Best Online Colleges of 2024

Online college has made accessible education a reality for many. Discover what online colleges do best and what programs you can choose from.
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Updated April 22, 2024

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

For many students, online college makes postsecondary education more accessible and affordable. With flexible scheduling and limited travel requirements, you can pursue an online bachelor's degree without entirely disrupting your work and home life. Earning a bachelor's degree can also help you qualify for higher-paying jobs.

On this page, we look at the top online colleges and the most popular degrees available to you. We also explore how you might pay for college and highlight some of the differences between online and on-campus studies.

Featured Online Schools

Top Online Colleges of 2024

#1 Best Online Colleges of 2024

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: $330

Credits to Graduate: 120

If you've got transfer credits, this is one of the best online colleges to earn your degree. At Southern New Hampshire University, you can transfer up to 90 credits toward a 120-credit bachelor's degree. You can choose from over 100 online bachelor's programs, with options in business, technology, and the social sciences.

Pay a flat tuition rate regardless of your residency status. And if you're considering grad school, check out the accelerated bachelor's to master's options. Plus, there's no application fee.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,000
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,900
Out-of-state
$18,900
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
145,533
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Online Colleges of 2024

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553

Credits to Graduate: 120

This affordable online college offers a major tuition discount for Florida residents. Attend the University of Florida or the school's online-only branch and pay just $129 per credit if you're an in-state student.

You can choose from 25 majors in the liberal arts and sciences, business, and technology. You'll benefit from virtual career fairs and exclusive job postings only available to Gators. And as an enrolled student at this accredited institution, you'll also qualify for federal financial aid programs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,477
Out-of-state
$25,694
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,770
Out-of-state
$27,335
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
30%
Students Enrolled
55,781
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Colleges of 2024

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649

Credits to Graduate: 120

Join a student body of nearly 54,000. Located in Miami, Florida International University is a public, accredited online college. You'll choose from over 120 fully online programs and over 5,100 fully online courses. More than 37,000 Panthers take online classes every year.

You'll take interactive courses on a flexible schedule at FIU. As a distance learner, you can explore fields like engineering, healthcare, business, and education. When you graduate, FIU allows you to attend the on-campus commencement ceremony.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Online Colleges of 2024

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: $442

Credits to Graduate: 120

With 18 fully online undergraduate programs to choose from, the University of Minnesota gives you the chance to earn your degree as a distance learner. You can choose from a variety of subjects, including criminal justice, English, psychology, and management. The university also offers hybrid options and online graduate programs. 

Additionally, the University of Minnesota is committed to providing online students the same opportunities as in-person students, offering professional development courses to help you expand your business skill set.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,532
Out-of-state
$32,096
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,844
Out-of-state
$27,612
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
52,376
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Online Colleges of 2024

University of Utah

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: $260

Credits to Graduate: 120

Live outside of Utah? This public college could be an affordable option. At the University of Utah, you pay a flat tuition rate regardless of your residency status. That means out-of-state students pay one of the lowest tuition rates for online colleges.

Choose from popular majors like economics, nursing, psychology, and social work. You can also partner with success coaches to complete your graduation requirements. You'll benefit from career services, tech support, and a writing center.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,749
Out-of-state
$27,201
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,970
Out-of-state
$24,607
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
34,464
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#6 Best Online Colleges of 2024

Pennsylvania State University

  • University Park, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Semester: $7,678-$8,288 (undergraduate)

Credits to Graduate: 120

Since 1998, Penn State's World Campus has been committed to educating online students and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. At Penn State, you'll have access to a variety of student services to help you meet your academic and career goals, including new student orientation, career counseling, mental health services, and more. 

You can choose from more than 40 online bachelor's degrees in subjects like digital journalism, financing, nursing, marketing, and history. Plus, Penn State's World Campus offers over 40 scholarships to incoming students to help reduce the cost of a degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,400
Out-of-state
$25,084
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$23,189
Out-of-state
$39,248
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
88,914
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#7 Best Online Colleges of 2024

San Diego State University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: $431-531

Credits to Graduate: 120

Take live classes from anywhere in the world at this private college. San Diego State University offers a Global Campus that links you virtually with faculty and classmates. Or enroll in asynchronous classes for greater flexibility. 

