15 Top Online Universities in USA

The USA has many online programs offered by universities, but which ones are the top online universities in USA. The USA is a top country in technology and innovation. As a result, American universities found it easy to start using online learning.

You don’t need to worry about this because we have already done a lot of research and put together a list of the top 15 online universities in the United States. These universities are among the top distance learning universities in the USA for students from other countries.

We know that many students from other countries want to study in popular places like the USA, but they can’t because it’s too far away.

Moving to a different country for education used to be difficult and costly. But now, because of technology improvements, students can get a degree from any part of the world without having to leave their homes or go through any immigration procedures.

Online education in the USA started in the late 1900s. Many universities in the USA began using online learning, especially during COVID-19.

Are you curious about the top online universities in the United States. This article provides a list of some of the best universities in the US and other important information you should be aware of.

Why Online Universities in USA?

The USA has a lot of international students compared to other countries. This same thing applies to her online universities too. Many students from other countries are taking courses online at American online universities.

Students enroll in online universities in USA because of the following reasons

• Earn a quality and widely recognized degree

The USA is famous for many things, one of which is having good schools and colleges. Any type of degree that is obtained from a recognized university in the United States will be accepted and acknowledged in any part of the world.

• Financial Aid

Many online universities in the USA offer help with money for online students. This help can come in the form of grants, loans, work programs, and scholarships.

• Affordability

There are many cheap online universities in the USA that offer good education at affordable prices. Most of these universities have a cost for each hour of class you take.

• Accreditation

There are a lot of accredited universities in USA that offer online programs.

• Flexibility

One of the reasons students choose online programs is because they can be more flexible with their time. The online universities in the USA offer online programs that are perfect for students who have packed schedules.

• Free Online Courses

Some of the online universities in USA 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 made by looking at how good, reliable, cheap, and adaptable something is. The top 15 online universities in the USA are always ranked as the best for online programs, offering degrees and certificates from bachelor’s to graduate level.

These universities have online programs at different levels like bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. They also offer certificates for undergraduate and graduate studies in various subjects.

Many of the programs provided by these internet universities can be accessed entirely online. Another way these universities teach is by using a mix of online classes and classes held in person. The classes available are taught by the same teachers who teach in person and follow the same lessons. So, you will receive the same level of education as students attending classes on campus.

These degrees or certificates that you get from online universities are approved and recognized either by the whole country or within a specific region. Some of the programs offered are accredited by independent organizations.

Financial aids in form of grants, loans, work-study programs are also available for online students.

15 Top Online Universities in USA

Before we talk about these universities, make sure you read our article on how to find the best online colleges close to where you are. This article gives you all the information you need to choose the right online college.

1. University of Florida

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Tuition: $111.92 per credit hour

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

The University of Florida is a very good public research university in Gainesville, Florida. They offer degree programs that can be completed entirely online.

About 25 majors are offered by university of Florida through it’s colleges.

2. UMass Global

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Tuition: from $500 per credit hour

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

UMass Global is a private, non-profit school connected to the University of Massachusetts.

Since 1958, UMass Global has been providing different types of online and hybrid programs ranging from associate’s degrees to doctoral degrees.

You can do programs online in subjects like 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

Tuition:

• Undergraduate: $459.07 per credit hour
• Graduate: $722.50 per credit hour

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

Ohio State University says it is the best public university in Ohio.

OSU provides various types of online degrees at different levels, such as certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

4. Pennyslavia State University – World Campus

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Tuition: $590 per credit

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

Pennyslavia State University – World Campus is the online version of Pennyslavia State University, which was established in 1998.

World Campus provides a wide range of online programs at various educational levels. These include bachelor’s, associate’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates, and minors.

5. Colorado State University – Global Campus

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Tuition:

• Undergraduate: $350 per credit
• Graduate: $500 per credit

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

Colorado State University – Global Campus is an online public university that is a member of the Colorado State University System, founded in 2007.

CSU Global offer online bachelor’s and master’s degree, and certificate programs.

Read Also: Top Universities in France with No Application Fee 2023

6. Utah State University

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Tuition:

• Undergraduate: $1,997 for 6 credits (Utah residents) and $2,214 for 6 credits (Non-Utah residents).
• Graduate: $2,342 for 6 credits (Utah residents) and $2,826 for 6 credits (Non-Utah residents).

