Best Online Colleges & Universities 2025
What does a university classroom look like? It could look like your own home.
Find Your School in 5 Minutes or Less
Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
According to recent research on university enrollment, higher education has been experiencing a decline in traditional on-campus enrollment while seeing online registrations grow.
Why are students going online?
74% pursue online education for career advancement, aiming to change careers, update skills, or increase salaries beyond convenience.
What do these numbers mean for you?
A competitive education market requires selecting schools with strong credentials and long-term value. Consider program efficiency, convenience, reputation, materials, scholarships, and career alignment, not just cost.
What’s the best option for you?
We’ve developed a ranking system based on key attributes to identify the top online colleges, helping you find the best program for your needs.
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Ranking Methodology
The Best Online Colleges ranking is based on four main data points in four categories:
Schools are ranked based on four data points in three categories:
- Median Earnings (Salary After Attending)
- Affordability (average net price)
- Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
- Student Outcome (4-year graduation rate)
Each data point was ranked and scored against all other school data points in the ranking. Schools then received a composite score for the scores mentioned above and ranked accordingly--100 being the highest score possible.
In the case of tie in scoring, we used the average net price to determine which school would rank higher the lower the net price, the higher the ranking.
All data was gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics website and is accurate at the time of this writing.
Best Online Colleges for 2025
The EDsmart Best Online Colleges ranking aims to help students find affordable, quality schools that provide a high return on investment.
All data for this ranking was gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics and https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/.
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Admission Rate: 86%
Average SAT Score: 1252
Undergraduate Enrollment: 27,880
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus (UC) offers over 50 online associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across diverse subjects.
- Highly ranked programs with regional accreditation.
- Online students receive the same quality education as on-campus students.
- Flexible online courses ideal for working adults—complete coursework on your own time.
- Transfer credits accepted; partnerships with community colleges.
- Access to resources like advising, tutoring, writing center, and library.
- Build skills without interrupting your career; many see salary boosts.
- Join UC's extensive alumni network for career opportunities and perks.
- Respected degree from a top-ranked public research university.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $27,473
In-state Tuition and Fees: $13,176
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $28,540
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,250
Median Earnings (10 years): $54,810
University of Missouri-St Louis
Location: Saint Louis, MO
Admission Rate: 51%
Average SAT Score: 1146
Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,378
University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) offers over 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, many nationally ranked.
- Affordable in-state tuition with numerous scholarship opportunities.
- Emphasis on hands-on experiences, internships, and research to build career skills.
- Career center aids in job and internship placement.
- Average class sizes of 20-30 students for individualized attention.
- Diverse student population from varied backgrounds and life experiences.
- Join over 100 student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams.
- Suburban campus with easy access to St. Louis city resources and culture.
- Support services: advising, tutoring, counseling, disability access, veterans services, and more.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $24,160
In-state Tuition and Fees: $11,693
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $29,960
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $53,037
Western Governors University
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 112,807
Western Governors University (WGU) offers a self-paced, competency-based online education model.
- Accelerated learning: Complete courses as fast as you prove mastery.
- Flat-rate tuition: Pay a flat rate per 6-month term, regardless of course load.
- Accepts transfer credits: Reduce time and cost with previous college credits.
- Regionally accredited: Degrees are valid everywhere; many programs have specialty accreditations.
- High-demand fields: Programs in business, IT, teaching, healthcare, and more.
- Certification aligned: Many programs tie directly to certification exams.
- Personalized support: Access to a mentor, course instructors, and student advisors.
- Career advancement: Equip yourself with employer-desired skills; many graduates earn promotions or change careers.
- Fully online: No residency requirements; complete coursework remotely.
- Financial aid available: Apply for federal financial aid and military benefits.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Average Cost of Attendance: $14,042
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,010
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $8,010
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $11,116
Median Earnings (10 years): $60,615
Trine University
Location: Angola, IN
Admission Rate: 92%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,250
Trine University offers affordable online tuition, providing cost savings compared to on-campus rates.
- Over 30 online associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs in fields like business, education, and healthcare.
- Access to academic advising, tutoring, technical support, and library services.
- Small class sizes capped at 25 students for instructor engagement.
- Fully online; no campus attendance required.
- Some programs are self-paced, allowing accelerated course completion.
- Enhance skills without interrupting your career; many students receive promotions.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $48,921
In-state Tuition and Fees: $34,890
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $34,890
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $57,165
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Location: Rexburg, ID
Admission Rate: 96%
Average SAT Score: 1107
Undergraduate Enrollment: 42,213
BYU-Idaho, a private university sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers over 100 undergraduate degrees at very affordable tuition for LDS members.
- Spiritual Environment: Religion classes and weekly devotionals.
- Career-Oriented Programs: Hands-on experience and networking for job opportunities.
- Beautiful Campus: Located in Rexburg, Idaho, with opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Strong Community: Common honor code and student clubs focused on service and volunteering.
- Support Services: Access to tutoring, counseling, and advising for student success.
- Small Class Sizes: Average of around 22 students for personalized attention.
