50 Best Online Colleges Near Me Online, pt. 2 (Montana Through Wyoming) 2024

Key Takeaways:

• The article ranks top online colleges from Montana to Wyoming, providing key details about their programs and tuition.
• It highlights the quality and affordability of online education, focusing on flexibility for both undergraduate and graduate students.
• Each state’s top institutions are discussed, emphasizing their unique online offerings and accreditation status.

While online colleges peaked in popularity during the pandemic, online education was already on the rise. Thanks to advancements in technology, reputable colleges and universities across the United States were able to offer many of their online courses and programs to virtual students. Now, colleges with online programs are becoming more the norm rather than the exception to the rule.

Today, when you search online for colleges close to you, you’ll find more options than ever. In fact, locating a school that doesn’t offer some of its courses and programs through online learning is the real challenge.

Since there are so many different options for getting an online education, you may find yourself struggling to pick just one. In this ranking, our editors offer assistance to distance learners by identifying the top colleges online in the states of Montana through Wyoming.

Ranking the Best Online Colleges in Montana Through Wyoming

This is the second article in the two-part series, Best Online Colleges Near Me. This follow-up article explores the best online education institutions in the states of Montana through Wyoming (alphabetically). Specifically, our editors identify the two best colleges online in those states.

The schools are listed alphabetically by state and hierarchically within each state category. Our universal undergraduate methodology was applied, so a point value was assigned to each school.

Montana

Montana Technological University

Butte, Montana

Website

Points: 13

One of Montana’s top colleges for online education for graduate students is Montana Technological University, widely known as Montana Tech. Here, online students will find quality as opposed to quantity; the school offers just two online master’s degree programs:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Industrial Hygiene
• Online MS in Project Engineering and Management

The school offers a single post-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for undergraduate online students. Montana Tech is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to offer these online college programs. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the top 15 public schools in the nation.

Undergraduate Tuition: $7,390

Montana State University

Bozeman, Montana

Website

Points: 13

Montana State University will no doubt stand out as a viable option for Montana residents. That’s because the school offers several affordable courses and programs through online education for both undergraduate and graduate online students. In particular, students seeking a master’s credential will find a variety of fully online degree programs, including:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Agricultural Education
• Online Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum & Instruction
• Online MS in Family Financial Planning
• Online MS in Land Resources and Environmental Planning

For undergrads, an online Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies degree completion program is also available. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has fully accredited Montana State University to confer these credentials for these online programs.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked its online master’s degrees in nursing among the best in the country.

Undergraduate Tuition: $7,371

Nebraska

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska

Website

Points: 11

Nebraskans searching for online degree programs may find precisely what they’re looking for at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A pioneer in online education, the school currently offers a handful of online bachelor’s program options for its undergraduate students and a wide range of programs for graduate students to choose from. Standout offerings for these online students include:

• Online Bachelor of Applied Science (BSAS)
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Early Childhood Education in a Mobile Society
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Dietetics: Nutrition and Health Sciences
• Online Master of Engineering Management (MEM)

A variety of undergraduate and graduate certificates are also available online. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln holds full institutional accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission. The school’s online MBA program has been ranked among the top 20 nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,690

Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

Website

Points: 13

Another of Nebraska’s top accredited colleges offering online education is the private, non-profit school Bellevue University. The school has been offering online college degree programs for nearly a quarter-century and is now home to more than 80 different programs for undergraduate and graduate students alike. This includes dozens of online bachelor’s degree programs such as:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in International Business Administration
• Online BS in Cybersecurity
• Online RN to BSN
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology

Nearly as many master’s credentials are available online, including:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Management Information Systems
• Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Online MS in Instructional Design and Technology
• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Human Services

The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Bellevue University to offer these online education programs. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school as one of the best regional universities in the Midwest.

Undergraduate Tuition: $7,851

Nevada

University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, Nevada

Website

Points: 12

Students who land on the University of Nevada-Reno’s website after searching for online education programs will find that most of the school’s online programs are geared toward graduate students. With the exception of the Online RN to BSN, all of the school’s virtual learning resources have gone toward graduate study. As a result, some of its top online college degree programs include:

• Online MBA (Executive)
• Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Education: Equity and Diversity in Education
• Online MS in Cybersecurity

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has accredited the University of Nevada-Reno at the institutional level to confer these online college degrees. The school’s online master’s programs in business administration, education, and computer information technology have all been highly-ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $8,366

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

Website

Points: 13

Known for its leading online master’s degrees in nursing, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas has positioned itself as one of the best and most affordable providers of online education in the state of Nevada. In addition to over 200 individual online courses, the school offers full degree programs online for its undergraduate and graduate online students. Standout options include:

• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Urban Studies
• Online Executive Master of Hospitality Administration
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Educational Psychology

UNLV holds the institutional accreditation necessary to award these online degrees by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Its online programs in graduate nursing have been ranked among the top 10 nationwide.

