Most Popular Accredited Online Colleges of 2025
Online learning brings the college classroom to you. As an online student, you learn from top professors and receive the same rigorous education as on-campus students. Many leading schools offer a plethora of online degrees and programs.
Earning a degree online is a popular path. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, around one in three students chooses to learn online.
The best online universities offer the same high-quality education as traditional colleges. They also provide 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 Top Accredited Online Colleges
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled164,091
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,488
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$9,252
- Out-of-state$11,862
- Retention Rate43%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled55,838
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$13,356
- In-State$9,472
- Out-of-state$10,524
- Retention Rate17%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled45,125
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$10,978
- Out-of-state$13,248
- In-State$9,972
- Out-of-state$9,972
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled62,551
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled54,085
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona Global Campus
- Chandler, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$12,240
- Out-of-state$12,240
- In-State$12,645
- Out-of-state$12,645
- Retention Rate30%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled34,190
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,443
- Out-of-state$36,637
- In-State$6,885
- Out-of-state$19,593
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled76,633
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,404
- Out-of-state$21,004
- In-State$6,350
- Out-of-state$13,694
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled47,507
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
George Mason University
- Fairfax, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,092
- Out-of-state$34,260
- In-State$13,426
- Out-of-state$35,377
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled39,528
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,562
- Out-of-state$19,630
- In-State$5,328
- Out-of-state$19,188
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled45,152
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Reality Check: Is It Possible To Do College Online?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to earn your degree entirely online, and for many students, it’s the preferred option. Online college offers a lot of flexibility. You can learn at your own pace and study whenever and wherever you want, all while following a structured curriculum with set deadlines.
How Does Online College Work?
Online colleges offer the same high-quality education as on-campus programs but with classes taught completely online. A typical course features a curriculum of video recordings or live lectures, plus readings and assessments.
Although online learning is independent, you’ll still have many chances to interact with students and professors. This usually happens through discussion boards, video conferencing, or group projects. Some programs may also include in-person activities, such as residencies or labs.
Why Choose an Online College?
Top online colleges provide many accredited degree, certificate, and course options to help you find the right fit for your education. They also offer additional benefits, such as easy credit transfer and the flexibility to take classes on your schedule.
There are options to enroll in asynchronous programs, which means you can watch lectures and complete coursework at times that suit you. This is especially helpful if you’re working while in school. Alternatively, you can join live sessions at set times in synchronous classes.
6 Benefits of Online College
- You can attend a great school from anywhere with internet access, whether in the comfort of your home or your local library.
- Online students often qualify for the same financial aid programs — including scholarships and grants — as on-campus students.
- Accredited online programs prepare you for a career by offering the same academic quality as on-campus programs.
- The flexibility allows you to schedule school around your job, family, or other responsibilities.
- Online degree programs can be more affordable alternatives to on-campus programs.
- Many online colleges have generous transfer credit policies, allowing you to seamlessly apply previously earned college credits toward your degree.
How to Choose an Online College: 5 Tips
The best online college for you will depend on your educational goals, budget, and preferences. Use these five tips to help you choose the right online college.
1. Define Your Goals
Before researching online colleges, you need to define your academic and career goals. 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? Qualify 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 easier. 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 help you choose the best online college for you.
3. Check for Accreditation
The best online colleges hold legitimate institutional 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. The free database offers detailed information about thousands of U.S. colleges and universities.
Accreditation is essential for applying to graduate programs, gaining employment, and qualifying for professional licensure.
4. Create a Budget
Many factors make up your total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, textbooks, and other education-related expenses. You may 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 savings compared to on-campus degrees. You can learn more about these cost differences 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 short list does not offer what you need for academic and career success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges
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.
You can check with ED or CHEA for the latest accreditation information for all schools you’re considering.
