As online colleges gain respect, the number of people enrolling in them is on the rise. According to the NCES, over 6.6 million students took web based courses in 2018. Of them, more than 3.1 million chose to earn their college degree entirely online!
What is an Online College?
A college, university or trade school that is ‘online’ offers distance education. That means courses take place in a digital classroom contained in a Learning Management System. Like Blackboard or Canvas. Students access their courses online at any time and from anywhere through a web browser or mobile app.
The learning platform allows users to access course materials, assignments, discussions, and team projects online. Zoom is another online meeting tool that provides real-time & interactions. Some online schools use it for lectures, discussion, office hours, and group collaboration.
Online Colleges by Subject
While many universities offer quality distance education, it can be hard to sift through all the options. We created a list of online programs by major to help make things a little easier for you. If you know the field of study you’d like to pursue, then click the link below and view top online programs at bachelor’s, masters and doctorate levels within that field.
Global Campus
Traditional Colleges with campus programs may refer to themselves as having a ‘global campus’. These schools typically have a menu of programs online. In some cases, with the same curriculum and faculty. Studying at one of these schools connects you to their resources and buildings. Not to mention the sports teams which you might want to cheer on.
Distance Only
There are also fully online universities which are distance only. These may not have a regular campus at all. Only a head office. They may use a different format than a traditional school as well. And may come with access to a different kind of student success tools and resources.
Common Support Services for Online Learners
Just because you want to attend college online does not mean you should expect to do so without help. Many colleges invest in technology and staff that keep students feeling connected and supported in their journey. Here are some of the ways colleges deliver this support to students enrolled in online degree programs.
Support in Real Time
- Toll free phone number
- Online chat
- Instant messaging
- Web conferencing
- Virtual meetings
- Real people to speak with who understand the school and its programs
Digital Support Tools
- Social media (updates, groups, events)
- Discussion boards and chat rooms
- Cost calculators
- Online libraries
- Resource guides
- Searchable scholarship databases
- Email
- Online forms (including application)
Admission Support
An admission specialist’s role is to answer questions. These can be about admission requirements, orientations, course registration, costs, transfer credits and more. They should also know about the school’s accreditation status and be helpful when it comes making an informed choice about courses or be able to steer you to the correct department.
Financial Aid Advisors
These services aim to help you understand funding, eligibility for scholarships and grants. There may also be online tools such as interactive budget worksheets and links to state and federal aid programs.
Dedicated Military Services
Active military service members, Veterans and their families have specific needs when it comes to understanding benefits. Many military friendly schools offer dedicated advising and services to members learning via web.
Academic Advising
These advisors are there to help you choose a major, minor, focus tracks, and courses. They may also help you set goals and a path to reach them. Some schools make use of virtual office hours, one-on-one tutoring, and Web based writing centers.
Tech Support
As technical problems are not an online learner’s friend, relying on support is really important. Many colleges do publish tutorials and troubleshooting guides. But knowing there is live support by phone or web chat is a feature to look for.
Library Services
Many schools with campuses offer a range of online library services including access to digital journals, research tools and e-books. Some also have online librarians who help remote learners through consultations, chats, emails and phone. If a school does not have a campus, they may have a reciprocity agreement with a college in your area as well as offer a large online database.
Internship, Apprenticeships, Placement Services Field or Clinical
Many programs of all levels have a practical side that requires some hands on learning. Teaching, nursing, counseling and social work are a few. A remote learner may be able to fulfill these requirements in an approved local site. To facilitate the process, a school may have an internship or career database. If you expect to need on site training, you might contact an admission advisor so they can explain the process.
Career Services
These services may help a learner figure out and look into potential careers. Sometimes, a school also offers help to build a resume, prepare for interviews or craft an online portfolio. There may also be job assessments, virtual job fairs and career planning guides.
Alumni Support
Some colleges offer social platforms and networking tools for alumni. They might also offer post graduate support. Like job boards, discounts, digital portfolios and access to mentors.
Networking
Some colleges and universities use social media to keep students engaged. There may also be specific groups for particular courses, programs, university departments and interest groups.
Health Services and Counseling
These types of services tend to be available from traditional colleges. They might include tele therapy sessions, health webinars, and crisis hotlines.
Writing Centers
A kind of tutoring center to hone college and research writing skills. Where offered, the school might schedule synchronous appointments.
11 Common Tools of Online Learning
- Orientation or Tutorial
- Books and journal articles (hard copies and ebooks)
- Websites and Simulations (labs)
- Multimedia: videos, audio, images, charts, and graphs
- Quizzes and tests
- Asynchronous discussion forums
- Real time web conferences
- Projects and other authentic assignments
- Group work
- Emails
- Chat, instant messaging
Types of Online Colleges
There are a few types of colleges that offer online education. When ready to choose, you may want to factor in budget, goals, learning style and time table. Here are a few options to know about.
