Earning an accredited online bachelor’s degree can help you take the next step in your career without leaving your home. Through your program, you will attend online classes, work from home, manage a busy schedule, and have practical discussions with professors and classmates.
An online college degree can be appealing for those who want more flexibility in completing their education, or who want to study full-time or take classes in parenting education. Choosing where to sign up online can be difficult, but below you’ll find tools, tips, and other resources to make your search easier.
Best Online Master’s Programs 2021-2022
RANK |
SCHOOL NAME |
TUITION PER CREDIT (OUT OF STATE) |
APPLICATION DEADLINE |
FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE |
| #1 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Worldwide | $413 | Rolling | Yes |
| #2 | University of Illinois–Chicago | $462 | Rolling | Yes |
| #3 | University of Florida | $500 | Rolling | Yes |
| #4 | Ohio State University–Columbus | $642 | Rolling | Yes |
| #5 | Oregon State University | $318 | Rolling | Yes |
| #6 | Arizona State University | $541 | Rolling | Yes |
| #7 | University of Arizona | $525 | Rolling | Yes |
| #8 | CUNY School of Professional Studies | $305 | Rolling | Yes |
| #9 | University at Buffalo–SUNY | $353 | Rolling | Yes |
US News reviewed several factors to rank the best online degree programs, including graduation rates, faculty credentials, and remote support services.
How to Apply for an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program
Prospective students should note down the deadlines for things like admissions applications to the school, financial aid, and submission of test scores, as online events may differ from academic calendars and the deadlines presented on campus.
You must complete a free application for federal student aid for federal loans, grants, and work-study jobs. Almost all students who apply for financial aid are eligible in some way. Because of the complexity and funding of the FAFSA, many schools have counselors to guide potential students through the process.
Online students may be required to complete a Common Application accepted by approximately 900 schools, including some colleges located outside of US applicants. Prospective students with work experience should emphasize their professional skills in their practice.
Admissions officers look for articles that reflect the applicant’s personality, and a good way to do this is to include a strong story.
Letters of recommendation are often requested from online graduate students. This can come not only from teachers and school counselors but also from current or past employers who can talk about student work ethics.
How much does an online undergraduate degree cost?
Online programs can save students on transportation, accommodation and educational materials compared to some on-campus programs. Although some institutes charge fees for distance education or technology.
At many private universities, the tuition fee for an online bachelor’s degree is lower than what you can get on campus. BASE. For the 2019-2020 academic year, the average cost per credit for online programs was $488 at 168 private colleges.
This was lower than the average cost of tuition for on-campus programs at privately rated colleges; that was $1,240 from the 113 colleges that reported this information.
Tuition fees for online students can vary at public schools, in-state and out-of-state. Of the 170-ranked public colleges that reported this information to the U.S.
News, the average tuition for online undergraduate degree students in a state within a district was $316 per credit for the 2019-2020 academic year. Of the 93 ranked colleges that provide this information, the tuition fee for students on campus averages 1,311 per credit. Enrolling in your state’s public school can save you thousands of dollars while earning your degree.