Accredited Non-Profit Online Universities 2023
A non-profit online college is an excellent choice for quality education. Non-profit means that funds 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.
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.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 65 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 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, Payscale, and school websites.
10 Best Non-Profit Online Colleges for 2023
1. Johns Hopkins University
Score: 100
Average Net Price: $23,428
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 93%
Salary After Attending: $83,287
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.
2. Florida State University
Score: 99.4
Average Net Price: $9,946
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 80%
Salary After Attending: $53,449
Florida State University is a public research university located in Tallahassee, Florida. As one of the nation’s notable research universities, Florida State University not only preserves and expands knowledge but also does it with a philosophy strongly rooted in teaching. FSU provides high-quality education to more than 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Florida State University is a big school that offers a wide range of courses for both undergraduates and people who want to go to graduate school. This includes baccalaureate degrees in 103 programs, master’s degrees in 107 programs, many advanced ones too, plus 63 doctorates. The University is accredited to provide fully professional programs in law (J.D.), medicine (M.D.), and nursing, providing professionals with leading-edge educational opportunities.
3. Purdue University
Score: 98.8
Average Net Price: $13,337
Retention Rate: 92%
Graduation Rate: 75%
Salary After Attending: $65,257
Purdue University is the recipient of the number 3 spot in our review of the best non-profit online colleges of 2023. 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.
4. University of Delaware
Score: 98.4
Average Net Price: $18,967
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 81%
Salary After Attending: $67,298
Landing the number 4 position in our review of the top non-profit online schools of 2023 is the University of Delaware. 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 in 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.
5. Georgetown University
Score: 97.4
Average Net Price: $32,108
Retention Rate: 95%
Graduation Rate: 94%
Salary After Attending: $96,375
Georgetown University is our number 5 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 choose 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.
6. George Washington University
Score: 94.8
Average Net Price: $32,563
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 81%
Salary After Attending: $80,606
George Washington University is a prestigious private institution that is found in Washington, District of Columbia. It is a huge educational establishment, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,141 students. Given that only 43% of applicants are accepted into George Washington University each year, the admissions process is extremely tough. The fields of International Relations, Political Science and Government, and Nursing are consistently ranked among the most popular undergraduate majors. Alumni of George Washington University, of which 85 percent of students graduate, receive an average beginning income of $53,600 after graduation. As a preeminent institution devoted to research, George Washington University (GW) fosters the expansion of human knowledge across academic fields and throughout the entirety of its 10 academic schools, 35+ interdisciplinary research institutes, and extensive library network.
7. Villanova University
Score: 94.0
Average Net Price: $43,577
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 89%
Salary After Attending: $90,613
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.
8. Arizona State University
Score: 93.4
Average Net Price: $13,107
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 64%
Salary After Attending: $55,749
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 the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, which the United States Department of Education also notes. Having this homologation is a definite plus when you are trying to secure federal financial aid assistance.
9. George Mason University
Score: 93.4
Average Net Price: $19,551
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 74%
Salary After Attending: $66,148
George Mason University (GMU), which is in Fairfax, Virginia, is a public research university. It started out as a branch of the University of Virginia in 1949, but in 1972 it became its own school. George Mason was one of the people who started the United States and had a big impact on writing the Constitution. The university is named after him.
GMU has a diverse student body of over 38,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, law, education, engineering, computer science, and the arts and humanities. GMU is particularly well known for its programs in law, economics, and public policy.
10. New York University
Score: 93.4
Average Net Price: $38,569
Retention Rate: 92%
Graduation Rate: 84%
Salary After Attending: $76,040
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 students hard-working individuals, but the faculty members 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.
Honorable Mentions
University of Dayton
The University of Dayton 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
Norwich University offers you the chance to earn your Master’s 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
Saint Joseph’s University 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
Seton Hall 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 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 non-profit 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 |