Undergraduate Tuition: $8,685

New Hampshire

University of New Hampshire

Durham, New Hampshire

Website

Points: 11

One of the top online colleges in New Hampshire, the University of New Hampshire is home to one of the leading online MBA programs in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. In addition, the school offers dozens of other online programs for graduate students, including:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management
• Online Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Studies
• Online MS in Global Conflict and Human Security
• Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

A number of graduate certificate programs are also available via distance education. The University of New Hampshire is institutionally accredited to offer college programs through online education for graduate students by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Undergraduate Tuition: $18,938

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Website

Points: 12

Residents of New Hampshire may find themselves struggling to find affordable, high-quality options when searching “online colleges near me.” Enter Southern New Hampshire University. The school is one of the best colleges offering online education in the state due to the number of rigorous online degrees it offers as well as its economical tuition rates.

Sample online degree offerings include:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice
• Online BS in Computer Information Systems
• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Data Analytics

SNHU is fully accredited to award these online college credentials at the bachelor’s and master’s levels by the New England Commission of Higher Education. It’s been called the most innovative university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Annual Tuition: $9,900 (More info here)

New Jersey

Rutgers University-Camden

Camden, New Jersey

Website

Points: 10

Residents of New Jersey who search for online education programs have plenty of options, but not all of them are affordable. Rutgers University-Camden, however, combines quality with affordability when it comes to online learning. The school offers nationally ranked business programs at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Two other first-rate distance education options can be found here for online students as well:

• Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Online Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS)

Individual online courses are also available to non-degree-seeking students. Rutgers University-Camden is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school’s undergraduate business program among the top 15 in the country.

Undergraduate Tuition: $14,877

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Website

Points: 11

Among the top colleges offering online education in New Jersey is Rutgers University-New Brunswick. While this top-rated public school emphasizes distance education for graduate students, a few options for undergraduates do exist:

• Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA)
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Labor and Employment Relations
• Online RN to BSN in Nursing

For students seeking online master’s credentials, there are myriad options, including:

• Online Master of Education (MEd) in Adult and Continuing Education
• Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Online Master of Science (MS) In Digital Marketing
• Online MS in Supply Chain Management

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has fully accredited Rutgers University-New Brunswick to confer these online college credentials. According to U.S. News & World Report, its online master’s degree programs in education are among some of the best in the nation.

Undergraduate Tuition: $15,003

New Mexico

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Website

Points: 12

One of the best accredited online colleges in New Mexico and the state’s flagship university, the University of New Mexico offers over two dozen fully online undergraduate degree programs, many of them accelerated. Bachelor’s degree-seeking online students may choose from top-notch distance education offerings such as:

• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Intercultural Communication
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Instructional Technology & Training
• Online BA in Psychology
• Online BS in Radiologic Science

Just as many options are afforded to the school’s graduate students, including:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Computer Engineering: Internet of Things
• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Leadership
• Online Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM)
• Online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Leadership

The University of New Mexico is institutionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to award these online college degrees.  U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school’s online master’s degree program in engineering as one of the top 50 nationwide.

Undergraduate Tuition: $8,161

New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Website

Points: 13

Students who find New Mexico State University after searching “online colleges near me” will discover over 70 different online college programs to choose from. These programs span fully online and hybrid programs from associates to master’s credentials. For bachelor’s seeking online students, offerings include:

• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism and Media Studies
• Online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): Information Systems
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Counseling and Community Psychology
• Online Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Graduate students have even more options, such as:

• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice
• Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Nursing Administration
• Online MA in Higher Education
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychopharmacology

The Higher Learning Commission has institutionally accredited New Mexico State University to confer online college degrees. The school’s undergraduate business programs online have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 30 nationwide.

Undergraduate Tuition: $7,301

New York

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, New York

Website

Points: 12

Among the top online colleges in the state of New York, SUNY Polytechnic boasts a comprehensive distance education program. Fully online degree programs for undergraduate students include:

• Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting
• Online BS in Health Information Management
• Online BS in Business Administration

Graduate students can choose from several different fully online or hybrid degree and certificate programs, such as:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Health Informatics
• Online MS in Information Design Technology
• Online MS in Network and Computer Security: Cybersecurity
• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited SUNY Polytechnic at the institutional level to offer these online college programs. The school’s online master’s program in computer information technology is one of the top 50 in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $8,427

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, New York

Website

Points: 14

Prospective graduate students in New York searching for “online colleges near me” will find a gem in Stony Brook University. In addition to undergraduate programs in nursing and engineering, the school offers roughly twenty different online college programs at the graduate level. Sample offerings for online students include:

• Online Master of Science (MS) In Human Resource Management
• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Higher Education Administration
• Online MS in Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing
• Online MS in Nutrition

Numerous online graduate certificate programs are also available. Stony Brook University is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award these online college credentials. The school’s online master’s in nursing program has been ranked among the top 10 such programs nationwide.

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,091

North Carolina

North Carolina A&T State University

Greensboro, North Carolina

Website

Points: 14

North Carolina is a regional hub of higher education. You will find some of the country’s best colleges in North Carolina. North Carolina A&T State University is one of the best and most affordable online colleges in the state. Its virtual programs are an extension of its physical campus and provide the same academic rigor and student support.

