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List of Online Colleges by State

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 3/23/2023

Online education lets you attend college from anywhere, but there may be advantages to enrolling in your state of residence. These benefits may include in-state tuition at public schools and an easier time getting state certification or licensure for relevant careers. In addition, some online programs require occasional campus visits, which might be easier if the campus is closer to home.

Below, you can find a link to each state's complete listing of colleges that offer online degrees. Once you've decided on an institution, we can help you start your online education.

View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.

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Alabama

There are 34 bachelor degree-granting colleges in Alabama, 14 of which are public schools. Many Alabama colleges are located in rural areas. The most popular majors include education at rural schools and science and technology subjects in urban settings. 

Alabama's population grew about 5% between 2010 and 2020, mainly in suburbs and college towns where schools recruit out-of-state enrollees. The state's colleges feed into its largest industries, which include aerospace, agriculture, and automotive manufacturing. Read our list of the best online colleges in Alabama for more information on distance learning in the state.

Alaska

Four of the six bachelor's-level colleges in Alaska are public institutions, with all six evenly divided between rural and urban locations. Popular majors in this state include health professions, business, and engineering. Alaska's college borrowers carried an average of about $26,356 in student loan debt in 2020, which is among the lowest amounts in the nation. 

Alaska's economy relies heavily on oil extraction, tourism, and fishing. These industries may have partially led to the state's 7.4% population growth between 2010 and 2020. We've ranked the best online colleges in Alaska if you're interested in earning an online degree in the state.

Arizona

Arizona is home to 30 colleges that grant bachelor's degrees, including five public institutions. The bulk of Arizona's college population is urban, though some smaller institutions are in smaller towns. Popular majors at the state's largest institutions include business- and health-related disciplines such as finance and healthcare administration. Arizona college graduates held an average of $24,298 in student loan debt in 2020, according to available data. 

Arizona's notable industries include agriculture, natural resource extraction, and renewable energy, with information technology making advances in urban areas. The state's population grew nearly 12% from 2010-2020, and people continue to move to Arizona thanks to job opportunities in its urban counties. Check out our list of the best online colleges in Arizona to learn more.

Arkansas

Arkansas is home to 27 colleges that confer bachelor's degrees, including 12 public schools. Agriculture, health professions, and social science are the most popular majors at the state's largest colleges. These majors are in line with key industries in Arkansas, such as agriculture, production,  transportation, and healthcare. 

The average Arkansas college graduate had about $27,000 in student debt in 2020, with a higher percentage of private college students holding at least some debt. The state's population increased by 3.3% between 2010 and 2020, with data showing that migration into Arkansas has outpaced losses in recent years. Read on to find our list of the best online colleges in Arkansas.

California

As the most populous state, California hosts 212 four-year colleges in total. The state's two public university systems account for most of its 47 public colleges, including many in both large cities and rural areas. Students study a wide range of majors statewide, with some of the most popular being business and various social sciences. On average, California college students had accrued $21,125 in loan debt in 2020.

California's population grew 6.1% from 2010-2020, but several factors have slowed that growth in the years since, including fewer transplants from other states. The state generates huge revenue from its finance, insurance, and real estate industries, along with trade and business services. If attending an online school in this state sounds appealing, you can review our list of the best online colleges in California.

Colorado

Thirty-four bachelor's-level colleges call Colorado home, including the state's 22 public institutions. Many of these are in small towns or rural areas. Common Colorado majors include business, social science, health professions, and engineering. The average Colorado college graduate holds more than $26,000 in student loan debt.

Colorado was one of the fastest-growing states in 2010-2020 with a 14.8% population increase in that time. COVID-19 slowed the state's high international migration rate, but this has bounced back since restrictions were lifted. Many new residents are drawn by opportunities in large industries such as healthcare and social assistance, professional and technical consulting, aerospace, and biosciences. You can review our list of the best online colleges in Colorado for details on distance learning in this state.

