The United States is one of the leading countries in technology and innovation. As a result, it was not difficult for universities in the United States to adopt online learning. There are hundreds of universities in USA that offer online programs but which are the best online universities in USA?
You do not need to worry about it as we have already done extensive research and compiled a list of 15 Best Online Universities in USA. These universities are part of the Best Distance Learning Universities in USA for International Students.
We understand that many international students wish to study in popular study destinations such as the USA but are unable to because of distance.
Migration to other countries for education can be so tedious and expensive, but all thanks to the advancement in technology, students can now earn a degree from anywhere in the world without leaving their comfort zone and going through any immigration process.
Online education in the United States can be traced back to the late 1900s and since then a lot of universities in the United States have adopted online education, especially during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Do you want to know the Best Online Universities in USA? This article contains the list of some of the best universities in USA and other things you need to know.
Why Online Universities in USA?
The United States is one of the countries with the largest number of international students. This is also the case for their online universities, a lot of international students enroll in online programs offered by online universities in the United States.
Students enroll in online universities in USA for the following reasons
Earn a quality and widely recognized degree
USA is known for many things including quality education. Any degree earned from an accredited university in the United States will be recognized anywhere in the world.
financial help
Most online universities in the United States provide financial aid for online students through grants, loans, work-study programs, and scholarships.
Affordability
There are a lot of affordable online universities in USA that provide high quality education at affordable rates. Most of these universities charge per credit hour.
accreditation
There are many accredited universities in the United States that offer online programs.
FLEXIBILITY
One reason students enroll in online programs is because of the flexibility. Online universities in the USA offer online programs that are ideal for students with busy schedules.
free online courses
Some online universities in the United States offer free MOOCs through Coursera, edX, Udemy, and other online learning platforms.
All You Need To Know About The Best Online Universities In USA
This list was compiled on the basis of quality, recognition, affordability and flexibility. The 15 Best Online Universities in USA are consistently ranked among the best online programs ranging from undergraduate to graduate degrees and certificates.
These universities offer online programs at various levels: bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, graduate and graduate certificates, which are available in various fields of study.
Most of the programs offered by these online universities are available completely online. Other formats used by these universities are hybrid, a combination of online courses and in-class courses.
The programs offered are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus and with the same curriculum. So, you are getting the same quality that on-campus students would get.
The degrees or certificates earned from these online universities are recognized nationally or regionally. In addition, some of the programs offered have independent accreditation i.e. programmatic accreditation.
Financial aid is also available for online students in the form of grants, loans, work-study programs.
List of Best Online Universities in USA
Below is a list of some of the best online universities in the USA:
University of Florida
UMass Global
Ohio State University
Pennsylvania State University – World Campus
Colorado State University – Global Campus
Utah State University
University of Arizona
University of Oklahoma
Oregon State University
University of Pittsburgh
John Hopkins University
Florida State University
George Institute of Technology
Boston University
Columbia University.
10 Best Online Universities in USA
Before we discuss about these universities, be sure to check out our article on how to find the best online colleges near you. This article is a complete guide on how to choose the best online colleges.
1. University of Florida
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $111.92 per credit hour
Financial Aid Available: Yes
The University of Florida is a top-ranked public research university in Gainesville, Florida, offering high-quality, fully online bachelor’s degree programs.
There are approximately 25 majors offered by the University of Florida through its colleges.
2. UMass Global
Accreditation: WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC)
Tuition: From $500 per credit hour
Financial Aid Available: Yes
UMass Global is a private, non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Massachusetts (UMass).
Since 1958, UMass Global has been offering a variety of online and hybrid programs ranging from associate to doctorate.
Online programs are available in the fields of arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, and health.
3. Ohio State University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tution:
Undergraduate: $459.07 per credit hour
Undergraduate: $722.50 per credit hour
Financial Aid Available: Yes
The Ohio State University claims to be the highest ranked public university in Ohio.
OSU offers online degrees at various levels: certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
4. Pennsylvania State University – World Campus
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Tuition: $590 per credit
Financial Aid Available: Yes
Pennsylvania State University – World Campus is the online campus of Pennsylvania State University, which was established in 1998.
World Campus offers thousands of online programs at a variety of levels: bachelor’s, associate’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, graduate and undergraduate certificates, graduate and undergraduate minors.
5. Colorado State University – Global Campus
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tution:
Undergraduate: $350 per credit
Undergraduate: $500 per credit
Financial Aid Available: Yes
Colorado State University – Global Campus is an online public university that is a member of the Colorado State University System established in 2007.
CSU Global offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree and certificate programs.
6. Utah State University
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Tution:
Undergraduate: $1,997 for 6 credits (Utah residents) and $2,214 for 6 credits (non-Utah residents).
Undergraduate: $2,342 for 6 credits (Utah residents) and $2,826 for 6 credits (Non-Utah residents).
Financial Aid Available: Yes
Established in 1888, Utah State University is the only land-grant institution in Utah.
USU offers fully online degrees and certificates in Agriculture and Technology, Education and Healthcare, Business, Natural Resources, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science.
Utah State University began offering online programs in 1995.
7. University of Arizona
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tution:
Undergraduate: $500 to $610 per credit
Graduate: $650 to $1332 per credit
Financial Aid Available: Yes
Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is a public land-grant university.
The University of Arizona offers a variety of online programs at various levels: undergraduate and graduate degrees, undergraduate and graduate certificates.
8. University of Oklahoma
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $164 per credit (in-state tuition) and $691 per credit (out-of-state tuition).
Financial Aid Available: Yes
Established in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university in Norman, Oklahoma.
The University of Oklahoma offers both undergraduate degree and graduate certificate programs online.
9. Oregon State University
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Tution:
Undergraduate: $331 per credit
Undergraduate: $560 per credit
Financial Aid Available: Yes
Oregon State University is a public land-grant research university located in Corvallis, Oregon that began distance education in the 1880s.
Online and hybrid format programs are available in a variety of options: undergraduate and graduate degrees, undergraduate and graduate certificates, graduate minors, micro-credentials, and course sequences.
10. University of Pittsburgh
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Tuition: $700 per credit
The University of Pittsburgh is a public university that offers several fully online bachelor’s and certificate programs.
In addition, the University of Pittsburgh offers several massive open online courses (MOOCs).