Best Online Universities
If you’re worried about being able to pay for your online college education, you’re not alone. In survey after survey, students looking at online schooling list affordability as their number one factor in choosing a school. Second, only to affordability, is the reputation of the online university or program, which is why you’ve come to EDsmart to find the best online universities.
In order to create our lists of the best online universities, we’ve collected and verified annual tuitions of the top-ranked colleges offering online degrees. Affordability is only one factor in deciphering the value of your degree. A cheap online degree may not provide the greatest bang for your buck. Post-graduation earnings information included with our ranked schools can help you decide on a school that will provide you with the greatest value.
Wherein alumni salaries were available, schools were ranked higher than their counterparts that did not provide ROIs. ROI percentages were calculated by multiplying annual tuitions multiplied by four in order to represent four years of college.
Best Online Associate’s Degrees | Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees | Best Online Master’s Degrees | Best Online Doctoral Degrees
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
20 Best Online Universities for 2021
Earn your degree whenever and wherever you want with one of the online universities that made our list.
Best Online Associate’s Degrees
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Alumni Salary | ROI Value | ROI % |
| 1 | Georgia State University-Perimeter College | $2,850 | $63,203 | $60,353 | 554% |
| 2 | Albany State University | $2,945 | $63,749 | $60,804 | 541% |
| 3 | Clovis Community College – New Mexico | $2,664 | $56,415 | $53,751 | 529% |
| 4 | Western Nebraska Community College | $3,225 | $53,775 | $50,550 | 417% |
| 5 | Allen County Community College | $1,920 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
#1 Georgia State University-Perimeter College
Tuition: $2,850
Alumni Earnings: $63,353
Georgia State University-Perimeter College has been serving the students of the Atlanta area for more than 50 years. The institution values students-time which is proven by their low student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1. The highest degree that an individual can earn at Georgia State University-Perimeter College is an associate’s degree. The college has degrees in subjects including English, Fine Arts, Health Professions, History/Political Science, Humanities, Life/Earth Sciences, and Mathematics. A few of the concentrations within these subjects include nursing, dental hygiene, American sign language, film, theatre, and music. The college keeps a high satisfaction rate and prides itself on providing quality education both online and in-person classes. All of their majors offer an online option for individuals who need more flexibility and enjoy working at their own pace.
#2 Albany State University
Tuition: $2,945
Alumni Earnings: $63,749
Albany State University has been a leading secondary higher education since 1903. The school has been recognized by the U.S. News and World Report and has gotten rankings such as #31 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, #58 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and has even landed a ranking in leading Top Public Schools. Albany State University has outstanding associate degrees that can be earned 100% online. A few of these degrees include Associate of Science in Health Information Technology, Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology, Associate of Science in Core Curriculum-Criminal Justice Pathway, and Associate of Science in Core Curriculum-Health Science Pathway. These are just a few of their degrees offered online, some other concentrations they offer fall under psychology, sociology, and computer science. Earning your associate’s degree from Albany State University has never been easier and is guaranteed to help you excel in your career or advance you into gaining more education upon graduation.
#3 Clovis Community College – New Mexico
Tuition: $2,664
Alumni Earnings: $56,415
Clovis Community College in New Mexico was built upon values of excellence, diversity, collaboration, flexibility, optimism, and respect. Clovis Community College keeps an open admission policy and has a total enrollment of 3,107 students. Students enjoy the smaller class sizes because they get more personal interaction with their professors and gain more hands-on learning. Niche.com gave the college an overall grade rating of B-. The highest degree attainable at CCC-New Mexico is an associate’s degree, and many of their degrees are formatted for you to work online. Clovis Community College in New Mexico offers 7 online associate degree programs in behavioral science, business administration, computer information systems, criminal justice, general studies, legal assistant studies (paralegal), and liberal arts. Within each of these programs, you’ll find that you can also earn certificates along with your degree. Earning certificates with your degree will excel you even further within your desired career and help you to stand out on your resume.
#4 Western Nebraska Community College
Tuition: $3,225
Alumni Earnings: $53,775
Western Nebraska Community College is a smaller institution with a total enrollment of 1,825 students. The college prides itself on student success and achieves this goal through engaged teaching, active learning, accessibility, community responsiveness, and teaching workforce readiness. Niche.com gives WNCC a grade rating of B-. For such a small school, Western Nebraska Community College has a wide range of online associate degree programs for students to choose from. Just a few of their degrees offered online include business administration, dentistry (pre), exercise science, nursing, surgical technology, criminal justice studies, human services, chemistry, engineering (pre), and music education. These are just a few of their exceptional programs. Not only are these programs flexible but you’re guaranteed small class sizes, individual attention, hands-on experience, and the opportunity to network with professionals within your community.
