Posted by If you’re looking for the best online universities in USA to study in, then this is the best article for you to read. Universities and higher institutions are beginning to make the shift to accommodate more people in their study programs through online programs and degrees. You can study in these online universities in the USA from anywhere in the world that you’re located in—no need to process a study visa, travel, or commute to classes every day.
If you’re keen on learning more about these top programs provided by these online universities, then let’s dive in.
Overview
Nowadays, earning a college degree is more accessible than ever before. Online universities and e-learning platforms allow students from all over the world to earn a degree from the comfort of their own homes. To help you find the best online universities in the US, we have compiled a list of the 20 best online universities in the US. Each of these universities in our list has been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria, including academic excellence, program quality, and overall student satisfaction.
So, if you’re looking for an online university to obtain your degree, look no further than the 20 best online universities in the US.
Definition of an Online University
For those who want to further their education but are unable to attend a traditional university due to time, finances, or other restrictions, online universities offer a priceless service. There are many different online universities to pick from; these universities provide students with the skills, knowledge, and credentials they need to succeed in their chosen field through high-quality, accredited programs.
Additionally, a lot of these universities provide flexible learning opportunities, letting students finish their programs on their own time and at their own pace. It’s also important to keep in mind that some of these online degrees are offered by real, established universities that have realized the value of online education. As you will soon learn, this indicates that these institutions are reputable universities with accredited programs and certificates that are similarly recognized throughout the world.
Benefits of Attending an Online University
A report by Best Colleges revealed that nearly 3 million people in the United States attend online universities, colleges, and post-secondary institutions. This means that students are beginning to embrace modern technology use in education.
Moreover, what attracts these students to online universities is the flexibility that comes with it. Some online colleges offer asynchronous online programs; meaning that they are self-paced. This initiative is beneficial if you want to save hours in commuting or saving costs in processing travel visas.
However, there is usually a drawback to good things. And the lack of in-person mentoring and support, which is essential for a student’s development, is the most common criticism of online universities. Albeit, if this is something you can handle, you can enroll in the top online schools of your choice.
List of the 20 Best Online Universities in USA
The following are the top 20 online universities in the USA that you will find today:
- Western Governors University
- Grand Canyon University
- Ultimate Medical Academy
- Purdue University Global
- University of Florida
- Arizona State University
- Liberty University
- Post University Online
- Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Colorado Technical University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Rasmussen University College
- Walden University
- Columbia Southern University
- Granite State College
- Saint Leo University
- Capella University
- DeVry University
- Strayer University
- American Public University System
20 Best Online Universities in the USA
The following schools (not an exhaustive list) are recommended for students to enroll in based on their affordable tuition, traditional school reputation, and curriculum. If you currently searching for top online universities in the USA to enroll in, these are recommended by us:
1. Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) is one of our top 20 best online universities in the USA. The school has the distinction of being the only completely online, nonprofit university in the country. WGU offers an extensive selection of accredited degree programs in high-demand fields such as teaching, business, and healthcare. Students at WGU benefit from innovative learning techniques that are tailored to the individual needs of each student.
2. Grand Canyon University
Annual Tuition Fee: $17,800.
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private, for-profit Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. It is at the top of our list as one of the best online universities in the USA that comes to mind. GCU offers online alternative programs on all its bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. These degrees can be obtained in disciplines like psychology, theology, nursing, business, education, medical studies, healthcare, engineering, and technology.
One of the perks of studying at GCU online is its affordable tuition fee, vast online learning resources, and a distance learning community culture that they’ve built to help their students stay motivated.
3. Ultimate Medical Academy
Annual Tuition Fee: $15,525
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is a non-profit healthcare training institute, provides a wide range of online and hybrid programs and courses in healthcare and medical sciences.
UMA is an accredited healthcare facility, guaranteeing that its educational standards meet the quality requirements. It is one of the top online universities dedicated to helping its students succeed by providing them with plausible student-first access to top-notch faculty, quality educational materials, and flexible learning schedules.
4. Purdue University Global
Annual Tuition Fee: $14,358
Purdue University Global is a public, nonprofit university that offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs online. Purdue University Global is an accredited online university that offers a wide range of programs, including business, criminal justice, nursing, education, technology, psychology, social sciences, and more.
5. University of Florida
Annual Tuition Fee: $16,580
One of the top online colleges in the US is the University of Florida Online. The school, to guarantee that students have the best educational experience possible, provides a wide range of programs and resources. Students can take classes at their own pace and convenience thanks to the university’s flexible scheduling and variety of formats. In fields like business, engineering, computer science, health science, social work, and education, UF offers more than 200 online degree programs.
