Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time

Badge for BEST ONLINE COLLEGES FOR PART-TIME STUDENTS

Published: May 18, 2023
Updated: Jan 18, 2024

Which are the best online colleges for students who work part-time in the United States? We rank the top online schools for working students.

Key Takeaways

With college costs skyrocketing, more and more college students are working to help cover costs.
An online college can be a great option for working students because of the flexibility and convenience of these degree programs.
A part-time job can help to offset the cost of tuition, but there are also other sources of assistance, including financial aid, scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Table of Contents

Working while getting a college degree is difficult, but it is possible. The top colleges for working adults provide flexible, reasonably priced degree options, from online bachelor’s degree programs to master’s and doctoral-level degrees.

It’s common for adults or working students to pursue higher education due to the increasing workforce education requirements, technology-driven workplaces, and a trend toward later retirement.

The National Center for Education Statistics discloses that more than six million of the 19 million college students currently enrolled in the United States are 25 years of age or older. According to the same source, 74% of part-time and 40% of full-time students are employed.

If you’re committed to enhancing your financial, professional, and personal perspective for yourself or your family, there are many online programs at your disposal. Our ranking of the most flexible online degree programs are perfect for students who also work part-time. These online degree programs are either fully online or hybrid programs that combine online education with some on-campus requirements.

Featured Programs

Statistics for Online Colleges and Percentage of Part-Time Students

Online College	Working Undergraduate Students Percentage	Working Graduate Students Percentage
Adelphi University	5%	42%
Ashland University	40%	40%
Baker University	64%	67%
Aurora University	8%	54%
Augsburg College	10%	29%
Alvernia University	19%	44%
Albertus Magnus College	10%	34%
Avila University	10%	20%
Northcentral University	74%	59%
Averett University - Non-Traditional Programs	12%	77%

Source: univstats.com

10 Best Online Colleges For Working Students

More and more colleges and universities now offer online learning/distance learning programs. Online education programs provide a way for busy people with jobs to attend college. Before deciding which online colleges are best for online learners with a part-time job, here’s a short overview of our criteria:

The online college/university has received appropriate accreditation
The programs offer fully or partially online courses with an asynchronous learning option
Allow students to use life experience for transfer credits to the online degree programs
Offers fast-paced/accelerated online degrees and courses
Provides weekend and evening courses for students working full-time and part-time
High acceptance, retention, and graduation rates
Offers valuable support resources for students enrolled in fully online programs

Overview of the Best Online Colleges for Students with Part-Time Jobs

The online programs listed above are among the best for students wanting to keep their current jobs. Those colleges are experts in providing for the needs of non-traditional students. They offer flexible course scheduling and student assistance, and some offer low per-credit-hour costs.

However, there are still differences among online schools that cater to working students. For instance, some online colleges require working students to occasionally visit the campus, while others allow 100% online learning. The one thing those schools have in common is that they allow working students to set their schedules and complete coursework at a pace that suits them.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student

The number of credits a college student enrolls in during a semester determines whether they are full-time or part-time. When a student is enrolled in 12 or more college credits during a term, they are often regarded as a full-time undergraduate student. Nine credits are the minimum required for graduate students to be enrolled full-time.

Online programs, however, establish its threshold. Be sure to review the rules and regulations established by your school.

Most students prefer to study part-time because they have other responsibilities outside school, such as full-time jobs or familial obligations.

Tuition Cost of Online College

While full-time students pay a capped tuition fee, those enrolled part-time pay per credit hour. As a result, part-time students can spread the cost of their college education over a more extended period. On the other hand, full-time students may be able to pay the same tuition for taking anywhere between 12 and 18 credits during a term.

Full-time students may be motivated to take as many credits as possible to lower their tuition. While this can help students stay on pace or graduate early, if they enroll in more than 18 hours per term, they may be charged an extra cost per credit hour.

Financial Aid for Working Students at Online Colleges

Full-time students may have more financial aid opportunities than their part-time peers. For instance, to qualify for various types of federal aid, students must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits or more).

The amount of Pell Grants, based on a student’s need for financial aid, varies depending on enrollment. For the academic year 2022–2023, full-time students can receive up to $7,395. Awards for part-time students are based on the number of credits they are enrolled in.