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

Established in 1888, Utah State University is the only land grant institution in Utah.

USU offer fully online degrees and certificates in Agriculture and Technology, Education and Healthcare, Business, Natural Resources, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science.

Utah State University started offering online programs in 1995.

7. University of Arizona

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Tuition:

• Undergraduate: $500 to $610 per credit
• Graduate: $650 to $1332 per credit

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

Established in 1885, University of Arizona is a public land-grant university.

The University of Arizona has a variety of online programs available at different levels. They offer degrees for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as certificates for both graduate and undergraduate students.

8. University of Oklahoma

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Tuition: $164 per credit (in-state tuition) and $691 per credit (out-of-state tuition).

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university in Norman, Oklahoma.

University of Oklahoma offer both graduate degree and graduate certificate programs online.

9. Oregon State University

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Tuition:

• Undergraduate: $331 per credit
• Graduate: $560 per credit

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

Oregon State University is a school in Oregon. It started offering distance education in the 1880s.

You can choose to take online or hybrid programs in different options such as graduate and undergraduate degrees, certificates, minors, micro-credentials, and course sequences.

10. University of Pittsburgh

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Tuition: $700 per credit

University of Pittsburgh is a public university that offers several fully online graduate and certificate programs.

Also, University of Pittsburgh offers several massive open online courses (MOOCs).

11. John Hopkins University

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Tuition: depends on the college

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

John Hopkins University is the first research university in the United States. It was founded in 1876.

Different types of online programs are available at different levels: doctoral and master’s degree, and graduate certificate.

John Hopkins University also offer free MOOCs through Coursera.

12. Florida State University

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Tuition:

• Undergraduate: $180.49 per credit hour (in-state tuition) and $686.00 per credit hour (out-of-state tuition)
• Graduate: $444.26 per credit hour (in-state tuition) and $1,075.66 per credit hour (out-of-state tuition)

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

Florida State University is a school that anyone can attend. FSU’s different schools and areas of study have different ways of teaching. They can teach classes in real-time or provide materials for students to learn on their own time. Some classes may even use a combination of both methods.

There are different levels of online programs: certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, specialist, and specialized studies.

13. Georgia Institute of Technology

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Tuition: $1,100 per credit for certificate programs.

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

George Institute of Technology is a university and technology institute in Atlanta, Georgia that anyone can attend to pursue research and learn about technology.

Georgia Tech has many online programs that you can participate in to earn a degree or graduate certificate.
These programs are mostly focused on STEM subjects.

Georgia Institute of Technology also provides free online courses through Coursera and Udacity.

14. Boston University

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Availability of Financial Aid: Yes

Boston University is a top private school in Boston.

BU has been providing online courses since 2002. Online programs are available in different stages of education: concentration, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, as well as certificates.

15. Columbia University

Accreditation: Middle State Commission on Higher Education

Columbia University is a fancy private school in New York City.

CU has many online programs you can choose from. They offer certificates as well as degree and non-degree programs.

In addition, Columbia University provides MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) through platforms called Coursera, edX, and Kadenze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best distance learning universities in USA for international students?

Some of the best distance learning universities in USA for international students are:

• 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
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Boston University
• Columbia University.

Can I get a degree completely online?

Yes, the online universities in USA offer fully online programs.

Are there Tuition-free Online Universities in USA?

Yes, there are few tuition-free online universities in USA. For example, University of People.

Are Online degrees worth it?

Yes, getting accredited online degrees is beneficial and worthwhile. Employers don’t really care about the way you got your degree anymore, what is most important is if the program is accredited.

What are the requirements needed to get into the online universities in USA?

Most universities have the same admission criteria for both on-campus and online students, except when it comes to immigration requirements.

Some of the documents required by online universities in USA are:

• Official transcripts from previous institutions
• SAT or ACT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal Statement or Essay
• Proof of language proficiency.

Conclusion on the Best Online schools in USA

The Best Online Universities in USA are constantly ranked among universities with the best online bachelor’s and graduate degree programs.

You will receive a good education like on-campus students because the same teachers teach the online programs.

We have finished talking about the top 15 online universities in the USA. Which one is the best fit for you. Please tell us in the Comments Section