Best Non-profit Online Colleges 2026
Johns Hopkins University ranks first on EDsmart’s 2026 list of accredited nonprofit universities with online programs. Purdue University and Florida State University round out the top three. We used federal data to rank each school. We looked at cost, student support, graduation, retention, and earnings. The data cover the whole university, not just online students. We compare online-focused schools such as SNHU and WGU in a separate section.
Nonprofit status tells you how a school is run and uses its money. Accreditation means an outside group has reviewed the school’s quality. Check both before you enroll. This is vital if you may transfer credits later. Learn more about regional and national accreditation.
Key facts
- Johns Hopkins University ranks first for 2026. It reports a 94% graduation rate and median earnings of $117,419.
- Purdue and Florida State are the highest-ranked public universities in the top 10. Florida State reports an average net price of $11,297.
- SNHU, WGU, Liberty, and National University were not in the ranked group. We compare them in a separate section.
Top 10 at a Glance
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD |
| 2 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN |
| 3 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL |
| 4 | Georgetown University | Washington, DC |
| 5 | University of Delaware | Newark, DE |
| 6 | Villanova University | Villanova, PA |
| 7 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA |
| 8 | New York University | New York, NY |
| 9 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion | Tempe, AZ |
| 10 | George Washington University | Washington, DC |
EDsmart ranked public and private nonprofit universities with many online or distance programs. The statistics come from federal data and cover each university as a whole.
Compare Nonprofit Online Colleges
Best Nonprofit Online Colleges 2026
EDsmart used federal data to score these public and private nonprofit universities. The score covers graduation, retention, median earnings, and average net price. A school also had to offer many online or distance programs. The data cover the whole school. Results for online students or a single program may differ. See how we rank colleges.
Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore, MD
Sector: Private nonprofit
In-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Johns Hopkins offers online and hybrid graduate programs for working adults. It ranks first based on results for the whole university. Admission is selective. Its average net price is higher than that of several public schools below.
Why it stands out: Leads our nonprofit online ranking, with a 94% graduation rate and $117,419 median earnings.
Average Cost of Attendance: $85,947
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $10,250
Purdue University-Main Campus
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Sector: Public
In-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Purdue’s main campus offers online programs as well as campus-based STEM degrees. Purdue Global is a separate school in the Purdue system. Check the exact school and program before you apply. Purdue may suit students who want engineering or applied science programs from a public Big Ten school.
Why it stands out: An 83% graduation rate, $81,751 in median earnings, and an average net price of $14,600.
Average Cost of Attendance: $24,591
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,500
Florida State University
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Sector: Public
In-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Florida State Online offers fully online bachelor’s and graduate programs. Its in-state cost per credit is low compared with many large research schools. Its average net price is also lower than that of every private nonprofit on this list.
Why it stands out: An average net price of $11,297, a 96% retention rate, and an 86% graduation rate.
Average Cost of Attendance: $25,720
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,000
Georgetown University
Location: Washington, DC
Sector: Private nonprofit
In-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Georgetown University offers online graduate programs in policy, business, and other professional fields. Its average net price is one of the highest on this list, but its graduation rate and median earnings are also among the highest. It may appeal to students who value access to employers and alumni in Washington, D.C.
Why it stands out: A 95% graduation rate and $119,773 median earnings at a D.C. private nonprofit.
Average Cost of Attendance: $88,741
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,500
University of Delaware
Location: Newark, DE
Sector: Public
In-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
The University of Delaware offers online bachelor’s and graduate programs in addition to programs at its Newark campus. Its retention and graduation rates are among the highest for the public universities on this list. It may be a good fit for students seeking a public university in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Why it stands out: An 81% graduation rate, a 92% retention rate, and an average net price of $17,799.
Average Cost of Attendance: $30,952
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,572
Villanova University
Location: Villanova, PA
Sector: Private nonprofit
In-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Villanova University offers online professional programs from its campus near Philadelphia. It reports high graduation and earnings figures, but its average net price is the highest on this list. Use Villanova’s net price calculator to estimate your cost after grants and scholarships.
Why it stands out: A 92% graduation rate and $104,228 median earnings at a private Philadelphia-area nonprofit.
Average Cost of Attendance: $84,793
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,874
George Mason University
Location: Fairfax, VA
Sector: Public
In-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
George Mason University is a public research university in Fairfax, Virginia, with a large online catalog for working adults. Its average net price is close to the University of Delaware’s. Its admissions are also less selective than those of Georgetown or NYU.
