Looking for a top online college? Check our list of the best online colleges for undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Impactful used Forbes most recent ranking to compile our list of top colleges for online degrees. Forbes used a rigorous evaluation process that considered 16 of the largest online colleges, scoring them based on 17 data points spread across five essential categories: credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience, and the application process. Only institutions with a score of 61% or higher made it to our prestigious list.
To give you an accurate and comprehensive assessment, Forbes considered specific characteristics within each category. These included accreditation, nonprofit status, average yearly cost, financial aid offerings, Pell Grant recipient graduation rate, overall graduation rate, and transfer-out rate.
Characteristics of the Highest-Ranking Online Colleges
The top 10 online colleges in our list are distinguished by their exceptional performance across the board. Here are some key features that set them apart:
Accreditation and Nonprofit Status
All the highest-ranking schools on our list are fully accredited and maintain nonprofit status, ensuring a commitment to educational excellence and the prioritization of student success over profit margins.
Affordability and Financial Aid
These online colleges offer relatively low net prices per year, making education more accessible and affordable. Moreover, they provide a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students manage their educational expenses.
Impressive Student Outcomes
Our top 10 online colleges boast high graduation rates and a proven track record of Pell Grant recipient success. This reflects their dedication to fostering an environment where students from all backgrounds can excel academically and professionally.
Exceptional Student Experience
These schools provide a top-notch student experience, characterized by high retention rates and a strong support system. They offer mental health services, personalized academic advising, and other resources that help students navigate their academic journey with confidence.
Streamlined Application Process
The top online colleges on our list have simplified application processes, making it easier for students to embark on their educational pursuits without unnecessary hurdles.
Top Online Colleges for Undergraduate Degrees
The schools listed below are listed in order of cost per credit for undergraduate courses.
University of Florida – Online: $129/credit
The University of Florida’s online undergraduate programs provide students with a flexible and accessible learning experience. Offered at a competitive tuition rate of $129/credit for in-state students, these programs span various fields of study such as business, communication, health sciences, and more.
The University of Florida offers a wide range of majors and programs, including online courses and degree programs. The most popular majors by degrees conferred are Business Administration and Management, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Computer and Information Sciences, Public Relations/Image Management, and Psychology, all of which make up a significant percentage of the total degrees awarded by the university. The minimum high school GPA required for admission is 2.5.
In addition to the popular majors, the university also offers a variety of other programs in fields such as education, social sciences, physical sciences, visual and performing arts, and health professions. The university has 33 online bachelor’s degree programs and over 600 online courses available for students who prefer the flexibility and convenience of online learning.
The University of Florida has received high rankings in various categories for its online programs, including being ranked #1 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, and Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs (tie). It also ranks #4 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs (tie). These rankings reflect the university’s commitment to providing high-quality online education that is accessible to students from all backgrounds.
Students can complete their degree entirely online, making it an ideal choice for those who need to balance work, family, and other commitments while pursuing their education.
University of Central Florida: $179/credit
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a wide range of undergraduate programs at an affordable tuition rate of $179/credit for in-state students. With over 200 degree programs to choose from, UCF provides students with opportunities to study in fields like engineering, arts and humanities, social sciences, and more.
The university’s commitment to innovation and excellence ensures students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
Florida International University: $229/credit
Florida International University (FIU) provides numerous undergraduate programs at a tuition cost of $229/credit for in-state students. FIU offers a diverse array of degree programs in areas such as hospitality management, criminal justice, engineering, and business.
Students at FIU can take advantage of research opportunities, internship programs, and study abroad experiences to enrich their educational journey.
Indiana University: Approximately $250/credit
Indiana University (IU) offers a wide variety of undergraduate programs with an approximate tuition cost of $250/credit for in-state students. Students can choose from over 200 majors across various fields, including business, education, arts and sciences, and informatics. IU is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education that combines academic excellence with research, innovation, and community engagement.
Purdue University: $270/credit (minimum)
Purdue University provides a range of undergraduate programs with a minimum tuition cost of $270/credit for in-state students. Known for its strong focus on STEM fields, Purdue also offers degrees in liberal arts, agriculture, and health sciences. With a strong emphasis on research and hands-on learning, students at Purdue are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen fields.
Utah State University: $345/credit (part-time)
Utah State University (USU) offers undergraduate programs at a tuition cost of $345/credit for part-time, in-state students. With over 160 degree programs, USU provides students with opportunities in fields like engineering, business, education, and natural resources. The university is dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment that emphasizes research, innovation, and community engagement.
Colorado State University – Global: $350/credit
Colorado State University’s Global Campus offers undergraduate programs at a tuition cost of $350/credit. These online programs provide students with flexibility and convenience, allowing them to complete their degree in areas such as business, information technology, healthcare, and more. With a focus on career-driven education, CSU-Global equips students with the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce.
University of Minnesota: Approximately $419/credit
The University of Minnesota offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs with an approximate tuition cost of $419/credit for in-state students. With over 150 majors to choose from, students can pursue degrees in fields like engineering, liberal arts, public health, and design. The university’s commitment to research, innovation, and community engagement ensures that students receive a well-rounded education.
Penn State World Campus: $620-$677/credit
Penn State World Campus provides a variety of online undergraduate programs at a tuition cost of $620-$677/credit. With over 150 degree and certificate programs available, students can study subjects like engineering, business, healthcare, liberal arts, and more.
As part of the prestigious Pennsylvania State University system, the World Campus offers the same high-quality education that students would receive on campus. The online format allows for flexibility and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for working professionals and those with other commitments.