Options for undergraduate online students include:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Information Technology
• Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): RN Completion Option
• Online BS in Environmental Health and Safety
• Online BS in Agricultural Education

Graduate students also have numerous options, including:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology
• Online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Family and Consumer Sciences
• Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership Studies

The North Carolina A&T Staten University is a regionally accredited college, authorized through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award online college credentials. It has been recognized as one of the 50 most innovative schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $6,657

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina

Website

Points: 15

Students who live in North Carolina may discover North Carolina State University after searching for “online colleges near me.” Those who do will be met with flexible and academically rigorous distance education programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

Except for the Bachelor of Arts in Leadership in the Public Sector, however, most of the school’s full degree programs online are intended for graduate online students. Examples include:

• Online Master of Education (MEd) in Adult and Continuing Education
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Chemical Engineering
• Online MS in Computer Networking
• Online Master of Environmental Assessment

Online certificate programs are also available. NC State is institutionally accredited to offer these online college programs by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among America’s top best-value universities.

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,101

North Dakota

North Dakota State University

Fargo, North Dakota

Website

Points: 10

When residents of North Dakota search “online colleges near me,” they’ll no doubt uncover the online college programs available through North Dakota State University. While most of these offerings are intended for graduate online students, some online options do exist at the undergraduate level. These include:

• Online RN to BSN
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration

For graduate students, there are more opportunities, including:

• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Community Development
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Dietetics
• Online MS in Biomedical Engineering
• Online Master of Public Health (MPH)

NDSU is fully accredited to award these online college degrees by The Higher Learning Commission. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among some of the top public schools in the country.

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,168

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Website

Points: 11

Widely known as one of the best accredited online colleges in North Dakota, the University of North Dakota offers over 150 different online college programs at nearly every level of postsecondary education. For online students seeking a bachelor’s degree, standout options include:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Aviation Safety and Operations
• Online BS in Civil Engineering
• Online BS in Kinesiology
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science

The school also offers numerous distance learning opportunities for graduate students such as:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics
• Online MS in Computer Science
• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling
• Online MA in Forensic Psychology

The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited UND to award 100% online college credentials. The school’s online graduate programs in business and education have been highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,276

Ohio

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio

Website

Points: 13

Prospective online students in Ohio who search for “online colleges near me” will find the University of Cincinnati among their options. Here, online programs exist at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Standout offerings for undergraduate students include:

• Online Bachelor of Radiation Science Technology
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education: Early Childhood Education
• Online BS in Health Information Management
• Online Bachelor of Social Work

Online options for graduate students include:

• Online Master of Health Administration (MHA)
• Online Master of Legal Studies
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Taxation
• Online Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership

The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited the University of Cincinnati to offer these online college degrees. The school’s online master’s in criminal justice, computer information technology, and nursing have all been highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $12,138

Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

Website

Points: 13

One of the best online colleges in the state of Ohio, Ohio State University offers a comprehensive array of online college programs from associate to master’s degrees. At the undergraduate level, students may pursue credentials such as:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Sciences
• Online BS in Dental Hygiene
• Online RN to BSN

Graduate students have even more options, including:

• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Bioethics
• Online Master of Engineering Management
• Online Master of Healthcare Innovation
• Online Master of Learning Technologies

Ohio State University is institutionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to confer these online credentials at nearly every level of postsecondary education. The school’s online master’s in nursing and engineering programs have been ranked among some of the very best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $11,518

Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Website

Points: 13

One of the best online colleges in Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University also happens to be one of the most affordable online colleges in the state. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, many of which mirror the school’s traditional programs. For undergraduate students, online majors include:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutritional Sciences
• Online BS in Early Childcare and Development
• Online BS in Computer Science
• Online RN to BSN

Over twenty different online degree options are available to graduate online students, including:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in International Agriculture
• Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Online MS in Higher Education
• Online MS in Data Science

Oklahoma State is fully accredited to award these online college degrees by The Higher Learning Commission. The school’s online master’s in engineering program has been ranked among the 25 best such programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,019

University of Oklahoma

Norman, Oklahoma

Website

Points: 14

Prospective graduate students who search for “online colleges near me” in Oklahoma will find more than 30 fully online degree options at the University of Oklahoma. These include online master’s degree programs such as:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Data Science & Analytics
• Online MS in Geospatial Technologies
• Online MS in Finance
• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Human & Health Services Administration

Several online graduate certificate programs are also available. The Higher Learning Commission has extended the necessary institutional accreditation to the University of Oklahoma to award these online college credentials. The school’s online master’s in criminal justice program has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the 15 best nationwide.

Undergraduate Tuition: $11,688

Oregon

Oregon State University

Corvallis, Oregon

Website

Points: 14

Oregonians who search “online colleges near me” may find Oregon State University on their radar. If so, they will be pleased to find more than 85 different online degrees for both undergraduate and graduate students to choose from. Some examples at the bachelor’s level include:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science
• Online BS in Business Analytics
• Online BS in Biohealth Sciences
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology

For graduate students, some of the options include:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Data Analytics
• Online MS in Environmental Sciences
• Online Executive Master of Public Policy (EMPP)
• Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has accredited Oregon State University to offer this impressive array of online college programs. The school’s online bachelor’s program has been ranked among the top 5 nationwide.

Undergraduate Tuition: $11,858

Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, Oregon

Website

Points: 14

Oregon Tech has long been one of the best on-campus schools in the state, but now it’s one of the best accredited online colleges in Oregon as well. The school offers sixteen online academic degree programs ranging in level from associate to master’s degrees.

