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The U.S. News rankings evaluate degree-granting online programs at regionally accredited institutions. Explore our rankings and directory of schools offering online bachelor’s and online master’s degree programs in seven disciplines.
Bachelor’s Programs
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree online is a great option for students who are uninterested in more traditional campus life.
Popular Degree Profiles
Accounting, Business Administration and Management, Computer Science, Health Care Administration and Management, Marketing, See all
MBA & Graduate Business Programs
An online master’s degree in business can equip students with leadership skills and industry connections that are vital to advancing careers.
Popular Degree Profiles
MBA, Accounting, Executive MBA, Finance MBA, Human Resources, International Marketing Management, International MBA, See all
Graduate Criminal Justice Programs
Earning a master’s degree can help graduates take on leadership roles in the justice system or work on research or policy analysis.
Popular Degree Profiles
Graduate Education Programs
Some school districts require their teachers to have a master’s degree, so earning it online can lead to career growth for current and future educators.
Popular Degree Profiles
Curriculum and Instruction, Doctor of Education, Education Leadership and Administration, Master of Education, See all
Graduate Engineering Programs
There are several academic routes for those earning an online engineering degree to pursue.
Popular Degree Profiles
Biomedical Engineering / Bioengineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Mechanical Engineering, See all
Graduate Information Technology Programs
For anyone interested in programming, designing or sharing technology expertise, an online degree in computer and information technology (CIT) may be the best option.
Popular Degree Profiles
Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Software Engineering, See all
See the Best Online Graduate Information Technology Programs »
Graduate Nursing Programs
Thanks to the growth of online nursing degree programs, students can advance their careers in one of the most in-demand health care professions.
Popular Degree Profiles
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Science in Nursing (BSN Option), Master of Science in Nursing (RN Option), See all
Is an Online College Degree Right for You?
Online colleges offer many different types of undergraduate and graduate degrees, and have benefits and drawbacks for prospective students to consider.
Experts say the quality of an education from an online college is, in many cases, just as high as one pursued in person, and that online learning offers the ability to communicate with a professor and other students through technology. Enrollment in online courses has grown each year for more than a decade.
People interested in getting an online college degree, especially working adults looking to go back to school, should consider the flexibility of online learning given their responsibilities outside the classroom. Those with full-time jobs and families might find a part-time online degree program ideal, enabling them to juggle their various daily responsibilities without having to commute to a physical classroom. In many online degree programs, students can access course material on their own time and in a location of their choice, regardless of their distance from a physical campus.
Prospective online college students should be aware that an online program isn’t always less expensive than one earned in person – and federal financial aid may be available for those who take enough credits.
Online learning also has its downsides, and not every subject is suited for online education. Prospective students should be on the lookout for scams, which includes making sure a program is accredited. Pursuing an online college degree requires more personal responsibility from students as they complete assignments and group work based on their own schedule.
Online students also need to be prepared to effectively manage their time. And though communication with instructors and students is possible through electronic means, prospective students should weigh whether they want to sacrifice face-to-face interaction for the flexibility online education provides.
Sponsored Schools
An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about:
- Programs & curriculum
- Career opportunities
- Tuition & financial aid
- Admissions & starting dates
- Ashford University
- American InterContinental University
- Colorado Technical University
- Capella University
- Kaplan University