Community Colleges
Also called two year colleges. These schools tend to offer three kinds of programs. Diplomas, certificate programs and associate degrees.
Tuition
One of the reasons to consider a community college is affordability. The average tuition and required fees at an in state public two year institution was $3,243 in 2017/18.
Features
- Many design classes for online learners with families and jobs
- A wide range of fields of study may be available
- Some students use these programs to get general education classes out of the way
- Once you graduate you may have transfer credits to apply to a four year degree
- May provide credit for work experience or military training
Things to Keep in Mind
The Bureau of Labor Statistics found 99 career paths where the entry level education is less than a bachelor’s degree. Most, they say, need an associate’s degree or certificate. A few entail some college course work and middle skills.
Four Year Public College
These colleges may offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree options online.
Tuition
The average tuition and required fees at an in state public 4 year college was $9,037 in 2017/18. Average out of state tuition and fees were $25,667.
Features
- Four-year public universities offer a wide selection of majors, minors, and niche areas
- You may be able to enroll for a next term (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer)
- Online courses may mirror the ones available on campus
- Schools may restrict the number of students per class
- 12.4% of students at public colleges took only online classes (2018)
Things to Keep in Mind
Any of these programs may mix online classes with hands on experiences. Like clinical labs, supervised teaching, or an internship. As a rule, online students take part in any practical courses in an approved site in their community. Make sure you know what these extras are and what school support is available.
Private Not For Profit College
Online bachelor’s degrees, master’s, and doctorate options may be available at private colleges.
Tuition
Private colleges don’t receive funds from the state government like public ones do. That means they are likely to cost more. The average tuition and required fees for a private four-year college was $30,731 in 2017/18.
Features
- May be more selective than public colleges so they may be a reach if not a high achiever
- Many have alumni donor support which may enable them to offer merit scholarships
- Tend to keep class sizes small
- 62.5% of students took online courses only (2018)
Things to Keep in Mind
These schools tend to offer a smaller range of programs than public ones. But, often have a particular academic focus such as liberal arts. Or, will teach through the lens of a certain religious affiliation.
How Do Online Universities Work?
When going for a degree online, the process may run more or less as a traditional class would. Same course work, due dates, and credit hours. But instead of walking to a campus building, you log into a portal. This is your access point to lectures, assignments, feedback and more.
How often you have to log in, delivery, format and tools vary from one college to the next. Many programs kick off with a tutorial to walk new students through the process. Here are a few things prospective students should keep in mind when choosing a school or program.
Self Paced (Asynchronous)
This format enables you to study at your own pace and time frame. As a result, you and your instructor are not ‘in class’ in real time together. That doesn’t mean you can’t ask questions. You may send an email or request one to one virtual meetings with their instructor during scheduled course dates.
Tools and Features
- Web based course management system and apps
- Wikis that enable students to work in teams and communicate
- Streaming audio and video that delivers class materials
- May be a delay between question and answer
- 24/7 access to online course materials
- Pre taped modules, readings, assignments and lectures
- May use discussion boards and require a certain amount of participation
Is this format right for me?
The self paced format may be the perfect learning style for someone with these traits and needs.
- Needs to fit study into a busy work, family or military life style
- Self motivated and goal focused
- Has strong time management skills
- Wants to be able to speed up or slow down at their own pace
- Disciplined and does not need personal instruction
Real Time (Synchronous)
This format schedules classes at specific times. You attend these classes along with other students and your instructor in real time. The difference is that you are on your computer from wherever you happen to be.
Tools and Features
- Many schools record these live sessions and upload them to the portal later
- Instant messaging enables quick and real time communication
- May use web, audio and video conferencing
- An online whiteboard may help students share ideas and collaborate
- Group discussions, team projects and lectures during set hours
Is this format right for me?
The real time format may be the ideal learning style for someone with these traits and needs.
- You learn best in a social setting
- Want to grow interpersonal skills
- Like the idea of attending a school with a physical campus
- Prefer a fixed schedule
- Are motivated, organized and have strong time management skills
Hybrid Format (vs 100% Online)
A hybrid program is mixed. It blends online and in person classes, labs, workshops, intensives or residencies. The ratio varies. But often allows you to meet and network with campus students and instructors. Other reasons may include practical training for hands on skills, assessment and mentoring.
Tools and Features
- Self paced and or real time online learning
- May schedule in persons on weekends, evenings, summer
- Workshops and hands on classes may help teach practical skills
- Offer a way to network and meet professors
- Ratio between online and on campus classes vary
Is this format right for me?
The hybrid format may be perfect for someone with these traits and learning styles.
