Guide to Self-Paced Online Colleges and Courses
Updated February 28, 2025
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Attending college at your own pace can be a game changer: You don't have to sit in a classroom or study on a traditional college schedule to earn your degree. Instead, you can pursue an education on your own timeline.
Self-paced courses allow you to make your own schedule without deadlines or check-ins until the end of the class. Of course, that requires time management, commitment, and discipline. But if you've got those skills, professional experience, or even transfer credits, a self-paced education can make your first or next degree more accessible. The guide below showcases some notable schools' best self-paced online college courses.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is Self-Paced Learning?
Self-paced learning lets students complete coursework and assignments at their own pace. Unlike the traditional format, in which classes happen at set times, self-paced online courses prioritize flexibility. Learners often watch recorded lectures and videos instead of attending live class sessions. They complete reading assignments, projects, and tests as they finish course materials.
Without set deadlines, students in self-paced classes complete requirements when they feel confident about the material. Like other distance learning programs, self-paced online courses occur in a virtual learning environment. Designed for maximum flexibility, self-paced online college courses help learners arrange coursework around their other responsibilities.
Types of Online Program Formats
What's the difference between self-paced online college and other online programs? Online courses typically fall under two main formats: synchronous and asynchronous. Self-paced is a type of asynchronous format. All self-paced courses are asynchronous, though not all asynchronous courses are self-paced.
Synchronous
Synchronous online learning incorporates live virtual class sessions at scheduled times, which students are expected to attend and participate in. These online classes resemble a traditional classroom experience except that students use a distance learning platform to attend class and complete and submit assignments remotely.
Asynchronous (Paced)
A paced asynchronous learning format includes lectures, assignments, and projects but with no set meeting times. Instead, learners watch recorded videos and interact with classmates on discussion boards. Unlike a self-paced course, this type of asynchronous class uses instructor-led delivery with set deadlines and a term schedule.
Asynchronous (Self-Paced)
In self-paced courses, learners complete materials without set due dates or live class sessions. However, most self-paced classes set a maximum amount of time to finish the course. Self-paced classes appeal to busy students and working professionals who may have personal or professional obligations.
Self-Paced Online Colleges
Explore a selection of nonprofit, accredited four-year schools that offer self-paced online programs or courses below. These schools are unranked and listed alphabetically.
Prospective students should check with prospective schools to learn more about their program offerings.
Columbia College
Founded in 1851, Columbia College offers over 70 fully online programs, including associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, along with certificates and a teacher certification program. Students take eight-week classes in six terms per year, earning their degrees at their own pace. Course materials are available 24/7.
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University, located in central Kansas, offers over 200 online degrees and certificates. Students can take courses in eight-week or 16-week formats. The university offers courses through Blackboard, and students can receive credit for qualifying prior learning experiences.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Founded in 1966, the Metropolitan State University of Denver offers self-paced online classes without deadlines or check-ins. Students advance through the course content entirely at their own pace. Fall and spring courses last 18 weeks, and summer courses take eight weeks.
Purdue University Global
Purdue Global builds on Purdue University's 150 years of educational experience by offering 175 academic programs to online students. Most undergraduate students meet half their requirements through prior learning credits, and new courses begin every month. Learners may try a course for free for three weeks.
University of Florida
University of Florida in Gainesville offers self-paced courses such as beginning Spanish, psychology, and journalism. Students do not need UF admittance to enroll in these classes. Self-guided learners get 16 weeks to finish a class.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers over 150 online programs and over 2,000 online classes. The university's course offerings also include 170 MOOCs through Coursera. Self-paced learners may enroll at any time, but math students should know that they have just 16 weeks to complete their courses.
University of Massachusetts Global
UMass Global offers competency-based education through its MyPath program, which primarily serves working professionals. Self-paced learners take courses on their own schedules and may pursue degrees in business, information technology, and organizational leadership. Instructional strategies include simulations, social learning, data analytics, adaptive learning, and game-based learning.