Connecticut

Connecticut is home to 25 institutions that grant bachelor's degrees, including seven public colleges. Most colleges are in small to midsize cities or towns. Business and social science majors are popular throughout the state, but the largest college — the University of Connecticut — graduates more engineering majors than any other category. Average education loan debt is high in Connecticut at $35,853 per student

Although it didn't lose population, Connecticut's 0.9% growth rate was the slowest in 2010-2020 among states that grew in population. Indeed, in recent years more people have migrated out of Connecticut than have moved in. The state's services economy is much larger than its goods-producing economy, especially in healthcare, finance and insurance, and education. Read our list of the best online colleges in Connecticut to learn your distance education options. 

Delaware

There are six bachelor's-granting schools in Delaware, with half of them public and two in the state's capital of Dover. Business and health professions majors are especially popular in this state. Delaware's average student loan debt is among the highest in the country at $39,705.

In the years 2010-2020, Delaware's population grew by more than 10%. It's probably surpassed 1 million people in the years since, though the largest share of residents consists of older adults. Delaware is known for its finance and insurance companies, thanks to its lenient tax laws. Check out our list of Delaware's best online colleges to start researching degree programs.

Florida

Florida hosts 122 four-year colleges, 40 of which are public schools. Students at the largest colleges most often study business or health professions majors, though more Florida students study oceanography than in most other states. The average Florida college student graduates with $24,454 in loan debt.

Florida is the fastest-growing U.S. state, with 14% growth in the 2010-2020 period boosting it to the third most populous state in the country. The population boom has helped make real estate into one of Florida's fastest-growing industries, alongside professional and technical services and healthcare. You can review your distance education options using our list of the best online colleges in Florida.

Georgia

Sixty-five bachelor's-granting colleges call Georgia home, including 27 public options. These schools are split between larger cities and small college towns. Business-related majors are popular in the state, though engineering is the top choice at the largest school, the Georgia Institute of Technology. College graduates in this state carry an average of $27,759 in student loan debt.

Georgia is growing fast, having added more than a million residents in the years 2010-2020 as more people migrated to the state than left it. Healthcare, manufacturing, and education employers hire many of these residents. Read our list of the best online colleges in Georgia to start researching your online education.

Hawaii

Hawaii has nine bachelor's-granting colleges spread across three islands, including four public schools. Four institutions are in Honolulu and the rest are in smaller towns. More students enroll in business, social science, and health professions programs than any others, with a relatively high number studying oceanography. Hawaii's graduates accrue an average of $24,926 in student loan debt. 

Hawaii's population expanded by 7% in the 2010-2020 period, but recent years have seen declines as residents migrate to other states. Education and trade are the largest Hawaiian industries, but tourism hospitality is a close third. Some hospitality workers may have left when the COVID-19 pandemic dried up this work for a few years. Read our list of the best online colleges in Hawaii for more information on its distance learning opportunities.

Idaho

Idaho is home to 12 four-year colleges, five of which are public and most of which are in rural areas. The state has a wide diversity of popular majors, including business, health professions, communications and journalism, and — living up to its name as the Gem State — mining and mineral engineering. College graduates in Idaho take out an average of $24,983 in student loans. 

Idaho was one of the fastest-growing states from 2010-2020, with a 17.3% increase in population. This is mainly due to rapid migration to the state, perhaps drawn by its high-growth healthcare and professional services industries. Our rankings list of Idaho's best online colleges can help you start researching online degree programs in this state.

Illinois

Illinois has 79 institutions that offer bachelor's degree programs, including 12 public colleges. Many are spread throughout rural parts of the state, but 33 are located in Chicago. The state's most popular majors include business, health professions, and engineering. Illinois graduates hold an average of $28,552 in student debt

Illinois is one of three states whose populations declined in 2010-2020. Record numbers of residents have moved to other states in recent years, most often citing high taxes as the reason. Healthcare, trade and transportation, and business and professional services are the current top industries. Read our list of the best online colleges in Illinois if you're considering distance learning in this state.

