Best Online Colleges for Working Adults of 2026
A college degree can mean new job opportunities and a boost in earning potential. However, as a working adult, going back to school while balancing professional responsibilities can be challenging.
Online college programs make it easier to finish your degree, giving you access to an excellent education from home. With flexible scheduling options, affordable tuition rates, and generous transfer credit policies, online colleges are a great option for working adults. Our ranking evaluates the colleges that offer the best online degree programs for working adults.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Degree Programs for Working Adults
What defines the best online degree programs for working adults? Working students benefit from flexible course options, generous transfer credit policies, and affordable tuition.
San Jose State University — Best School to Finish Your Bachelor's Degree
- San Jose, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers Nine Two-Year Degree Completion Programs With Fixed Tuition Rates
SJSU Online offers nine degree completion programs to help you finish your bachelor’s degree. Designed for working adults with some college experience, these programs have eight-week terms, are primarily asynchronous, and typically take approximately two years to complete. SJSU Online offers enrollment counselors to guide you through program selection, credit transfer, and admissions, as well as provide ongoing support throughout your program.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500-$550
Out-of-State | $500-$550
Why Students Choose SJSU Online:
- Degree Completion: Finish your degree in about two years with nine programs, including business administration, anthropology, and public relations.
- Personal Support: Get one-on-one help with program selection, credit transfer, and admissions, plus advising, tutoring, and career services throughout your program.
- Transfer-Friendly: Use your previous college credits to save time and money and avoid retaking courses.
Know Before You Enroll:
- The online BS in information science and data analytics uses 16-week courses, unlike the other eight programs, which use 8-week courses.
- Some programs are self-paced, while others include live online classes.
- International students enrolled at SJSU Online are not eligible for an I-20 or student visa.
65%
$ 6,450
87%
$19,770
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 37,661
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Colorado Denver — Best School for Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees in Liberal Arts, Science, and Education
- Denver, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Choose From 25+ Programs From Two Different CU Denver Departments
CU Denver offers 10 online bachelor's and 17 online master's programs through two departments: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Education & Human Development. Options include fields such as psychology, STEM education, and research and evaluation methods. CU Denver's programs are offered in flexible eight-week course formats, with part-time and full-time options available..
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $480-$519
Out-of-State | $576-$623
Why Students Choose UC Denver:
- Degree Variety: Choose from over 25 programs, spanning education, business, liberal arts, sciences, and more.
- Strong Outcomes: UC Denver reports that 83% of undergraduates and 88% of graduate students find jobs within six months of graduation.
- Low Grad Tuition: Pay lower tuition rates as a graduate student compared to undergraduate students.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Out-of-state students usually pay higher tuition, but residents of participating states can get discounted rates through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP).
- Course delivery may be asynchronous or synchronous; be sure to check your program page to confirm.
50%
$ 9,096
71%
$27,288
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,409
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Florida Online — Best School for Customizable, Flexible Learning
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Customize Your Course Loads and Pay the Same Tuition Whether Studying Full- or Part-Time
UF Online stands out for having flexible learning options for its 25 online degree programs. You can study asynchronously and complete coursework at your convenience. If life gets busy, you can pause enrollment for up to two terms without reapplying. UF Online also allows you to flex your course load without incurring extra fees.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129-$484
Out-of-State | $553-$566
Why Students Choose UF Online:
- Flexible Learning: Study asynchronously on your time or take up to two consecutive terms off without reapplying.
- Custom Course Loads: Take as few as 3-6 credits or as many as 15-18 per term, depending on your preferences or schedule.
- Affordable Tuition: Tuition rates stay the same whether you study part-time or full-time
Know Before You Enroll:
- Most courses are asynchronous, but some may be synchronous and require attendance at a certain time.
- Tuition waivers and aid are available for military members, dependents, and other eligible students.
