There are many options for individuals who want to learn online. Choosing the best online college depends on what a student would like to study, as well as the formats and settings they prefer for classes. Some online colleges allow students to take a mix of traditional, on-campus and online classes to best fit their schedule. Others offer mobile access to their online courses for added flexibility. The best online colleges encourage an interactive learning environment and provide outstanding student support services.
Strayer University
Serving the educational needs of working adults since 1892, Strayer University is considered one of the best online colleges because of their ability to adapt your online degree to almost any schedule. Students earning an online degree at Strayer have the option of completing their classes online or on-campus, or their course load may be a combination of the two. Strayer University is also one of the few online colleges that operate on the quarter system, allowing students to complete their degrees faster.
Kaplan University
Also an established online university, Kaplan University was founded in 1937 and offers classes in both virtual and traditional settings as well. Kaplan’s extensive selection of online courses, degrees, and certifications make it one of the best online colleges. From elementary test prep and tutoring to English language programs and master’s degrees, there are more than 100 online programs available at Kaplan.
Rasmussen College
Another online college with a long history of providing quality education, Rasmussen College began as a business school to meet the educational demands of the workforce at the turn of the 20th century. Rasmussen currently has 5 traditional campuses, along with one of the best online colleges. Students can earn online degrees in health care, business, technology and design, criminal justice, and education. Pharmacy technician and paralegal certification courses are available as well.
University of Phoenix
It isn’t the oldest online college, but University of Phoenix is the largest. With more than 200 traditional campuses and a tremendous selection of online courses, programs, and degrees, University of Phoenix is rightfully known as one of the best online colleges. From students earning associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees to those taking enrichment courses for job advancement, University of Phoenix provides an interactive learning environment with personalized support for a great online degree experience.
American Intercontinental University
With 4 campus locations in South Florida, Atlanta, Houston, and London, as well as an award-winning virtual campus, AIU offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs with specializations in many of today’s top career paths, including forensic science, network analysis, and health care management. AIU’s up-to-date curricula and versatile online learning formats are what make it one of the best online colleges to get a degree from.
Capella University
Capella University is much younger than the schools mentioned above, but gained recognition quickly as one of the best online colleges after receiving accreditation in 1993. With no traditional campuses, Capella University offers a 100% online degree with 43 different degree programs, and enrolls students from 59 different countries. Graduates from Capella experience high success rates, and generally advance quickly in their field.
Best Online Colleges
From the course of study to how the material is taught, there are many things to consider when choosing an online college. Students should look for an accredited school with good student reviews that can meet your study and scheduling needs. Many of the best online colleges offer a free demonstration of their learning formats, and some may also provide a tour of their resource and support services. Take the time to compare all the features before deciding on the best online college for your degree or program of interest.