Top 20 Online Universities in the USA

Most online schools in the United States are similar to in-person higher education institutions in that they confer bachelor’s degrees accepted by both employers and graduate schools.

They are meant for certain types of students such as working adults, parents and veterans, allowing them to study in the comfort of their homes via the world wide web.

But refrain from assuming that all colleges and universities operating on the internet are cut from the same cloth.

While all legit ones offer virtual classes and, in many instances, also hybrid classes, not everyone can give you the kind of education and qualification that are worth your time and money.

The following is the list of most respected online colleges in America.

1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide

  • Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
  • School type: Private non-profit
  • Accreditor: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 63%
  • Graduation rate: 25%
  • Number of students enrolled: 13,904
  • Tuition: $10,296
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 69%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $4,184
  • Average initial annual salary: $49,300
  • US News ranking: #1 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
  • Niche ranking: #29 in Best Online Colleges in America and #4 in Best Online Colleges in Florida
  • Forbes ranking: #228 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 30
  • Best majors: Aeronautics and Aviation Technology, Aircraft Maintenance, Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace Engineering Technician, Business, Liberal Arts and Humanities

Offering more than 70 undergraduate degrees, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide is considered the world’s largest, fully-accredited online university specializing in aviation, aerospace, and security and intelligence.

As a matter of fact, major airlines hire more graduates from the school than any other college offering aviation programs.

What’s more, it is the country’s largest supplier of bachelor’s degree-holding air traffic controllers to the FAA.

Thinking about becoming a NASA astronaut one day? Then you will be glad to know that six alumni members of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide are current or former astronauts.

2. Liberty University

  • Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
  • School type: Private non-profit
  • Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Graduation rate: 49%
  • Number of students enrolled: 93,349
  • Tuition: $20,534
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 99%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $12,966
  • Average initial annual salary: $33,700
  • US News ranking: #299 to #391 in National Universities
  • Niche rankings: #5 in Best Online Colleges in America and #1 in Best Online Colleges in Virginia
  • Forbes ranking: #585 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 68
  • Best majors: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education, English Language and Literature, General Studies, Religious Studies

Non-traditional students with some college experience or a college diploma are some of those who could benefit the most from attending Liberty University.

That’s because up to 75% of previously earned credits can be transferred to the online school, thus considerably cutting the amount of time and money spent on the completion of an online degree.

And speaking of money, in seven years, the tuition at the Virginia-based school hasn’t budged.

Liberty University takes pride in the fact that its online tuition rates are in the bottom third when compared to its direct competitors.

The online school also offers different payment plan options, all of which are interest-free, as well as veteran benefits and military tuition assistance.

Read more about Liberty University here.

3. Indiana University Online

  • Location: Bloomington, Indiana
  • School type: Public research
  • Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Graduation rate: 77%
  • Number of students enrolled: 43,064
  • Tuition: $9,815 (in-state) and $36,194 (out-of-state)
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 78%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $11,213
  • Average initial annual salary: $41,900
  • US News ranking: #68 in National Universities
  • Niche rankings: #32 in Top Public Universities in America and #2 in Top Public Universities in Indiana
  • Forbes ranking: #90 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 200
  • Best majors: Business, Journalism, Biological Sciences, Information Technology, Psychology, Public Administration, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Liberal Arts and Humanities

Some online schools conduct everything virtually.

But then there’s Indiana University Online, which assigns every online student an Indiana University that they may visit at any given time in order to be able to access its various resources.

As a result, you get to experience being a traditional and non-traditional student.

However, it’s completely fine if you prefer to complete your online program 100% via the internet.

One of the nicest things about Indiana University Online is that it allows students enrolled at other colleges and universities to take individual online courses and transfer the credits to their schools.

However, it is highly recommended for interested students to check with their respective academic advisors beforehand.

Read more about Indiana University Online here.

ASU

4. Arizona State University’s ASU Online

  • Location: Tempe, Arizona
  • School type: Public research
  • Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 88%
  • Graduation rate: 64%
  • Number of students enrolled: 74,795
  • Tuition: $561 to $661 per credit hour
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 93%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $12,637
  • Average initial annual salary: $40,300
  • US News ranking: #117 in National Universities
  • Niche rankings: #47 in Top Public Universities in America and #1 in Best Colleges in Arizona
  • Forbes ranking: #121 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 350
  • Best majors: Business, Biology, Psychology, Marketing, Computer and Information Sciences, Elementary Education and Teaching, Family Resource Management Studies

While many of ASU Online’s programs can be completed 100% via the web, some require in-person lab components.

