Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime of 2025
Starting college comes with a lot of decisions. Should you pursue your degree online or on campus? How much can you reasonably afford to pay for college? And when’s the right time to apply?
If you’re ready to apply now, online colleges that start anytime take the stress out of that last question. These schools offer rolling start dates — often monthly or quarterly — so you can begin college when it works best for you. That means you won’t have to wait for a traditional semester to start; you could apply today and be in your first class within weeks.
Schools design their online programs for flexibility, and rolling admissions are another way they give students more freedom to start on their own schedule. What’s more, some colleges with rolling admissions also offer open enrollment, giving you even more flexibility. Explore this guide to learn how you can start online college today.
10 Best Online Colleges You Can Start Today
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
University of Maryland Global Campus has a rolling admissions process. This means you can apply and start as soon as you're ready. The school offers multiple eight-week sessions each spring, summer, and fall, so you can pick the best option for your schedule. More than 70 bachelor's and master's degree programs are available online.
Things We Love:
- You can save on course supplies because UMGC has replaced most textbooks with free online resources.
- Submitting your FAFSA will automatically make you eligible for more than 100 UMGC scholarships.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Check if your employer participates in the Bright Horizons Smart Track program, which reduces pricing and waives fees.
- Most UMGC programs are asynchronous, meaning you'll complete coursework on your own schedule and at your own pace.
- In-State$7,488
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$9,252
- Out-of-state$11,862
- Retention Rate43%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled55,838
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue Global
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Purdue Global has 10-week terms that begin every month. These terms follow three academic calendar tracks with staggered start dates throughout the year. So, you're not limited to just a fall or spring semester — you can start anytime. Purdue Global offers 40 online bachelor's degrees and 29 online master's degree programs.
Things We Love:
- Students can try a three-week trial of an undergraduate program for free to see if the program is a good fit.
- The price of tuition for undergraduate courses covers textbooks at no extra cost.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Non-Indiana residents face steeper tuition — nearly $100 extra per quarter credit.
- Expect to invest 15-18 hours weekly per course for classroom sessions and studying.
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$13,356
- In-State$9,472
- Out-of-state$10,524
- Retention Rate17%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled45,125
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona Global Campus
- Chandler, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
The University of Arizona Global Campus gives you flexible start dates and courses that work with your busy life. You can pick a start date that works for you, take a single course at a time, and still be considered a full-time student. Undergraduate terms are five weeks, and graduate terms are six weeks. UAGC offers 29 bachelor's and 17 master's programs fully online.
Things We Love:
- Digital textbooks allow you to study on a phone or tablet, use highlighting and note-taking features, and download audio.
- The University of Arizona reports alumni have the highest earning potential among Arizona's public university graduates, according to 2022 data from Payscale.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students — $500-$610 per credit for undergraduates and $650-$1,332 for graduate students.
- Transferring traditional and nontraditional credits, such as CLEP tests or credits for prior work experience, can speed up your time to graduation.
- In-State$12,240
- Out-of-state$12,240
- In-State$12,645
- Out-of-state$12,645
- Retention Rate30%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled34,190
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Chico
- Chico, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
California State University-Chico accepts applications on a rolling basis, so you may know within two weeks if you've been accepted. You can apply to start in the fall or spring semesters. Chico State offers eight online bachelor's and four online master's programs.
Things We Love:
- You can finish your bachelor's degree in as little as two years as a transfer or returning student, or take it slower to balance your career or family schedule.
- You'll be paired with a dedicated advisor who helps you succeed academically, including holding planning sessions and providing access to student resources.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Chico State's online programs are fully asynchronous. So, consider if you can work independently.
- It costs $70 to apply, which is on the higher end of application fees, but waivers may be available.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled13,999
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
National University has a year-round open enrollment policy, so you can start classes whenever you're ready. NU's online degree programs offer flexibility — four-week courses begin every month to help you balance career and family obligations. More than 75 online bachelor's and master's degree programs are available.