Why it stands out: A $17,915 average net price with 86% retention at a Fairfax public research campus.
Average Cost of Attendance: $28,604
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,500
New York University
Location: New York, NY
Sector: Private nonprofit
In-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
New York University offers many online graduate and professional programs. Its university-wide graduation and retention rates are high, but its average net price is also among the highest on this list. Consider NYU if its programs, alumni network, or employer connections justify the cost for you.
Why it stands out: An 88% graduation rate, a 96% retention rate, and an average net price of $37,050.
Average Cost of Attendance: $84,374
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,500
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Location: Tempe, AZ
Sector: Public
In-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Arizona State University offers one of the country’s largest online program selections. The federal figures shown here come from ASU’s Tempe campus record, which may not match results for ASU Online students. Confirm the campus, program, and aid offer before comparing ASU with other schools.
Why it stands out: An average net price of $14,967 and an 87% retention rate at a large public research university.
Average Cost of Attendance: $30,111
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,500
George Washington University
Location: Washington, DC
Sector: Private nonprofit
In-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
George Washington offers online and hybrid career programs. The school may appeal to students who want to work for a federal agency or nonprofit group. Its average net price is high. Ask if your employer will help pay tuition.
Why it stands out: An 84% graduation rate and median earnings of $95,967.
Average Cost of Attendance: $83,856
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,449
Nonprofit vs For-Profit Online Colleges
- Private nonprofit colleges use extra revenue to support the school. They do not pay owners or shareholders. A board of trustees oversees the school.
- Public universities receive government support. They do not pay private owners. This ranking includes both public and private nonprofit schools.
- For-profit colleges can pay profits to owners or investors. Some are accredited. Compare graduation rates, debt, and job results before you enroll.
- Accreditation reviews school quality. Check the school in the federal database. If your career needs a license, check the program’s accreditation and state approval too. Credit transfer is not automatic, so ask the next school if it will accept your credits.
Other Nonprofit Online Colleges to Consider
Some well-known online nonprofit colleges were not included in the ranked top 10. The schools below use different online models and may still be worth comparing. This table is not a second EDsmart ranking. Visit each school’s official website to confirm programs, tuition, accreditation, and admission requirements.
| School | What to compare |
|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | Large online program selection, multiple start dates, and support for adult learners. |
| Western Governors University | Competency-based courses and flat tuition for each six-month term. |
| University of Arizona Online / ASU Online | Online programs from large public research universities, with several start dates. |
| National University / Liberty / Wilmington | Online programs designed for adult and military-affiliated students. |
| University of the People / City Vision | Low-cost models with separate fees. Confirm accreditation and credit-transfer rules before enrolling. |
How to Choose a Nonprofit Online College
- Confirm accreditation. Look up the school in the federal accreditation database.
- Estimate your actual cost. Use each school’s net price calculator and compare financial aid offers, not just published tuition.
- Check professional license rules. Online nursing, teaching, counseling, and other licensed programs may not meet the rules in every state.
- Compare program formats. Review start dates, live class times, internships, and any required campus visits.
- Ask about education benefits. Contact your employer’s HR office or your VA school official before you choose a school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Nonprofit Online Colleges
What does it mean when a college is nonprofit?
A private nonprofit college uses extra revenue to support the school. It does not pay owners or shareholders. Public universities also have no private owners, but federal data place them in a separate group.
Are nonprofit colleges better than for-profit colleges?
Not always. A school’s ownership does not prove that every program is good. Compare accreditation, total cost, graduation rates, debt, job results, and student support.
What is the best nonprofit online college?
Johns Hopkins University ranks first on EDsmart’s 2026 list. It reports a 94% graduation rate for the whole school. Purdue and Florida State are the top-ranked public schools.
Is SNHU or WGU nonprofit?
Yes. Southern New Hampshire University and Western Governors University are private nonprofit schools. Both serve many online adult students. We compare them below, but they were not part of this ranked group.
Are public universities nonprofit?
Public universities do not pay private owners or shareholders. Federal data still place public and private nonprofit schools in separate groups. This ranking includes both groups.
How many nonprofit colleges are there?
Federal data counted about 1,754 private nonprofit institutions in the 2020–21 academic year. That older figure provides general context, not a current total. Use the federal College Navigator database to check the status of a specific school.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education — National Center for Education Statistics
- BestColleges — For-Profit vs. Nonprofit Colleges
- Research.com — Best Accredited Non-Profit Online Universities
- EDsmart rankings methodology
- EDsmart — Regional vs. National Accreditation