Online students seeking a four-year degree can choose from full programs as well as degree completion plans, including:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Healthcare Management
• Online BS in Applied Psychology
• Online BS in Dental Hygiene
• Online BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Two graduate degree programs are also available online:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Engineering
• Online MS in Allied Health

Oregon Tech holds its institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school as one of the ten best regional colleges in the West.

Undergraduate Tuition: $11,269

Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Website

Points: 12

A top contender in terms of the best accredited online colleges in Pennsylvania is the University of Pittsburgh. Through the school’s University Center for Teaching and Learning, Pitt Online delivers a variety of stellar academic programs via distance education, including offerings in education, law, and nursing. Sample online college programs include:

• Online RN to BSN
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Nursing Informatics
• Online Master of Education (MEd) in Elementary Education
• Online Master of Public Policy and Management

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited the University of Pittsburgh at the institutional level to confer these online college credentials. The school’s online master’s in nursing program has been recognized as among the 25 best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $19,678

Pennsylvania State University

University Park, Pennsylvania

Website

Points: 14

Students who live in Pennsylvania are fortunate to have Pennsylvania State University show up in their search results for “online colleges near me.” This school offers over 150 online degree and certificate programs through its World Campus.

Students seeking unique study abroad opportunities won’t be disappointed in the selections offered by Penn State’s World Campus. Specifically, undergrads seeking a bachelor’s degree online have more than 35 different virtual options here, including:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations
• Online Bachelor of Design: Digital Multimedia Design
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Energy and Sustainability Policy
• Online BS in Health Policy and Administration

Prospective graduate students have nearly 50 online college programs to choose from, such as:

• Online Master of Professional Accounting
• Online Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction
• Online Master of Professional Studies: Ecosystem Management and Administration
• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Leadership

Penn State is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award these online college degrees. It has been called one of the top 35 most innovative schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $13,988

Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, Rhode Island

Website

Points: 12

When residents of Rhode Island search for “online colleges near me,” they may find their choices limited. Still, one of the top online colleges in the state is the University of Rhode Island. Here, the emphasis is on distance education for graduate students, but there are also two undergraduate offerings for online students:

• Online RN to BSN
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Studies

At the graduate level, the school offers over a dozen online degree and certificate programs, including:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Healthcare Management
• Online MS in Dietetics
• Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Online MS in Supply Chain Management and Applied Analytics

The University of Rhode Island is authorized to offer these online college courses and programs through accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among some of the top public schools in the nation.

Undergraduate Tuition: $15,004

Johnson & Wales University

Providence, Rhode Island

Website

Points: 12

Johnson & Wales University is one of the best accredited online colleges in Rhode Island due to its comprehensive suite of online college programs. These offerings span degree options from associate to doctoral programs. Undergraduates can choose from dozens of different bachelor’s-level programs, for instance, including:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology
• Online BS in Psychology
• Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA): Management

Graduate students have numerous options as well, such as:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Human Resource Management
• Online MS in Organizational Psychology
• Online MS in Sport Leadership
• Online MS in Instructional Design & Technology

The New England Commission of Higher Education has fully accredited Johnson & Wales University to confer these online college degrees. The university’s online master’s in criminal justice programs have been ranked among the 50 best such programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $13,365

South Carolina

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina

Website

Points: 12

One of the best accredited online colleges in South Carolina in terms of overall quality and affordability is Clemson University. This particular school offers both fully online and blended learning programs. Most of these programs are graduate offerings, including:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Biological Sciences
• Online MS in Automotive Engineering
• Online MS in Data Science and Analytics
• Online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Healthcare Genetics

For undergraduate students, an online RN to BSN program is also available. Clemson University is accredited to offer online college courses and programs by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school’s online master’s in education programs have been ranked #2 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $15,558

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Website

Points: 12

You may be surprised to learn that one of the top online colleges in South Carolina is The Citadel Military College of South Carolina. Here, students can pursue entirely online programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Those online students seeking bachelor’s degrees can choose from options like:

• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice
• Online BA in Intelligence & Security Studies
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration
• Online BS in Secondary Education: Social Studies

Graduate students can pursue online master’s degree programs such as:

• Online Master of Education (MEd) in Higher Education Leadership
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering
• Online Master of Arts (MA) in International Politics and Military Affairs
• Online MS in Leadership

The Citadel has been fully accredited to confer online college degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Its online bachelor’s degree program has been recognized as one of the top 50 nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $12,620

South Dakota

South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota

Website

Points: 11

Students in South Dakota who search “online colleges near me” will find an affordable option with South Dakota State University. The school’s online offerings encompass programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Four-year plans include:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geographic Information Sciences
• Online BS in Human Development and Family Studies
• Online BS in Early Education and Care
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology

At the master’s level, a number of options are available, including:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Operations Management
• Online Master’s of Mass Communication (MMC)
• Online MS in Agricultural Education
• Online Master of Public Health (MPH)

South Dakota State University has been institutionally accredited to award online college degrees by The Higher Learning Commission. Its online master’s in nursing and engineering programs have been ranked among some of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,200

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota

Website

Points: 12

Among the best accredited online colleges in the state of South Dakota is the University of South Dakota. Here, students interested in distance learning will find more than 50 fully online academic programs to choose from. Undergraduates may pursue a four-year degree online, for example, by taking advantage of options like:

