Best Online Colleges of 2025
Online college can be a more accessible and affordable option for working adults, parents, or anyone else juggling school with other responsibilities. Many online colleges let you earn a bachelor’s degree at a pace and schedule that works for you, without disrupting your work or home life — and often with lower tuition costs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with a bachelor’s degree earned a median annual salary of $80,236 in 2024. Earning your degree online can be a flexible and affordable way to reach those higher-paying roles.
If you’re ready to start online college today, explore our list of top-ranked, accredited online universities and the most popular degrees available. We’ll also briefly cover how to pay for college and what you can expect from online versus on-campus learning.
10 Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2026
How We Chose These Schools
At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.
This list has been updated for 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
What Degrees Can You Get Online?
With so many degree options at your fingertips, picking the right online bachelor’s program can be difficult. From business majors like accounting and finance to human services majors like nursing and social work, there are hundreds of options for you to pursue. Below are 10 of the most popular online degrees.
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Finance
- Information Technology (IT)
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Social Work
1. Accounting
Online accounting degrees prepare you for careers in business, finance, and accounting. You’ll study the principles of financial accounting and auditing, plus the accounting information systems that many professionals use.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $81,680 as of May 2024.
2. Business Administration (BBA)
Online business degree programs cover a lot of ground, including coursework in accounting, economics, management, and finance. With a business degree, you can work in various entrepreneurial careers, along with roles in the healthcare and information technology sectors.
Per the BLS, in May 2024, business and financial occupations earned a median annual salary of $80,920.
3. Computer Science
In an online computer science degree program, you’ll learn about programming and computer systems. You’ll acquire the skills necessary to pursue careers in computer support, networking, information security, and web development.
Earning a degree in computer science can lead to some of the top-paying careers in tech. For example, the BLS reports that software developers earned a median annual salary of $131,450 in May 2024.
4. Criminal Justice
An online criminal justice degree program teaches you about the law and the criminal justice system. You’ll also acquire leadership skills that you can apply to many personally and financially rewarding public safety careers.
For example, in May 2024, police officers and detectives earned a median annual salary of $77,270, according to the BLS.
5. Education
An online education degree program prepares you for a career in the education system, such as being a teacher or an education administrator. You’ll learn about child development, teaching strategies, and how the school system operates.
The BLS reports that in May 2024, educational instruction and library occupations earned a median annual salary of $59,220.
6. Finance
Earning an online finance degree positions you to help people and organizations manage their money more effectively. You’ll study topics like taxation, financial and investment management, and personal and corporate finance.
Finance professionals earn some of the highest wages in the business sector. For example, as of May 2024, financial analysts earned a median annual salary of $101,910, according to the BLS.
7. Information Technology (IT)
Professionals with online IT degrees provide computer support and solutions to people and organizations. IT programs teach you to tackle technical challenges using skills in programming, networking, security, and emerging technologies.
According to the BLS, in May 2024, computer and information technology occupations earned a median annual salary of $105,990.
8. Nursing (BSN)
Nursing degrees cover healthcare fundamentals, nursing informatics, and community health, plus clinical training. While your online bachelor’s in nursing can lead to various healthcare roles, the most direct path leads to a career as a registered nurse (RN).
According to the BLS, in May 2024, RNs earned a median annual salary of $93,600.
9. Psychology
In a psychology program, you’ll study human development and behavior, counseling, and psychological science. With an online psychology degree, you can access many counseling and social service careers.
The BLS reports that in May 2024, community and social service professionals earned a median annual salary of $57,530.
10. Social Work (BSW)
An online social work degree program covers core topics like human behavior, social welfare policy, and ethics. It also includes intervention skills for working with individuals, families, and communities, as well as a field practicum so that students gain hands-on experience.
According to the BLS, social workers earned a median annual salary of $61,330 in May 2024.
Reality Check: Can I Start Online College Today?