Indiana

Indiana is home to 55 bachelor's-level colleges, most of them rural and 15 of them public institutions. Business, engineering, and health professions are common majors in Indiana. The state's college graduates take on an average of $28,521 in student loan debt during their studies. 

Indiana grew by 4.7% between 2010 and 2020, but that growth rate is slowing as the birth rate lowers and people move elsewhere. Education, healthcare, and manufacturing are among the state's largest industries. The list of the best online colleges in Indiana might help you find an online degree program in this state.

Iowa

Iowa hosts 36 bachelor's-granting colleges, with three of them public schools (a relatively small proportion). Most of the state's schools are in rural areas. Some of Iowa's most common majors include business, engineering, and agriculture. This state's college graduates hold an average of $29,560 in student debt.

Iowa grew 4.7% in 2010-2020, with fairly slow migration into the state compared to outflows. Education and healthcare are two of Iowa's largest industries. If online learning intrigues you, read through our list of the best online colleges in Iowa.

Kansas

Kansas's 32 four-year colleges are mostly located in rural areas, including its eight public colleges. Common fields of study include the health professions, business, and agriculture. Kansas college students incur $26,202 in loan debt on average.

Kansas grew in the 2010-2020 decade, but slowly at 3%. The state's urban areas grew while rural areas declined in that period, leading to projected increases in healthcare, manufacturing, and education jobs. Read our rankings of the best online colleges in Kansas to learn about the programs on offer.

Kentucky

Kentucky contains 34 colleges that confer bachelor's degrees, including eight public institutions. Most of the state's colleges are located in small towns, and the largest schools see more business and health professions majors than any others. Kentucky graduates hold an average of $28,356 in education loan debt. 

This state grew by 3.8% in the 2010-2020 period due to net positive migration. High-employment industries in Kentucky include transportation, production and manufacturing, and healthcare. You can review our list of the best online colleges in Kentucky for more information about virtual degree programs.

Louisiana

Louisiana features 29 colleges with bachelor's degree programs, which includes 16 public schools. Louisiana colleges confer many degrees in business and health professions, and the state has a relatively large concentration of petroleum engineering majors. Students here take on an average of $26,284 in education loans.

Louisiana's 2010-2020 population growth was slow at 2.7%, and experts have blamed COVID-19 and hurricanes for declines since then in most parts of the state. Some of Louisiana's top industries are healthcare, social services, education, and government. If you're curious about distance learning in Louisiana, be sure to read our list of the best online colleges in the state.

Maine

There are 19 bachelor's-granting schools in Maine, mostly in small cities or towns. Seven of Maine's colleges are public. Health professions, business, and social sciences are some of the most popular majors in Maine. The state's college alumni carry $32,764 in student loan debt on average.

Maine grew 2.6% in the 2010-2020 decade, and it has grown a bit since then due to migration from other states and abroad. Education and government are two of the largest knowledge-work industries, followed by professional and business services. For more details, check out the list we've compiled of Maine's best online colleges. 

Maryland

Maryland boasts 33 colleges with bachelor's programs, with 14 of them public. The most popular majors in the state include computer and information sciences; students in these subjects are more heavily concentrated in Maryland schools than in most other U.S. states. Maryland graduates have an average of $30,461 in loan debt.

Maryland's population grew by 7% from 2010-2020, followed by small losses in the years since because of migration imbalances. The state sees high employment in its trade and transportation, education, and professional and business services industries, but the biggest sector is government occupations. You can review your online learning options using our list of the best online colleges in Maryland.

Massachusetts

There are 79 bachelor's-granting colleges in Massachusetts, of which 13 are public. Twenty-six of the state's colleges are in Boston, with several more in the greater metro area. The state has a wide diversity of popular majors, but business is a common thread throughout its largest schools. College alumni in Massachusetts hold $33,457 in loan debt on average.

The population of Massachusetts grew at exactly the same rate as the U.S. as a whole: 7.4%. More recently, residents have tended to move from cities to outlying areas of the state. Massachusetts' largest industries are education and professional, scientific, and technical services, which include many varieties of business consulting. Read our list of the best online colleges in Massachusetts if you're curious about what's available in this state.

