Accredited Non-Profit Online Universities
A non-profit online college is an excellent choice for quality education. Non-profit means that funds which the school receives from tuition go back into the school programs. This money is generally used to enhance the course curriculum as well as the student experience.
While for-profit schools are run more like a business, where the primary goal is to fatten its bottom line, non-profit schools may also offer better accreditation and a more extensive choice of classes.
We understand that trying to decide if you should attend a non-profit online college or one for-profit 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 non-profit universities to attend for individuals seeking a completely online degree program. Whether you’re wanting to pursue your undergraduate, graduate, or even doctorate degree the schools below have what you need to achieve. From all kinds of majors to community involvement, these non-profit universities are the best at delivering high-quality education.
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Top 10 Non-profit Online Colleges | Top 67 Not-for-Profit Online Universities
In our analysis of the best non-profit 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)
- Salary After Attending (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, at 10 years after entering the school)
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 a tie in 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, Payscale, and school websites.
10 Best Non-Profit Online Colleges for 2021
10. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Score: 91.6
Average Net Price: $19,888
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Salary After Attending: $97,071
Founded in 1912, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a school that’s main focus is on its student’s achievement. The university undergraduate and graduate program offers over 30 online majors and has a student population of over 5,000. This highly reputable school has a mission statement of, “Enriched by the Lasallian Catholic heritage, the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership.” Although there is a multitude of majors to choose from, a few of these consist of an undergraduate in nursing, an undergraduate in criminal justice, and a graduate degree in special education. Students feel confident knowing they’re earning a degree in their dream career.
9. New York University
Score: 92.2
Average Net Price: $42,397
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 85%
Salary After Attending: $94,243
New York University is a highly recognized school and for good reason- its outstanding success rate and undeniable history. Its mission is to be a “top quality institution” and this has been proven by the university’s years of contributing to research that uplifts communities, the mass amount of scholarly graduates, and over 500,000 alumni representing 183 countries. Not only are the student’s hard-working individuals but the faculty are award-winning professors who will stop at nothing to help each and every student. Individuals attend NYU for its rigorous workload and high payout for completing challenging degrees. A few of the majors students choose are cardiac surgery, architecture, and dance. There are so many more majors and degrees for students to pursue, the dreams created at NYU are limitless.
8. Villanova University
Score: 93
Average Net Price: $40,134
Retention Rate: 95%
Graduation Rate: 90%
Salary After Attending: 90,856
Villanova University is a Catholic school that holds strong traditions and centers itself around the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The institute encourages interdisciplinary research, curious thinking, and a passion to bring about the common good within communities. One of the many goals of the university is student-centered education including, “developing and nurturing the whole person, allowing students, faculty, and staff to grow intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, culturally, socially and physically in an environment that supports individual differences and insists that mutual love and respect should animate every aspect of university life.” They have a broad array of undergraduate and graduate majors to choose from, each course is designed to expand your intellect to its highest potential. Graduates go on to be successful in their future profession or successful in furthering their education.
7. George Mason University
Score: 93.8
Average Net Price: $20,321
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 73%
Salary After Attending: 78,343
Created in 1972, George Mason University is located in the historic town of Fairfax, Virginia. This secondary-education institution holds a bold standard as one of the largest public research universities in Virginia. Individuals attend George Mason University because it challenges them to greater knowledge. Students get to work with renowned faculty members on research, internships, and within the walls of their classes. This personal one-on-one time assists individuals in better understanding and experiencing the skills learned so they too can become as well known as those who taught them. For those wanting to juggle life’s responsibilities and earn their degree, the university provides over 50 online majors to choose from. Recommended majors consist of, social work, sports management, and health informatics. Degrees range from Business/Management to Science and Math which makes this school a perfect fit for anyone.
6. Georgetown University
Score: 95.6
Average Net Price: $30,169
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 94%
Salary After Attending: $88,639
Georgetown University is our number 6 pick for the best non-profit online university. This school provides you with the option to earn a Master’s degree completely online. While your program choices are a bit limited for a Master’s degree, you can also earn other degrees as well as choosing courses to enhance your skills and your life. Georgetown is a name that is well-known by many employers and business associates. Each of the programs at Georgetown is accredited by the Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools. The Master’s programs have additional accreditations. As a side note, this school does require you to take the GMAT or the GRE.