While you can’t start online college the same day you apply, many schools offer open enrollment or rolling admissions. Both of these options allow you to apply whenever it’s convenient for you and enroll shortly after you’re accepted. Open enrollment schools offer near-guaranteed admission if you meet the requirements, and colleges with rolling admissions provide flexible start dates.
Online vs. In-Person College: How It Works and What It Costs
Online and in-person colleges differ in flexibility, learning style, and cost, but both offer similar ways to pay for college.
Online Class Structure and Learning Experience
Attending college on campus usually means you have to attend in-person lectures and classes to complete your coursework. Classes are held on specific days at specific times, and attendance is generally required.
Online colleges usually include prerecorded lectures that you can view at a time that’s convenient for you. This is called asynchronous learning. However, some colleges offer live online courses at specific times, or synchronous learning. Whether you choose a synchronous or asynchronous program, make sure the learning format works for you and your schedule.
Compared to on-campus studies, online degree programs feature considerably less travel. As such, you should expect a less traditional classroom environment. This might include a more independent learning experience with less interaction with instructors and peers.
Cost of Online College
Online programs are cheaper, on average, than their on-campus counterparts. According to the most recent National Center for Education Statistics data (2020), the median cost for online programs was just shy of $8,000 annually, compared to about $12,250 for traditional, on-campus programs, a difference of about $4,000.
To give a clearer sense of today’s prices, the table below adjusts these figures to 2025 dollars. Just keep in mind that tuition has climbed slightly in recent years, so these should be seen as estimates rather than exact costs.
How to Pay for Online College
Online college costs typically run lower than on-campus programs, but you should still expect to pay a considerable amount for your online degree. How exactly can you pay for online college?
Like on-campus programs, you can pay for your online education through scholarships, grants, and student loans. In fact, many online students qualify for the same financial aid opportunities as traditional students, including federal financial aid.
- Federal Financial Aid: The federal government offers grants, loans, and other financial aid to students at accredited online colleges. You must fill out the FAFSA every year to qualify for federal financial aid.
- Scholarships and Grants: Many schools and professional organizations offer scholarships and grants. Eligibility may be specific to a demographic group or field of study.
- Private Student Loans: Online students can apply for private student loans offered by banks and other financial institutions.
- Work-Study Programs: Work study is a federal program that gives students part-time jobs while they complete their degree.
Best Online Colleges By State
Online college allows you to study anywhere, but you might have a specific state in mind. Use the list below to find the best colleges by state.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges
What are the best online colleges?
Generally speaking, the best online colleges for you are those that are accredited and offer the degree you’re looking for at a price that fits your budget. You should also prioritize online schools with comprehensive student support services. Our rankings prioritize all three: academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.
A college’s graduation and retention rates can also tell you a lot about how students fare at the school and how well they’re supported. Ultimately, the best online college for you depends on your preferences and educational goals.
Are online degrees respected?
Yes. Online degrees earned at an accredited online college meet the same academic standards as on-campus programs. They also meet the same licensure requirements unless otherwise stated. Additionally, your diploma will not specify that your degree was earned in an online format.
Is online college harder?
Generally speaking, no. That’s because online courses cover the same materials as in-person classes. However, if you have a harder time staying focused or self-motivated, you may find it harder to keep up with assignments.
Many online schools offer resources and support to help you get comfortable with online learning, since the extra flexibility requires a bit more self-discipline.
Is online college worth it​?
Online college can absolutely be worth it if you want more flexibility out of your degree. Online college makes it easier to balance school with work, family, or other responsibilities, and many online programs come with lower tuition costs. Employers also view accredited online degrees the same as on-campus degrees, and your diploma will not state that your degree was earned online. Just keep in mind that online learning can be challenging if you struggle with self-motivation or prefer in-person instruction.
What is the cheapest online college?
Schools like the University of Florida, Florida International University, and Charter Oak State College are among the most affordable online colleges. The cheapest online colleges typically offer low tuition rates, generous financial aid, and credit for prior learning.
Tuition costs vary by program and whether you live in or out of state, so comparing per-credit rates and financial aid offerings can help you find the best school for your budget.