Do you agree that Top online schools allow students to interact with peers from around the world and gain valuable experience in a virtual environment? Definitely! right? With e-learning becoming more accessible than ever, it is no wonder that online education is becoming increasingly popular among learners of all ages.
Online education offers several advantages over traditional learning, such as flexibility, convenience, cost-effectiveness, and access to a wide range of courses. It is an educational system that uses the internet to deliver content and services, enabling students to learn from anywhere at any time.
If you’re a fresh graduate of high school or just someone who wants to pursue college education online, you might have asked what top online schools are worth enrolling in and what most affordable online colleges are there. In this article, we will go through 7 top online schools you might want to consider enrolling in.
How to Find the Right Online College for You
When it comes to choosing a good online school for yourself, you should also consider factors that are personal to you. To choose the best online education programs for your education, you should understand your budget, professional and academic goals, and preferred learning style — among other considerations. Let’s take a closer look.
Know Your Time Availability
Consider the time you have available to commit to your studies when choosing online education. If you have other responsibilities such as a career or family, you may prefer a university with options for asynchronous learning or part-time enrollment.
On the other hand, if you can commit full-time to your studies, you may want to look for an online university that offers accelerated programs, which can help you graduate and enter the workforce more quickly.
Consider the Accreditation
When searching for a virtual online school, it’s important to ensure that it is properly accredited. This is particularly important if you plan to pursue further education after graduation. Many graduate programs only accept applicants with undergraduate degrees from accredited colleges.
Additionally, employers often place more value on degrees from accredited online Schools. To check if an online school college is accredited, you can consult the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s directory.
Consider Your Future Goals
When choosing online teaching programs, it’s important to consider the level of degree or certification required for your desired career. If you need an advanced degree or professional licensure, you should look for an online college that offers those programs.
On the other hand, if an undergraduate degree or graduate certificate is sufficient for your career goals, you can focus on finding an online teaching degree that offers those programs.
Additionally, suppose you plan to pursue a graduate degree after earning your bachelor’s. In that case, you may want to consider an online university that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in your field of study. This can make the process of completing multiple degrees more efficient.
The 7 Top Online Schools: College
Purdue University
Purdue Online, with over 200 programs to choose from, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, certificates, and professional development courses, you’re sure to find something that aligns with your career goals. From agriculture to communication, law, technology, and veterinary medicine, Purdue Online offers a wide variety of study areas.
One of the best things about this online school is that it brings together online and hybrid programs from all members of the Purdue University system, including Purdue West Lafayette, Purdue Fort Wayne, Purdue Northwest, and Purdue Global. This means that you have access to a wealth of study options no matter where you live.
With an affordable application fee of only $60, applying to Purdue will be your best online learning program and a great investment in your future. Plus, all of the online programs are taught by experienced faculty members and offer challenging curricula, just like their campus-based counterparts.
Pros
- Low average net price per year
- High graduation rate
- High student retention rate
Cons
- Low socioeconomic diversity
- No live chat tech support for online learners
Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is a leading online public school that offers more than 175 degree and certificate programs to over 20,000 students. Since 1998, it has been dedicated to making this online teaching degree’s educational experience accessible to anyone, anywhere, and anytime.
With an application fee of only $65 and a mission to deliver high-quality, flexible, and convenient education to its distance learners, Penn State World Campus is a great choice for those looking for online education.
Pros
- High graduation rate.
- 24/7 live chat tech support for online learners.
- Personalized academic advising is available.
Cons
- High median total debt among graduates
- High acceptance rate
Florida International University
FIU Online is the online campus of Florida International University, a large public college with over 200,000 alumni and over 56,000 current students. The faculty and curricula at FIU Online are the same as on-campus, and the online degrees awarded are also identical to the on-campus degrees.
The courses offered by FIU Online are designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals and are not self-paced. FIU’s application fee is $30, and the out-of-state tuition is $346/credit (undergrad) and $1,025/credit (graduate).
With around 48,000 students enrolled in online courses each year and learning from over 1,400 instructors in more than 1,500 classes, this online school for college is a great choice for those looking for quality education and flexibility.
Pros
- Low application fee.
- The average net price per year is low.
- Online learners have access to 24/7 live chat tech support.
Cons
- A high student-to-faculty ratio is present.
- Low median earnings among graduates are observed ten years after graduation.
University of Florida – Online
UF Online, the online campus of the University of Florida, offers 25 undergraduate majors and 11 minors in areas such as advertising, computer science, environmental management, psychology, and sport management. As a public institution, UF Online is proud of its “Gators Online Advantage”.
Through asynchronous courses, UF Online students have access to flexible and high-quality education. The university boasts a faculty of nearly 5,000 members, including 2 Pulitzer Prize winners, and receives over $700 million annually for research.
With an affordable application fee of $30, this will be your best online school choice if you are looking for a reputable and flexible online education.
Pros
- The average net price per year is low.
- A small proportion of students opt for federal loans.
- High graduation rate
Cons
- There is a low level of socioeconomic diversity.
- The median total debt among graduates is high.
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota Online is a top-ranked public research university that offers online programs to students worldwide at in-state tuition rates. With over 100 options to choose from, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, minors, certificates, and licensing courses, students can find a program that fits their career goals.
Distance learners also have access to tech support through live chat, though the hours are limited. Additionally, U of M offers professional development courses that can count towards a degree or certificate.
These courses cover a variety of professional areas such as festival and event management, Agile coaching, editing and proofreading, tree inspection, and writing business reports and proposals. The application fee for U of M is $55.
Pros
- The student retention rate is high.
- The median earnings among graduates are high ten years after graduation.
- High graduation rate.
Cons
- The median total debt among graduates is high.
- There is a low level of socioeconomic diversity.
