Best Online Colleges in North Dakota 2024

Q: What can I expect from an online college course?

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

Q: Is online college easier than campus-based college?

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way? If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps. In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Badge for BEST ONLINE COLLEGES IN NORTH DAKOTA

By Dr. James Barham

Published: Mar 21, 2022
Updated: Nov 22, 2023

Find the best online colleges in North Dakota ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.

Top Online Colleges in North Dakota

University of North Dakota
Minot State University
University of Mary
Dickinson State University
Valley City State University
Bismarck State College
Mayville State University
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School

University of North Dakota
Minot State University
University of Mary
Dickinson State University
Bismarck State College
Mayville State University
Valley City State University
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School

Minot State University 93%
University of North Dakota 83%
Valley City State University 83%
University of Mary 81%
Dickinson State University 72%
Mayville State University 71%
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School 44%

University of North Dakota 17 to 1
Mayville State University 14 to 1
University of Mary 14 to 1
Bismarck State College 14 to 1
Dickinson State University 13 to 1
Valley City State University 12 to 1
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School 11 to 1
Minot State University 10 to 1

University of Mary $21,062
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School $18,216
University of North Dakota $9,237
Minot State University $8,508
Dickinson State University $7,470
Valley City State University $6,619
Mayville State University $6,517
Bismarck State College $4,167

Trinity Bible College and Graduate School $12,240
University of North Dakota $11,963
University of Mary $11,238
Minot State University $9,352
Mayville State University $7,597
Valley City State University $6,605
Dickinson State University $6,060

Trinity Bible College and Graduate School
Mayville State University
Bismarck State College
Valley City State University
Dickinson State University
University of Mary
Minot State University
University of North Dakota

Trinity Bible College and Graduate School
Valley City State University
Mayville State University
Bismarck State College
Dickinson State University
University of Mary
Minot State University
University of North Dakota

Trinity Bible College and Graduate School 44%
Mayville State University 71%
Dickinson State University 72%
University of Mary 81%
Valley City State University 83%
University of North Dakota 83%
Minot State University 93%

Minot State University 10 to 1
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School 11 to 1
Valley City State University 12 to 1
Dickinson State University 13 to 1
Mayville State University 14 to 1
University of Mary 14 to 1
Bismarck State College 14 to 1
University of North Dakota 17 to 1

Bismarck State College $4,167
Mayville State University $6,517
Valley City State University $6,619
Dickinson State University $7,470
Minot State University $8,508
University of North Dakota $9,237
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School $18,216
University of Mary $21,062

Dickinson State University $6,060
Valley City State University $6,605
Mayville State University $7,597
Minot State University $9,352
University of Mary $11,238
University of North Dakota $11,963
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School $12,240

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in North Dakota

The majority of the higher learning institutes in North Dakota are public schools and almost all of the schools could be considered small schools, serving less than 5,000 students. The state’s two largest schools, however, the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and North Dakota State University in Fargo, each have a student population around 12,000 students. Tuition at both of these schools comes in just below the national average at $9,000.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

At UND and NDSU, students can study fields such as engineering, chemistry, law, and education. Additionally, students can attend one of the state’s five private schools, three of which have religious affiliations. Students who attend these schools can pursue degrees in fields like nursing, religious studies, education, and earth sciences. North Dakota also offers a private tribal college, United Tribes Technical College, located in the state’s capital, Bismarck, where students can expect to pay around $4,000 in tuition fees.

As the country’s number one producer of honey and sunflowers, and home to part of the international Peace Garden, North Dakota’s landscape is a thing of natural beauty. This magnificent state also has its fair share of one-of-a-kind attractions, including the Badlands Dinosaur Museum, which features world-class minerals and fossils, and the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Heritage Center, which gives an inside look at this Native American tribe’s unique culture and traditions. The state also boasts 19 colleges and universities for students hoping to earn a higher education degree.

Discover more about earning your degree in North Dakota by exploring some of the state’s top programs.

What are North Dakota’s Colleges & Universities?

North Dakota’s Best Overall

Online education has grown dramatically in quality, credibility, and popularity over the last two decades. Today, more than a quarter of all college students are taking at least one online course. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are more than 5 million college students who are pursuing their undergraduate degree fully online. And the number of online college and graduate students continues to grow as online technology and instructional methods improve.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to remote learning has proven an essential part of the educational ecosystem. Schools that offer primarily online degree programs saw an increase of 7% enrollment just between Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. The number of traditional institutions offering online courses and degrees is growing as well. This all paints a promising picture for the future of online education. But it also produces a dizzying array of options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Online Colleges 2024

Asynchronous learning means classes don’t meet at set times. This is the most flexible online learning experience, making when you cover your course material up to you. Most asynchronous online courses will still have deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments and tests. Some asynchronous classes may still ask for an occasional meeting, such as initial meet-and-greets, and in some cases there may be scheduled test times. The idea of asynchronous learning is to allow the student to manage their schedules as needed.