Online students with disabilities, whether temporary or permanent, can register with the school’s Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services, which allows them to obtain support for on-campus transportation, accommodation, training and engagement opportunities, and many others.

On-campus students may also enjoy online courses through what ASU Online refers to as iCourses. There are also hybrid courses, or combined virtual and physical classes, which the school calls ASU Sync courses.

Read more about ASU Online here.

5. Excelsior College

  • Location: Albany, New York
  • School type: Private non-profit
  • Accreditor: the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Graduation rate: 34%
  • Number of students enrolled: 25,245
  • Tuition: $510 per credit hour
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 15%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $3,200
  • Average initial annual salary: $45,591
  • US News ranking: N/A
  • College Factual ranking: #2 in Best Colleges for Non-Traditional Students in the United States
  • Newsweek ranking: #9 in America’s Best Online Learning Schools
  • Number of majors: 37
  • Best majors: Nursing, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Engineering Technician, Lab Technician, Instrumentation Technician, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration

To date, Excelsior College has already conferred nearly 200,000 associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

A reason why the online school is considered one of the best for non-traditional students is that it honors credits earned through many different ways, from previous college experience (up to 90 credits from a community college can be transferred), college-level exams, industry certifications, and professional and military training.

Based on LinkedIn details, degree holders from Excelsior College are commonly employed by Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft, Amentum, Maxim Healthcare Group and the US Department of the Army, working in fields such as consulting, operations, engineering and healthcare services.

Read more about Excelsior College here.

florida international university

6. Florida International University

  • Location: Miami, Florida
  • School type: Public research
  • Accreditor: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 58%
  • Graduation rate: 56%
  • Number of students enrolled: 58,836
  • Tuition: $4,721 (in-state) and $16,529 (out-of-state)
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 93%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $10,325
  • Average initial annual salary: $38,500
  • US News ranking: 58,836
  • Niche rankings: #60 in Top Public Universities in America and #6 in Top Public Universities in Florida
  • Forbes ranking: #145 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 63
  • Best majors: Information Technology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, International Relations and Affairs, Elementary Education and Teaching, Civil Engineering, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Biological Sciences

Just because you are planning on becoming a non-traditional online student doesn’t mean that you can no longer make research the central part of your undergraduate education.

There are only a handful of colleges and universities that hold the Carnegie R1 designation, which is conferred by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and demonstrates very high research activity, and Florida International University is one of them.

To date, Florida International University has bestowed over 200,000 degrees to alumni members in 33 countries.

Read more about Florida International University here.

penn state university

7. Penn State World Campus

  • Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
  • School type: Public research
  • Accreditor: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 54%
  • Graduation rate: 86%
  • Number of students enrolled: 2,564
  • Tuition: $590 per credit
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 72%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $6,294
  • Average initial annual salary: $41,900
  • US News ranking: #16 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
  • Niche rankings: #697 in Best Value Colleges in America and #74 in Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania
  • Forbes ranking: #155 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 70
  • Best majors: Business, Psychology, Information Science, Nursing, Computer and Information Systems Security, Economics, Organizational Behavior Studies, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies

College Magazine ranks Pennsylvania State University #1 in the Top 10 Best Colleges for Networking in 2021. It isn’t surprising why more than 87% of its graduates are employed full-time.

As an online student at Penn State World Campus, you will become a part of the prestigious public school’s strong alumni network consisting of over 645,000 members.

According to Penn State itself, graduating from it will not end your relationship with the school and, more importantly, its Career Services office.

Some of the employers that hire Penn State graduates include Bixal Solutions, Hesheng Home Industries Co. Ltd., CNA Corporation, and the US Social Security Administration.

Read more about Penn State World Campus here.

