Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

Badge for BEST ONLINE COLLEGES IN PENNSYLVANIA

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

Top 10 Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

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  1. Temple University
  2. Drexel University
  3. Villanova University
  4. Duquesne University
  5. Thomas Jefferson University
  6. Saint Joseph's University
  7. Slippery Rock University
  8. Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
  9. Robert Morris University
  10. University of the Sciences
  1. Pennsylvania State University
  2. Temple University
  3. Drexel University
  4. Villanova University
  5. Thomas Jefferson University
  6. Duquesne University
  7. Saint Joseph's University
  8. Robert Morris University
  9. Point Park University
  10. Pennsylvania College of Technology
  1. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 96%
  2. Robert Morris University 94%
  3. Millersville University of Pennsylvania 92%
  4. Saint Joseph's University 89%
  5. Thomas Jefferson University 89%
  6. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 88%
  7. Duquesne University 87%
  8. Mount Aloysius College 86%
  9. Albright College 85%
  10. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 84%
  1. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 20 to 1
  2. Slippery Rock University 19 to 1
  3. Millersville University of Pennsylvania 18 to 1
  4. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 17 to 1
  5. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 16 to 1
  6. Keystone College 14 to 1
  7. Pennsylvania College of Technology 14 to 1
  8. Holy Family University 13 to 1
  9. Messiah University 13 to 1
  10. Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
  1. Villanova University $61,618
  2. Drexel University $58,965
  3. Moravian University $50,500
  4. Saint Joseph's University $49,610
  5. Duquesne University $45,376
  6. Thomas Jefferson University $44,350
  7. Cedar Crest College $43,643
  8. Messiah University $39,490
  9. Point Park University $36,620
  10. Robert Morris University $33,767
  1. Drexel University $36,234
  2. Duquesne University $25,578
  3. Thomas Jefferson University $22,509
  4. Villanova University $21,207
  5. Temple University $20,531
  6. Moravian University $18,504
  7. Saint Joseph's University $18,504
  8. Mount Aloysius College $16,020
  9. Keystone College $15,600
  10. Pennsylvania College of Technology $15,450
  1. Moravian University
  2. Central Penn College
  3. Mount Aloysius College
  4. Pittsburgh Technical College
  5. Keystone College
  6. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
  7. Cairn University
  8. Cedar Crest College
  9. Millersville University of Pennsylvania
  10. Pennsylvania College of Technology
  1. Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania
  2. PennWest Edinboro
  3. Central Penn College
  4. Pittsburgh Technical College
  5. Slippery Rock University
  6. Keystone College
  7. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
  8. Moravian University
  9. Mount Aloysius College
  10. Messiah University
  1. Villanova University 23%
  2. Central Penn College 34%
  3. Moravian University 67%
  4. Immaculata University 70%
  5. Slippery Rock University 74%
  6. Holy Family University 77%
  7. Messiah University 79%
  8. Temple University 80%
  9. Drexel University 80%
  10. Keystone College 81%
  1. Central Penn College 9 to 1
  2. Drexel University 9 to 1
  3. Cedar Crest College 9 to 1
  4. Albright College 9 to 1
  5. Immaculata University 10 to 1
  6. Villanova University 10 to 1
  7. Moravian University 10 to 1
  8. Saint Joseph's University 10 to 1
  9. Point Park University 11 to 1
  10. Cairn University 11 to 1
  1. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $7,716
  2. Slippery Rock University $7,716
  3. Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,570
  4. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania $9,570
  5. Pennsylvania College of Technology $15,450
  6. Pittsburgh Technical College $16,974
  7. Keystone College $17,450
  8. Central Penn College $19,404
  9. Temple University $20,173
  10. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology $23,900
  1. Albright College $1,480
  2. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  3. Slippery Rock University $9,288
  4. Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  5. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania $9,288
  6. Cairn University $10,278
  7. Holy Family University $11,811
  8. Immaculata University $12,780
  9. Messiah University $13,230
  10. Point Park University $13,662