6. Arizona State University
Tuition Fee: $24,413 per year.
US News & Report has cited Arizona State University as one of the nation’s most cutting-edge online colleges. The good news is that they have an online school that allows distance learners to access their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees, just like many other highly regarded universities. It is recommended for its high acceptance rate, the quality of its programs, and its strong, student-first community of students and faculties that helps you grow.
7. Liberty University
Annual Tuition Fee: $11,700
Liberty University is a private, non-profit Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1971 by the late Jerry Falwell Sr. and is recognized as one of the largest Christian universities in the world.
The university’s online school, Liberty University Online, offers over 250 online programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The online programs cover a wide range of subjects, including business, education, healthcare, criminal justice, and more.
LU Online is a great choice for anyone who’s looking to start their college studies online, and at a great price.
8. Post University Online
Annual Tuition Fee: Varies.
Post University Online offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields such as business, criminal justice, education, healthcare, and more. The online learning platform is designed to provide students with flexibility and convenience, allowing them to access course materials, participate in class discussions, and complete assignments on their schedules.
9. Southern New Hampshire University
Annual Tuition Fee: $9,600
Southern New Hampshire University is a pioneer in online education, providing students from all over the world with access to more than 200 degree and certificate programs.
SNHU’s online programs are designed to be accessible and affordable, with flexible schedules and personalized support.
Areas of top courses offered in SNHU’s online learning management system include:
- Accounting & Finance
- Art & Design
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Engineering
- Health
- Liberal Arts
- Math & Science
- Psychology & Counseling
- Social Science
- Technology
10. Colorado Technical University
Annual Tuition Fee: $20,161
CTU’s online programs are delivered through a user-friendly online platform that allows students to access course materials, interact with classmates and instructors, and submit assignments from anywhere with an internet connection. The university offers over 100 online undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as business, criminal justice, healthcare, information technology, and engineering.
CTU’s online university also offers a variety of support services for students, including academic advising, tutoring, and career services. The university’s career services include resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance, helping students prepare for the workforce and find employment after graduation.
Finally, one of the key benefits of CTU’s online programs is its fast-track options, which allow students to earn a degree faster than in traditional programs.
11. Indiana Wesleyan University
Annual Tuition Fee: $29,684
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a robust online learning platform that enables students to access engaging and challenging courses from anywhere in the world.
The online courses are designed by experienced faculty members and are delivered in an asynchronous format, which allows students to complete the coursework at their own pace. The online learning platform is user-friendly and offers various tools and resources to enhance the learning experience, including discussion boards, video lectures, online libraries, and access to academic support services.
12. Rasmussen College
Annual Tuition Fee: Varies; costs $10,935 on average.
Rasmussen College is a private, for-profit college that offers various degree programs through its online university. The online university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers more than 70 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.
One of the key features of Rasmussen College’s online university is its Flex Choice option, which allows students to combine traditional online courses with self-directed assessments. This option helps students save time and money by demonstrating their mastery of skills and knowledge outside of the traditional classroom setting.
13. Walden University
Annual Tuition Fee: $12,483 for undergraduate programs; $10,381 for graduate programs.
Walden University is an accredited online university that offers degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The university is predominantly focused on programs in health, education, leadership, psychology, and social work. Walden University has a diverse student population with students from over 150 countries.
Walden University’s online programs are designed with working professionals in mind, providing flexibility in terms of program delivery and scheduling.
14. Columbia Southern University
Annual Tuition Fee: $6,600
Columbia Southern University Online has the biggest advantage of being the most affordable online university in America.
The online learning platform used by Columbia Southern University is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to students with varying levels of technological experience. Courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to access course materials and complete assignments at their own pace. The university also provides students with access to virtual office hours with professors, as well as academic coaching and tutoring services.
CSU offers programs at the bachelor’s, associate’s, and certificate levels. Some of these include:
Bachelor’s
- Business administration and management
- Occupational safety and health technology
- Fire services administration
- Criminal Justice and Police Science
- Information Technology
- Environmental Studies
- Homeland Security
- Behavioural Sciences
Associate’s
- Medical Insurance Coding
- Fire Science/Fire-fighting
- General Studies
Certificates
- Project Management
- Sport and Fitness Management
- Computer and Information Systems Security
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Services
15. Granite State College
Annual Tuition Fee: $16,023 – $22,791
Granite State College is a public online university that is part of the University System of New Hampshire. Granite State College offers degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels, with a variety of programs in fields such as business, education, health care, and social sciences.
