Why Choose an Online College?
You may choose an online college because of its flexibility, diversity in curricula, and affordability. Online education continues to expand, with 75% of all undergrads taking at least one course online in 2020. The Brookings Institution also finds that the global pandemic has profoundly impacted online education quality, generating increased technical proficiency and learning style adaptability.
Online colleges and degrees are also respected by employers, making them even more appealing.
You can choose programs in popular fields, including business, psychology, biology, history, and nursing. While some majors require an onsite supervised internship or practicum, a program advisor can help you find opportunities near your home. You may also choose from traditional programs or accelerated degrees which may cut the time you spend in college by almost half, depending on the degree level and your prior experience.
Online Colleges vs In-Person Programs
Online colleges and in-person programs are relatively comparable, but some key differences exist. For example, there may be greater accessibility to online programs if your course of study is unavailable locally or if you have challenges navigating a college campus due to a disability. These factors can also lend to the convenience of attending school online, especially if you work full-time and balance other responsibilities.
Accredited online colleges and in-person programs typically offer the same academic rigor and are often taught by the same instructors. However, online colleges may have a unique advantage over in-person programs because they can host instructors and guest speakers worldwide to share their expertise and enhance your learning experience.
For more information about studying online, explore our Guide to Starting Your Online Education, where we cover the online learning format.
Which Colleges Are Completely Online?
Aspen University, Shiloh University, and California Coast University are completely online and are the top three most affordable schools on our list. The top three most popular schools include Western Governors University and Southern New Hampshire University which are both 100% online, and the University of Phoenix, which is primarily online but may require some on-campus work. Our list offers a mix of accredited nonprofit and for-profit online colleges and universities, including many military-friendly options.
How Many Online Colleges and Universities Are There?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there were 3,928 colleges and universities offering fully or primarily online programs in the U.S. as of 2020. These colleges and universities include public and private, and nonprofit and for-profit institutions.
Online College Accreditation and Legitimacy
Institutional accreditation ensures a school meets high academic standards by passing a voluntary peer review conducted by a DE-recognized agency and is the first step to legitimizing a school. It also means that you are eligible to use your federal financial aid to help pay tuition. Additionally, degree programs may be programmatically accredited by professional organizations ensuring student outcomes meet industry standards.
It's important to note that a few online schools known as "diploma mills" are not legitimate. One way these schools try to disguise themselves is by proclaiming accreditation that's actually from a fictitious agency. Other telltale signs of a diploma mill include a ".com" URL, minimal enrollment requirements or none at all, tuition paid by the degree and not the term or course, and any promises that seem too good to be true — and probably are.
Finding the Right Online College
Finding the right online college is crucial to your success and career potential. However, once you pick a college that's legitimate and accredited, you should consider the following questions before applying:
| Question | Where To Find the Answers |
|---|---|
| Does the school's program include a concentration, area of emphasis, or electives to help you achieve your career goals? | You can usually find this information on OnlineU's program pages or the school website's program page — our degree guides are also a great place to start. |
| Do you prefer asynchronous courses to let you complete assignments on your own time each week, or do you like synchronous classes requiring you to log in at specific days and times? | Course delivery information can usually be found on OnlineU's program pages or the school website's program page. |
| Does the school provide financial aid? What percentage of the student body receives assistance, and what is the average award? | You can find a school's financial aid information at College Navigator. |
| What student services are available to you as an online student and future alumni? | A list of student services can usually be found on the student resources section of a school's website. |
| What are the school's graduation and retention rates? | You can check these numbers on College Scorecard. |
| What is the ROI for graduates? How does the program's cost compare to your potential for increased earnings over the life of your career? | OnlineU's rankings provide ROI and salary information. |
Applying to Online College
Applying to an online college is generally the same as applying to attend on campus. Schools typically require you to submit the following:
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An application and fee of approximately $50
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Academic transcripts
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Entrance exam scores
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An essay
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Reference letters
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A resume
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A portfolio (fine arts students)
Financial Aid for Online Students
Financial aid is available for online students. You can apply for federal aid by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for grants, scholarships, work-study, or low-interest federal student loans with flexible repayment options.
You may also qualify for private scholarships, which are like getting free money that doesn't have to be repaid. Your school may also award scholarships funded by benefactors and former alumni. Your school's financial aid office can help you find scholarships that you may be eligible for.
Other sources of financial aid may include GI Bill® benefits, employer-paid tuition reimbursem*nt programs, and private loans. However, if you apply for private loans, do so with caution, as interest rates can be high and repayment options limited.