You'll choose from 22 bachelor's degree completion options designed for transfer students. The online college offers business, education, healthcare, and STEM programs. You can also study communication to develop in-demand soft skills. As an online student enrolled in a  degree-granting program, you also qualify for 700 scholarship opportunities offered through SDSU.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
38%
Students Enrolled
36,484
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
64% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#8 Best Online Colleges of 2024

Colorado State University-Global Campus

  • Aurora, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online

Cost per Credit: $350

Credits to Graduate: 120

At many online colleges, tuition rates increase every year, but Colorado State University Global Campus has not increased tuition in over 10 years. Plus, the public university offers a tuition guarantee to lock in your tuition rate. That can help you budget for your degree costs. Plus, you won't pay any student fees or out-of-state fees.

Earn your bachelor's degree in business, computer science, healthcare, human services, or criminal justice. You can also study project management, cybersecurity, or business analytics at CSU-Global. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,400
Out-of-state
$8,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,000
Out-of-state
$9,000
Retention Rate
35%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
10,844
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Best Online Colleges of 2024

University of Missouri

  • Columbia, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $542-$692
Out-of-State | $659-$809

Credits to Graduate: 120

Earn your college degree from Missouri's flagship public university. The University of Missouri at Columbia partners with three other public universities to offer online degrees. You'll have more than 375 academic programs to choose between, giving you a variety of options to meet your educational goals.

You'll work closely with instructors and advisors to complete your program. Mizzou prioritizes flexibility in its online programs, which are designed with working students in mind. You'll also connect with a cohort of classmates to build a community during your degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,017
Out-of-state
$28,992
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,950
Out-of-state
$27,245
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
31,401
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Best Online Colleges of 2024

University of North Texas

  • Denton, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $470

Credits to Graduate: 120

The University of North Texas enrolled more than 140,000 online learners in 2022, overseeing seven online bachelor's programs and dozens of online options for graduate students. UNT is also one of the largest public research institutions in the country, earning a Tier One classification from the Carnegie Foundation.

Undergraduate programs cover topics like business, information science, and rehabilitation studies. UNT also offers an accelerated format for many of its online degrees; courses take around eight weeks to complete, and new students can choose form five start dates throughout the year. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,295
Out-of-state
$18,111
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,350
Out-of-state
$13,694
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
42,441
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
62% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Methodology

At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.

Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.

Finding the Right Online Program for You

With so many options at your fingertips, picking the right online bachelor's program can be difficult. Here are some of the most popular online degrees to help guide you.

Accounting

Online accounting degrees prepare you for careers in business, finance, and accounting. You study the principles of financial accounting and auditing, plus the accounting information systems that many professionals use.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $79,880 in May 2023.

Popular Online Bachelor's in Accounting Degrees

Business Administration

Online business degrees cover a lot of ground, including topics in accounting, economics, management, and finance.

With a business degree, you can work in various business and entrepreneurial careers, along with roles in the healthcare and information technology sectors. Overall, business and financial occupations earn a median annual salary of $79,050 (BLS, May 2023).

Popular Online Bachelor's in Business Degrees

Computer Science

With an online computer science degree, you'll have a foundation in computation and computer systems. You'll have the skills necessary to pursue careers in computer support, networking, information security, and web development.

Computer science can lead to some of the top-paying careers in tech. For example, software developers earn a median annual salary of $132,270 (BLS, May 2023).

Popular Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degrees

Criminal Justice

Your online criminal justice degree equips you with knowledge of the law and the criminal justice system. You'll also acquire leadership skills that you can apply to many personally and financially rewarding public safety careers.

For example, police and detectives earn a median annual salary of $72,260 (BLS, May 2023).

