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 ten 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.
16 Best Nonprofit Online Colleges for 2024
1. University of Arizona
- Average Net Price: $15,601
- Graduation Rate: 64.76%
- Retention Rate: 84.79%
- Median Earnings: $59,805
Arizona offers over 150 bachelor's and master's degrees fully online across fields like education, engineering, public health, nursing, and more. They also have online certificates and teacher endorsements.
The University of Arizona is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Many of their online degrees also hold program-specific accreditations.
Each degree program has its own admission requirements. For undergraduates, a high school GPA of 3.0 is recommended. Graduate programs typically require a 3.0 bachelor's GPA. GRE/GMAT scores may be requested.
In-state online undergraduates pay $500-$600 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay $978 per credit hour. Graduate tuition ranges from $650-$1332 per credit depending on program.
Classes are delivered asynchronously online. Some programs may require occasional synchronous or on-campus sessions.
Online bachelor's degrees typically take 4 years to complete. Master's degrees can be finished in 1-2 years.
Online students get access to advising, technical support, library services, career services, tutoring, disability resources, and other support.
2. Brigham Young University-Idaho
- Average Net Price: $6,577
- Graduation Rate: 64.71%
- Retention Rate: 70.59%
- Median Earnings: $52,551
BYU-Idaho offers over 300 online courses in fields like business management, construction management, general studies, family studies, and interdisciplinary studies through the BYU Pathway Worldwide program. They also offer several online associate degrees.
BYU-Idaho is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
To be admitted, undergraduate applicants do not need to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They must have a high school diploma with a minimum 2.5 GPA. No entrance exams are required.
For the PathwayConnect preferred path, tuition is $81 USD per credit for LDS church members, others pay 25% more.
For the advanced path without PathwayConnect, tuition is $139 USD per credit for LDS church members, others pay 25% more.
Classes are delivered asynchronously online with preset due dates for assignments. Some instructors may also hold live seminar sessions.
Online associate degrees take 2 years. Online bachelor's take four years of full-time study.
Online students have access to advising, career counseling, tutoring, library resources, and technical support.
3. Western Governors University
- Average Net Price: $11,835
- Graduation Rate: 53.91%
- Retention Rate: 65.63%
- Median Earnings: $52,911
WGU offers over 30 online bachelor's and master's degrees in the fields of business, IT, teacher education, healthcare, and more. The school is entirely online-based.
WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Certain programs hold further specialized accreditations.
There are no minimum GPA or standardized test score requirements. Applicants must complete an online readiness assessment.
The average yearly bachelor's degree tuition at WGU is a flat rate of $8,010, regardless of number of courses taken. The average yearly master's tuition at WGU is $8,444, regardless of the number of courses taken.
Classes are asynchronous online with professors providing individual mentoring. Terms are 6 months long, with students completing courses at their own pace.
Bachelor's degrees typically take 2–3 years to complete and master's take 1–2 years. Students can accrue competency units faster to accelerate.
Resources include academic advising, tutoring, career services, library access, financial aid counseling, and more. These are provided online.
4. Kennesaw State University
- Average Net Price: $18,212
- Graduation Rate: 49.44%
- Retention Rate: 76.66%
- Median Earnings: $54,321
Kennesaw State offers fully online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, nursing, information technology, education, healthcare management, and more. They also offer several online certificate programs.
Kennesaw State is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Many of their online programs also have specialized accreditation.
For undergraduates, a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 is required. Graduate programs require a 3.0 GPA. SAT/ACT scores are optional for undergraduates while some graduate programs need GRE/GMAT scores.
Kennesaw State University charges $185.40 per credit hour for undergraduate online courses, $383.00 per credit hour for graduate online courses, $739.00 per credit hour for the WebMBA online program, and $355.00 per semester in student fees for students taking 5 or more credit hours.
Classes are delivered fully online and asynchronously. Some programs may require occasional campus visits for orientations or final exams.
Online bachelor's degrees typically take four years to complete full-time. Master's degrees take 1-2 years. The school follows a 16-week semester schedule.
Online students have access to services like academic advising, career services, tutoring, technical support, library services, financial aid assistance, and more.
5. Bellevue University
- Average Net Price: $15,794
- Graduation Rate: 50.50%
- Retention Rate: 62.32%
- Median Earnings: $60,600
Bellevue offers over 75 online bachelor's and graduate degrees in areas like business, accounting, healthcare, IT, public administration, cybersecurity, and more. There are also online certificate options.
Bellevue University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A number of their online programs have earned specialized accreditations as well.
Undergraduate programs require a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduate programs require a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. No entrance exams are required.
Tuition for online undergraduate courses is $449 per credit hour. Graduate course tuition is $649 per credit hour, depending on the program.
Bellevue offers accelerated online courses in 8-week sessions. Classes are asynchronous with no set login times. Undergraduate students take two courses at a time.
Bachelor's degrees usually take 2-4 years to complete online. Master's programs take 1-3 years. Time varies based on pace of study.