#5 Allen County Community College
Tuition: $1,920
Alumni Earnings: N/A
Allen County Community College is located in Lola, Kansas, and has a student population of 2,540. Allen Country Community College has a goal to be recognized for providing high-quality education and empowering individuals to be lifelong learners and create change within our communities. The institution offers a large array of online associate degrees programs including farm/ranch management, anthropology, communication, early childhood education, English, graphic design, mathematics, political science, and pharmacy technician. These programs are the perfect pathway for individuals seeking an entry-level position or for individuals wanting this to help them excel further into a bachelor’s degree. All of the professors are trained professionals who’ve worked within your area of study for many years. Allen County Community College keeps a high satisfaction rate amongst students as they diligently strive to provide better education and more hands-on experience every day.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Alumni Salary | ROI Value | ROI % |
| 1 | Clayton State University | $5,079 | $68,394 | $63,315 | 337% |
| 2 | Kennesaw State University | $5,562 | $68,499 | $62,937 | 308% |
| 3 | Georgia Southern University | $5,646 | $65,506 | $59,860 | 290% |
| 4 | The University of North Carolina at Pembroke | $5,067 | $57,149 | $52,082 | 282% |
| 5 | Valdosta State University | $5,463 | $58,898 | $53,435 | 270% |
#1 Clayton State University
Tuition: $5,079
Alumni Earnings: $68,394
Clayton State University has been a highly recognized and awarded institution since its founding in 1969. U.S. News and World Report have given the university many rankings through the years, its most recent rankings include #20 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, and landing among the best in Top Public Schools and best in Regional Universities South. Clayton State University offers approximately 17 bachelor’s degree programs completely online. Many of these programs are student favorites and even with distance learning, you’ll find the one-on-one attention you need to help you be successful. A handful of their online degrees are Bachelors in french, liberal studies, psychology/human services, accounting, supply chain management, homeland security, and emergency management. Each program is taught by highly trained professionals and each program keeps a student-focused model. Many of the programs offer specialization or concentrations so as a student you can design your desired program to fit your needs and interests.
#2 Kennesaw State University
Tuition: $5,562
Alumni Earnings: $68,499
Kennesaw State University is the second-largest university in Georgia with over 43,000 students currently attending the school. The university holds a prestigious title of being a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution, this title is only held by 6% of all colleges and universities in the United States. Niche.com gives Kennesaw State University an overall grade rating of B. The university offers 15 fully online bachelor programs. A few of the majors individuals can choose from include criminal justice, business, cybersecurity, sociology, political science, information technology, and many more. U.S. News and World Report gave the school a ranking of #18 for Best Online Bachelors in Business Programs. Kennesaw strives to provide engaging learning, and hands-on experience even from the comfort of your own home. A multitude of these programs can be taken as a full-time or part-time student which gives you more flexibility and freedom on when and how you finish your degree.
#3 Georgia Southern University
Tuition: $5,646
Alumni Earnings: $65,506
Georgia Southern University is located in sunny Statesboro, Georgia. The university was founded upon values of collaboration, academic excellence, discovery, innovation, integrity, openness, inclusion, and sustainability. According to Best Value Schools, Georgia Southern University is ranked among the Top 49 Most Affordable Online Schools in 2021. Along with that ranking, Niche.com gives GSU an overall grade rating of B+. Georgia Southern University doesn’t offer too many bachelor’s degrees online, but their online degrees are highly rated and have high student success rates. The online bachelor’s degrees offered at GSU are Bachelor of Arts in World Languages and Cultures, Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology, and an RN-BSN online program. For students who are interested in the world languages and cultures major, you’ll have the chance to choose a concentration in French studies, German studies, or Spanish studies.
#4 The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Tuition: $5,067
Alumni Earnings: $57,149
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a student-driven institution with over 8,000 students attending and 120+ student organizations for individuals to participate in. The U.S. News and World Report have given UNCP many rankings over the years, for the upcoming 2022 school year they’ve received rankings like #65 in Regional Universities South, #18 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, and #30 in Top Public Schools. For many earning their bachelor’s degree online is the best option, it allows for flexibility and lets you work at your own pace. At the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, they offer six bachelor’s degrees 100% online. These degrees are Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Bachelor of Integrated Studies in Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, RN-BSN program, and a Bachelor of Science in Birth-Kindergarten Education. These programs offer a multitude of different options whether it’s different specializations within the program, accelerated tracks, or hands-on opportunities.
