The best online colleges that are accredited are mostly the same schools that offer the best education globally. This is because there are no internationally recognized body-ranking online schools yet. However, the online option has come to stay and most global universities that are forward-thinking have long plunged into the vast opportunities it holds for both the students and the school.
You can now obtain your education conveniently while juggling work, family, and other commitments. In this article, we bring you the list of the top online accredited colleges that offer more than 10 courses online. Also, these colleges run different degree programs. All you need is to visit the website you can find in this article and begin your journey from anywhere in the world.
20 Best Online Colleges in the World
- California Coast University
- Georgia State University
- Iowa Central Community College
- Norwich University
- Park University
- Southern New Hamphire University
- University of Arizona’
- University of Virginia
- Waldorf University
- Weber State University
- Western Governors University
- University of California – Berkeley
- The University of Florida
- University of Alabama
- Penn State World Campus
- George Washington University
- Northeastern University
- Indiana University
- George Mason University
These universities offer quality education with different study options. Most of them offer fully online degrees spanning business, law, education, liberal arts, and more. The colleges are listed in no particular order.
#1 California Coast University
California Coast University (CCU) runs an online module that offers 13 undergraduate degree programs, 16 certificate or diploma programs, and 14 graduate degree programs. It has full accreditation and is completely online. Obviously, this is one of the best online schools that are accredited. The school has national accreditation from the DEAC and several affiliations and recognitions.
Furthermore, he school prides itself on its affordable education. Programs cover business administration and management, criminal justice, health care administration, education, general studies, psychology, and others. Also, it features many undergraduate certificates and degrees. As long as you complete at least one course every six months, you are free to pace it according to your convenience. As a result, completion dates vary.
#2 Columbia Southern University
Columbia Southern University hosts 28 online undergraduate degrees and 12 online graduate degrees covering several levels of degree by leveraging its quality 53,000 faculty and staff. Its programs are online and hybrid programs. Serving about 481,000 students it is the largest in the country. Columbia Southern University offers maximum flexibility in its education programs. Their LifePace Learning option allows you to finish a course at your own speed between four and 10 weeks. CSU also collaborates with several organizations to offer a 10% tuition discount for working professionals. CSU offers several degrees and a Ph.D. in 2 programs including Nursing. Tuition at this university covers textbooks and materials.
#3 Georgia State University
Georgia State University (GSU) gives distance-learning options at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels. However, the majority of online programs are at the associate and master’s degree levels. At Georgia State University, you can also earn certificates that will give you professional credentials. The program’s format is different. They range from fully online to hybrid.
If you have an interest in becoming a teacher or advancing in an education career, GSU offers many education options including associate degrees in secondary and special education. In addition to this, this school offers master’s degrees in educational research, science education, and teaching English as a second language. Moreover, GSU’s online master’s degrees offer the most flexibility for working professionals.
#4 Iowa Central Community College
Iowa Central Community College (ICCC) features 9 online associate-level programs in several fields. They include criminal justice, healthcare administration, and accounting. At Iowa Central Community College, there is full support available to ensure your success. The school, in fact, provides tutoring services through its Smarthinking Program.
Additionally, the school’s Online Enrollment Representatives offer academic advising for the duration of your program. Furthermore, you can consult Iowa Central Career Services for internship and job postings, networking opportunities, and career coaching.
#5 Norwich University
Norwich University (NU) offers 9 online bachelor’s degrees and 15 online master’s degrees with several specialized concentrations. Norwich is highly reputable for its military-friendly programs. As a matter of fact, 2 of its bachelor’s degree programs are only available to select members of the military community, namely the BS in National Security Studies and the BS in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis.
There are other options available in criminal justice, business administration, computer science, and others. Tuition rates vary according to the program, and military members who are still in service can receive discounts on undergraduate tuition rates. NU actively supports and guides students to have a satisfactory online experience by providing advisers, distance learning librarians, a technical support team, and a Graduate Writing Center for extra help.
#6 Park University
Park University (Park) has 54 undergraduate degrees and 50 master’s degrees online. These programs cover a broad range of fields and are very flexible. As a full-time student, you can take two courses at a time. However, learning is not self-paced—you have to meet deadlines for assignments. According to Victory, Park University is of the top 10 schools. Park U mentoring through the StepUP program. Job-search help from the Career Development Center is also available including a host of support services like remote tutoring and access to research databases.
#7 Southern New Hampshire University Online
SNHU provides a wide array of online programs. There are 8 associate degrees, 99 bachelor’s, and 86 master’s degrees for you to choose from. You can pursue degrees in fields like business, criminal justice, education, and liberal arts. Its MBA program is one of the best online degrees. This school also has a generous transfer policy that allows you to apply up to 90 credits toward an undergraduate program. SNHU Online also offers student resources, including an online library and bookstore. There are also tutoring services and a tech support team.
