The Best Accredited Online Colleges of 2023

Southern New Hampshire University is unique in that the majority of its students are online learners. While about 3,000 students study on campus, 135,000 students attend the university remotely. This private school was founded in 1932 with a focus on business and accounting but today offers programs in all disciplines at all degree levels, from associate to doctoral. Over 200 of these programs are offered online, including an Associate of Science in Fashion Merchandising, Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, and Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. Many online certifications are also available. The school offers a flat fee of $320 a credit for online undergraduate degrees, which is below the national average for private universities. Additionally, financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for online learners, and active-duty service members and their spouses receive a 30% tuition discount.

Students seeking a faith-based educational experience may want to consider Liberty University.

This Christian institution has long been a leader in online learning, with a wide array of associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate programs. Students can pursue degrees and certificates in fields of study like social work, psychology, education, religion, and criminal justice.

Regardless of which type of program a student enrolls in, Liberty University guides them with a degree completion plan to help them stay on track. In most cases, classes are asynchronous and run on 8-week terms for maximum flexibility and accessibility.

Earning an online degree from Florida International University means students can tap into the school's culture of research and innovation from anywhere in the world.

FIU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates in a diverse range of fields of study, including engineering, hospitality, business, education, arts, and more. Students in these programs benefit from FIU's long tradition of research and inquiry, with access to cutting-edge innovations, expert faculty, and opportunities for unique hands-on learning experiences.

The school also gives online students various ways to connect with classmates and faculty and develop new skills through resources like virtual events, Career Engage, SV Academy, and FIU Bootcamps.

With more than 80 graduate degree and certificate programs, the University of Central Florida is an excellent option for students looking to complete an advanced degree online.

UCF Online offers master's degrees in several in-demand fields, including engineering, education, healthcare, and more. For students who are looking to enhance their knowledge or bulk up their resume, there are more than 40 online graduate certificates. UCF Online also has two doctorate-level nursing programs.

Regardless of which program students enroll in, they benefit from UCF's support services, including the UCF Online Connect Center, which links students with coaches who can help guide them through their educational journey.

An admissions experience is almost as important as a student's experience once they have enrolled in a college.

The University of Florida Online helps students feel welcome and supported right from the start. They provide structured "academic on-ramps" that help students determine which program and learning format are right for them, which credits they can transfer from previous institutions, and how to prepare if they're not quite ready for higher education.

The school is also part of the Gator Pathways College Network, a consortium of other Florida colleges designed to make transferring and completing a degree at the University of Florida Online a seamless experience.

Arizona State University offers more than 100 online bachelor's degree programs, making this an ideal option for undergraduate students.

Regardless of what type of program you're looking for, ASU likely offers a bachelor's degree in it. This includes programs in areas like finance, education, business, humanities and liberal arts, and biological and social sciences. ASU further helps undergraduate students tailor their educational experience by offering both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in certain programs and providing several undergraduate minor options.

ASU supports online students with a wealth of support services, including tutoring, academic advising, counseling, career services, tech support, and more.

The University of West Florida offers two online doctoral degrees in curriculum and instruction and instructional and performance technology.

These fully online programs are designed for education professionals who want to expand their knowledge and move into leadership roles. Both programs award students a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and can be completed in approximately three years.

Courses are taught by the same expert faculty who teach in-person classes and are committed to helping online doctoral students reach their scholarship, research, and career goals. Students in the University of West Florida's doctoral programs have access to resources, including databases and online journals, tutoring, and writing services.

Students who are ready to complete their degree but want a different school than the one they previously enrolled in may want to consider Thomas University. This Georgia-based institution offers many pathways to help students earn their degrees as efficiently and smoothly as possible.

Individuals with an associate's degree can apply all credits from their previous program towards a bachelor's degree at Thomas. The university also awards credit for professional or life experience, including industry certifications and military training.

Once enrolled, students can choose from a variety of associate's, bachelor's, and graduate degree programs in areas like business, law enforcement, nursing, and more.

A key component of Thomas Edison State University's mission is to serve adult and non-traditional learners. They support this mission with programs and courses designed to be flexible, accessible, and career-focused.

Students enrolling in Thomas Edison State University can choose from a wide variety of online associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificate programs.

Adult learners can earn credit towards their degrees by evaluating their prior life, work, or military experience. The school also allows students to earn credit-by-exam as an alternative to completing coursework in a classroom setting.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has a long history of supporting active military personnel and veterans in their pursuit of higher education. Many of their degree and certificate programs are in areas that draw on military training and skills, including aeronautics and aviation, homeland security, and robotics.

The university offers various funding options to help military personnel and vets pay for their education. They provide financial assistance to Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel pursuing certifications or credentials that may assist them in advancing their military careers or preparing for civilian employment.

Veterans may also be able to get transfer credits for military training experiences.