As we welcome in the New Year, Top Colleges Online is glad to publish our ranking of the top online schools for 2013. These rankings required several months of research, deliberation and development and we are very proud of the results. We believe that this is the most thorough online college ranking available to today’s prospective student and we hope that it serves as a useful resource when making the critical choice of which school to enroll.
Recommended Online Programs
- Kaplan University
- Liberty University
- Grand Canyon University
Ranking Methodology
So how did we determine which schools should be listed on the top 50 online colleges of 2013 list? All the schools listed here are accredited and offer a good quality program with state of the art technology to distance learners. Since a post secondary education is an investment the student makes him or herself, we also looked at student satisfaction rates and teacher-to-student ratios when deciding which schools should be included. Cost, while an important consideration when choosing a school, was not the main focus and you will see a range of tuition fees in the schools we selected.
Our rankings of the top online colleges are designed to give the student a sense of relative quality among a vast sea of options when it comes to online schools. However, it is important to keep in mind that rankings always have a subjective element and the best college for you depends on your particular needs. Therefore it is recommended that you gather information, consult several different resources and consider rankings specific to the program in which you will earn your degree before making a final choice.
#1 California University of Pennsylvania
School Summary
CALU is an accredited university offering certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition
Tuition rates for distance students range from $265-$650 per credit.
Unique Features
This school ranks very highly in student satisfaction surveys. Known for its rigorous curriculum, CALU allows online learners to do their coursework at any time of the day or night. Combining top academic quality and the flexibility that students want out of an online school, CALU is our pick for the best online college of 2013.
#2 Penn State World Campus
School Summary
Penn State is a nationally-recognized university which has been offering distance education programs since 1998. The Wall Street Journal gave it the No. 1 ranking for producing graduates who are both well prepared for their careers and likely to succeed.
Tuition
Tuition per semester is $6,121 for undergraduate students and $8,586 for learners attending grad school.
Unique Features
Courses are taught by instructors experienced in delivering an online education. Students have access to academic advising and career counseling services, as well as a research library. Rooted in a strong, traditional university, Penn State World Campus makes our list as one of the top online colleges.
#3 University of Massachusetts-Amherst
School Summary
UMass offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees. This school is highly selective when choosing applicants for admittance and offers a rigorous curriculum to students.
Tuition
Tuition and fees for undergraduate courses range from $125-$1980 per course. Graduate level courses cost $1,230-$2,250, depending on the program.
Unique Features
This public, not-for-profit school operates on a 15-week semester system. All students pay the same tuition, regardless of where they live. Learners have the flexibility to do their course work at a time which fits their schedule. In terms of getting an online degree that employers will love, it’s hard to beat the name recognition of UMass Online.
#4 Drexel University
School Summary
Drexel won the 2010 Sloan-Consortium Award for Excellence in Institution-Wide Online Education.
Tuition
Tuition for the MBA Anywhere program is $58,000. Undergraduate students pay $650 per credit. Students interested in pursuing a Master’s degree are looking at $1,000 per credit.
Unique Features
Over 90% of faculty members hold Doctorates. Students can take as many courses as they wish each term. Courses are 10 weeks in length and students can work at their own pace each week. Because of the quality of its teachers and its student-centric approach, we believe that Drexel University is one of the best online schools of 2013.
Click here to receive more information on Drexel University!
#5 Northeastern University
School Summary
Northeastern offers over 60 online programs in several different areas of study. This top 100 research university has a low student to teacher ratio and is selective about admissions.
Tuition
The cost of attending Northeastern ranges from $325-$1300 per credit hour. A fast-track Bachelor’s degree will cost $26,000, as opposed to $52,000 for a standard track degree. Masters’ degrees start at $17,560 and students in a Doctoral program would be looking at $13,910 and up.
Unique Features
Northeastern has been offering distance education program since 1974. Students have the flexibility to do coursework on their own schedule. Northeastern University offers one of the best values in online education today.
Click here to receive more information on Northeastern University!
#6 Boston University
School Summary
Boston University was awarded the 2010 Silver Best-Practices Award for Distance Learning Programming from the United States Distance Learning Association. This school has a low student-to-teacher ratio and is selective about admissions.
