Best Accredited Online Colleges of November 2024

Launch your career with an online degree program.

Ready to start your online degree? Compare our top choices for accredited online colleges and choose the one that suits you the most.

Last updated November 2024

Comparing Online and On-Campus Education

Earning a degree online provides students with the flexibility and convenience to enhance their education and career opportunities. With a wide selection of courses available, students can learn at their own pace and from any device. Discover the unique advantages of online degrees and how they cater to your individual learning preferences.

Essential Information About Accredited Online Colleges

Accredited online universities have been established for years and continue to grow in popularity. The key takeaway about accredited online education is that it mirrors the experience of a traditional university—just in a digital format. Many top-rated online universities are the virtual extensions of well-known, brick-and-mortar institutions.

Advantages of Online Universities

If the top online colleges are simply digital versions of the best traditional institutions, you might wonder why anyone would choose online education. The reality is, there are numerous benefits to earning a degree online.

Convenience

Traditional universities require physical attendance, often necessitating relocation across the country. In contrast, online universities allow you to study from anywhere with an internet connection, giving you the freedom to live and work wherever you choose while earning your degree.

Adapting to remote learning might take some time, as people still search for phrases like “online college near me” and “college near me online,” as though location matters in online education. However, once you embrace the flexibility of studying from your chosen location, you’ll find it hard to imagine why anyone would prefer attending classes in person.

Flexibility

A significant advantage of online education is its flexibility. At traditional schools, students are bound to the class schedules set by their professors. Online courses, however, are often available on-demand, allowing you to access them at your convenience and even revisit sessions if needed.

Quality online colleges offer the flexibility to tailor your education around your work schedule. Whether you work during the day and study at night, or need to take classes part-time, the best accredited online colleges adapt to your lifestyle.

Affordability

The cost of a university education has skyrocketed, with many private institutions charging over $40,000 per year in tuition and fees. Online colleges, without the overhead costs of traditional campuses, can offer significantly lower tuition and fees.

Additionally, studying online means you avoid the extra expenses associated with on-campus learning. Online degree programs eliminate dorm fees, dining expenses, and charges for on-campus facilities you may never use. Plus, commuting costs are nonexistent when attending an accredited online university from the comfort of your home.

13,060
Students found and applied to their desired program last year using our education matching.
Some of the Fastest Growing Occupations
(Based on growth from 2021-2031)
46%
Nurse Practitioners
36%
Data Scientists
35%
Information Security Analysts
33%
Statisticians
30%
Web Developers
28%
Medican and Health Services Managers
28%
Physician Assistants
23%
Operations Research Managers
15%
Personal Finance Advisors
15%
Preschool Teachers
15%
Social and Community Services Managers
11%
Rehabilitation Counselors
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm
(see tab 4 of specific occupation)
10%
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
$77,740
10%
Social Workers
$50,390
26%
Software Developers
$120,730
8%
Human Resources Specialists
$62,290
9%
Financial Analysts
$95,570
14%
Respiratory Therapists
$61,830
11%
Forensic Science Technicians
$61,930
7%
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
$62,420
14%
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
$56,230
24%
Physical Thereapist Assistants
$49,180
22%
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselors
$48,520
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder.htm
(see tabs 5 and 6 of specific occupation)