Have you noticed how online education has changed the way we learn. Now learning has extended beyond the walls of traditional classrooms and it’s become a key part of today’s educational system, offering a flexible and accessible way to gain new skills and knowledge. With more schools introducing online courses and degree programs, students can now learn from virtually anywhere, making it easier to balance education alongside other responsibilities.
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate starting college, a professional looking to advance your skills, or someone eager to complete an unfinished degree, online learning makes it possible. Many universities recognize the diverse needs of students and now provide full degree programs online, removing the requirement to attend on-campus classes. This flexibility lets you shape your education around your lifestyle and schedule, opening doors to personal and professional growth.
With a wide range of online degree options available, you can find programs tailored to various career goals and aspirations. Choosing the right program allows you to pursue your college ambitions in a way that fits your life and sets you up for future success. Take the step to explore and find a program that matches your goals, helping you advance on your educational path.
What is an Online College Course Like?
Colleges, universities and even community colleges around the country and world are shifting many courses online. Most courses (in-person included) have an online aspect, and many assignments are expected to be turned in digitally. Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas or Blackboard house learning resources, assignment scores, and grades. Online courses have moved all aspects of a class online.
Schools are now giving students the option of earning a degree online. No longer do you need to step foot on a college campus. Everything from your application to finals can be completed digitally. (Though your diploma will most likely be mailed to you.)
When it comes to online degrees, you will have the option of two different styles of online classes.
Asynchronous Courses
You are provided with assignments, readings, and videos or filmed lectures to watch and complete within a given time frame. You may be asked to digitally interact with your classmates using blogs, discussion boards, or wikis. There will be no formal class time, so you are responsible for completing your work by the assigned due date.
Synchronous Courses
You, your classmates, and instructor will all meet together online at the same appointed time. Often your instructor will use a webinar interface (such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Hangouts) to host class. You will be able to interact with your peers using the chat feature, or in break out rooms. Students can join in the conversation or lecture from wherever they are with online class being held in a similar manner to a traditional class.
Distance Learning vs. In-Person Learning
A diploma is something to be proud of, but some students wonder if there is a difference in how their online degree is viewed. Many employers view online degrees the same as traditional degrees earned by on-campus students. Often, employers are looking at the school’s reputation and accreditation being significantly more important than how classes were conducted. Many well-known schools have expanded their reach with high-quality online degree programs, and it is not unusual for on-campus students to take an online class here or there during their time studying. And for many schools, your degree may not indicate how you earned your degree—traditional in-person, or online.
Taking online courses allows you to learn from anywhere, but this also requires you to have a strong internet connection as well as good time management skills. The discipline needed to buckle down and complete your work rests more on your shoulders than a normal face-to-face class where you can easily ask questions to classmates or pull the professor aside for a quick meeting. With online courses, teacher assistants (TAs) and your instructors or tutors are usually within reach via email, should you need to ask any questions.
Being an online learner allows you to find the best program for your particular field of study, even if the location is far away. This gives students educational opportunities that may not be an option for them otherwise however, face-to-face interactions and relationships with an instructor and peers may be more difficult to cultivate in an online only environment. That said, many instructors do have online office hours or are willing to schedule a time for an online call if you need it.
As a busy student with other obligations, you may be able to plan your study time around your schedule. This puts you in control of scheduling yourself, which is a huge plus for many distance learners, but it also means that connecting with other students for projects can be a bit more difficult. College gives students the opportunity to connect and network with others with similar goals, which may be more difficult in an online environment.
If you are uncertain whether being an online student may be a good fit for you, talk to an academic adviser for specific details. It may be possible for a student to enroll in general education courses online and then move their more specialized classes in-person (or vice versa), which may help students depending on their circumstances.
Degrees Available Online
Not only are there single courses available online, but you can earn any number of degrees. Many in-person and notable colleges offer specific bachelor programs that can be completed without ever stepping foot on the school’s campus. Graduate degrees may have remote options for busy professionals, and there are even some doctoral programs that can be completed via distance learning. With many “degree mills” dotting the internet, you should do some research to ensure the school and program available is legitimate. Checking for regional or national accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education assures you that the institution or program meets applicable standards. This also ensures that the work you will be putting in will result in a diploma with more weight than just a piece of paper.
