredibly versatile MSW even more attractive by adding convenience and flexibility. Find out more about the Top 25 online MSW programs.
Social Work: The 25 Best On-Campus MSW Degree Programs
An MSW is one of the best degrees you can have for helping people and communities in various ways. See our list of the 25 best MSW programs to get on your way to a rewarding Social Work career!
Substance Abuse Counseling: The 20 Best Online Master Degrees
The demand for licensed counselors grows. An online master's degree is a wise choice if you are working in the mental health field or exploring a career change.
Liberal Arts & Humanities
Christian Apologetics: The Top 10 Graduate Programs
Defending the faith is your concern, not defending your degree. Here are some of the top graduate programs at some of the most influential seminaries in the country.
Creative Writing: The 10 Best Programs
With the power of words you can transport someone to new and exciting worlds. Sharpen your talents with guidance from experts in one of these premier programs.
Divinity (MDiv): The 20 Best Master of Divinity Programs
Find the best accredited, 100% online MDiv programs from schools you know and trust, based on overall academic quality, faculty strengths and reputation.
Mathematics: The 50 Mathematics Programs in the World
We researched the most important characteristics of each of the top 50 mathematics programs on the list in order to reveal why each university mathematics program appears where it does.
Political Science: The 5 Best Online Master in Political Science Degree Programs
Study and learn to inform world-changing decisions with a master's in Political Science for these globally respected universities. The best part, they're all 100% online.
Public Administration: The 30 Best Online Master Degree Programs
Become a leader in a government or non-governmental career who impacts issues and problems affecting the general public.
Social Work Online: The 25 Best MSW Degree Programs
Online offerings make the incredibly versatile MSW even more attractive by adding convenience and flexibility. Find out more about the Top 25 online MSW programs.
Social Work: The 25 Best On-Campus MSW Degree Programs
An MSW is one of the best degrees you can have for helping people and communities in various ways. See our list of the 25 best MSW programs to get on your way to a rewarding Social Work career!
Social Sciences: The 50 Best Programs in the World
The Social Sciences include approaches from Sociology and Psychology to evaluate human behavior from both top-down and bottom-up perspectives. These are the best programs from around the world.
Theology: The Top 20 Online Theology Master's Degree Programs:
Find the best online graduate Theology programs and top programs related to theology. Discover the right path for your academic and ministerial interests.
Elementary through High School
Boarding Schools: The 50 Best in the U.S.
Find most selective, competitive, and influential schools in the country. These schools open Ivy League doors; these are the grounds on which lucrative social networks are built.
Christian Boarding Schools: The 30 Best
Boarding schools offer stable and secure places for children in a variety of circumstances. Find the best Christian boarding schools for your family's needs.
Christian High Schools: The 50 Best in America
Out of the nearly 12,000 Christian high school in the US, we found 50 schools that exemplify academic excellence, extracurricular richness, and more, while keeping faith central to their mission in education.
Middle Schools: The 50 Best in the U.S.
Here's a list of 50 middle schools from across the country whose faculty, staff, and students all deserve a word of thanks for their exemplary work!
Online High School Diplomas: The 50 Best
If traditional high school did not, or will not work for your life, the great news is that you can get your high school diploma online. Find the best online high school diploma program for you, and let your future begin!
Private Day Schools: The 50 Best in the United States
Here is your key to information about the very best private "day schools" in the U.S., where students are challenged not only academically, but personally success as well.
Private Elementary Schools: The 50 Best in the United States
Experts increasingly tout the importance of early childhood education. As a result, more families are searching for quality private elementary schools. To help, this article ranks the 50 best private elementary schools across America.
Public Elementary Schools: The 50 Best in the U.S.
These schools exemplify the best in elementary education! Working with what they have, they create environments that are highly effective at stimulating learning and fostering personal growth.
Public High Schools: The 100 Best in the U.S.
These schools prove that a world-class education doesn't require a tuition. See which schools are raising the bar for public high school education.
Colleges & Universities
Business & Economics: The World's Best 100 Programs in the World
Here are the best Business & Economics programs in the world, These schools have respected faculty, well-established alumni, and most likely to land you a job.
Chemistry: The World's 50 Best Chemisty Programs
Humanity is always finding new reasons to reshuffle the elements that nature provides. Chemists, more so than practitioners of other fields, need a strong research center to operate in. Here are the best programs in the WORLD!
Christian Colleges, Online: The Top 20
Online education has leveled the playing field, in many ways, for schools of all ranks to reach new students and grow. These Christian colleges are taking their mission to the cyber world.
Colleges: The 50 Best in the United States
Discover a different take on defining the best colleges, one that is actually focused on colleges rather than universities, and one that focuses on student successes rather than names.
Colleges, Online: The 100 Best Online Colleges 2017
Find the best online college for you by searching our list of reputable, accredited colleges and universities with robust online education offerings. These are the best of the best!
Colleges, Online: The Best in Your State
Looking for the best online colleges for you? Chances are, it's one you already know and respect, in your own state! Go ahead, see the best in your state!