• Online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Technical Leadership
• Online RN to BSN

For graduate students, the options are even more plentiful with programs such as:

• Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Online Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA)

The University of South Dakota is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to offer these online college programs. The school’s graduate business programs online have been ranked among the 35 best nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,332

Tennessee

University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee

Website

Points: 12

Prospective students residing in Tennessee will no doubt discover the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in their search for “online colleges near me.” The school offers several undergraduate and graduate programs via distance education, including hybrid formats. Students who desire a bachelor’s degree will find online offerings such as:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Agriculture: Community Engagement and Leadership Development
• Online RN to BSN
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interdisciplinary Programs: Public Policy & Administration
• Online Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)

Graduate programs offered virtually include:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Information Sciences
• Online MS in Reliability and Maintainability Engineering
• Online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
• Online MS in Agricultural Leadership: Education and Communications

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville can award these online college degrees because of its institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school’s online master’s in engineering program as among the 25 best in the nation.

Undergraduate Tuition: $13,264

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, Tennessee

Website

Points: 13

Easily one of the best accredited online colleges in Tennessee, Tennessee Technological University offers several graduate programs entirely via distance education. Standout offerings include:

• Online Masters of Accounting (MAcc)
• Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Online Professional Science Masters Environmental Informatics
• Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)

These online programs are made possible through the university’s accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school’s online master’s in education and online MBA programs among some of the best in the country.  

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,636

Texas

University of Texas at Dallas

Dallas, Texas

Website

Points: 14

One of the top online schools in Texas, particularly for those online students interested in pursuing a degree in business, is the University of Texas-Dallas. The majority of the university’s online programs are offered through its distinguished Jindal School of Management. Some of these programs include:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Marketing
• Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Online MS in Information Technology and Management
• Online MS in Accounting

Individual online classes are also available separate from online degree programs. UT-Dallas holds the institutional accreditation necessary to confer these online college credentials from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school’s online master’s in business programs have been ranked among the top ten nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $13,992

Texas A&M University

College Station, Texas

Website

Points: 14

If you live in Texas and search for nearby colleges online, you’re bound to come across the online programs offered through Texas A&M University. At Texas A&M, the emphasis is on online education for graduate students, though there is a single offering for undergraduates:

• Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Graduate students can choose from among 44 different academic programs offered entirely online, including:

• Online Master of Natural Resources Development (MNRD)
• Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Forensic Nursing
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Statistics
• Online Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology

Texas A&M’s online programs hold several top-ten slots in U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings, including those for online master’s degrees in education, nursing, and engineering. The school holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Undergraduate Tuition: $13,264

Utah

Weber State University

Ogden, Utah

Website

Points: 13

One of the most affordable colleges online in our ranking and one of the best in Utah is Weber State University. The school offers more than two dozen fully online college programs through its Division of Online and Continuing Education. The majority of these programs are offered at the undergraduate level, including online bachelor’s degree options such as:

• Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Online Bachelor of Integrated Studies
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition Education

Several online programs are also available to the school’s graduate students, including:

• Online Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences (MSRS)
• Online Master of Taxation (MTax)
• Online Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ)
• Online Executive Master of Health Administration (eMHA)

Weber State is institutionally accredited to award online degrees by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Its online master’s in criminal justice programs have been ranked among some of the best in the nation.

Undergraduate Tuition: $5,956

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

Website

Points: 15

The University of Utah should be one of the top results when students in Utah search for colleges near me that are online. Here, these students will find accredited and fully online programs for both undergraduate and graduate students alike. For students seeking a four-year degree, possible majors include:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental and Sustainability Studies: Sustainability Initiatives
• Online BS in Family, Community, and Human Development: Financial Planning
• Online BS in Psychology
• Online RN to BSN

At the graduate level, offerings include:

• Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Online MS in Biomedical Informatics
• Online Master of Legal Studies

The University of Utah is fully accredited to offer these online programs by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The school’s online MBA programs have been ranked among the top 20 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $8,615

Vermont

University of Vermont

Burlington, Vermont

Website

Points: 10

Students in Vermont who search for colleges near me online may have limited options. Fortunately, one of these options is the University of Vermont. Here, students will find a wide variety of online college courses as well as several fully online degree programs. Online students seeking a credential will find degree plans such as:

• Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences
• Online Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Online MBA: Sustainable Innovation
• Online Master’s in Educational Leadership

The New England Commission of Higher Education has fully accredited the University of Vermont to award these online courses and college degrees. The university has been recognized as one of the top 50 public schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $19,062

Vermont Technical College

Randolph, Vermont

Website

Points: 10

Among the few top online colleges in Vermont, Vermont Technical College offers academic programs via fully online and hybrid formats. Distance learners can choose from online programs such as:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Business Management
• Online BS in Dental Hygiene
• Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Online and hybrid certificate programs are also available in subject areas like:

• Cybersecurity
• Nursing
• Web Development

Vermont Tech is authorized to award these online classes for certificates and degrees through accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. U.S. News & World Report has named the college one of the top 15 public schools in the nation.

