Earning a degree takes both money and time. Because of this, it can be very tempting to apply to an online school that makes getting your hands on a degree sound less difficult.
But it is necessary to be careful because the institution you are about to apply to could be a diploma mill and not a college whose degrees are respected and deemed valuable.
In this article, we will be talking about how to choose an online college and also list out the top 20 online universities in the United States. Let’s get started! See Best Online Courses to Take to Get a Job
1. Start With Local Online Colleges
Many local state universities have some kind of online presence. Since your goal is to find a job, you want to have a degree from a university recognized by potential employers.
One of the ways you can check if a degree from an online college is respected by employers is to browse companies on LinkedIn. You can always see what diploma people in your favorite company have.
Employers generally trust universities they heard about. For instance, the employer from Maryland is more likely to be familiar with the university associated with Maryland than a good college from, say, California.
On the other hand, employers from California most likely trust west coast schools more than east coast ones.
But what if your state does not have any good online colleges?
Then, I suggest going with well-recognized brand names, such as the University of Phoenix or Strayer. Or again, check what diplomas local employers seem to prefer using LinkedIn.
2. Decide on and find your major
Be aware that not every university offers all majors and not all are available online.
3. Verify the program and classes are offered fully online
Some degree programs are hybrid, a combination of online and on campus classwork. If you can’t travel, make sure the program offers the entire degree completely online.
4. Compare tuition, fees
Investing in education is like investing in your future. Ask the right questions. What does tuition cost? Do I have to pay out of state tuition?
This will enable you to make a better plan.
5. Research Scholarships Offered by Online Colleges
Going to college is expensive and you should do anything you can to reduce the cost of the education. Many online colleges offer some kind of aid, often provided by your state – another reason to stick with local offerings.
6. Verify How Many Credits Can You Transfer
You want to get a degree as fast as you can, right?
If you already have some credits from a community college or a four-year institution, you can check how many credits the online college will accept. Some colleges even accept your prior experience, work or courses, as credits.
Transfer credits to online college
To find out the exact number, you can connect with the university and send them the transcripts. Note that different institutions have different rules, so a class can earn you credits in one college, but not in another.
7. Make Sure That the College is Not a Diploma Mill
There is no point in wasting time and money on a degree that will not be accepted by employers.
Here is a list of online colleges that we think will be good for your future career.
Top 20 Online Universities in the USA
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide
- Liberty University
- Indiana University Online
- Arizona State University’s ASU Online
- Excelsior College
- Florida International University
- Penn State World Campus
- Purdue University Global
- University of Arkansas System eVersity
- University of Central Florida
- University of Florida Online
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- University of Massachusetts Global
- Western Governors University Online
- Colorado State University – Global Campus
- Concordia University – Saint Paul
- Drexel University Online
- LeTourneau University
- Oregon State University Ecampus
- Texas Tech University
What to Know Before You Apply to an Online University
Even though you are a part of the non-traditional student demographic, it’s still a good idea to select a college or university just like a traditional student — you should take into account an assortment of deciding factors necessary for the attainment of the best possible college experience and degree, too.
Conclusion
In this article, we have listed the top 20 online universities in the US and we also talked about how to choose an online college.
We encourage you to take your time when choosing which of the ones we listed to apply to. And don’t feel too shy to get in touch with the admissions office of those you have shortlisted if you have questions or concerns.
You can also communicate with us regarding matters related to this topic via the comment section, and we will be there to give you the right response.
Last Updated on May 14, 2023 by Admin
