Most students and parents just think of colleges as private or public. But with college costs rising, it’s important to be more informed when choosing. One key factor to consider is whether a college is nonprofit or for-profit. This is especially important if you plan on a private college education. Nonprofit online colleges are an excellent way for working adults to affordably earn their degree.
Public four-year and two-year colleges are primarily nonprofit. Private colleges can be both nonprofit and for-profit.
For-profit colleges were built to help corporations and organizations make a profit. Nonprofit colleges do not see students as profits. Nonprofit colleges offer cheaper but more competitive programs than for-profit schools.
Featured Programs
Nonprofit colleges are chosen mainly by students who
- Are competitive and want to get the highest quality of education possible.
- Want to pay cheaper tuition and fees and secure more financial aid opportunities.
There are cheap and affordable for-profit schools. However, they may not be as reputable as their nonprofit counterparts.
For instance, Grand Canyon University (Christian for-profit) only costs an average of $16,500 annually. Compared to Liberty University’s (Christian nonprofit) annual tuition average of $23,800, GCU is cheaper. However, Liberty has a better learning outcome, with a graduation rate of 62%. GCU, on the other hand, has a graduation rate of 35%.
You can pursue nonprofit online colleges if you’re a working adult student. These colleges are known for their flexible schedules, lower overall costs, and academic rigor.
Nonprofit online colleges offer a variety of degree options. Thanks to technological advancements, you can now pursue degrees in the arts, sciences, business, and healthcare, among other fields, without needing to attend classes in person.
This post will explore why online colleges are a great option for working adults. We’ll also highlight six of the best nonprofit online colleges ideal for busy professionals. Finally, we’ll share some tips on managing your well-being while juggling college, work, and other responsibilities.
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- Affordable Online Degrees: Nonprofit Colleges for High-Demand Careers
- Decoding Total Cost of Attendance: Finding Affordable Tuition at Nonprofit Online Colleges
- Financial Transparency at Nonprofit Online Colleges: Tuition That Supports a Mission
- Top Affordable Nonprofit Online Colleges for Budget-Conscious Students
Benefits of Nonprofit Online Colleges for Working Adults
The perception of online degrees varies significantly from employer to employer. However, research shows that 61% of HR leaders believe online learning is just as good as, or even better than, traditional classroom learning. This means that the days when many online college graduates received discrimination and questionable training are gone.
Here are the top benefits of nonprofit online colleges:
Affordable Tuition Options
Student debt in the United States is prevalent. By the end of 2023, 43.2 million Americans had federal student loan debt totaling over $1.6 trillion, according to Federal Student Aid, a part of the Department of Education.
Student loans can help cover education costs now but can lead to big financial challenges later on. They might make it difficult for you to buy a car, start a family, or pursue your dreams.
Often, student loans start needing to be paid back right after graduation. This pressure can force graduates to take any job they can find just to pay off their loans, even if it’s not the job they really want, to avoid high interest rates.
One major benefit of nonprofit online colleges for working adults is that they offer more affordable tuition options. Most online colleges do not charge for costs found in traditional settings, such as on-campus housing, dining, and physical textbooks.
According to the Education Data Initiative, online colleges are cheaper than on-campus programs. They offer up to $31,000 in savings.
That’s not all! Online colleges actually give you more control over your college expenses. For one, you’re no longer limited to schools within your state. You can choose from a variety of out-of-state online schools with flat-rate fees. This allows you to easily compare the overall cost of education of several schools.
Flexible Learning Schedules
College is often seen as a way to favorable career advancement opportunities. However, traditional on-campus colleges are hard to manage for working adults due to their structured learning.
Aside from affordable tuition, nonprofit online colleges also focus on giving students flexible learning options. Online degree programs allow students to pursue courses asynchronously. This means that students can take courses on their own schedule rather than needing to attend classes at specific times.
With flexible learning schedules, busy professionals can easily juggle work, family, and school.
There is also specific online education for adults that gives students maximum control over their schedules. These programs let you access course materials, finish assignments, and join discussions whenever it suits you. This way, you can learn at your own pace and manage your life better while earning your degree.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Some would argue that online colleges do not provide students with enough advancement opportunities. But we say otherwise.
Online degrees from top colleges are sought-after by students worldwide. They offer a unique advantage that face-to-face events can’t: networking with professionals worldwide.
Nonprofit online colleges will rigorously train you for today’s interconnected world. They’ll help you find professional connections through virtual classrooms, email, and LinkedIn. These opportunities can greatly grow your network from the comfort of your home.
Online degrees come with many benefits, including:
- Opportunities for building relationships with industry experts, professors, and valuable mentors.
- Job referrals and introductions to potential employers.
- More doors to collaborations on projects, research, or other professional activities.
- Enriched understanding of the industry and exposure to international opportunities.
