Best Accredited Online Colleges and Universities of 2025
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College looks different today than it did over 20 years ago. Many students choose online learning over on-campus classes to earn a degree conveniently without having to take time away from their jobs or families.
But not all online colleges and universities are created equal. Some are more affordable, offer better professional development opportunities, and have stronger curricula than others. Understanding what to prioritize in an online college can help you find the best fit for your future degree and career goals.
Explore our list of the best accredited online colleges to jumpstart your search, and learn what to consider when finding your ideal online school.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges and Universities
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of Florida offers 26 online bachelor's degrees and nearly 100 online master's degrees. These degree programs cover a variety of subjects, including agriculture, entomology, digital arts, and psychology. UF reports that online tuition is 40% less than on-campus tuition, with online courses taught by the same professors as on-campus classes.
Highlights
- Offers low in-state tuition, with Florida residents paying just $129 in tuition and fees per credit, or $15,480 for a typical bachelor's degree
- Pairs students with dedicated academic advisors with lower-than-average ratios to help ensure your academic success
- Provides a solid online community where you can get social support and network in the the UF Online Plaza
Know Before You Apply
- Out-of-state tuition is over four times more than in-state tuition.
- The Grandparent Waiver lets you access in-state tuition if your grandparent lives in Florida.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- In-State$10,770
- Out-of-state$27,335
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate24%
- Students Enrolled54,814
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Southern New Hampshire University has a high acceptance rate of 96%. It offers over 150 online and on-campus bachelor's degrees and 29 online master's degrees with many concentration options. You can pursue degrees in diverse subjects, including accounting, communication, finance, marketing, nursing, public health, and sociology.
Highlights
- Offers low in-state and out-of-state tuition — just $330 per credit for online undergraduate courses
- Allows students to take up to four graduate-level courses at the undergraduate tuition rate with the online accelerated option
- Does not charge an application fee to apply
Know Before You Apply
- SNHU reports a low graduation rate of just 45%.
- The retention rate for first-time, part-time bachelor's students is 39%.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- CCNE
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled164,091
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This School
Arizona State University offers over 180 fully online undergraduate and over 140 online graduate degrees, many led by world-renowned faculty. As an online student, you'll gain access to ASU's extensive support services and resources. In May 2024, ASU hit 100,000 graduates from its online programs.
Highlights
- Charges low tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students
- Offers online students the opportunity to participate in ASU student government
- Provides an online network with access to coaching, mental health support, tutoring, career counseling, and student-led clubs
Know Before You Apply
- If you graduated in the top 25% of your class or hold a 3.0 GPA in competency courses, you don't have to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission.
- If you don't meet all of ASU's admission requirements, you can still complete online courses and work toward admission through the Earned Admission pathway.
- ASU's 51% retention rate for first-time, part-time students could be stronger.
Programmatic Accreditation
- AACSB
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
- Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)
- CCNE
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- NASM
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) Commission on Accreditation
- In-State$10,978
- Out-of-state$13,248
- In-State$9,972
- Out-of-state$9,972
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled62,551
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of Arizona offers a vast array of 100% online degrees and certificates. You can choose from over 55 undergraduate and 50 graduate online degree programs, including unique majors such as fashion studies, bioinformatics, ecology and evolutionary biology, Mexican American studies, and neuroscience.
Highlights
- Offers accelerated online classes to help you gain the skills you need
- Provides flexible scheduling with asynchronous courses and flexible tuition with pay-per-credit pricing
- Includes a generous transfer policy that gives credit for your work, military service, or life experience
Know Before You Apply
- You don't need standardized test scores to apply.
- Service members, veterans, and military spouses can reduce costs with military savings.
- Arizona Online offers up to six start dates annually, allowing you to earn a degree faster.
Programmatic Accreditation
- AACSB
- ABET
- ACEJMC
- ACEND
- CCNE
- Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- In-State$11,210
- Out-of-state$35,628
- In-State$12,348
- Out-of-state$32,290
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled53,187
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers more than 30 undergraduate and 55 graduate degrees online. You can choose from degrees in biotechnology, cyber operations, East Asian studies, environmental health and safety, gerontology and aging services, political science, and psychology. UMGC has more than 80,000 students enrolled.
Highlights
- Awarded over $15 million in scholarships last year, potentially helping you qualify for tuition savings
- Offers $0 textbook costs for nearly all courses
- Provides access to a diverse international community with students from 20 countries and territories
Know Before You Apply
- UMGC has a low graduation rate of just 30%.
- The retention rate for first-time, full-time bachelor's students is 43%.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
- CAHIIM
- CCNE
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- In-State$7,488
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$9,252
- Out-of-state$11,862
- Retention Rate43%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled55,838
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue Global
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
A public online university, Purdue Global offers 40 online bachelor's degrees and 10 online master's degrees with many concentrations. You can choose degree programs in fields such as business, health sciences, and information technology, with unique degree offerings like a bachelor of science in professional flight.
Highlights
- Offers 10 ExcelTrack® degree programs, which are self-paced and accelerated
- Provides college credit for work, life, and military experience
- Includes a three-week trial period for new students without any financial obligation
Know Before You Apply
- Only 34% of part-time and 17% of full-time, first-time bachelor's students return for their second year.
