Best Online Colleges

Why we like them: We highly recommend ERAU for its wide variety of over a dozen online bachelor's degrees. With advanced virtual tools like Canvas and EagleVision, students benefit from an interactive and collaborative learning environment that mirrors the traditional classroom experience. ERAU's broad selection of online degrees, from business analytics and aeronautics to technical management and engineering, prepares graduates for career advancement in dynamic industries. We are also impressed by the median salary of ERAU graduates at $76,666.

Why we like them: With an online enrollment of 156,935, WGU ranks within the top 1% of all U.S. institutions, underscoring its popularity and quality on a national scale. Its affordability is another significant advantage; the annual tuition of $8,010 is reasonable. WGU offers over 30 online bachelor's programs to choose from, covering fields like business, technology, health, and education. WGU is designed to help students accelerate their studies, with many bachelor's programs completed in three years or less.

Why we like them: TESU offers dozens of flexible online bachelor's degrees. Tailored for working adults, students can pursue fields such as history, psychology, nursing, and finance, allowing them to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. We are also impressed that the university's online enrollment is notably high, with 8,172 students engaging in virtual classes, situating TESU in the top 3% of institutions for having one of the largest populations of distance learners nationally.

Why we like them: CSU Global stands out as a 100% online university, offering 15 bachelor's programs to choose from. With over 9,500 students enrolled online, it ranks in the top 5% of schools nationwide for virtual learning. Supported by dedicated success counselors, career coaching, and on-demand tutoring, CSU Global ensures students are well-equipped to achieve their career goals while balancing education with life commitments. We are also please with the school's A- Salary Score, meaning that graduates have high median earnings of $71,334.

Why we like them: Excelsior boasts a wide array of online bachelor's degrees across fields like business, management, criminal justice, IT, health sciences, and psychology. With over 15,800 online learners, Excelsior ranks in the top 2% of institutions for online enrollment. The university is also committed to supporting military students, with over 2,100 enrolled through the GI Bill, placing it among the top 5% of schools for military engagement. Excelsior's flexible credit transfer options and dedicated resources make it an accessible choice for nontraditional learners.

Why we like them: Offering 45 career-focused bachelor's degrees online across fields such as teaching, business, and healthcare, NU supports adult learners through its dynamic, 24/7 accessible courses in a four-week format. This structure allows for accelerated learning, helping students balance education with work and family commitments. With a strong emphasis on financial accessibility — 91% of students receive aid — NU provides a seamless transition through credit transfers. Graduates make a median salary of $67,868, which is in the 78th percentile nationally.

Why we like them: Regis’s online programs are particularly attractive for adult learners, offering flexible, accelerated learning formats with multiple start dates to fit your schedule, backed by its long-standing reputation for online education excellence since 1997. With a graduation rate in the 80th percentile, Regis demonstrates a commitment to student success. All students receive financial aid, with the average package at $26,291, reducing financial barriers significantly. Additionally, the 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio fosters a personalized learning experience, enhancing academic engagement.

Why we like them: Columbia Southern offers versatile online bachelor's programs across 16 disciplines, such as communications, fire science, military studies, forensic investigation, and more. Distinguished by an online enrollment of 15,948, Columbia Southern is in the top 2% nationwide for most popular online colleges. Moreover, an overall review rating of 3.98 out of 5 further reflects high levels of trust and satisfaction among CSUs online students, showcasing the credibility of their online programs.

Why we like them: UA Grantham has 100% online degree programs across various levels, each with eight-week classes that start monthly. It offers 11 online bachelor's programs, from cybersecurity to health information management, and prides itself on being a pioneer in online education for nearly 70 years. Although the graduation rate is modest at 21%, the earnings median for graduates is noteworthy at $64,934, placing UAG in the top 27% nationwide. This outcome suggests that despite the challenges, graduates often find lucrative opportunities post-graduation.

Why we like them: King Online offers a diverse range of degree programs emphasizing professional, personal, and spiritual growth. With multiple flexible online start dates throughout the year, the university provides a convenient pathway to education with easy credit transfer up to 76 credits, making it an ideal choice for returning students. Known as a Military Friendly® School, King commits to serving those in the armed forces, which is evident through its military-friendly programs and policies. We also want to mention the school's 100% recommendation rate, which speaks for itself.

