Accredited Nonprofit Online Universities
Nonprofit online colleges are an excellent choice for quality education.
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Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
Nonprofit means that funds the school receives from tuition go back into the school programs. This money is generally used by the nonprofit management of the university to enhance the course curriculum as well as the student experience.
While for-profit college is run more like a business, where the primary goal is to fatten its bottom line, nonprofit college may also offer better accreditation and a more extensive choice of classes.
We understand that trying to decide if you should attend a nonprofit online college or a for-profit school may seem like a daunting task but we’re here to make the decision effortless. Below we’ve compiled a list of the top accredited nonprofit institutions to attend for individuals seeking a completely online degree program.
Whether you’re wanting to pursue your undergraduate, graduate, or even doctorate higher education degree the non-profit online colleges below have what you need to achieve.
From all kinds of online degree programs to community involvement, these nonprofit universities are the best at delivering online students a high-quality education.
Popular Online Schools
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Jump To
Top Nonprofit Online Colleges | Top 65 Not-for-Profit Online Universities
In our analysis of the best nonprofit online colleges and universities, we looked at several factors and ranked our list of schools accordingly.
- Affordability (average net price)
- Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
- Academic Quality (4-year graduation rate)
- Earnings (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid six years after entering the school)
- Online Students (schools must have over 5,000 distance learners per NCES data)
Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools received a weighted overall ranking score for each individual point mentioned above–100 being the highest score possible.
In the case of tie scoring, the average net price was the determining factor for which school received the higher rank–the lower the net price, the higher the ranking.
All data was gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics website, College Scorecard, and school websites.
10 Best Nonprofit Online Colleges for 2025
Florida State University
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Admission Rate: 25%
Average SAT Score: 1309
Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,691
Florida State University offers a variety of online programs and degrees across various fields. Here are some examples of what they offer:
Graduate Programs:
- Business: MBA, Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Finance, Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Marketing, Master of Science in Real Estate
- Education: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Counseling
- Engineering: Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
- Health and Human Sciences: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing Science, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Law: Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Business Law, Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental Law
- Social Sciences: Master of Arts in Criminology, Master of Arts in Political Science, Master of Arts in Sociology
Undergraduate Programs:
- Business: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education
- Social Sciences: Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
This is just a small sample of the many online programs offered by Florida State University. For a complete list of programs, you can visit their website:
Distance@FSU:https://distance.fsu.edu/
College of Business:https://business.fsu.edu/graduate/online
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences: https://cehhs.fsu.edu/online
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $23,308
In-state Tuition and Fees: $5,656
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,786
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $61,675
Purdue University-Main Campus
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Admission Rate: 53%
Average SAT Score: 1354
Undergraduate Enrollment: 38,438
Purdue University - Main Campus offers a variety of online programs and degrees across various fields. Here are some examples:
- Master's Degrees:
- Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering: This program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the biomedical engineering field.
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering: This program offers specializations in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, and environmental engineering.
- Master of Science in Technology Leadership and Innovation: This program is offered by the Purdue Polytechnic Institute and focuses on developing leadership and innovation skills in technology-related fields.
- Graduate Certificates:
- Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing and Analytics: This program teaches students how to develop and implement effective digital marketing strategies.
- Doctoral Degrees:
- Doctor of Technology: This program offers two concentrations: Interdisciplinary and Construction Management Technology. It focuses on developing advanced research and leadership skills.
These are just a few examples of the many online programs offered by Purdue University - Main Campus. You can explore their full range of programs on their website: https://www.purdue.edu/online/
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $22,508
In-state Tuition and Fees: $9,992
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $28,794
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $72,424
Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore, MD
Admission Rate: 7%
Average SAT Score: 1553
Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,643
Johns Hopkins University offers a variety of online programs and degrees through its different schools and divisions. Here are some examples:
Graduate Programs:
- Krieger School of Arts & Sciences: Offers over 25 master's and certificate programs fully or partially online, covering fields like data science, applied economics, and history of medicine.
- Carey Business School: Provides a flexible MBA program for working professionals and a graduate certificate in the business of healthcare.
- School of Education: Offers online master's programs in educational leadership and curriculum and instruction.
- Whiting School of Engineering: Provides online master's programs in engineering management and cybersecurity.
