Best 9 Online Colleges and Top Online Universities

19 minutes read

Online education has become a popular and convenient option for many students who want to pursue their academic and career goals. Online education allows students to access high-quality courses and programs from anywhere and anytime, without having to commute or relocate. Online education also offers flexibility, affordability, and diversity for students who have different needs, preferences, and backgrounds.

However, not all online colleges and universities are the same. Some online institutions may offer better quality, reputation, accreditation, cost, and support than others. Therefore, it is important for students to do their research and compare different online colleges and universities before choosing the one that suits them best.

In this article, we will provide a list of some of the best online colleges and top online universities that offer online degrees and programs in various fields and levels. We will also discuss the benefits, requirements, and tips for succeeding in online education.

Online Colleges vs Online Universities: What’s the Difference?

Online colleges and online universities are both types of online institutions that offer online education. However, there are some differences between them that students should be aware of.

Online colleges are typically smaller and more specialized than online universities. They may focus on a specific field or discipline, such as business, nursing, or education. They may also offer only associate or bachelor’s degrees, or certificates or diplomas. Online colleges may have lower tuition costs and admission requirements than online universities.

Online universities are typically larger and more comprehensive than online colleges. They may offer a wide range of fields and disciplines, such as arts, sciences, engineering, or humanities. They may also offer various levels of degrees, such as associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. Online universities may have higher tuition costs and admission requirements than online colleges.

Both online colleges and online universities can provide quality education and credentials for students who want to advance their education and skills. However, students should consider their goals, interests, budget, and qualifications when choosing between online colleges and online universities.

Best 9 Online Colleges

Here are some of the best online colleges that offer online degrees and programs in various fields:

[Penn Foster College]: This is an online college that offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in fields such as business, criminal justice, engineering technology, health care, veterinary technology, and early childhood education. The college is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and has an open enrollment policy that allows students to start anytime.
[Ashworth College]: This is an online college that offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as accounting, business administration, criminal justice, education, healthcare management, and psychology. The college is nationally accredited by the DEAC and has a flexible payment plan that allows students to pay as they go.
[Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)]: This is an online college that offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as accounting, business, communication, computer science, creative writing, cybersecurity, data analytics, education, finance, healthcare administration, human resources, information technology, marketing, nursing, psychology, and social work. The college is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and has a generous transfer policy that allows students to transfer up to 90 credits.
[Colorado Technical University (CTU)]: This is an online college that offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business administration, computer science, criminal justice, cybersecurity, engineering management, healthcare management, information technology, nursing, project management, and public administration. The college is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has a fast track option that allows students to earn credits for prior learning or experience.
[American InterContinental University (AIU)]: This is an online college that offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as business administration, criminal justice, education, healthcare management, information technology, and marketing. The college is regionally accredited by the HLC and has a personalized learning option that allows students to customize their courses according to their preferences and goals.
[Rasmussen University]: This is an online college that offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as accounting, business, criminal justice, data science, education, finance, healthcare administration, human services, information technology, nursing, paralegal studies, and psychology. The college is regionally accredited by the HLC and has a competency-based education option that allows students to progress at their own pace based on their skills and knowledge.

[Strayer University]: This is an online college that offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as accounting, business administration, criminal justice, education, healthcare administration, human resource management, information technology, marketing, and public administration. The college is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and has a tuition assistance program that offers scholarships, grants, and discounts to eligible students.

[Liberty University]: This is an online college that offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as accounting, business, communication, counseling, criminal justice, education, engineering, health sciences, history, law, music, nursing, psychology, religion, and social work. The college is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and has a Christian worldview that integrates faith and learning.

[Walden University]: This is an online college that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business administration, communication, criminal justice, education, health sciences, human services, information technology, nursing, psychology, public health, public policy, and social work. The college is regionally accredited by the HLC and has a social change mission that empowers students to make a positive difference in their communities and the world.

