The 10 Best Online Colleges For 2015

There are more online colleges than ever before. It’s hard to deny how easy it is to get a degree when you don’t have to drive to a campus three times a week and take classes at a specific time each and every day. Instead, online colleges allow you the flexibility to take the classes when it’s convenient for you, allowing you to get the degree you need while still working or doing anything else that you’re doing. And many online colleges have a physical campus should you want the option to take a class or two at the college to give you the true college experience.

Ranking The Best Online Colleges for 2015

Online colleges offer versatility and accessibility, without compromising on the high quality of the learning experience. Online students still take part in rigorous course curriculum and receive the same credible degrees as those in conventional colleges. So, if the thought of taking an exam while lounging in pajamas in the comfort of home sounds appealing, read on to learn more about the top 10 online colleges who offer completely online degree programs. The following are ranked as the best of the best in terms of academic ranking, accreditation, affordability, faculty credentials, range of degree programs, and student support services. Data from the Distance Education Council, Peterson’s, and the National Center for Education Statistics was used in compiling this list.

1. Walden University

More than 46,500 students from all 50 states and over 145 countries choose Walden University for their online higher education. Close to 80 percent of students work full-time or are self-employed. Walden University offers flexible online degree programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as individual courses and certificates. Students are able to choose from more than 75 degree programs, ranging from communications to nursing and social work.

With the advanced knowledge and skills graduates gain from their experience at Walden University, an impressively high 97 percent of employers report that they would hire another graduate from Walden. More than 85 percent of current Walden students are satisfied or very satisfied with the university, and would recommend Walden to other prospective students. Even better, graduates are not left with massive debt, since exact tuition costs are tailored to meet the specific needs of students, a big reason why Walden takes our top spot.

2. Post University

Currently ranked as the 19th best online bachelor’s program, Post University delivers quality education conveniently. Just a few of the many degree programs offered include business administration, human services, management, criminal justice, early childhood education, and marketing. With a student to teacher ratio of 23 to 1, students receive the benefit of small class sizes and increased one-on-one assistance with professors. In the highly interactive online format, students receive all of the advantages of a traditional New England college experience without the commute.

Post University’s online degree program courses are offered in ultra convenient eight-week modules, six times a year for working adults with busy schedules. This means that students have the ability to earn a bachelor’s degree in just 18 months and a master’s degree in 14 to 24 months. Post University is also recognized by SOCAD for providing outstanding education opportunities and discounted tuition rates to active duty members of the military and their families.

3. Independence University

For more than three decades, Independence University has provided distance education and online programs catered to meet the needs of working adults. Although the university was first established as the California College for Health Sciences, it has recently broadened its horizons for more diverse degree programs, including business administration, graphic arts, web design, information systems, and health information management. Accredited by the Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Independence University reaches beyond the barriers of traditional on-campus education to provide educational independence to students nationwide and internationally.

4. Colorado State University

Colorado State University’s Online Plus enables more than 10,000 students to gain a world-class education annually. According to U.S. News and World Report, Colorado State is ranked as the 60th best public university in the top tier and the 7th best online program in the nation. As an excellent indicator of student satisfaction, the school boasts a high freshman retention rate of 83.6 percent.

Although classes are taken independently through OnlinePlus, students are never left alone. The secure software platform called RamCT Blackboard offers user-friendly access to discussion groups, assignments, exams, streaming lecture videos, and other student support services. Whether students are looking to continue their education with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, they receive the same regionally-accredited CSU degree as students at the Fort Collins campus.

5. Liberty University

Since it first began pioneering distance education in 1985, Liberty University has grown to become the largest private, non-profit online university in the nation. In fact, it is also part of the largest Christian university in the world. More than 80,000 students from all corners of the globe enjoy high-quality education in more than 160 online degrees from certificate to doctoral levels. Liberty University is consistently recognized by the Online Education Database as being among the top 10 online universities, due to its high retention and graduation rates. Liberty has also received the highest accreditation possible, ensuring that the flexible virtual classroom is both engaging and challenging.

6. Kaplan University

As part of the Kaplan Higher Education Corporation of the Washington Post Company, Kaplan University is a fully online higher education institution. After being founded in 1937, Kaplan has become one of the world’s leading providers in lifelong online education. The average class size is 21 for undergraduate and 15 for graduate courses, which means students have more opportunity to work individually with instructors.

The university is aimed at providing higher learning to non-traditional students, with more than 65 percent over the age of 30 and employed full-time. It is also a military-friendly school, enrolling over 9,000 active military, veterans, and military spouses. According to graduate surveys, 91 percent of alumni believed their education exceeded their expectations and 84 percent would highly recommend the university to other students.

7. Western Governors University

The private, non-profit, online Western Governors University is renowned for being the only university in the nation to receive simultaneous accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions. As a result, students enrolled in the wide range of online degree programs can rest assured of a high-quality education, legitimate degree credentials, and transferable credits to other accredited institutions if needed.

In both 2008 and 2011, Western Governors University proved its academic excellence by receiving the 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning. Unlike other schools, the online degrees are based on real-world competencies as opposed to credit hours. The tuition is also typically half of what other reputable online and conventional universities charge, so students can save both time and money.

 

8. National University

As the second largest non-profit institution for postsecondary learning in California, National University is recognized for providing higher learning opportunities to more minority students than any other college in the state. National University ranks in the top 10 in the nation for granting the most master’s degrees to women, Hispanics, and African Americans.

More than 70 of National University’s degree programs are available 100 percent online from anywhere in the country within the dynamic, interactive virtual classroom. Designed with students in mind, the online degrees enable 24/7 access to essential tools to support individual learning, such as lectures, multimedia, presentations, quizzes, exams, and discussion boards. Students can choose from over 1,200 online courses, ranging from accounting and engineering to sociology and journalism.

9. Saint Leo University

Enrolling nearly 16,000 students worldwide, Saint Leo University Online has been serving online learners since the early 1990s. It currently holds the ranking as having the 53rd best online bachelor’s degree programs in the nation. Although it is the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in Florida and retains rich Catholic values, Saint Leo welcomes online students of all faiths and religious backgrounds to share in their mission goals.

The university hosts online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificate, and doctoral programs for professional achievement. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Saint Leo’s online degree programs are held to the highest standards to ensure graduates enter the competitive job market with confidence.

10. Brandman University

With more than 53 accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees offered fully online, the U.S. News and World Report has ranked Brandman University as the 8th best online bachelor’s program in 2013. It is also ranked among the top online programs for Graduate Education and Business degree programs. Nearly 80 percent of enrolled students graduate, which is significantly higher than the national average for conventional programs. From criminal justice and psychology to business and legal studies, Brandman provides students with the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or certificate that aligns perfectly with their career.

Brandman is also recognized for developing the most effective online formats for adult learning and career training. Online students are able to seamlessly collaborate with peers and instructors through the e-classroom, Blackboard, and stimulating discussion room for deeper learning. For this reason, the online programs have been ranked as the 11th best for student services and technology. As a leader paving the way for a tech-driven future accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, it is no surprise that Brandman takes a prime spot in our best online college ranking.