Key Takeaways:
- The #1 school on our list of the most affordable online colleges and universities is St. Petersburg College, followed by the University of North Florida.
- The convenience and flexibility of online education make obtaining a degree far more achievable for working adults.
- Online learning requires you to use various digital tools and platforms, enhancing your technical skills, which are valuable in today’s job market.
Did you know that many universities offer online programs today? Currently, over 420 colleges and universities in the United States offer at least one bachelor’s-level distance education program. Even more online schools cater to students seeking associate degrees or even a graduate degree via virtual learning.
With all these options, how do you choose the best online university? College Values Online editors developed the following ranking of the very best online colleges in the United States to help you answer that challenging question.
Degrees mentioned in this ranking of best online colleges include:
- Online RN to BSN
- Online BS in Healthcare Administration
- Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
- Online BA/BS in Business Administration
- Online Bachelor’s in Human Services
- Online MBA
- Online MS in Computer Science
- Online MA in Journalism and Mass Communication
- Online Master of Education (MEd)
- Online MS in Engineering Management
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Graduate Tuition
- Under $5,000—7 points
- Under $7,500—6 points
- Under $10,000—5 points
- Under $12,500—4 points
- Under $15,000—3 points
- Under $17,500—2 points
- Under $20,000—1 point
National Recognition (U.S. News & World Report’s Ranking of Online Bachelor’s Degrees)
- Top 350—1 point
- Top 250—2 points
- Top 150—3 points
- Top 100—4 points
- Top 50—5 points
- Top 25—6 points
- Top 10—7 points
Wow Factor
1 point per feature that “wowed” us
Rating and Ranking the Country’s Best Online Colleges
To create this extensive ranking of the best online colleges in the United States, our editors began with an initial pool of 144 affordable online schools offering bachelor’s degrees at $430 per credit hour or less. We then applied the rating and ranking methodology above, using data from the National Center for Education Statistics and U.S. News & World Report.
In the case of a tie, we awarded the higher ranking to the cheaper school. The following 100 best online colleges and universities offer quality distance education programs:
#1—St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, Florida
Points: 11
In terms of good online academic programs, St. Petersburg College is one of the best online colleges there is. The school has been offering online associate and bachelor degrees to undergraduate students via distance learning since 2002. Today, it is home to 16 fully online bachelor’s degree programs, including a top offering in elementary education plus:
- Online BSN (Nursing)
- Online BS in Business Administration
- Online Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Public Safety Administration
- Online BS in Educational Studies and Community Leadership
- Online BAS in Cybersecurity
Admission requirements vary by program, and online enrollment at the school is well over 70%. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited St. Petersburg College to confer these online degrees. It has been named one of the 75 best online colleges in the country for a bachelor’s credential by U.S. News & World Report.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $2,682
#100—Toccoa Falls College
Toccoa Falls, Georgia
Points: 2
A top accredited online school for undergraduate study, Toccoa Falls College offers online classes and college credits leading to ten distinct online baccalaureate degrees. Sample options for distance learners who meet admissions requirements for this not-for-profit private university include the following online college degree programs:
- Online BS in Counseling Psychology
- Online BS in Sport Management
- Online BS in Business Administration
- Online BS in Biblical Studies
Undergraduate certificates are also available to online students in the areas of Biblical Studies and Cross-Cultural Studies. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has accredited Toccoa Falls College to award online degrees and certificates. In terms of this not-for-profit’s reputation, U.S. News & World Report has called it one of the best regionally accredited schools in the nation for a bachelor’s degree.
To ensure student success, many of the same school services such as academic advising and financial aid resources are available to online and on campus students at this degree granting institution.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $21,490
#99—Williams Baptist University
Walnut Ridge, Arkansas
Points: 2
One of the newer online learning providers in our ranking, Williams Baptist University has not offered online programs for long. In fact, the private university began offering its sole online bachelors degree program in 2017.
This Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice is a degree completion program for students with prior law enforcement experience and/or an associate degree. Distance learners enrolled in the online program will take asynchronous courses leading to college credits such as:
- Introduction to Forensic Science
- Principles of Corrections
- Police Administration
Regarding higher education accreditation, the Higher Learning Commission has institutionally accredited Williams Baptist University to award on campus and online bachelor’s degrees. In terms of school rankings, U.S. News & World Report has ranked the not-for-profit school among some of the leading online colleges and universities in the nation.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $18,570
#98—Columbia College
Columbia, Missouri
Points: 3
As one of the leading accredited schools in the Midwest, Columbia College offers more than two dozen online degrees, including nationally ranked online bachelor’s options. Featured online degree plans for undergraduate students who meet admissions requirements but can’t attend in person classes for a traditional degree include:
- Online BS in Healthcare Management
- Online BS in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Online BS in Management Information Systems
- Online BA in Public Administration
- Online BA in Human Services
These online bachelor’s degree programs aren’t the only options for online learners at Columbia. Several graduate degrees, including master’s degrees, are also available to distance learners.
One of these popular programs is a nationally recognized online MBA offering for prospective graduate students. In terms of higher education accreditation, the Higher Learning Commission has accredited Columbia College to confer online degrees and certificates.
U.S. News & World Report has named the not-for-profit private university one of the top online colleges for distance learners seeking a baccalaureate degree. To support student success, academic advising and online tutoring is available for students seeking a degree delivered online.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $23,840
#97—Concordia University-St. Paul
St. Paul, Minnesota
Points: 3
One of the older online universities for college credits in our ranking, Concordia University-St. Paul, has offered online programs, courses, and degrees since 1998. Today, the private not-for-profit university offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral distance learning options for students who meet admissions requirements, including popular programs like:
- Online BA in Health Care Administration
- Online BS in Information Systems
- Online BS in Pulmonary Science
- Online MA in Family Science
- Online MA in Human Resource Management
Doctoral programs in education and physical therapy are also available from this degree granting university. For the most part, students in these programs work on their own schedules. The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited Concordia University-St. Paul to award online credentials as well as on campus degrees.
The accredited school’s online bachelor’s in business and online master’s in criminal justice have appeared prominently in U.S. News & World Report’s school rankings. Online students qualify for financial aid resources.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $23,900
#96—Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines, Iowa
Points: 3
One of the best nationally accredited schools for health care professionals, Mercy College of Health Sciences offers the credentials busy adults need to progress their careers in the health care industry. At the bachelor’s level, popular programs for distance learners who meet admissions requirements include:
- Online BS in Public Health
- Online RN to BSN
- Online BS in Healthcare Administration
- Online BS in Health Sciences
- Accelerated Online BSN
No in person classes are required for these online bachelor’s degree credentials, and students primarily study within their own schedules. Mercy College of Health Sciences is fully accredited to award online degree programs and certificates in health sciences at the undergraduate level.
U.S. News & World Report has ranked the accredited school among the top online programs nationwide in its official school rankings for vocational schools. Online students may qualify for scholarships and other financial aid.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $19,754
#95—Pittsburgh Technical College – Permanently Closed
Oakdale, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 3
A relatively new addition to the nation’s top online schools, Pittsburgh Technical College began offering online programs at the bachelor’s level in 2016. Undergraduate program applicants interested in such a credential have three distinct options to choose from at this best online college:
- Online BS in Information Systems and Technology
- Online BS in Applied Management
- Online BS in Business Administration
Content delivery for these online bachelor’s degree programs is a flexible yet interactive blend of synchronous and asynchronous programming.
No in person classes are required for a non-traditional degree. In terms of higher education accreditation, Pittsburgh Tech is one of the few vocational schools fully accredited to award online credentials by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
U.S. News & World Report has listed the school among the best accredited online programs in the country.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $16,699
#94—Saint Leo University
St. Leo, Florida
Points: 4
Among the best online colleges in the nation, Saint Leo University has been recognized for its excellent online academic programs, especially in business. The school is also home to several other undergraduate programs, though, including these bachelor’s degree options offered online:
- Online BS in Computer Science
- Online BS in Cyber Security
- Online BS in Respiratory Therapy
- Online BA in Psychology
- Online BA in Sociology
For prospective graduate students who meet admission requirements, distance learning options include several online programs:
- Online Master of Accounting
- Online MA in Creative Writing
- Online MBA: Social Media Marketing
- Online MEd in Instructional Leadership
In addition to on campus degrees, Saint Leo University is fully accredited to confer these online credentials by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It has been ranked among the top 100 best online programs for a bachelor’s degree in U.S. News & World Report’s school rankings.