Best Accredited Online Colleges by State
Each of the universities or colleges below have been nationally ranked for one or more of their online programs. While your local school may offer you in-state tuition, some out of state schools offer in-state tuition for distance learners (check with your school to see if this is an option for you).
*The schools listed below are a sample collection of online programs available and are not in any way a complete list. We recommend you research to find a school that is right for you. There are many other schools with successful programs, too many to list here.
Last Update: July 2022
UA Online (University of Alabama)
The University of Alabama, also known as UA Online, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. What used to be rooted in correspondence courses decades ago, The University of Alabama Online has taken cutting-edge technology to allow students from around the world to connect and learn from the UA professors while maintaining flexibility to chase educational goals. They offer the following types of online programs: non-degree programs, undergraduate certificate programs, undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees, graduate certificate.
USC Online (University of Southern California)
USC Online is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission. USC is the oldest private research university in California and now offer over 100 higher learning degrees. They offer the following types of online programs: master’s degrees, graduate certificates, and doctoral degrees.
CSU Online (Colorado State University)
Colorado State University Online is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. CSU online offers flexibility to busy people looking to earn a quality degree. Out-of-state students also receive the same tuition as in-state students. They offer the following types of online programs: undergraduate certificate programs, undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees, graduate certificates, and doctoral degrees.
Online Learning with the University of Delaware (University of Delaware)
Online Learning with the University of Delaware is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. UD degrees are intended to work with your specific schedule no matter where you are located. They offer a support team to help you enroll in the right classes, gain access to all your materials, and troubleshoot any issues that arise as you work to complete you program. They offer the following online programs: certificate programs, undergraduate degrees (both associate and bachelor’s), master’s degrees, graduate certificates, and doctoral degrees.
Distance@FSU (Florida State University)
Distance@FSU with Florida State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. With many resources specifically developed for their online learners, FSU strives to make online learning convenient with online mentoring and systems to identify and support at-risk students. Their virtual computer lab allows students to access more than 30 different software applications, software courses and tutorials, and cloud-based storage that is encrypted, just to name a few! Every branch of the military is granted tuition assistance and eligible veterans and their dependents are able to receive out-of-state tuition waivers. They offer the following online programs: undergraduate certificate, specialized studies, undergraduate degree, master’s degree, graduate certificates, and doctoral degrees.
UGA Online Learning (University of Georgia)
UGA Online Learning through the University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. UGA Online understands the importance of choosing the right school—the balance of educational value and learning from the best in your area of interest. With that in mind, they have cultivated and invested in the faculty and staff to ensure that you succeed after your experience. As of the publishing of this article, 94% of their students receive a job or continue on to grad school upon completion of their program. UGA Online offer the following online programs: non-degree certificates and endorsements, undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees, and graduate certificates.
Illinois Online (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
Illinois Online through the University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. As they are always striving to develop their online course catalogue, they currently offer more than 90 online degrees and certificates. This enables you to learn with and from a diverse peer-group who offer a variety of experiences and perspectives from all around the world. Illinois Online offer the following online programs: non-degree endorsements, continuing education courses, undergraduate certificates, undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees, graduate certificates, and doctoral degrees.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. With online courses developed to meet the needs of students looking for flexibility between the work-school-life balance, students can balance the needs their life demands all while continuing their education. The high standards Syracuse University is known for continues in the online learning sphere as you build connections with your professors and classmates. They offer the following online programs: non-degree certificates, undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees.
South Carolina Online (University of South Carolina)
South Carolina Online through the University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. As an admitted, eligible student, you can access individual online classes or even entire degree programs—all online! They offer the following online programs: undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees.
VTOnline (Virginia Tech)
VTOnline through Virginia Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. With a variety of online degrees and certificates, VT Online works to provide high-quality opportunities to assist students in reaching their educational goals. They offer the following online degrees: graduate certificates and master’s degrees.
How to Be Successful with an Online University or Program
- Be a problem solver
Prospective students with no prior online learning experience can expect a bit of a learning curve, but that is normal. Figuring out how to turn in work can seem overwhelming in the beginning. When issues or confusion do arise, a careful read of the directions can help clear up most questions you have. Try out what is being asked of you and try to resolve the issue with a search on the internet—you’re probably not the first one who has come across this problem. Be willing to reach out to a TA or knowledgeable classmate for help in a kind, respectful, timely manner. (If you are rushing to begin and finish an assignment 15 minutes before the due date, you may not receive an immediate answer.) When you do need to reach out to your professor, clearly and concisely explain your issue. Include screen shots when appropriate.