Services like academic advising, career assistance, library access, technical support, tutoring, and disability accommodations are provided online.
6. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
- Average Net Price: $14,780
- Graduation Rate: 35.30%
- Retention Rate: 61.07%
- Median Earnings: $82,012
Embry-Riddle Worldwide offers over 40 online associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees focused on aviation, aerospace, engineering, technology, logistics, project management, and more.
Embry-Riddle Worldwide is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Many programs hold specialized accreditation as well.
Undergraduates need a 2.5 high school GPA. Graduate programs require a 2.75 bachelor's GPA. No entrance exams are required.
Undergraduate tuition is $250 per credit hour for military students and $485 per credit hour for civilian students. Graduate tuition is $675 per credit hour for military students and $806 per credit hour for civilian students, with variability based on specific master's program. Military/veteran students receive discounted tuition rates.
Classes are delivered asynchronously online. Some programs incorporate online simulations. Undergraduate degrees are 120 credits.
Online bachelor's degrees typically take four years to complete full-time. Master's programs take 1-2 years.
Services include academic advising, career assistance, tutoring, library access, student disability services, and a virtual IT help desk.
7. University of the Cumberlands
- Average Net Price: $14,654
- Graduation Rate: 57.39%
- Retention Rate: 66.34%
- Median Earnings: $41,038
University of the Cumberlands offers over 40 online associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like business, criminal justice, education, counseling, healthcare management, and religion/ministry through UCumberlands Online.
Cumberlands is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Several programs have specialized accreditation as well.
Undergraduates need a 2.0 high school GPA. Graduate admission requires a 2.5-3.0 GPA, depending on the program. Standardized test scores are optional.
Tuition is $220 per credit hour for undergraduate courses and $355-$549 per credit for graduate courses, depending on the course. Military/veteran students receive a discounted tuition rate.
Courses are delivered 100% online through 8-week sessions. Classes are asynchronous, with no required meeting times.
Bachelor's degrees take around four years to complete online. Master's programs take 18-24 months.
Cumberlands provides online access to academic advising, tutoring, technical support, library services, counseling, disability services, and more.
8. Troy University
- Average Net Price: $14,019
- Graduation Rate: 37.64%
- Retention Rate: 75.47%
- Median Earnings: $41,691
Troy University offers over 100 online associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in fields like business, computer science, education, social work, nursing, criminal justice, cyber security, information technology, and more.
Troy University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Many programs have specialized accreditations as well.
Undergraduate programs require a 2.0 high school GPA. Graduate programs require a 2.5 GPA. SAT/ACT scores are optional for undergrads.
Standard undergraduate tuition is $408 per credit hour. Graduate tuition is $475 per credit hour. Doctorial tuition is $550 per credit hour. Military/veteran scholarships are available, making tuition costs a flat $250 per credit hour. Military spouses and dependents can receive between 25% and 50% off tuition.
Courses are delivered 100% online asynchronously through 7-week terms. New terms start monthly.
Full-time online undergraduates can complete bachelor's degrees in 2-4 years. Master's programs take 1-2 years.
Troy provides online access to advising, tutoring, tech support, library services, counseling services, disability accommodations, and more.
9. University of Maryland Global Campus
- Average Net Price: $15,635
- Graduation Rate: 30.45%
- Retention Rate: 53.17%
- Median Earnings: $59,823
UMGC offers over 125 online degrees and certificates in fields like business, cybersecurity, healthcare, education, psychology, emergency management and more.
UMGC is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Many programs have specialized accreditations as well.
Undergrads need a 2.0 GPA. Graduate programs require a 3.0 GPA. No standardized test scores are needed.
In-state tuition is between $318-$499 per undergraduate credit, $524-$694 per graduate credit, and $1,087 per doctoral credit. Out-of-state tuition is higher. Military/veteran discounts available.
Courses are delivered 100% online through 8- or 16-week sessions. Classes are asynchronous. New sessions start monthly.
Full-time online students can complete bachelor's degrees in 2-4 years. Master's take 1-2 years.
Services like academic advising, tutoring, tech support, library access, disability services are provided online.
10. Wilmington University
- Average Net Price: $14,796
- Graduation Rate: 43.84%
- Retention Rate: 54.49%
- Median Earnings: $51,570
Wilmington University offers over 130+ reputable online associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across subjects like business, health professions, education, social sciences, and technology.
Wilmington University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Several programs have specialized accreditations.
Undergraduate programs require a 3.0 high school GPA. Graduate programs require a 2.5 undergraduate GPA. No entrance exams are needed.
Tuition is $250-$453 per credit for undergraduate online courses and $300-$577 per credit for graduate online courses.
Courses are delivered asynchronously online in 5- or 10-week terms. New terms start monthly. Some programs may require minimal campus visits.
Full-time online students can complete bachelor's degrees in 2-4 years. Master's programs take 1-2 years.
