Online College and University Reviews
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.
Student-Recommended Online Schools
The 10 online schools on this list are highly recommended by current students and alumni. Ratings are based on student reviews collected since 2008, totaling thousands of reviews of more than 2,400 schools. Keep in mind that the relatively small sample size of online school reviewers for any given school, as well as personal reviewer biases, can skew a school's rating positively or negatively. However, every review is vetted to ensure authenticity before being published.
Southern New Hampshire University Online
61% Recommended
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers more than 200 associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees through its online programs. Some of the more popular subjects of study at this large, private, non-profit university include business, English, software engineering, and healthcare administration. Students access course materials through the Desire2Learn Brightspace online learning system.
SNHU offers financial aid for qualified students, and military members and veterans may be eligible for a discount of up to 30%. New enrollees may also be able to transfer credits for previously completed coursework, and some may receive credit for prior work or military experience. All students are paired with academic advisors and can take advantage of other student resources, such as career services.
Grand Canyon University
49% Recommended
Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers online programs at all levels, from associate degrees through doctorates, as well as certificate programs. At this large, private, non-profit university, students can earn one of more than 200 degrees in nine subject areas, such as teaching, business, healthcare, digital arts, and theology.
GCU charges the same tuition fees for in-state and out-of-state residents. In addition to federal financial aid programs, the school offers scholarships for eligible new students. GCU is also a Yellow Ribbon participant and provides tuition discounts for military members. Newly enrolled students may be able to earn credits for prior work and military experience, and they may be able to transfer credits for previously completed college coursework.
Colorado State University Global
56% Recommended
Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) is a public, nonprofit institution providing online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates in a wide variety of majors. Some examples include human resource management, computer science, marketing, project management, and information technology, among others. Online students complete coursework asynchronously through Canvas, the school’s learning management system.
Since CSU is a nonprofit institution, students can expect affordable and accessible education. Financial aid is available along with grants, scholarships, and military discounts. Students can also transfer up to 90 credits, including alternative credit options. CSU Global also provides access to services such as virtual tutoring and career coaching.
The University of Arizona Global Campus
67% Recommended
The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) is a large, public university offering over 50 online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. Available programs range from education and health care to business, information technology, and more. Online students access course materials through the Desire2Learn learning management system and can take classes on a flexible schedule.
Eligible students can qualify for financial aid, tuition, and grants. Moreover, the school offers financial benefits to military members, veterans, and their families, as well as tuition discounts through employer partners. UAGC’s credit transfer program is also generous, allowing students to transfer up to 90 approved credits toward a bachelor's degree program, nine credits toward a master’s program, and up to 30 credits to a doctor’s degree program. On top of that, students can get awarded nontraditional credits for work and life experience, military training, or national testing programs.
Western Governors University
70% Recommended
One of the largest fully online, private, non-profit colleges, Western Governors University (WGU) offers a wide range of bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as certificates. Some of the school's most popular degrees include nursing, business management, cybersecurity, education, IT, and healthcare management. Online learning is asynchronous, and new classes begin every month.
Rather than a per-credit tuition fee, WGU charges a flat rate for six months of courses, enabling students to save money by completing as many courses as they can in each six-month period. The school also offers federal financial aid, institutional scholarships, and discounts for active military members and veterans. Various resources are available to students, such as career development services, faculty mentors, and learning resources.
Saint Leo University Online
61% Recommended
Saint Leo University Online is a Catholic, private, and nonprofit institution offering more than 75 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs in majors like computer science, health care administration, applied theology, sociology, software engineering, and others. Students complete coursework through the Desire2Learn learning management system.
According to the information available on the school’s website, 98% of students receive some form of financial aid. Saint Leo also offers tuition assistance and funding to military members and veterans. Online student support services Saint Leo offers include student advising, counseling and prevention services, career services, and opportunities for remote students to interact with each other remotely.
Columbia Southern University
78% Recommended
Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a private, for-profit institution. It offers exclusively online programs in all degree levels and a wide selection of majors, including business, criminal justice, emergency services, health, information technology, and many others. Students use the Blackboard learning management system, which allows them to complete online classes at their own pace.
To save on costs, CSU students can qualify for financial aid, and the school offers several scholarships. Plus, the school partners with employers for tuition assistance. There’s also an option to transfer previously earned college credits to reduce the cost of a degree. Finally, CSU offers access to a range of resources, including career services, a virtual math and writing center, academic advising, and student support specialists.
Lamar University
71% Recommended
Lamar University is a public institution offering several online certificate and degree programs in majors related to nursing, education, business, health science, and political science. Remote learners use the Blackboard learning management system to access course materials, assignments, and interactive modules. This allows online students to take courses on a flexible schedule.
The school offers pay-by-the-course options and comparatively affordable tuition. Students can also take advantage of financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Additionally, Lamar University assists students using eligible education benefits for veterans. Student services available to remote learners include online advising, tutoring, technical support, and access to a library system.
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.