Thomas Broderick is a freelance writer and the owner of Broderick Writer LLC. He creates study guides, informational websites, and blog posts for clients in the education field. Thomas is also a published author of over 20 short stories and a member ...
Danika Miller is a senior writer at Affordable Colleges Online. Her writing has also appeared in BestColleges, Grad School Hub, Best Value Schools, Accredited Schools Online, and Her Campus. Her financial expertise has been featured in The Simple Dol...
Lonnie Woods III is a multi-hyphenate student affairs administrator, educator, and professional development consultant with more than 10 years of experience in the education field. Lonnie has expertise in the K-12 and higher education settings as wel...
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10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
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from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025
Florida International University
Miami, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Florida International University (FIU) is a distance education pioneer, offering online courses for over 25 years. The school hosts more than 60 fully online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including top-ranked programs in psychology and business. FIU students benefit from varied scholarship options and strong support for adult learners and veterans.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $2,299
Out of State | $8,499
Why Students Choose FIU:
Student Success Coaching: Advisors help online learners set and meet academic goals.
24-7 Technology Support: FIU offers comprehensive assistance with online learning platforms and tools.
Flexible Start Dates: Many programs offer several start dates throughout the year
Know Before You Enroll:
Higher Out-of-State Tuition: Nonresident undergraduates pay a higher tuition rate per credit than Florida residents.
Test Scores Required: SAT or ACT scores are required for undergraduate applicants.
Scholarships Available: Online students can apply for many of the same scholarships as on-campus students.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,168
Out-of-state
$18,566
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$911
Out-of-state
$2,003
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
54,085
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
4 years
Campus
What Sets It Apart:
In operation since 1998, The Pennsylvania State University's World Campus boasts a long history of distance education. The school offers more than 70 online programs in engineering, healthcare, and business. Most online classes are fully asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework at any time.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $7,678-$8,288
Out of State | $7,678-$8,288
Why Students Choose Penn State:
Student Services: Online students can take advantage of academic advising, career counseling, and disability services.
Strong Alumni Network: Penn State grads join one of the largest alumni networks in the country.
Support for Military Students: Penn State offers strong support for active-duty military service members and veterans, including specialized admissions and financial aid counseling.
Know Before You Enroll:
No Out-of-State Tuition: Online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of state residence.
Accessible Scholarships: Students can apply for many awards with just one application.
Payment Plans Available: Penn State allows students to pay their tuition in monthly installments.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,400
Out-of-state
$25,084
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$23,189
Out-of-state
$39,248
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
88,914
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
A top-ranked public college with a sizable distance education program, the University of Florida (UF) emphasizes flexibility, affordability, and community for online students. Students can choose from fully online bachelor's and master's programs in technology, science, healthcare, and more. UF offers varied experiential learning activities for online students, such as internships and research opportunities.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $1,950
Out of State | $8,295
Why Students Choose UF:
Dedicated Community: Online students can meet one another and receive community support through the UF Online Plaza.
Flexible Enrollment Options: You can take classes in a variety of formats, including full time, part time, and asynchronous.
Academic Advising: UF offers dedicated online advising and boasts a low student-to-advisor ratio.
Know Before You Enroll:
Higher Out-of-State Tuition: Students outside Florida pay a higher online tuition rate.
Tuition Waivers Available: UF offers tuition discounts and waivers for veterans, undocumented students, and other groups.
Optional Fee Package: Online students can pay extra to access campus resources like health services and recreation facilities.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,477
Out-of-state
$25,694
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,770
Out-of-state
$27,335
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
24%
Students Enrolled
54,814
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025
Arizona State University
Scottsdale, AZ
4 years
Online
What Sets It Apart:
One of the country's largest online education providers, Arizona State University (ASU) boasts more than 100,000 online alums. The school offers over 150 online degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Online learners benefit from flexible credit transfer policies and accelerated degree completion options.
Cost per Semester: In State | $3,052-$4,234 Out of State | $3,052-$4,234
Why Students Choose ASU:
Online Community: ASU offers online groups based around academics, identity, and career paths.
24-7 Mental Health Resources: Online students receive on-demand counseling and other mental health resources.
Global Internships: Study-abroad internships are available for many online majors.
Know Before You Enroll:
No Out-of-State Tuition: Students pay the same tuition rate regardless of where they live.