Wilmington provides online access to academic advising, career counseling, tutoring, tech support, library services, and disability accommodations.
11. Park University
- Average Net Price: $16,069
- Graduation Rate: 29.53%
- Retention Rate: 61.09%
- Median Earnings: $53,977
Park University offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs fully online. There are also some certificate programs available online.
Online degrees are offered in subjects like business, criminal justice, healthcare, education, social work, IT, and more. There are over 500 online associate, bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs.
Park University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Several online degree programs also have specialized accreditations.
The acceptance rate is 100% for undergrads. A 2.75 (overall) GPA is required for full admission to graduate programs. No entrance exams are required. International students must submit proof of English proficiency with minimum TOEFL scores of 79 overall, and 20 on each section for the internet-based test or 550 for the paper-based test (Park University's TOEFL code is 6574).
Classes are offered in 8-week sessions with both synchronous and asynchronous components. Undergrads take two classes per 8-week term.
All online degrees can be completed 100% online with no required campus visits.
Park University provides advising, tutoring, technical support, library services, counseling, career assistance, and other resources online.
Undergraduate tuition is $550 per credit hour plus a $30 "University fee". Graduate tuition is $695 per credit hour and a $75 program fee depending on the program. Financial aid is available.
12. Southern New Hampshire University
- Average Net Price: $22,873
- Graduation Rate: 36.43%
- Retention Rate: 64.32%
- Median Earnings: $53,611
SNHU offers over 200 online associate's, bachelor's, master's, MBA, certificate, and doctoral degree programs across a variety of subject areas.
Some of SNHU's most popular online bachelor's degrees include business administration, accounting, marketing, IT, healthcare management, and communication. Top online master's programs include MBA, education, counseling, IT, and public health.
SNHU has regional accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE). Many of their online programs also have program-specific accreditations.
The acceptance rate for online undergraduate programs is around 94%. Minimum requirements are a high school diploma or GED. Graduate programs require a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.0 GPA. No entrance exams are required.
Classes are offered in accelerated 8-week sessions. Undergrads take two courses per 8-week term. Classes combine asynchronous lectures, discussion boards, live seminars, and group projects.
Online resources include academic advising, career services, tutoring, tech support, writing assistance, library services, and more. All online students get an @snhu.edu email.
Online undergraduate tuition is $990 per course (or $330 per credit hour). Graduate tuition is $1,911 per course (or $637 per credit hour). Over 80% of students receive financial aid such as scholarships, grants, and loans.
13. Liberty University
- Average Net Price: $28,561
- Graduation Rate: 35.83%
- Retention Rate: 79.67%
- Median Earnings: $45,115
Liberty University is a private evangelical Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell. Liberty has a large online program with over 100 online degrees at the associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. These include programs in business, education, psychology, criminal justice, and more.
There are no application fees for online undergraduate programs. Online tuition is lower than on-campus tuition at $390 per credit hour for full-time undergraduates and $455 for part-time undergraduates.
Liberty boasts small class sizes with an average student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 for online classes. Classes are in an asynchronous format with no required login times.
All online students have access to resources like tutoring services, advising, library services, and career services. Students also get an email address and cloud storage through Google Apps.
Liberty has regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees Several online degree programs have specialized accreditations as well.
According to Liberty, over 115,000 students were enrolled in online programs as of Fall 2020. This makes Liberty one of the largest providers of online education in the country.
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".
| Johns Hopkins University |
| Florida State University |
| Purdue University-Main Campus |
| University of Delaware |
| Georgetown University |
| George Washington University |
| Villanova University |
| Arizona State University-Tempe |
| George Mason University |
| New York University |
| University of Dayton |
| Fordham University |
| Saint Joseph's University |
| University of Scranton |
| American University |
| Lewis University |
| Saint Xavier University |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota |
| Baylor University |
| University of San Francisco |
| Seton Hall University |
| University of Denver |
| Sacred Heart University |
| Norwich University |
| Davenport University |
| Fitchburg State University |
| The University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| The University of Texas at Arlington |
| Widener University |
| Regis College |
| Mount Mercy University |
| La Salle University |
| Ohio University-Main Campus |
| Walsh University |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis |
| University of Louisiana-Lafayette |
| Northwest Missouri State University |
| Abilene Christian University |
| University of Northern Colorado |
| Nova Southeastern University |
| Colorado Christian University |
| University of Saint Francis |
| Columbia International University |
| Queens University of Charlotte |
| Judson University |
| Benedictine University |
| Southern Oregon University |
| Arkansas State University |
| Utica University |
| University of Saint Mary |
| University of Southern Indiana |
| Lamar University |
| Winthrop University |
| Colorado State University-Pueblo |
| Saint Leo University |
| Southeastern Oklahoma State University |
| Liberty University |
| University of the Virgin Islands |
| Anna Maria College |
| Our Lady of the Lake University |
| Regent University |
| Brenau University |
| Southern New Hampshire University |
| Ohio Christian University |
| New England College |