- Affordable Education: Combines spiritual growth, rigorous career preparation, and a scenic environment.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Average Cost of Attendance: $12,807
In-state Tuition and Fees: $4,536
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $4,536
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $13,969
Median Earnings (10 years): $53,406
Valley City State University
Location: Valley City, ND
Admission Rate: 83%
Average SAT Score: 1022
Undergraduate Enrollment: 914
Valley City State University (VCSU) offers over 80 online bachelor's degree completion programs in fields like business, criminal justice, education, and healthcare.
- Online endorsement programs in Special Education and English Language Learner instruction.
- Affordable in-state tuition rates as part of North Dakota's university system.
- Flexible online format for working adults and out-of-state students.
- Expert faculty trained in online pedagogy for an engaging learning experience.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $19,362
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,458
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $13,422
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,369
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,725
Hallmark University
Location: San Antonio, TX
Admission Rate: 53%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 792
Hallmark University offers fully online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business administration, cybersecurity, information technology, and nursing.
- Accredited Programs: Regionally accredited, ensuring credits and degrees are widely transferrable.
- Competitive Tuition: Approximately $400 per credit hour for undergraduates and $500 per credit for graduate programs.
- Accelerated Terms: 6-week terms allow students to complete degrees faster.
- 100% Online: No on-campus coursework or visits required.
- Flexible Scheduling: Online coursework and resources are accessible 24/7.
- Comprehensive Support: Access to academic advising, tutoring, technical support, library services, and career guidance.
- Small Class Sizes: Courses capped at 25 students for individualized attention and interaction.
- Military-Friendly: Benefits include tuition discounts and flexible credit transfer for military and veteran students.
- Affordable and Accredited: Provides cost-effective online degrees in professional fields with ample student support.
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: Data unavailable
In-state Tuition and Fees: Data unavailable
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: Data unavailable
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,438
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,183
Empire State University
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,027
Empire State University, part of the prestigious SUNY system, offers over 120 online associate's and bachelor's degree programs in diverse fields.
- Self-paced online courses: Accelerate degree completion year-round.
- Affordable in-state tuition rates for online learners.
- Generous transfer policy: Transfer up to 80 credits toward a bachelor's degree.
- Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education; certain programs have specialty accreditations.
- Learn from dedicated faculty who are experts in online teaching.
- Join an engaged alumni community for networking and mentoring.
- Personalized guidance from dedicated advisors from enrollment to graduation.
- Access to tutoring, counseling, financial aid, library services, and more.
- Earn a degree from a renowned public college within the SUNY system.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $17,645
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,630
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $17,540
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,730
Median Earnings (10 years): $54,080
Columbia Southern University
Location: Orange Beach, AL
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 11,208
Columbia Southern University (CSU) offers a self-paced online education model.
- Flexible learning: Complete courses at your own pace year-round.
- Affordable tuition: Competitive rates compared to other online universities.
- Generous transfer policy: Accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward undergraduate degrees.
- Frequent start dates: New course sessions begin every 4 weeks.
- 24/7 access: Online resources and support available round-the-clock.
- Regionally accredited: Offers 98 accredited online degree programs.
- In-demand fields: Programs in business, criminal justice, IT, psychology, and public safety.
- Military-friendly: Accepts military credits and benefits like the GI Bill.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $16,520
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,015
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $6,015
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,339
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,534
American Public University System
Location: Charles Town, WV
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 37,569
American Public University (APU) offers affordable, flexible online programs starting monthly.
- No entrance exams required.
- No application fees for undergraduate and master's programs.
- Over 200 degree and certificate programs available.
- Transfer credits accepted from prior education or work experience.
- Learn at your own pace alongside working professionals.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $16,779
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,360
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $7,360
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,743
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,409
Best Accredited Online Colleges by State (Click to View)
EDsmart reviews publicly available data to produce independent ranking assessments of higher education programs based on affordability, student satisfaction, academic quality, and earnings after college. University rankings are regularly updated by a committed team of writers and researchers to help prospective and current college students get into, pay for, and thrive at the college of their choice.
FAQ
What are the best online colleges?
According to our analysis, the best online colleges are:
Click here for list
| 1. University of Michigan |
| 2. University of North Florida |
| 3. Villanova University |
| 4. Smith College |
| 5. Fairfield University |
| 6. Azusa Pacific University |
| 7. Simpson College |
| 8. Old Dominion University |
| 9. University of Wisconsin Whitewater |
| 10. Ball State University |
| 11. Sam Houston State University |
| 12. University of North Dakota |
| 13. California Baptist University |
| 14. University of Wisconsin-Platteville |
| 15. Western Kentucky University |
| 16. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville |
| 17. Saint Mary's College |
| 18. Fort Hays State University |
| 19. Eastern Kentucky University |
| 20. Butler University |
| 21. Angelo State University |
| 22. Valdosta State University |
| 23. Indiana University of Pennsylvania |
| 24. Adams State University |
| 25. Eureka College |
| 26. Averett University |
| 27. Bluefield College |
| 28. Southwestern Assemblies of God University |
| 29. Hope International University |
