Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Programs 2025
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Online bachelor’s degrees are nothing to scoff at. Getting a bachelor’s degree can positively impact your earning potential, whether you got that degree online or in person.
You can receive the same education and long-term income security by studying online. Research shows that bachelor’s degree-holders, no matter the learning format, earn more throughout their lifetime than people without a college education.
Here, we’ve ranked the best accredited schools that offer online bachelor’s degrees. We’ll also walk you through popular majors and average tuition costs.
Top 10 Accredited Schools for Online Bachelor’s Degrees
University of Florida Online
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$3,358
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled5,356
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled54,085
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
- 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
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
- Las Cruces, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,728
- Out-of-state$25,055
- In-State$5,184
- Out-of-state$18,023
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled14,779
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- 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
Oregon State University
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,425
- Out-of-state$31,200
- In-State$13,446
- Out-of-state$28,242
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled34,292
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Amherst, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,591
- Out-of-state$38,527
- In-State$14,364
- Out-of-state$31,489
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled31,810
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- 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
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,540
- Out-of-state$17,050
- In-State$4,745
- Out-of-state$17,545
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled13,487
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$32,400
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$31,460
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled39,622
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Why Accreditation Matters
Colleges and universities get evaluated by independent reviewers to ensure quality. This process, called accreditation, checks if they meet set standards. Degrees from unaccredited schools may not be widely accepted, and you might not be eligible for federal financial aid.
There are two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation evaluates the entire institution, while programmatic accreditation focuses on specific degree programs or departments, like business or nursing.
Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
There’s no catch with an online degree. An online bachelor’s degree from an accredited college is still a bachelor’s degree. You’ll put in the same amount of time studying and come out with similar knowledge and job prospects as someone who completed an in-person program.
The convenience and flexibility make online learning popular among over five million students. The COVID-19 pandemic only intensified a long-growing desire for more online learning options at the college level.
Today, colleges of all tiers offer legitimate online bachelor’s degrees. In fact, 143 schools are primarily online, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Did You Know…
- In 2024, bachelor’s degree-holders earned a median weekly salary that was $613 higher than workers with only a high school diploma.
- College grads make $1.2 million more than those with a high school diploma over their lifetime.
- Bachelor’s degree-holders had a 2.5% unemployment rate in 2024, compared to a 4.2% unemployment rate for those with a high school diploma.
- College graduates live longer — compared to someone who did not complete high school, you’ll live, on average, a decade longer with a degree!
- In 2021, 79% of college grads said their degree helped them grow personally and intellectually.
Popular Majors to Consider for a Bachelor’s Degree
Can’t decide on a major? Colleges have robust online undergraduate catalogs with enough majors to meet every student’s interests and strengths. That said, these six majors are typically the most popular.
Business
With a business degree, you can gain a broad education that prepares you to excel in business management or start your own venture.
The coursework equips students with a comprehensive knowledge of running a business, covering operations management, business law, finance, marketing, and other crucial areas.
Computer Science
If you have an interest in computer systems, consider a bachelor’s in computer science. The degree gives you a foundation in computer science theories, computing ethics, operating systems, and a proficiency in programming languages such as Java and C++.
Often, you can specialize in subfields like cybersecurity, data analytics, or artificial intelligence.
Education
You can pursue a classroom or administrative career with a bachelor’s in education. Educational programs can provide training in specific areas, such as elementary or special education.
Coursework covers topics like educational policy, classroom management, research methods, and educational technology.
Information Technology
A bachelor’s in information technology gives you the skills to maintain and repair computer systems and networks. Courses teach you about the fundamentals of computer systems security, web programming, and configuring systems.
Nursing
Classroom training and clinical experience gained through a bachelor’s in nursing will prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam.
This degree helps you develop the practical skills to build a patient-centered registered nursing practice, with courses like patient assessment, pharmacology, and nursing research.
Psychology
Earning a bachelor’s in psychology qualifies you to apply for a graduate-level psychology program or to enter careers in law, social services, or education.
In undergraduate psychology classes, you’ll get an introduction to psychology that explores the human mind and social and environmental influences on the developmental process.
How Much Does a Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
The cost of a bachelor’s degree varies depending on which type of four-year college or university you attend. On average, students at private nonprofit institutions are charged more than quadruple the tuition of public in-state students.
Other expenses you may face during your program include textbooks and supplies, as well as room and board, if you live on campus.
How to Make Your Online Bachelor’s Degree More Affordable
Worried about the cost of an online bachelor’s degree? If you choose an accredited college, you can qualify for many forms of financial aid.
As an online student, you can fill out the FAFSA and receive federal grants and loans. You can also apply for state and local grants, institutional aid, and private scholarships.
Here are some other ways you can save money on your online bachelor’s degree:
- Shop around to find affordable online colleges with low tuition rates.
- Choose an in-state public university, as these schools cost less than private institutions.
- Earn your associate degree at a community college to save on tuition, then transfer your credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
- Take AP exams or enroll in dual-credit classes while in high school.
Find Accredited Online Colleges Near You
Best Online Colleges in Texas 2025
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Best Online Colleges in California of 2025
You can access world-class online colleges in California from anywhere in the world. Find out if you qualify for in-state tuition and average costs.
Best Online Colleges in Florida of 2025
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Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2025
Discover the best online colleges in Ohio and what students can expect during and after their studies.
Q&A With Real Online Students and Grads
Q: Why did you choose an online bachelor’s degree?
“I had no idea at 18 what I wanted to do, so I took a few college classes and worked to figure out my career path. I was an unconventional student at 25 and needed an unconventional solution to achieving my degree.”
“I chose an online bachelor’s program because of the flexibility it offered me. Additionally, the online option offered me program options that wouldn’t have been possible due to substantial commute times.”
“I decided to go back to school for nursing but due to my location there were no options. … [The] program also allowed me to test out of certain subject areas, such as maternal health, pediatrics, and psychiatric. This saved me money and time.”
Q: What’s the best part of earning your degree online?
“The flexibility of the schedule! It gave me the availability to study at night while working during the day.”
“Completing my coursework online allowed me to do it on my own time and in the best setting. So if I needed to get up and move around I could do so. I could complete assignments in the middle of the night. It allowed me to work full time as well.”
“The best part of earning my degree online was that it allowed me to earn a degree while working full time and caring for my family. I was able to attend evening extracurriculars for my children and do coursework after they were in bed.”
Q: What advice would you give students considering an online degree?
“It’s very easy to put off deadlines and not complete assignments until the last minute. Time management is essential. Learning how to study is also key. Most instructors have ‘virtual office hours,’ and depending on the degree, it’s essential to take advantage of that.”
“Focus on time management and strategies to help keep you on track. Mark a calendar with all important dates and deadlines to ensure you don’t miss any. Celebrate the wins of a good test or the end of the semester!”
“Make a schedule for your school and stick to it to ensure you aren’t cramming in all your assignments in one night to meet the deadlines. Your degree is as valuable as earning it in person and is indistinguishable [from the degree of] someone who attended classes in person. Do not ever allow someone to make you believe your degree is worth less because you attended classes virtually.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Yes, online bachelor’s degrees are legit — as long as they’re from an accredited school. Accredited colleges pass a rigorous examination of their academic standards and student learning outcomes.
Online colleges complete the same accreditation process as on-campus colleges. In fact, many top-ranked colleges offer online and in-person degrees that use the same materials, exams, and instructors.
By choosing an accredited online college, you can rest assured that your degree is credible.