8. Purdue University Global

  • Location: Lafayette, Indiana
  • School type: Public research
  • Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 67%
  • Graduation rate: 74%
  • Number of students enrolled: 46,655
  • Tuition: $371.00 per quarter credit hour
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 56%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $10,778
  • Average initial annual salary: $47,200
  • US News ranking: #53 in Regional Colleges Midwest
  • Niche rankings: #16 in Top Public Universities in America and #1 in Top Public Universities in Indiana
  • Forbes ranking: #61 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 114
  • Best majors: Criminal Justice and Safety Studies, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business, Sociology, Biological Sciences, Computer Science

Not 100% certain that being an online student or earning an online degree is right for you? Then consider sending an application to Purdue University Global.

That’s because its online undergraduate programs have an introductory period, which lasts for three weeks, with no tuition obligation.

After the third week, which the institution refers to as Checkpoint Week, you will be asked whether or not you would like to continue your Purdue University Global experience.

So, in other words, no matter the reason behind your being a non-traditional student, from having a full-time job to taking care of your kids, Purdue University Global allows you to give an online program of it a try cost-free.

Read more about Purdue Global here.

9. University of Arkansas System eVersity

  • Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
  • School type: Public research
  • Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 78%
  • Graduation rate: 62%
  • Number of students enrolled: 27,562
  • Tuition: $175 per credit hour
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 85%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $5,709
  • Average initial annual salary: $39,200
  • US News ranking: #162 in National Universities
  • Niche rankings: #61 in Top Public Institutions in America and #1 in Top Public Institutions in Arkansas
  • Forbes ranking: #190 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 72
  • Best majors: Marketing Management, Finance, Nursing, Biological Sciences, Business, Accounting, Journalism, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Elementary Education and Teaching

One of the main reasons why some degree-seeking students turn to online schools is that it allows them to stay within budget.

Well, eVersity, which is a member of the University of Arkansas System, locks students in at the tuition rate for their first course for all remaining courses until the time they earn their respective online degrees.

Because of this, you will be able to plan how to pay for your degree with precision.

The school also takes pride in the fact that its academic advisors closely monitor the progress of eVersity students, paying special attention to key indicators that predict their chances of succeeding or failing with their online education.

UCF Lake Nona Campus
UCF Lake Nona Campus

10. University of Central Florida

  • Location: Orange County, Florida
  • School type: Public research
  • Accreditor: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 45%
  • Graduation rate: 70%
  • Number of students enrolled: 71,881
  • Tuition: $179.19 per credit hour (in-state) and $715.80 per credit hour (out-of-state)
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 93%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $10,300
  • Average initial annual salary: $37,600
  • US News ranking: #148 in National Universities
  • Niche rankings: #45 in Top Public Universities in America and #4 in Top Public Universities in Florida
  • Forbes ranking: #138 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 64
  • Best majors: Elementary Education and Teaching, Paralegal, English Language and Literature, Biological Sciences, Nursing, Psychology, General Studies, Political Science and Government

A total of 22 awards for excellence in online teaching from the Online Learning Consortium/Sloan Consortium were received by the University of Central Florida.

More than 100 degree programs, ranging from bachelor’s degrees to professional certificates, available at the institution can be completed fully online.

Many online bachelor’s programs being offered by the University of Central Florida are highly ranked by US News. For instance, its online psychology program is #6, while its online business program is #7.

In addition, some of its online master’s programs for veterans are high ranking, too — it’s #9 in Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans and #12 in Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs for Veterans, both by US News.

Read more about the University of Central Florida Online here.

university of florida

11. University of Florida Online

  • Location: Gainesville, Florida
  • School type: Public research
  • Accreditor: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 31%
  • Graduation rate: 87%
  • Number of students enrolled: 53,372
  • Tuition: $552.62 per credit hour (in-state) and $955.28 per credit hour (out-of-state)
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 91%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $11,962
  • Average initial annual salary: $47,000
  • US News ranking: #28 in National Universities
  • Niche rankings: #7 in Top Public Schools in America and #1 in Best Colleges in Florida
  • Forbes ranking: #25 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 90
  • Best majors: Food Science, Mechanical Engineering, Family and Community Services, English Language and Literature, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Political Science and Government

In 2018, the University of Florida Online launched the Employer Pathways Program, whose goal is to help employed individuals to earn degrees online while working to support themselves and their loved ones.

Some companies participating in the program include the Walt Disney Company and JPMorgan Chase.

Currently, the Employer Pathways Program has bridged academics and work for more than one million people.

Numerous online undergraduate degrees at the University of Florida Online supported by participating companies include BS in Business Administration, BS in Computer Science, BA in Psychology and BA in Criminology.

