Since the advent of online learning, many schools have changed their pattern to accommodate students who prefer learning online.
We now have online schools that focus only on online training programs. Unlike traditional institutions, courses in online schools are completed only online.
There is no physical location for learning – everything is done virtually. You can apply for admission, get accepted and take your course without leaving your house.
If you are interested in taking an online university program, we have here, a list of the best accredited online universities you should consider for your studies.
15 Best Accredited Online Universities
There are many online universities out there, the following however stands out.
1. University of Florida Online
Website: ufonline.ufl.edu
The University of Florida (UF Online) is one of the highest-ranked public online universities in the U.S.
They have over 25 fully online bachelor’s degrees and several master’s programs.
UF Online is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
As of 2024, it has an enrollment of about 4,000 fully online students.
Tuition for Florida residents is approximately $129 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay around $553 per credit hour.
UF is ranked #1 in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
Their courses are highly flexible and are open to both part-time and full-time students.
2. Arizona State University Online
Website: asuonline.asu.edu
Just like the University of Florida, Arizona State University (ASU) has over 300 online degree programs. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Currently, ASU Online has over 57,000 online students which makes them one of the largest online schools in the world.
The average tuition ranges from $561 to $1,343 per credit hour, depending on the program. ASU Online has been consistently ranked in the top 10 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
What makes ASU Online special is its innovative platform and strong support services, including career counselling and virtual tutoring.
3. University of Massachusetts Global
Website: umassglobal.edu
UMass Global is a private, nonprofit institution. They focus solely on flexible online and hybrid learning.
Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), it currently serves about 23,000 students.
The average tuition is about $500 per credit hour for undergraduate programs.
They have over 90 degrees and certificates, with popular options in business, education, and healthcare.
UMass Global is known for helping adult learners and military students balance school with work and family life.
Their classes are asynchronous, meaning students can study anytime.
4. Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Website: worldcampus.psu.edu
Penn State World Campus started offering online degrees way back in 1998. Today, it has over 175 online programs.
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Penn State’s online branch has about 14,700 students.
Their undergraduate tuition costs about $620 to $664 per credit hour.
In terms of learning, they focus on delivering the same faculty and curriculum as their on-campus programs.
Employers highly respect Penn State World Campus degrees and the school has excellent alumni networks.
5. Liberty University Online
Website: liberty.edu/online
Liberty University, a private Christian university, also has over 600 online degrees.
It’s accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Liberty has a massive online student body – about 115,000 students. Their undergraduate tuition is affordable at $390 per credit hour.
Liberty Online is one of the few universities that has 8-week courses, which means that students can complete their degrees faster.
Besides academics, they emphasize faith-based learning and flexible start dates throughout the year.
6. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Online
Website: snhu.edu/online-degrees.
SNHU Online is famous for its low tuition and a large number of programs.
The school has more than 200 online programs and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
As of 2024, SNHU has over 150,000 online students. The tuition rate is about $330 per credit hour for undergraduates.
SNHU is known for its fast admissions process and supportive academic advisors.
They run multiple terms per year, which allows students to start whenever they’re ready.
7. Oregon State University Ecampus
Website: ecampus.oregonstate.edu
Oregon State University (OSU) Ecampus has more than 100 online degree and certificate programs.
They are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and have enrolled about 10,000 students online.
Tuition for online undergraduate programs is about $350 per credit hour.
OSU Ecampus is ranked in the top 10 nationally by U.S. News for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
Their programs cover science, engineering, business, and liberal arts fields and focus heavily on research opportunities even for online students.
8. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Online
Website: online.illinois.edu
The University of Illinois has several well-known online degrees, especially in business, computer science, and data science.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Illinois Online serves over 8,000 students.
Costs vary greatly but expect $302 to $1,000 per credit hour depending on the course.
Their iMBA (online MBA) program is highly respected worldwide. The university ensures online students get the same high-level faculty and academic rigour as those on campus.
9. Florida International University Online
Website: fiuonline.fiu.edu
FIU Online also has over 100 fully online programs and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
They have about 5,000 online students. Undergraduate tuition costs about $229 per credit hour for in-state students and $346 for out-of-state students.
FIU is known for its bilingual options in Spanish and English. Their strong business and hospitality programs are especially popular among online students.
10. Purdue University Global
Website: purdueglobal.edu
Purdue University Global was created for working adults who need flexible online education.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Purdue Global serves over 32,000 students.
Tuition is about $371 per credit hour for undergraduates.
One unique feature of this school is the “ExcelTrack” program, where students can move through material faster and save money.
Purdue Global has strong programs in health sciences, IT, business, and education.
11. Colorado State University Global
Website: csuglobal.edu
CSU Global is part of the Colorado State University System but operates entirely online. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Their tuition is about $350 per credit hour with no hidden fees, this makes them highly predictable for budgeting.
CSU Global currently enrolls around 10,000 students. They have career-focused programs in fields like cybersecurity, business, and healthcare.
Due to how flexible they are, their students can start courses every month.
12. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Website: erau.edu
Embry-Riddle focuses on aviation, aerospace, engineering, and security studies.
They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and serve about 22,000 online students.
Their tuition is around $447 per credit hour for undergraduates. Embry-Riddle is world-renowned for excellence in aviation education.
Students benefit from expert faculty who are former pilots, engineers, and industry leaders.
13. Western Governors University (WGU)
Website: wgu.edu
WGU is a nonprofit university built around a competency-based model, meaning students progress once they show mastery.
It’s accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). WGU has about 140,000 students enrolled currently.
The tuition here is very affordable: around $3,625 per 6-month term, not per credit hour.
Their popular fields include IT, business, health, and education. WGU is especially great for motivated learners who want to graduate faster and save money.
14. University of Arizona Global Campus
Website: uagc.edu
Previously known as Ashford University, the University of Arizona Global Campus is now part of the University of Arizona system.
Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the school has over 20,000 students.
Undergraduate tuition is around $510 per credit hour. They have generous transfer credit policies and military discounts.
Programs focus on business, education, psychology, and healthcare fields.
15. Capella University
Website: capella.edu
Capella University is a private, online university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
It has two learning formats: FlexPath (self-paced) and GuidedPath (structured schedules).
They have enrolled about 37,000 students already. Their tuition is approximately $357 to $411 per credit hour depending on the program.
Capella is popular for its degrees in psychology, nursing, counselling, and business.
It also provides a lot of flexibility for working adults and has strong career support services.
If you are interested in acquiring a degree online, you should consider any of these online universities.
Their programs are great and they have structures in place to ensure you get the best.