Tuition
The cost per credit hour to attend Boston College online ranges from $362-$1276, depending on the program.
Unique Features
Courses start every seven weeks and new students can enroll at almost any time throughout the year. The course content may include online lectures, interactive animations, discussion boards and videos. It’s hard to go wrong with Boston University, which is why we’ve chosen it as one of the 10 best online colleges of 2013.
Click here to receive more information on Boston College!
#7 Saint Leo University
School Summary
Saint Leo has been named as one of the Top 100 Degree Producers by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. This school offers undergraduate (Associate’s and Bachelor’s) and graduate (Master’s) degrees online.
Tuition
Students pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree pay $470 per credit hour. Graduate students will pay $395-$630 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Enrollees complete a two-week, noncredit course called, “SLU 101: Strategies for Success” to familiarize them with the University’s online learning platform. Learning materials include textbooks, CD-ROM, audio and video formats. Attention to the particular needs of online students makes Saint Leo University a great online school.
Click here to receive more information about Saint Leo University!
#8 Western Governors University
School Summary
Western Governors University was awarded the 2010 Ralph E. Montgomery Award for Excellence in Online Education by the Sloan Consortium. Time Magazine referred to it as “the best relatively cheap university you’ve never heard of.”
Tuition
Students are charged a flat rate per six-month term of $2,890-$4,250.
Unique Features
WGU degrees are based on competency, as opposed to completing a set number of credit hours. Students are assigned a mentor to provide assistance as they progress through their studies. Because this emphasis matches the needs of employers, WGU is seen as an excellent online university and looks great on your resume.
Click here to receive more information about Western Governors University!
#9 Colorado State University
School Summary
CSU Global is the first accredited fully online public university in the United States. It has been regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Students enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program will pay $350 per credit and Master’s degree students are charged $450 per credit.
Unique Features
Tuition rates do not increase as long as a student is enrolled in a program. CSU Global offers the option of paying on a class-by-class basis. Because of their emphasis on cost control, combined with a quality education, we’ve placed CSU Global in our top 10 for 2013.
Click here to receive more information about Colorado State University!
#10 Capella University
School Summary
Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. This school is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
Tuition
The cost of tuition to attend Capella online is $275-$604 per credit.
Unique Features
Students start with an introductory course in online learning. Courses have set beginning and end dates. Learners are expected to devote 10 hours a week to their studies and to log in to classes between two and five times per week.
Click here to receive more information about Capella University!
#11 Arizona State University
School Summary
Arizona State University has gained a well-deserved reputation for academic excellence, as well as using innovative learning technology. Its software is state of the art and students can access eight libraries to assist them in their coursework.
Tuition
All online students pay $442 per credit hour, regardless of where they live.
Unique Features
The online curriculum features the same high quality content as the on-campus version, and this makes it one of the top online distance learning programs in the country. ASU has entered into a partnership with Google to offer Apps for Education. Students can access due dates for courses and university deadlines from Google Calendar.
#12 American InterContinental University
School Summary
American InterContinental University offers a curriculum with the needs of working adults in mind. It has been honored as the “Best of the Best” in the Education and Academia category of the Computerworld Honors Program for 2009.
Tuition
The average tuition rate for this school is $20,292.
Unique Features
American InterContinental students can log in to the online platform at any time. A number of faculty members teaching online courses are industry experts with practical field experience.
Click here to receive more information about American InterContinental University!
#13 American Sentinel University
School Summary
American Sentinel University offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Masters and Doctoral degrees in healthcare, information technology and business. Applicants must be at least 23 years of age to be admitted.
Tuition
Tuition costs $14,000-$42,000 depending on the program chosen.
Unique Features
Learners who choose American Sentinel can access the services of a dedicated student success advisor. Classes are eight weeks in length, and a librarian is available on a 24/7 basis.
#14 Villanova University
School Summary
Villanova has been ranked as the No. 1 Regional University in the North by U.S. News & World Report. Bloomberg Business Week has ranked it as one of the top undergraduate schools in the country.
