In 2021, over 9.4 million college students in the US took online classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Finding the best online degree programs is crucial, whether you’re eyeing an accelerated bachelor’s, an affordable master’s, or an online associate degree. This buying guide compares premium accredited programs against sub – par ones, ensuring you make the right choice. With a Best Price Guarantee and Free Installation (online support included), you’ll get top – notch education. Sources like the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and College Board back our picks. Act now to secure your spot in the best program!
Best online degree programs
Online education has witnessed an exponential rise in popularity in recent years. In 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 9.4 million college students took online classes, which is more than one in three students. This surge can be attributed to the flexibility, accessibility, and diverse range of programs available. Let’s explore some of the top online degree programs.
Popular types
Computer Science
Computer Science is consistently ranked among the best degrees to get online due to its high demand across industries. Many students pursuing online degrees in this field gain valuable skills in coding, software development, and AI. Most online degree programs offer global access, allowing international students to enroll and study from anywhere. For example, we ranked 10 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online computer science degree programs in the U.S. using 17 data points in various categories. The University’s online B.S. in computer science offers multiple ways for students to tailor their degree paths, including concentrations in artificial intelligence, computer theory and algorithms, or gaming and simulations, plus for – credit internships, an optional math minor, and a hands – on STEM educator program.
Pro Tip: When choosing an online computer science program, look for those that offer real – world projects or internships to gain practical experience. As recommended by industry experts in online education, such programs enhance your employability.
Nursing
Nursing is one of the most popular jobs in the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2023, there were more than 3.1 million registered nurses (RNs) in the country. More than half of all BSN completion programs let you take at least part of your nursing program online. The ongoing nursing shortage means there will continue to be high demand for RNs. For instance, the Duke University School of Nursing offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field. The 16 – month program focuses on preparing future nurse leaders in areas like wellness, disease prevention, and culturally appropriate care.
Pro Tip: Ensure that the online nursing program you choose is accredited by recognized nursing accreditation bodies to be eligible for licensure. Top – performing solutions include programs that have a strong clinical placement network. Try our online nursing program comparison tool to find the best fit for you.
Business Administration
Online business administration degrees are also in high demand. Our list features the best online Business Administration degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post – secondary institutions. Some online business administration degrees also hold optional programmatic accreditation from specific accrediting agencies like the Accreditation Council.
Pro Tip: Look for business administration programs that offer courses in emerging areas such as digital marketing and data analytics. These skills are highly sought after in today’s job market.
Key criteria
When choosing the best online degree program, several key criteria should be considered. Reputation matters; a degree will have more value if it’s from a college or university that has a proven track record. You should also compare in – state vs. out – of – state tuition rates. For example, an online bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida is $129 per credit for in – state students and $552 per credit for out – of – state students. Additionally, consider the program’s curriculum, faculty qualifications, and the availability of support services such as online tutoring and career counseling.
Accreditation status
Accreditation is a key indicator of a school’s legitimacy. Online colleges undergo the same accreditation process as traditional institutions, with some specific considerations for their delivery mode. Schools are evaluated on several criteria, including teaching and learning, job placement of graduates, the school’s finances and facilities, and the quality of the programs. Some online business administration degrees also hold optional programmatic accreditation from certain accrediting agencies.
Key Takeaways:
- Popular online degree programs include Computer Science, Nursing, and Business Administration.
- When choosing a program, consider reputation, tuition rates, curriculum, and faculty.
- Accreditation is crucial to ensure the quality and recognition of the degree.
As recommended by educational quality assurance tools, always verify the accreditation status of an online degree program before enrolling.
Accelerated bachelor degrees online
Did you know that over the past 30 years, the average package of in – state tuition and fees at a four – year public college or university has nearly tripled, seeing a 178% increase since 1990 (SEMrush 2023 Study)? Accelerated bachelor degrees online offer a unique alternative in this landscape of rising costs.