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania

Prospective students hoping to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree have over 100 higher learning institutions to choose from. The largest public university is Pennsylvania State University, or Penn State, with a tuition of $18,000, and a student population of over 95,000 across its campuses. As a private institution, the University of Pennsylvania, or simply Penn, is known for its medical, nursing, social work, and business fields. Tuition is $56,000, and the school boasts a 95% graduation rate.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Students can also attend one of the more than 60 religiously affiliated schools, such as Villanova University or Lafayette College, each with a tuition of about $53,000. Some of the most affordable colleges in the state include the Curtis Institute of Music and the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia, with tuitions set at $3,000 and $9,000, respectively. Though the average tuition for college in Pennsylvania comes in above the national average, those who practice medicine in underserved areas may qualify for up to $100,000 in loan forgiveness through the Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program.

As the nation’s second state, Pennsylvania’s history runs deep. It’s here where Betsy Ross made the first American flag and where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Keystone State is also home to some culinary delights, including whoopie pies, soft pretzels, and the famous Philly cheesesteak. Students looking to earn their degree in Pennsylvania will undoubtedly enjoy what the state has to offer.

Check out the state’s top programs and learn more about earning your degree in Pennsylvania.


What are Pennsylvania’s Colleges & Universities?

Pennsylvania’s Best Overall

Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
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Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023

  1. #1

    Temple University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    38K

    Career Outlook for degree at Temple University

    Cost of Degree: $21,097
    Expenses: $21,675
    Starting Salary: $59,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Bachelor's Degrees

    Bachelor of Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Business Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Marketing
    • Consumer Insights
    • Digital Marketing
    • Retailing and Sales Force Effectiveness
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    Drexel University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Drexel University

    Cost of Degree: $58,965
    Expenses: $20,180
    Starting Salary: $78,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Bachelor's Degrees

    BS Computing and Security Technology
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Business Administration

    Concentrations

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

    Concentrations

    • Elementary Education
    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Communication
    • 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
    BS Dance
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Behavioral Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Criminology and Justice Studies
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Behavioral Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    Villanova University

    Villanova , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1439/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Villanova University

    Cost of Degree: $61,618
    Expenses: $19,487
    Starting Salary: $87,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Bachelor's Degrees

    Bachelor of Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Organizational Development And Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Public Service And Administration
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  4. #5

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $44,200
    Expenses: $21,469
    Starting Salary: $99,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Bachelor's Degrees

    BS Behavioral and Health Services
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Health Services Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Health Studies
    • 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 Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  5. #6

    Saint Joseph's University

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Joseph's University

    Cost of Degree: $49,610
    Expenses: $17,656
    Starting Salary: $65,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Bachelor's Degrees

    Bachelor of Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Organization Development and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  6. Career Outlook for degree at Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $10,507
    Expenses: $14,778
    Starting Salary: $44,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Bachelor's Degrees

    BS Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Health Care Administration and Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Leadership Studies
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Interdisciplinary Programs

    Concentrations

    • Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  7. #8

    Robert Morris University

    Moon Township , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Robert Morris University

    Cost of Degree: $33,767
    Expenses: $19,024
    Starting Salary: $53,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Bachelor's Degrees

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

    Concentrations

    • Marketing & Management
    • 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
    BS Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  8. #9

    University of the Sciences

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Online Degrees

    BS in Behavioral and Health Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Data Science & Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Services Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  9. #10

    Albright College

    Reading , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Albright College

    Cost of Degree: $28,230
    Expenses: $18,540
    Starting Salary: $51,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  10. #11

    Immaculata University

    Immaculata , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Immaculata University

    Cost of Degree: $27,750
    Expenses: $18,720
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Allied Health for Clinical Professionals
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Care Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Behavior
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Planning and Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  11. Other Rankings

    Online Bachelor's Degrees

    BS Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Business
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA Economics
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Finance
    • 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
    BS Biobehavioral Health
    • 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/BA Energy and Sustainability Policy
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA International Politics
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Labor and Human Resources
    • 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/BA Organizational and Professional Communication
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS Software Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  12. #13

