Online learning has exploded in growth and credibility in recent years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more students than ever before can now take classes online instead of in-person. From elementary school to a doctorate, you can keep progressing through your educational journey at any stage online.
While long popular for busy adults pursuing graduate degrees, online options are now increasingly expanding for undergraduate degrees. But which universities offer the best online bachelor’s degree programs?
Keep reading for our top picks for the best online universities to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs: Things to Keep in Mind
When considering an online bachelor’s degree program, you’ll want to balance several factors.
Things to consider include:
- Accreditation of the school
- Majors and minors offered
- Cost of the program
- Instructional delivery method
School Accreditation
If you’ve not heard the term accreditation before, it means that a school has been evaluated and meets a high level of standards as established by a central authority. There are several agencies in the U.S. that will provide accreditation to degree-granting institutions, both online and physical. When choosing a school, you’ll ideally want one with a regional accreditation or better for the most acceptability and recognition of your credits and degree.
Majors and Minors
Where you choose to go to school should depend on what you are interested in studying. Certain colleges or universities are better than others for particular majors. While most colleges will offer a variety of degree programs, each program can’t offer them all. Be sure to investigate your chosen college carefully to make sure they have the major or minor you’re looking for.
Program Cost
Just like traditional brick-and-mortar schools, the cost of online universities can vary widely. Costs may be listed as per-credit or as a total tuition cost per year or per semester. Typically, full-time students will take five classes, or 15 credits, per semester. Take this into consideration when comparing various programs to your budget.
Instructional Delivery Method
Perhaps the most important consideration for some is the style of online learning, or delivery method, a college offers. Two of the main types of online course formats are synchronous and asynchronous.
- Synchronous courses mean that all students are “in sync” at the same time. For instance, students all log in at the same time for a live class or lecture given by the professor.
- Asynchronous courses are ones in which students can log in when it’s convenient for them. They watch or listen to prerecorded lectures and complete assignments as best for their schedules and pace of work.
Best Online Universities for a Bachelor’s Degree
University of Florida—Online
Consistently top-ranked, the University of Florida—Online has more than 20 undergraduate majors and 11 minors to pick from when enrolling. The school is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Also one of the most affordable online universities, tuition at this school is $129 per credit for Florida residents and $553 for non-residents. The majority of the courses are offered in an asynchronous format.
University of Missouri
At the University of Missouri, students can choose from more than 20 online bachelor’s degree programs. Accreditation is through the Higher Learning Commission.
The cost for online courses through the University of Missouri varies depending on the program you’re enrolled in. The average cost per credit for Missouri residents is $468 and $560 for non-residents. They offer a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses.
Colorado State University—Global
If you’re looking for an affordable option, Colorado State University—Global is a great choice.
Regardless if you are in-state or out-of-state, you’ll pay the same cost per credit: $350. They also charge no student fees and your tuition rate is locked in with your first term.
Accredited through the Higher Learning Commission, CSU Global offers 15 online bachelor’s degrees, with courses taught in an asynchronous format.
University of Maryland Global Campus
With more than 30 online bachelor’s degrees offered, you’re sure to find something at the University of Maryland Global Campus. Accredited through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, UMGC offers classes in an asynchronous format.
Tuition costs $312 per credit for residents and $499 for non-residents. They have rolling admissions and multiple 8-week terms each semester.
Choose the Right College for You
With so many online universities to choose from, it can be hard to narrow it down—let alone pick just one. We’ve given you a few to look at and get you thinking about some of the elements of learning online.
Given the expansion of options for remote students, it’s definitely possible to find a program that is affordable, convenient, and with a huge variety of courses and topics to study. So why wait? The time has never been better to get a bachelor’s degree online.
Madeleine Karydes