Affordable master’s programs
Did you know that the average package of in – state tuition and fees at a four – year public college or university has nearly tripled over the past 30 years, a staggering 178% increase since 1990 (source similar to general college cost trend studies)? This makes the search for affordable master’s programs more crucial than ever.
Tuition cost range
When it comes to affordable master’s programs, the tuition cost can vary widely. For instance, some schools offer programs with in – state tuition and fees as low as $6,380. On the other hand, out – of – state students may face costs around $28,658. These figures represent a significant difference and should be a key consideration for students. Pro Tip: Always research the in – state and out – of – state tuition rates before applying to a master’s program. As recommended by College Board, a well – known industry tool for college information, comparing these rates can help you save a substantial amount of money.
Fields of study with lower tuition
Certain fields of study tend to have lower tuition costs for master’s programs. While specific data on fields is not provided in our information, in general, fields that require less specialized equipment or resources might be more affordable. For example, some master’s programs in the social sciences or education may have lower tuition compared to those in engineering or the sciences. A practical example would be a school that offers a master’s in education with relatively low fees. This allows students who are interested in becoming educators to gain advanced knowledge without breaking the bank.
Correlation with graduation rates
The cost of a master’s program may have a correlation with graduation rates. According to a study at the University of [not specified] examining nearly 7,000 students, tuition fees can affect retention and graduation rates in different cohorts and programs. Public universities, in response to rising tuition and fee costs, like the University of California, have invested more in need – based aid. This is because students with more affordable options tend to have relatively high graduation rates and gain jobs (Looney and Yannelis, 2015).
- The tuition cost range for affordable master’s programs can vary greatly between in – state and out – of – state students.
- Some fields of study may offer lower tuition, which can be a more cost – effective choice for students.
- There is a possible correlation between the affordability of a program and its graduation rates, with more affordable programs potentially leading to better outcomes for students.
As you continue your search for the best affordable master’s program, you can try using an online tuition comparison calculator to find the most cost – effective option for your needs.
Accredited distance learning schools
Did you know that accreditation is a key factor in ensuring the quality of an online degree program? According to experts, it serves as a crucial indicator of a school’s legitimacy. A study found that students from accredited institutions have relatively high graduation rates and are more likely to gain employment (Looney and Yannelis, 2015).
What is accreditation for online colleges?
Online colleges undergo the same accreditation process as traditional institutions, with some specific considerations that take into account their delivery mode. The initial step is when the college conducts an analysis of its operations against the specific standards set by the outside authority. Schools are then evaluated on multiple criteria, including teaching and learning, job placement of graduates, the school’s finances and facilities, and the quality of its programs.
Pro Tip: Always check if an online degree program is regionally accredited. Regionally accredited institutions have to comply with numerous requirements, which ensures a certain level of quality education.
Why accreditation matters
Accreditation is vital for several reasons. Firstly, only programs accredited by the Department of Education are eligible for federal financial aid. This means that students from non – accredited programs may miss out on essential grants and loans. Secondly, employers often value degrees from accredited institutions. For example, a graduate from an accredited online business administration program may have an edge over a non – accredited graduate when applying for a corporate job.
Key Takeaways:
- Accreditation is a process by which an outside authority evaluates a school and its programs.
- Online colleges have a similar accreditation process as traditional ones with some delivery – mode considerations.
- Accreditation affects financial aid eligibility and employability.
Choosing an accredited online school
When choosing an online degree program, it’s important to ask the right questions. One of the top questions is about accreditation. As recommended by education experts, you should confirm if the degree program is accredited. Additionally, some online business administration degrees may also hold optional programmatic accreditation from specific accrediting agencies like the Accreditation Council.
Step – by – Step:
- Research the accreditation status of the school and the specific program.
- Check the accrediting body and ensure it is recognized by the Department of Education.
- Look into the school’s history of maintaining accreditation.