- The school's overall graduation rate is 48%.
Programmatic Accreditation
- ABET
- ACBSP
- CAAHEP
- CCNE
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$13,356
- In-State$9,472
- Out-of-state$10,524
- Retention Rate17%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled45,125
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of West Florida offers 17 online undergraduate degrees and over 30 master's degrees. With an exceptional 85% retention rate and a low 22-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, UWF stands out as a top online institution.
Highlights
- Offers low tuition, with the average annual price of a four-year online bachelor’s degree program coming in at $6,860
- Provides dedicated support to military and veteran students, including personalized counseling and tuition waivers
Know Before You Apply
- The 53% graduation rate shows that nearly half of all students don't finish their degree programs in the normal time.
- Out-of-state tuition is three times higher than in-state tuition.
Programmatic Accreditation
- ABET
- CCNE
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- NASM
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- In-State$7,088
- Out-of-state$22,166
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled13,521
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
Louisiana State University
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Louisiana State University offers 54 online bachelor's degrees and over 30 online graduate degrees. You can choose from unique degrees in fields such as agribusiness, Africana studies, disaster science and emergency management, and cardiopulmonary science. The school has an impressive 84% first-to-second-year retention rate for full-time bachelor's students.
Highlights
- Offers flexible options to start your degree, with six start dates throughout the year
- Provides flat-rate tuition, no out-of-state fees, and pay-as-you-go options for all students
- Has specialized scholarships for new students, college seniors, transfer students, and more
- Gives online students access to multiple support services for distance learning coursework, exams, and technical resources
Know Before You Apply
- At over $21,000 per year, LSU has a higher-than-average net price for a public school.
- Minimum GPA requirements for admission vary by department, typically 2.3-2.6.
Programmatic Accreditation
- AACSB
- ACEJMC
- American Council for Construction Education
- Commission on Sport Management Accreditation
- CSWE
- In-State$8,038
- Out-of-state$24,731
- In-State$9,132
- Out-of-state$9,132
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled39,418
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia, with over 47,000 students. You can choose from over 40 online undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 60 graduate degree programs, including 14 bachelor's degrees that are 100% online. The 75% retention rate for first-to-second-year students shows strong student support.
Highlights
- Offers virtual student support services to help with your academic success and overall well-being
- Provides a useful resource on salary expectations for a variety of online degrees to help you choose a major
Know Before You Apply
- KSU has a low overall graduation rate of 45%.
- Only 8% of full-time undergraduates received institutional grants and scholarships in the 2022-2023 school year.
Programmatic Accreditation
- AACSB
- American Council for Construction Education
- CCNE
- Council for Standards in Human Service Education
- NASAD Commission on Accreditation
- NASM
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (NASPAA-COPRA)
- In-State$5,562
- Out-of-state$19,630
- In-State$5,328
- Out-of-state$19,188
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled45,152
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Texas Tech University has a reputation for academic excellence and boasts an 86% retention rate for first-to-second-year students. With more than 80 online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates, including 27 fully online bachelor's degrees, you can choose from fields of study such as renewable energy, plant and soil science, dance studies, and data science.
Highlights
- Charges in-state tuition that is significantly lower than the national average
- Includes strong student support services, with a division of the Office of the Provost dedicated to supporting online students
- Gives current on-campus students the option to transition to online degree programs
Know Before You Apply
- Some degrees, such as the BS in biology, have hybrid formats and require on-campus labs at Texas Tech locations.
Programmatic Accreditation
- AACSB
- CSWE
- NASPAA-COPRA
- In-State$8,934
- Out-of-state$21,174
- In-State$6,956
- Out-of-state$15,136
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled40,773
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Did You Know…
- In 2021, 61% of undergraduates in the U.S. took at least one online course, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
- In fall 2021, 28% of all undergraduates exclusively took online courses.
- In fall 2021, 56% of all postbaccalaureate students took at least one online course.
- Public institutions are more likely to offer online courses and degrees than private institutions.
Which Degrees Are Available Online?
You can earn pretty much any degree online these days. Online colleges and universities offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
You’ll also find programs that can help you complete a degree you’ve already started. You can earn a two-year associate degree online or finish a bachelor’s degree. At the graduate level, you can earn a master’s degree or doctorate online.
In addition to degrees, many online colleges offer certificate programs. These focused programs typically take less than a year to complete, and you can earn an undergraduate or graduate certificate.
Some online programs, such as those in healthcare and teaching, combine online coursework with in-person practicums or other on-site training. If your program requires an internship, you may have the option to complete a remote internship.
Top Online Programs by Major
How to Choose the Best Online College for You
The number of online colleges available to you can be overwhelming. Follow these five tips to help you choose the best online university for you.
1. Define your goals.
Your career and educational goals will inform the best degree program for you. Consider your budget, how much time you’d like to spend in school, what skills and knowledge you wish to graduate with, and what you’d like to do when you finish your degree.
2. Choose a major.
Knowing what you plan to major in can guide your choice for an online college. Once you’ve chosen a major, you can compare specific degree programs. Consider things like the kinds of courses a program offers, the program structure, and networking opportunities.
