What Are The Best Online Colleges?

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Online colleges have opened up a new dynamic in the education sector. Over the past decade, the demand for online degrees has dramatically increased, and it’s easy to see why. Online education offers the flexibility to learn at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home, and often at a fraction of the cost of traditional education.

Why Choose Online Education?

Online education offers many advantages over traditional in-person classes. It allows you to study at your own pace, making it a great choice for those with work or family commitments. It also provides access to a broader range of courses and degrees that might not be available at local institutions. Plus, online courses often incorporate the latest educational technologies, enhancing your learning experience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online College

When choosing an online college, consider factors such as accreditation, the availability of support services, the flexibility of the courses, the range of degrees offered, and the cost. Accreditation ensures the quality of the program, while support services like academic counseling and career services can greatly enhance your educational journey.

What Are The Best Accredited Online Colleges?

Combining Sources from across the web, here are the best online colleges for 2022-2023.

Southern New Hampshire (SNHU)

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university located in Manchester, New Hampshire. It was founded in 1932 and has since grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States. SNHU offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs online and on campus.

SNHU is known for its affordable tuition, flexible learning options, and strong student support services. The university also has a strong reputation for academic excellence. SNHU is ranked #133-175 in the 2022-2023 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings.

SNHU is a great option for students who are looking for a high-quality education at an affordable price. The university offers a variety of degree programs that can help students prepare for a variety of careers. SNHU also has a strong commitment to student success and offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

Here are some additional details about SNHU:

  • Cost: The average cost of attendance at SNHU is $23,000 per year. However, many students can attend SNHU for free or at a reduced cost through financial aid.
  • Location: SNHU’s main campus is located in Manchester, New Hampshire. The university also has campuses in Nashua, New Hampshire, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. SNHU also offers online degree programs.
  • Accreditation: SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
  • Acceptance rate: SNHU has a very high acceptance rate of 92%.
  • Graduation rate: The six-year graduation rate for SNHU students is 39%.
  • Notable alumni: SNHU alumni include Felix G. Arroyo, Don Dodge, Marc Pacheco, and Andrea Jenkins.

If you are looking for a high-quality, affordable education, SNHU is a great option. The university offers a variety of degree programs that can help students prepare for a variety of careers. SNHU also has a strong commitment to student success, and offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

Strayer University

Strayer University-Maryland is a private for-profit university located in Suitland, Maryland. The university was founded in 1969 and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, accounting, information technology, and nursing.

Strayer University-Maryland is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The university has a small campus with a student body of approximately 1,400 students. The majority of students at Strayer University-Maryland are part-time students, and the university offers a variety of online and hybrid degree programs.

The cost of attendance at Strayer University-Maryland varies depending on the program and the student’s residency status. The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year is $27,600. However, Strayer University-Maryland offers a variety of financial aid options, and the average cost after aid is $15,600.

The graduation rate at Strayer University-Maryland is 21%. This is lower than the national average for four-year universities, but it is higher than the average for for-profit universities.

Strayer University-Maryland is a good option for students who are looking for a flexible and affordable education. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study online or on campus. Strayer University-Maryland also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

Here are some additional details about Strayer University-Maryland:

  • Cost: The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year is $27,600. However, Strayer University-Maryland offers a variety of financial aid options, and the average cost after aid is $15,600.
  • Graduation rate: The graduation rate at Strayer University-Maryland is 21%.
  • Acceptance rate: Strayer University-Maryland has an open admission policy, which means that all students who apply are accepted.
  • Notable alumni: Strayer University-Maryland has a number of notable alumni, including:
    • John W. Thompson, CEO of Symantec
    • James A. Smith, CEO of Exelon
    • Mark A. Gainey, CEO of Exelon

If you want a flexible and affordable education, Strayer University-Maryland is a good option. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study online or on campus. Strayer University-Maryland also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is a private for-profit university headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The university was founded in 1976 and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields, including business, nursing, and education.

The University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university has a large campus with a student body of approximately 63,000 students. Most students at the University of Phoenix are part-time students, and the university offers a variety of online and hybrid degree programs.

The cost of attendance at the University of Phoenix varies depending on the program and the student’s residency status. The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year is $19,662. However, the University of Phoenix offers a variety of financial aid options, and the average cost after aid is $13,365.