Synchronous learning means you will have scheduled meeting times for your online classes. Synchronous learning gives online students the flexibility of location while also giving students a chance to engage with each other and their professors. For many online students, the structured class schedules and ability to see and hear from peers in real-time helps create the learning experience they want.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities—educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Best Online Colleges in North Dakota 2023

#1
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 degree at University of North Dakota
Cost of Degree: $10,951
Expenses: $15,292
Starting Salary: $57,800
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Biomedical Engineering

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Chemical Engineering

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Civil Engineering

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Electrical Engineering

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Mechanical Engineering

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Computer Science

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Criminal Justice Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Communication

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Cyber Security

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Data Science

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Earth Science

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Bachelor of Business Administration

Concentrations

Management
Marketing

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Mathematics

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Political Science

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Psychology

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Political Science

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Public Health

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Social Science

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Social Work

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#2
Minot State University
Minot , ND
#1 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
45%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/19
Career Outlook for degree at Minot State University
Cost of Degree: $8,633
Expenses: $13,060
Starting Salary: $46,900
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Early Childhood Education

Concentrations

Special Education

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Computer Science

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Bachelor of General Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Management

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Marketing

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Entrepreneurship

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS International Business

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Management Information Systems

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BAS Applied Business Information Technology

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BAS Interpreting and Sign Language Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Cybersecurity and Operations

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#3
University of Mary
Bismarck , ND
#2 Best Christian Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
64%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1208/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Mary
Cost of Degree: $21,468
Expenses: $12,790
Starting Salary: $53,000
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Accounting

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Business Administration

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Business Management

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Marketing

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Psychology

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Addiction Counseling

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Elementary Education

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Information Technology Management

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Respiratory Therapy (RRT-to-BSRT)

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS University Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#4
Dickinson State University
Dickinson , ND
#3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
44%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1002/18
Career Outlook for degree at Dickinson State University
Cost of Degree: $9,118
Expenses: $12,440
Starting Salary: $49,300
Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
Bachelor of Business Administration

Concentrations

Accounting
Administration
Finance
Human Resource Management

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Business Education

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Bachelor of Applied Science

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Bachelor of University Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#5
Valley City State University
Valley City , ND
#5 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
47%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1070/20
Career Outlook for degree at Valley City State University
Cost of Degree: $8,514
Expenses: $12,616
Starting Salary: $41,700
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Education

Concentrations

Business
Composite Business
Career and Technical
Elementary
English
History
Mathematics
Spanish
Social Science
Technology

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BAS Management

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS/BA Business Administration

Concentrations

Agribusiness
Human Resources and Management
Managerial Accounting and Finance
Marketing

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS/BA Business Process Integration Management

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS/BA Communication

Concentrations

Corporate
Digital Media Management
Journalism & Media

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS/BA Communication Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS/BA English

Concentrations

General English
Literature Studies
Professional Writing
Technical Writing

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS/BA History

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS/BA Mathematics

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS/BA Music

Concentrations

Audio Production
General Studies
Performance

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS/BA Social Science

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Bachelor of University Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#6
Bismarck State College
Bismarck , ND
#4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
51%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Bismarck State College
Cost of Degree: $5,195
Expenses: $12,800
Starting Salary: $53,600
Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BAS Cybersecurity and Information Technology

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BAS Energy Management

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#7
Mayville State University
Mayville , ND
#5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
35%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Mayville State University
Cost of Degree: $7,935
Expenses: $13,188
Starting Salary: $43,300
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Nursing

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Education

Concentrations

English
Early Childhood
Elementary Education
Mathematics
Physical Education
Special Education

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Accounting

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BAS Business Administration

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Agribusiness

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Biology

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA English

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Mathematics

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Bachelor of University Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#8
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School
Ellendale , ND
#5 Best Online Associate Degrees in North Dakota 2025 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in North Dakota 2025
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
44%
Graduation
41%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Trinity Bible College and Graduate School
Cost of Degree: $18,762
Expenses: $12,782
Starting Salary: $31,700
Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BA Biblical Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Biblical Theology

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA New Testament Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Old Testament Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Systematic Theology

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Biblical Counseling

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Christian Counseling

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Christian Apologetics and Evangelism

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Christian Apologetics and Philosophy

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Christian Apologetics and Theology

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Philosophy of Religion

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Christian Education

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Christian Literature and Writing

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Christian Management and Leadership

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Church Planting and Revitalization

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Conflict Management

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Digital Ministry and Worship Arts

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Global Missions

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Life Coaching and Mentorship

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Pastoral Ministry

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Prison Chaplaincy and Ministry

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Pulpit Communication and Expository Preaching

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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