Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education

Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
By Dave Tomar
Published:
Updated:

Is it possible to start earning a college degree at any time? Like, could you literally enroll in college tomorrow, and begin taking classes this month? Actually, yes. Yes, you can. Thanks to the continued proliferation of online education and significant advances in the administration of self-paced learning, there are more options than ever before to begin earning your college degree right away…and we mean, right away!

Featured Programs

The Best Online Colleges that Start Anytime

  1. #1

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    What is Columbia University known for?

    Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Columbia Online allows students the opportunity to learn from world-class scholars and leaders in their chosen field. Students are able to develop knowledge and skills in fully online or hybrid settings. For maximum flexibility, Columbia allows students to select from a range of online courses with pre-recorded lectures so that students can access these resources on their own time frame. Students and faculty typically interact using online forums and activities.

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  2. #2

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Champaign , IL
    #2 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #12 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #17 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #18 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    62K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/31

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Cost of Degree: $18,060
    Expenses: $17,638
    Starting Salary: $68,327
    Salary after 4 years: $72,924
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign known for?

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    You can find several programs at the University of Illinois Online that are tailored to your specific requirements and interests if you wish to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree online. While the University of Illinois Online presently only offers the Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability program as an online bachelor’s degree option, it provides access to over 1,200 online undergraduate courses in various subjects.

    You will pick up fresh perspectives, information, and valuable skills with each of their online programs that you can use immediately in your professional life. You can be certain that you are receiving a top-notch education from experts committed to your success as the same professors who teach on-campus courses also teach their online courses.

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  3. #3

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Career Outlook for Education degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,051
    Expenses: $21,219
    Starting Salary: $53,486
    Salary after 4 years: $57,085
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Arizona State University known for?

    Arizona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    You can enroll in various undergraduate and graduate degree programs through ASU Online anytime. Whether you’re prepared to start classes in the fall, spring, or summer, you’ll have a lot of possibilities. ASU Online offers two 7.5-week and one 15-week session each semester.

    Depending on the curriculum you are interested in, different semesters have different start dates for these sessions. Depending on your curriculum and preferences, you can start your studies at Arizona State University in August, October, January, or March, with two or three summer start dates possible. Whichever start date you choose, ASU Online makes it a priority to be well versed in the latest online learning technologies to ensure their students are engaged and set up for success.

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  4. #4

    University of Oklahoma

    Norman , OK
    #1 Best Grad Schools in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Oklahoma 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Oklahoma

    Cost of Degree: $9,595
    Expenses: $20,891
    Starting Salary: $59,654
    Salary after 4 years: $63,667
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Oklahoma known for?

    University of Oklahoma’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    To prepare you for future job success, the University of Oklahoma, a public research university, provides online degree programs that combine world-class faculty and business specialists. Each program at OU Online is taught by a combination of practicing professors and seasoned faculty, giving students access to a cutting-edge curriculum that is demanding and applicable to today’s labor market.

    You can be certain that you are learning the skills and knowledge required to be successful in your chosen sector by forming collaborations with industry experts. Upon graduation, you will join a network of more than 250,000 alumni who have done great things in their careers and carry on the university’s rich heritage of excellence.

    With the same coursework and degree requirements as students taking classes on campus, you can complete an undergraduate degree at your speed. OU also allows the transfer of up to 90 credits, which can be a huge boost for students looking to graduate as quickly as possible. Additionally, you can begin whenever it is most convenient because programs are available during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

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  5. #5

    Colorado State University

    Fort Collins , CO
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Colorado 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Career Outlook for Education degree at Colorado State University

    Cost of Degree: $13,009
    Expenses: $19,543
    Starting Salary: $51,462
    Salary after 4 years: $54,925
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colorado State University known for?

    Colorado State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Colorado State University offers as many as 12 start dates in the year, which is about as close to flex scheduling as you can get. They offer both asynchronous and self-paced courses. While asynchronous courses allows students to complete course material at their own pace, students are still given a set timeframe in which to complete assignments. With CSU’s self-paced courses, students can complete all coursework at any time between the course start and end dates.