Michigan

Michigan hosts 54 colleges that offer bachelor's degrees — including 21 public schools  — mostly in small cities or towns. Business and the health professions are popular fields of study, and engineering is the most common major at the University of Michigan (the largest institution). The average Michigan college graduate has $29,863 in student loan debt. 

Michigan grew a relatively slow 2% between 2010 and 2020, and the population has increased a bit recently thanks to people moving from abroad. Transportation and trade is Michigan's largest industry by employment, thanks to Detroit's association with the automobile industry, but education and professional and business services are also important. Review our rankings list of the best online colleges in Michigan to start planning your education.

Minnesota

There are 44 bachelor's-granting colleges in Minnesota, 12 of them public. Many Minnesota students enroll in business and social science bachelor's programs. Alumni of Minnesota colleges carry an average of $32,012 in student debt.

At 7.6%, Minnesota's growth rate closely matches the total U.S. rate. But that growth is slowing as more people seem to be leaving the state than moving to it. Manufacturing is a key part of Minnesota's economy, with a number of major companies located in the state. Check out the list of the best online colleges in Minnesota if you want to study here.

Mississippi

Seventeen colleges with bachelor's programs call Mississippi home. Most of these are in small towns and rural areas, and eight of them are public schools. Business is the most popular major, though engineering, education, and the health professions make a strong showing. The average amount of loan debt is $29,714 among Mississippi college graduates.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Mississippi is one of three states whose populations declined in the 2010-2020 decade. However, it's possible that the bureau undercounted some people and growth has stayed flat or gained slightly. As a mostly rural state, agriculture is Mississippi's biggest industry. You can review our list of the best online colleges in Mississippi if online school in this state intrigues you.

Missouri

Missouri has 63 schools that confer bachelor's degrees, with 13 of them public colleges. Most are located in rural parts of the state. Business and social sciences are two of the most popular Missouri major categories. Graduates of this state's colleges accrue an average of $28,713 in student loan debt.

The population of Missouri expanded by 2.8% in 2010-2020, driven most recently by international migration. As with many states, Missouri's largest employers tend to be in the healthcare, education, and retail trade industries. Read through our rankings of Missouri's best online colleges to learn more about degree choices.

Montana

Fourteen bachelor's-level colleges call Montana home, including nine public schools. Most institutions are in small cities or rural towns. Business is a common major, along with natural resources disciplines — for example, Montana has the highest concentration of graduates with soil science degrees. The state's alumni hold an average student debt burden of $27,114.

Montana's 9.6% population growth from 2010-2020 outpaced the growth rate for the U.S. as a whole. Most of this increase was due to record levels of migration from other states. Agriculture is big business in Montana, though the trade and transportation and government sectors also employ significant numbers of residents.

Nebraska

Nebraska's 22 four-year colleges include seven public schools among their number. Business is the top major in this state, though liberal arts and engineering subjects attract a fair number of students. Nebraska's average amount of student debt is $26,781.

In 2010-2020, Nebraska grew at the same 7.4% rate as the total U.S. However, the state has experienced some migration losses since then, so its growth may slow. Agriculture, transportation and trade, and government are some of the top-employing Nebraska industries. Read our list of the best online colleges in Nebraska if you're curious about what's available.

Nevada

There are 15 colleges on Nevada soil that offer bachelor's degrees. Seven of these are public, and nine are located in one of three midsize cities. The health professions and business are popular study disciplines in Nevada. An average Nevada alumnus has $21,357 in student debt after graduation.

Nevada experienced 15% growth in the 2010-2020 period, about twice the national rate. This was mostly due to new residents moving from other states. Nevada's tourism and gaming industry is well known around the world, but its natural resources and renewable energy sectors are also growing. We've ranked the best online colleges in Nevada if you're interested in earning an online degree in this state.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is home to 14 four-year colleges, with most of them rural and five of them public. Some of the state's common majors include business, biology, and education. At $39,928, New Hampshire graduates have one of the highest average student debt rates in the country.