Students who meet admissions requirements are advised to apply for federal financial aid to cover the online program cost prior to enrollment.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $26,050
#93—Life University
Marietta, Georgia
Points: 4
One of the newer online learning hubs in this ranking, Life University began offering online baccalaureate degrees in 2018. Currently, the degree-granting school is home to several online programs for undergraduate distance learners who meet admissions requirements:
- Online BS in Biology
- Online BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Online BS in Psychology
At the graduate level, this private college also offers one online program leading to a non-traditional degree: the Master of Science in Positive Psychology. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has regionally accredited Life University to confer both on campus and online degrees and credentials.
The online college has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the leading online programs nationwide. Enrollment in accredited schools qualifies students for federal financial aid.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $13,911
#92—Baptist College of Florida
Graceville, Florida
Points: 4
One of the best private colleges in our ranking, the Baptist College of Florida, offers a wide range of online baccalaureate degree programs focusing on Christian studies. Online bachelor’s degree options for distance learners at this degree granting institution include popular programs like:
- Online BA in Ministry Studies
- Online BA in Psychology
- Online BA in Business Leadership
- Online Bachelor of Music Education
- Online BA in Biblical Studies
- Online BA in Elementary Education
Several programs are also offered online for prospective graduate students who meet admission requirements but can’t attend in person classes for a traditional degree. These include:
- Online MA in Counseling
- Online MA in Christian Studies
- Online MA in Music and Worship Leadership
Regarding higher education accreditation, the Baptist College of Florida holds institutional accreditation from the SACSCOC. Academic advising is available at this online college. Plus, online students may be eligible for scholarships and other financial aid.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $12,150
#91—Oregon Health and Science University
Portland, Oregon
Points: 5
A top online school for students considering academic programs in nursing, Oregon Health and Science University offers a fully online RN to BSN program as well as two separate online master’s degree options:
- Online Master’s in Health Systems & Organizational Leadership
- Online Master of Nursing Education
These online degree plans for a career path in nursing, nursing administration, and nursing education have all been highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report and require no in person classes. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has institutionally accredited Oregon Health and Science University to award online nursing degrees.
The degree granting school has appeared in national school rankings for vocational schools as one of the best accredited online learning providers in the country.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $14,760
#90—Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, Illinois
Points: 5
Among the top nationally accredited online colleges for college credits for a career path in Christian ministry and leadership, Moody Bible Institute offers fully online degree plans at both the undergrad and graduate levels. Available online bachelor’s degree options for distance learners who meet admissions requirements include:
- Online BS in Biblical Studies
- Online Bachelor’s in Integrated Ministry Studies
- Online BS in Ministry Leadership
- Online BS in Theological Studies
- Online BS in Theological and Cultural Engagement
The accredited, degree granting private college is also home to four separate master’s degrees offered online for prospective grad students, including:
- Online Master of Divinity
- Online MA in Biblical Studies
- Online MA in Global Ministry Design
- Online MA in Ministry Studies
Moody Bible Institute is nationally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and the Association for Biblical Higher Education to award these online degrees. Academic advising and online tutoring is available from this online college. Moreover, online students may qualify for scholarships and other financial aid.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $14,335
#89—National University
La Jolla, California
Points: 5
One of the top colleges devoted exclusively to distance learning, National University has been offering online courses and programs for more than two decades. Currently, the degree granting private college offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nearly every available academic discipline.