Top Online Universities

Here are some of the top online universities that offer online degrees and programs in various fields:

[University of Phoenix]: This is an online university that offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, criminal justice, education, health administration, human services, information technology, nursing, psychology, and social work. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC and has a flexible learning model that allows students to choose their own pace, schedule, and modality.
[Grand Canyon University (GCU)]: This is an online university that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, counseling, education, engineering, health sciences, nursing, psychology, and theology. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC and has a Christian worldview that integrates faith and learning.
[Capella University]: This is an online university that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, counseling, education, health sciences, information technology, nursing, psychology, public health, public service, and social work. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC and has a competency-based education model that allows students to progress based on their skills and knowledge.
[Purdue University Global]: This is an online university that offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, criminal justice, education, health sciences, information technology, legal studies, nursing, psychology, and social and behavioral sciences. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC and has an experiential learning option that allows students to earn credits for prior learning or experience.
[Western Governors University (WGU)]: This is an online university that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as business, education, health professions, information technology, and nursing. The university is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and has a competency-based education model that allows students to progress at their own pace based on their skills and knowledge.
[University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)]: This is an online university that offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as accounting, business administration, computer science, criminal justice, cybersecurity, data analytics, education, healthcare administration, human resource management, information technology, marketing, nursing, project management, and public safety. The university is regionally accredited by the MSCHE and has a military-friendly policy that offers tuition discounts, scholarships, grants, and credits to active-duty service members, veterans, and their spouses and dependents.
[Florida International University (FIU)]: This is an online university that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as accounting, business administration, communication, computer engineering, criminal justice, cybersecurity, education, finance, healthcare administration, hospitality management, human resource management, information technology, marketing, nursing, psychology, public administration, and social work. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC and has a global perspective that promotes diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism.
[Arizona State University (ASU)]: This is an online university that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as art history, biology, business administration, communication, computer science, criminal justice, data science, education, engineering management, environmental science, health innovation, history, journalism, psychology, social work, and sustainability. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC and has an innovation mission that fosters creativity, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving.

[Ohio State University (OSU)]: This is an online university that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as business administration, communication, dental hygiene, education, engineering, health sciences, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and social work. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC and has an excellence vision that promotes academic rigor, research impact, and student success.

Benefits of Earning an Online Degree from Online Colleges and Top Online Universities

Earning an online degree from online colleges and top online universities can offer many benefits for students who want to pursue their academic and career goals. Some of the benefits include:

Accessibility: Online colleges and top online universities allow students to access high-quality courses and programs from anywhere and anytime, without having to commute or relocate. Students can study from the comfort of their home, office, or any other location that has internet access.
Flexibility: Online colleges and top online universities offer flexibility for students who have different needs, preferences, and schedules. Students can choose their own pace, modality, and format of learning. Students can also adjust their course load and duration according to their availability and goals.
Affordability: Online colleges and top online universities often have lower tuition costs than traditional colleges and universities. Students can also save on transportation, housing, and other expenses associated with attending a physical campus. Additionally, students may qualify for financial aid, scholarships, grants, or loans to help fund their education.
Quality: Online colleges and top online universities undergo the same accreditation processes as traditional colleges and universities, so online degrees meet the same academic and professional standards as their on-campus counterparts. Online colleges and top online universities also employ qualified and experienced faculty who are experts in their fields.
Diversity: Online colleges and top online universities attract students from different backgrounds, locations, cultures, and perspectives. Students can interact with and learn from a diverse community of peers who share their interests and goals.

Requirements for Earning an Online Degree from Online Colleges and Top Online Universities

The requirements for earning an online degree from online colleges and top online universities may vary depending on the level, institution, and program of study. However, some of the common requirements include:

Admission: To be admitted to an online degree program from online colleges or top online universities, students typically need to meet certain academic criteria, such as having a high school diploma or equivalent for an associate or bachelor’s degree program, having a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for a master’s degree program, or having a master’s degree or equivalent for a doctoral degree program. Students may also need to submit transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, resumes, or portfolios as part of their application.
Curriculum: To complete an online degree program from online colleges or top online universities, students need to fulfill certain credit requirements by taking courses that cover the core concepts and skills of the field. Students may also need to choose electives or concentrations that align with their interests and goals. Depending on the program level, students may also need to complete capstone projects, dissertations, or doctoral projects that demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter.
Technology: To participate in an online degree program from online colleges or top online universities, students need to have reliable access to a computer and the internet. They also need to be familiar with the online learning platform and tools used by their program. They may need to download or install certain software or applications to access their course materials, instructors, classmates, and support services.