In addition to providing global networking opportunities, nonprofit online colleges will also boost your confidence in using technology. Since tech skills are becoming more important daily, this is a big advantage of online programs and can help your career.
Top 6 Nonprofit Online Colleges for Busy Professionals
Liberty University
Institution Type: Private, nonprofit
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Notable Majors:
- Business
- Education
- Nursing
- Biblical Studies
Liberty is an Evangelical Christian school known for its large online education programs. It offers over 300 online degree programs, with affordable tuition and fees and flexible learning options. Most online programs at Liberty accept up to 75% transfer credits.
As an online student, you can access tuition assistance options like your on-campus peers. These options include scholarships, military aid, and tuition discounts.
Southern New Hampshire University
Institution Type: Private, nonprofit
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Notable Majors:
- Business Administration
- Cybersecurity
- Healthcare Administration
- Marketing
Apart from flexible scheduling, SNHU is also known to integrate real-world experience into its online programs. You can earn a degree in almost any field at SNHU with no application fee and a tuition rate of $330 per credit for undergraduates. You also get financial assistance like scholarships for working adults.
You can also transfer as many as 90 credits from your previous coursework, and you may get credit for work experience, industry certifications, and training through their credit for prior learning programs.
University of Florida
Institution Type: Public, state
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Notable Majors:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Public Health
- Education
The University of Florida offers online graduate and undergraduate programs through UF Online. Known for its strong academic reputation and research facilities, UF provides online students with access to the same quality education as its on-campus counterparts. You also get financial assistance, like scholarships for working adults.
University of Massachusetts Global
Institution Type: Public, state
Location: Irvine, California
Notable Majors:
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Public Administration
UMass is a top-notch private research university in the nation. To attract more students, it offers rigorous but flexible online courses for career growth. UMass also has among the lowest student loan default rates, high referral rates, and the largest pool of financial aid for online students.
Western Governors University
Institution Type: Private, nonprofit
Location: Online (headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah)
Notable Majors:
- IT Management
- Nursing
- Business
- Education
Western Governors University is one of the top-rated accredited online colleges for adult students. Its degree programs are specifically designed for students with jobs and other responsibilities. With 88% of students being 25 or older, it offers a unique format with no deadlines or scheduled exams.
Arizona State University
Institution Type: Public, state
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Notable Majors:
- Engineering
- Sustainability
- Business Administration
- Health Sciences
ASU is known as one of the most innovative online colleges in the United States. It offers multiple simulation and interactive tools to enhance learning and a wide range of online programs across various fields. ASU’s online platform provides part-time online programs and various student support services, making it a popular choice for those seeking a modern and adaptable education.
Balancing Work, Study, and Personal Life
College is hard for everyone, especially for those balancing work and study. Striking the perfect balance between the two is challenging and stressful. Most students struggle to balance earning money, finishing assignments on time, and making the most of their college experience. Here are practical time management tips from Harvard:
- Create a calendar of events. Use planners and digital apps to keep an updated schedule and stay on top of your duties.
- Set reminders to avoid forgetting important tasks.
- Consider your rhythm in building your schedule. For example, do chores if you want to start your day energized.
- Always include self-care time in your college schedule. Go for a walk, hit the gym, or spend time with friends and family.
- Ask for help when you need it. Unforeseen circumstances will arise; it’s important to admit that you can’t possibly do everything yourself.
Here are a few success stories of successful graduates from nonprofit online colleges.
#1. D’Juana, Ed.D. in Community Care and Counseling
D’Juana has successfully attended college online while working full-time at Liberty University. The knowledge she’s gained has directly benefited her job, and LUO’s flexible schedule has allowed her to balance her studies with spending quality time with her family. This approach has been ideal for achieving her career and personal goals.
#2. Gil Ziffer, Sociology Major
After leaving the University of Florida in the 1970s, Gil Ziffer returned in retirement to finish his degree. Living in Tallahassee, he chose UF Online’s flexible sociology program, which fit his schedule perfectly. Starting in 2021, Gil graduated with his BA in Sociology in the Fall of 2023 at nearly 67, achieving the dream he started in 1975.
#3. Jonathan, Master of Business Administration
Jonathan’s family had diverse educational backgrounds, but he realized he needed a master’s degree to achieve his career goals. He discovered WGU’s MBA in Information Technology Management, which offered a competency-based format that perfectly suited his needs.
Conclusion on Nonprofit Online Colleges
Online learning has emerged as an excellent alternative to traditional education. Thanks to the internet’s accessibility and the quick development of technology, modern education offers possibilities and flexibility that were previously unthinkable.
Gone are the days when people doubted online learning. Nowadays, employers recognize and value online degrees just as much as traditional degrees, as long as the online college is accredited and reputable.
Many employers, however, prefer degrees from nonprofit online colleges over those from for-profit schools. This is because nonprofit online colleges (as well as traditional colleges) are known for their focus on high-quality education and rigorous training, while for-profit schools prioritize revenue.