Why we like them: Waldorf offers a range of flexible online bachelor's programs across 13 disciplines, including areas such as business, public relations, and nursing. Waldorf’s online programs are designed to provide a supportive learning experience, and over 90% of students recommend the school. Students benefit from extensive financial aid options, with nearly all learners receiving assistance, making education accessible. Additionally, Waldorf's graduates report strong median earnings of $63,547, placing the university in the top 30% for salary outcomes.

Why we like them: Chaminade offers Flex Online undergraduate programs, with 10 unique bachelor's options, tailored for working adults with busy schedules. The online programs are designed for you to complete classwork at your own pace with new courses starting monthly. The university also provides ample one-on-one support to all its students. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, Chaminade ranks in the top 24% among universities, ensuring you receive personalized attention and support throughout your educational journey. And impressively, 100% of online learners receive financial aid who attend here.

Why we like them: IWU Online stands out for several compelling reasons that appeal to a broad spectrum of online learners. With over 10,024 individuals engaged in digital studies, the school is in the top 7% of universities with expansive online programs. This demonstrates IWU's capability in delivering a quality online learning environment at scale. We also appreciate the absence of an application fee, the lack of requirement for ACT/SAT scores, and rolling admissions that offer timely admission decisions.

Why we like them: UF's online learning platform facilitates a collaborative environment and has over 500 courses offered annually, led by distinguished faculty. UF boasts accolades such as housing two Pulitzer Prize-winning faculty members and gaining numerous high-profile faculty elections. Academic advisors further enrich student development by fostering empowerment and strategic goal-setting, maximizing educational engagement and success through personalized guidance. UF also has the highest graduation and retention rates on our entire list — 90% and 97%, respectively. Plus, UF has a striking 91% recommendation rate.

Why we like them: WSU Global, which has an 86% recommendation rate, offers a highly engaging and transformative online education, particularly suited for those requiring flexibility due to work, family, or military commitments. It leverages cutting-edge academic technologies to deliver its courses globally, with a faculty of world-renowned researchers and industry experts. You will find the program's online enrollment reaching 4,255 students, situating it within the top 15% of universities with the largest online student populations.

Why we like them: With over 100 programs across a variety of fields and levels, UMN Online ensures that you have a strong support system, confirmed by an 87% retention rate and a 77% graduation rate. We believe this figures are good indicators of high levels of student satisfaction and success. Additionally, the median earnings of $60,930 among graduates highlight the potential for a solid return on investment. There are 21 fully online programs at the bachelor's level, which are based across a variety of fields, including international business, applied health, various management subjects.

Why we like them: LETU's online bachelor's programs emphasize intellectual growth and industry knowledge within a faith-based, Christ-centered culture. These online degree programs offer year-round start dates and 100% remote courses. They aim to position students for fulfilling careers by providing access to practical knowledge that supports a life of meaningful vocation. LETU promotes accessible education through its online learning format. Despite it's lower recommendation rate of 55%, graduates from LETU still make a strong median salary of $60,774, a B Salary Score.

Why we like them: Employing over 25 years of experience, Bellevue offers dozens of online bachelor's degrees, designed to meet the needs of busy, working adults. With over 13,000 online undergraduates, Bellevue ranks in the top 2% nationally for enrollment among distance learners, showcasing its strength in delivering accessible, quality education remotely. The university provides flexible learning formats, including asynchronous options, and offers significant financial support, with tuition at $8,790.

Why we like them: UND is a leader in online education offering a wide array of online courses and degree programs. UND's online courses can be self-paced or follow an academic calendar. Additionally, the school offers numerous certificates and degrees in fields like business, engineering, and education, ensuring comprehensive academic opportunities for online learners. UND's retention rate is solid at 79%, positioning it among the top quartile of U.S. institutions. This figure, along with a 91% recommendation rate, reflects strong student satisfaction.

Why we like them: FNU provides a range of accessible online degree programs — including plenty of bachelor's options — across fields such as legal studies, nursing, psychology, and criminal justice. With 100% of students receiving financial aid, FNU demonstrates its commitment to affordability. It's also a good bet in the long-term, as graduates from FNU earn a median salary of $60,100, positioning them competitively in the job market with a B-grade Salary score.

Why we like them: WSU offers a comprehensive suite of online programs at various levels, including the bachelor's level. We especially appreciate that students benefit from in-state tuition rates irrespective of residency for most online programs, making higher education more affordable. We further like that WSU emphasizes real-world applications and hands-on experiences for online students, essential components for career readiness. Lastly, we want to mention that 87% of students recommend WSU.

