Best Accredited Online Colleges and Top Online Universities 2022

Best Online Colleges

Many of the country’s top-ranked colleges and universities offer online programs. Many students choose online college because of the schedule flexibility. Rather than commuting to class on campus, online schools let students complete coursework from anywhere. In many cases, this makes online programs a more accessible pathway to a degree. Students can enroll in the best schools online without needing to relocate or quit their jobs.

The best online colleges are the ones that build the knowledge and skills necessary for career advancement and offer student services especially for online learners, including online tutoring, career services, and academic advising. The top online programs also offer strong alumni networks and connections with prospective employers.

This page covers the basics of online education and ranks the best online schools. You can use it to find the right program to help you reach your professional goals.

What Is an Online College?

Online colleges let students earn degrees through an online learning format, including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees. Online students can pursue degrees in areas like business, education, healthcare, or engineering. During an online degree, learners complete coursework by watching recorded lectures, participating in discussion boards, and taking online examinations.

Attending an online program is a great way to build your skills or change careers while still working full time. You can plan coursework around your schedule. Students with family obligations may also prefer the flexibility of an online college.

Often, online degrees are offered through the same institutions as regular degrees and carry the same weight as an on-campus degree. So long you earn it through a regionally accredited school, your online degree will be taken seriously.

Top Online Colleges

1. University Of Arkansans at Little Rock

Location – Little Rock

Gratuation Rate – 43%

School Type: Public
Online Degrees Available

: Business, communications, criminal justice, education, health and social sciences, information science, interdisciplinary, writing

Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes

Founded in 1927 in Arkansas’ capital, UA Little Rock is one of the nation’s best online colleges. The school offers more than 400 online courses and dozens of online degree and certificate programs.

Many weeklong classes require students to devote 2-3 hours of study per credit. A three-credit course requires 6-9 hours a week of studying time. Enrollees use Blackboard to access lessons and communicate with instructors and classmates. Ottenheimer Library provides digital journals and research materials. UA Little Rock’s Online Writing Lab and Mathematics Assistance Center offer virtual tutoring.

Online learners pay a standard tuition. First-year students must meet unconditional admission requirements. Undergraduates and graduate candidates submit transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. Some programs require GRE scores.

Available Scholarships: The Trojan Transfer scholarship offers $3,000-$5,000 for students transferring at least 12 college credits from an accredited school.

2. Brazosport College

Location – Lack Jackson

Gratuation Rate – 29%

School Type: Public
Online Degrees Available: Adult education and literacy, business, chemical refining and industries, education, communications, fine arts and humanities, health professions, mechanical and construction technology, personal enrichment, social and behavioral sciences, science, technology, engineering, math

Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition?

Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes

Established in 1968, BC offers distance learning undergraduate courses and online associate degrees. Students can take general education core classes online. They can also study remotely to earn an associate in arts degree from one of the nation’s best online colleges.

3. Liberty University

Location – Lynchburg

Gratuation Rate – 47%

School Type: Private
Online Degrees Available: Accounting, apologetics, aviation maintenance management, business, computational mathematics, criminal justice, cultural engagement, elementary education, fashion merchandising, law and policy, religion, sports management

Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes

Liberty offers more than 450 online degrees with a biblical focus. Liberty University School of Lifelong Learning has offered distance learning since 1985.

Online classrooms feature a student-to-instructor ratio of 17-to-1. Online degrees include an associate in accounting, a bachelor’s in psychology, and a master of divinity.

4. Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

Location – Indianapolis

Gratuation Rate – 50%

School Type: Public
Online Degrees Available: Applied science, business, computing and technology, design, education, general studies, health and health sciences, humanities, informatics, labor studies, library science, mathematics, music, parks and recreation, philanthropy, physical education and tourism management, public affairs and administration, public health, science, social work

Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No

Established in 1969, IUPUI is a four-year branch of Indiana University with Purdue University. One of the country’s best online colleges, IUPUI offers more than 200 online degrees.

5. Ozark Christian College

Location – Juplin

Gratuation Rate – 54%

School Type: Private

Online Degree Available: Biblical studies

Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission