2019 Most Affordable Online LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges

LGBTQ individuals enrolled at Kennesaw State University, both online and on-campus, are provided multiple resources including an LGBTQ Resource Center, a Safe Space Initiative and a Rainbow Graduation & Awards Ceremony. The college organizes two groups for LGBTQ individuals and allies: the Alumni Affinity Group and the Kennesaw Pride Alliance. Additional resources include gender-neutral bathrooms and Stonewall NEST Community, a gender-inclusive housing option. All LGBT undergraduate and graduate... students enrolled part-time or full-time are eligible for the Safe Space Scholarship. KSU offers online courses, certificate and degree programs, all created and taught by on campus faculty. Distance students receive support services including library access, tutoring and tech support.

Online and on-campus students enrolled at the University of Iowa have access to the school’s Pride Alliance Center and all of its resources. The school hosts multiple LGBTQ-friendly events throughout the year and allows students to use the Pride Alliance Center for group meetings, presentations, programs, lectures and workshops. The center is equipped with study rooms, a living room, a dining room and several amenities. Additionally, LGBTQ individuals and allies enrolled at the University of Iowa... have the opportunity to participate in the school’s Rainbow Graduation. UI has been offering distance education for 30 years. Their online program delivers courses, certificates and degree programs that offer the same quality instruction as their on-campus programs. Online students receive many services including tech support.

Clarion is an LGBTQ-friendly college with multiple resources available to on-campus and online students. Allies is an LGBTQ-friendly organization for students and Clarion community members of all sexual orientations. The organization provides students with resources including academic assistance and emotional support. In addition to Allies, Clarion offers an on-campus Safe Zone for in-person and online students. Other services offered by the school include an all-gender bathroom map, health services,... counseling services, an LGBTQ job search tool and LGBTQ literature, books and brochures. Clarion’s online program offering includes associate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees as well as certificates and special programs. Distance students receive support services including library access, online tutoring, and career services.

The University of North Florida provides on-campus and online students of all gender identities and sexual orientations with several support groups, peer-led discussion groups, resources, services and programs. LGBTQ individuals and allies can join an identity group, Club Can-Do Mentoring Program, the Speakers Bureau or Pride Club. The school provides many on-campus resources such as gender-inclusive bathrooms as well as local and national resources that can be utilized by all students. Other on-campus... resources include the Commission on Diversity and Inclusion and the inclusive safe space in the LGBTQ resource center. UNF offers several online certificate and degree programs in both traditional or accelerated formats. Online students have access to many resources including advising, an online library and a writing center.

Multiple resources are offered to LGBTQ students who are enrolled at the University of Central Florida. Online resources for transgender students include the National Center for Transgender Equality and GLAAD. LGBTQ+ Services is an office that offers a wealth of information on resources related to sexual orientation and gender identity. They organize programs to educate the UCF community, and have created a space where LGBTQ+ history and culture is shared and celebrated. Two student-run organizations... operate on campus: Equal at UCF and Delta Lambda Phi. Other on-campus resources include the office of diversity and inclusion, counseling and psychology services, and victim services. UCF Online offers certificate, undergraduate and graduate programs. Distance students have access to resources including the library, a writing center, and a mobile app.

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville provides several resources for all LGBTQ individuals and allies who attend the school either online or on-campus. Multiple groups and organizations operate on campus including the Gay/Straight Alliance and Delta Lambda Phi for transgender, gay, bisexual and progressive men. Student resources include counseling services, university housing, SIUE Safe Zone Allies and a We Are One Grant! for LGBTQ students seeking financial assistance. Other resources include... a map of all on-campus gender-neutral bathrooms and off-campus resources like Pronouns Matter and the International Safe Zone. SIUE offers online certificate, undergraduate and graduate programs to help distance students meet their career goals. Online students receive many support services including access to the library, counseling, tutoring, and technical support.

Online and on-campus students enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro have access to the school’s Safe Zone program and its many resources. The group welcomes students of all gender identities and sexual orientations as well as LGBTQ allies. The program routinely hosts workshops, lectures and events on inclusion, gender, sexuality and other pertinent topics. The school also provides counseling and health services with HIV testing, mental health screening, individual counseling... and multiple workshops and groups. UNCG Online offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields, with both synchronous and asynchronous course delivery. Online courses are taught by faculty with real-word industry experience so graduates are well prepared for a career in their field of study.

Indiana University - Bloomington offers many LGBTQ programs, services and resources for all gay, queer, transgender and straight students studying online or on-campus. Such resources include an LGBTQ library, collaborative programming, counseling services, the LGBTQ Mentoring Project, free HIV testing and free safer sex supplies. Additional resources include gender-inclusive bathrooms, student groups, ally training and multiple national resources like the Trans Lifeline, the Trevor Project and the... LGBTQ National Help Center. The school also hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year. IU Online offers more than 120 online degrees in a variety of fields. Online courses are created and taught by the same faculty that teach on campus. The university adheres to the Quality Matters guidelines to ensure their online programs are meeting the highest standards.