For instance, a student with nine credits per semester can have up to 75% of the maximum award. The maximum number of academic terms that part-time students’ are eligible for Pell Grants is 12.

Full-time and part-time students are eligible for federal Direct Loans and the Federal Work-Study Program if they attend regionally accredited institutions. Interested students must declare on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that they want to be considered for work-study.

Since financial aid packages differ from institution to institution, it is a good idea to inquire with the online school about how your enrollment status might affect your overall aid package.

Scholarships for Working Students at Online Colleges

Scholarships can assist in covering tuition and other associated school costs. Scholarships may be given based on various factors, such as financial need, academic achievement, the strength of an applicant’s essay, and enrollment status.

Some scholarships include restrictions for qualifying, such as being a full-time student. However, there are ways for part-time students to get financial aid, such as unclaimed grants and scholarships.

Schedule and Time Commitment for Working Students at Online Colleges

Time constraints are the most significant factor determining whether a student enrolls full- or part-time. As mentioned earlier, most part-time students already have obligations outside their studies.

In most cases, one credit can take up to two hours each week, regardless if you’re enrolled in online or traditional on-campus programs. As a result, a three-credit course would call for a student to devote roughly six to nine hours to it, including class time, homework, reading, and studying.

Thanks to online education, students with other obligations can save time commuting or walking from building to building.

Another choice for those pursuing a degree while working is taking night classes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying While Working Part-Time at an Online College

As you may have already known, college education costs are skyrocketing. Due to the varying costs of pursuing a degree program, more and more students are considering working part-time while going to school. Working part-time while seeking a degree is the modern college experience.

While simultaneously studying and working part-time have several benefits, it is not for everyone.

The Advantages of Working While Pursuing an Online Degrees

#1: You can earn extra money.

The #1 reason many college students keep a part-time job is to earn extra money to cover tuition and fees. Working students might contribute small sums of money to their education to reduce the burden of future student loan debt and accrued interest.

#2: You gain work experience and credibility.

Work experience is often undervalued. When applying for a job after college, your work experience may be the factor that helps you stand apart from the competition.

Working in a field irrelevant to your degree is still considered work experience, and including it on your CV shows employers your dedication to your goals.

#3: You can build your professional network.

You might not know this, but 70% of jobs are never posted. Furthermore, 80% of jobs can only be found through networking. Creating a network is equally important to pursuing a degree; in fact, it is the quickest path to a job after graduation.

Wherever you work, a part-time job in college allows you to network with people. Consequently, you are still expanding your professional network even if you are not employed in an area that interests you.

The Disadvantages of Working While Pursuing an Online Degrees

#1: You have less time to study.

Being stretched thin while in college could be a drawback and, in some situations, affect your grades. Your capacity for time management will be crucial in this situation.

You must set priorities and manage your time effectively to prevent work from hurting your grades. You must strike the correct balance and form healthy habits to ensure that your studies receive the attention they require.

#2: You don’t get to enjoy the luxury of free time.

College life is busy enough, without having to work in your free time. Your once-prized free time for yourself will likely vanish or significantly shrink.

Having no free time outside school and work could impact your social life and health. You’ll probably miss social activities, because you must put your job and education first.

#3: You risk becoming exhausted.

College is exhausting for everyone. However, academic burnout is more prevalent among working students. If you already have underlying illnesses brought on by stress, refrain from working while studying if at all possible.

What Should Working Students Look for in an Online School?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” method in learning. While online degree programs share the same goals—to help working students pursue their careers without sacrificing their current lives—the right online school will still depend on a student’s needs and expectations.

Before choosing an online school, you should decide on a major.

Some students choose their majors based on their expected salaries and employment demands. Some students select majors in which they have a strong interest or expertise.

Consider the criteria—economic benefit, interest level, and ability—that are the most significant and pertinent to you and your objectives before selecting a major.

Following your choice of major, you should research the institutions to see if they provide the major you want and check if they offer high-quality education. But how can you determine an online school’s academic excellence?

Accreditation for an Online College

Accreditation is the first thing you should consider when deciding on an online degree program. Accreditation will assure you that the academic program and the degree you receive are valued as accomplishments. Additionally, it guarantees that your degree was earned from a reputable university.

Most employers specifically check to determine if job candidates have degrees from accredited online universities or programs. Many employers won’t even look at your application if you have a college degree from an unaccredited institution.