Indiana University
Indiana University is a public college that offers over 200 online programs at various education levels and in a wide range of fields. These programs include associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, and graduate certificates. Fields of study include applied science, humanities, mathematics, public health, and social work, among others.
If you choose to study online at IU, you will be assigned a “home campus” which handles financial aid, advising, and other administrative details. Online students follow the traditional academic calendar and have terms in fall, spring, and summer.
The application fee for IU is $65, and out-of-state tuition is $350/credit (undergrad) and $450-$1,900/credit (graduate).
Pros
- The average net price per year is low.
- High graduation rate
- The student retention rate is high.
Cons
- The median total debt among graduates is high.
- There is a low level of socioeconomic diversity.
Colorado State University – Global
Colorado State University – Global is the online division of CSU, a public university. The school offers affordable education, with a locked tuition rate upon enrollment and no student fees. All courses are fully online and flexible, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
CSU Global offers undergraduate degrees and certificates, graduate degrees and certificates, and licensure programs for educators. Fields of study include accounting, criminal justice, human resources, marketing, and technology, among others.
Each student is assigned a student success counselor to ensure a smooth journey from enrollment to graduation. The application fee for CSU Global is $25 and waivers are available on the school’s website.
Pros
- The average net price per year is low.
- 24/7 live chat tech support for online learners.
- High socioeconomic diversity
Cons
- The median total debt among graduates is high.
- A high percentage of students take out federal loans.
General Average Tuition Fees of All Online Schools for College
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) provides an estimate of average tuition rates for both undergraduate and graduate programs, to give an idea of the financial commitment required.
Graduate Degrees
According to NCES data, the average tuition and fees per academic year for graduate students are as follows:
- Public: $12,410
- Private: $26,597
Undergraduate Degrees
According to the NCES, the average tuition and fees per academic year for full-time undergraduate learners is as follows:
- Public, four-year, in-state: $9,375
- Public, four-year, out-of-state: $27,091
- Private, four-year: $32,825
- Public, two-year, in-state: $3,501
- Public, two-year, out-of-state: $8,256
Disadvantages of Online Education
The following reasons are why you should not take your education online:
Lack of Access to a Stable Internet Connection
These problems make it difficult to focus on the course content. The technology involved in online courses is also complex and requires students to download and use complicated programs to make learning possible. These issues often make it difficult to focus on the course content and can distract students from taking their studies seriously.
Requires You to Have a Basic Knowledge of Technology
This is especially true of Moocs, which do not offer face-to-face interaction with teachers. It can also lead to an increased workload, particularly for students who are working full-time.
Does Not Require You to Leave Your Home
Online career schools do not require you to leave your home for classes. Many people enjoy online learning because it eliminates the need to travel to an institution. However, some students report that they do not feel as if the course material is as high quality as they would like it to be.
More Time on the Computer Screen
Another disadvantage of home school online is that you have to spend more time in front of a computer screen, which can cause eye strain and poor posture. This can lead to physical problems, including insomnia and other sleep disorders. Some people report difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, and even waking up in the morning.
Social Connection Problems
Online study also presents challenges in terms of social connections. Some people learn better when interacting face-to-face with instructors and peers. However, students who are socially awkward or unmotivated may be more likely to feel isolated when they study online.
This lack of social interaction can cause students to develop negative attitudes and deepen their own stress and anxiety. They may also be unable to pass on their knowledge to others.
Benefits of Online Education
The following are the reasons why you should pursue your education online:
Flexible Environment
Online learning allows you to learn in a flexible environment. You can set your own schedule and study anywhere, and access materials and other resources 24 hours a day. In addition, parents can take advantage of a variety of time-saving features, including the convenience of learning from home.
Reduced Cost
Another advantage of taking an online education degree is the reduced cost. While students have the same opportunities to meet with instructors, the cost of transportation and commuting to class is significantly less. Moreover, you do not have to face the intense competition of face-to-face classes.
Promotes Continued Learning
Another benefit of virtual schools is that it promotes continued learning. Continuous learning helps the brain stay active, reducing the risk of dementia and improving mental health. It also trains the mind to absorb information faster.
Diverse Cultures & Experiences
Studying online allows you to interact with people from different backgrounds. This can lead to collaboration, business opportunities, and social networking. Furthermore, online students can act as headhunters to one another, which is valuable in the business world.
Reduces Carbon Footprint
Online study reduces the carbon footprint. A study by David E. Campbell of Humboldt State University found that students who studied online use 90 percent less energy than their counterparts in face-to-face classes. This study also found that online learning decreases the need for materials like wood, plastic, and metal when compared to face-to-face classes.
Increases Your Degree Completion Rate
Besides the cost savings, studying online can also increase your degree completion rate. This is because students can work and raise their families while pursuing their education. This allows them to pursue two interests at the same time.
Can You Transfer Credits to an Online Degree Program?
You may be able to transfer prior credits to an online degree program, but it is important to check with the specific institution regarding their transfer policies. Transferring credits is typically possible as long as the credits were earned from a properly accredited institution.
However, transfer policies can vary among schools and programs, so it is best to consult with the online college to learn about their specific requirements.
Choose Your Best Fit Among The Top Online Schools
When choosing an online college, it is crucial to first set your criteria and preferences, such as looking for an institution with a strong track record in remote learning or the most affordable online degree options. After identifying the online colleges that meet your expectations, make sure to consider the availability of student support services.
As more and more higher education institutions invest in online learning infrastructure, there will be an increasing number of programs offered online, closing the gap between on-campus and online class offerings. The flexibility of online learning not only increases access to quality education but also makes the learning process adaptable to any type of delivery, benefiting all online learners and even those considering taking hybrid courses.