Tips for Succeeding in an Online Degree Program from Online Colleges and Top Online Universities

Earning an online degree from online colleges or top online universities can be challenging for some students who may face difficulties such as:

Lack of face-to-face interaction: Online students may feel isolated or disconnected from their instructors and classmates. They may also miss out on the social and academic benefits of being part of a campus community.
Self-discipline and motivation: Online students need to be self-directed and motivated to manage their time and workload effectively. They need to set their own goals and deadlines and follow through with their assignments and responsibilities.
Technical issues: Online students need to have reliable access to a computer and the internet. They also need to be familiar with the online learning platform and tools used by their program. They may encounter technical problems or glitches that may disrupt their learning process or cause frustration.
Quality concerns: Online students need to ensure that their program is accredited by a reputable agency and meets high standards of quality and rigor. They also need to verify that their degree will be recognized and accepted by employers or licensing boards.

Here are some tips for succeeding in an online degree program from online colleges or top online universities:

Choose a program that suits your needs and interests: Research different online colleges and top online universities and compare their curriculum, faculty, accreditation, cost, and reputation. Choose a program that aligns with your learning style, preferences, objectives, and expectations.
Communicate effectively: Communicate regularly with your instructors and classmates through email, discussion boards, video conferencing, or other means. Ask questions, seek feedback, participate in discussions, and share your ideas and experiences. Build rapport and trust with your online learning community.
Manage your time and resources: Create a realistic schedule that allows you to balance your personal, professional, and academic obligations. Set priorities, goals, and deadlines for yourself and stick to them. Use a calendar, planner, or app to keep track of your tasks and progress. Use the resources and support services provided by your program, such as tutoring, counseling, library, or technical support.
Stay focused and motivated: Find a quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free place to study. Eliminate any potential interruptions or temptations that may hinder your concentration or productivity. Reward yourself for completing your assignments or reaching your milestones. Remind yourself of why you chose to pursue an online degree from online colleges or top online universities and how it will benefit you in the long run.

FAQs About Online Degree Programs from Online Colleges and Top Online Universities

Here are some frequently asked questions about online degree programs from online colleges and top online universities:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of earning an online degree from online colleges or top online universities?

Some of the advantages of earning an online degree from online colleges or top online universities are:

Accessibility: Online colleges and top online universities allow students to access high-quality courses and programs from anywhere and anytime, without having to commute or relocate.
Flexibility: Online colleges and top online universities offer flexibility for students who have different needs, preferences, and schedules. Students can choose their own pace, modality, and format of learning.
Affordability: Online colleges and top online universities often have lower tuition costs than traditional colleges and universities. Students can also save on transportation, housing, and other expenses associated with attending a physical campus.
Quality: Online colleges and top online universities undergo the same accreditation processes as traditional colleges and universities, so online degrees meet the same academic and professional standards as their on-campus counterparts.
Diversity: Online colleges and top online universities attract students from different backgrounds, locations, cultures, and perspectives. Students can interact with and learn from a diverse community of peers who share their interests and goals.

Some of the disadvantages of earning an online degree from online colleges or top online universities are:

Lack of face-to-face interaction: Online students may feel isolated or disconnected from their instructors and classmates. They may also miss out on the social and academic benefits of being part of a campus community.
Self-discipline and motivation: Online students need to be self-directed and motivated to manage their time and workload effectively. They need to set their own goals and deadlines and follow through with their assignments and responsibilities.
Technical issues: Online students need to have reliable access to a computer and the internet. They also need to be familiar with the online learning platform and tools used by their program. They may encounter technical problems or glitches that may disrupt their learning process or cause frustration.
Quality concerns: Online students need to ensure that their program is accredited by a reputable agency and meets high standards of quality and rigor. They also need to verify that their degree will be recognized and accepted by employers or licensing boards.