Northern Illinois University operates a Gender and Sexuality Resource Center with various resources, services and programs for all on-campus and online LGBTQ students. The center routinely organizes presentations, programs, events, workshops and conferences and offers such resources as the LGBTQ Speaker’s Bureau, the Transition and TransAction Task Force, LGBTQ Ally Training and Trans Ally Training. Two scholarship opportunities available to LGBTQ students and LGBTQ student allies include the Eychaner... Award and the Joseph Harry Endowed Scholarship. NIU Online offers courses, certificate and degree programs in many fields. Distance students receive support services including library access, career services, and tech support.

Both traditional and online LGBTQ students of the University of Cincinnati have access to all the services, programs and resources provided by the school’s LGBTQ Resource Center. Various social and support groups run through the center including Queer Spirituality, Kaleidoscope and ACES. Other LGBTQ-friendly programs include a Lavender Graduation and a month-long observance of LGBTQ History Month in October. On-campus students receive access to counseling and psychological services, a gender-neutral... bathroom map and a women’s center. Multiple state and national resources are available to all students including the Bisexual Resource Center and Equality Ohio. UC Online offers a wide variety of certificate and degree programs that are designed for students balancing other responsibilities. Online students are paired with a success team that supports them throughout their entire program.

The University of Southern Maine is committed to diversity on campus and to providing LGBTQ individuals and allies with various resources to help them succeed. In addition to LGBTQ programs, the school provides all students with health and counseling services. The school also hosts and takes part in many on-campus and community LGBTQ-friendly events throughout the year. Finally, online and on-campus students have the opportunity to get involved in various social programs and activist efforts through... the school. USM Online offers certificate and degree programs that are tailored to meet the needs of working professionals. Students receive the same education as their on-campus peers and have access to many resources, including an academic advisor who works with them throughout the course of their program.

Online and on-campus students of all gender identities and sexual orientations have access to multiple LGBTQ resources offered by Western Michigan University. Students can sign up for the monthly LGBTQ e-newsletter to stay informed of the latest events, speakers, activities and programs happening on campus and in the community. The school offers gender-neutral bathrooms and other facilities for students of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Western Michigan University awards thousands... of dollars in scholarships every year. WMU offers online certificate, undergraduate and graduate programs that are designed to meet the needs of working adults. Online students receive many support services including career guidance, writing assistance, and tech support.

The Q Center at the University of Washington - Seattle is designed to aid online and on-campus students of all gender identities and sexual orientations through its various support groups, programs, resources and events. Through the center, students have access to free HIV testing as well as safer sex education and PrEP Navigation. Students can get involved in on-campus organizations such as the Gender Discussion Group and the Queer Mentoring Program. All LGBTQ individuals and allies can explore... the LGBTQ library of books and films provided through the student-run resource center. Distance students can take online classes or earn a certificate, undergraduate or graduate degree through UW Online. Online students have access to IT support, library resources and many other services.

Students who attend the University of New Mexico online and on-campus benefit from a wide range of services, resources and programs offered by the school’s LGBTQ Resource Center. Just a few examples of the programs provided through the center include a Rainbow Graduation, the Out & Ally List (faculty members that have pledged to assist the LGBTQ community), Rapid HIV Testing and universal restrooms. The school also has a Safe Zone program with many Safe Zone resources and training opportunities.... On-campus resources include support groups such as Out Queer Grads, Out Womyn and the UNM Queer Straight Alliance. UNM Online offers certificate, undergraduate and graduate programs, with both synchronous and asynchronous course delivery. Online students receive academic and technical support, as well as career services.

Online and on-campus students can benefit from the many resources offered through the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s Pride Center. Through Safe and Inclusive Living (SAIL), LGBTQ individuals and allies can find safe on-campus housing. Online resources include the Trevorspace Online Support Group, the Trevor Project, the It Gets Better Project, the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network, Amplify Your Voice and the Gay Teen Forum. Two scholarship opportunities offered through the school include... Graduate School Scholarships for LGBTQ and UWGB Pride Center scholarship fund for undergraduate or graduate students. The school has online undergraduate and graduate programs that offer convenience and flexibility to distance students. As of Fall 2019, all courses will be delivered through the Canvas learning management system.

All students at the University of Northern Colorado have access to a broad range of LGBTQ organizations, resources and educational programs. A few of the educational programs offered on campus include a mentoring program, Safe Zone Training and a Speak OUT Panel. Resources include all-gender bathrooms, an LGBTQ library, pride flags and national internships. Students can visit the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center to take part in the Spectrum Student Organization to listen to guest speakers and participate... in group discussions. UNC offers a variety of online certificate and degree programs that adhere to the Quality Matters guidelines, ensuring that their programs are meeting the highest standards. Courses are delivered through the Canvas course management system and offer 24/7 accessibility and interaction with instructors and peers.