#8 University of Arizona
The University of Arizona (UA) offers many online degree programs. It is among the 7th best online colleges that are accredited by UsNews and World Report. You can choose from 53 bachelor’s and 99 master’s degrees, 6 doctorates, and 43 certificates in different fields of study including cyber operations, engineering management, public health, special education, geographic information systems, nursing, and environmental science. Its programs are also military-friendly. As a recognized online school, you can easily access federal financial aid. And if you’re a student transferring from community colleges in Arizona you can apply for Bridge Scholarships to reduce costs.
#9 University of California – Berkeley
UC Berkeley has a highly reputable online learning program with top faculty researchers and an alumni network. UC Berkeley offers 61 distance-learning certificates in fields like accounting, web design, writing, and paralegal studies. As a Graduate student, you can pursue online master’s degrees in information and cybersecurity, information and data science, and public health.
The Master of Information and Data Science program provides 3 tracks for additional flexibility so that you can earn your degree within 12 to 32 months. UC Berkeley also provides the iGrad personal finance tool which helps to manage education costs. You can choose the Live-online, Start Anytime, and Fixed Date options.
#10 University of Virginia
The University of Virginia’s online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree program features 12 concentrations and has a high tuition-to-salary ratio for alumni. The School of Education and Human Development features numerous graduate degree programs. These include a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with five specializations.
Working educators stand to benefit from special tuition rates and you can pursue financial aid opportunities to manage costs. UVA’s online courses are asynchronous. This means that class sessions are recorded for you to review at your convenience. Meanwhile, course schedules follow the on-campus semester timeline, and online students must complete the same requirements as in-person students.
#11 Waldorf University
Waldorf University has about 15 associate degrees, 86 bachelor’s programs, and 17 master’s degrees in criminal justice, emergency management, public relations, and more. The healthcare management program is very intensive and broad, covering all 3-degree levels. It features four specializations for master’s students.
Waldorf also offers online certificates for added credentials in occupational safety, homeland security, human resources, and many others. Tuition for undergraduate students stands at $290 per college credit hour and textbooks are available for free through the Waldorf Book Grant and Loan-a-Book programs. Because this school has regional accreditation, you can apply for federal student aid. The school also offers a number of scholarships for online students.
#12 Weber State University
Weber State University (WSU) offers online programs for 4 Associate degrees, 16 bachelor’s degrees, 4 master’s degrees, and 2 certificates. If you have an interest in technology, you can pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science.
This is one of the university’s degrees with high ratings. Moreover, this school features four-year bachelor’s degrees in health admin services and a medical lab. science. In addition to this, their master’s degrees in radiologic sciences and respiratory therapy are very comprehensive. Furthermore, you can design an interdisciplinary program that leads to a Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree, selecting 3 out of the 7 areas of emphasis that offer fully online classes.
#13 Western Governors University
WGU has 23 bachelor’s degrees, 31 master’s degrees, 3 certificates, and diplomas in four broad fields. These are in business, education, information technology, and health and nursing. Additionally, the university has a competency-based learning policy that allows you to accelerate your selected program if you already have the necessary knowledge or experience. In other words, you can finish your program in a shorter period of time. You would have to take assessments in the form of assignments, projects, or tests to validate your competency.
#14 The University of Florida
The University of Florida is a public university in Gainesville, Florida. The university is a land-grant, space-grant, and sea-grant research university. UF is a top university worldwide and boasts exceptional credentials. It offers over 200 educational programs online. These programs include online bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, doctorate, international, and certification programs. The programs run across several branches of the sciences, including business administration, education, public relations, and sociology, among others.
At your own pace, you can customize your online education experience. UF has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and tuition rates vary across different requirements. In addition to this, it stands at No.1 by USNews and World Report for best online programs.
#15 University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is known to be the largest and oldest among the many public research universities in Alabama. Its program has more than 10 fully online bachelor’s degree programs in Arts and Sciences, Commerce and Business Administration, Engineering, Human Environmental Sciences, Nursing, and Social Work. The University of Alabama boasts of quality offerings. One of them is The Manderson Online Business Master’s program which was ranked 13th by the U.S. News and World Report.
#16. Penn State – World Campus
Penn State Online is the distance learning campus of Pennsylvania University. It offers respected online degrees which include certificate programs, Associate’s, and Bachelor’s degree programs. The graduate programs of the university have Masters and Doctoral degree programs. PSU – World Campus has decades upon decades of experience in distance education. Currently, the school offers 150 online degree programs. You are free to choose from Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs with varied fields of study ranging from liberal arts to technical specializations. This school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#17. George Washington University
GWU has accreditation from Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It is one of the best online colleges that are accredited. In addition to its traditional degree programs, the university also offers online degrees known for their outstanding quality. The five initiatives which guide GWU programs are – student experience, research, philanthropy & constituent engagement, medical enterprise, and institutional culture. Moreover, with over 100-degree programs, you select your preference in education, medicine, liberal arts, nursing, and business.