- School of Medicine: Offers online master's programs in genetic counseling and health informatics.
- School of Nursing: Offers online master's programs in nursing administration and nursing education.
- Bloomberg School of Public Health: Offers a variety of online master's programs, certificates, and courses in public health, including biostatistics, epidemiology, and global health.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Center for Talented Youth (CTY): Offers online courses for gifted and talented students in a variety of subjects, including math, science, language arts, and history.
Additional Online Offerings:
- Coursera: Johns Hopkins University partners with Coursera to offer over 60 online courses in various subjects, including data science, public health, and computer science. These courses are open to anyone and do not require enrollment at Johns Hopkins.
To learn more about specific programs and application requirements, you can visit the following websites:
Johns Hopkins University Online Studies:https://www.jhu.edu/academics/online/
Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs:https://advanced.jhu.edu/
Johns Hopkins University Coursera Courses:https://www.coursera.org/partners/jhu
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Online Programs:https://cty.jhu.edu/programs/online
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $78,415
In-state Tuition and Fees: $60,480
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $60,480
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $10,250
Median Earnings (10 years): $87,555
University of Delaware
Location: Newark, DE
Admission Rate: 74%
Average SAT Score: 1290
Undergraduate Enrollment: 18,665
The University of Delaware offers a variety of online programs and degrees across different disciplines. Here are some examples of what they offer:
Master's Degrees:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): This program offers concentrations in areas like Business Analytics, Digital and Social Media, Finance, Healthcare Management, Information Technology, International Business, Public Relations, and Strategic Leadership.
- Master of Public Administration (MPA): This program prepares students for leadership roles in public service.
- Master of Science in International Business: This program focuses on global business strategies and international trade.
- Master of Arts in Strategic Communication: This program covers various aspects of strategic communication, including public relations, advertising, and digital media.
Other Programs:
- Associate in Arts in K-8 Teacher Education: This program prepares students to become elementary school teachers.
- Various Graduate Certificates: These certificates offer specialized training in areas like Educational Technology, Exceptional Children and Youth, School Psychology, Teaching English as a Second Language, Interdisciplinary Evaluation Science, Literacy, and Teacher Leadership.
Key Points about UD's Online Programs:
- Flexibility: UD's online programs are designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals.
- Quality Education: You'll receive the same high-quality education as on-campus students.
- Experienced Faculty: Courses are taught by experienced faculty members.
- Supportive Environment: UD provides resources and support to help you succeed.
Where to Find More Information:
- UD Online Website: https://www.udel.edu/academics/online/
- School of Education Online Programs: https://www.education.udel.edu/masters/online/
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $28,744
In-state Tuition and Fees: $15,410
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $37,930
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,572
Median Earnings (10 years): $72,950
George Mason University
Location: Fairfax, VA
Admission Rate: 90%
Average SAT Score: 1255
Undergraduate Enrollment: 26,447
George Mason University offers a wide range of online programs and degrees across various fields. Here are some examples of what they offer:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: This program prepares students for careers in IT fields such as network administration, cybersecurity, and software development.
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice: This degree provides students with a strong foundation in criminal justice theory, policy, and practice.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN): This program is designed for registered nurses who want to advance their careers by earning a bachelor's degree.
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): Mason's MBA program offers a variety of specializations, including finance, marketing, and healthcare management.
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity: This program focuses on the technical aspects of cybersecurity, such as network security, digital forensics, and incident response.
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): This program prepares individuals to become K-12 teachers in various subject areas.
Other Programs:
- Graduate Certificates: Mason offers a variety of graduate certificates in areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and project management.
- Online Courses: Students can take individual online courses to fulfill specific academic requirements or to explore new interests.
To get more specific information about programs, admissions requirements, and tuition costs, you can visit the George Mason University Online website: https://masononline.gmu.edu/
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $26,268
In-state Tuition and Fees: $13,401
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $38,983
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $76,343
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Location: Tempe, AZ
Admission Rate: 90%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 64,778
Arizona State University-Tempe offers a wide range of online programs and degrees across various academic disciplines. Here are some examples:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Business: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, and Supply Chain Management.
- Computer Science: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Software Engineering.