Why we like them: APUS excels in online education, particularly for military students, with one of the highest military enrollments (over 18,000 students) in the 100th percentile. With 48,668 students enrolled remotely at the undergraduate level, APUS ranks in the top 1% nationwide for online popularity, ensuring a strong virtual community. APUS offers over 200 programs in total, including bachelor's degrees in computer science, entrepreneurship, and marketing. Flexible scheduling with asynchronous classes and monthly start dates makes it easy to balance education with personal and professional commitments.

Why we like them: UAF stands out for its strong financial aid commitment, covering 100% of students, placing it in the top 24% for accessibility. UAF also offers a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, enhancing personalized learning for its 3,183 online students. This commitment to support students and provide a quality education has led to an 87% recommendation rate from current students. UAF's online bachelor's programs, including business administration, psychology, and homeland security, are designed to be flexible with in-state tuition for all, making it an accessible choice for online learners.

Why we like them: UMass Dartmouth's online programs are recognized for high graduate earnings, with a median salary of $59,258, placing it in the top 41% of institutions. An 80% recommendation rate and 98% financial aid provision reflect a supportive and accessible educational environment. UMass Dartmouth offers flexible online bachelor's degrees, covering accounting, marketing, and criminal justice majors, with tailored advising and part-time course loads for working adults. This structure supports personal and professional balance, making UMD an excellent choice for career-focused online education.

Why we like them: UVU is a leader in online education, with 7,219 students enrolled, placing it in the top 3% of institutions for online enrollment. UVU emphasizes accessibility, with 100% of students receiving financial aid, ranking in the top 18% nationally for financial support. With an 87% recommendation rate, students praise the quality of their experience. Offering a wide array of bachelor's degrees online, including aviation management, healthcare administration, and digital marketing, UVU ensures flexibility, affordability, and accredited programs designed to support career advancement in a variety of fields.

Why we like them: Ohio University excels in online education, with an enrollment of 6,329 online students, placing it in the top 12% nationwide for popularity among distance learners. The university's high 95% recommendation rate reflects strong student satisfaction, which may be due to high median earnings among graduates of $59,151. Ohio University has ten exceptional online bachelor's programs to choose from in subjects such as business, customer service leadership, communication, human services, and architecture, to name a few.

Why we like them: OSU stands out as a leader in online education, with its enrollment placing it in the top 2% of U.S. institutions, ensuring a vibrant virtual community. OSU's 87% retention rate and 70% graduation rate further indicate a supportive environment conducive to student success. With median earnings of $58,569, OSU offers a solid return on investment. Through its Ecampus, OSU delivers over 110 online degrees at various levels, with bachelor's programs that cover subjects in botany, biohealth sciences, anthropology, humanities, and so much more.

Why we like them: Mizzou is another top online college, with a retention rate of 89%, placing it in the top 9% nationwide for students who choose to continue their studies after their first year. With 4,088 distance learners, Mizzou boasts a strong digital infrastructure that hosts dozens of fully online bachelor's degrees. Whether you want to study instructional design & learning technologies or human development and family science, there are over a dozen degrees online to choose from at this level. A 99% recommendation rate further underscores the satisfaction of students.

Why we like them: Brenau excels in providing a personalized online education with a small student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, placing it in the top 24% for individualized attention. Financial accessibility is a key strength, with 98% of online bachelor's students receiving aid, and an average financial aid package of $22,146, ranking in the top 18% nationwide. Brenau offers a wide range of online bachelor's degrees, including business administration, accounting, and psychology. Plus, with an 89% recommendation rate from its students and alums, Brenau delivers a quality, supportive learning environment.

Why we like them: DU's Global Campus offers over 50 online bachelor’s degrees with flexible formats like on-demand and blended learning, supported by a dedicated admissions team and extensive student support, making DU an excellent choice for online education. Its average financial aid package of $17,124 ranks in the top 23% nationwide, ensuring education is affordable. With 2,499 online students, DU fosters a dynamic learning environment that's one of the largest in the nation, making the top 26%. Even at such scale, graduates earn a median salary of $57,854.

Why we like them: Even as the last online college on our list, SNHU produces graduates with median earnings that are higher than well over half of U.S. colleges — at $57,667. SNHU is a top provider of online bachelor's degrees, boasting an enrollment of over 157,898 undergraduates studying online, which is in the top 1% of U.S. universities. Offering more than 200 online bachelor's degree programs, including business, healthcare, and criminal justice, SNHU emphasizes strong support systems and an inclusive virtual learning environment for students worldwide.