New Hampshire grew 4.6% from 2010-2020. Since then, the state has seen high levels of migration increase its population even more as people left Northeastern cities during the COVID-19 pandemic. New Hampshire's growth industries include technology and manufacturing, while healthcare and government employers remain at the top.

New Jersey

As a population-dense state, New Jersey packs 59 colleges into a fairly small area, including 13 public options. Business and psychology are the clear favorites among fields of study in this state. Graduates of New Jersey colleges carry an average student loan burden of $35,117.

New Jersey grew by 5.7% from 2010-2020. It's also grown more racially and ethnically diverse thanks in part to steady immigration. Hospitality, healthcare, and education are the industries that employ the most New Jersey residents. If you're considering an online degree in the Garden State, read through our list of the best online colleges in New Jersey.

New Mexico

New Mexico contains 12 schools with bachelor's degree programs, nearly all of them public. Students at these institutions most often study the health professions and business. On average, New Mexico graduates have $20,868 in student loan debt.

New Mexico's population grew 2.8% in the 2010-2020 decade, and slowing birth rates could lead to more sluggish growth in the near future. Some of the state's top industries include healthcare and professional and technical services, with defense and aerospace a growing concern for the government. To learn about distance education in this state, be sure to read our list of the best online colleges in New Mexico.

New York

New York features 206 bachelor's-granting institutions, more than half of which are in the New York City metro area and 43 of which are public. With so many schools, the state has a wide array of popular majors, but students at the largest colleges tend to favor the social sciences and health professions. Graduates hold an average of $30,951 in loan debt. 

This state grew 4.2% in the 2010-2020 period, though record numbers of people left the state during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. New York is one of the finance capitals of the world, and other top industries include healthcare and government. Check out our rankings of the best online colleges in New York to find distance learning opportunities.

North Carolina

North Carolina contains 69 bachelor's-level colleges in mostly small-town settings, including 17 public schools. Business and health professions are common fields of study at the state's largest colleges. Graduates of North Carolina colleges hold an average of $29,681 in educational loan debt. 

In the 2010-2020 decade, North Carolina's population expanded by 9.5%. Growth has been slower since the start of COVID-19, but migration has still led to net increases. Some people may be drawn to the state's education, transport and logistics, and food processing industries. You can review our rankings list of the best online colleges in North Carolina if you're interested.

North Dakota

Of the 15 four-year colleges in North Dakota, nine are public institutions. Common fields of study include engineering, business, and the health professions. North Dakota also has the nation's highest concentration of agricultural economics students. The average alumnus of a North Dakota college holds $31,939 in student debt. 

This was one of the fastest-growing states in the 2010-2020 decade at a rate of 15.8%. Some people have been drawn to the state by its oil and gas extraction industry. The trade and transportation and healthcare sectors also employ high numbers of residents. Be sure to read our list of the best online colleges in North Dakota as you research degree programs.

Ohio

Ohio features 111 bachelor's-granting schools, including 41 public colleges. Business, health professions, and engineering are among the most popular majors in the state. Ohio's graduates carry an average of $30,605 in education loan debt after graduating. 

Ohio grew slowly at 2.3% from 2010-2020, with new residents mainly settling near Columbus. The state's top industries include trade and transportation, healthcare, education, and government. Check out our rankings of the best online colleges in Ohio to find distance learning programs in this state.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma's 29 bachelor's-level colleges include 16 public options, mainly in rural areas. The most popular majors are in the business and health professions fields. Oklahoma's college graduates have an average of $27,876 in student debt.

The population of Oklahoma expanded by 5.5% in the 2010-2020 period, and positive migration has continued to increase the state's numbers. Education is the top-employing field in Oklahoma, followed by trade and transportation and healthcare. Review our list of the best online colleges in Oklahoma to find potential schools.