Things We Love:
- You can utilize NU's one-month courses to move at an accelerated pace or take strategic breaks.
- You can take one class at a time to avoid juggling multiple courses and deadlines throughout the semester.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The majority of NU programs have flexible start dates. However, the start dates for some cohort programs, such as school psychology and nursing, are strict.
- A bachelor's degree program is around 40 classes and takes around 41 months to complete, while the senior research project takes around eight weeks.
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,912
- Out-of-state$15,912
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled18,631
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Weber State University
- Ogden, UT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Weber State University offers open enrollment, allowing you to apply anytime. Courses are available in summer, fall, and spring. However, online courses are asynchronous, so you can complete your work on your own schedule. Courses can take only a few weeks or up to six months to complete. You can choose from 17 online bachelor's degree programs and seven online master's degree programs.
Things We Love:
- WSU reports that in-state tuition for Utah residents is 40% lower than the national average. The school awards $90 million in scholarships and financial aid annually.
- You can choose between semester-based learning or independent study based on whether you prefer stricter or more flexible deadlines.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- New in-state students can apply for free.
- Out-of-state students pay the same tuition as in-state students but aren't eligible for extra scholarships and waivers.
- In-State$5,471
- Out-of-state$16,164
- In-State$8,089
- Out-of-state$17,923
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled30,536
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
Rolling admissions at Charter Oak State College allow you to start your studies flexibly. You can choose from six fall, spring, and summer start dates. COSC offers 16 fully online bachelor's degree programs and three online master's degree programs.
Things We Love:
- You can get credit for prior learning and finish your degree faster.
- Tuition rates are among the lowest on this list at $329 per credit hour.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- All undergraduate and graduate applications require a nonrefundable $50 fee and a $150 deposit if you decide to enroll.
- You may qualify for tuition discounts if you are a military member, Connecticut veteran, COSC alum, or Connecticut community college graduate.
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$10,056
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$9,720
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled1,602
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
Bellevue University
- Bellevue, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Bellevue University offers rolling admissions with options to start in the fall, winter, spring, or summer terms. The school boasts small class sizes, and no classes are held on Fridays. More than 75 online bachelor's and master's degree programs are available.
Things We Love:
- You can choose between a cohort learning schedule, in which you advance through your major with the same classmates, or individual study at your own pace.
- You'll have a team to support you from start to finish, including an enrollment counselor and student coach, as well as access to library and career services.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Bellevue is an open-access university with a 100% acceptance rate.
- Most of Bellevue's online programs are asynchronous and do not require live attendance or set schedules or class times.
- In-State$8,040
- Out-of-state$8,040
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$11,340
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled13,841
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Wilmington University
- New Castle, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Wilmington University has rolling admissions for most of its programs. Applicants should receive a decision within two weeks of applying. Classes start every eight weeks. WilmU offers 75 online bachelor's and master's degree programs, including eight accelerated majors.
Things We Love:
- Find the right fit for your schedule by choosing between asynchronous, synchronous, hybrid, optional in-person, or online learning formats.
- If you can't afford a laptop, you can apply to borrow one for free from WilmU's laptop lending program.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- There is no difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition.
- Wilmington's open admissions policy means most students get accepted.
- In-State$11,970
- Out-of-state$11,970
- In-State$9,216
- Out-of-state$9,216
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled14,020
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of North Dakota has a rolling admissions policy for the spring, summer, and fall semesters. You can enroll in self-paced courses that take 3-9 months to complete or choose a semester-based schedule that follows the academic calendar. UND offers 67 online bachelor's and master's degree programs.
Things We Love:
- UND reports that the average salary of undergraduates in their first jobs after graduation is $55,000, while 87% of recent graduates secure roles related to their degrees.
- According to UND, 38% of undergraduates earned their degrees without taking out any student loans.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Annually, UND students get $13,500 on average in financial aid.
- If you want to graduate faster, UND offers 20 accelerated online bachelor's and master's degree programs.