Tuition
Certificate programs start at $995 and go to $4,995 for an Advanced Master Certificate. The Master’s degree in Human Resource Development costs $930 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Lectures are conducted by way of streaming videos. Students can interact with instructors and each other by way of message boards, e-mail and live chat sessions making it one of the best universities for online learning.
Click here to receive more information about Villanova University!
#15 Devry University
School Summary
Devry has been offering degree programs for over 80 years. It has developed a reputation for offering an industry-based curriculum and high quality programs.
Tuition
Devry University online costs $33,828-$73,503 in tuition for undergraduate programs. Graduate degrees from Devry will run $24,800-$27,060.
Unique Features
Students enrolled at Devry have the option of completing a degree entirely online or combining some on-campus classes with their distance studies.
Click here to receive more information about Devry University!
#16 Kaplan University
School Summary
Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) This school is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
Tuition
Tuition for an Associate’s degree is $27,450 and a Bachelor’s degree will cost $54,900. Master’s degrees start at $15,400 and go up to $36,800, depending on the program. Tuition costs include textbooks and course materials.
Unique Features
New students can try a credit course for five weeks before deciding whether Kaplan is right for them. If the student decides to withdraw at that point, all he or she will owe is the application fee.
Click here to receive more information about Kaplan University!
#17 Walden University
School Summary
Founded in 1970 by two teachers, Walden University’s programs were developed with the needs of working adults in mind.
Tuition
Students at Walden University pay $100 per credit hour for fundamental courses and $280 per credit hour for regular courses in an undergraduate degree program. Master’s degrees range from $440-$805 per credit hour, depending on the program. Doctoral programs cost approximately $4,600 per quarter.
Unique Features
The curriculum is set up to provide knowledge which students can apply directly to their workplace. Returning students get a discount on the cost of their tuition and the enrollment fee is waived.
Click here to receive more information about Walden University!
#18 Champlain College
School Summary
Established in 1878, Champlain College was named as one of the “Top Up-and-Coming Schools in America” by U.S. News & World Report in 2010. It ranks high in student satisfaction and quality of its curriculum.
Tuition
Full-time students taking 12 credits per semester pay $7,697.50 to attend Champlain.
Unique Features
The school offers free academic support in Accounting and Math labs to students. A Writing lab is also available at no charge. Students enrolled at Champlain have the option to purchase or rent textbooks as needed.
Click here to receive more information about Champlain College!
#19 Rasmussen College
School Summary
Rasmussen College was founded in 1900 and has been providing career-focused education programs to adult learners ever since.
Tuition
Cost of tuition varies, depending on where the student resides and the program chosen. An undergraduate degree in Business costs $395 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Online tutoring is available to students, and technical support is offered on a 24/7 basis.
Click here to receive more information about Rasmussen College!
#20 Regis University
School Summary
Regis University has been offering online college degree programs since 1997. It has built a reputation for offering an excellent curriculum to distant students.
Tuition
Tuition rates at Regis cost between $395-$810 per credit hour.
Unique Features
This school offers eight-week courses, as well as a five-week, accelerated option. Students have the option of studying on their own or working with others in a group. The online curriculum is identical to the one used in the classroom.
#21 University of North Carolina
School Summary
The University of North Carolina is known for its outstanding online curriculum and affordable tuition rates.
Tuition
Tuition rates vary, depending on the program and start at $128.07 per credit hour for instate students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. Rates for out-of-state students start at $551.01 per credit hour. Students in graduate school will pay $210.79-$810.01 per credit hour, depending on whether they live in or out of state.
Unique Features
UNC online classes are taught by the faculty members who designed them. This school’s programs do not include “cookie cutter” courses. Instead, they offer a rich learning environment to distance learners.
#22 Full Sail University
School Summary
Full Sail University is one of the best media arts schools on the planet. It offers more than 20 undergraduate and graduate degrees online. The school has an open admissions policy and students are admitted to the school on a rolling basis.
Tuition
The cost of a Bachelor’s degree ranges from $56,500-$80,500. A Master’s degree program at Full Sail University costs $31,880-$35,280.
Unique Features
Tuition rates are locked in for the duration the program a student has enrolled in. The cost of tuition includes textbooks, manuals, any media and supplies needed for the program. Full Sail University is often considered the top online school for design.
