For the 2017 edition of the SuperScholar Smart Choice 25 Best Online Colleges we continue with our mission to empower you to make smart choices about your education and career by highlighting what we consider to be the best online colleges and universities in the world. We researched and evaluated all of the top regionally accredited online schools in order to bring you online college rankings that can help you in your search for a quality, marketable, and affordable online education.
The Advantages of Online Colleges and Universities
Online degree programs and distance education classes continue to grow in popularity and credibility. More respected universities are putting classes and degree programs online every year and employers are more willing than ever to hire graduates of top online degree programs. The flexibility and affordability of online colleges and universities has opened up educational opportunities for many prospective students juggling family, work or other responsibilities.
The Usefulness of Online College Rankings
While online degrees have become more respected and desirable, it’s important to recognize that not all online college degree programs offer the same quality or degree of credibility on the job market, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all of the options for distance education out there. Objective, independent online college rankings like the SuperScholar Smart Choice rankings can protect you from the many diploma mills offering worthless degrees and help you find the respected, accredited online college degree program that is right for you.
How We Developed our Online College Ranking
The SuperScholar Smart Choice 25 Best Online Colleges 2017 emphasize degree selection diversity and value. The best online school in the world isn’t going to do you any good if it doesn’t have the degree majors you’re interested in, or if you can’t afford it. All of the schools in the SuperScholar Smart Choice 25 Best Online Colleges offer several bachelor degree majors for students to choose from and are competitively priced. Online colleges were also evaluated based on market credibility and prestige, academic quality, student support, and student satisfaction. Only regionally accredited online colleges and universities were considered for the ranking, ensuring that all of the schools on the list meet the highest academic and professional standards. In developing the ranking we consulted multiple reputable sources including the US News & World report best online college rankings, the College Choice best online colleges & universities and the The Best Schools online college ranking.
The 5 Best Online Colleges for 2017
- Colorado State University-Global Campus
- Western Governors University
- University of Massachusetts (UMassOnline)
- Saint Leo University
- Liberty University
The Full Top 25
#1. Colorado State University-Global Campus
Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) is an independent, 100% online, fully accredited public campus in the Colorado State University System. CSU-Global is one of the few public online universities with an extensive selection of fully online bachelor’s degree programs, which are offered at a very affordable rate with no out-of-state fees and a guarantee that an online student’s tuition will not be raised during the course of their program.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
CSU-Global offers several different accredited online bachelor’s degree programs in Accounting, Communication, Criminal Justice, and more, with multiple specializations available for each.
Accreditation
CSU-Global is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degree programs from CSU Global Campus<<<
#2. Western Governors University
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Western Governors University is a private online university founded by governors of 19 western states. WGU’s unique competency-based program has won numerous online awards. Unlike other schools, WGU requires only an admissions exam for acceptance, but still retains a level of selectivity. A nonprofit with a public mandate to provide high-caliber, affordable online education for motivated students, WGU has earned a spot among the top online universities.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Western Governors University offers a large selection of online bachelor’s degrees in the areas of Education, Business, Information Technology, and Health.
Accreditation
WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degree programs from Western Governors University<<<
#3. University of Massachusetts (UMassOnline)
One of the most respected public research universities in New England, The University of Massachusetts was established in 1863 as a land-grant research university. Located in Amherst, MA, one of the best college towns in America, UMass is consistently ranked as one of the greatest in the nation. The UMassOnline program is a model to other schools, and one of the absolute best online schools.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
UMassOnline offers a large selection of accredited online bachelor degrees in fields such as Business, Information Technology, Nursing, Psychology, Journalism, Gender Studies, and more.
Accreditation
The University of Massachusetts is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
#4. Saint Leo University
The first Catholic institution in Florida, Saint Leo University operates as a highly-ranked liberal arts university, with a grounding in the Benedictine tradition. Saint Leo was founded in 1889. Having begun its Center for Online Learning in 1999, Saint Leo is a leader in online learning and a top-ten military-friendly school with a reputation much larger than its small size would suggest.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Saint Leo offers many accredited online bachelor degree programs, including multiple offerings in Business Administration and Criminal Justice.
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Saint Leo University<<<
#5. Liberty University Online
Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, VA, has grown tremendously in its short existence into the largest private university in the nation. Founded in 1971 by Rev. Jerry Falwell, Liberty is committed to conservative evangelical values, but also to providing high quality traditional and online degree programs for students from around the world that integrate faith and values with expert instruction and top-notch student support, all at one of the most affordable tuition rates of any of the top online colleges.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Liberty Online offers numerous accredited online bachelor degrees in fields from Aeronautics to Religion, most of which offer a number of concentrations and minors.
Accreditation
Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Liberty University Online<<<
#6. Regis University
Regis University was founded in 1877 as a private, co-ed Jesuit university in Denver, CO. Founded by Jesuits, instruction at Regis University is guided by Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises and the Jesuit principles of intellectual, spiritual, and social development and responsibility. Regis is recognized by US News and World Report as one of the best online colleges for 2012.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Regis University offers several accredited online bachelor degrees, with specially recognized degrees in Business, Accounting, and Criminal Justice.
