Best Accredited Online Colleges and Universities of 2025
As our world has grown increasingly reliant on digital spaces, education has expanded to offer more online degrees. Accredited online colleges deliver the same rigorous and legitimate education as traditional, on-campus learning, but with added flexibility, accessibility, and potential cost savings.
Some online programs may still have in-person requirements, but others allow you to earn a degree at any level without needing to leave the comfort of your home.
Discover our ranking of the best accredited online colleges in this helpful guide, which includes details on accreditation, available degrees, tuition costs, and financial aid.
10 Best 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 RateNot provided
- 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 RateNot provided
- 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
Why Accreditation Matters for Online College
Accreditation is particularly important for online schools to ensure high academic standards. Additionally, you must attend an accredited school to qualify for federal financial aid. Accreditation is also important for reputation purposes; employers may consider your school’s accreditation status when you apply for jobs.
Depending on your target career and the state you live in, your online degree may also need to hold programmatic accreditation. Healthcare, social work, and law are examples of fields where programmatic accreditation is often required for state licensure.
How Does Online College Work?
Accredited online colleges operate in several ways. However, at their core, they allow students to complete coursework away from campus, so long as they have a strong internet connection. Schools may deliver classes fully online or through a hybrid format that blends distance learning with on-campus classwork.
Colleges may use synchronous and/or asynchronous methods of administering classes. Synchronous classes mirror the in-person experience with set class times and direct interactions with instructors. In contrast, asynchronous delivery allows learners to watch recorded lectures and complete assignments at their convenience, as long as they meet specified deadlines.
However, some fully online programs may include occasional on-campus requirements, like fieldwork. Always inquire about any in-person elements of online learning, along with whether you’ll need to arrange for placements.
Consider online college if…
- You need a flexible schedule.
- You’re looking to save money.
- You want to complete coursework from any location.
- You need a more accessible learning format.
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.
Explore Accredited Online Colleges Near You
Need local school options? Search below to discover the top accredited online colleges and universities in your state.
Is Online College Worth It?
Median Weekly Earnings by Highest Education Level (2024)
$930
High school diploma
$1,543
Bachelor’s degree
$1,840
TMaster’s degree
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that professionals with higher educational attainment typically see higher demand in the job market and earn larger salaries.
Although pursuing higher education requires careful financial planning, degree-holders typically see a strong return on their investment. The BLS reports that the median weekly income for workers with a bachelor’s degree as their highest level of education is about $600 higher than that of individuals with only a high school diploma.
A postsecondary education also appears to increase demand for job candidates. BLS reporting indicates an unemployment rate of 4.2% for those holding a high school diploma as their highest educational attainment. This figure drops to 2.5% for bachelor’s degree-holders and 2.2% for individuals with a master’s degree.
Additionally, companies with distributed workforces may look to hire graduates from online programs, due to their demonstrated ability to complete work with little oversight and remain in close contact without direct supervision.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, online degrees awarded by accredited institutions are respected. Employers hire candidates with online degrees, and you can get into graduate school with an online bachelor’s degree. Also, your diploma won’t state that you earned your degree online.