N/A
$ 3,358
94%
$15,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,462
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Illinois Springfield — Most Affordable School to Start Your Undergraduate or Graduate Degree
- Springfield, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Lowest Tuition Rates for Out-of-State Learners of all Degree Levels
The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) stands out for its affordable online degrees, with the same low tuition for all students, regardless of residency. UIS offers over 30 online bachelor's and master's programs, including accounting, business administration, and computer science. It also provides a Prairie Promise free tuition program for qualified Illinois students enrolled on campus.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465-$513
Out-of-State | $465-$513
Why Students Choose UIS Online:
- Affordable Tuition: UIS offers the lowest out-of-state tuition rates for its undergraduate and graduate programs for all online students, regardless of where you reside.
- Flexible Learning: Complete lectures, assignments, and discussions at your convenience, with the option to attend real-time lectures and discussions.
- Small Class Sizes: Receive personalized attention from faculty and staff, and benefit from a more individualized learning experience.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Most UIS courses are asynchronous and do not require live attendance.
- UIS’s Prairie Promise free tuition program is only available for on-campus students, not online learners.
83%
$ 9,645
81%
$19,410
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,661
- Institution Type
- Public
University of New Mexico — Best School for Working Adults Looking for Online Accelerated Programs
- Albuquerque, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers 20+ Accelerated Programs to Help You Launch Your Career Sooner
UNM Online offers 13 bachelor's programs and 15 master's programs, including 21 accelerated options. Designed for working adults, the accelerated courses are fast-paced but flexible. Each term lasts eight weeks, has multiple start dates, and is primarily asynchronous. As New Mexico’s top research university, UNM provides high-quality, affordable degrees and strong support for first-generation and underrepresented students.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $399-$432
Out-of-State | $399-$432
Why Students Choose UNM Online:
- Finish Faster: Accelerated, eight-week terms allow you to finish your degree program faster so you can enter the workforce quickly.
- Flexible Courses: With mostly asynchronous courses, you can balance your studies with other commitments, such as work or family obligations.
- Inclusive and Supportive: UNM is known for serving first-generation and underrepresented students.
Know Before You Enroll:
- The tuition rates above apply to accelerated programs; other online programs may have different costs.
- As an R1 university, you can expect a rigorous, research-focused curriculum that emphasizes theory and academic depth.
56%
$ 8,589
75%
$31,738
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,596
- Institution Type
- Public
Price Check 
Do you have transfer credits? Choose an affordable online college to finish a bachelor’s degree for as little as $3,300-$5,500.
How to Make College More Affordable as a Working Adult
College can be expensive. But you can make college more affordable by choosing an affordable program, maximizing your transfer credits, and applying for transfer credits. Working while in school can also help you cover tuition and other expenses.
1. Research Tuition Rates
An online format can save you money. You can research tuition rates and choose the most affordable program, regardless of location. Start by checking public colleges in your state, which generally offer the lowest tuition rates. And make sure to factor in fees, textbook costs, and other expenses.
2. Maximize Transfer Credits
Earning a bachelor’s degree requires at least 120 credits. Many online colleges allow up to 90 transfer credits, which means you can finish a bachelor’s degree in as little as one year. Ask for a transcript evaluation to see how many transfer credits you’ll receive at different colleges.
3. Earn Credit for Prior Learning
You can receive credit for work, military, and even volunteer experience. Industry certifications and workplace training programs might also translate into college credits. Look into the credit for prior learning policies at prospective online colleges. Some may require an examination or portfolio review.
4. Work While in School
Working while pursuing a degree can help you pay for school. That’s because you’ll bring in a paycheck that can help cover costs. Many adult learners rely on savings or income to pay for their degree. And working while in school also means you won’t have a gap in your work history.
5. Apply for Financial Aid
Online students — including working adults — can apply for financial aid. If you attend an accredited institution, you’ll qualify for many forms of financial aid, including federal grants and loans. Scholarships can also lower the cost of your degree. Some institutions also offer financial aid to make college affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Degrees for Working Adults
Yes, you can work full-time while going to college. Many online degree programs are specifically designed with working adults in mind. Of course, it’s a big time commitment to earn a degree while working, but it can be rewarding to progress in your career without forfeiting income.
Many degree programs offer asynchronous courses so you can fit them into your schedule, while others have evening and weekend classes. Coursework policies and deadlines vary by program, but many offer enough flexibility to allow you to balance work and study.
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