Accreditation is also a way to unlock financial aid opportunities and ensure access to student support services.

Some examples of accreditors include:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
SACSCOC-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Distance Education & Training Council (DETC)

Learning Method for Online Programs

If you’re a working student, you should consider looking into online programs with asynchronous learning styles. This learning method does not require each online student to be online and engaged simultaneously. Modules are assigned to students with a week to finish them. Students can work independently if assignments are turned in by the due date.

Some online degree programs, however, require students to complete synchronous classes. This type of learning method requires online students to attend live lectures. We suggest avoiding synchronous learning methods if you have a demanding full or part-time job.

Accelerated Course Load for Online Programs

Students with part-time jobs are eager to graduate college as quickly as possible. One way to do that is to ensure that the degree you’re enrolling in offers accelerated courses. This delivery method will help you get a job and make money faster than the average student.

Students can obtain their degrees in less time through accelerated college programs if they meet certain academic standards. For instance, students might need to have IB, AP, or dual enrollment credits already, or they might need to maintain a particular GPA.

However, accelerated course loads are for students with excellent time management skills. This delivery method has shorter classes, creating shorter and more demanding deadlines.

Ability to Transfer Credits into Online Programs

An associate degree and other individual credit courses are becoming the entry point for more and more students into higher education. If you have prior transfer credits, you may be able to apply those credits to the online program to shorten your time to graduation. Transferring credits is one of the best ways to reduce the financial and time costs of pursuing a degree.

Career Services Available to Online Learners

Online college students will benefit greatly from enrolling in an online college with excellent career services. While online students have the same job prospects as on-campus students, they may not always have access to the same services and resources.

Career services can significantly improve your chances of finding work after graduation. Online schools with career services can offer hands-on assistance with everything from resume writing and interview preparation to career coaching and job placement opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things about online college?

Online courses provide unrivaled convenience and flexibility in today’s hectic, busy environment. Moreover, online students do not pay for student housing, transportation costs, or on-campus dining services. That can result in significant savings, a huge benefit for budget-conscious students.

How much does an online degree cost compared to an on-campus degree?

For various reasons, traditional colleges are typically more expensive than online education. Compared to a degree earned on campus over four years, an online degree costs $36,595 less.

Is an online degree easier than an on-campus program?

It’s a common misconception that online degrees are much easier than their on-campus counterparts. On-campus and online programs each have their share of difficulties, and fitting in school deadlines while managing employment and family responsibilities means remaining vigilant in your academic efforts.

As you have seen, an online college degree program can be an excellent option for students who work part-time because of the flexibility in scheduling. Take a look at some of the other online degree programs that are considered easier for busy working students because of their online format.

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Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time

Key Takeaways

Featured Programs

Statistics for Online Colleges and Percentage of Part-Time Students

10 Best Online Colleges For Working Students

Career Outlook for degree at Adelphi University

Most Influential Alumni

Adelphi University’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Ashland University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for degree at Baker University

Most Influential Alumni

Baker University’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Aurora University

Most Influential Alumni

Aurora University’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Augsburg University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for degree at Alvernia University

Career Outlook for degree at Albertus Magnus College

Most Influential Alumni

Albertus Magnus College’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Avila University

Most Influential Alumni

Avila University’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Averett University

Most Influential Alumni

Overview of the Best Online Colleges for Students with Part-Time Jobs

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student

Tuition Cost of Online College

Financial Aid for Working Students at Online Colleges

Scholarships for Working Students at Online Colleges

Schedule and Time Commitment for Working Students at Online Colleges

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying While Working Part-Time at an Online College

The Advantages of Working While Pursuing an Online Degrees

#1: You can earn extra money.

#2: You gain work experience and credibility.

#3: You can build your professional network.

The Disadvantages of Working While Pursuing an Online Degrees

#1: You have less time to study.

#2: You don’t get to enjoy the luxury of free time.

#3: You risk becoming exhausted.

What Should Working Students Look for in an Online School?

Accreditation for an Online College

Learning Method for Online Programs

Accelerated Course Load for Online Programs

Ability to Transfer Credits into Online Programs

Career Services Available to Online Learners

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things about online college?

How much does an online degree cost compared to an on-campus degree?

Is an online degree easier than an on-campus program?