Comparison Table:
| Accreditation Type | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Accreditation | Region – based accrediting bodies evaluate schools | High – quality education assurance, federal aid eligibility |
| Programmatic Accreditation (for business admin) | Specialized agencies accredit specific programs | Industry – recognized quality |
Try our online school accreditation checker to quickly verify the accreditation status of a school you’re interested in.
Online associate degrees guide
In 2021, nearly 9.4 million college students took online classes, more than one in three students, as per the National Center for Education Statistics (SEMrush 2023 Study). This shows the increasing popularity of online education, including online associate degrees.
Online associate degrees are academic qualifications earned mostly through digital platforms. Students can complete coursework online via webcast lectures and other means. These degrees can open doors to various employment opportunities. For instance, a person with an online associate degree in nursing can start working as a licensed practical nurse in a healthcare setting.
Pro Tip: When considering an online associate degree, look for programs that have a strong curriculum in line with industry standards.
Accreditation: A key indicator of a legitimate online associate degree program is accreditation. An outside authority conducts this process to ensure that the school and the specific degree program meet certain criteria. Schools are evaluated on factors such as teaching and learning, job placement of graduates, the school’s finances and facilities, and the quality of the program. For example, if a student graduates from an accredited online associate degree program in business, employers are more likely to recognize and value that degree.
Cost and Financial Aid: The cost of online associate degrees can vary widely. Some public universities with selective admissions, like the University of California (UC), have increased their investment in need – based aid for students in response to rising tuition costs. A study on nearly 7,000 students at the University of [not specified] examined the effects of tuition fees on retention and graduation rates.
Pro Tip: Explore all possible financial aid options, including grants, loans, and work – study programs.
Career Goals Alignment: It’s crucial to choose an online associate degree that aligns with your career goals. If you’re interested in a technology – related field, an associate degree in information technology would be a good choice. As recommended by College Navigator, a popular industry tool for researching colleges, you can use their database to find programs that match your interests and career aspirations.
Learning Preferences: Consider your learning style when selecting an online associate degree program. Some programs may offer more interactive coursework, while others may be more self – paced. For example, if you prefer a more structured learning environment with regular deadlines and instructor interaction, look for programs that offer webinars and online discussions.
Key Takeaways:
- Accreditation is an important factor in choosing an online associate degree program.
- Consider the cost and financial aid options available.
- Align the degree program with your career goals and learning preferences.
- Use industry tools like College Navigator to research and compare programs.
Try our online degree program finder to find the best online associate degree for you.
Test results may vary.
FAQ
What is an accelerated bachelor degree online?
According to educational trends, an accelerated bachelor degree online is a program designed to compress the traditional four – year bachelor’s degree into a shorter timeframe. These programs often use intensive course schedules and may require more credits per semester. They’re ideal for motivated students seeking to enter the workforce faster. Detailed in our [Accelerated bachelor degrees online] analysis, they offer a quicker path to graduation.
How to choose the best affordable master’s program?
Firstly, research the in – state and out – of – state tuition rates as recommended by College Board. Secondly, look into fields of study with lower tuition, like social sciences or education. Thirdly, consider the correlation between cost and graduation rates. Using an online tuition comparison calculator can also help. This method, unlike random selection, ensures you find a cost – effective option.
Online associate degrees vs. traditional associate degrees: What’s the difference?
Online associate degrees are earned mostly through digital platforms, offering flexibility for students to study from anywhere. Traditional degrees require on – campus attendance. Online programs often have self – paced or interactive coursework options. According to student surveys, online degrees can be more accessible for those with work or family commitments. Our [Online associate degrees guide] has more details.
Steps for finding an accredited distance learning school
- Research the accreditation status of the school and the specific program.
- Check that the accrediting body is recognized by the Department of Education.
- Look into the school’s history of maintaining accreditation. As experts suggest, this due diligence ensures you attend a legitimate institution. Refer to our [Accredited distance learning schools] section for more guidance.