Best Accredited Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

These days, most college students take online classes at some point in their education journey. And it’s easy to see why — online learning offers flexibility, affordability, and convenience.

But how can you find the best online college to earn your degree? First, it’s important to choose an accredited institution. Accredited online colleges offer high-quality degrees that are reviewed by accrediting agencies.

Then, research factors that are important to you, like tuition cost, student services, and graduation rates. Check out our list of the best accredited online colleges to start your search.

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.

You can earn pretty much any degree online these days. Online colleges and universities offer a variety of undergraduate degrees 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.

Learn more about the types of degrees you can earn online:

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.

Your career and educational goals will inform the best degree program for you. Consider your budget, 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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

Accreditation is particularly important for online schools to ensure high academic standards. Accreditation is also important for reputation purposes, as employers may consider your school’s accreditation status when you apply for jobs.

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 public colleges differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students. In these cases, choosing an online program from a public school in your state should qualify you for lower in-state tuition costs.

In Florida, for example, tuition for in-state public colleges averaged $4,541 in 2021. In New York, in-state public college tuition averaged $8,416, while the average tuition in California was $8,401.

Like any other student, an online college student will need to budget for tuition, fees, and textbooks. Some universities also charge an additional distance learning or technology fee. And taking classes online sometimes means upgrading your technology, internet, or software.

How do students pay for online degrees? Fortunately, if you choose an accredited college, you’ll qualify for many forms of financial aid.

Here are some common ways that distance learners at accredited online colleges pay for their degrees:

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

The best online colleges hold accreditation, offer support services, and have a track record of student success. Look at data like graduation rate, job placements, and faculty qualifications to find the best online school. It’s also important to choose a program that fits your interests and goals.

Yes, online degrees from 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 your degree was earned online.

However, make sure to choose an accredited online school because these institutions meet high standards for academic quality.

Several online colleges admit the majority of students who apply, including some schools with a 100% acceptance rate. Two-year online colleges also typically accept the majority of applicants.

When applying to online colleges, research the acceptance rate to find the easiest college to get into.

The quickest degree to get online is an associate degree or an accelerated master’s degree. Associate degrees typically take two years, while you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year. Students with transfer credits can also graduate in less time.

Before applying to online programs, consider your learning style, interests, budget, and career goals. The right online program will meet your needs and fit your budget. Once you’ve chosen a field, research schools to determine which program will help you reach your goals.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed December 11, 2023.