The graduation rate at the University of Phoenix is 27%. This is lower than the national average for four-year universities, but it is higher than the average for for-profit universities.

The University of Phoenix is a good option for students who are looking for a flexible and affordable education. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study online or on campus. The University of Phoenix also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

Here are some additional details about the University of Phoenix:

  • Cost: The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year is $19,662. However, the University of Phoenix offers a variety of financial aid options, and the average cost after aid is $13,365.
  • Graduation rate: The graduation rate at the University of Phoenix is 27%.
  • Acceptance rate: The University of Phoenix has an open admission policy, meaning all students who apply are accepted.
  • Notable alumni: The University of Phoenix has a number of notable alumni, including:
    • Shaquille O’Neal, NBA Hall of Famer
    • Mary E. Peters, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation
    • Howard Schmidt, former U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director
    • Kirkland H. Donald, former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union

If you are looking for a flexible and affordable education, the University of Phoenix is a good option. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study online or on campus. The University of Phoenix also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a public land-grant research university in Tucson, Arizona. Founded in 1885 by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature, it was the first university in the Arizona Territory. The university is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity”.

The University of Arizona offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including business, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing programs. The university also has a strong research focus, and its faculty members have made significant contributions in various fields, including astronomy, medicine, and environmental science.

The University of Arizona is a large university with a student body of over 40,000 students. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all over the United States and the world. The university also has a strong athletic program, and its teams compete in the Pac-12 Conference.

The University of Arizona is a good option for students who are looking for a high-quality education at an affordable price. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study on campus or online. The university also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

Here are some additional details about the University of Arizona:

  • Cost: The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year is $30,686 for in-state students and $52,876 for out-of-state students. However, the university offers a variety of financial aid options, and the average cost after aid is $15,601 for in-state students and $30,000 for out-of-state students.
  • Graduation rate: The graduation rate at the University of Arizona is 64%.
  • Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate at the University of Arizona is 87%.
  • Notable alumni: The University of Arizona has a number of notable alumni, including:
    • Jerry Bruckheimer, film producer
    • Amanda Beard, Olympic swimmer
    • Gilbert Arenas, NBA player
    • Rob Gronkowski, NFL player

If you are looking for a high-quality education at an affordable price, the University of Arizona is a good option. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study on campus or online. The university also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus is a public, online university that is a part of the Pennsylvania State University system. The university was founded in 1998 and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredited Penn State World Campus.

The university has a student body of over 15,000 students from all over the world. Most students at Penn State World Campus are part-time students, and the university offers a variety of online and hybrid degree programs.

The cost of attendance at Penn State World Campus varies depending on the program and the student’s residency status. The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year is $15,054 for in-state students and $24,164 for out-of-state students. However, the university offers a variety of financial aid options, and the average cost after aid is $10,000 for in-state students and $15,000 for out-of-state students.

The graduation rate at Penn State World Campus is 64%.

Penn State World Campus is a good option for students who are looking for a high-quality education at an affordable price. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study online or on campus. The university also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

Here are some additional details about Penn State World Campus:

  • Cost: The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year is $15,054 for in-state students and $24,164 for out-of-state students. However, the university offers a variety of financial aid options, and the average cost after aid is $10,000 for in-state students and $15,000 for out-of-state students.
  • Graduation rate: The graduation rate at Penn State World Campus is 64%.
  • Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate at Penn State World Campus is 54%.
  • Notable alumni: Penn State World Campus has a number of notable alumni, including:
    • Chris Christie, former Governor of New Jersey
    • Kevin DeYoung, pastor and author
    • Brian Koppelman, screenwriter and producer
    • David Plouffe, political strategist

If you are looking for high-quality education at an affordable price, Penn State World Campus is a good option. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study online or on campus. The university also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public land-grant research university in Gainesville, Florida. It is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. The university traces its origins to 1853 and has operated continuously on its Gainesville campus since September 1906. The university is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity”.

The University of Florida offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including business, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing programs. The university also has a strong research focus, and its faculty members have made significant contributions in various fields, including astronomy, medicine, and environmental science.

The University of Florida is a large university with a student body of over 50,000 students. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all over the United States and the world. The university also has a strong athletic program, and its teams compete in the Southeastern Conference.