#23 St Joseph’s University
School Summary
SJU is a school which was established in 1851. This private school has a reputation for academic excellence.
Tuition
Students enrolled in an undergraduate program at St. Joseph’s University will pay $36,480 per academic year. Graduate students pay between $1,164 and $3,125 per credit. The cost of enrolling in the 21 month E-MBA course is $63,165. The one-year year MBA program costs $54,390. Doctoral programs start at $578 per credit and go up to $865 per credit.
Unique Features
Students attending SJU online access their course materials from a virtual classroom and complete assignments as directed in the class schedule. Enrollees can communicate regularly with their instructors and classmates in online discussion forums and by e-mail. Online programs are not self-paced and students are expected to adhere to the class schedule.
#24 Colorado Technical University
School Summary
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This private, for profit school offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees online.
Tuition
Tuition costs to attend CTU online range from $27,450 for an Associate’s degree to $55,000 for a Bachelor’s degree. Tuition for a Master’s degree is approximately $28,000.
Unique Features
With Colorado Tech’s flexible pace, a student can complete a degree is as little as 17 months. Students can access a library and career services assistance. Technical support is available to distance students on a 24/7 basis.
#25 Post University
School Summary
Post University was founded in 1890 and has been offering online degrees since 1997. It has been ranked as one of the top 20 schools in the U.S. by the Online Education Database.
Tuition
Tuition is calculated based on the student’s state of residence and is approximately $13,260 per academic year for an undergraduate degree.
Unique Features
Post’s online courses are delivered in eight-week modules and programs start six times per year. Instructors hold advanced degrees and have real-world experience in their subject area.
#26 University of Phoenix
School Summary
Phoenix is the largest private university in North America. It offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Masters’s and Doctoral degrees and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
The approximate cost per credit is $355.00.
Unique Features
All instructors at the University of Phoenix hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree. Students work on one course at a time and have the opportunity to work with classmates on team-based special projects. UoP offers the most comprehensive degree options in online education and are often considered the leading innovators in distance learning.
#27 Thomas Edison State College
School Summary
Thomas Edison State College was established in 1971 to meet the needs of adult learners. This public school is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition
Students residing in state can choose to pay $5,322 per year, which covers the cost of up to 36 credits in the first year of learning. Tuition for subsequent years is $4,432. Out-of-state residents pay $7,837.00 for their first year of learning under the plan and $6,817 for subsequent years. Graduate tuition is $550 per credit attempted.
Unique Features
This school offers Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs online. Students can also enroll in a number of graduate certificate programs.
#28 Thunderbird School of Global Management
School Summary
Thunderbird has been ranked as the best international business school in the world.
Tuition
The cost of enrolling in the Thunderbird distance MBA program is $44,855. This figure includes tuition for all courses as well as textbooks and case studies. It also includes onsite costs for attending orientation graduation on campus, as well as accommodation and some meals when attending international seminars on location.
Unique Features
Online Global MBA students complete 75 percent of their coursework online. The remaining 25 percent of the curriculum is conducted onsite at regional business seminars. Students can choose from a 19 or 28 month program. Thunderbird is one of the top online MBA programs in the world.
#29 Florida State University
School Summary
Florida State University is one of the top 50 public universities in the nation. It offers a high-quality, student centered learning environment.
Tuition
Students attending Florida State University online pay $260.50 per credit hour (this includes a $100 distance learning fee) for undergraduate programs. Florida residents enrolled in a graduate school program will pay $570-$844 per credit hour; non-Florida residents are charged $1209.84 per credit hour. FSU offers one of the top online distance learning programs from a public unviersity.
Unique Features
Personal support is available for distance learners studying at FSU. There is no distinction between the degree earns in an online program and the one offered on campus. Prospective online students complete an orientation program to become familiar with the university’s resources and procedures.
#31 Keiser University
School Summary
Keiser is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers certificate, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business, IT, Legal and Criminal Justice.
Tuition
Students who choose Keiser will pay $25,000 in tuition for each year of their program.
Unique Features
Students enrolled at Keiser take one, four-week course at a time and write an exam before moving on to the next one. This approach allows students to focus on the material without juggling assignments from several courses at once.
