Best Accredited Online Colleges and Universities of 2023

Like most students these days, you might have grown up with the internet. As you approach college, you might feel comfortable completing your degree entirely online. Who knows? In another decade or so, students might be donning VR gear and sitting in Meta classrooms.

As an online student, you can benefit from a flexible schedule, cheaper tuition, and the freedom to live anywhere. Here, we outline everything you need to consider when choosing an accredited online college and rank the 10 best online universities.

Reasons to Get an Online Degree

• A virtual format lets you complete coursework around family and work responsibilities.
• You can engage in discussions and complete assignments on your own schedule.
• You get the opportunity to network with students and faculty from around the world.
• You can continue gaining work experience and growing in your career.
• Many online schools offer accelerated schedules so you can graduate sooner.
• Tuition costs for online colleges are often more affordable.

Accreditation Matters for Online Schools

Accreditation is particularly important for online schools to ensure their academic standards are high. Accreditation is also important for reputation purposes, as employers may consider your school's accreditation status when you apply for jobs. To earn accreditation, schools are evaluated and monitored for academic excellence and quality.

Accreditation was a huge factor [when choosing an online school], explained Alexandra Markin, an online student since 2017. I didn't include any schools in my initial research that weren't accredited.

Be wary of an online school that's unaccredited. You won't be able to transfer credits from other institutions and your degree may not be recognized by employers or other schools if you wish to pursue another degree. An unaccredited program can also impact your financial aid eligibility.

Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges and Universities

Types of Online Degrees

There are generally four different types of academic degrees you can earn online. Many online schools also award certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These include: Associate Degrees, Bachelor's Degrees, Master's Degrees, Doctorate Degrees, and Certificate Programs.

Associate Degree

With an associate degree, you can work in a variety of jobs in the health, technology, or administrative fields. An associate's degree typically takes about two years to earn, making it easier to obtain alongside other life commitments.

Many associate degree programs provide a foundation to earn a bachelor's degree if desired.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree prepares you for entry-level careers in almost any field you choose, which provides you with endless career options upon graduation. It typically takes four years to complete a bachelor's degree.

Upon completion, you will be prepared to enter the workforce or earn a graduate degree if you choose.

Master's Degree

Earning a master's degree allows you to focus your studies on a more specific area or specialization, which can qualify you for a higher-paying career in your field. You are eligible for master's programs once you complete your bachelor's degree.

It typically takes about two years to finish a master's degree. Once complete, you can choose to pursue the next level degree — a doctorate.

Doctorate Degree

A doctoral degree is the highest degree you can achieve. You can earn a doctorate in almost any subject. To obtain this degree, you must complete original research that demonstrates your expertise in your chosen field.

Once finished, a doctoral degree will qualify you as an expert and allow you to contribute original research to your area of study.

Certificate Programs

A certificate program allows you to begin learning about a specific field without pursuing a degree. It also can prepare you for a career in the trades. Depending on the certificate, it can be a fast way to learn a new skill or to learn about a different area of your current industry.

Popular Online Degree Programs

While there are plenty of online degrees to choose from, here are some of the most popular ones among online students:

Business

There are many careers to choose from with a business degree because business knowledge is in demand in most industries.

Some common business fields you can work in include sales, marketing, and finance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for professionals in business or financial occupations in May 2021 was $76,570.

Criminal Justice

A degree in criminal justice will prepare you to protect your community in law enforcement or to work within the court system.

Criminal justice careers include police officers, investigators, corrections workers, and security personnel. Police and detectives earn a median annual salary of $66,020 (BLS, 2021).

Education

With a degree in education, you can make a difference in your community and have a positive impact on youth by becoming a teacher.

You can also choose from other career paths in education administration, curriculum, psychology, or counseling. The median annual salary for a high school teacher is $61,820 (BLS, 2021).

English

English is a popular liberal arts degree that can lead you to career opportunities in education, business, and writing. You will learn about literature, critical thinking, and communication, depending on the program focus.

Many graduates with an English degree will go on to careers in education, library, and training occupations. These positions have a median annual salary of $57,220 (BLS, 2021)

Graphic Design

If you're looking for a creative yet practical career, then graphic design is a good choice for you. You will learn about design principles and how to use software to create designs.

You can work in advertising, e-commerce, or any other field industry that requires visual aids, web pages, or marketing materials. The median annual salary for a graphic designer is $50,710 (BLS, 2021).

History

With a history degree, you will learn about world events and cultures and can work in history-related positions at museums or schools. You can advance your career with a master's or doctoral degree. Historians have an annual median salary of $63,940 (BLS, 2021).

Law

A law degree is a good choice if you're a strong public speaker and are interested in working within the legal system. Lawyers can work in the courts, private practice, or business. The annual median salary for a lawyer is $82,430 (BLS, May 2021).

Nursing

Nursing is the perfect career if you enjoy helping and taking care of others in a healthcare setting. With a nursing degree, you can work in a medical facility, hospital, or birthing center.

