Below are listed the top options for students who want to attend a university online. To receive enrollment and financial aid info from the online universities you are interested in, click the "Click Here" buttons and fill out the schools’ information request forms:

University of Phoenix – The most famous university online, Phoenix offers numerous accredited online degrees in almost every field, all of which are flexible, affordable and designed for both part-time and full-time students.
DeVry University – This accredited university online offers rolling admissions, affordable tuition, and financial aid. Thus it is a top online university for a wide range of students.
Kaplan University – Kaplan University Online offers accredited degrees designed with the flexibilty and career oriented focus that appeal to students who wish to continue working while they attend a university online.
Ashford University – With one of the best reputations among employers, Ashford University Online offers students degrees designed with a career-oriented focus which are both affordable and offer flexible class schedules.
American InterContinental University – The university online programs offered by AIU bring with them one of the top reputations among universities online. Further, they are designed to meet the needs of working adults to accelerate their careers quickly.
Virginia College Online – Perhaps the best reputed university online, Virginia College offers accredited online university programs that are designed for students who care about academic reputation among employers, flexibility, and affordability.
South University – With degrees offered in almost every field, South University Online is a popular choice for students looking for a combination of affordability, flexible class schedules, and a nationally respected name.
Liberty University – The nation’s leading Christian university online, Liberty offers students a top Christian education coupled with an easy to use online class system that allows for maximum schedule flexibility.
Everest University – Everest University Online focuses on the needs of working adult students, by providing some of the most flexible and affordable degrees in a wide variety of academic fields.
Westwood College – Westwood offers students the unique opportunity to take some classes at their university online and others at their numerous national campuses. Additionally, all of its online programs are accredited and very affordable.

University Online Degree Search

Didn’t find the online university degree you were looking for? Search hundreds of university online programs with our degree search below:

University Online: The Guide to Attending a College or University Online

Thank you for visiting University Online. Below you will find a number of articles designed to answer student’s most common questions about attending a university online. We strive to make University Online a valuable resource for our readers, so if there is a question you would like to see answered on the site, please don’t hesitate to email us. Below you will find articles on:

  • University Online Reviews
  • University On Line Degrees
  • University Online Program
  • Univrsity Online Programs
  • University Online Education
  • College University Online Degree
  • University Online Classes
  • University Online Learning

What types of college degree programs are available through an online university?

  • Associate Degree – A two year degree program that awards students with an associate’s degree in science or arts. Common acronyms for this type of degree are AS and AA.
  • Bachelor Degree – The most common degree type. Bachelor degrees take about four years to complete. Students should leave college prepared for an entry level job in their chosen career field.
  • Master Degree – A master’s degree curriculum focuses on one subject intensely for up to two years after a bachelor’s degree is obtained. Master’s degree holders go on to become college-level educators and executive positions in the workforce.
  • PhD – A PhD candidate will spend up to six years focusing on his or her program of study through research. PhD means a doctorate in philosophy of a particular subject, like English for example.
  • MD – Medical doctor students must earn a medical degree through a few years of studying their chosen practice.

What are the requirements to attend a college or university online?

Begin your search for an online university to attend by taking a trip to the public library. There you will find information on public and private universities with distance learning, or online, degree programs.

Try taking a career aptitude test at the library to see what major or career would be a good fit with your personality and interests. Just about everyone changes his or her major in college once, but it’s always helpful to have an idea of what you’d like to do in the future as a full time job. Choosing a major will also make your college application stand out among the endless undecided applicants.

Most universities require an application, application fee, essay, transcripts and ACT or SAT scores to apply for admission. All school’s requirements are unique, so be sure to double-check your application before sending it.

It will also be extremely helpful to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, as soon as you have the needed information to complete the application. A FAFSA is the only way a student can apply for government-granted student financial aid. Filling it out early will also benefit you greatly since applications are taken on a rolling basis.

If you are accepted into a university or college’s online learning degree program, examine your financial aid package if offered. Preparing a budget can help prepare you for tuition or text book costs, or rule a particular college out altogether.

Then you just have to make it through a few years of school and you’ll be on your way to a better career.