- Health Sciences: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with concentrations in Health Care Administration, Health Information Management, and Public Health. Psychology: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
- Sustainability: Bachelor of Science in Sustainability.
Graduate Programs:
- Education: Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership.
- Engineering: Master of Science in Engineering Management and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.
- Health Sciences: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
- Law: Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Laws (LLM) in American Legal Studies.
- Public Administration: Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP).
This is just a small sample of the many online programs offered by Arizona State University-Tempe. You can find more information about specific programs and application requirements on the ASU Online website: https://asuonline.asu.edu/
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $26,937
In-state Tuition and Fees: $11,618
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $30,592
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,668
Georgetown University
Location: Washington, DC
Admission Rate: 12%
Average SAT Score: 1507
Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,343
Georgetown University offers a variety of online programs and degrees through its School of Continuing Studies. These programs are designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers without interrupting their current work or family commitments.
Here are a few examples of the online programs and degrees offered by Georgetown University:
- Master's Degrees:
- Business & Management
- Marketing & Communications
- Real Estate & Urban Planning
- Technology & Security
- Applied Intelligence
- Artificial Intelligence Management
- Cybersecurity Risk Management
- Design Management & Communications
- Emergency & Disaster Management
- Higher Education Administration
- Human Resources Management
- Information Technology Management
- Integrated Marketing Communications
- Project Management
- Public Relations & Corporate Communications
- Real Estate
- Sports Industry Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Professional Certificates:
- Cybersecurity Strategy
- Instructional Design
- International Migration Studies
- Project Management
- Social Media Management
- Bachelor's Degree Completion Program:
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
These are just a few examples of the many online programs and degrees offered by Georgetown University. The university's online programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $81,515
In-state Tuition and Fees: $62,052
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $62,052
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $103,494
Villanova University
Location: Villanova, PA
Admission Rate: 23%
Average SAT Score: 1454
Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,926
Villanova University offers a variety of online programs and degrees through its College of Professional Studies. These programs are designed for working adults who want to advance their careers or change professions without sacrificing their current commitments. Some examples of online programs offered by Villanova University include:
- Bachelor's Degree Completion Programs: These programs are designed for students who have already earned some college credits and want to complete their bachelor's degree. Villanova offers online bachelor's degree completion programs in a variety of fields, including business administration, communication, and psychology.
- Undergraduate Certificates: These programs are designed for students who want to specialize in a particular area of study. Villanova offers online undergraduate certificates in a variety of fields, including digital marketing, project management, and sports management.
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificates: These programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor's degree and want to advance their careers. Villanova offers online post-baccalaureate certificates in a variety of fields, including accounting, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
- Professional Education Non-Credit Certificates: These programs are designed for professionals who want to learn new skills or advance their careers. Villanova offers online professional education non-credit certificates in a variety of fields, including business analysis, leadership development, and social media marketing.
Villanova University's online programs are designed to be flexible and convenient for working adults. Courses are typically offered in eight-week sessions, and students can complete their programs at their own pace. Villanova University also offers a variety of resources to support online students, including academic advising, technical support, and career services.
Overall, Villanova University offers a wide range of online programs and degrees that can help working adults achieve their educational and career goals.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $77,650
In-state Tuition and Fees: $61,618
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $61,618
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,874
Median Earnings (10 years): $100,423
New York University
Location: New York, NY
Admission Rate: 12%
Average SAT Score: 1527
Undergraduate Enrollment: 29,136
New York University (NYU) offers a variety of online programs and degrees through its School of Professional Studies (SPS) and other schools. These programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing students to balance their education with work and personal commitments.
Here are some examples of online programs and degrees offered by NYU:
- Bachelor's Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Management Studies (International Business and Global Management Concentration)
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (Economics and Organizational Behavior and Change Concentrations)
- Master's Degrees:
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy (joint program with NYU School of Law)
- Master of Science in Emerging Technologies
- Master of Science in Management of Technology
- Master of Science in Applied Data Science
- Master of Arts in Digital Marketing
- Master of Arts in Global Affairs
- Master of Arts in Human Resource Management and Development
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Arts in Project Management
- Master of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship
- Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
- Certificates:
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- Data Analytics
- Digital Marketing
- Global Health
- Human Resource Management
- Project Management
- Social Entrepreneurship
These are just a few examples of the many online programs and degrees offered by NYU. For a complete list of programs, please visit the NYU SPS website or the website of the specific school offering the program.
