Best Online Colleges in Utah 2024

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

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

Top Online Colleges in Utah

University of Utah
Utah State University
University of Phoenix
Weber State University
Southern Utah University
Utah Valley University
Utah Tech University
Western Governors University
Westminster College, Utah

University of Utah
Utah State University
University of Phoenix
Weber State University
Utah Valley University
Western Governors University
Southern Utah University
Utah Tech University
Westminster College, Utah

Utah State University 94%
University of Utah 89%
Southern Utah University 84%
Westminster College, Utah 70%

Western Governors University 42 to 1
Utah Valley University 25 to 1
Southern Utah University 22 to 1
Utah Tech University 22 to 1
Weber State University 21 to 1
Utah State University 19 to 1
University of Utah 18 to 1
Westminster College, Utah 8 to 1

Westminster College, Utah $40,352
University of Utah $8,175
Western Governors University $8,010
Utah State University $7,387
Southern Utah University $6,006
Utah Valley University $5,614
Weber State University $5,471
Utah Tech University $5,266

Westminster College, Utah $16,275
Utah Valley University $9,152
Weber State University $8,089
Western Governors University $7,765
Southern Utah University $7,574
University of Utah $7,353
Utah Tech University $7,020
Utah State University $6,763

Westminster College, Utah
Western Governors University
Utah Tech University
Utah Valley University
Southern Utah University
Weber State University
University of Phoenix
Utah State University
University of Utah

Westminster College, Utah
Utah Tech University
Southern Utah University
Western Governors University
Utah Valley University
Weber State University
University of Phoenix
Utah State University
University of Utah

Westminster College, Utah 70%
Southern Utah University 84%
University of Utah 89%
Utah State University 94%

Westminster College, Utah 8 to 1
University of Utah 18 to 1
Utah State University 19 to 1
Weber State University 21 to 1
Southern Utah University 22 to 1
Utah Tech University 22 to 1
Utah Valley University 25 to 1
Western Governors University 42 to 1

Utah Tech University $5,266
Weber State University $5,471
Utah Valley University $5,614
Southern Utah University $6,006
Utah State University $7,387
Western Governors University $8,010
University of Utah $8,175
Westminster College, Utah $40,352

Utah State University $6,763
Utah Tech University $7,020
University of Utah $7,353
Southern Utah University $7,574
Western Governors University $7,765
Weber State University $8,089
Utah Valley University $9,152
Westminster College, Utah $16,275

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Utah

Students hoping to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Utah can choose from among 18 different colleges and universities. Ten of these schools are private, including a fully online school - Western Governors University - which serves almost 80,000 students. Brigham Young University in Provo, one of Utah’s two religiously affiliated schools, has some of the state’s top programs in religious studies, history, and business.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

While tuition at private schools can be costly, fees at these two schools fall below the national average, ranging between $6,000 and $7,000. Utah’s public universities are also on the cost-friendly side. Utah Valley University, the state’s largest public school, serves over 28,000 students and has a sticker price of about $6,000. The University of Utah, another affordable option, is close behind, with a student population of just under 28,000 students. Here, students can earn degrees in fields such as computer science, chemistry, engineering, and anthropology.

If you’re someone who lives life to the extreme, Utah may be just the place for you. Careening down the hills at its world-class ski resorts, braving the rapids on white-water rafting trips, hiking through national parks, and speeding across mountain bike trails are just some of the ways visitors and residents of The Beehive State can get their thrills. Another selling point for Utah? Average tuition for this state’s colleges and universities falls thousands of dollars below the national average.

Learn more about Utah’s higher education opportunities by checking out the state’s many affordable colleges and universities.

What are Utah’s Colleges & Universities?