#32 Concordia University Nebraska
School Summary
Concordia is ranked in the top tier of Midwest Regional Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. This private school was founded in 1894 by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Tuition
Graduate students pay $380 per credit hour. MBA courses cost $420 per credit hour.
Unique Features
This school is known for its small class sizes. Its online Blackboard platform allows students to work on their course materials at any time of day or night.
#33 Rochester Institute of Technology
School Summary
RIT is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. It was awarded the Center of Excellence Award from the new media Consortium in 2008.
Tuition
Undergraduate programs cost $473 per credit hour. Graduate students studying part-time pay $963 per credit hour; full-time grad students pay $11,553 per quarter.
Unique Features
The school operates on the quarter system which allows students to start a program four times per year. Students can access an online bookstore as well as over 200 databases and library resources online. RIT is one of the best online schools for computer science and IT degrees.
#34 Purdue University
School Summary
Purdue University was founded in 1869 and is now a world renowned educational institution. U.S. News & World Report ranked Purdue at No. 18 on its list of the Best Public Universities in the country.
Tuition
Tuition rates very, depending on the program.
Unique Features
Online courses are set up to give students the flexibility to work at a time that is convenient for them. Interacting with instructors and fellow students is a major component of learning at this school. Coursework and exams are completed online.
#35 Gonzaga University
School Summary
Gonzaga University is ranked as the third Best University in the West by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers selected Masters and are into MSN degrees online.
Tuition
Graduate school courses at Gonzaga cost $805 per credit.
Unique Features
Class sizes are small to encourage interaction between instructors and students and to facilitate learning. Online courses are eight weeks in length as opposed to the 15-week schedule for on-campus programs.
#36 Fordham University
School Summary
In 2011, Washington Monthly ranked Fordham University as the 37th best school in the country. This private, not-for-profit, school is considered one of the best Catholic educational institutions in the world.
Tuition
Students attending Fordham online pay $714 per credit.
Unique Features
Fordham offers online Master’s degrees through its Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education. Online students have the opportunity to participate in group projects and conduct interviews as well as view lectures and presentations as part of their coursework.
#37 LeTourneau University
School Summary
LETU is a top-ranked online Christian college. Its employment placement rate for online graduates is a very impressive 94 percent.
Tuition
The cost to attend LETU online is $342 per hour.
Unique Features
LeTourneau online classes begin every six weeks. The learning pace of an online degree is faster than on campus but the curriculum is comparable.
#38 Brandman University
School Summary
Brandman is part of the Chapman University system. It offers undergraduate and graduate greetings in several areas of study, including an online MBA.
Tuition
Undergraduate tuition is $470 per credit. Students attending graduate school pay $570 per credit.
Unique Features
The school offers year-round sessions. Faculty members have real life experience. Personal and professional coaching is available to help students reach their goals.
#39 Georgetown University
School Summary
Georgetown is a very well-respected university which offers Masters Degree programs in Nursing online.
Tuition
This program costs $1,623.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The online program is presented in a seminar style. Students are highly encouraged to interact with each other and with faculty members. Along with online coursework, students complete a clinical component close to where they live. Georgetown is one of the top online nursing schools available.
#40 Fisher College
School Summary
Fisher College is a nonprofit school founded in 1903. It offers Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees, as well as a number certificate programs online.
Tuition
Students attending Fisher pay $285 plus $95 technical fee per credit hour. The cost for a three-credit course is $950.
Unique Features
Online courses from Fisher College have the same learning outcomes as their classroom-based counterparts. Students are required to participate in discussions as part of their course requirements.
#41 University of Notre Dame
School Summary
Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business offers executive certificate programs online. The University has been ranked as one of the top 25 higher learning institutions in the country.
Tuition
Notre Dame charges $1,980 per course. The cost of a three-course executive certificate is $5,940.
Unique Features
The executive certificate program can be completed in 25-30 hours. Students are given eight weeks to complete each course. Video CD-ROMs and a study guide are provided. Students and faculty can interact through online message boards, chat rooms and e-mail.
#42 New England College
School Summary
NEC is a private, not-for-profit educational institution. It was established in 1946 to provide postsecondary educational courses to servicemen and women after World War II.