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  7. #6

    University of North Dakota

    Grand Forks , ND
    #1 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #5 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of North Dakota

    Cost of Degree: $10,951
    Expenses: $15,292
    Starting Salary: $55,702
    Salary after 4 years: $59,450
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Dakota known for?

    University of North Dakota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of North Dakota employs a “flex” approach to the more than two-dozen online bachelor’s degree programs offered. This flex approach means that you can begin your degree program at literally any point throughout the calendar year. This allows you to manage your studies with employment and other commitments because you can begin a course anytime and finish it in 16 weeks. But what distinguishes the university is its dedication to practical applicability, in the forms of internships and courses designed with effectiveness in mind, which improves student outcomes.

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  8. #7

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    What is Liberty University known for?

    Liberty University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    At Liberty University, each semester is split into three eight-week subterms and one semester-long subterm to allow for multiple start dates throughout the year. Graduate students can transfer up to 75% of their credits toward a bachelor’s degree and 50% toward a master’s degree by gaining credit for prior learning.

    The ability to finish your tasks whenever is the most tempting feature of Liberty University Online because it enables you to combine your education with other commitments. Additionally, online students at Liberty University can access various resources, including the online library, study aids, support services, IT help, writing tools, and federal financial aid, just like full-time on-campus students. With over 400 degree programs to choose from, prospective students should be able to find programs that fit their interests.

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  9. #8

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    What is Southern New Hampshire University known for?

    Southern New Hampshire University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) claims to have the most affordable online education in the nation, which is a huge advantage for many students. Additionally, all of their online courses are created by a team of e-learning experts who make sure the curriculum is prepared for delivery online. The course objectives in each program are designed to give you the knowledge and abilities you need to be successful in your chosen profession. You will study from the best at SNHU because their online lecturers are leaders in their fields.

    For undergraduate students, a semester is eight weeks long; for master’s students, a semester is ten weeks long. You can therefore enroll at any moment during the year, take a semester off if necessary, or double up if you wish to hasten the completion of your degree.

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  10. #9

    Upper Iowa University

    Fayette , IA
    #10 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/21

    What is Upper Iowa University known for?

    Upper Iowa University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Upper Iowa University offers a smaller selection of degree programs which can be started at any time. Upper Iowa’s two “start anytime” degrees are referred to as self-paced programs and allow for the asynchronous completion of undergraduate studies. It is noteworthy though that Upper Iowa also offers a variety of individual self-paced courses that can be taken anytime and that are designed to be compatible with a broader and more traditional degree program.

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  11. #10

    University of Maryland Global Campus

    Adelphi , MD
    #14 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #15 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    87K

    Career Outlook for Education degree at University of Maryland Global Campus

    Cost of Degree: $7,992
    Starting Salary: $53,871
    Salary after 4 years: $57,496
    What is University of Maryland Global Campus known for?

    University of Maryland Global Campus’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    For over 75 years, the University of Maryland Global Campus, the largest public university in the country, has been a leader in distance education. The school offers over 125 online degrees and has flexible transfer and credit policies, allowing students to graduate even faster. The institution has session start dates every month, allowing students to start at virtually anytime. The registration deadline closes the day before classes start, allowing students the opportunity to become enrolled extremely quickly.

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Why Online and Flexible Education?

According to EdSurge, students over the age of 25 now represent a full 40% of all enrollees in American higher education. With some 8 million working adults in schools today, online degree options have become increasingly popular for their flexibility and accessibility. Online programs that start anytime make it infinitely more possible for an accounting professional to schedule courses after tax season is over. Flex degree programs make it easier for teachers to take graduate courses in the summer months. Rolling start dates allow military personnel to schedule courses around tours of duty.