5. University of Delaware
Score: 96.2
Average Net Price: $16,127
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 79%
Salary After Attending: $70,167
Landing the number 5 position in our review of the top non-profit online schools of 2020 is the University of Delaware. The University of Delaware receives our prestigious number one spot in the best non-profit online colleges of 2019 review. This school provides a host of classes and degree programs all available online. Assignments are interactive, where your participation is required. You can also choose to watch class lectures at your leisure, as they are on-demand. This university has had continuous accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since the early 1920s. Each program also holds specific accreditations. As an online student, you will still receive all the support you need to excel in the program you choose.
4. Johns Hopkins University
Score: 96.4
Average Net Price: $30,701
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 92%
Salary After Attending: $108,694
This school offers online courses, in-person courses, and a hybrid of both, allowing you to choose which format best fits your life and schedule. This educational institution offers over 260 different programs including nursing, art, engineering, science, healthcare, and more. You can choose to earn a certificate on up to a Doctoral degree, and you have the opportunity to attend classes either part or full time. Johns Hopkins also offers several types of financial aid, and you will not be denied admittance or admitted based on your ability to pay for classes. This school is also highly accredited.
3. Arizona State University
Score: 97
Average Net Price: $11,644
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 66%
Salary After Attending: $77,618
The number 3 spot in our review of the best non-profit online colleges goes to Arizona State University. This teaching establishment offers over 175 programs that will lead you to a graduate degree such as a Master’s, Doctoral, or Bachelors. You can also earn an undergraduate degree or choose to earn a certificate. This school offers an impressive six different start dates to choose from each year. ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, which is also noted by the United States Department of Education. Having this homologation is a definite plus when you are trying to secure federal financial aid assistance.
2. Purdue University
Score: 99.4
Average Net Price: $12.527
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 71%
Salary After Attending: $85,981
Purdue University is the recipient of the number 2 spot in our review of the best non-profit online colleges of 2020. This school caters to working adults by offering several classes and programs that are 100% online. You will also have plenty of support while attending courses as it offers one-on-one mentoring. Additionally, this university allows you a 3-week time frame where you can “test drive” the undergraduate program. If you decide the experience is not working out, you can drop the courses and owe nothing more than your application fee. Purdue is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and each program holds additional accreditations.
1. Florida State University
Score: 100
Average Net Price: $10,744
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 80%
Salary After Attending: $71,643
Florida State University receives our prestigious number one spot in the best non-profit online colleges of 2020 review. This educational facility provides you with the opportunity to earn a certificate, take certain courses or obtain your degree in several different areas. Because this school is concerned with your satisfaction, at the end of your course, you will be asked to do an evaluation. The information you provide is completely anonymous and is used to better the courses for future students. All of FSU’s online courses are accredited by major accreditation groups. FSU is also well known for providing quality education to students.
Honorable Mentions (2019 Rankings)
University of Dayton
2019 Average Net Price: $35,077
2019 Financial Aid: 97%
2019 Retention Rate: 90%
2019 Graduation Rate: 79%
2019 20-Year ROI: $394,000
Coming in at number 8 on our list of the ten best non-profit online colleges is the University of Dayton. This educational institution offers hundreds of courses taught solely online. You also have the option to choose hybrid courses as well. However, if you feel that you need to have a personal, face-to-face conversation with the staff of this school, you can arrange an online meeting. The University of Dayton offers e-learning courses to those who are seeking a degree, as well as those just looking to increase their skill set. This school also offers “90 Second Lectures,” which are questions that are answered by the staff members.