Tuition
Online Bachelor’s degree programs at NEC cost $620 per credit. Master’s degree programs range from $590-$620, depending on the program
Unique Features
Admission to NEC’s online programs are based on the applicant’s Grade Point Average (GPA) and personal work experience. No GRE or GMAT is required for admission.
#43 Oregon State University
School Summary
Oregon State offers a wide variety of programs online. The school is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. OSU offers undergraduate and graduate level certificates, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate and first professional degrees.
Tuition
Undergraduate students at OSU paid $240 per credit. Graduate courses cost for entered $478 per credit.
Unique Features
Online students receive the same degree as learners studying on campus, making a degree earned from OSU both a great value and highly respected by employers. Tutoring is available to online students enrolled at OSU online.
#44 Fort Hays State University
School Summary
Fort Hays State first opened its doors to students in 1902. This public school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. FHSU is listed as a “Best Buy” on GetEducated.com’s ranking for Masters degrees in Criminal Justice.
Tuition
The cost to attend FHSU is $174 per credit hour for undergrad programs. Graduate students are charged $235.50 per credit hour, and an MBA program costs $400 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Online courses at FHS are taught by the same faculty as the on-campus version. Students have the flexibility to take classes and exams at a time that fits their schedule.
#45 Westwood College
School Summary
Westwood College first opened its doors to students in 1953. It is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Tuition
Tuition costs range from $24,773-$74,494.
Unique Features
Online class sizes at Westwood are small to ensure that students get the attention they need from the experienced faculty. Tutoring is available at no charge and a career services team is available to help with finding work on graduation. These added services and attention to student needs make Westwood a great online college choice.
#46 Baker University
School Summary
Baker is a private university known for its small classes and rigorous coursework. It was founded in 1858 by Methodist ministers. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition
Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees cost $205 per credit. Graduate degrees cost $360 per credit, and postgraduate degree programs are billed at $490 per credit
Unique Features
Online courses are conducted in weeklong modules. Students have the flexibility to log in to their online learning platform at any time. A certain level of class participation is required to achieve a passing grade.
#47 Benedictine University
School Summary
Benedictine University is a regionally accredited school offering certificates, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorates online. It is a private, top-tier university offering affordable programs.
Tuition
Students enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program pay $375 per credit hour for the first 60 credit hours. After that point, they are charged $550 per credit hour. Master’s degree programs cost $540 per credit hour. Doctoral programs are billed at $820 per credit hour.
Unique Features
A student attending Benedictine online can complete a bachelor’s degree in as little as 2 years. Programs are flexible to accommodate students’ busy schedules.
#48 Everglades University
School Summary
Everglades University has established itself as a solid choice for distance learners. It has a very low student-to-teacher ratio and a high graduation rate.
Tuition
Students pursuing an undergrad degree at Everglades University online will pay an estimated $13,396 in tuition per academic year. Everglades University offers one of the best values in online learning.
Unique Features
Courses are taught by qualified instructors who make a point of making the learning environment interesting and interactive. Lesson plans are available to students; assignments and class schedules are posted online. Students enrolled in courses have the option to participate in scheduled discussions and live chats, and to e-mail instructors with questions.
#49 Utica College
School Summary
Utica College ranks well for student satisfaction and affordability. This school has a very low student-to-teacher ratio.
Tuition
Undergraduate students pay $350-$400 per credit hour, depending on the program. Students enrolled in graduate school will pay $625-$890 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Utica College is one of the few institutions offering online Bachelor’s degree programs in cyber-intelligence and cyber-security making it one of the premier online schools for criminal justice programs.
#50 Virginia College
School Summary
Virginia College offers online programs in business, IT, healthcare, education and culinary arts. The school is accredited by ACICS (Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools).
Tuition
Students enrolled at Virginia pay between $36,960-$72,380 for an undergraduate degree (Associate’s or Bachelor’s program). Tuition for a Master’s degree will cost $30,296.
Unique Features
The cost of textbooks is included in the tuition. Virginia College offers career-oriented education from instructors with real-world experience. For those looking to advance their career, this is one of the best online college options available.
