BEST ONLINE COLLEGES

Online colleges have come a long way in the last decade. Once a rare offering from a small handful of schools, online coursework is now a common feature of a student’s postsecondary degree path. According to a2015 Babson Research Survey , 70.8% of academic leaders stated that online learning is now a fundamental part of their postsecondary institution’s long-term growth strategy. Furthermore, the growth rate among students in online colleges again exceeds that of traditional programs at all schools. Online learning enrollment has been highest at four-year nonprofit and public institutions in the last few years.

Accredited Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

1. EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

As a leader in distance education in North Carolina for more than sixty years, East Carolina University earned the top spot on our list of the best online colleges. ECU is proud to offer over 75 online certificate and degree programs. Areas of study include business, education, health care and technology. Full-time traditional ECU students do have the option to attend distance education courses in addition to their regular on-campus schedule, however they will be charged distance education tuition and fees on top of their regular tuition.

 Distance education students at ECU have access to their online coursework 24/7, through an easy-to-understand learning management system (aka, Blackboard or Centra). On a weekly basis, coursework and assignments are submitted via e-mail or the class website. The same faculty who teach on-campus courses communicate with their online students using discussion forums and real-time "chat" sessions in virtual classrooms. Students often work in groups, thereby benefitting from collaborating and their peers’ professional experience.

2. APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY

The online undergraduate programs offered at Appalachian State University are all comprised of upper-division courses ― and these degrees can be earned in two years or less. However, upper-division means that the courses offered are only intended to represent the second half of a bachelor's program ― the more advanced courses. All general ed. and lower-level requirements must have already been completed by prospective students in order to be accepted, making the program ideal for returning students or professionals looking to advance their education.

The 19 bachelor's degree programs cover majors like education, business management, health/nursing, social work and psychology. Other web-based offerings include six professional certificates, 13 master's degrees and three education specialist programs.

3. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Students will find a variety of online undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as certification programs, at UIS. Innovative online programs include a BS in healthcare information management, an MA in liberal and integrative studies, and a certificate in child advocacy studies. UIS also has partnerships with colleges across the state that allow students to easily transfer credits and finish their degree at UIS which is one of the many reasons why it made out list of best online schools. As of 2015, UIS had 1,597 students enrolled in its online programs.

UIS uses Blackboard to facilitate its online learning experience, and the program offers students 24/7 access to courses. Instructors use audio, video, chat, and discussion boards to foster peer-to-peer and peer-to-instructor interaction. Classes are small, which encourages students to form relationships with peers and instructors. Some programs may also require students to complete internships or service learning projects.