Granite State College’s online programs are designed to be flexible and convenient, with fast-track options available for students who want to accelerate their degree completion. The university also offers a generous transfer credit policy, allowing students to transfer credits earned at other institutions and potentially reduce the time and cost of obtaining their degree.
16. Saint Leo University
Annual Tuition Fee: $24,990
Saint Leo University is a private, non-profit, Catholic university that offers a variety of degree programs online. This is one of our recommended online universities in the USA because of its reputation for its course delivery. It has been previously ranked by US News & Report as one of the best “value schools” in America.
In terms of its online programs, SLU offers most of its degrees online to help curb the problem of accessibility for students from far away who want to study at the school.
Application to SLU Online is done via filling out an online application form where you have to provide required documents like a government-issued ID, proof of high school graduation, official academic transcripts, official scores for standardized tests (where this is applicable), and more. Also, to stand any chance of getting into SLU, you must meet the minimum CGPA requirement of 2.0 from any regionally-accredited two or four-year college. Learn how to apply
17. Capella University
Annual Tuition Fee: $20,000 (estimated fee)
One of the most-decorated online universities in the USA, Capella University needs very little introduction. Capella University is a private, online, for-profit university headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The university was established in 1993 and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, education, counseling, healthcare, information technology, nursing, and criminal justice.
Capella University’s online platform called Campus is a flexible and convenient way to earn a degree. Online courses are delivered through interactive learning tools like videos, discussion forums, and group projects. Students can access their coursework anytime and anywhere, making it easier to balance work and family commitments while pursuing a degree.
18. DeVry University
Annual Tuition Fee: $18,197
DeVry University is an established institution of higher learning that offers both conventional classes and online courses.
DeVry’s online university provides students with a flexible and convenient way to earn a degree. A variety of programs and courses are available to students, and they can complete their coursework online at their own pace.
The DeVry online university is renowned for its dedication to giving students a fun and interactive learning environment. The school uses a variety of educational technologies, such as video lectures, interactive simulations, and discussion forums, to keep students engaged and interested in their coursework.
19. Strayer University
Annual Tuition Fee: $13,515
Strayer University is a private, non-profit university with a reputation for its online programs. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and associate degrees. Its roster of courses offered includes professional degrees in accounting, finance, criminal justice, information technology, business administration, marketing, etc.
Strayer also offers certificate programs in education and corporate learning and educational administration; as well as boot camp programs in tech courses like cybersecurity, UX design, web development, and more.
20. American Public University System
Annual Tuition Fee: $7,324
Online courses and programs are offered by the private, for-profit American Public University System (APUS), which accepts students from all over the world. The university has a strong reputation for providing working adults and members of the armed forces with high-quality education options that are both easily accessible and reasonably priced.
One of the key benefits of the APUS online learning platform is its dedication to supporting military personnel and their families. The university has a strong culture of supporting its military students, and there are many resources and support services available that are designed specifically for veterans and active-duty personnel.
Another benefit of APUS’s online platform is its affordability. Along with reasonable tuition prices, the university offers a variety of financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and military tuition assistance.
FAQs About Online Universities in the USA
The following are commonly-asked questions about online universities in the USA:
Are there accredited online universities in the world?
Yes, there are reputable online universities that are accredited. They are online alternative degree programs provided by reputable universities.
Are employers respectful of degrees obtained online?
Yes, employers generally respect degrees earned online from recognized universities. However, to ensure that your degree is valued in the job market, it’s crucial to pick an accredited institution with a good reputation.
Are employers respectful of degrees obtained online?
Yes, employers generally respect degrees earned online from recognized universities. However, to ensure that your degree is valued in the job market, it’s crucial to pick an accredited institution with a good reputation.
Can I get financial aid for online courses?
Yes, some universities offer financial aid for their online courses. You can look up these programs when you research which online universities you want to apply to.
How much does a course of study online cost?
Depending on the school and program you’re applying to, this varies. Studying for a degree online can cost anywhere between $2,000 to $7,000 per year.
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Wrapping It Up
In summary, online universities are becoming an increasingly popular option for students who want a flexible and convenient way to earn a degree. Many online universities are properly accredited and offer a variety of degree programs at competitive tuition rates.
Online students have access to a range of support services, and can typically receive financial aid just like traditional students. What’s more, online universities give you to freedom to study from home without having to commute daily, and these programs are affordable.