Strong Scholarships and Financial Aid: About 80% of ASU students receive some type of scholarship, grant, or other financial aid.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,978
Out-of-state
$13,248
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,972
Out-of-state
$9,972
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
62,551
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM
4 years
Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
New Mexico State University's (NSMU) Global Campus offers more than 50 online degrees in technology, education, agriculture, and consumer services. Many online programs offer credit for prior learning, allowing students to receive academic credit for job training, existing skills, and other life experiences.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $5,931
Out of State | $5,931
Why Students Choose NMSU:
Convenience: NMSU offers fully online programs with no campus requirements.
Student Resources: Online support services include tutoring, disability access, and health and wellness counseling.
Support for Diverse Students: NMSU is designated a Hispanic-serving and FirstGen Forward-recognized institution.
Know Before You Enroll:
Scholarship Opportunities: The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship may cover up to 100% of tuition for state residents returning to college.
Limited Out-of-State Enrollment: Residents of certain states may have limited online enrollment options at NMSU.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,728
Out-of-state
$25,055
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,184
Out-of-state
$18,023
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
14,779
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN
4 years
Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Geared toward working adult students, Purdue Global offers career-focused degree programs fully online. The school offers asynchronous and live class options to accommodate different learning styles. Several programs offer an accelerated, competency-based format that allows students to test out of course content they already understand.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $5,565
Out of State | $5,565
Why Students Choose Purdue Global:
Frequent Start Dates: New academic terms start every month.
Credit for Prior Learning: Students can earn credit for previous experience, such as job training.
Career Support: Purdue's Center for Career Advancement can help with career planning and job hunting.
Know Before You Enroll:
Open Admissions: No SAT or ACT scores are required to apply.
Free Trial Available: Interested students can try the online course format for up to three weeks for free.
Fast Completion Time: On average, online learners take two years to complete a bachelor's degree.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$13,356
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,472
Out-of-state
$10,524
Retention Rate
17%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
45,125
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA
4 years
Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Louisiana State University (LSU) offers online degrees at all academic levels, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. Programs in popular areas of study, including business, engineering, and human services, train online learners for immediate employment after graduation. LSU graduates join a professional network of over 225,000 alums.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $5,985
Out of State | $5,985
Why Students Choose LSU:
Flexible Enrollment: Six start dates are offered per year.
100% Online Format: No campus visits are required for any online degree programs.
Enrollment Support: Online enrollment coaches can help distance learners navigate the application process.
Know Before You Enroll:
Flat-Rate Tuition: There are no extra charges for out-of-state students.
Stackable Credit Options: Credits earned through certificate programs can be applied toward LSU's online degree programs.
Limited Online Scholarship Opportunities: While online students can access financial aid, scholarships are only available for public health students.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,038
Out-of-state
$24,731
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,132
Out-of-state
$9,132
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
39,418
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD
4 years
Online
What Sets It Apart:
University ofMaryland Global Campus (UMGC) has offered adult education since 1947 and online classes since the 1990s. An early adopter of distance education, the school now offers dozens of online degrees in fields including education, public safety, and healthcare. UMGC also maintains more than 175 in-person education centers worldwide, offering hybrid courses, advising, and testing services.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $4,860
Out of State | $7,485
Why Students Choose UMGC:
Credit for Life Experience: Students can gain academic credit for prior learning, job training, and military experience.
Few Required Textbooks: Most online courses utilize free digital materials.
Student Organizations: Online learners can join academic organizations, professional societies, and community groups.
Know Before You Enroll:
Open Admissions: UMCG does not require SAT, ACT, or GRE scores for admission.
Transfer Friendly: Up to 90 transfer credits are accepted for bachelor's degree candidates.
Higher Out-of-State Tuition: Out-of-state students pay higher tuition rates than Maryland residents.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,488
Out-of-state
$11,976
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,252
Out-of-state
$11,862
Retention Rate
43%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
55,838
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Kennesaw State University (KSU) offers 38 online degree programs, including uncommon options such as information security and assurance and computer game design and development. Students benefit from advising and registration counseling, as KSU offers support at every stage of their education. Most courses use a fully asynchronous format, though some may include synchronous elements, such as live virtual lectures.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $3,474
Out of State | $10,929
Why Students Choose KSU:
Online Community: KSU offers community opportunities for distance learners through its OWL Life platform.
Well-Being Resources: Online students can access disability services, mental health counseling, and other wellness services.
Online Tutoring: KSU provides online tutoring in all academic subjects and college preparation topics.
Know Before You Enroll:
Admission Requirements: SAT or ACT scores are required for applicants with a GPA below 3.2.
Occasional In-Person Requirements: Some programs are 95% online and require occasional campus visits for orientations, internships, or other activities.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,562
Out-of-state
$19,630
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,328
Out-of-state
$19,188
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
45,152
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities 2025
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
4 years
Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
The University of Cincinnati (UC) offers online degree programs designed specifically for working students. The school's online degree options include business, healthcare, and human services. Nearly all programs use a fully asynchronous delivery mode, and UC offers courses in both seven-week and 14-week formats.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $3,632-$7,063
Out of State | $3,812-$7,243
Why Students Choose UC:
Fully Online Curriculum: Nearly all programs are 100% online, requiring no campus visits.
Support for First-Generation Students: First-generation college students comprise over a quarter of all UC graduates.
Comprehensive Advising: Online students have access to enrollment advising and student success coaching.
Know Before You Enroll:
GPA Requirement: Most undergraduate programs require a GPA of 2.5 or higher for admission.
No Dedicated Online Scholarships: UC does not offer scholarships specifically for online students.
Tuition Guarantee: UC locks in tuition for the length of a student's bachelor's program.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,892
Out-of-state
$27,226
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,224
Out-of-state
$24,966
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
43,976
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Our Methodology
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric — affordability — accounts for 60% of our formula on our most affordable rankings. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
Advances in online learning allow students to pursue an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. These degrees use the same curriculum as on-campus programs.
Some online college programs may use a hybrid curriculum, particularly for degrees that may require lab work or in-person experience. In-person requirements may include an on-campus seminar, internship, or other hands-on experience.
The best colleges offer a variety of online programs in different fields, such as healthcare, business, liberal arts, and STEM.
Working with college advisors can help you explore majors that align with your education and career goals. Some schools let you complement an online degree with a second major or minor.
Online colleges appeal to many groups, such as parents or caretakers and full-time professionals. Asynchronous online education can benefit these and other potential learners tremendously. This learning style lets you view lectures and complete assignments when convenient.
Online school may not be ideal if you learn best in an in-person, social environment. On-campus instruction may also benefit you if you learn better by engaging with lectures rather than just watching them.
Define Your Goals
Define your personal, educational, and professional goals before applying to online colleges. Doing so helps you narrow your school search and focus on programs that meet your unique needs.
You can define your goals in many ways, such as through performing self-reflection, speaking with family members, and consulting your employer's human resources department.
Choose a Major
Use your goals to find the major you need for career success. Narrow your school search by eliminating those lacking the major that interests you.
Your school may offer your major with one or more concentrations. A concentration lets you gain specialized knowledge and affects which careers you can pursue after graduation.
Compare Accredited Schools
Limiting your search to accredited online colleges helps you avoid potential downfalls. Attending an unaccredited school means you may not qualify for federal financial aid, even if you prove need. Employers may not hire you if you earned a degree from an unaccredited institution.
Fortunately, many online colleges feature a website describing their accreditation status. Organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation can help you research a college's accreditation status.
Consider Your Budget
Your choice of college could be influenced by financial factors. Degree costs vary widely by program and school. For example, bachelor's programs generally cost more than associate programs and private schools usually charge more than public schools.
In 2022, a bachelor's degree cost an average of $9,700 per year in tuition and fees at public, in-state colleges, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Alternatively, private colleges cost an average of $38,800 in tuition and fees.
Online Colleges By State
Choosing an online college in your state can help lower tuition costs and make it possible to attend hybrid programs or use on-campus resources.
Yes, if you know what you want to do with your degree and attend an accredited online school. Remember that online education may offer other advantages, such as lower tuition and no commuting costs. You also receive the same academic and career resources available to on-campus degree-seekers.
How do I choose the best online college?
Choosing the best online college involves selecting a major and knowing what resources you need for academic and career success. Even some great schools may not meet all of your personal requirements.
Do not forget about financial aid, as some colleges offer online students tuition discounts and other benefits. Attending an accredited school also lets you apply for federal grants and loans.
What's the easiest online college to get into?
Online colleges with open admissions accept all applicants who meet basic admission requirements, such as a high school diploma or GED. You need not submit standardized test scores or recommendation letters to apply.
Accredited colleges with open admissions offer the same advantages as other online schools, such as access to federal financial aid, transfer pathways, and student services.
Are online degrees taken seriously?
Yes, online degrees are taken seriously if a school holds proper accreditation. These schools award online degrees with requirements identical to on-campus programs. Employers and other colleges should view your degree the same as any other.
Protect yourself against diploma mills and non-accredited online schools by researching institutions' accreditation status.
What is the fastest online degree to get?
Full-time students can complete an online associate degree in two years. You can graduate in about 18 months if you enroll in an accelerated track or take classes during the summer term. These options may not appeal to you if you work or care for family members while in school.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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