The University of Florida is a good option for students who are looking for a high-quality education at an affordable price. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study on campus or online. The university also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

Here are some additional details about the University of Florida:

  • Cost: The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year is $6,381 for Florida residents and $28,659 for out-of-state students. However, the university offers a variety of financial aid options, and the average cost after aid is $3,679 for Florida residents and $16,980 for out-of-state students.
  • Graduation rate: The graduation rate at the University of Florida is 88%.
  • Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate at the University of Florida is 30%.
  • Notable alumni: The University of Florida has a number of notable alumni, including:
    • Tim Tebow, former NFL quarterback
    • Tim Robbins, actor
    • Alison Bechdel, cartoonist
    • Wilma Rudolph, Olympic track and field athlete

If you are looking for a high-quality education at an affordable price, the University of Florida is a good option. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study on campus or online. The university also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Founded in 1885 by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature, ASU is one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the United States.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including business, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing programs. The university also has a strong research focus, and its faculty members have made significant contributions in various fields, including astronomy, medicine, and environmental science.

The university has a student body of over 60,000 students. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all over the United States and the world. The university also has a strong athletic program, and its teams compete in the Pac-12 Conference.

Arizona State University is a good option for students who are looking for a high-quality education at an affordable price. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study on campus or online. The university also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

Here are some additional details about Arizona State University:

  • Cost: The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year is $11,618 for Arizona residents and $30,592 for out-of-state students. However, the university offers a variety of financial aid options, and the average cost after aid is $12,814 for Arizona residents and $32,000 for out-of-state students.
  • Graduation rate: The graduation rate at Arizona State University is 66%.
  • Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate at Arizona State University is 88%.
  • Notable alumni: Arizona State University has a number of notable alumni, including:
    • Jimmy Kimmel, late-night talk show host
    • Phil Mickelson, professional golfer
    • Kate Spade, fashion designer
    • Doug Ducey, Governor of Arizona

Arizona State University is a good option if you are looking for a high-quality education at an affordable price. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study on campus or online. The university also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

Liberty University


Liberty University is a private Baptist university in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia. The university was founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell Sr. and is named after his wife, Betty. Liberty University is a large university with an enrollment of over 47,000 students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including business, education, nursing, and theology programs. Liberty University is also home to the Liberty University School of Law, which is one of the largest Christian law schools in the United States.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC). SACS-COC is a regional accreditation agency that accredits colleges and universities in the Southern United States. Liberty University is also a member of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). CCCU is a national association of Christian colleges and universities.

Liberty University has a high acceptance rate of 99%. The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is 1070, and the average ACT score is 22. Liberty University is a good option for students who are looking for a Christian education at an affordable price. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study on campus or online. Liberty University also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

Here are some additional details about Liberty University:

  • Cost: The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year is $42,114 for full-time students. However, the university offers a variety of financial aid options, and the average cost after aid is $28,561.
  • Graduation rate: The graduation rate at Liberty University is 29%.
  • Notable alumni: Liberty University has a number of notable alumni, including:
    • Jerry Falwell Jr., current president of Liberty University
    • Seth Curry, professional basketball player
    • TobyMac, Christian rapper
    • Nick Foles, professional football player

Liberty University is a good option if you are looking for a Christian education at an affordable price. The university offers a variety of degree programs, and students can choose to study on campus or online. Liberty University also has a strong focus on student success, and the university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed.

The Importance of Accreditation in Online Education

Accreditation is a key factor in ensuring that your online education is of a high standard. It’s an external validation of the quality and rigor of a school’s programs and gives employers confidence in your qualifications. Always check whether an online college is accredited by a recognized accrediting body.

How to Apply to an Online College

Applying to an online college typically involves researching the admission requirements for your chosen program, gathering necessary documents, completing the online application form, and submitting it along with any required fees. Remember to check the specific deadlines for your chosen course to ensure a timely application.

Conclusion

Choosing the right online college is a significant decision, but carefully considering the factors discussed in this article, you can find the institution that best fits your needs. Explore the options, prioritize quality and accreditation, and embrace online education’s flexibility and opportunities.

*All data comes from College Scorecard, reputable websites such as US News & World Report, and Google.

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