Oregon

Oregon has 31 colleges with bachelor's degree programs, eight of which are public schools. Just under half are in the largest city, Portland, while the rest are in smaller cities or rural towns. Oregon students often choose social science and business majors, though Oregon State also graduates a large number of engineering students. The state's graduates have $26,504 in education debt on average.

Oregon grew 10.6% from 2010-2020, mainly due to positive migration. But this migration pattern has reversed more recently, leading to a slight dip in population. Trade and transportation, education, government, and business and professional services together employ the highest numbers of Oregon residents. See our list of the best online colleges in Oregon if this state's distance learning programs interest you.

Pennsylvania

Most of Pennsylvania's 115 colleges are private institutions, with only 22 of them public. Nearly all of the public schools are in small towns, while the cities have more private options. Business and the health professions are popular majors, though the top major at the largest school (Penn State) is engineering. Pennsylvania's graduates tend to have relatively high student debt, with an average of $39,375.

Pennsylvania grew 2.4% from 2010-2020, though COVID-era immigration policies have led to declines since then. Manufacturing plays a large part in Pennsylvania's economy, as does professional, scientific, and technical services. Read our list of the best online colleges in Pennsylvania if you're curious about what's available.

Rhode Island

As the smallest state by area, Rhode Island is home to only 12 four-year colleges. More than half of these are in Providence and only two are public institutions. Many Rhode Island students choose to study the health professions, business, and the social sciences. After graduating, they carry an average of $36,791 in student loan debt.

Rhode Island had a 4.3% population growth rate from 2010-2020, fueled in large part by migration from other states and immigration from Latin American countries. Healthcare and government are two sectors with high employment in this state.

South Carolina

Forty colleges offer bachelor's degrees from South Carolina soil, including 14 public schools. Business is the most popular field of study in this state, which also has the highest concentration of materials engineering students. Alumni of South Carolina schools hold an average of $32,635 in educational loan debt.

South Carolina grew 10.7% in the decade from 2010-2020, mostly due to migration from other parts of the country. As in many states, healthcare, social service, and education are some of the highest-employing industries in South Carolina. You can read through our rankings of the best online colleges in South Carolina to find available distance education programs.

South Dakota

South Dakota contains 17 colleges that confer bachelor's degrees, of which eight are public. The health professions, business, and education are popular study subjects in this state. The average South Dakota alumnus carries student debt totaling $32,029.

South Dakota's population expanded by 8.9% in the years 2010-2020, mostly because of migration to its largest cities. Healthcare is a major industry, as is credit intermediation (a money-lending practice in the finance sector). Check out our rankings list of the best online colleges in South Dakota to help research your education options. 

Tennessee

Tennessee hosts 54 bachelor's-granting institutions on its soil, with 10 of them public. Common fields of study include business, the health professions, and the social sciences. On average, Tennessee's college students graduate with $26,852 in loan debt. 

This state's population grew by 8.9% in the 2010-2020 period. It also grew more diverse, with many people from nonwhite backgrounds moving to the state. Tennessee's top industries include trade and transportation, healthcare, and education. To learn about online programs in this state, you can review our rankings list of the best online colleges in Tennessee.

Texas

Texas is home to 134 bachelor's-level colleges split between urban and rural locations. Fifty-five of these institutions are public, including those in the large University of Texas and Texas A&M systems. The state's many high-enrollment schools mean that there isn't a single most common major, although business, the health professions, and engineering are popular. Texas alumni have an average of $26,273 in student loan debt.

Texas, already the second most populous state, experienced 15.9% growth in 2010-2020 due mainly to migration from other states. Transportation, education, and business and finance are all key industries, and the state government expects petroleum extraction to grow through 2030. Check out our list of the best online colleges in Texas to find potential programs.

Utah

Utah features a choice of 20 colleges that offer bachelor's degrees, including seven public options. Business, the social sciences, and the health professions are among the most popular fields of study. Graduates of Utah colleges have the lowest average amount of education loan debt at $18,344

With 18.4% population growth, Utah was the nation's fastest-growing state in the 2010-2020 decade. The trend has continued in recent years due more to positive migration than to the birth rate. Important industries in this state include healthcare, education, and manufacturing. If you're interested, you can read our list of the best online colleges in Utah.