Undergraduate Tuition: $16,044

Virginia

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia

Website

Points: 12

While not one of the most affordable online colleges in our ranking, it’s hard to beat the University of Virginia in terms of its return on investment. Though the school puts most of its distance education resources into graduate programs, there are a couple of online degree options for undergraduates as well:

• Online Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences Management
• Online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

At the master’s level, the university offers many more options to online students, including:

• Online Masters of Education (MEd) in Administration and Supervision
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Data Science
• Online Master of Public Safety
• Online Master of Chemical Engineering

UVA is institutionally accredited to offer these online programs by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News and World Report has ranked the school’s graduate education programs among the top 10 nationwide.

Undergraduate Tuition: $18,960

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

Website

Points: 14

Virginians who search for “online colleges near me” have several good options, but chief among them is George Mason University. Due to its overall quality and affordability, this school has been named one of the best online colleges in the state. Undergraduate students will find nearly a dozen programs here, including:

• Online Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cybersecurity
• Online Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Computer Game Design
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Administration
• Online BS in Information Technology

Graduate students have even more options, such as:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Accounting
• Online MS in Biodefense
• Online MS in Data Analytics Engineering
• Online Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership

George Mason University is a regionally accredited college by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to offer these online learning programs. The school’s online graduate programs in education have been ranked among some of the very best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $13,014

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington

Website

Points: 13

One of the top online colleges in the state of Washington, the University of Washington offers online degree and certificate programs through its Division of Professional and Continuing Education. Students seeking a bachelor’s credential will find two fully online programs here:

• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Integrated Social Sciences
• Online BA in Ealy Care & Education

Numerous remote options are extended to graduate students at the university, including:

• Online Master of Aerospace Engineering
• Online Master of Infrastructure Planning & Management
• Online Master of Pharmaceutical Bioengineering
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Computational Linguistics

The University of Washington is fully accredited to award online college degrees by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The school’s online MBA programs have been highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $11,745

Central Washington University-Seattle, Washington

Ellensburg, Washington

Website

Points: 14

Students who reside in Washington may find Central Washington University to be the most affordable option that appears when they search for “online colleges near me.” In addition to affordability, the school also offers tons of choices when it comes to selecting an online college program.

The Information Technology and Administrative Management (ITAM) department offers performance-based (called FlexIT) online degrees that are incredibly affordable and do not charge out-of-state tuition. They offer the MS-ITAM through FlexIT and some undergraduate ITAM degrees through FlexIT.

For undergraduates, offerings include more than a dozen different four-year programs, such as:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Technology and Administrative Management
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Law & Justice
• Online BS in Public Health
• Online BA in Psychology

Graduate students will find nearly as many options for online study, including:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Safety and Health Management
• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Professional and Creative Writing
• Online MS in Athletic Administration
• Online Master of Education (MEd): Master Teacher
• Online Masters of Science in Information Technology & Administrative Management (ITAM)

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has accredited Central Washington University to confer these online college credentials. The school’s online bachelor’s programs have been ranked among some of the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $8,444

West Virginia

Marshall University

Huntington, West Virginia

Website

Points: 12

Students residing in West Virginia may be surprised to find that Marshall University is among the top online colleges in the state. The school offers more than 600 fully online college courses as well as dozens of entire degree programs that can be completed 100% via distance education. Options for undergrads include:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Laboratory Science
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Professional Writing
• Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Online BA in General Business

Even more distance learning opportunities are afforded to the school’s graduate students such as:

• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling
• Online MA in Education: Teaching English as a Second Language
• Online Master of Science (MS): Health Care Administration
• Online Master’s in Public Administration (MPA)

The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Marshall University at the institutional level to award these affordable online college degrees. The school’s online master’s in criminal justice program has been ranked among the top 35 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $8,512

West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia

Website

Points: 14

West Virginians who search “online colleges near me” will find an abundance of distance learning opportunities at West Virginia University. In addition to several hundred individual online college courses, the school offers more than 40 fully online degree programs. Undergraduate offerings include:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Child Development and Family Studies
• Online BS in Integrated Marketing Communications
• Online RN to BSN
• Online BS in Early Childhood Special Education

Graduate students have more options, especially at the master’s level. Examples of programs intended for these advanced online students include:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Human Resource Leadership
• Online MS in Data Marketing Communications
• Online MS in Business Cybersecurity Management
• Online Master of Arts: Music Industry

WVU is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to offer these online college programs. The school’s online master’s program in business has been ranked among the 25 best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $8,976

Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, Wisconsin

Website

Points: 14

If you live in Wisconsin, you’ll likely discover the University of Wisconsin-Madison among your results when you search for online education. At the undergraduate level, online bachelor’s degree programs through distance education the options include:

• Online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): Human Resources
• Online BBA: Marketing
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies
• Online BS in Personal Finance

Nearly two dozen online graduate programs are also available such as:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical and Health Informatics
• Online Master of Engineering: Engineering Data Analytics
• Online MS in Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics
• Online MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences

UW-Madison is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to confer these online college credentials. The school’s online master’s programs in engineering have been ranked among some of the very best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,742

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Platteville, Wisconsin

Website

Points: 14

One of the best and most affordable online colleges in Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville offers college degree programs through its online education programs for undergraduate and graduate students alike. For online students seeking a bachelor’s credential, options include:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Computing
• Online BS in Criminal Justice
• Online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): Integrated Supply Chain Management
• Online BBA: Integrated Marketing