In short, the growing availability of online programs starting anytime means that a wider array of prospective learners can access educational opportunities without disrupting work or personal responsibilities.

But the value of online education is greater than mere convenience. For many, online education is something that can be molded and managed around the complex demands of everyday life. From asynchronous learning models and pre-recorded lectures to live remote classes on weekends and in the evenings, many online learning experiences are tailored to the needs of working adults. This flexibility is helping to make the college or graduate degree a possibility for those who might otherwise have had no practical way of earning one. And this speaks to the value of college degrees that start anytime.

Many of the Best Online Colleges will offer a wide range of flexible enrollment and scheduling options. Inquire further with the admissions office at any of these fully accredited online colleges to find out what your options are.

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What is self-paced learning?

Self-paced learning models have played a major role in the wider availability or start-anytime programs. Though there are a number of different ways to implement self-paced learning, most programs are characterized by the flexibility they provide to students.

Self-paced learning usually employs asynchronous methods of education—that is, learning opportunities that can be accessed at any time, regardless of time and place. Students may be able to view pre-recorded lectures online, complete online educational units and testing modules on their own schedule, participate in classroom discussions through online message boards, and more. In most cases, students will be expected to complete their self-paced courses or full degree programs within a specified duration of time. However, within that duration, the time that you use to “attend” classes, complete assignments, and take exams may be largely up to you.

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What exactly does it mean to “start anytime”?

There are indeed some online college degree programs that you can start anytime. There are also many online programs that you can start at multiple points throughout the year. In other words, while you may not be able to start certain online degree programs at literally any date, there are typically enough start dates throughout the year to match the needs of most schedules. For instance, some “start anytime” programs will offer a monthly start date (as opposed to the biannual start dates available in traditional two-semester formats).

For adult learners, or students at any stage of their education who are hoping to get started on a degree right away, the programs above are just a few examples of how you could avoid the waiting period.

If you’re considering getting an online degree, you may still want to visit campus before choosing a degree program. Find out why.

There are also many benefits to attending a community college. To learn more about them, find out Why You Should Go to Community College.

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Student Submitted Questions on Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education

Caroline asks, “I’m a little bit worried about my time management skills. Is self-paced learning right for me?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: The suitability of self-paced learning for you will primarily depend on your unique learning preferences and situation. This is a fantastic option for people who need flexibility and like self-paced learning. It is also suitable for people who like to take charge of their education and feel more at ease learning independently.

Self-paced learning is probably not the best option for you if you perform best in a controlled learning environment and value teacher direction and support. In terms of time management, my suggestion is to find some sort of accountability either with a system you set up or with someone you know. You can also try out a course and see how it goes. Learning how to manage your time and picking up tips and tricks while completing self-paced courses is definitely something you can grow in as you go along.

Ryan asks, “What are some potential pitfalls of self-paced learning that I should try to avoid?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: One of the major issues students in online programs face is time management problems. For many students, taking online classes is only one priority out of many. Because students are able to complete courses at their own pace, this can lead to a false sense of having enough time later on to complete their work. Prospective students should always evaluate how much time they can give to their studies before jumping into a program to ensure they will be able to successfully navigate and manage their commitments.

Another potential problem online program students face is a lack of motivation. Especially for those who choose an asynchronous style of learning, students might not be as interested or engaged if they are not actively connecting with professors and fellow classmates. It is important for students to have clear goals in mind so that they can face the challenges associated with online learning head-on.

Ainsley asks, “Are there specific types of courses that are best suited for self-paced learning?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer:The range of courses that are suitable for self-paced learning is impressive. While this will vary based off of the institution, program, student, and a variety of other factors, subjects that consist primarily of memorization and repetition are usually easier for self-paces learning. Subjects that largely consist of practical application or collaboration, such as biology or social work, might be a little harder for students to master in an asynchronous learning format.

Learn more about the college admissions process with a look at our complete guide.

Or get valuable study tips, advice on adjusting to campus life, and much more at our student resource homepage.

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