How can I find the best online college or top online university for me?

To find the best online college or top online university for you, you should consider the following factors:

Accreditation: Accreditation is a process of external review that ensures that educational institutions and programs meet certain criteria and follow best practices. Accreditation also helps students to transfer credits, apply for financial aid, and qualify for licensure or certification. There are two types of accreditation: regional and national. Regional accreditation is more widely recognized and respected than national accreditation. It is also more common for online programs in various fields. You should look for online colleges or top online universities that are regionally accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the U.S., such as the HLC, the NECHE, the MSCHE, the SACSCOC, the NWCCU, or the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Reputation: Reputation is a measure of how well an online college or top online university is regarded by its peers, employers, students, alumni, and other stakeholders. Reputation can reflect the quality, prestige, impact, and value of an online college or top online university. You can check the reputation of an online college or top online university by looking at its rankings, ratings, reviews, awards, recognitions, affiliations, partnerships, or alumni network.
Cost: Cost is a factor that affects how much an online college or top online university charges for its courses and programs. Cost can include tuition fees, course materials, technology fees, enrollment fees, graduation fees, and other expenses. Cost can vary depending on the institution, the program, the level, the duration, the modality, and the student. You can compare the cost of different online colleges or top online universities by looking at their websites, catalogs, or financial aid offices. You can also look for ways to reduce the cost of your online education by applying for scholarships, grants, loans, or discounts offered by the online college or top online university or by other sources.

Curriculum: Curriculum is a set of courses and programs that cover the core concepts and skills of a field or discipline. Curriculum can vary depending on the institution, the program, the level, the concentration, and the student. You can check the curriculum of an online college or top online university by looking at its website, catalog, or course descriptions. You can also look for a curriculum that matches your interests, goals, and qualifications.
Faculty: Faculty are the instructors and professors who teach and mentor students in an online college or top online university. Faculty can vary in their qualifications, experience, expertise, teaching style, availability, and feedback. You can check the faculty of an online college or top online university by looking at their profiles, credentials, publications, ratings, reviews, or testimonials. You can also look for faculty who are knowledgeable, experienced, supportive, and responsive.
Support: Support are the services and resources that help students succeed in their online education. Support can include academic advising, tutoring, counseling, library, technical support, career services, student organizations, alumni network, or other benefits. Support can vary depending on the institution, the program, and the student. You can check the support of an online college or top online university by looking at its website, catalog, or student handbook. You can also look for support that is accessible, reliable, and helpful.

How can I transfer credits from one online college or top online university to another?

To transfer credits from one online college or top online university to another, you need to follow certain steps and meet certain requirements. Some of the steps and requirements include:

Check the transfer policy of both institutions: Each online college or top online university may have its own transfer policy that specifies how many credits it accepts, from which institutions it accepts, and for which courses or programs it accepts. You should check the transfer policy of both institutions before applying for a transfer. You should also contact the admission or academic advisors of both institutions for guidance and assistance.
Request official transcripts from your current institution: You need to request official transcripts from your current online college or top online university that show your completed courses and grades. You need to send these transcripts to your prospective online college or top online university as part of your transfer application.
Apply for admission to your prospective institution: You need to apply for admission to your prospective online college or top online university as a transfer student. You need to submit your application materials, such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, resumes, or portfolios, as required by your prospective institution. You also need to pay any application fees or deposits as required by your prospective institution.
Wait for your transfer evaluation: After you apply for admission to your prospective online college or top online university, you need to wait for your transfer evaluation. Your transfer evaluation is a process that determines how many credits you can transfer and how they will apply to your chosen course or program. Your prospective institution will notify you of your transfer evaluation results and inform you of any additional requirements or conditions for your transfer.
Accept your admission offer and enroll in your new institution: If you are accepted to your prospective online college or top online university and agree with your transfer evaluation results, you need to accept your admission offer and enroll in your new institution. You need to complete any enrollment procedures and pay any tuition fees or other expenses as required by your new institution. You also need to register for your courses and prepare for your new online education.

