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Online College and University Reviews

By Jennifer King Logan | Updated November 22, 2023

When choosing a school that best fits their needs and goals, prospective students may find it helpful to read online college reviews written by former students and graduates. We have collected reviews from more than 2,400 colleges. Students often provide positive feedback about the quality of their online degree programs, including factors like flexible course options, helpful professors, and the cost of tuition. Complaints tend to revolve around student support resources like career counseling, job placement support, and financial aid services.

Based on their feedback and other factors, we've put together a comprehensive list of schools offering online degree programs. We've also provided summaries of some of the best online colleges, plus answers to frequently asked questions.

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School Online Enrollment Recommended Reviews
Western Governors University 150,116 70% 785 reviews
Southern New Hampshire University Online 138,672 61% 502 reviews
University of Phoenix 85,598 61% 1355 reviews
Liberty University 79,906 57% 393 reviews
Grand Canyon University 79,865 49% 678 reviews
Arizona State University 62,301 90% 725 reviews
American Public University System 48,298 68% 198 reviews
University of Maryland Global Campus 47,272 60% 290 reviews
Walden University 46,455 51% 697 reviews
Purdue Global 43,294 72% 560 reviews
The University of Arizona Global Campus 40,362 67% 711 reviews
Capella University 38,716 63% 736 reviews
Strayer University 38,330 61% 301 reviews
Post University 26,052 38% 140 reviews
DeVry University 25,791 59% 363 reviews
Chamberlain College of Nursing 25,484 84% 105 reviews
Chamberlain University 25,484 54% 416 reviews
Full Sail University 20,796 48% 190 reviews
UMass Global 19,318 55% 139 reviews
Rasmussen University Online 18,582 34% 308 reviews
The University of Texas at Arlington 17,309 71% 171 reviews
Excelsior University 17,166 63% 211 reviews
Columbia Southern University 16,412 78% 194 reviews
Florida International University 15,274 91% 296 reviews
American InterContinental University 14,564 68% 244 reviews
Saint Leo University Online 12,760 61% 147 reviews
National University 11,960 47% 461 reviews
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide 11,567 57% 28 reviews
Bellevue University 11,048 68% 81 reviews
Colorado State University Global 10,844 56% 115 reviews
Florida State College at Jacksonville 10,664 33% 52 reviews
Lamar University 9,710 71% 42 reviews
Keiser University 9,661 41% 382 reviews
Thomas Edison State University 9,645 63% 88 reviews
Old Dominion University 9,358 87% 114 reviews
Indiana Wesleyan University Online 9,155 40% 43 reviews
American College of Education 8,766 66% 108 reviews
Bryant & Stratton College Online 8,749 50% 108 reviews
Regent University Online 8,499 62% 50 reviews
South University Online 7,793 48% 122 reviews
Aspen University 7,740 79% 225 reviews
University of Southern California 7,556 94% 465 reviews
Troy University 7,465 77% 66 reviews
Maryville University 7,202 49% 70 reviews
Louisiana State University - Shreveport 6,966 89% 80 reviews
ECPI University Online 6,654 46% 213 reviews
Fort Hays State University 6,600 77% 22 reviews
Franklin University 6,358 68% 19 reviews
SUNY Empire State University 6,320 63% 32 reviews
Northern Arizona University 6,208 84% 155 reviews
Park University 6,196 82% 33 reviews
Ultimate Medical Academy 5,962 85% 639 reviews
University of Arkansas Grantham 5,445 56% 97 reviews
Utah State University 4,747 98% 90 reviews
Washington State University 4,690 86% 118 reviews
Academy of Art University 4,441 44% 135 reviews
Colorado Christian University 4,417 63% 35 reviews
Columbia College 4,157 60% 45 reviews
Herzing University 3,749 68% 286 reviews
Sonoran Desert Institute 3,009 46% 24 reviews
Baker College Online 2,929 51% 123 reviews
PennWest California 2,821 84% 38 reviews
Simmons University 2,739 70% 181 reviews
Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online 2,687 69% 104 reviews
American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University 2,513 68% 68 reviews
Touro University Worldwide 2,225 57% 21 reviews
San Juan College 2,115 25% 16 reviews
Utica University 1,998 37% 81 reviews
Upper Iowa University 1,973 52% 50 reviews
Waldorf University 1,867 94% 17 reviews
Regis University 1,556 74% 87 reviews
Ohio Christian University 1,543 57% 30 reviews
Florida Tech - Online 1,461 66% 85 reviews
San Joaquin Valley College 1,438 49% 90 reviews
Bryan University Online 1,361 90% 31 reviews
Norwich University 1,290 77% 30 reviews
National American University Online 1,286 43% 125 reviews
Olivet Nazarene University 949 29% 45 reviews
St. Catherine University 880 76% 45 reviews
City University of Seattle 874 58% 76 reviews
Everglades University 794 92% 335 reviews
King University 752 100% 65 reviews
Charter College Online 564 25% 63 reviews
California Intercontinental University 473 86% 14 reviews
Pinnacle Career Institute Online 390 34% 29 reviews
The Art Institutes 297 15% 156 reviews
American Business and Technology University 48 100% 11 reviews
Ashworth College -- 60% 446 reviews
California Coast University -- 92% 75 reviews
California Southern University -- 65% 72 reviews
Colorado Technical University - Online -- 61% 340 reviews
Concordia University - Portland -- 57% 74 reviews
Independence University -- 54% 129 reviews
Penn Foster - Healthcare -- 60% 25 reviews
Penn Foster Career School -- 46% 164 reviews
Penn Foster College -- 58% 235 reviews
Trident University International -- 75% 95 reviews
Western International University -- 75% 24 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Reviews