#5 Valdosta State University
Tuition: $5,463
Alumni Earnings: $58,898
Valdosta State University has been expanding the minds of leaders since it opened its doors in 1913. Since its founding, Valdosta has found itself being ranked in many achievements. For the upcoming 2022 school year it’s been ranked by U.S. News and World Report in National Universities, Top Performers on Social Mobility, and in Top Public Schools. Niche.com gave Valdosta State University an overall grade rating of B-. VSU has a wide selection of online bachelor’s degrees for students to choose, a few of the major’s individuals can choose to pursue are criminal justice, management, organizational leadership, french, psychology, Spanish, workforce education/development, and office administration/technology. Any one of these programs will open the door to an array of different careers for you to follow. Some of the most popular professions students have gone into after graduating from one of these programs include CIA Agent, Behavioral Therapist, Foreign News Correspondent, Business Analyst, Bilingual Educator, and Corporate Instructor.
Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Alumni Salary | ROI Value | ROI % |
| 1 | Georgia Institute of Technology | $2,700 | $91,152 | $88,452 | 844% |
| 2 | Eastern Illinois University | $3,438 | $70,176 | $66,738 | 510% |
| 3 | Midway University | $3,750 | $66,244 | $62,494 | 442% |
| 4 | Augusta University | $4,140 | $61,888 | $57,748 | 374% |
| 5 | American College of Education | $3,760 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
#1 Georgia Institute of Technology
Tuition: $2,700
Alumni Earnings: $91,152
Georgia Institute of Technology is a prestigious secondary-educational institute that holds recognition as a top 10 public research university. Georgia Tech has a mission to, “develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.” The university has very high rankings from the U.S. News and World Report including #4 in Most Innovative Schools, #10 in Top Public Schools, #38 in National Universities, and a multitude of other very good rankings. Niche.com gave GIT an overall grade rating of A+ for academics, value, and diversity. Georgia Institute of Technology has 13 online masters degree’s programs, a few include aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, medical physics, operations research, analytics, computer science, manufacturing leadership, and mechanical engineering. Three of their online master’s programs are professional master’s degrees, these are their applied systems engineering, manufacturing leadership, and occupational safety/health degree.
#2 Eastern Illinois University
Tuition: $3,438
Alumni Earnings: $70,176
Eastern Illinois University was founded in 1895 and today is home to over 7,000 students. It’s found itself as a highly ranked school since its opening, the U.S. News and World Report has ranked it #54 in Regional Universities West, #23 in Best Colleges in Veterans, #12 in Top Public Schools, and #48 for Best Value Schools. Eastern Illinois University has 19 online master’s programs including one professional master’s degree. Some of their most popular online masters degrees are Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Health Promotion, Master of Science in Talent Development, Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition Education, Master of Arts in Political Science, Master of Arts in Aging Studies, and a Masters in Business Administration. The best thing about their online programs is most of them have concentrations within the degree allowing students to focus their attention on their desired specialization.
#3 Midway University
Tuition: $3,750
Alumni Earnings: $66,244
Midway University is located in Midway, Kentucky, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The U.S. News and World Report ranked Midway #98 in Regional Universities South and #25 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. Midway University doesn’t offer many online master’s degrees but the ones they do provide include Master’s of Business Administration, Master’s in Education, and Master of Science in Nursing. Each of these degrees is unique in their own way and offer exceptional advantages. In the online MBA program, there are 5 concentrations for students to choose from in equine management, health care administration, human resource management, sport management, and tourism/event management. In your Master’s in Education program, you’ll be taking your classes online while leading in the classroom and gaining real-world experience. In the Master of Science in Nursing program, you’ll have the choice of doing a Nursing Administration or a Nursing Education track. Each program is flexible to your needs.
#4 Augusta University
Tuition: $4,140
Alumni Earnings: $61,88
Augusta University is recognized for being Georgia’s health-science and medical college that’s been serving students since 1828. The university is a research institution awarding individuals with undergraduate, graduate, and professional level degrees. August University has received many rankings including landing among the best in Top Performers on Social Mobility, National Universities, Nursing, and Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report. Augusta University has 8 online master’s degrees which consist of, Master in Business Administration, Master of Education in Counselor Education, Master of Arts in Teaching Programs, Master of Science in Epidemiology, Master of Science: Information Security Management, Master of Education with a Major in Instruction, Master of Science with a Major in Kinesiology, and Master of Education in Educational Leadership. A multitude of these programs offers concentrations and internships or hands-on experience in the field you’re pursuing. Practicing your skills within the community will not only give you the advantage you need to be successful but it’ll give opportunities for networking with the professionals you meet.