5 things to consider when choosing a college or university online

  • Check to see if your school is accredited online through the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
  • Will you be able to enforce self-discipline and complete class assignments independently? If you are not easily self-motivated, distance learning may be a challenge until you develop a routine.
  • Do you qualify for any scholarships or financial aid? If you receive a financial aid package with an acceptance letter, evaluate it closely. Compare the package to any other financial aid packages you received from other colleges. See which degree program and university will fit within the parameters of your budget.
  • Will you need to work full time while attending class? How much flexibility do you need? Online learning programs are often very flexible, and are a good option for adults that still need to support themselves while attending college.
  • What would you like to focus on or major in while earning an online college degree? This is your future career. It’s not an easy choice for some. Take your time and carefully decide what is best for you and only you.

What are some top universities online that offer completely online degree programs?

Some colleges are completely distance-based, only having a virtual campus. Other universities offer on-campus and distance-based degree programs. And some universities don’t offer online degrees at all.

Below you’ll find a list of ten universities and colleges that offer online degrees to start your search of online universities and colleges. This list is by far not extensive. Check with each university to learn more information about its degree programs and areas of study.

  • University of Phoenix
    • Associate’s Degree
    • Bachelor’s Degree
    • Master’s Degree
    • PhD, Doctoral Degree

    Quick Stats – Individual courses available, flexible scheduling, wide range of online degree programs, accredited.

  • DeVry University
    • Bachelor’s Degree
    • Master’s Degree
    • PhD, Doctoral Degree
    • Certificate of Completion

    Quick Stats – More than 90 locations, online course demo, career services department

  • UMassOnline
    • Associate’s Degree
    • Bachelor’s Degree
    • Master’s Degree
    • PhD, Doctoral Degree
    • Certificates
    • Professional Development Courses

    Quick Stats – Part of the University of Massachusetts, huge range of bachelor’s and master’s degree options, online support.

  • Liberty University Online
    • Associate’s Degree
    • Bachelor’s Degree
    • Master’s Degree
    • PhD, Doctoral Degree

    Quick Stats – Christian, military friendly, free sample courses, over 40 different degree programs.

  • Ashford University
    • Associate’s Degree
    • Bachelor’s Degree
    • Master’s Degree

    Quick Stats – Founded in 1918, transfer up to 99 semester credits to count toward your degree, military friendly.

  • Westwood College
    • Associate’s Degree
    • Bachelor’s Degree

    Quick Stats – Campuses are located in California, Colorado, Texas, Illinois, Georgia and Virginia as well as online, free tutoring, computer support help.

  • Walden University
    • Bachelor’s Degree
    • Master’s Degree
    • PhD, Doctoral Degree

    Quick Stats – 35 programs and 140 specializations or concentrations, completely online, federal financial aid eligible, accredited.

  • Kaplan University
    • Associate’s Degree
    • Bachelor’s Degree
    • Master’s Degree
    • Professional Certification
    • Law Degree

    Quick Stats – Large amount of online degree concentrations and varied degree programs ranging from an associate’s degree to a law degree, financial aid and scholarship help available, military student service center, career services.

    • University of Cincinnati

    • Associate’s Degree
    • Bachelor’s Degree
    • Master’s Degree
    • Professional Certificates

    Quick Stats- Part of the University of Cincinnati’s ground campus, financial aid available, accredited.

  • Grand Canyon University
    • Bachelor’s Degree
    • Master’s Degree
    • Certificate of Completion

    Quick Stats – Christian university, large number of online science programs, live chat support, low tuition for online degree programs.

What types of salaries and careers are available to students who’ve received a degree from a university online?

To get a good idea of what certain industry salaries are like and career outlooks, browse the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 lists a large number of career fields with important statistical data like employment rates and projections.

Another good website to browse for career and salary information is Payscale.com.

5 resources for college and university online students

  1. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 – Once you decide on a major, see how in demand your career will be within the next decade online by referencing the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
  2. U.S. Department of Education – The U.S. Department of Education provides very helpful and informational articles on how to apply for financial aid and prepare for college completely free to the public.
  3. FAFSA – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid website. You should fill out the application in order to be considered for governmentally funded student financial aid. You can mail your application or submit it online.
  4. National Center for Education Statistics – Check educational statistics of all varieties by browsing this government-run center.
  5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Research unemployment rates, employment rates, cost of living and other work-related statistics through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.