Vermont

As a small state, Vermont has only four public and eight private colleges mostly in rural settings. Popular bachelor's degree majors include computer science and biology, and Vermont has a high concentration of geological and geophysical engineering majors. The average graduate in this state has $34,866 in student loan debt.

Vermont's population increased by 2.8% from 2010-2020, and migration from other U.S. states has increased since then partly thanks to people leaving more densely populated areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state's major industries include government, healthcare, and trade and transportation. Be sure to read our list of the best online colleges in Vermont to learn more.

Virginia

Virginia is home to 62 four-year colleges, 15 of which are public schools. Business and health professions majors are Virginia's top fields of study, but engineering and liberal arts are also popular. This state's alumni carry $29,616 in education debt on average.

At 7.9%, Virginia's growth rate was slightly higher than the rate for the U.S. as a whole. A relatively high birth rate has helped the state maintain its growth since then, along with COVID-era immigration restrictions being lifted. One of the state's major industries is professional and business services, which includes all the consulting firms that work with the federal government in Washington, D.C. Check out the list of the best online colleges in Virginia to find distance learning programs. 

Washington

Sixty colleges with bachelor's programs call Washington home, including 37 public schools. Many of these are in or around major metropolitan areas. The social sciences and business are some of the most common majors in this state. The average alumnus of a Washington college holds $23,993 in education loan debt.

Washington grew fast from 2010-2020, adding 14.6% to its population thanks to migration from other states. The top employers are in government, education, and professional and business services. For ideas about distance education in this state, see our list of the best online colleges in Washington.

Washington D.C.

There are 12 bachelor's-granting institutions in the nation's capital, though only one of them is a public college. It may be unsurprising that many students study the social sciences in the epicenter of American politics, given that this category includes political science, international relations, and economics. Graduates from D.C. schools take on an average of $32,966 in student loans.

Washington, D.C. experienced rapid 14.6% growth in the 2010-2020 period, though it lost some population as residents moved to more remote areas during the initial phase of COVID-19. Government and professional and technical services are the D.C. sectors with the highest employment. You can review your online learning options using our list of the best online colleges in Washington, D.C.

West Virginia

West Virginia has 24 bachelor's-level colleges. Most are in small rural towns, and half of them are public schools. Popular majors in this state include business, the health professions, and engineering. On average, West Virginia students accrue $29,208 in student loan debt during college.

West Virginia is one of the few states with a population decline (-3.2%) from 2010-2020. This is due to both migration away from the state and the death rate outpacing births. Government is a top employer in this state, as are the education and trade and transportation industries. You can research distance degree programs with our rankings list of the best online colleges in West Virginia.

Wisconsin

There are 44 bachelor's-granting colleges on Wisconsin soil, split between midsize cities and small towns. Sixteen of these institutions are public. Some of the most popular degree programs are in business, the health professions, and the biological sciences. Wisconsin alumni take on $30,270 in student debt on average.

Wisconsin's population grew by 3.6% in 2010-2020, and migration from other states has kept the growth slow but steady since then. Some of Wisconsin's highest-employing industries are healthcare, education, and manufacturing. We've ranked the best online colleges in Wisconsin if you're interested in earning an online degree in this state.

Wyoming

As the nation's least populous state, Wyoming has only four schools that offer bachelor's degrees, all of them public. Business is a common major in Wyoming, which also has the highest concentration of mining and mineral engineering students in the nation. The average Wyoming college graduate holds $23,510 in student loan debt.

Wyoming grew 2.3% in the 2010-2020 decade for a numeric gain of 13,225 people. Positive migration has brought small increases since then. Healthcare, government, and education are among the top industries by employment in Wyoming. 

This website offers school details to prospective students as an informational resource. The appearance of a school listing on this website should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the school by this site.

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