What Factors About an Online Program Are Important to Students?


According to the 2021 Voice of the Online Learner report, online students consistently rank multiple start dates, the selection of fully online majors available, and asynchronous classes among their top priorities. In terms of tuition rates, our sister site's research indicates that online programs tend to cost less than on-campus ones. Reading through even a few dozen college reviews on GradReports.com reveals additional considerations for college students who’ve opted to pursue an online education. The most common include:

  • Interaction with instructors: Just like students of on-campus programs, online students want their instructors to be highly responsive. They also value instructors who demonstrate that they are informed, engaged, and concerned about student success.
  • Interaction with staff: Students enrolled in online degree programs also want school employees in the administration and financial aid departments to be responsive, well-informed, and courteous.
  • Technology help: Problems with the technology that drives online courses can be frustrating and stressful, so online students benefit from an IT team that can resolve issues quickly.
  • Transfer credits: Because so many online students are returning to school after being in the workplace or are military veterans, they appreciate schools that give credit for prior experience. They also want schools to recognize transfer credits from other higher education institutions, such as community colleges, or from AP classes in high school.
  • A flexible schedule: Flexibility is a major benefit of online education, and this factor often distinguishes an online program from an on-campus one. Given that 40% of full-time undergraduate students and 74% of part-time students work while attending college, flexible courses and degree options are often crucial to the completion of a program.

Among the specific complaints about particular online degree programs are some generalized comments about the nature of online education itself. It appears that college students who succeed in distance learning are those who prefer flexibility and independence over structure. A 2019 pre-pandemic study found that individuals who enjoy new experiences and create new ideas reflect the highest degree of satisfaction with online education.

Should I Trust College Reviews by Students?


College reviews, like all product reviews, can be valuable when conducting a school search. Both positive and negative reviews can provide insights into specific online degree programs and online universities. For example, they might highlight which schools’ programs are highly structured and which are extremely flexible. This information can help prospective students make better, more thoughtful decisions about the best online colleges that fit their own needs and preferences. However, college reviews need to be kept in perspective. No individual college review should be given more power or influence than the overall average. It’s also worth noting that GradReports.com's methodology ensures honest and trustworthy reviews written by real students and alumni.

Are Students Happy With Their Online Education?