If you haven’t chosen a major yet, try looking for online colleges with various majors that interest you. Alternatively, you could complete an online associate degree in general studies and choose a more focused major for a bachelor’s degree later on.
3. Research online colleges.
Don’t apply to the first online school you come across. Instead, research a variety of colleges to find the right one for you. Compile a list of online universities that offer your major or another feature you value.
You can compare online colleges on features like:
- Scheduling flexibility
- Program offerings
- Student resources
- Military friendliness
- Course formats
- Faculty reputation and expertise
- Career services
- Alumni network
- Affordability
For example, maybe you prefer synchronous learning, where you’ll take classes in real time with other students through online video services like Zoom. Or, maybe you prefer an asynchronous class structure, which lets you finish coursework on your own time with prerecorded lectures.
4. Confirm accreditation.
Before applying to an online school, check that it is accredited. Most colleges list their accreditation status on their websites. You should also look on the accrediting agency’s website to double-check that the school is listed there.
Accreditation is particularly important for online schools to ensure high academic standards. To be eligible to receive federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited school. Accreditation is also important for reputation purposes, as employers may consider your school’s accreditation status when you apply for jobs.
Depending on the career you are pursuing and where you reside, your online degree may also need to hold programmatic accreditation. Healthcare, social work, and law are examples of fields where programmatic accreditation is often a requirement for state licensure.
5. Determine costs.
Many online schools don’t charge students differently based on where they live; rather, there’s just one tuition rate for all online students. However, universities often charge online learners an additional distance learning or technology fee.
Online programs at traditional public colleges differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students, charging the latter almost $19,000 more per year on average as of the 2022-2023 school year. Choosing an online program from a public school in your state should qualify you for lower in-state tuition costs.
On average, undergraduate tuition and fees cost $9,800 for in-state students at public schools and $40,700 for students at private nonprofit schools. After four years, these figures amount to $39,200 and $162,800, respectively.
Fortunately, if you choose an accredited college, you’ll qualify for federal financial aid, such as loans, grants, and work-study programs. Additionally, you can seek out scholarships and assistantships to help fund your degree. If you are employed, check to see if your employer will cover the cost of your education.
The Best Online Colleges by State
Need local school options? Search below to discover the top accredited online colleges and universities in your state.
Q&A With Real Online College Students and Grads
Q: Why did you decide to pursue an online degree?
“I wanted to be able to study, travel, and work simultaneously — not sit in a classroom at a set time each week.”
— Alexandra Markin, Founder of Online Student Life
“I love the freedom of being able to study from anywhere in the country. … I also struggle with social anxiety sometimes, so knowing I have the comfort of being able to study from home allows me to feel more at ease.”
— Charlotte Amy Rose, Founder of Sacred Footprints
“I decided to continue my education online mainly because I wanted to move out of state and needed the flexibility to finish my degree while also starting my family.”
— Alison Hamar, College Counselor and Schools Manager at Transizion
Q: In your opinion, what is the value of earning a degree online?
“Flexibility. If you need to take classes when you have time and don’t have to abide by a strict schedule, then online classes can be a great fit. You do have to be a self-motivated student, and online education isn’t for everyone.”
— Alison H.
“With an online degree, you can be there for your family, friends, or anything you want in life when you need to be. You don’t have to choose between that and a three-hour lecture.”
— Alexandra M.
“Earning a degree online offers more flexibility. I can work more easily around it as I don’t need to factor in travel time. I feel you are more focused too. You can spend more time actually studying and learning rather than traveling to and from university.”
— Charlotte A. R.
Q: What is your biggest piece of advice to students considering an online college?
“I would highly recommend getting involved with the university, even if you are online. There are still so many extracurricular activities and courses you can join, which is a great way to meet people on the same course or just like-minded people you can share your experience with.”
— Charlotte A. R.
“I would consider how much time you have to dedicate to school, if you can and will hold yourself accountable, and if flexibility is a necessity in your life. … In many ways online school is harder, but if you are motivated and driven to finish your degree and need the flexibility, then I would go for it.”
— Alison H.
“You need to know your learning style and what works best for you. … Try a few online courses first before you commit to an online degree. The format of online learning isn’t for everyone.”
— Alexandra M.
Is Online College Worth It?
Is an online college worth it? The answer will vary among students. Ultimately, your budget, goals, and schedule can influence whether an online college is the right choice for you.
I love being able to meet with people and teachers from all over the globe and country, said Charlotte Amy Rose, an online master’s student at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Consider online college if …
- You need a flexible schedule.
- You’re looking to save money.
- You want to be able to complete coursework from any location.
- You need accessible learning.
Consider traditional college if …
- You prefer in-person instruction.
- You’re pursuing a labwork-heavy degree.
- You’re easily distracted at home.
- You value peer-to-peer interaction.
FAQ About Accredited Online Colleges and Universities
The best online colleges hold accreditation, offer support services, and have a track record of student success. Look at data like graduation rates, job placements, and faculty qualifications to identify the best online college for you. It’s also important to choose a program that fits your interests and goals.