University of North Dakota
As the largest postsecondary institution in the state, this university hosts more than 14,000 students annually. UND offers self-paced online language courses in German, Norwegian, and Spanish. Students can finish coursework in up to nine months or 12 months if they request a time extension.
Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University offers web-based, paper-based, and semester-long programs where each student learns one-on-one with a professor on a self-paced schedule. Enrollees can transfer up to 90 credits to the university and earn their degrees through an entirely self-paced format. The university offers 12 start dates during the year.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University enrolls 140,000 students and offers degrees in business, education, technology, healthcare, and nursing. The university uses competency-based programs, allowing learners to proceed at their own pace. Most enrollees take 28 months to earn a bachelor's degree.
Five Tips for Self-Paced Program Success
Students used to a more structured learning environment may struggle with a self-paced learning format. Succeeding in self-paced online college degrees requires a different skill set. By planning ahead, creating good study habits, and getting support, learners can thrive in self-paced programs.
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Choose the right program
Prospective students should research programs carefully to find the right fit for their needs. Along with cost, program length, and courses, review each school's accreditation status. Accredited online colleges meet high academic excellence standards and qualify for federal student aid programs.
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Manage your time easily
Time management matters in self-paced online college courses. With no deadlines, students could quickly fall behind. Learners must set their own goals and deadlines to make progress toward their degrees. Many self-paced programs offer guidelines and suggested timelines for completing courses. Pay careful attention to the maximum time allowed for self-paced online courses.
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Establish a good workspace
While you can complete coursework from anywhere with distance education, creating a good workspace should help you focus. Choose a space with limited distractions, good lighting, and solid ergonomics. You may benefit from changing locations while working, but some people prefer to create a single workspace to focus their attention.
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Use campus resources
Online colleges provide many resources to help students succeed, including online tutoring services and writing centers. Distance learners often get access to library resources and academic advising services. Finally, degree-seekers should research their school's career planning services to transition from college into the workforce.
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Seek help
Distance learners struggling with coursework or the self-paced learning format should reach out for help. Instructors, classmates, and academic advisors all help students identify solutions to their struggles. For example, instructors connect learners with extra course resources, while advisors recommend campus resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Paced Online College
Can I do college at my own pace?
Yes, you can complete college courses at your own pace through self-paced online college courses that allow you to complete coursework around other obligations. Some self-paced courses have no set meeting times or due dates, but there is usually a deadline by which you must complete the course.
Depending on the course, you also may need to meet coursework, test, or presentation deadlines, but there's often more flexibility. Some students complete an entire program through self-paced classes, allowing working professionals and busy students to earn degrees.
What is the difference between self-paced and instructor-led courses?
An instructor-led class uses a set schedule, with regular assignments and exams throughout the term. In contrast, self-paced courses let you complete the material on your own schedule without deadlines. Both in-person and online courses can use the instructor-led format, although typically, only online courses are self-paced.
Self-paced courses may include prerecorded videos, reading materials, and other assignments you must complete within a specific timeframe. Classes with a syllabus detailing weekly expectations use the instructor-led format.
Do self-paced courses have completion timelines?
Yes, most self-paced courses set a maximum time to complete the class. Many programs give students up to six months to complete self-paced courses. You will need to meet all class requirements during that time but can move through the coursework at your own pace.
If you have prior knowledge of the subject, you could complete self-paced courses more quickly. That way, you could take multiple self-paced courses to earn credits and graduate faster.
How much do self-paced courses cost?
The cost of a self-paced online course varies by school and degree level. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost per credit at a four-year public institution is $320. Many self-paced courses are three credits, which means you can expect to pay an average of $960 per self-paced course at a four-year public college.
If you take self-paced courses at community colleges, you could save more. NCES reports that in-state tuition at community college averages $119 per credit, or around $357 per self-paced course.
Is it worth attending college at your own pace?
Yes, attending college at your own pace is worth it because it allows you to advance your career on your own terms. Online asynchronous courses can also make it easier to earn a degree while working or meeting personal obligations.
Attending college through self-paced courses also means you don't have to drop out when life gets busy. Instead, you can keep working toward your goals even if you reduce your course load.
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