Online college degrees are becoming more popular, with people looking for more flexible schedules the convenience of completing coursework anywhere and at any time. As a result, the education system in the United States is undergoing rapid changes.
College enrollment rates are declining, and tuition costs continue to grow. These phenomena are coming about because many students cannot afford traditional college tuition rates, which prevents them from attending university. Unfortunately, this also impacts the job market, as employers desire workers with higher educations.
The Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees 2022
U.S. News evaluated several factors to rank the best online bachelor’s degree programs, including graduation rates, faculty credentials and support services available remotely.
| Rank | School | Tuition Per Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University--Worldwide | $447 |
| 2 | University of Florida | $500 |
| 3 | Medical University of South Carolina | $658 |
| 4 | University of Illinois--Chicago | $414 |
| 5 | Oregon State University | $331 |
| 6 | Arizona State University | $541 |
| 7 | Ohio State University--Columbus | $382 |
| 8 | University of Arizona | $525 |
| 9 | University of Central Florida | $716 |
| 10 | CUNY School of Professional Studies | $305 |
| 11 | North Carolina State University | $1,138 |
| 12 | University of North Carolina--Charlotte | $719 |
| 13 | Colorado State University--Global Campus | $350 |
| 14 | George Washington University | $615 |
| 15 | Utah State University | $369 |
The Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees and Programs
Pursuing an authorized online bachelor’s degree can help you advance in your career without having to leave your house. You’ll attend online lectures, study from home, manage a busy schedule, and engage digitally with professors and students as part of your program.
Those who seek greater flexibility in completing their education or who wish to take classes while working full-time or parenting may be interested in an online college degree. Choosing where to enroll online will most certainly be difficult, but you’ll find tools, information, and other resources to help you along the way.
How to Choose the Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program for You
Choosing an online undergraduate program is a big step. The most excellent online program for you is one that meets your requirements, price, and timetable. Use online tools and conduct research to identify the best-fit program for you.
According to Wiley Education Services’ Voice of the Online Learner survey from 2021, 30 percent of online students surveyed said their desire for personal growth was the most influential factor in their decision to pursue a degree, followed by career advancement or promotion within their current profession at 26 percent.
Consider your intended field of study and how it can prepare you to enter various sectors. Other considerations when picking a curriculum include cost, flexibility, and the format of an online program. Check to see if the programs you’re interested in are fully online or in the format you prefer.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
Online programs can save students money on transportation, accommodation, and study supplies compared to some on-campus programs. Although some colleges do charge fees for distance education or technology. Tuition for an online undergraduate degree at many private universities is less than a traditional on-campus degree. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the average per credit price for online programs at the 198 private universities reported to U.S. News was $513.
This was less than the $1,287 average tuition price for on-campus programs at rated private universities among the 628 colleges that supplied this information. Tuition rates at public schools may differ for in-state and out-of-state online students.
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the average tuition for in-state, in-district students for an online bachelor’s degree was $333 per course at the 183 ranked public universities that supplied this information to U.S. News. Among the 283 ranked universities that submitted this information, tuition for in-state students studying on-campus averaged $385 per credit. Attending a public university in your state can save you tens of thousands of dollars throughout your education.
How to Apply to an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program
Prospective students should keep in mind deadlines for items like the school’s admissions application, financial aid, and test score submission, as academic calendars and deadlines for online programs may differ from on-campus ones.
For federal loans, grants, and work-study positions, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Almost all students who apply for financial aid are eligible for some assistance. Because the FAFSA and financial aid are so complicated, many colleges provide consultants to help prospective students through the process.
How to Fund Your Online Bachelor’s Degree
To be eligible for financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA, available online on October 1 of each year. Prospective students should check school and state grant deadlines and apply as soon as possible to ensure they have the best chance of receiving financial aid.
Many online programs require students to complete a minimum number of credit hours to get specific quantities or types of help. As a result, whether a student is enrolled part-time or full-time can impact their capacity to qualify for financial aid.
The FAFSA demands students’ contact information and Social Security number, as well as their most recent federal income tax returns and bank statements. In addition, undergraduate students under the age of 24 who are not married, veterans, or active-duty military members must file as dependents and furnish their parents’ financial information.
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