Arizona State University: $561-$661/credit
Arizona State University (ASU) offers a wide range of undergraduate programs with a tuition cost of $561-$661/credit for in-state students. Known for its commitment to innovation, ASU provides over 300 majors and degree options across various fields, including engineering, business, liberal arts, and sustainability.
Students at ASU have access to cutting-edge research opportunities, study abroad experiences, and internships, which help to prepare them for success in their chosen careers.
Top Online Colleges for Graduate Degrees
The schools listed below are listed in order of cost per credit for graduate courses.
University of Central Florida: $327/credit
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a variety of graduate programs at an affordable tuition rate of $327/credit for in-state students. With a diverse range of fields available, such as engineering, education, business, and health sciences, UCF provides students with the opportunity to advance their careers through rigorous coursework and research experiences.
The University of Central Florida offers several online graduate degree programs that have been highly ranked by US News. These programs include the Online Master’s in Nursing Programs (tied for 10th place), Online Master’s in Nursing Administration Programs (ranked 6th), Online Master’s in Nursing Education Programs (tied for 11th place), Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs (ranked 13th), Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans (ranked 7th), Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs (tied for 27th place), Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs for Veterans (ranked 13th), Online Master’s in Engineering Programs (tied for 37th place), and Online Master’s in Engineering Programs for Veterans (ranked 27th).
The acceptance rate for these programs is 65%, and the average undergraduate GPA is 3.3. The University of Central Florida considers a variety of factors when evaluating applicants, including undergraduate GPA, undergraduate field of study, work experience, and character/personal qualities. The minimum TOEFL score required for international students is 80 on the internet-based test.
The University of Central Florida has different application deadlines for its various online graduate programs, ranging from July 1 to December 1 for U.S. residents and April 1 for international students. The university considers undergraduate GPA to be very important in the application process, along with work experience and character/personal qualities. GRE scores are not required for some programs but may be considered for others.
The University of Central Florida offers several online graduate degree programs in the fields of nursing, criminal justice, computer information technology, and engineering, and considers a variety of factors when evaluating applicants. Students interested in applying to these programs should pay attention to the specific application deadlines and requirements for each program.
Many programs also offer flexible learning options, such as online and hybrid formats, to accommodate working professionals.
Florida International University: $479/credit
Florida International University (FIU) provides numerous graduate programs at a tuition cost of $479/credit for in-state students. With options in fields like business administration, public health, engineering, and more, FIU’s graduate programs emphasize research, innovation, and real-world applications.
Students can take advantage of the university’s strong connections to local industries, providing valuable networking opportunities and practical experience.
Colorado State University – Global: $500/credit
Colorado State University’s Global Campus offers graduate programs at a tuition cost of $500/credit. With a focus on career-driven education, CSU-Global provides online programs in areas such as management, information technology, and healthcare administration.
The flexible and accessible online format allows working professionals to advance their careers without disrupting their personal and professional lives.
Indiana University: $300-$1,900/credit (minimum and maximum)
Indiana University (IU) offers a wide range of graduate programs with tuition costs ranging from $300 to $1,900/credit for in-state students. Students can choose from diverse fields like business, informatics, social work, and more.
IU’s commitment to research, innovation, and community engagement ensures that graduate students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for leadership roles in their chosen fields.
University of Minnesota: $700-$1,400/credit
The University of Minnesota provides a variety of graduate programs with tuition costs ranging from $700 to $1,400/credit for in-state students. With a diverse array of degree options in fields such as engineering, public health, education, and the arts, the university offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced study and research in their areas of interest.
The University of Minnesota is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment that emphasizes research, innovation, and real-world applications.
Purdue University: $270-$1,300/credit (minimum and maximum)
Purdue University offers a wide range of graduate programs with tuition costs ranging from $270 to $1,300/credit for in-state students. Known for its strong focus on STEM fields, Purdue also provides graduate programs in liberal arts, agriculture, and health sciences.
Graduate students at Purdue can expect to engage in cutting-edge research and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for success in their chosen careers.
Utah State University: $404/credit (part-time)
Utah State University (USU) offers graduate programs at a tuition cost of $404/credit for part-time, in-state students. With a variety of degree options in fields like engineering, education, natural resources, and more, USU provides graduate students with opportunities for advanced study and research.
The university is committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment that emphasizes innovation and community engagement.
Arizona State University: $543-$1,343/credit
Arizona State University (ASU) provides a diverse range of graduate programs with tuition costs ranging from $543 to $1,343/credit for in-state students. Students can choose from over 150 degree and certificate programs in fields like engineering, business, sustainability, and the arts.
ASU is dedicated to research, innovation, and providing students with practical experiences that prepare them for leadership roles in their chosen fields.
Penn State World Campus: $1,007/credit
Penn State World Campus offers a variety of online graduate programs at a tuition cost of $1,007/credit. With a diverse range of degree and certificate programs in fields such as engineering, education, business, and healthcare, the World Campus provides students with the opportunity to advance their careers through flexible and accessible online learning.
As part of the prestigious Pennsylvania State University system, the World Campus offers the same high-quality education that students would receive on campus while accommodating the needs of working professionals and those with other commitments.
University of Florida – Online: $553/credit (out of state, no in-state graduate rate provided)
The University of Florida’s online graduate programs offer students a flexible and accessible learning experience at a tuition rate of $553/credit for out-of-state students (no in-state graduate rate provided). These programs span a variety of fields, including business, education, communication, and health sciences.
Students can complete their graduate degree entirely online, making it an ideal choice for those who need to balance work, family, and other commitments while pursuing advanced education.