Accreditation
Regis University is regionally accredited by North Central Association of The Higher Learning Commission.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degree programs from Regis University<<<
#7. Northeastern University
Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private, secular, co-ed university. Northeastern’s exemplary cooperative education program, which mixes conventional university education with paid full-time work its corporate partners and contacts. This acclaimed approach, which has since been adopted by other schools, allows students to not only receive more intensive real-world experience than traditional internships, but to make valuable business contacts that will benefit them after graduation.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Northeastern University offers a wide selection of online bachelor degree programs in such desirable fields as Finance, Health Management, and Information Technology, along with many others.
Accreditation
Northeastern University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degree programs from Northeastern University<<<
#8. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit university in Manchester, New Hampshire that has been offering career-oriented adult education since 1932. SNHU Online has garnered several local and national awards for the quality and value of its online degree programs, which have expanded significantly in recent years. A large selection of quality online bachelor degrees, affordable tuition, and 24/7 student support helped put SNHU at the top of this year’s Smart Choice ranking of the best online colleges.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
SNHU offers online bachelor degree programs in Accounting, Business, Communications, Sociology, Information Technology, English, Economics, History, Justice Studies, Marketing, Psychology, and several other subjects, many with multiple specializations available.
Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degree programs from SNHU<<<
#9. Penn State World Campus
Penn State is one of the largest “public ivy” universities in the nation, with many campuses and a robust online program. Founded in 1855, Penn State claims over one hundred years of experience in distance learning, having begun with mail programs in 1898. Penn State’s online-learning program, The Penn State World Campus, launched in 1998 and now offers over 70 degrees at all levels.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Penn State World Campus offers many acclaimed online bachelor degrees, with unique programs such as Energy and Sustainability Policy, Labor and Employment Relations, and Turfgrass Science.
Accreditation
Pennsylvania State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online programs at Penn State World Campus<<<
#10. Florida Tech University Online
Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) is a private, nonprofit university in Melbourne, FL especially highly regarded for research and teaching in engineering, business, psychology, aviation, and the sciences. Florida Tech University Online brings FIT’s award winning degree programs online and has been recognized among the best online universities by U.S. News and other publications for its academic rigor, faculty distinction, student achievement and other qualities.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Florida Tech Online offers a number of online bachelor’s degree programs in Accounting, Applied Psychology, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Computer Information Systems, and more, with the opportunity to specialize further within some subjects.
Accreditation
Florida Institute of Technology is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Florida Tech University<<<
#11. Arizona State University
Founded in 1885, Arizona State University (ASU) is a highly regarded up-and-coming public research university spread across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The school’s online division, ASU Online, has grown into one of the largest and most respected public online universities in the world, garnering numerous awards and rankings for its top online bachelor’s degree programs.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Arizona State University offers numerous online bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees, in desirable fields such as Health Management, Nursing, and Information Technologies, as well as Art History, Communication, English, Film Studies, and more.
Accreditation
Arizona State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from ASU Online<<<
#12. Oregon State University Ecampus
Oregon State University, located in Corvallis, Oregon, is a land-grant public university founded in 1858. While OSU has long been recognized as top-tier in the sciences by online university rankings, especially in agricultural and environmental sciences. The university has also built up its online liberal arts programs, and today the Ecampus offers highly acclaimed online degrees in numerous disciplines.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Oregon Sate University offers a number of accredited online bachelor degree programs, with particular strengths in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
Accreditation
Oregon State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#13. Walden University
Walden University was founded in 1970 as an experiment to provide working adults an opportunity to complete their higher degrees while also working toward positive social change. Since that radical beginning Walden has grown into a unique and acclaimed online university, consistently recognized as a top online school for working adults by various online degree rankings publications and other organizations.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Walden University offers several accredited online bachelor of science degrees in Accounting, Public Health, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Information Technology, Nursing, and many other subjects, with specialization options for many of them.
Accreditation
Walden University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degree programs from Walden University<<<
#14. University of the Southwest
The University of the Southwest is a private, Christian university in Hobbs, New Mexico. The university was founded in 1956 as a Baptist school, but is now inter-denominational. USW’s explicitly Christ-centered approach to higher education, and high ranking as a regional university by US News and World Report, makes the University of the Southwest an exceptional top online university.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
University of the Southwest offers accredited online bachelor programs in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Psychology with numerous concentrations available for each.
Accreditation
The University of the Southwest is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools of the Higher Learning Commission.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from University of the Southwest<<<
#15. Robert Morris University
Located in Moon Township, a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA, Robert Morris University is a private, co-ed university with a growing reputation and online degree portfolio. A commitment to supportive and affordable online education with solid outcomes has helped RMU rise rapidly in online university rankings and positions them well to continue on their path to being one of the premier online schools in the country.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Robert Morris University offers multiple accredited online bachelor degree programs in fields such as Business, Hospitality & Tourism, Organizational Leadership, and Psychology.