Read more about the University of Florida Online here.

12. University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Location: College Park, Maryland
  • School type: Public research
  • Accreditor: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 51%
  • Graduation rate: 86%
  • Number of students enrolled: 40,709
  • Tuition: $306 per credit hour (in-state) and $499 per credit hour (out-of-state)
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 63%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $10,127
  • Average initial annual salary: $47,800
  • US News ranking: #131 to #171 in Regional Universities North
  • Niche rankings: #824 in Most Diverse Colleges in America and #17 in Best Value Colleges in Maryland
  • Forbes ranking: #42 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 90
  • Best majors: Information Science, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Human Resources, Psychology, Computer and Information Systems Security, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies

Got an associate degree from a community college in Maryland and now want to earn a bachelor’s degree?

Then you can enjoy guaranteed admission into the University of Maryland Global Campus.

But there’s more: the school will accept as many as 70 credits previously earned.

As a matter of fact, it’s not just graduates of community colleges in Maryland that can enjoy these perks but also graduates of out-of-state community colleges that have formed an alliance with the online school!

In many instances, an associate degree holder could earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus for under $10,000.

Active-duty service members, eligible spouses and dependent children can also enjoy reduced tuition, and veterans may apply for financial aid from the Veterans Assistance Fund (VAF).

Read more about the University of Maryland Global Campus here.

UMass

13. University of Massachusetts Global

  • Location: Irvine, California
  • School type: Private non-profit
  • Accreditor: The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 89%
  • Graduation rate: 65%
  • Number of students enrolled: 31,642
  • Tuition: $500 cost per credit hour
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 100%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $1,460
  • Average initial annual salary: $41,500
  • US News ranking: #148 in Best Global Universities
  • Niche rankings: #142 in Most Liberal Colleges in America and #20 in Most Liberal Colleges in California
  • Forbes ranking: #141 Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 70
  • Best majors: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Psychology, Social Work and Youth Services, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies, English Language and Literature, Biological Sciences

Up to 90% of the students at the University of Massachusetts Global are working on their respective online degrees while still working, either to get a promotion or climb up the career ladder.

And in order to help adult learners achieve their goals, the University of Massachusetts Global has what it calls Backwards Course Design, which considers employment trends in order to get the students equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for them to be ready to be a part of or advance in the workforce.

Based on a survey, nine out of ten students say they would recommend the University of Massachusetts Global to their family and friends, which serves as a testament to a positive online learning experience.

Read more about UMass Global here.

14. Western Governors University Online

  • Location: Millcreek, Utah
  • School type: Private non-profit
  • Accreditor: The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Graduation rate: 49%
  • Number of students enrolled: 98,630
  • Tuition: $7,290
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 37%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $4,308
  • Average initial annual salary: $41,900
  • US News ranking: N/A
  • Niche rankings: #812 in Best Value Colleges in America and #5 in Best Value Colleges in Utah
  • College Choice ranking: #1 in Fastest Online Bachelor’s Programs
  • Number of majors: 20
  • Best majors: Nursing, Business, Accounting, Elementary Education, Computer and Information Systems Security, Human Resources, Management Sciences and Information Systems

A flat tuition rate that is charged every six months — it’s something that makes Western Governors University Online ideal for non-traditional students on a tight budget.

Through this, they can take as many courses as they possibly can at no extra cost, thus allowing them to cut not only the price of an online degree but also the time it would take to earn it.

Many of the institution’s online graduates are employed by some of the most well-known companies. They include Microsoft, IBM, AT&T, Pfizer and Northrop Grumman.

Speaking of which, the curriculum at Western Governors University Online is designed in order to help students who are looking to have a career shift.

Helping to facilitate this is the provision of a personal Program Mentor who can provide assistance in charting an academic course toward one’s career goal.

Read more about West Governors University here.

CSU

15. Colorado State University – Global Campus

  • Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
  • School type: Public research
  • Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 98%
  • Graduation rate: 66%
  • Number of students enrolled: 1,796
  • Tuition: $350 per credit hour
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 49%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $9,899
  • Average initial annual salary: $37,700
  • US News ranking: #13 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
  • Best Accredited Colleges rankings: #2 in Fastest Online Degree Programs
  • Forbes ranking: #199 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 70
  • Best majors: Business, Human Resources, Information Technology, Accounting, Healthcare Management, Management Sciences and Information Systems, Marketing, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement

While Colorado State University – Global Campus is a place where non-traditional students can earn their online degrees, the institution is particularly suitable for those who have already obtained an associate’s degree.