Ten different master’s-level programs are also available online. Examples include:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Applied Biotechnology
• Online MS in Organizational Change Leadership
• Online MS in Cybersecurity
• Online MS in Sport Administration

UW-Platteville is institutionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to award these online college degrees. It’s one of the top 20 public schools in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $7,873

Wyoming

Central Wyoming College

Riverton, Wyoming

Website

Points: 10

While not a four-year university, Central Wyoming College still makes our list of the top online colleges in Wyoming with its fully online academic programs. Here, community college students can take individual online college courses or pursue an associate’s degree entirely via online education. Two-year degree programs available to online students include:

• Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Technical Studies: Entrepreneurship
• Online AAS in Business Management
• Online Associate of Arts (AA) in Criminal Justice

A fully online certificate program in Electrical Apprenticeship is also available for non-degree seeking students. The Higher Learning Commission has institutionally accredited Central Wyoming College to award these online college credentials. Niche has ranked the school among the 40 best community colleges in America.

Undergraduate Tuition: $4,500

University of Wyoming

Laramie, Wyoming

Website

Points: 14

A Wyoming resident’s search for online learning at the college level may venture across state borders as there are limited options within the state. However, the University of Wyoming is the exception, offering distance education options at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Programs for undergraduates include:

• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Management of Human Resources
• Online BS in Accounting
• Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Online BS in Psychology (Hybrid)

Graduate students have more choices for online learning at the university when it comes to online education, including programs like:

• Online Master of Science (MS) in Kinesiology and Health
• Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Online MS in Health Services Administration
• Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Instructional Technology

The University of Wyoming holds its institutional accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission. The school’s graduate-level online college programs in business and education have been ranked among some of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Undergraduate Tuition: $5,791

Benefits of Attending College Online

There’s a reason the demand for online degrees is soaring. In fact, there are quite a few. In this section, you’ll learn about a few of the most compelling reasons to study online.

Flexibility

Far and away, the biggest benefit of attending a college online is flexibility. Making a daily commute to campus and spending hours sitting in a lecture hall is a huge time commitment. By attending class remotely, you’ll skip all of that. Your morning commute will be the walk from your bed to your computer, with a possible stop by the coffee maker being your only potential delay.

Depending on the online program you choose, you may be able to schedule your own hours, too. Asynchronous online programs in particular, allow you to log in to your courses at any time of the day or night. That means you can use a good portion of your day doing other things that you need (or want) to do, so college doesn’t have to require your full focus.

A word of warning, though—pursuing an online degree isn’t a walk in the park. Don’t let the convenience factor fool you. Though you’ll have the luxury of scheduling your study time whenever you prefer, you will still have to devote a big chunk of your time to your coursework. The best colleges online pride themselves on providing distance learning programs that are just as academically challenging as their traditional offerings.

More Engagement

In the early days of distance learning, a primary concern amongst students and teachers alike was the worry that online courses wouldn’t be able to provide the same level of engagement as on-campus students receive. The opposite is proving to be the case, however.

As technology advances, online classes are becoming just as interactive as in-person meetings. Plus, online communication tools are making it easier than ever for students to collaborate with one another on assignments and reach out to instructors for assistance. Moreover, introverted students find online learning environments especially beneficial as they level the playing field during class discussions.

More specifically, quiet or shy students often find it easier to speak up in an online chat versus during a real-life debate. This can promote a more open and diverse discussion that benefits all members of the class.

Financial Savings

Going to an online college is more practical in a lot of ways, and finances are no exception. As an online learner, you’ll pay the same tuition as in-state students, even if you don’t live nearby. This discount alone can save you thousands of dollars per year toward your college degree and help you avoid the crushing financial aid debt.

The potential savings don’t stop here, though. When you attend classes from home, you slash costs such as gas expenses, car repairs, and meals on the go. That’s not to mention the exorbitant costs associated with college housing.

By saving money on your higher education now, you can avoid taking on the heavy burden of student financial aid debt later on. Students who choose affordable online colleges will reap even more financial benefits.

Frequently-Searched Colleges Online

If you already know which discipline you’d like to study, you may be best served by searching for a college that is nearby offering online education in this particular field. That’s because some colleges and universities excel in certain academic areas.

Below, we discuss some of the most popular fields of study for online learners as well as the types of online credentials available in each academic area. Where applicable, we will also provide some tips and strategies for finding the top online colleges in each particular field of study.

Best Accredited Online Degrees and Colleges for Psychology

Psychology is such a captivating subject that it’s no surprise the field attracts distance learners as well as traditional students. While the most popular online degree in this discipline may be the Bachelor’s in Psychology, there are other options for online students as well.