- Set aside an environment to learn
Set yourself up for success by setting up a productive learning environment. Find a place where you can dedicate yourself to your studies with limited distractions. Communicate your needs and boundaries with family and friends. Limit distractions, such a social media, and allow your mind to focus. This may look like setting aside a corner in the kitchen and getting your study time in before the kids get up. It could also look like finding a quiet coffee shop and going off the grid for a couple hours. Find what works best for you!
- Have a schedule and calendar
No matter if you are taking a single class or have a full course load for the semester, set aside designated times to focus on your studies. Having a schedule for your classes helps keep you from procrastinating, and using a calendar helps keep you on top of your assignments and helps so you don’t forget to turn something in.
- Use and apply your current knowledge
The experience you have is valuable. Using that experience as a lens may help you to make real life connections to your learning. If you are working to use your education as a steppingstone in your career, work to bring what you learn to the workplace. Showing initiative to learn and apply that learning can be a positive attribute in the workforce, and also keep you excited to learn.
- Remember your WHY
It can be easy to be distracted by life, so remember why you started this journey in the first place. Are you looking to switch careers? Are you looking to receive a better salary or a new position within your group? Are you doing this for your family, or just to be able to say “I did it!”? No matter what your reason, continually keep it in mind, especially when the going gets tough. Work to visualize yourself at the end of your degree or course and what dreams that will enable you to achieve. Keep your focus on your goal.
- Take advantage of available student resources
Many online universities and colleges have developed online resource specifically for their online students. This could be an online library, an online writing center, or a virtual math tutor. Also understand how your online classroom interface works (also called a Learning Management System, or LMS). Your professors may use this online tool to upload valuable study resources as well as your assignments, projects, tests, and quizzes. Setting aside some time to become familiar with the layout and the format can help you be more effective in managing your resources and time for the course.
- Take notes
Just because you are not sitting in a lecture hall or classroom means you don’t need to take notes. You may have long stretches of reading, watching lectures, or other media that holds valuable information. Having easy access to these materials may seem to be permission to relax a bit as you are going through them. Being diligent and writing down important notes will help you retain the necessary information. As you are taking notes on videos, you may also want to write down the time in parentheses (1:43) so you can go back and relisten to it if needed. Listening to a recorded lecture also gives you the opportunity to pause the recording if you need to write things down.
- Give yourself a break
More than likely, you will be looking at a computer screen a lot as you are completing your studies. Your brain may become a bit numb after a while so set a study timer and give yourself time to step away for a couple minutes. Focus your eyes (and attention) on something farther out in the distance or take a quick walk.
- Healthy body, healthy mind
Keeping your body healthy can keep you focused and alert. You don’t need to be a body builder to keep your mind healthy, but having some fresh air and exercise, along with healthy meals, and a good night’s sleep can do wonders. When you add something more to your already busy schedule, it might be easy to start eating more fast foods, or just forgoing meals altogether. Keeping a healthy balance between work, family, health, and studies will take you far (and prevent burn-out!)
Along with eating a balanced diet and moving your body once in a while, realize you may be staring at a computer for long periods of time. It’s useful to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This helps your eyes to relax and to give your eyes the opportunity to blink at their normal rate.
While finding time for your studies can be difficult, it’s easy to pull time away from your sleep schedule. While there may be times when this is necessary (hello finals!), it’s a good idea to not make it the norm. You may want to make a study schedule a month before the big test so you can get a solid 7-8 hours of sleep and perform your best.
- Find (or create) a study group
You may be surprised to realize that your classmates may be having similar struggles to you. Working together to complete discuss the readings and assignments can be helpful. Find a couple other students who you think might be an asset to your group and invite them to meet on a regular basis. Virtually meeting allows you to build relationships with your peers, as well as to bounce ideas off one another. Having an encouraging group to push you helps when the doldrums of the semester hit.
- Reward yourself
Just because you are a student (and may be living off a student’s budget) don’t forget to treat yourself when it’s deserved. Have a movie night with your partner. Go to the park for a picnic with your friends. Grab a delicious coffee or smoothie by yourself. Rewards can be motivating when we know there’s something awaiting us after we finish a daunting task.
