Best Online Colleges of 2024

Cost per Credit: $330

Credits to Graduate: 120

If you've got transfer credits, this is one of the best online colleges to earn your degree. At Southern New Hampshire University, you can transfer up to 90 credits toward a 120-credit bachelor's degree. You can choose from over 100 online bachelor's programs, with options in business, technology, and the social sciences.

Pay a flat tuition rate regardless of your residency status. And if you're considering grad school, check out the accelerated bachelor's to master's options. Plus, there's no application fee.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553

Credits to Graduate: 120

This affordable online college offers a major tuition discount for Florida residents. Attend the University of Florida or the school's online-only branch and pay just $129 per credit if you're an in-state student.

You can choose from 25 majors in the liberal arts and sciences, business, and technology. You'll benefit from virtual career fairs and exclusive job postings only available to Gators. And as an enrolled student at this accredited institution, you'll also qualify for federal financial aid programs.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649

Credits to Graduate: 120

Join a student body of nearly 54,000. Located in Miami, Florida International University is a public, accredited online college. You'll choose from over 120 fully online programs and over 5,100 fully online courses. More than 37,000 Panthers take online classes every year.

You'll take interactive courses on a flexible schedule at FIU. As a distance learner, you can explore fields like engineering, healthcare, business, and education. When you graduate, FIU allows you to attend the on-campus commencement ceremony.

Cost per Credit: $442

Credits to Graduate: 120

With 18 fully online undergraduate programs to choose from, the University of Minnesota gives you the chance to earn your degree as a distance learner. You can choose from a variety of subjects, including criminal justice, English, psychology, and management. The university also offers hybrid options and online graduate programs. 

Additionally, the University of Minnesota is committed to providing online students the same opportunities as in-person students, offering professional development courses to help you expand your business skill set.

Cost per Credit: $260

Credits to Graduate: 120

Live outside of Utah? This public college could be an affordable option. At the University of Utah, you pay a flat tuition rate regardless of your residency status. That means out-of-state students pay one of the lowest tuition rates for online colleges.

Choose from popular majors like economics, nursing, psychology, and social work. You can also partner with success coaches to complete your graduation requirements. You'll benefit from career services, tech support, and a writing center.

Cost per Semester: $7,678-$8,288 (undergraduate)

Credits to Graduate: 120

Since 1998, Penn State's World Campus has been committed to educating online students and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. At Penn State, you'll have access to a variety of student services to help you meet your academic and career goals, including new student orientation, career counseling, mental health services, and more. 

You can choose from more than 40 online bachelor's degrees in subjects like digital journalism, financing, nursing, marketing, and history. Plus, Penn State's World Campus offers over 40 scholarships to incoming students to help reduce the cost of a degree.

Cost per Credit: $431-531

Credits to Graduate: 120

Take live classes from anywhere in the world at this private college. San Diego State University offers a Global Campus that links you virtually with faculty and classmates. Or enroll in asynchronous classes for greater flexibility. 

You'll choose from 22 bachelor's degree completion options designed for transfer students. The online college offers business, education, healthcare, and STEM programs. You can also study communication to develop in-demand soft skills. As an online student enrolled in a  degree-granting program, you also qualify for 700 scholarship opportunities offered through SDSU.

Cost per Credit: $350

Credits to Graduate: 120

At many online colleges, tuition rates increase every year, but Colorado State University Global Campus has not increased tuition in over 10 years. Plus, the public university offers a tuition guarantee to lock in your tuition rate. That can help you budget for your degree costs. Plus, you won't pay any student fees or out-of-state fees.

Earn your bachelor's degree in business, computer science, healthcare, human services, or criminal justice. You can also study project management, cybersecurity, or business analytics at CSU-Global. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $542-$692
Out-of-State | $659-$809

Credits to Graduate: 120

Earn your college degree from Missouri's flagship public university. The University of Missouri at Columbia partners with three other public universities to offer online degrees. You'll have more than 375 academic programs to choose between, giving you a variety of options to meet your educational goals.

You'll work closely with instructors and advisors to complete your program. Mizzou prioritizes flexibility in its online programs, which are designed with working students in mind. You'll also connect with a cohort of classmates to build a community during your degree.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $470

Credits to Graduate: 120

The University of North Texas enrolled more than 140,000 online learners in 2022, overseeing seven online bachelor's programs and dozens of online options for graduate students. UNT is also one of the largest public research institutions in the country, earning a Tier One classification from the Carnegie Foundation.

Undergraduate programs cover topics like business, information science, and rehabilitation studies. UNT also offers an accelerated format for many of its online degrees; courses take around eight weeks to complete, and new students can choose form five start dates throughout the year.