The 100 Most Popular Accredited Online Schools & Colleges

The Popularity of Online Colleges

While access to a college education was once limited to brick-and-mortar institutions, more online college programs are opening their digital doors to students. This trend of rising popularity has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many schools pivot to online learning or expand their current online offerings. With over 100 online college programs to choose from, students have their pick of degrees in a wide variety of disciplines.

Not only are online programs more accessible and popular, high levels of student satisfaction are being reported. According to one study, 78% of online students, who have also learned in a face-to-face setting, felt that their online experience was equal to or better than their classroom experience. Students also experience competitive career outcomes that are comparable to students who obtained degrees at in-person programs.

Why Choose an Online School

Prospective students often choose popular online colleges because they are a convenient and affordable alternative to enrolling on campus, but there are many other factors that influence college choice:

When reading about popular aspects of undergraduate and graduate programs, students should keep the importance of accreditation in mind. Accrediting bodies ensure that programs are meeting a given standard. Attending an accredited school is consequential when it comes to financial aid, the ability to transfer credits, and employment.

The cost of tuition continues to be an important consideration for many, with more than half of online students citing this as the leading factor when choosing a program. As student debt continues to rise in the U.S., more students may turn to online degrees as a more affordable alternative to enrolling in on-campus programs.

Although they may not be located on campus, online students still want to be proud of their school and feel like they’re part of a community. Online students rank school reputation as one of the top considerations prior to enrollment, and they may seek out schools with a good reputation in their community to help them in their job search after graduation. Interestingly, three in four online students choose a school within 50 miles of where they live, making it easier for local employers to recognize their credentials.

Many college students who enroll in distance education want to complete their degree as quickly as possible and make their previous academic credits count. The option to transfer credits from other institutions is appealing for obvious reasons: It can save students money and time while helping to maximize their investment.

While students have historically struggled to apply transfer credits to their degrees, higher education institutions have become more flexible in recent years. Some institutions allow students to earn credits for prior learning or work experience, making higher education more affordable and accessible for working adults.

Extensive career services are a key component to student success post-graduation. Online students often enroll with specific professional goals in mind. They want to see tangible outcomes after earning their degree — whether it’s starting a new role, earning more money, or advancing in their current industry. Because online degrees are often geared towards working adults, most online colleges provide career guidance services, including resume assistance, career counseling, and advisors to help students find a degree that best fits their goals and educational needs.

Having an intuitive, user-friendly interface is an important component of distance learning. Whether they’re using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, students want to be able to access online classes and complete assignments from wherever they are. Many online degree programs use learning management systems, such as Canvas or Blackboard, which allow students to submit assignments, participate in discussions, view grades, and contact instructors on the website or through an app on their phone.

If the program they’re interested in isn’t available online, students will usually find it at another school rather than change their field of study or enroll in on-campus classes. Adult learners are also becoming more interested in non-degree options than traditional education pathways, especially during COVID-19.

Online colleges with credentials at every level, from certificate programs to bachelor's degrees and doctoral programs, are often popular because they provide many options to meet student needs.

Benefits of Online Degrees

Online degrees can also be a good option for students who have other work responsibilities or family obligations outside of school. Students can avoid long commute times and other drawbacks associated with in-person degree programs. Also, since online degrees are much more flexible than in-person classes, students can complete their coursework from anywhere, and there’s no need to move in order to attend school.