In addition to the programs listed above, NYU also offers a variety of online courses that can be taken individually or as part of a degree program. These courses are taught by NYU faculty and cover a wide range of topics, including business, technology, the arts, and humanities.
NYU's online programs and degrees are designed to provide students with the same high-quality education as on-campus programs. Students in online programs have access to the same resources as on-campus students, including libraries, academic advising, and career services.
If you are interested in learning more about NYU's online programs and degrees, we encourage you to visit the NYU SPS website or contact an admissions counselor.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $76,563
In-state Tuition and Fees: $58,168
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $58,168
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $82,509
George Washington University
Location: Washington, DC
Admission Rate: 49%
Average SAT Score: 1420
Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,798
George Washington University offers a variety of online programs and degrees across several schools and colleges. Here are some examples:
College of Professional Studies:
- Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degrees:
- Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management
- Homeland Security
- Legislative Affairs
- Paralegal Studies
- Political Management
- Public Relations and Communications
- Publishing
Graduate Certificates: - Paralegal Studies
- Publishing
- Publishing Management
School of Business:
- Online MBA
- Online Healthcare MBA
- Master of Human Resource Management
- MS in Information Systems Technology
- MS in Management
- MS in Project Management
Graduate Certificates: - Human Capital
- Management Leadership
- Project Management
School of Education and Human Development:
- Master's degrees:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- Elementary Education
- Museum Education
- Graduate Certificates:
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Museum Change Agents
- Sustainability Leadership
- Special Education and Disability Studies
- Secondary Transition Leadership
- Special Education for Cultural Responsiveness and Equity in Teaching
School of Engineering and Applied Science:
- Master's degrees:
- Systems Engineering
- Trustworthy AI for Decision Making Systems
To get the most up-to-date information on specific programs, admission requirements, and application deadlines, we recommend visiting the official George Washington University website and exploring the online programs offered by each school and college.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $77,900
In-state Tuition and Fees: $62,200
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $62,200
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,449
Median Earnings (10 years): $90,873
Further Reading: Best Online Colleges and Universities
Top 65 Not-for-Profit Online Colleges and Universities: Full List
For those looking for a more comprehensive and in-depth look at our rankings and data, we present all the schools used in our ranking.
Our list started with over 90 nonprofit universities that offer online programs and was narrowed down to our top 65.
Any schools that were missing data points were removed from our list. Only those schools that reported their data to the government were considered in our rankings.
In case of a tie, the average net price determined an official "winner".
| Florida State University |
| Johns Hopkins University |
| Purdue University-Main Campus |
| University of Delaware |
| Georgetown University |
| George Mason University |
| New York University |
| Villanova University |
| Arizona State University-Tempe |
| George Washington University |
| University of Dayton |
| Saint Joseph's University |
| Fordham University |
| University of Scranton |
| Lewis University |
| American University |
| University of San Francisco |
| University of Denver |
| Baylor University |
| La Salle University |
| Seton Hall University |
| Saint Xavier University |
| Sacred Heart University |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota |
| The University of Texas at Arlington |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis |
| Widener University |
| Ohio University-Main Campus |
| Mount Mercy University |
| Walsh University |
| Norwich University |
| Abilene Christian University |
| Judson University |
| Utica University |
| Regis College |
| Fitchburg State University |
| Nova Southeastern University |
| Arkansas State University |
| Northwest Missouri State University |
| University of Northern Colorado |
| Winthrop University |
| University of Saint Francis |
| Southern Oregon University |
| Colorado State University-Pueblo |
| University of Louisiana-Lafayette |
| Benedictine University |
| University of Southern Indiana |
| University of Saint Mary |
| Colorado Christian University |
| Lamar University |
| Queens University of Charlotte |
| Davenport University |
| Regent University |
| Southeastern Oklahoma State University |
| Columbia International University |
| University of the Virgin Islands |
| Our Lady of the Lake University |
| Liberty University |
| Anna Maria College |
| Brenau University |
| Saint Leo University |
| Ohio Christian University |
| Southern New Hampshire University |
| New England College |
