Attending college as a working adult brings its own unique rewards and challenges. A degree or certificate can help you advance into leadership roles, prepare for a career change, or develop new skills. However, balancing schoolwork, job responsibilities, and other obligations requires self-discipline, accountability, and support.
Intelligent.com prepared this list to help working adults find the best online colleges that provide high-quality degree programs with the type of support and resources working students need. This article also includes information about the pros and cons of attending college as a working adult and how to choose the online college that’s right for you.
The Top 50 Online Colleges for Working Adults
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How we rank schools
This list features the best online colleges for working adults in the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list have been accredited by reputable organizations, such as the Higher Learning Commission and New England Commission of Higher Education, that assess the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of colleges and universities.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online college programs with low out-of-state tuition to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What You Should Know About Online Colleges for Working Adults
For traditional college students, attending a degree program essentially is their full-time job, with a schedule full of classes, homework assignments, studying, and extracurricular activities.
However, for working adults, earning a degree is a job on top of a job, meaning their needs and priorities are different. Online colleges for working adults understand these needs and offer programs that are more flexible and accessible for those balancing school with professional life.
Many online degree programs for working adults feature asynchronous courses, which means there are no scheduled class meetings. Students can access their lessons and assignments whenever it is most convenient for them via an online portal. This delivery method allows students to tailor their school schedule around their work schedule.
Students who work stable hours and prefer the experience of learning with real-time interaction can seek out synchronous programs that have scheduled virtual class meetings. In programs that cater to working adults, these courses are typically held during evening hours or on weekends.
Working students also may need different types of support to help them navigate the challenges of balancing school and career. This includes mental and emotional wellness support, tutoring services, off-hours access to services like the financial aid office and registrar, and study groups for adult students. When researching programs, speak to an admissions counselor or academic advisor to learn more about the available services.
Additionally, some schools and programs may give working students credit for the knowledge they obtained through their professional experiences. Working adults should consult with academic advisors to learn more about receiving credit for work experience. Depending on the student’s current job and the degree they’re pursuing, they may also be able to fulfill experiential learning or internship components at their workplace.
Pros and cons of attending an online college for working adults
Pros
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AccessibilityAttending a college that caters to working adults can make earning a degree much more accessible, since students don’t have to quit their jobs or rearrange their work schedules to attend classes. Enrolling in an online program also means less disruption to a working adult’s life than relocating to a different city or state to attend their desired program.
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Tuition assistance benefits
As part of their benefits packages, many companies offer tuition assistance to help employees pay for post-secondary education. The specific parameters and eligibility criteria for these benefits vary by company, but typically, an employer will reimburse students for tuition and other education-related costs after successful completion of a course or degree program.
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Networking opportunities
Gaining opportunities and advancing in your career is often as much about who you know as what you know. Enrolling in an online program catering to working individuals gives students a chance to network with other professionals in their field, which can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and professional development.
Cons
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Balancing education and work may not be for everyoneAttending college, especially an online program, while working a full- or part-time job requires self-discipline, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently. Before enrolling in an online college program, students should determine if they realistically have enough time and energy to devote to their studies, and what kind of course schedule and structure works best for them. Determining your capacity and setting realistic expectations can help prevent students from falling behind in their studies and wasting time and money.
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Curriculum may cover information students already know
For working adults earning a degree in a field in which they already have professional experience, it’s important to review the curriculum to ensure it will teach them new skills and knowledge. Otherwise, students may just receive redundant information they learned on the job that doesn’t help them advance or develop new skills.
How to Choose the Online College for Working Adults That’s Right For You
Clarify your education and career goals
Before you begin researching online colleges for working adults, it’s helpful to establish your specific educational and career needs. This can include identifying your area of study and the type of degree you need to obtain the jobs you want. Taking a career assessment or personality test can be useful if you need assistance choosing an area of study that matches your aptitudes and interests.
Working adult students should also reflect on their logistical needs, including what type of course delivery method will work best for their schedule. If you have an inconsistent work schedule, an asynchronous program may work best, as there are no set class times. Meanwhile, students who work during regular business hours may be able to accommodate evening and weekend synchronous classes.
Research schools and programs
After establishing your parameters, you can begin researching schools. Most schools publish essential information, including program curriculum, schedule, faculty bios, tuition, and available financial aid, on their website. You can also contact the school’s admissions office to speak to an admissions counselor or participate in virtual open houses or information sessions to get a more in-depth look at a school.
During the research process, it’s also important to confirm that the schools you’re considering are accredited by a recognized regional accrediting agency. Accreditation ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards for high-quality education and awards legitimate recognized degrees. Only students enrolled at accredited schools can be considered for federal financial aid and a school’s accreditation status can also affect future employment and educational opportunities.
Other helpful questions to ask during the research process include:
- Are classes offered synchronously or asynchronously?
- How do online students interact with classmates and faculty?
- Who are the faculty and what are their qualifications?
- Are there any experiential learning components, like internships?
- What networking opportunities are available to online students?
- What support services does the school provide to online students?
Review admissions and eligibility requirements
As you conduct your research, gather information about the school’s admissions processes and policies. Application procedures and requirements vary among schools, so if you have questions or need clarification on how to apply, contact the school’s admissions office to speak to an admissions counselor.
A standard application for an undergraduate degree program consists of:
- Completed application and required fees
- Official high school transcript showing proof of graduation or a GED
- Letters of recommendation
- An essay or personal statement
- A resume
- SAT or ACT scores (if required)
Application requirements for graduate degree programs are similar, although there may be more selective eligibility criteria, like a minimum undergraduate GPA or a specific undergraduate degree. Programs may also require that students submit GRE or GMAT scores.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Lastly, review information about the school’s tuition costs and available financial aid options and make a plan for financing your degree. Financial aid counselors are a helpful resource if you have questions about tuition and fees and financial aid.
Consult with your employer to find out if they offer tuition assistance benefits. Specifics vary by employer, but these benefits typically reimburse employees for tuition and other educational costs after the successful completion of a course or degree program.
If you want to be considered for need-based financial aid, such as federal student loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Institutions use information from this application to determine eligibility for need-based financial aid. Many schools and external organizations also offer merit-based aid for high-achieving students, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
Veterans or active-duty military members should explore tuition discounts and GI Bill benefits. Schools often offer payment plans so students can pay tuition in installments.