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
Why We Chose This School
The University of Florida Online enrolls over 5,300 undergraduate students and offers 26 online bachelor's degree programs. By earning your degree through UF Online, you can save 40% on total costs compared to on-campus learners. The school features a 78% overall graduation rate.
Highlights
- Participates in the Grandparent Waiver, which allows students whose grandparent resides in Florida to waive out-of-state tuition and fees
- Waives the cost of one course for qualifying veterans and military members
- Offers synchronous and asynchronous online options for programs that require labs
Know Before You Apply
- UF Online has a 54-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, which is much higher than most schools on our list.
- If you are a recent high school graduate with fewer than 12 college credits, you must submit ACT, SAT, or CLT scores.
- In-State$3,358
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled5,356
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
With 1,700 instructors and more than 120 fully online degrees, including 52 bachelor's programs, Florida International University serves more than 48,000 online students each year. Around 91% of first-time, full-time undergraduate students return to FIU for their second year, and the school has a 74% overall graduation rate.
Highlights
- Offers a $2,000 scholarship to students employed by FIU Online partners
- Provides a $2,000 scholarship to enrollees who show exceptional academic merit
- Extends extensive benefits or financial assistance to service members or veterans
Know Before You Apply
- FIU Online requires the SAT or ACT for first-year students.
- Some courses may include online group projects.
- 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
Why We Chose This School
Arizona State University offers more than 180 online bachelor's programs in high-demand areas such as nursing, engineering, and education. An undergraduate degree can cost less than $7,500 in tuition and fees per year, and the school features a 25-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Highlights
- Extends exceptional support to help veterans and military members secure financial aid
- Offers the same tuition rate to nonresidents as Arizona residents
- Provides students access to Handshake, a special career services site with more than 30,000 internships and job opportunities
Know Before You Apply
- If you did not earn a GPA of 3.0 in competency courses or graduate in the top 25% of your high school class, you must submit ACT or SAT scores.
- Tuition costs vary by program and can range from $561 to $1,343 per credit.
- 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
Why We Chose This School
Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico State University awards more than 3,360 degrees annually. You can choose from around 20 online bachelor's degree programs in fields such as criminal justice, gender studies, geomatics, and communication disorders. For the 2022-2023 school year, NMSU's average net price for undergraduates stood at a low $8,353.
Highlights
- Covers up to 100% of tuition for qualifying New Mexico residents through the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship
- Designated Hispanic-serving institution and FirstGen Forward institution, recognized for its support of first-generation students
- Accepts up to 90 transfer credits
Know Before You Apply
- Students in some states may only be able to enroll in select distance programs at NMSU.
- Interstate tuition agreements like the Western Undergraduate Exchange do not apply to NMSU Global Campus's flat-rate tuition.
- 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
Why We Chose This School
A designated Hispanic-serving institution, The University of Arizona offers over 80 online bachelor's programs. The school enrolls a 46% diverse student body of more than 53,000 total learners and retains 86% of its first-year, full-time bachelor's students.
Highlights
- Charges a flat tuition fee of $500 to $610 per credit regardless of residence
- Accepts up to 30 credits for qualifying military service and experience
- Offers six start dates annually for courses that last 7.5 weeks each
Know Before You Apply
- Some classes may have scheduled meeting times.
- Residents of certain states may not be eligible to enroll in some 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
Oregon State University
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Founded over 150 years ago, Oregon State University offers more than 50 online bachelor's programs through its Ecampus. OSU staffs its online learning programs with more than 1,200 faculty members and features a 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Highlights
- Charges the same tuition rate for residents and nonresidents
- Provides online students with access to the Pride Center, a safe forum that provides programs and services for students in the LGBTQIA+ community
- Collaborates with the federal government and private companies to provide low-cost education for employees
Know Before You Apply
- Tuition rates vary by program, ranging from $366 to $428 per credit.
- If you take on-campus and Ecampus courses, you will be charged the on-site tuition rate for on-campus courses.
- 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
Why We Chose This School
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers more than a dozen online undergraduate programs, including film studies, nursing, sustainable food and farming, and finance. Full-time, first-time undergraduates pay an average net price of $22,954 annually, with 75% receiving grant or scholarship aid.
Highlights
- Offers the Fresh Start policy, which excludes prior college coursework from cumulative GPA calculations if that coursework is more than three years old
- Accepts up to 75 credits from college learning, military experience, or CLEP tests
- Offers multiple tuition assistance programs specifically for online students
Know Before You Apply
- Admissions requirements vary significantly by program.
- Classes typically run according to a traditional university schedule.
- 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
Why We Chose This School
At Louisiana State University, you can pursue one of 17 online bachelor's programs, including sociology, business analytics, sport administration, and mass communication. LSU has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 22-to-1 and an impressive 84% retention rate for full-time, first-time bachelor's students.
Highlights
- Charges no out-of-state tuition fees
- Considers many diverse experiences for credit for prior learning, including work experience, military service, and professional certifications
- Offers stackable learning options that let you "stack" a series of certificates or short-form programs into a degree
Know Before You Apply
- Tuition costs vary by program.
- You may pay additional fees for technology, activities, or other student services.
- 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
Why We Chose This School
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University offers 10 online bachelor's programs, three of which are degree completion programs. You can study geomatics, electronics technology, or criminal justice, or you might complete your nursing or agricultural education degree. NC A&T boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 19-to-1.
Highlights
- Is the largest historically Black university in the U.S., with an undergraduate population of over 14,000
- Charges $120 per undergraduate credit for North Carolina residents
- Provides a virtual career fair for online students
Know Before You Apply
- Out-of-state students pay $588 per credit for undergraduate coursework, significantly more than North Carolina residents.
- The school charges several mandatory fees beyond tuition.
- 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
Why We Chose This School
The University of Alabama offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs in online and hybrid formats, including 18 fully online bachelor's programs in fields such as advertising, hospitality management, and nursing. Students pay an average net price of $21,761, and the school has a high overall graduation rate of 87%.
Highlights
- Offers active duty military the UA Online Military Tuition Grant, which covers costs not met by military tuition assistance
- Charges the same tuition rate for online students regardless of your state of residency
- Provides several scholarships specifically for online learners
Know Before You Apply
- Minimum admission requirements vary by program, with some degree programs expecting minimum GPAs or test scores.
- UA charges a nonrefundable $40 application fee.
- 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
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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.