#5 American College of Education
Tuition: $3,760
Alumni Earnings: N/A
American College of Education is a reputable private online institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The biggest benefit to an all-online university is that they know the highest quality way to teach through distance learning. American College of Education is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. When it comes to online master’s degree programs, ACE provides 24 different programs for individuals to study under. Some of their most popular programs are, Master of Education in Special Education, Master of Education in STEM Education, BSN to MSN, Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Business Administration in Social Impact, RN to MSN, and a Master of Education in Advanced Studies. Graduates have gone on to be very successful with 97% of graduates believing that their professional skills are more advanced after graduating from their programs.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Alumni Salary | ROI Value ROI % | ROI % |
| 1 | Liberty University | $5,500 | $72,022 | $66,522 | 327% |
| 2 | Mississippi State University | $7,335 | $74,405 | $67,070 | 254% |
| 3 | Bethel University – Minnesota | $6,720 | $66,964 | $60,244 | 249% |
| 4 | The University of St Augustine for Health Sciences | $3,770 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | American College of Education | $5,595 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
#1 Liberty University
Tuition: $5,500
Alumni Earnings: $72,022
Liberty University is a religious university with Christian-based values instilled within all they do in hopes of improving tomorrow’s world. LU has a total enrollment of over 100,000 students and has an online student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 allowing plenty of one-on-one time with professors. Liberty University has 11 doctorate degrees that can be earned from the comfort of your own home. A few of their most popular doctorate degree programs consist of Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Public Administration, Doctor of Strategic Leadership, Doctor of Worship Studies, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Education, and Doctor of Music Education. Many of these programs offer classes online but you’ll need to complete an internship within your community to practice the skills you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
#2 Mississippi State University
Tuition: $7,335
Alumni Earnings: $74,405
Mississippi State University is a top research institution and strives to provide all students with the opportunity to expand their knowledge through hands-on learning. The university has landed a multitude of rankings on U.S. News and World Report including rankings for Best Value Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans, Top Public Schools, and among the best in National Universities. Mississippi State University has an array of different online doctorate degree programs including Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, Doctor of Philosophy in Computational Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/ Systems Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership, Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering with concentrations in Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Education, and Mechanical Engineering. These programs are highly advanced and are best for students who enjoy a challenge and can stay focused.
#3 Bethel University – Minnesota
Tuition: $6,720
Alumni Earnings: $66,964
Bethel University-Minnesota is a Christ-centered institution with core values of being Christ-followers, character-builders, truth-seekers, world-changers, and reconcilers. According to the U.S. News and World Report Bethel University-Minnesota has landed rankings in National Universities, Top Performers on Social Mobility, and in Nursing. Niche.com has given the university an overall grade rating of B. The online doctorate degrees offered at Bethel are Doctor of Nursing Practice, Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership, and an Ed.D. in K-12 Administration. All of these degrees can be completed within 2-3 years but may require a dissertation to be done before graduation. As a doctorate-level student, you’ll be expected to conduct research with experienced-based knowledge.
#4 The University of St Augustine for Health Sciences
Tuition: $3,770
Alumni Earnings: N/A
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences was created with a mission to build up the healthcare workers of tomorrow through innovative, hands-on learning. The institution is highly recognized and only offers graduate-level degrees making it a more competitive school to be accepted into. Those who are accepted must uphold themselves to professional and ethical standards of conduct. The doctorate-level degrees that can be achieved online from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences include the following: Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. These degrees are focused on physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses who are seeking to advance their skills and credentials even further. The program is designed for working professionals to take classes on their own time and gain any hands-on learning intermittently as needed. Each of these online programs has a high graduation rate and may include specializations for individuals looking to focus their careers.
#5 American College of Education
Tuition: $5,595
Alumni Earnings: N/A
American College of Education is a reputable private online institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The biggest benefit to an all-online university is that they know the highest quality way to teach through distance learning. The American College of Education has been providing top-quality distance education to undergraduates and graduates alike. Among their many programs, ACE has 6 doctorate level degrees including a Doctor of Education in Curriculum/Instruction, Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology, Doctor of Education in Leadership, Doctor of Education in Nursing Education, Doctor of Education in Public Health Education, and a Doctor of Education in Second Language Instruction. All of these degree programs can be completed within 3-years and are ideal for professionals interested in teaching within their career fields.
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