You can also provide your expertise in the education sector as a nurse educator. The annual median income for a registered nurse is $77,600 (BLS, 2021).

Psychology

With a psychology degree, you'll learn about the inner workings of the human mind, applying your knowledge to a career path in psychology in schools, mental health facilities, or forensics.

Note that most clinical psychology and counseling positions require a master's degree or higher. The annual median salary for a psychologist is $81,040 (BLS, 2021).

Social Work

With a social work degree, you can help individuals and families work through the systemic and personal challenges they face and help them improve their lives. As a social worker, you can work in a clinical, healthcare, school, or nonprofit setting. The annual median salary for a social worker is $50,390 (BLS, 2021).

How Much Do Online Degrees Cost?

Here's a breakdown of the average costs of an undergraduate and graduate degree in the U.S.:

As an online student, you can save money on costs that in-person students often pay, like transportation fees and campus housing. That said, college tuition is higher than it's ever been. Many online colleges are priced competitively with traditional in-person schools.

Like on-campus students, online students are eligible for financial aid. Note that your school must be accredited in order for you to qualify for federal financial aid.

We advise filling out the FAFSA each year to see what federal aid and loans you qualify for. There are also many scholarships available to online students.

Top Online Schooling Expenses to Budget For

• A laptop or desktop
• Reliable internet connection
• Webcam (if not built into laptop)
• Headset with microphone
• Textbooks and other required class materials
• Software programs
• Additional fees, such as technology fees

How to Choose an Accredited Online College: 5 Tips

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 guide the way you prioritize the features of an online college. Consider how much time you'd like to spend on 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 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.

I made a list of all the schools in Canada that offered online degrees and researched each one, including if they were accredited, how long they had been offering online learning, [and] what programs (and how many) they offered, said Markin.

You can compare online colleges' features in areas like:

• Scheduling flexibility
• Programs offered
• Student resources
• Course formats
• Faculty reputation and experience
• Career services
• Alumni network

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 pre-recorded lectures.

4. Confirm Accreditation

Before applying to an online school, check that it is accredited. Most colleges list their accreditation status and accrediting agency on their website. You can also look on the accrediting agency's website to double-check that a school is listed there.

5. Determine Costs

Many online schools don't charge students differently based on where they live; rather, there's just one tuition price for all online students.

Online programs at traditional on-campus colleges may differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students. In these cases, choosing an online program from a school in your state should qualify you for lower in-state tuition costs.

In Florida, for example, tuition for online colleges can start at $9,000. In New York, tuition can cost around $15,000, while online schools in California can cost about $14,000.

Use the map below to learn more about accredited online colleges and universities in your state.

Can Online High School Prepare You for an Online Degree Program?

Some students begin their online education by earning a high school diploma online. Many online K-12 schools allow you to learn in a flexible, self-paced environment. Online high schools typically offer live online classes and discussion boards.

Completing your primary and secondary education online isn't for everyone. You can miss out on the social experience and quintessential school events.

Still, an online K-12 education may better prepare you for online college. The earlier you become comfortable with the motivation and discipline it takes to thrive in an online school, the more likely you are to succeed at an online university.

Being able to teach yourself material and pace your learning are key skills for online college. Attending an online high school may also help you feel more confident when it comes to connecting with peers and professors in a digital format.

Q&A With Real Online Master's Students and Grads

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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.

So Is Online College Worth It?

Is an online college worth it? The answer will vary for each student. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accredited Online Colleges and Universities

Are online degrees legitimate?

Yes, an online degree is just as legitimate as a degree earned from an on-campus program. Online programs offer comparable curricula and usually integrate innovative approaches to classroom discussions and lab requirements.

Accreditation ensures that online programs provide the same level of academic rigor and quality.

How long does an online bachelor's degree take?

Most online bachelor's degree programs take around four years to complete — the same as an in-person bachelor's. With an online program, you can usually choose an accelerated track to graduate sooner or pick a part-time schedule to balance other obligations.

Does the location of an online college matter when applying?

Unless you're an international student, your location typically doesn't matter when applying to an online college.

Some programs may have a few in-person requirements that require you to travel to campus or another location. In general, though, you can complete your coursework anywhere, regardless of where you live in the U.S.

What are the most in-demand online degrees?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the fastest-growing jobs for the next decade are nurse practitioners (46% projected growth rate), data scientists (36%), web developers (30%), and physician assistants (28%).

If you're interested in these roles, you can look for online degree programs like an MSN degree, a computer science degree, a software engineering degree, or a physician assistant program.

What do employers think of online universities and degrees?

Generally, employers are more concerned with other aspects of your resume than where you earned your degree. Your work experience, awards, and qualifications are more likely to be determining factors in whether you get hired.

Many employers understand that a degree from an online accredited college is just as valuable as one earned from a traditional on-campus program. Also, your degree will not specify that you were an online student, meaning it's not something you're obligated to disclose to employers.

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