Utah’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 Utah 2023

#1
University of Utah
Salt Lake City , UT
#7 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #19 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #21 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #22 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
65%
Student body
40K
Median SAT/ACT
1290/25
Career Outlook for degree at University of Utah
Cost of Degree: $9,315
Expenses: $17,365
Starting Salary: $63,500
Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Economics

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Family, Community & Human Development

Concentrations

Financial Planning Emphasis

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 Psychology

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Recreation & Tourism: Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management

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
BS/BA Sociology

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#2
Utah State University
Logan , UT
#2 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Utah 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Utah 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
54%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/23
Career Outlook for degree at Utah State University
Cost of Degree: $8,305
Expenses: $13,156
Starting Salary: $49,600
Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Agribusiness

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

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 Management

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

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

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS/BA Communicative Disorders & Deaf Education

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Human Development & Family Studies

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

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Human Experience Design & Interaction

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

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

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

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 Psychology

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

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#3
University of Phoenix
#5 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #3 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #7 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Business

Concentrations

Accounting
Administration
Communication
Finance
Global Business
Management
Hospitality
Management
Information Systems
Management
Marketing
Public Administration
Retail Management
e-Business

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

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 Organizational Security and 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 IT/Visual Communications

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

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS Human Services/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
Compare school
#4
Weber State University
Ogden , UT
#1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Utah 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
42%
Student body
37K
Career Outlook for degree at Weber State University
Cost of Degree: $6,391
Expenses: $15,692
Starting Salary: $49,900
Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Professional Sales

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 Emergency Healthcare Science

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

Concentrations

Creative Writing
Professional & Technical Writing

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

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

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 Medical Laboratory Science

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

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

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

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

Concentrations

Child and Family Studies
Computer Science
Health Administrative Services
Health Promotion
Health Sciences
Nutrition
Professional Sales
Women and Gender Studies

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
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#5
Southern Utah University
Cedar City , UT
#3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Utah 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
58%
Student body
20K
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Utah University
Cost of Degree: $6,770
Expenses: $13,116
Starting Salary: $45,500
Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
Bachelor of Accounting

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

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

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

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
Bachelor of Aviation Administration & Leadership

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

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

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

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Bachelor of Family Life and Human Development

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
Bachelor of History

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

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

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#6
Utah Valley University
Orem , UT
#2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Utah 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Utah 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Utah 2024
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
39%
Student body
54K
Career Outlook for degree at Utah Valley University
Cost of Degree: $6,270
Starting Salary: $50,700
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Aerospace Technology Management

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

Concentrations

General Business
Hospitality Management
International Business

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

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

Concentrations

Emergency Management/Disaster Assistance
Emergency Care
Emergency Leadership

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

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

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

Concentrations

Applied Communication
Public Relations & Strategic Communication

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 Dental Hygiene

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

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

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS/BA Human Resource 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 Professional Pilot

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 Respiratory Therapy

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

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

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#7
Utah Tech University
Saint George , UT
#5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Utah 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Utah 2024
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
36%
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for degree at Utah Tech University
Cost of Degree: $6,074
Expenses: $15,404
Starting Salary: $41,400
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Management

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

Concentrations

Applied Leadership
Health 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
BAS Enterprise Management

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online Degree Completion
BS Design – Digital Design

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

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

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

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online Degree Completion
Compare school
#8
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City , UT
#3 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #11 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Utah 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
49%
Student body
214K
Career Outlook for degree at Western Governors University
Cost of Degree: $8,010
Starting Salary: $48,100
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Business Administration

Concentrations

Marketing
Accounting
IT Management
Healthcare Management
Business Management
Human Resource 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 Nursing

Concentrations

Pre-Licensure
RN-to-BSN

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

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 Health Services Coordination

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

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

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

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

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

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Special Education (Mild-to-Moderate)

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual-Licensure)

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

Concentrations

Secondary Biological Science
Secondary Chemistry
Secondary Physics
Secondary Earth Science
Middle Grades

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#9
Westminster College, Utah
Salt Lake City , UT
#3 Best Small Colleges in Utah 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Utah 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2024
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Utah 2024
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
65%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1269/26
Career Outlook for degree at Westminster College, Utah
Cost of Degree: $39,832
Expenses: $15,999
Starting Salary: $58,100
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
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)

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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