    Holy Family University

    Philadelphia , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Holy Family University

    Cost of Degree: $32,558
    Expenses: $16,616
    Starting Salary: $54,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Cybersecurity Operations and Management

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Management and Leadership
    • Cyber Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems and Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 49
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management, Entrepreneurship, and Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Business Analytics
    • Digital Marketing
    • Individualized
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  13. Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $13,394
    Expenses: $16,120
    Starting Salary: $48,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Behavioral Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1-4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1-4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Areas of Specialization: Human Resources (online or on-campus)
    • Marketing (online or on-campus)
    • Entrepreneurial Studies (on-campus only)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1-4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 86
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  14. #15

    Point Park University

    Pittsburgh , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1137/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Point Park University

    Cost of Degree: $36,620
    Expenses: $15,740
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management

    Concentrations

    • Entrepreneurship Concentration
    • Management COncentration
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Administration

    Concentrations

    • EMS Administration
    • Fire Service Concentration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Relations and Advertising
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Media Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing and Sales
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  15. #16

    PennWest Edinboro

    Edinboro , PA

    Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Technical Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  16. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $11,122
    Expenses: $17,646
    Starting Salary: $43,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  17. #18

    Messiah University

    Mechanicsburg , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Messiah University

    Cost of Degree: $39,490
    Expenses: $15,460
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • Digital Marketing
    • Healthcare Management
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  18. Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pennsylvania College of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $17,940
    Expenses: $17,147
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Health Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Management
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Automotive Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management & Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  19. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Millersville University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $12,262
    Expenses: $17,100
    Starting Salary: $46,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Art History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology

    Concentrations

    • General Sociology
    • Applied Health Care Concentrations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  20. #21

    Cedar Crest College

    Allentown , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cedar Crest College

    Cost of Degree: $43,643
    Expenses: $16,572
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • Ethical leadership
    • Criminal behavior and deviance
    • and Juvenile studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  21. #22

    Cairn University

    Langhorne , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cairn University

    Cost of Degree: $31,640
    Expenses: $14,979
    Starting Salary: $38,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4-4.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bible

    Concentrations

    • Biblical Studies
    • Christian Ministry
    • Intro to Counseling
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting + Bible
    • Required Credits: 151
    • Completion time: 4-4.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 130
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Christian Studies
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Pastoral Ministries
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  22. Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    6K

    Online Degrees

    BA in Jewish Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Jewish Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Judaism and Human Rights
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  23. #24

    Keystone College

    La Plume , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Keystone College

    Cost of Degree: $17,450
    Expenses: $15,100
    Starting Salary: $36,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting Principles
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online
    BS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online
  24. Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pittsburgh Technical College

    Cost of Degree: $16,974
    Expenses: $21,370
    Starting Salary: $37,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Management
    • Required Credits: 80
    • Completion time: 24 months
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 184
    • Completion time: 36 months
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems and Technology
    • Required Credits: 188
    • Completion time: 36 months
    • Format: Online
  25. #26

    Mount Aloysius College

    Cresson , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mount Aloysius College

    Cost of Degree: $25,510
    Expenses: $17,308
    Starting Salary: $43,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Leadership in Health Care
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Specializations
    • Health Care Administration
    • Human Resources Management
    • Marketing Communications Media
    • Marketing and Entrepreneurship
    • Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-2.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  26. #27

    Central Penn College

    Summerdale , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Central Penn College

    Cost of Degree: $19,404
    Expenses: $10,916
    Starting Salary: $37,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Banking & Finance
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Human Resource Management
    • Management
    • Marketing concentrations
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Corporate Communications
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology

    Concentrations

    • General
    • Applications Development and
    • Networking and Security
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Homeland Security Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  27. #28

    Moravian University

    Bethlehem , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1156/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Moravian University

    Cost of Degree: $50,500
    Expenses: $18,334
    Starting Salary: $55,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Major disciplines: Accounting
    • Finance
    • Management
    • and Marketing.
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology

    Concentrations

    • Criminology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online

Back to Top

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.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

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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