In early 2021, Wiley Education Services surveyed 3,000 online college students and graduates for the 2021 Voice of the Online Learner report. The data they collected indicates very positive attitudes toward online learning. Among the many interesting findings were the following:

  • Among students and alumni, 45% felt that online learning was equal to on-campus learning, and 20% felt online learning was superior to traditional learning.
  • Given the opportunity to restart their college education, 49% of current students and alumni would definitely choose and 30% would probably choose an online program.
  • When asked how they think employers view the credibility of an online degree, 49% believe employers see no difference between online and traditional degrees, and 15% believe that employers think online programs are better.
  • Regarding outcomes, 42% of online program graduates said the degree led to a salary increase, 38% said it allowed them to start a new career, and 31% said it helped them get a new job.
  • Of students who were attending college prior to the pandemic, half said their forced experience with online learning changed their opinion for the better.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Reviews

What Factors About an Online Program Are Important to Students?


According to the 2021 Voice of the Online Learner report, online students consistently rank multiple start dates, the selection of fully online majors available, and asynchronous classes among their top priorities. In terms of tuition rates, our sister site's research indicates that online programs tend to cost less than on-campus ones. Reading through even a few dozen college reviews on GradReports.com reveals additional considerations for college students who’ve opted to pursue an online education. The most common include:

  • Interaction with instructors: Just like students of on-campus programs, online students want their instructors to be highly responsive. They also value instructors who demonstrate that they are informed, engaged, and concerned about student success.
  • Interaction with staff: Students enrolled in online degree programs also want school employees in the administration and financial aid departments to be responsive, well-informed, and courteous.
  • Technology help: Problems with the technology that drives online courses can be frustrating and stressful, so online students benefit from an IT team that can resolve issues quickly.
  • Transfer credits: Because so many online students are returning to school after being in the workplace or are military veterans, they appreciate schools that give credit for prior experience. They also want schools to recognize transfer credits from other higher education institutions, such as community colleges, or from AP classes in high school.
  • A flexible schedule: Flexibility is a major benefit of online education, and this factor often distinguishes an online program from an on-campus one. Given that 40% of full-time undergraduate students and 74% of part-time students work while attending college, flexible courses and degree options are often crucial to the completion of a program.

Among the specific complaints about particular online degree programs are some generalized comments about the nature of online education itself. It appears that college students who succeed in distance learning are those who prefer flexibility and independence over structure. A 2019 pre-pandemic study found that individuals who enjoy new experiences and create new ideas reflect the highest degree of satisfaction with online education.

Should I Trust College Reviews by Students?


College reviews, like all product reviews, can be valuable when conducting a school search. Both positive and negative reviews can provide insights into specific online degree programs and online universities. For example, they might highlight which schools’ programs are highly structured and which are extremely flexible. This information can help prospective students make better, more thoughtful decisions about the best online colleges that fit their own needs and preferences. However, college reviews need to be kept in perspective. No individual college review should be given more power or influence than the overall average. It’s also worth noting that GradReports.com's methodology ensures honest and trustworthy reviews written by real students and alumni.

Are Students Happy With Their Online Education?


In early 2021, Wiley Education Services surveyed 3,000 online college students and graduates for the 2021 Voice of the Online Learner report. The data they collected indicates very positive attitudes toward online learning. Among the many interesting findings were the following:

  • Among students and alumni, 45% felt that online learning was equal to on-campus learning, and 20% felt online learning was superior to traditional learning.
  • Given the opportunity to restart their college education, 49% of current students and alumni would definitely choose and 30% would probably choose an online program.
  • When asked how they think employers view the credibility of an online degree, 49% believe employers see no difference between online and traditional degrees, and 15% believe that employers think online programs are better.
  • Regarding outcomes, 42% of online program graduates said the degree led to a salary increase, 38% said it allowed them to start a new career, and 31% said it helped them get a new job.
  • Of students who were attending college prior to the pandemic, half said their forced experience with online learning changed their opinion for the better.

Disclaimer: OnlineU makes student reviews available via our sister site, GradReports.com. The views expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the views of OnlineU. OnlineU takes no position with respect to the information or opinions expressed in the user comments/reviews and is not responsible for their content. For additional information, refer to our Review Guidelines.

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