Colleges, Online by State: The Best Online College in Each of America's Fifty States
If you find yourself among the many who have to go to school online, but want a school close enough to visit if/when you want, this is for you!
Colleges and Universities: The 100 Best in the U.S. by State
For each of the 50 states in the U.S., find out what is the state's best full-fledged university and its best four-year liberal arts college.
Colleges for Homeschool Graduates: The 30 Best
The college atmosphere can be quite a change, and challenge, for homeschool graduates, just as it is for all high school graduates. Discover the schools that best suit your goals.
Community Colleges: The 50 Best in the United States
Check out these community colleges that rival many four-year state and private schools in terms of quality courses, facilities, and return on investment.
Computer Science: The World's 100 Best Comp Sci Programs
Computer science stands at the epicenter of this new age of information. Those who study computer science often access some of the highest paying jobs in a wide range of growing fields. Here are the best programs in the WORLD!
Conservative Colleges: The 20 Best in America
Conservative colleges provide an important counterbalance to the liberalism that pervades American higher education. See the 20 Best conservative-friendly colleges.
Engineering/Technology & Computer Science: The World's 50 Best Programs
For those serious about technology degrees, this ranking deserve your attention. Respected the world over, these universities help guide the future.
Life & Agriculture Sciences: The 50 Best Programs in the World
Life & Agriculture Sciences harnesses the knowledge of the hard sciences to meet the needs of people and the world. Find the best programs in the world today!
Mathematics: The 50 Mathematics Programs in the World
We researched the most important characteristics of each of the top 50 mathematics programs on the list in order to reveal why each university mathematics program appears where it does.
Medical & Pharmacy: The 50 Best Programs in the World
Learn about the best medical and pharmacy schools in the world, their extraordinary resources and commitment to clinical medicine and pharmacy. Find out what sets them apart, and which might be right for you!
Music: The 20 Best Music Conservatories in the US
Students passionate about music need training from the best schools to help them get the attention they need to make their passion their career. Find the best Music Conservatory for you!
Startup Accelerators: The 10 Best Boot Camps for Internet Entrepreneurs
Learn what you need to know to make your vision successful online. There are many tricks of the trade that you need to know.
Studying the Bible: The 25 Best Colleges
There are over 1200 Bible colleges and many more Christian colleges and universities. Considering those numbers, finding the right school for seems daunting. This list can help.
Physics: The 50 Best Programs in the World
We researched the most important characteristics of each of the top 50 Physics programs on the list in order to reveal why each university physics program appears where it does.
Social Sciences: The 50 Best Programs in the World
The Social Sciences include approaches from Sociology and Psychology to evaluate human behavior from both top-down and bottom-up perspectives. These are the best programs from around the world.
Universities of the World: The 100 Best Universities in the World Today
Discover which universities from around the world boast the most intellectual horsepower. See not only who made the list, but why they are placed as they are.
Video Game Design: The 50 Best Schools
Video game design schools have arrived on the academic landscape! Find the best school to prepare you for an exciting career in video game design!
Career-specific Schools
Acupuncture Schools: The 20 Best in the U.S.
Acupuncture’s popularity continues to increase. Explore all your options for obtaining the best education possible in this country in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.
Automotive Mechanic Schools: The 25 Best Programs
Find 20 colleges and universities offering Automotive Mechanics programs. All of these schools offer high-quality technical educations that will help get you qualified to work in the automotive service industry.
Clinical Hypnosis: The Best Programs
Some medical practitioners and counselors believe in the benefits of hypnosis, but finding a legitimate program can be tricky. Find programs and other information you should consider.
Culinary Schools: The 30 Best Schools
These are the best culinary schools in America! See how they compare, and find the one that fits your interests best.
Hospitality: The 20 Best Hospitality Programs
Advancement opportunities abound in the Hospitality industry for those with the special skill set a Hospitality Degree will give you. Find the best programs in the U.S.
Law Schools: 10 Top Affordable Recognized in the U.S.
A quality Law degree may be more attainable than you think, and without racking up excessive debt. Consider these 10 schools for affordable, recognized law programs.
Music: The 20 Best Music Conservatories in the US
Students passionate about music need training from the best schools to help them get the attention they need to make their passion their career. Find the best Music Conservatory for you!
Medical and Pharmacy: The 50 Best Programs in the World
Learn about the best medical and pharmacy schools in the world, their extraordinary resources and commitment to clinical medicine and pharmacy. Find out what sets them apart, and which might be right for you!
Nursing: Top 50 Schools for Online Degrees
Here are 50 schools with topnotch online Nursing degrees that will help you join or advance in a nursing career.
RN-to-BSN: The 50 Best Online Programs
An RN to BSN online program can increase the opportunities to advance your careers and earning potential. These are the best online RN-to-BSN programs to help you succeed!
Online Colleges by State
Four great reasons to find an online college in your state:
- In-state tuition can save you a lot of money.
- Be a part of a university or college that you know and love.
- Get a degree from a school that employers know and trust.
- Be close enough to easily visit the campus when you want.
Click on the abbreviations to see the best online colleges in your state!