It’s for the fact that it accepts as much credit as possible — up to 64 credits from community colleges.

Colorado State University – Global Campus also offers tuition discounts and specialized articulations if you previously attended one of its community college affiliates.

And speaking of which, the online school also has employer partners where its graduates could get hired. Some of them include AT&T, Best Buy, Cochlear, DaVita, US Bank, Randstad, HubSpot, Trimble, Pearson Accelerated Pathways and the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Read more about CSU Global Campus here.

16. Concordia University – Saint Paul

  • Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
  • School type: Private
  • Accreditor: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Graduation rate: 46%
  • Number of students enrolled: 5,585
  • Tuition: $23,400
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 100%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $16,143
  • Average initial annual salary: $42,900
  • US News ranking: #153 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
  • Niche rankings: #350 in Most Conservative Colleges in America and #8 in Most Conservative Colleges in Minnesota
  • Forbes ranking: #406 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 36
  • Best majors: Business, Marketing, Accounting, Education, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Nursing Science, Psychology. Child Development, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies

Concordia University – Saint Paul’s online programs are designed for some of the busiest professionals and parents who wish to get their hands on online degrees, and courses structured on asynchronous learning models serve as proof.

This means no predetermined schedule that can get in the way of one’s hectic timetable.

What’s more, you don’t even have to be an exclusive online student of Concordia University – Saint Paul in order to take a course, although you will have to confirm with your department first whether or not the online course you would like to take from the school meets the criteria of your current academic program.

drexel university

17. Drexel University Online

  • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • School type: Private research
  • Accreditor: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 77%
  • Graduation rate: 68%
  • Number of students enrolled: 23,589
  • Tuition: $530 per quarter credit hour
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 100%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $30,449
  • Average initial annual salary: $54,300
  • US News ranking: #103 in National Universities
  • Niche rankings: #130 in Top Private Universities in America and #13 in Top Private Universities in Pennsylvania
  • Forbes ranking: #133 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 80
  • Best majors: Nursing, Accounting, Marketing, Computer Science, Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Management Sciences and Information Systems

One of the perks of attending Drexel University Online is access to the Steinbright Career Development Center.

Simply put, it’s the school’s world-class resource for career and cooperative education services that not only equips students with transferable professional skills but also connects alumni members to a constantly growing network of industry leaders all over the planet.

Drexel University Online also has what’s called Drexel Co-op, which is a program where students can have the opportunity to gain up to 18 months of real-world work experience prior to graduating.

Read more about Drexel University Online here.

18. LeTourneau University

  • Location: Longview, Texas
  • School type: Private non-profit
  • Accreditor: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 56%
  • Graduation rate: 54%
  • Number of students enrolled: 3,122
  • Tuition: $380 per credit hour
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 100%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $19,179
  • Average initial annual salary: $46,100
  • US News ranking: #30 in Regional Universities West
  • Niche rankings: #16 in Best Christian Colleges in America and #5 in Best Christian Colleges in Texas
  • Best Colleges ranking: #1 in Best Accredited Online Colleges in Texas
  • Number of majors: 140
  • Best majors: Business, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Elementary Education, Aeronautics and Aviation Technology, Nursing, Psychology, Liberal Arts and Humanities

Looking for faith-based online education?

Then consider adding LeTourneau University to your college list, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees via the internet.

Needless to say, there are a number of theology- and vocation-related online programs available at LeTourneau University.

Some of them include Christian Ministry, Theological Studies, Scripture and Theology, and Biblical Studies and Ministry. Minors available include Biblical Languages, Youth Ministry, and Philosophy and Ethics.

There are also online programs in engineering, liberal arts, business and even aviation.

Read more about LeTourneau University here.