Norwich University
2019 Average Net Price: $23,801
2019 Financial Aid:Â 100%
2019 Retention Rate: 79%
2019 Graduation Rate: 59%
2019 20-Year ROI: $292,000
Norwich University acquires our number 9 spot in the review of the best non-profit online universities of 2019. This educational institution offers you the chance to earn your Masters or Bachelor’s degree, as well as the option to earn a certificate. You also have the opportunity to take continuing education courses. Some of the programs include national security, defense strategies, civil engineering, business administration and more. Norwich University offers several options for financial aid, one of which allows you to study overseas. This accredited school also holds several important accreditations.
Saint Joseph’s University
2019 Average Net Price: $35,290
2019 Financial Aid: 98%
2019 Retention Rate: 91%
2019 Graduation Rate: 82%
2019 20-Year ROI: $337,000
Saint Joseph’s University secures its position as number 6 in our review of the best non-profit online colleges of 2019. This school offers several different courses with the ability to earn a certificate, as well as earn a graduate degree. Additionally, Saint Joseph offers a Bachelor of Liberal Studies, which is designed to help you take classes that teach about real-life scenarios and finish your degree. Moreover, this school is accredited by the Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools. As an online scholar, you will have a personal Student Services Coordinator. This person is available to you by telephone and can help you with any issue that may arise while attending courses. Saint Joseph’s is also highly accredited.
Seton Hall University
2019 Average Net Price: $28,700
2019 Financial Aid: 100%
2019 Retention Rate: 85%
2019 Graduation Rate: 67%
2019 20-Year ROI: $356,000
Our number 4 pick for the best non-profit online college of 2019 is Seton Hall University. While this is a Catholic university, students of any religion are welcome to attend courses. This university aspires to help you build and round out your faith, no matter what your beliefs may be at the time. This educational facility offers you the opportunity to earn a Doctorate or Masters Degree, as well as a certificate in your chosen field. Each program at Seton Hall University is accredited by notable agencies. As an online student at this school, you can receive one-on-one support by email, telephone or Skype.
Further Reading: Best Online Colleges and Universities
Top 64 Not for Profit Online Colleges and Universities: Full List and Data
For those looking for a more comprehensive and in-depth look at our rankings and data, we present all the schools and data used in our ranking.
Our list started with over 90 non-profit universities that offer online programs and were narrowed down to our top 62.
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”.
| Score | School Title | Salary After Attending | Average Net Price | Retention Rate | Graduation Rate |
| 100.0 | Florida State University | $71,643 | $10,744 | 93% | 80% |
| 99.4 | Purdue University – Main Campus | $85,981 | $12,527 | 91% | 71% |
| 97.0 | Arizona State University-Tempe | $77,618 | $11,644 | 87% | 66% |
| 96.4 | Johns Hopkins University | $108,649 | $30,701 | 97% | 92% |
| 96.2 | University of Delaware | $70,167 | $16,127 | 91% | 79% |
| 95.6 | Georgetown University | $88,639 | $30,169 | 96% | 94% |
| 93.8 | George Mason University | $78,343 | $20,321 | 87% | 73% |
| 93.0 | Villanova University | $90,856 | $40,134 | 95% | 90% |
| 92.2 | New York University | $94,243 | $42,397 | 94% | 85% |
| 91.6 | Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota | $97,071 | $19,888 | 80% | 67% |
| 90.8 | University of Dayton | $74,576 | $31,187 | 91% | 77% |
