After extensive research and analysis, it is difficult to name just one “best” online university in the USA, as there are several excellent options to choose from, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Here is a list of some top online universities in the USA, based on factors such as program offerings, accreditation, faculty expertise, student support, and national rankings:
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University of Florida Online: One of the top-ranked public universities in the country, UF Online offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, from business and engineering to education and health sciences.
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Arizona State University: ASU Online is another highly respected institution that offers over 200 degree programs online, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. ASU’s faculty includes several Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners.
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University of Southern California: USC Online enrolls over 12,000 students in its online programs each year and boasts an impressive faculty of industry experts and academic leaders. USC offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields like social work, education, and business.
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Pennsylvania State University: Penn State World Campus is the online learning division of Penn State University, which has been offering high-quality distance education courses since 1892. The university offers over 150 online programs, from associate’s degrees to doctoral degrees.
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Northeastern University: This Boston-based university has been offering online programs for over a decade and has since expanded its offerings to include over 60 online degree programs, from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees. Northeastern’s online programs have a strong focus on experiential learning and career preparation.
In the words of renowned author, Malcolm Gladwell, “The visionary starts with a clean sheet of paper, and re-imagines the world.” These top online universities have taken a clean slate approach to higher education, pioneering new technologies and strategies to deliver quality education to students across the country. According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings of top online programs, the University of Florida, Arizona State University, and Oregon State University are tied and ranked as the best online bachelor’s programs in the country. Meanwhile, the University of Southern California, Penn State World Campus, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide claim the top spots in the online graduate business, engineering, and nursing programs categories, respectively.
Here is a table comparing some of the key features and statistics of these top online universities:
| University | Total Online Enrollment | Number of Online Programs | Accreditation |
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| University of Florida Online | 17,932 | 24 | SACSCOC |
| Arizona State University | 42,976 | 200+ | HLC, AACSB, ABET, CSWE, CCNE, CAEP, NASM, and more |
| University of Southern California | 11,277 | 80+ | WASC, AACSB, ABET, CSWE, CCNE, and more |
| Pennsylvania State University | 14,396 | 150+ | MSCHE, AACSB, ABET, CSWE, CCNE, and more |
| Northeastern University | 10,309 | 60+ | NEASC, AACSB, ABET, CSWE, and more |
Of course, each student’s needs and goals are unique, and it is important to thoroughly research and compare different online universities before making a decision. Factors to consider may also include cost, time to completion, available resources, and career outcomes.
See a video about the subject
This video covers the top 5 best online colleges for adults looking to continue their education. The list starts with Charter Oak State College, which is known for being transfer-friendly. Liberty University Online and Southern New Hampshire University tied for 4th in the rankings due to their flexibility and allowance of credit transfers. Excelsior College ranks 3rd for accepting alternative credits and offering a unique “hack” to a degree, but with a low graduation rate and high cost per credit hour. Tied for 2nd place is University of Maine at Presque Isle and Western Governors University, offering subscription-based competency models learning. Finally, Thomas Edison State University takes the number one spot with high credit acceptance rates, graduation rates, flexible programs, and unique ways of fulfilling the residency requirement. The speaker recommends doing research before choosing a school, but Thomas Edison is the best choice for busy adults.
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Is online degree valid in USA?
An online degree is valid for employment in the US if it is accredited by the Distance Education Council (DEC). The DEC accredits colleges and universities that offer distance learning courses and degrees through its Automated Accreditation System (AAS).
What is the best online university in the world?
Answer to this: Top Online Colleges
| Rank | School Name | Financial Aid Available |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida | Yes |
| #2 (tie) | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Worldwide | Yes |
| #2 (tie) | University of Illinois–Chicago | Yes |
| #4 (tie) | Medical University of South Carolina | Yes |
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Where is the best place to get it online degree?
Response will be: Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- University of Florida.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Worldwide.
- University of Illinois–Chicago.
- Medical University of South Carolina.
- Texas A&M University–College Station.
- University of North Carolina–Charlotte.
- Arizona State University.
- Oregon State University.
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Are any online degrees respected?
Answer: According to the experts, degrees earned from accredited online schools are taken just as seriously as degrees earned at brick-and-mortar institutions. Although, it’s also important to remember that hiring managers look at other aspects of your job application or resume before extending an offer.
What are the best online colleges in the USA?
What are the best accredited online colleges? The best nationally accredited online colleges are. California Coast University; Western Governors University; Grantham University; Columbia Southern University; American Public University System; Abraham Lincoln University; Rasmussen College Online; Southwestern Oklahoma State University; American National University
What are the top ranked online colleges?
Response to this: ranked 150 colleges and universities offering degree programs online by "user reviews and additional institutional indicators," according to Cooper. Overall, one Texas university took the top spot in the nation. Texas Tech University claimed the top spot
What online universities are nationally accredited?
Regionally and nationally accredited online universities include: Capella University . This university has its facul ty in 48 states and across 8 countries globally. Many of this university’s