10 Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

The best online colleges offer a great education at an affordable price. Learn more about choosing a school and program that meets your needs.
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Updated March 13, 2024

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

The best colleges offer an excellent education you can use to start or advance your career. However, not everyone can pause their lives to earn a degree. The best online universities offer a solution, letting you complete your education while working or juggling other responsibilities.

Online schools help you succeed by providing classes and student services tailored specifically to remote learners. The best programs also feature personal and professional growth opportunities, such as internships close to home.

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.

Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Best Online Colleges and Universities

#1 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $330
Out-of-State | $330

Credits to Graduate: 120

Online students can save money on out-of-state tuition at this private university. You'll pay a flat tuition rate at Southern New Hampshire University, which also offers a 30% tuition discount for active duty military.

You can earn your degree in business, social science, healthcare, or another field. There are no set class times, allowing you to complete your courses on your own time. In addition, SNHU stands out for its transfer-friendly policies that allow up to 90 transfer credits toward a 120-credit bachelor's degree. Online learners can submit the FAFSA to qualify for grants and other forms of financial aid. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,000
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,900
Out-of-state
$18,900
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
145,533
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#2 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553

Credits to Graduate: 120

You'll save 40% attending online compared to on-campus students at this public university. University of Florida Online offers the same degrees taught by the same faculty as on-campus students in a flexible, affordable format. And you'll also qualify for financial aid.

UF Online prioritizes flexibility, letting students take as little as 3 credits per term or as much as 18 credits. You can choose from 25 online majors and specialize your degree with one of 11 minors. And distance learners can complete internships in their local area to network and gain hands-on experience.

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
30%
Students Enrolled
55,781
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

#3 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $153
Out-of-State | $567

Credits to Graduate: 120

Pay for college with grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid at this Miami public university. Students at FIU Online qualify for many financial aid options, including the Funds for Books program that covers the cost of books and supplies. 

You'll take interactive classes with a flexible format at FIU. And you'll benefit from dozens of online academic programs, including business, the social sciences, and education. Or earn a unique hospitality management degree and specialize in cruise line operations, entertainment management, or mega-events.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% 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 of 2024

Purdue University Global

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $280
Out-of-State | $315-$371

Credits to Graduate: 180 credits

At Purdue Global, students have access to a sweeping catalog of flexible and affordable degrees. Students can save money through in-state tuition discounts, reduced rates for military personnel, and credit for work experience. Transfer students from partnering community colleges may receive tuition reductions as well. 

Undergraduate majors include accounting, aviation management, health and wellness, and early childhood administration. 

Purdue Global's ExcelTrack programs allow you to earn a degree at your own pace. That means you can quickly move through the courses you know and save money in the process. You also can spend more time on a course if needed.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$13,356
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,730
Out-of-state
$9,700
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
43,458
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

Pennsylvania State University

  • University Park, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $626-$671
Out-of-State | $626-$671

Credits to Graduate: 120

Penn State World Campus emphasizes affordability as much as rigor. The school calculates tuition based on the number of credits you plan to take and transfer. 

There's no distinction between your in-state or out-of-state residency status. You pay affordable tuition and can save even more by transferring credits from former programs. Plus, Penn State World Campus participates in federal financial aid and other programs. 

You can choose to pursue an undergraduate major like business, economics, biobehavioral health, or functional data analytics. That's just a sampling of the online school's 175 programs.

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

#6 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

San Diego State University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $492-552
Out-of-State | $492-552

Credits to Graduate: 120

As a San Diego State University student, you can qualify for federal aid and California grants. By enrolling in qualifying SDSU Global Campus programs, you can apply for Cal Grant A and B or a Pell Grant. Eligible programs include bachelor's degree completion programs in economics, engineering, business, public health, communication, and more.

These flexible programs meet the requirements for several financial aid options. Students can also apply for almost 700 scholarships offered by the public university. SDSU advisors partner with degree-seekers to explore funding options and find financial solutions. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
38%
Students Enrolled
36,484
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
64% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#7 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $442
Out-of-State | $442

Credits to Graduate: 120

University of Minnesota offers 18 fully online bachelor's programs. Minnesota residents and out-of-state students pay the same affordable per-credit tuition rate. If eligible, you can use financial aid such as federal loans and scholarships to fund your education.

UMN's online degree options include criminal justice, software engineering, English, and finance majors. The school's strong business program offers IT, health, and manufacturing management degrees. Or you may prefer an applied studies degree designed for transfer students with a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in an occupational field. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,532
Out-of-state
$32,096
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,844
Out-of-state
$27,612
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
52,376
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

Florida Atlantic University

  • Boca Raton, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $203
Out-of-State | $722

Credits to Graduate: 120

Textbooks can add a lot to your college costs. At Florida Atlantic University Online, faculty lower the cost of online courses by aiming for a maximum course material cost of $20 per credit. That could potentially save you hundreds of dollars while earning your bachelor's degree. And if you're a Florida resident, you'll pay one of the lowest tuition rates for online colleges.

Choose from undergraduate programs in business, public safety administration, or nursing. FAU also offers majors in nursing, computer science, and interdisciplinary studies.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,522
Out-of-state
$14,374
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,467
Out-of-state
$16,695
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
30,155
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

University of Missouri

  • Columbia, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $542-$692
Out-of-State | $659-$809

Credits to Graduate: 120

You can graduate from University of Missouri at an affordable price, thanks to financial aid. Missouri Online, a consortium of four public colleges in Missouri, designs its online programs for busy learners. Online students attending this accredited university qualify for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid.

Mizzou encourages you to submit the FAFSA to qualify for financial aid. The public institution also provides mentoring and financial aid advising to help you pay for your degree. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,017
Out-of-state
$28,992
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,950
Out-of-state
$27,245
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
31,401
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 10 Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2024

University of Utah

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $260
Out-of-State | $260

Credits to Graduate: 122

You'll pay one of the most affordable tuition rates at UOnline, where Utah residents and out-of-state students pay the same low tuition rate. Make progress toward your degree by accessing student services and working with advisors. You can also connect with the career and professional development center to plan your career path.

As an online student, you'll qualify for the same federal financial aid as on-campus students. Some academic departments also offer scholarships for distance learners. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,749
Out-of-state
$27,201
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,970
Out-of-state
$24,607
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
34,464
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Methodology

At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.

You can learn more about our school ranking methodology here.


Types of Online Degrees

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.

Popular Online Degrees

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.


  1. Accounting
  2. Business Administration
  3. Criminal Justice
  4. Education
  5. English
  6. Liberal Arts (General Studies)
  7. Marketing
  8. Nursing
  9. Psychology
  10. Social Work

Choosing an Online College That's Right for You

Choosing the right online college involves researching online learning, defining goals, choosing a major, and comparing accredited schools. Consulting friends, family, and coworkers can also help you find the right program.

Decide Whether Online College Is the Right Format

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges

Are online colleges worth it?

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.


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online. Page last reviewed December 5, 2023.

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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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