| 90.8 | George Washington University | $74,567 | $33,734 | 92% | 84% |
| 89.4 | University of Denver | $74,576 | $28,991 | 87% | 75% |
| 89.4 | University of San Francisco | $100,292 | $32,782 | 84% | 74% |
| 89.2 | Baylor University | $84,653 | $32,601 | 89% | 72% |
| 89.0 | University of Scranton | $80,779 | $35,313 | 87% | 78% |
| 88.2 | American University | $73,635 | $34,617 | 89% | 79% |
| 87.2 | Fordham University | $73,195 | $36,301 | 90% | 77% |
| 87.0 | Lewis University | $67,995 | $18,531 | 81% | 68% |
| 86.4 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | $70,456 | $17,005 | 83% | 55% |
| 86.2 | Seton Hall University | $74,567 | $28,903 | 84% | 65% |
| 84.8 | The University of Texas at Arlington | $72,515 | $12,410 | 72% | 56% |
| 84.0 | Ohio University-Main Campus | $68,219 | $22,453 | 81% | 62% |
| 83.4 | Saint Joseph’s University | $63,997 | $33,742 | 90% | 77% |
| 82.8 | University of Louisiana-Lafayette | $65,856 | $11,228 | 75% | 50% |
| 82.6 | Fitchburg State University | $66,897 | $16,647 | 76% | 56% |
| 82.2 | Northwest Missouri State University | $65,387 | $12,207 | 75% | 51% |
| 82.2 | University of Saint Francis | $53,017 | $17,460 | 80% | 65% |
| 82.0 | La Salle University | $70,642 | $24,590 | 75% | 64% |
| 82.0 | Sacred Heart University | $74,929 | $41,066 | 83% | 60% |
| 81.6 | Saint Xavier University | $65,475 | $14,643 | 73% | 57% |
| 81.4 | Columbia International University | $24,421 | $17,481 | 80% | 70% |
| 80.2 | Benedictine University | $69,710 | $24,865 | 73% | 62% |
| 80.2 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | $63,005 | $25,045 | 84% | 57% |
| 78.4 | Queens University of Charlotte | $58,152 | $21,270 | 81% | 57% |
| 78.4 | Norwich University | $64,865 | $25,581 | 79% | 58% |
| 78.2 | Mount Mercy University | $63,005 | $20,988 | 71% | 69% |
| 77.8 | Walsh University | $57,532 | $19,307 | 76% | 59% |
| 77.4 | Liberty University | $72,022 | $27,883 | 83% | 40% |
| 77.2 | Lamar University | $73,446 | $12,967 | 64% | 39% |
| 77.2 | Arkansas State University | $59,124 | $13,605 | 75% | 47% |
| 77.2 | Widener University | $69,023 | $31,305 | 79% | 56% |
| 77.0 | Utica College | $69,457 | $23,251 | 73% | 50% |
| 77.0 | Regis College | $68,398 | $27,670 | 85% | 40% |
| 76.2 | University of Southern Indiana | $64,087 | $12,827 | 71% | 44% |
| 76.8 | Winthrop University | $40,368 | $17,592 | 76% | 58% |
| 76.2 | University of Northern Colorado | $57,995 | $14,230 | 72% | 54% |
| 75.4 | Abilene Christian University | $58,522 | $26,766 | 77% | 61% |
| 75.0 | Nova Southeastern University | $65,027 | $25,816 | 79% | 47% |
| 74.6 | Southern Oregon University | $48,432 | $9,707 | 71% | 46% |
| 74.4 | Anna Maria College | $86,129 | $25,502 | 65% | 39% |
| 73.8 | Colorado Christian University | $63,005 | $24,344 | 78% | 42% |
| 73.6 | Judson University | $52,733 | $20,498 | 71% | 59% |
| 73.4 | Regent University | $51,972 | $18,403 | 77% | 43% |
| 72.4 | Colorado State University-Pueblo | $61,303 | $12,556 | 66% | 39% |
| 71.4 | University of the Virgin Islands | $36,132 | $11,714 | 72% | 30% |
| 71.6 | Saint Leo University | $58,866 | $19,545 | 72% | 42% |
| 71.0 | Davenport University | $61,516 | $17,670 | 72% | 28% |
| 70.6 | Southern New Hampshire University | $73,898 | $40,334 | 63% | 51% |
| 70.4 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | $46,087 | $8,508 | 64% | 34% |
| 70.4 | Our Lady of the Lake University | $46,673 | $17,506 | 65% | 49% |
| 70.4 | University of Saint Mary | $61,764 | $20,798 | 63% | 49% |
| 69.4 | Ohio Christian University | $65,905 | $25,623 | 67% | 41% |
| 68.4 | Brenau University | $60,523 | $22,083 | 56% | 47% |
| 66.6 | New England College | $65,332 | $27,674 | 53% | 42% |