Most online programs in psychology fall into one of the following categories:

• Online Associate of Arts (AA) in Psychology
• Online Associate of Science (AS) in Psychology
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology
• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Psychology
• Online Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology

When looking for the top colleges for an online degree in psychology, keep in mind that some schools offer certain concentrations for students who desire to work in a specific sub-field of the discipline. Popular concentration options include:

• Counseling Psychology
• Applied Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

The very best colleges online for psychology are those accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Best Online Colleges for Mathematics

A lesser-known but highly valuable online area of study for college students is mathematics. With an online degree in this field, students can pursue high-demand positions such as actuaries, statisticians, and data analysts, for example. Here are some of the credentials you can earn in mathematics via distance learning:

• Online Associate of Arts (AA) in Mathematics
• Online Associate of Science (AS) in Mathematics
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics
• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Mathematics
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Mathematics

Popular areas of concentration within the field of mathematics include:

• Applied Mathematics
• Actuarial Mathematics
• Statistics and Data Science
• Mathematics Teaching

Best Online Colleges for Biology

Since biology is such a hands-on field, you may be surprised to learn that there are numerous opportunities in this discipline for online learning. These are just some of the credentials you can earn via distance education in the academic area of biology:

• Online Associate of Science (AS) in Biology
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biological Sciences
• Online BS in Biology
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Biology
• Online MS in Biological Sciences

When searching for the colleges with the best online programs for a biology major, double-check attendance requirements. While it’s not impossible to find an online degree program in biology that can be completed entirely through distance learning, some programs do require in-person attendance for the purposes of lab work.

Best Colleges for Criminal Justice Online

Criminal justice is a field that is not only growing but evolving as well. Fortunately for students interested in the critical discipline of criminal justice, there are numerous online degree programs available. Associates Degrees can be pursued at both local and out of state community colleges. Some of these distance learning credentials include:

• Online Associate of Science (AS) in Criminal Justice
• Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice
• Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminology & Criminal Justice
• Online Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice
• Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is a broad field, so it’s not uncommon for online schools to offer concentrations for distance learners pursuing a degree in the discipline. Some of these popular areas of emphasis include:

• Corrections
• Juvenile Justice
• Criminal Justice Administration
• Social Justice
• Homeland Security
• Forensic Sciences

Best Online Universities and Colleges for Engineering

Engineering is one of the most lucrative fields there is for distance learners. Top colleges online in this discipline offer distance education options at every level of postsecondary education in the engineering discipline. Common examples include:

• Online Associate of Science (AS) in Engineering Fundamentals
• Online Associate’s in Engineering Technology
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Applied Engineering

Degree options and concentrations are available in virtually every sub-field of engineering as well, including:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Engineering Management

If you’re looking for the very best colleges online in engineering, ensure that the program you’re considering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Best Colleges Online for Healthcare Administration

By combining two of the fastest-growing fields—healthcare and business, the field of healthcare administration has managed to become one of the most popular and in-demand fields there is. Distance learners can take advantage of online degree programs offered by some of the top colleges with online programs in the country. Sample program offerings include:

• Online Associate of Science (AS) in Healthcare Administration
• Online AS in Healthcare Management
• Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Healthcare Administration
• Online BS in Health Services Administration
• Online Bachelor of Healthcare Administration (BHA)
• Online Master of Science (MS) in Healthcare Management
• Online Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges

Choosing to attend college online can seem like a big decision, and it is! This particular undertaking can shape your future in ways that are simply unimaginable at the present moment. Since there’s so much at stake, you’ll want to take some time to familiarize yourself with all of your distance learning options before selecting an online program.

Below, our editors have aggregated a list of frequently asked questions about colleges and their online courses and degree plans.

Which colleges online are legitimate?

Today, most of the schools that appear in search results for colleges near me offering online education are the real deal. Still, it’s a good practice to check for the school’s current accreditation status. You can do this easily using the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator tool.

Which is the best college online?

This is one of the most popular questions amongst prospective distance learners. It also happens to be one of the hardest for our editors to answer. That’s because only you can decide which online colleges and universities are best for you. We do recommend, however, that you prioritize factors such as cost, reputation, flexibility, and program offerings.

What are the best online colleges and universities with financial aid?

There’s a lot to consider when looking for top online colleges. Fortunately, financial aid is not typically one of them. As long as the online college program you’re considering is fully accredited, you should be eligible for the same financial aid opportunities as you would be if you chose to attend classes on campus.

How much does it cost to attend an online college?

It depends on the school, but most online colleges charge in-state tuition for distance learners, even if they live elsewhere. To give you a rough idea of what you can expect to pay, the top online colleges and universities in our ranking range in cost from approximately $5,000 to $20,000 per year.

Career Questions for Online Colleges

Online school makes sense from an academic perspective, but how will it impact your career? In this section, our editors field questions related to how online college credentials fare in the workplace.

Do employers value online college degrees?

Most employers today recognize that a college degree earned online is just as valuable as an on-campus credential. Moreover, your degree won’t explicitly state that it is from an online college or program. Instead, it will likely be identical to the credential earned by traditional students.

What can I do with an online college credential?

Your career opportunities will depend on your precise degree. Still, you should have just as many job opportunities with an online college degree as you would with a traditional credential.

How much will I make after graduating from a top online college?

Your pay can vary significantly based on a number of different factors, particularly the job title you assume. To research the matter further, visit PayScale’s website, where you can access the return on investment associates with top colleges and universities in the United States.

Related Resources:

• 100 Best Colleges and Universities Online
• Top Online Community Colleges
• Top 75 Online Community Colleges
• Top 25 Free Online Colleges
• Best Accredited Online Colleges
• Best Online Colleges Near Me (Alabama-Missouri)

Sources:

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): College Navigator
• PayScale: Best Value Colleges
• U.S. News & World Report: Best Colleges