Accredited Online Colleges

Pursuing post-secondary education is the single most advantageous career step most people can take. In fact, if you finish college, you can expect to earn as much as 50 percent more over your lifetime. You can also bet on competing for positions and promotions you previously would have avoided. As such, whether you are 18 or 58, you may be thinking about pursuing an associate, bachelor’s or post-secondary degree.

Leaving behind your everyday obligations to attend a brick-and-mortar educational institution may not be feasible. Fortunately, you aren’t out of luck, as hundreds of schools offer online programs to help you succeed. Still, not every program on the internet is worth your time, money or energy. By choosing an accredited school, you can be certain you are making a smart investment in your future. Nonetheless, with the many accredited institutions offering online programs, choosing the right one can seem daunting. That is, of course, if you don’t have access to the right information.

That’s where we come in. We have put together a comprehensive list of the top 10 accredited online colleges. Read on to see the advantages and drawbacks of each program.

HOW WE CHOSE OUR RATINGS

Before we get to our rankings, you should know how we came up with our rating system. We take our responsibility to provide an honest, reliable assessment seriously. Therefore, we have carefully reviewed the online, accredited, college-level programs available on the market today. In putting together our list, we considered tuition, scholastic opportunities, program offerings, internet interfaces and other data. We also reviewed student testimonials and criticisms. The result is a list you can trust.

Even though we limit our survey to the top 10 accredited online colleges, we easily could have included 30 or 40 on our list. If none of the following programs are right for you, use the list as a guide to evaluate other educational options.

TOP 10 ACCREDITED ONLINE COLLEGES

1. FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This school combines a quality education with affordable tuition to make it to the top of our list. Whether you want to pursue an associate degree or are ready for a doctoral program, Fort Hays State has you covered. With a variety of majors and a policy of accepting most transfer credits, the program is ideal for adult learners. Even better, with in-state tuition averaging about $5,000, you don’t have to spend a fortune to boost your career. Finally, with online support and an active career center, Fort Hays State is committed to helping its online learners succeed. While you may not get a traditional college experience, you certainly meet your educational goals when you pursue a degree at Fort Hays State.

2. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA

University of North Florida

If you want to earn your degree fast without breaking the bank, the University of North Florida is likely a good option. This school receives its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. While the school offers a variety of degrees in many different subjects, it stands out for its online nursing program. In fact, it is possible to complete the RN to BSN program in just a year. If you are ready to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice, you can do so in under two years at North Florida. Meanwhile, with in-state tuition averaging around $6,400, you make a smart, affordable investment in your future when you enroll in this online school.

3. WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

West Texas A&M University

Our third-ranked online school hails from the Lone Star State. West Texas A&M University is a reputable place for you to pursue your degree. Like the University of North Florida, WTAMU receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A major draw for this program is its hybrid offerings. That is, you may be able to combine baccalaureate and master’s degree programs to earn both degrees in less time. With a variety of subjects in the online curriculum, WTAMU also appeals to students with many different academic goals. Still, at more than $7,500 for in-state tuition, WTAMU is the most expensive of our top-three online programs.

4. AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

American Public University

American Public University may be the first entry on our list that you haven’t heard of before. Even though it doesn’t have the name recognition of West Texas A&M or the University of North Florida, APU offers many advantages to motivated online learners. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, APU offers more than 200 online degrees and educational certificates. That number is significantly higher than most other programs on our list. However, the real benefit of attending APU is its flexibility. Courses start in every month of the calendar year, meaning you don’t have to wait to begin your college career. For budgeting purposes, plan to pay around $7,000 for in-state tuition at APU.

5. COLLEGE OF COASTAL GEORGIA

College of Coastal Georgia

With accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the College of Coastal Georgia offers a variety of educational programs for its online students. Still, you can only pursue a bachelor’s degree at CCG, as the school does not yet have associate or doctoral programs. Nonetheless, the robust curriculum includes both hard and soft sciences in addition to business and language programs. Even better, like West Texas A&M University, the school entices learners with hybrid programs that combine disciplines. And, at only approximately $3,800 for in-state tuition, CCG is the most affordable school on our list.

6. OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Oregon State University

If you want to earn a degree from an online school that has a deep alumni base and significant tradition, Oregon State University is a good bet. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, OSU boasts more than 40 degree programs. Not only can you pursue a bachelor’s degree, you can work on post-graduate learning as well. If you are looking to obtain a professional certificate, OSU has those, too. The true advantage of taking classes at OSU is its support of distance learners. The technical, career and educational assistance you receive is virtually unbeatable. Nonetheless, with an in-state tuition price tag starting at about $10,400, OSU is the most expensive online program in our survey.

7. UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

University of Arkansas

With accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, the University of Arkansas offers a well-respected place to pursue both undergraduate and graduate-level degrees. Meanwhile, faculty at the University of Arkansas work hard to blur the difference between conventional and distance learning. If you enroll in the school’s online program, you choose courses in a variety of subjects. While the Ph.D. offerings are somewhat limited, the school does work with students who plan to transfer. If you want to earn an online degree at the University of Arkansas, plan to pay an in-state tuition rate of about $8,800.

8. SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

Sam Houston State University

If you need a financial scholarship to pursue your college degree, check out Sam Houston State University. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, SHSU offers a variety of financial assistance programs to help distance learners. Even though SHSU is financially feasible for many students, it offers a robust program, consisting of more than 40 degree programs. Whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s or a doctoral degree, plan to pay around $7,700 in in-state tuition.

9. EASTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY

Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University receives accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and University. With a variety of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, the school has something for virtually everyone. Its most popular master’s degree options are an MBA, an ME in Education and an MA in Teaching. Meanwhile, at about $8,000 in in-state tuition, EOU is moderately priced.

10. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

Southeast Missouri State University

While Southeast Missouri State University is the final online school in our survey, we could have included many other quality programs. We placed SEMSU on the list because of its affordability. At only $7,000 in in-state tuition charges, the online program is reasonably priced. It is also comprehensive, allowing students to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in many different fields.

UNIVERSITY NAME

IMAGE

RATING

DETAILS

1. FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

Fort Hays State University

2. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA

University of North Florida

3. WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

West Texas A&M University

4. AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

American Public University

5. COLLEGE OF COASTAL GEORGIA

College of Coastal Georgia

6. OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Oregon State University

7. UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

University of Arkansas

8. SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

Sam Houston State University

9. EASTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY

Eastern Oregon University

10. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

Southeast Missouri State University

BUYER’S GUIDE

Choosing the right online accredited school for you involves some personal decisions. First, you must think about what you want to study. If a program does not offer that course or program, it probably isn’t right for you. Then, you must think about overall cost. Remember, tuition isn’t the only expense you must pay. On the contrary, you must budget for books, computers, internet services, living expenses and other costs.

Before selecting an online college, try to speak with admissions officials at a few schools. If you can, ask to meet with a current student to set realistic expectations. Then, review career statistics to see how much return you can expect on your educational investment.

Whether you choose to attend one of the top 10 accredited online colleges on our list or to enroll in a different program, you can’t lose by continuing your education. By considering all facets of an online school and carefully weighing your options, you will likely make the best decision for you and your career.