Accreditation
Robert Morris University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees at Robert Morris University<<<
#16. Drexel University Online
Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia PA. Founded in 1891 by financier and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel, Drexel’s cooperative education program may be the best in the nation and serves as a model for universities around the world. Drexel Online is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected online colleges with several top rankings and awards under its belt to prove it.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Drexel Online University offers several top online bachelor degree programs in Business, Nursing, Communications, Information Technology, Education and many other areas.
Accreditation
Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online college degrees from Drexel University Online<<<
#17. Capella University
Capella University is a for-profit online university founded in 1991 to provide quality educational opportunities for under-served adult learners. Cappella became an online university in 1996 and now serves over 37,000 students around the world. Capella has been ranked as a top online school, and one of the best colleges in the US.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Capella offers numerous accredited online bachelor degrees, with particular strengths in the areas of Business, Criminal Justice, and Information Technology.
Accreditation
Capella University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees at Capella University<<<
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#19. Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University is a small, private university in rural northwest Iowa with a solid reputation. Though it has a small residential student body, UIU offers several distance learning and online degree programs with a very favorable student to instructor ratio, and 8-week terms that allow students to double their coursework and complete their degrees at an accelerated rate.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
UIU offers several accredited online bachelor degrees, including unique offerings such as Emergency and Disaster Management and Public Administration.
Accreditation
Upper Iowa University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Upper Iowa University<<<
#20. Bellevue University
Bellevue University is a private university located in Bellevue, Nebraska. Bellevue was founded in 1965 to provide an educational option for students, especially servicemen and women, who could not travel to the University of Omaha from the growing Bellevue. Bellevue’s early commitment to distance education led to the development of a highly ranked online school recognized for its outstanding student support and evaluation.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Bellevue offers numerous accredited online bachelor degree program with rare but high-demand options like Cybersecurity, as well as a number of highly successful programs in Computer Technology, Health Sciences, and more.
Accreditation
Bellevue University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degree programs from Bellevue University<<<
#21. LeTourneau University
Founded in 1946 by R.G. LeTourneau, LeTourneau University is a private, interdenominational Christian university. Originally intended to provide education for WWII veterans on the GI Bill, LeTourneau maintains a commitment to instilling in its students a Christ-like sense of mission in all their endeavors. LeTourneau has been recognized as a top college by US News and World Report and earned several awards and top rankings for its online degree programs.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
LeTourneau offers many accredited online bachelor degrees, including exceptional offers such as Aviation and Aviation Management, as well as several Health and Human Services-related programs.
Accreditation
LeTourneau is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from LeTourneau University<<<
#22. Keiser University
Keiser University is a private, non-profit university located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Originally founded in 1977 as a career college, Keiser now offers a number of accredited degrees at every level and has developed into an acclaimed online college recognized by several online university rankings and career publications.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Keiser University offers multiple accredited online bachelor programs with unique offerings such as Business Administration in Spanish and Homeland Security.
Accreditation
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. Questions about the accreditation of Keiser University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
>>>Click HERE for information about online degrees at Keiser University<<<
#23. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is the the first for-profit Christian university in the nation. Originally founded by Arizona Southern Baptists in 1949 to provide Baptist education to students in Arizona, financial difficulties led to its sale in 2004 to Significant Education, LLC. Since its switch to for-profit education, Grand Canyon has expanded its reach and improved its reputation, leading to acclaim from Forbes Magazine and other publications.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Grand Canyon University offers a very high number of accredited online bachelor degrees, including an exceptional number of arts-related degrees such as Digital Design and Digital Film, as well as Psychology, Business, Nursing and many more.
Accreditation
Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees at Grand Canyon University<<<
#24. Ottawa University
Ottawa University is a private, non-profit liberal arts university founded in 1865 in Ottowa, Kansas. Originally founded by the American Baptist Church to provide education for the dislocated Ottowa Indians, Ottowa University still offers tuition-free undergraduate education for members of the Ottowa Tribe. This small university has used its online education program to offer personalized online degrees with small class sizes and affordable tuition around the globe.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Ottawa University offers several accredited online bachelor degree programs in Business, Education, Communication, Criminal Justice, among others.
Accreditation
Ottawa University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
>>>Click HERE for more information about online degrees from Ottawa University<<<
#25. Portland State University
The largest and fastest growing university in the Oregon University System, Portland State University, located in the heart of downtown Portland, OR, has received national recognition for it’s innovative community-based learning programs. PSU’s Extended Campus Program offers several competitively priced online degree programs from one of the best online colleges in the country.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
Online bachelor degrees in Arts and Letters, Liberal Studies, Social Science, Business, Sociology, and Women’s Studies. Online certificate programs also available.
Accreditation
Portland State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
>>Click HERE for more about online degree programs at Portland State University<<