Most Popular Online Colleges
Our Integrity Network
TheBestSchools.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for TheBestSchools.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
Popularity is an important indicator of quality for many degree-seekers. Universities with the highest enrollment numbers often offer higher quality programs than other schools, as indicated by how many students they attract.
Online programs typically mirror the curricula and content of their on-campus counterparts while offering greater flexibility and affordability. The flexibility of online learning allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. Additionally, online learners often save on many of the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as housing and commuting costs. Many schools also extend tuition discounts to online students.
To help students find the right fit for their needs, this guide ranks the most popular online colleges in the U.S., including some of the largest online universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Degree Program?
Online bachelor's degrees typically comprise 120 credits and take four years of full-time study to complete, but some programs offer accelerated timelines. Part-time students will take longer to complete a program.
What Can I Do With an Online Degree?
Online degrees grant the same professional benefits as on-campus degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graduates with a bachelor's degree earn median weekly wages that are nearly $400 higher than workers with only an associate degree. Additionally, bachelor's degree graduates experience lower average unemployment rates than associate degree holders.
How Is Online College Different From On-Campus College?
Most online programs offer the same curricula and content as on-campus programs while offering greater flexibility, affordability, and accessibility. Online students can balance their studies with personal and professional obligations more easily.
Are Online Courses Harder?
Even though online courses typically offer the same content as on-campus courses, they also require a higher degree of self-discipline and self-motivation to complete, which may make them more challenging for some students.
Are Online Degrees Recognized?
Online degrees from accredited schools typically hold the same recognition as those from on-campus schools.
Featured Online Colleges
The Most Popular Online Colleges
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Most Popular Online Colleges
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock prioritizes flexibility in its online graduate and undergraduate programs. Designed to accommodate busy schedules, the public university's distance learning programs help enrollees get a rigorous education while pursuing their careers.
The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers 41 online programs, including 11 online master's programs. Many individual courses of study also hold industry-specific accreditation from programmatic accreditors. The school's online platform serves over 7,400 distance learners.
Specific departments may post their own acceptance rates, but the college's overall average admission rate is 56%. In-state graduate students pay an average tuition of $5,760 per year, while out-of-state enrollees pay $13,050. Enrollees benefit from a supportive, adaptable environment as they prepare for new career opportunities.
#2 Most Popular Online Colleges
Franklin University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Institutions often design online programs so that learners can continue to work while they pursue their degrees, and Franklin University is no exception. This Columbus, Ohio-based private university delivers online programs that fit into students’ work schedules. Degree-seekers receive a rigorous education to help them advance in their careers.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Franklin offers 61 online programs, including 11 master's options. The school educates more than 5,900 remote learners.
All students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Graduate learners pay about $16,080 a year. All enrollees can access professional development resources through departments such as career services.
#3 Most Popular Online Colleges
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Brenau University's accredited online programs provide working students with the rigor and flexibility they need to earn a college degree without sacrificing other commitments.
The Gainesville, Georgia-based school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Many individual programs feature field-specific programmatic accreditation. The institution’s 61 online programs include 23 master’s degrees in subjects like business, education, and nursing. Brenau's robust remote learning environment serves nearly 2,000 learners worldwide.
Though different degree types and programs can vary, Brenau accepts an average of 92% of applicants. Once admitted, learners study in an adaptable environment focused on academic excellence and professional development. In-state and out-of-state graduate students pay the same tuition rate of about $13,360 per year.
#4 Most Popular Online Colleges
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Steubenville, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A flexible format is one of the key benefits of Franciscan University of Steubenville's online graduate and undergraduate offerings. Enrollees benefit from convenient remote learning and rigorous coursework.
Located in Steubenville, Ohio, this private Catholic university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Covering fields like business, psychology, and religion, the school's 13 online programs include five master’s-level options. The school has invested significant resources to develop a user-friendly platform for its 2,459 online learners.
The institution reports an overall acceptance rate of about 73%, although this number varies by program. Degree-seekers learn from expert instructors and benefit from a supportive environment focused on personal growth and career development. Graduate tuition costs about $12,600 per year. Many learners use financial aid such as scholarships and grants to help defray this cost.
#5 Most Popular Online Colleges
Ozark Christian College
Joplin, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Catering to learners seeking a faith-based education, Ozark Christian College incorporates a biblical perspective into its degree offerings. The private college's online programs offer students the flexibility to pursue careers and advanced learning simultaneously.
The Joplin, Missouri, school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Nearly 200 online learners pursue degrees at this institution.
The school accepts an average of 98% of applicants, although this number varies by program. As enrollees pursue advanced education, they can access professional development through departments such as career services.
What Is an Online College?
Online colleges offer diploma, certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs for students of all backgrounds and ages. Many of the largest online colleges also provide continuing education and workforce development programs.
The flexibility of online education appeals to students who must balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. Additionally, online learning allows students to attend the most popular colleges in the country without relocating.
Campus vs. Online Programs
Both on-campus and online programs provide opportunities for students to grow professionally and personally. However, online programs typically offer more flexibility, accessibility, and affordability than on-campus programs.
Earning a bachelor's degree online can also present challenges. For example, degrees with heavy laboratory and practical components may be more difficult to complete online. Additionally, online programs typically offer less structure and engagement than on-campus programs, requiring a greater degree of self-discipline and self-motivation.
Choosing an Online Program
When choosing an online college, learners should consider factors like cost, admission requirements, and delivery format. Students can learn more about how to choose an online degree below.
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.