Undergraduate options for distance learners who meet admissions requirements include several online programs:
- Online BS in Cybersecurity
- Online BS in Computer Science
- Online BA in Early Childhood Education
- Online BA in Strategic Communications
- Online BS in Allied Health
- Online BA in Integrative Psychology
- Online Bachelor’s in Public Health
This accredited school’s online graduate degrees include nationally ranked online master’s in criminal justice, computer information technology, business, and online nursing programs. National University has been accredited to award these college credits and online credentials by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Student support services like academic advising, career services, and tutoring are available from this online college.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $13,320
#88—Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Points: 5
Recognized as one of the best online learning providers in the U.S. since the early 2000s, Colorado Technical University offers distance education options, including online courses and programs, at every postsecondary education level (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral).
Online students who meet admissions requirements can pursue a non-traditional degree, including bachelor’s degree options offered online such as:
- Online BS in Computer Science
- Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
- Online BS in Information Technology
- Online BS in Psychology
Many different online graduate options are also available as alternatives to an in person degree, including top-ranked, nationally accredited online master’s in engineering and computer science, business, and criminal justice. The school’s online nursing programs are also highly ranked and nationally accredited.
The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited Colorado Tech at the institutional level to award college credits and online degrees for both undergraduate and grad students, making it one of our top picks for regionally accredited schools.
Online students may have their own enrollment counselor and enjoy career services at this degree granting school. There are no additional online student fees, and federal student aid is available.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $12,581
#87—University of Minnesota-Crookston
Crookston, Minnesota
Points: 5
Compared to other online colleges, the University of Minnesota-Crookston is one of the country’s best online colleges for undergraduate studies. Part of the U of M system, the school benefits from nearly a quarter of a century’s experience in offering quality distance education programs alongside traditional degree options.
Today, students who meet admissions requirements for an online degree from the university can choose from 16 available majors, including common online degrees like:
- Applied Health
- Health Management
- Information Technology Management
- International Business
- Marketing
- Quality Management
The online college’s nationally accredited online bachelor of business options have been ranked among some of the best such programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report. The Higher Learning Commission has regionally accredited UMN-Crookston to confer undergraduate credentials online and on campus.
Students enrolled at this degree granting institution are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. They can also access tutoring and other student services online.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $12,514
#86—Radford University
Radford, Virginia
Points: 5
Radford University is not only one of the top online schools in the nation, but it has also been recognized as a leading regional university in the South. The online education provider offers several hybrid and fully online bachelor degree programs for its undergrad students who meet admission requirements, including:
- Online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Online RN to BSN
- Online BS in Health Sciences
- Online BS in Public Health
- Online BS in Healthcare Administration
- Online BS in Emergency Services
As alternatives to an in person degree, graduate degrees are also available via an online learning format, including nationally accredited and ranked programs in education and business administration.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has accredited Radford University to confer undergrad and graduate college credits and degrees.
Federal financial aid may be available at this degree granting institution. Plus, distance education students have their own enrollment counselor for online classes as well as access to career services.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $11,542
#85—University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
Points: 5
One of the leading online universities for working professionals, the University of West Alabama has been offering flexible online degree plans for adults since 2004. Currently, the degree granting school offers more than a dozen different online academic programs for undergrads who meet certain admissions requirements, including:
- Online BA/BS in Integrated Marketing Communications
- Online BA/BS in Psychology
- Online BS in Public Safety
- Online RN to BSN
- Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
UWA’s nationally accredited online master’s degrees in education and business administration have been ranked among some of the country’s very best such programs. The university can offer these online degrees due to its institutional accreditation for academic quality by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Online students can access tutoring and other student services remotely.
Undergraduate In-State Tuition: $10,990
#84—Governors State University
University Park, Illinois
Points: 5
Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, Governors State University takes its place among the leading best online schools in the Midwest. The degree-granting online college is home to three fully online academic programs at the bachelor’s level:
- Online RN to BSN
- Online BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Online BA in Business and Applied Sciences
An equal number of online master’s degrees are also offered to admitted students via an online learning format, including:
- Online MBA
- Online MBA in Supply Chain Management
- Online Master of Health Science in Addiction Studies
Governors State also offers a nationally accredited online doctoral degree in education and an online certificate in online teaching and learning. In addition, some hybrid online courses are available. On campus and online students are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. To ensure student success in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, academic advising and career services are also available from this degree granting university.
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,108
#83—Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, Louisiana