19. Oregon State University Ecampus

  • Location: Corvallis, Oregon
  • School type: Public research
  • Accreditor: The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 82%
  • Graduation rate: 64%
  • Number of students enrolled: 32,312
  • Tuition: $331 per credit hour
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 87%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $7,603
  • Average initial annual salary: $40,000
  • US News ranking: #5 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
  • Niche rankings: #3 in Best Online Colleges in America and #2 in Top Public Universities in Oregon
  • Forbes ranking: #180 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 71
  • Best majors: Business, Finance, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Psychology, Public Health, Health Service Preparatory Studies, Kinesiology and Exercise Science

It’s apparent that the Ecampus of Oregon State University wants to make an online degree accessible to as many degree-seeking individuals, including especially non-traditional students from low-income backgrounds, as possible.

For instance, it provides its attendees access to ScholarDollars, an online portal that allows for the searching of 1,500 campus-based scholarship opportunities.

Despite being a part of a public institution, Ecampus does not charge non-Oregon residents out-of-state rates — no matter where you are on the planet, you will be charged $331 per credit hour.

In addition, the online school honors many of the Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits available to active duty military service members, veterans, spouses and dependents.

Read more about OSU Ecampus here.

Texas Tech

20. Texas Tech University

  • Location: Lubbock, Texas
  • School type: Public research
  • Accreditor: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Accreditation type: Regional
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Graduation rate: 60%
  • Number of students enrolled: 40,322
  • Tuition: $11,852 (in-state) and $12,752 (out-of-state)
  • Percentage of students receiving aid: 84%
  • Average financial aid awarded: $7,715
  • Average initial annual salary: $45,500
  • US News ranking: #213 in National Universities
  • Niche rankings: #56 in Top Public Universities in America and #3 in Top Public Universities in Texas
  • Forbes ranking: #163 in Top Colleges
  • Number of majors: 71
  • Best majors: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Psychology, Business, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Mechanical Engineering, Information Science, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Family Studies and Consumer Sciences

While Texas Tech University offers online degrees suited for non-traditional students of all ages, the public research university, which holds a Carnegie R1 designation, by the way, also offers what’s called OLLI.

Short for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, OLLI is a community that provides a unique learning experience for adult learners 50 years of age and above.

What makes it different from earning an online degree is that there are no tests to take and grades to achieve — it’s all about pursuing new interests and discussing exciting topics.

At Texas Tech University, online certification training and professional development courses are available, too.

Read more about Texas Tech University here.

How to Choose Online College

online college

Start With Local Online Colleges

Many local state universities have some kind of online presence. I strongly encourage you to start your research with universities in your own state (or a state where you want to relocate).

Since your goal is to find a job, you want to have a degree from a university well-known to potential employers. For instance, since we live in Maryland, the University of Maryland Global Campus (former University of Maryland University College) was on the top of the list.

My favorite way to check if a degree from an online college is respected by employers is to browse companies on LinkedIn. You can always see what diploma people in your favorite company have.

For example, initially, I was skeptical about the UMGC diploma value until I found that the CIO in the large company I follow completed both undergrad and graduate degrees from UMGC.

Employers generally trust universities they heard about.

So, the employer from Maryland is more likely to be familiar with the university associated with Maryland than a good college from, say, California.

On the other hand, employers from California most likely trust west coast schools more than east coast ones.

But what if your state does not have any good online colleges?

Then, I suggest going with well-known brand names, such as the University of Phoenix or Strayer.

Or again, check what diplomas local employers seem to prefer using LinkedIn.

Research Scholarships Offered by Online Colleges

Colleges are expensive and you should do anything you can to reduce the cost of the education.

Many online colleges offer some kind of aid, often provided by your state – another reason to stick with local offerings.

For example, UMGC offers a Completion Scholarship for those who finished community colleges in Maryland.

When my wife started, the promise was that she can finish her undergraduate degree for under $10,000 or less.

The amount increased recently, but it is still much less than going to any other college.

Verify How Many Credits Can You Transfer

You want to get a degree as fast as you can, right?

If you already have some credits from a community college or a four-year institution, you can check how many credits the online college will accept.

Some colleges even accept your prior experience, work or courses, as credits.

Transfer credits to online college

To find out the exact number, you can connect with the university and send them the transcripts. Note that different institutions have different rules, so a class can earn you credits in one college, but not in another.

Make Sure That the College is Not a Diploma Mill

There is no point in wasting time and money on a degree that will not be accepted by employers. We have a post that explains how to spot a diploma mill, so check it here.

Also, below is a list of online colleges that we think will be good for your future career.


Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the College Reality Check.

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