- You enjoy in person learning but need more flexibility
- The subject you are studying requires hands on supervision
- Growing a network is important to you
- Studying online allows you to keep your busy lifestyle
- In person requirements are easy to manage
Competency Based Education
CBE is different that the typical model in the United States which is based on seat time (credit hours). In that model, students have a set time to pass a course. And, tend to pay a cost per credit rate (plus fees).
In contrast, a CBE model focuses on mastery, rather than time. As a rule, schools that use this model charge a subscription fee or flat fee for let’s say 6 months. During that period, students have the flexibility to set their pace. And, after they master one module, they may go onto another. Taking as many as time allows.
Tools and Features
- Self paced and may include weekly start dates
- Often includes real projects that demonstrate mastery
- May not receive a grade
- Possible way to grow workforce relevant skills
- May accelerate time to completion
Is this format right for me?
A CBE format may suit someone with these traits and learning styles.
- You have some work experience or college credits
- Dedicated and goal oriented
- Solid time management skills
- Want to go at your own pace
Is it Important to Look for an Accredited Online College?
Many students want to know “is online college legit? In short, a reputable school (online or campus based) is an accredited institution. To gain this status, a school submits to a review by an outside agency. As a rule, the status lasts for a period of time. Say 3 to 5 years. Then the school must re apply. This ensures the college programs it offers stays timely and keeps up its quality.
Regional Accreditation
The U.S. Department of Education approves six regional boards to review schools in their area. One is the Higher Learning Commission. The review process looks at the quality of education. It is voluntary and a status that lasts for a period of time before the school has to re apply.
Accredited schools tend to:
- Enable eligible undergraduate students to seek federal financial aid (E.g. student loans, Pell Grant, work study)
- Have transfer credit programs between them
- Offer student support services such as career and academic advising
- Use a policy and process to handle student complaints
- Many professional certifications require an accredited degree
Checking a school’s accreditation is faster and easier than you might think. The USDE keeps a Database of Accredited Post-Secondary Institutions and Programs. Type in the school name to find out its status. Current, pending review, or expired.
National Accreditation
This type is most often for online only and religious schools. It is also for trade, career and technical programs. One of the main accreditors is the DEAC.
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission also keeps a data base. It lists online high schools, postsecondary schools, colleges and universities.
Why Attend College Online?
There are a few reasons why online college is popular. You often set your pace, get to forgo the commute and there’s no need to give up your job.
In fact, most online students are working adults aged 24 and above. They have busy schedules and many do study full time, but a larger share pursue their online degree part time.
The flexible format and easy access to higher education may be very useful. Perhaps you want to switch careers, hone marketable skills, or climb the ladder.
A College Degree May Boost Earning Potential
Recent stats show that a college degree often boosts lifetime earnings too. So, with a bachelor’s degree, you may earn $2,700 more per month than with a high school diploma. Additionally, an online degree may help you jump start your career path. Check out our list of fast growing careers.
There are many reasons to go for a degree online. Here are a few features that motivate students to take the leap into an online format.
Schedules That Adapt
Going for a college degree online may offer a flexible schedule. Study when you are able and from wherever you have decent Internet connection.
Balance Work and College
It may not be easy, but many adults continue working while they go for a degree. Without the added pressure of a commute or relocation.
Access Student Resources
Online students may access a range of support services. Like writing centers, online tutoring, and career services.
Potential To Save Money on Tuition
Many schools offer tuition discounts for online students. These may come in the form of in state tuition rates for out of state students. Military students may also have access to discounted tuition at some schools.
Accessibility Minus the Relocation
Students might attend a school very far away they otherwise would have found out of reach.
Rolling Start Dates
Many colleges with online education programs offer rolling admissions and start dates. That means you don’t have to put off starting until the following year.
Formats for Non Traditional Learners
Not everyone thrives in a traditional classroom. In the digital classroom, you may find it easier to focus. Some students have families, a disability or lots of personal duties. So, the traditional hours of campus classes may not be realistic.
Because distance learning can make education opportunities more available, with several options of learning styles, they can be a great way to beat adversity and earn your degree.
There’s No Commute
Instead of rushing to class, you may have extra time to devote to studies. This is another area that may help you cut costs.
Who Is a Good Match for Online Colleges?
Any student who wants to earn a college degree may be a good match for an online college. Whether you are a recent high school grad. Or, never had time to finish college due to work, family or military duties. Many students go back to finish what they started online.
These schools may welcome online students from all over. And may offer ways to reduce your costs through things like,
- Transfer agreements
- Prior learning credits
- Credit for military training
- Flat rate tuition
Top Online Colleges
To help you narrow down your online school search results, we compiled a list of 23 colleges so you can compare their formats and programs. The data we used is from the& National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.