- In-State$9,237
- Out-of-state$13,856
- In-State$11,963
- Out-of-state$17,944
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled14,172
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
What Is Rolling Admissions?
You’ve likely heard the term before, but what exactly does rolling admissions mean? To put it simply, rolling admissions are a flexible application process in which schools review applications as they are received, rather than at a set deadline.
This means you can apply to college whenever it works best for you, without having to wait for a specific application window to open or close. Once you submit your application to a school with rolling admission, you can typically expect a decision within a few weeks.
4 Benefits of Online Colleges With Rolling Admissions or Open Enrollment
Imagine finding the college of your dreams, only to find out that the program 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 fall.
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. Open enrollment colleges admit every student who applies, creating an even simpler and more accessible application process.
Below are some key benefits of online colleges with start-anytime programs.
1. Start Your Degree When It Works Best for You
Are you ready to start online college today 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.
2. Start Fresh
Many online colleges that allow you to start at any time maintain open enrollment policies and only require a high school diploma or GED for admission. Without selective criteria, you can start fresh without being weighed down by your past GPA or standardized test scores.
3. Same Financial Aid Opportunities
As long as the school is accredited, online colleges that offer start-anytime enrollment offer the same financial aid opportunities as those that operate on traditional academic calendars with set semester start dates.
Just keep in mind that processing financial aid can take time. In some cases, it may take over a month, which could delay the start of your online classes. The upside is that this gives you more time to plan your budget and explore scholarships or grants that can help make your online degree more affordable.
4. Quicker Decision Turnaround
If you’ve ever applied months in advance for something, whether a job, loan, or even an apartment, you know how stressful the waiting period can be.
One of the major benefits of online colleges with rolling admissions or start-today enrollment policies is that you can skip that extended waiting period, and the anxiety that often comes with it. Online colleges with rolling admissions typically get back to applicants within a few weeks, and sometimes even within a few days.
Reality Check: Are Online Degrees Respected?
Yes, accredited online degrees are widely respected by employers. You’ll often take the same courses as on-campus students, and your diploma won’t specify that you earned your degree online. However, accreditation is crucial to ensure the quality of your education.
How Online College Works: Understanding Schedule and Class Structures
If you’re wondering when online classes start, 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 trimester or quarter 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 flexible options, such as monthly start dates and self-paced programs.
Multiple Start Dates
Many online college courses offer multiple start dates. Individual departments or programs usually set these dates at various times during the academic year. Accelerated degree programs 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 — they are usually only offered for vocational or certificate programs. It’s more common to see monthly or quarterly start dates for degree programs.
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, it’s up to you how quickly 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 other obligations.
Course Structure
Online colleges with start-anytime options may offer either synchronous or asynchronous courses, with the latter sometimes referred to as correspondence courses. Asynchronous classes usually work best for learners with busy schedules, whereas synchronous classes are often a better fit for students who want more structure.
Synchronous Courses
- Requires scheduled online live attendance, much like an in-person class
- Offers the ability to interact with your instructor and ask them questions in real time
- Provides the opportunity to work collaboratively with fellow students outside of scheduled classes
- Is a good choice for students who excel in a structured learning environment
Asynchronous Courses
- Provides self-paced learning through prerecorded lectures and assigned reading materials
- Offers little interaction between you and the teacher
- Allows you to participate in discussion boards and schedule group work when convenient
- Is the ideal learning format for working students or those with busy schedules
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges With Rolling Admissions and Open Enrollment
Bellevue University is the cheapest online college with open enrollment on our ranking list. Bellevue charges the same tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, at around $8,040 per academic year.
Other affordable schools on our list include California State University-Chico and Weber State University. California residents can access Chico State’s competitive in-state tuition rate of $5,742 per year, and Oregon residents can access an in-state tuition rate of $5,471 at WSU.
Residents of certain states can also access exchange programs to get lower tuition. For example, the Western Undergraduate Exchange Program gives residents of over a dozen Western states a lower tuition rate at many universities in the participating states.