#18 Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a private research school in Boston, Massachusetts that has made online schooling accessible for decades. Northeastern University has 8 colleges offering various online degree programs. These include specializations in Arts, Media, Design, Business, Computer and Information Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Professional Studies, and Humanities. The school offers over 70 certifications, bachelor’s, doctorate, and degree programs. Northeastern University has accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education.
#19 Indiana University
Indiana University is based in Bloomington, Indiana. It is a public research university that offers online degree programs in addition to its traditional Programs. IU Online makes it flexible for working professionals to earn a degree. You may choose from online certification and Associate courses. You may also opt for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or doctorate. The online bachelor’s courses in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and General Studies require 120 credit hours. Other levels have their own unique demands. Indiana University has good rankings from reputable institutions.
#20 George Mason University
George Mason University is home to the largest public research university in Virginia. This school provides a broad range of degree programs online. Online programs at GMU are available in fields such as Media Management, Psychology, Education & Human Development, and much more. Additionally, opportunities are also available to Bachelor’s students at GMU in the form of certification programs that you can complete online. These minor online Certifications range from 15 credits minimum to 25 credits maximum. This school has accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Why attend online school
When choosing online colleges, it is better to choose the best online colleges that are accredited. These schools have accreditation from organizations and offer services like advisory ones. They also have financial aid and benefits for military personnel and veterans. In fact, there are some online schools that charge you to attend. Besides all these, they have the best faculty and alumni and receive recognition from employers. These are some of the reasons to attend an online college.
Flexibility
One of the primary benefits of online learning is the flexibility it offers. Although all online programs are not the same, many online courses run asynchronously to provide maximum scheduling flexibility. Busy professionals and family people who often find life a balancing act gain a lot from these forms of online programs. Furthermore, you can learn at your own pace and finish on your own time. In addition to this, the best online colleges that are accredited tailor their programs to favor their students.
Lower Costs
Many online learners have an opportunity to save on transportation, housing, and physical books. Although you may pay the same per-credit tuition rate as an on-campus degree, you do not pay for on-campus meal plans and other costs. Consequently, you also save valuable time and money. Some online universities give tuition-free education to students.
Different learning styles
With the option to study anywhere, you can personalize your learning experience. Some people who don’t fancy large crowds can learn from their own preferences. Furthermore, both visual and auditory learners benefit from such an experience. In addition to these, you can access learning materials and resources at any time in the future.
Career Advancement
You can earn an additional credential from a reputable school. Importantly, choose the best online colleges that are accredited to make the most of your online education. As a result, you have the opportunity to advance to a higher position in your career using your certificate or degree. You can conveniently do all these while working and apply your new knowledge immediately.
Technical Skills
Learning virtually gives you an added skill – that is the chance to hone your technical skills. These skills are handy at work and employers often demand them. Skills include the ability to use new software suites, perform in-depth research online, and communicate effectively online in various formats such as discussion boards and teleconferencing. In other words, you have add-on benefits to learning and can include this on your resume or discuss them with your Employers.
List of best online colleges for military
- Utah State University
- Liberty University
- University of Illinois
- Daytona State College
- University of Nebraska
Best Online Colleges for Psychology
- Purdue University Global
- Capella University
- Fort Hays State University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Colorado State University
Best Online Colleges for Business
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Minot State University
- Temple University
- Florida International University
- California State University, Fullerton
- Oregon State University
Conclusion
When choosing the best online colleges that are accredited, it is equally important to choose programs that fit your goals. Thorough research about resources, reputation, and other information is vital.
Furthermore, some schools offer many options to students and some follow hybrid models. With the right knowledge, you can make the right decision in your academic journey. There is no need to pause your life. You can access quality education from anywhere in the world. What’s more? You also save extra money and time!
FAQ on the Best Online Colleges in the World
What are the best online colleges for the military?
- University of Massachusetts Global
- Averett University
- University of Maryland Global
- University of Central Florida
What are the best online bachelor degree programs?
- B.Sc (hons) Accounts and Finance
- Online BA in Business Management
- B.Sc in Public Health
- Psychology with Counseling (B.Sc)
- Bachelor of Science in Health Administration
What are the 3 best online universities
- University College London
- Columbia University
- University of Edinburgh
- Manchester University
- University of Texas
- Northeastern University
References
- bestcolleges.com/online-schools
- collegeconsensus.com
- onlinecolleges.net
- online-bachelor-degrees.com
- www.onlineu.com
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