Popular Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degrees

Education

An online education degree prepares you for a career in the educational system, such as a teacher or administrator. You learn about child development, teaching strategies, and how the school system operates. Educational instruction and library occupations earn a median annual salary of $59,940 (BLS, May 2023).

Popular Online Bachelor's in Education Degrees

Finance

Online finance degrees position you to help people and organizations manage their money more effectively. You'll study topics like taxation, financial and investment management, and personal and corporate finance.

Finance professionals earn some of the highest wages in the business sector, such as financial analysts with a median annual salary of $97,450 (BLS, May 2023).

Popular Online Bachelor's in Finance Degrees

Information Technology (IT)

Professionals with online IT degrees provide computer support and solutions to people and organizations. These programs teach you to tackle technical challenges using skills in programming, networking and security, and emerging technologies.

Computer and information technology occupations make a median annual salary of $104,200 (BLS, May 2023).

Popular Online Bachelor's in Information Technology Degrees

Legal Studies

With an online legal studies degree, you can pursue many law-related careers, including paralegal, court reporting, and arbitration. Your studies will familiarize you with the court and legal system and law and society.

You'll also enjoy competitive salaries, as legal occupations make a median annual salary of $99,220 (BLS, May 2023).

Popular Online Bachelor's in Legal Studies Degrees

Nursing

Nursing programs cover healthcare fundamentals, nursing informatics, and community health, plus clinical training. While your online bachelor's in nursing can lead to various healthcare roles, your most direct path leads to the registered nurse (RN) career. RNs earn a median annual salary of $86,070 (BLS, May 2023).

Popular Online Bachelor's in Nursing Degrees

Psychology

In a psychology program, you study human development and behavior, counseling, and psychological science. With an online psychology degree, you can access many counseling and social service careers.

Community and social service professionals earn a median annual salary of $52,000 (BLS, May 2023).

Popular Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degrees

Online vs. In-Person Programs

Students who attend college on campus usually have to attend in-person lectures or classes to complete their coursework. Classes are on specific days and times, and attendance is generally required.

Online colleges usually include pre-recorded lectures that you can view at a time that's convenient for you. Courses can be delivered either at a specific time (synchronously) or available for you to review at any time (asynchronously), so check beforehand to see if you'll have to meet at a designated time.

Compared to on-campus studies, online programs feature considerably less travel. As such, you should expect a less traditional classroom environment. This might include a more independent experience with less interaction with instructors and peers.

How to Pay for Online College

Online college costs typically run lower than on-campus programs, but you can still expect to pay a considerable amount for your online degree. But how exactly do you pay for online college?

Like on-campus programs, you can pay for your online education through scholarships, grants, and student loans. In fact, many online students qualify for the same financial aid opportunities as traditional students, including federal financial aid. You can also find scholarships and grants from your school.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges

What’s the best online college to attend?

Generally speaking, the best type of online college provides comprehensive student support services. These schools offer you assistance before, during, and after your programs.

A college's graduation and retention rates can also tell you a lot about how students fare at the school and how well they're supported. Ultimately, the best online college for you depends on your preferences and educational goals.

Are online colleges any good?

Yes. Online degrees earned at an accredited online college meet the same academic standards as on-campus programs. They also meet the same licensure requirements unless otherwise stated.

What’s the easiest online college to attend?

In general, the easiest online colleges to attend are those with high acceptance and graduation rates. High graduation rates are often a good indicator that students receive a high level of support from their online school.

Additionally, some colleges even have open admission policies and admit all students regardless of their grades and SAT or ACT scores. However, this does not necessarily mean the college is "easy" — only that it's easier to get accepted.

Will my credits transfer to an online college?

Yes. Credits earned from a regionally accredited institution typically transfer to online colleges. However, you can call the school for clarification if you're unsure. Some online colleges also offer credit for work experience or military training.

Are online courses harder than in-person courses?

No. In fact, they cover the same material as in-person classes. But if you need help focusing or staying self-motivated, you may find it harder to attend college online. Many online schools offer resources to help you transition to an online learning format.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by TheBestSchools. Page last reviewed November 20, 2023.

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