How can I balance my personal, professional, and academic obligations while earning an online degree from an online college or top online university?

Balancing your personal, professional, and academic obligations while earning an online degree from an online college or top online university can be challenging but possible. Some tips for balancing your obligations include:

Create a realistic schedule: You need to create a realistic schedule that allows you to allocate enough time and energy for your personal, professional, and academic obligations. You need to set priorities, goals, and deadlines for yourself and stick to them. You need to use a calendar, planner, or app to keep track of your tasks and progress.
Communicate effectively: You need to communicate effectively with your family, friends, colleagues, supervisors, instructors, and classmates. You need to inform them of your online education goals and expectations. You need to ask for their support and understanding. You also need to seek feedback and assistance when needed.
Manage your stress: You need to manage your stress levels and avoid burnout while earning an online degree from an online college or top online university. You need to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. You need to eat well, sleep well, exercise regularly, and relax frequently. You also need to reward yourself for completing your assignments or reaching your milestones.

How can I verify the quality and legitimacy of an online college or top online university?

To verify the quality and legitimacy of an online college or top online university, you need to check certain indicators and sources. Some of the indicators and sources include:

Accreditation: Accreditation is a process of external review that ensures that educational institutions and programs meet certain criteria and follow best practices. Accreditation also helps students to transfer credits, apply for financial aid, and qualify for licensure or certification. There are two types of accreditation: regional and national. Regional accreditation is more widely recognized and respected than national accreditation. It is also more common for online programs in various fields. You should look for online colleges or top online universities that are regionally accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the U.S., such as the HLC, the NECHE, the MSCHE, the SACSCOC, the NWCCU, or the WSCUC. You can verify the accreditation status of an online college or top online university by visiting the website of the accrediting agency or by using the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) maintained by the U.S. Department of Education.
Reputation: Reputation is a measure of how well an online college or top online university is regarded by its peers, employers, students, alumni, and other stakeholders. Reputation can reflect the quality, prestige, impact, and value of an online college or top online university. You can check the reputation of an online college or top online university by looking at its rankings, ratings, reviews, awards, recognitions, affiliations, partnerships, or alumni network. You can also consult with experts, professionals, or graduates in your field or discipline for their opinions or recommendations.
Student outcomes: Student outcomes are the results or achievements of students who enroll in or graduate from an online college or top online university. Student outcomes can include graduation rates, retention rates, employment rates, salary levels, satisfaction levels, or feedback levels. You can check the student outcomes of an online college or top online university by looking at its website, catalog, or annual report. You can also contact its admission or career services office for more information.

How can I make the most of my online education from an online college or top online university?

To make the most of your online education from an online college or top online university, you need to follow certain strategies and practices. Some of the strategies and practices include:

Choose a program that suits your needs and interests: Research different online colleges and top online universities and compare their curriculum, faculty, accreditation, cost, and reputation. Choose a program that aligns with your learning style, preferences, objectives, and expectations.
Communicate effectively: Communicate regularly with your instructors and classmates through email, discussion boards, video conferencing, or other means. Ask questions, seek feedback, participate in discussions, and share your ideas and experiences. Build rapport and trust with your online learning community.
Manage your time and resources: Create a realistic schedule that allows you to balance your personal, professional, and academic obligations. Set priorities, goals, and deadlines for yourself and stick to them. Use a calendar, planner, or app to keep track of your tasks and progress. Use the resources and support services provided by your program, such as tutoring, counseling, library, or technical support.
Stay focused and motivated: Find a quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free place to study. Eliminate any potential interruptions or temptations that may hinder your concentration or productivity. Reward yourself for completing your assignments or reaching your milestones. Remind yourself of why you chose to pursue an online degree from an online college or top online university and how it will benefit you in the long run.

I hope this article was helpful for you. If you have any other questions or comments about online degree programs from online colleges and top online universities, please let me know.