The University of Missouri offers many LGBTQ resources and scholarship opportunities, such as the GLBTA Scholarship Award, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health and Gender Pronouns. On-campus and online students can benefit from the many services offered by the LGBTQ Resource Center, including an extensive library on LGBTQ literature. Organizations that students can get involved in include the Triangle Coalition, Queer Trans People of Color, Mizzou Queer Media Association, Greek Allies, Lambda Legal,... Aces & Aros, and Broad Spectrum. Mizzou Online offers a variety of courses, certificates and degrees that offer the same academic quality as their on-campus programs. Some of the services distance students receive include academic advising, library access and online tutoring.

Eastern Illinois University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community for both on-campus and online students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The school provides many LGBTQ services and programs including an extensive library collection of diverse books and films, a Safe Zone training program and resources designed specifically for LGBTQ and GSD (Gender and Sexual Diverse) students. GSD students and allies also have the option to register for Lavender Graduation,... an annual ceremony for graduating LGBTQ students. EIU offers affordable online undergraduate and graduate degrees; almost all of the online courses are offered at in-state tuition rates. The online programs were designed with working students in mind and courses are offered in accelerated 7- and 8-week formats.

On-campus and online students who attend Washington State University can participate in the many activities, groups and programs organized by the school’s LGBTQ Resource Center. LGBTQ students and their allies can be a part of the annual Lavender Graduation and attend various events such as the InQueery Symposium and UndocuQueer Conference. All students can get involved in the Ally Project and benefit from Ally Training. Other resources include gender-inclusive restroom and locker rooms, as well... as services for trans students. Scholarship opportunities include the GIESORC Scholarship and Point Foundation LGBTQ Student Scholarship. WSU offers a variety of online programs including undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and teaching endorsements. Distance students receive many support services including academic advising, 24/7 tech support, and free online tutoring.

The Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst provides various LGBTQ services including support groups, workshops and resources for transgender students. At the Stonewall Center, on-campus students have access to HIV/STI testing twice a month, and both online and on-campus students can access an extensive LGBTQ library of books, films and workshops organized by college staff and the Speakers’ Bureau. Various training programs are offered to LGBTQ allies, such as the “Allies in... Training Program” for students interested in advocating on the behalf of the LGBTQ community. The school offers online classes, certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees that offer the same academic rigor as their on-campus programs. Distance students have access to academic advising as well as the school’s expansive electronic research database.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers multiple ways for online and on-campus students to get involved in various LGBTQ organizations and programs. In addition to program and volunteer opportunities, the school provides many support services for LGBTQ veterans, people of color and transgender students. Other resources include Gender Pronouns, gender-inclusive restrooms and housing, and a crisis line. For financial assistance, three scholarship opportunities are available: UWM Alumni Association... LGBT+ Chapter Scholarship, the Ross Leonard Scholarship and the Helmut W Hampel Scholarship. UWM offers online courses and degree programs that are taught by the same faculty that teach on campus. Distance students have access to many online resources including tech support, writing support, online tutoring and an online library.

Southern Illinois University - Carbondale offers multiple resources for all LGBTQ individuals and allies enrolled at the college online or on campus. The school provides students with an LGBTQ Resource Center, which includes the Safe Zone Training Program, emotional support, presentations, community engagement and campus advocacy. Multiple events such as World Aids Day and LGBTQ History Month take place at the college, as well as an opportunity for students of all genders and sexual orientations... to participate in the school’s Lavender Graduation. SIU Online offers certificate, non-degree programs, undergraduate and graduate degrees taught by SIU faculty. Online students receive support services including career advisement, library access and writing assistance.

The University of Phoenix offers online and on-campus students a variety of LGBTQ resources, programs, services and groups through the school’s Office of Multicultural Affairs & Diversity. The school partners with various local community organizations as well as national programs to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. The University of Phoenix is also committed to campus safety and provides Safe Zones for all students as well as a map of all gender-neutral bathrooms and other facilities. Additionally,... the school provides counseling services and health services to all students. The university offers a variety of online courses and degree programs that are designed for students balancing other responsibilities. Students receive career services, the opportunity to join an alumni mentor program, and locked-in tuition rates.

Students who attend the University of Kentucky online or on campus have access to a broad range of LGBTQ services, groups, resources and programs. Multiple awards, scholarships and grants are offered including the LGBTQ Resources Undergraduate Programming Internship Application, UK Office of LGBTQ Resources Scholarships and Graduate and Professional Student LGBTQ Research Grants. Health services are also offered to all enrolled students including counseling services and free HIV testing. The school... provides several inclusive facilities, such as gender-neutral bathrooms and meeting rooms for LGBTQ individuals and allies. UK Online offers an extensive array of certificate and degree programs delivered through the Canvas platform. Online students receive many support services including library access, academic advising and tech support.