If you're considering earning a degree from the comfort of your home and don't know where to start, start here. This article on how to find the best online universities near you on World Scholars Hub is all you need to get started.
How do you know the best online universities? How do you know the study program? What schools offer the online program? This guide will answer your questions and help you choose the best online university near you.
Online education is evolving from an alternative to a norm. Many colleges and universities have introduced online learning formats during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Online learning was an alternative during the pandemic, but now online learning has become the norm for many students, especially those with busy schedules.
Everyone is slowly accepting online education and changing their perspective on it. Many people, especially employers, used to think that online degrees were of poor quality, but this is no longer the case.
Thanks to technological advances, students can receive a quality education from anywhere. Even the best universities in the world offer online programs. So why would anyone think that online titles are low quality?
Without further ado, let's get started.
table of Contents
Why online universities near me?
You are probably wondering why you need to choose an online university near you since online programs can be done anywhere.
It is advisable to enroll in online colleges in your area for the following reasons
Cost
Most universities, including online universities, have different tuition fees for residents and non-residents. In other words, in-state instruction and out-of-state instruction.
In-state tuition is for students who are permanent residents of the state where the university or college is located.
Out-of-state tuition is for students coming from out of state where the university or college is located.
So this means that you need to enroll in your state's colleges in order to afford affordable tuition.
just go to school
If you are enrolling in an online program that is offered in a hybrid format and requires you to take physical classes, consider applying to a university near you.
In this case, living close to the school will save you a lot of money and also stress, since you won't have to travel thousands of kilometers to receive classes.
You can also meet your teachers or professors in person.
Access campus resources
You can only access campus resources if you live nearby. Online students can gain access to campus resources such as libraries, labs, hallways, and gyms.
Personal residency or orientation requirements
Not all online programs are completely virtual. Many involve an in-person residency that requires students to visit the school campus multiple times per semester.
Financial help
Most online universities only offer financial aid to in-state students. In most cases, only residents (of a state where the college is located) are eligible for federal financial aid.
So if you're looking to fund your online program with financial aid, consider a college in your state.
employment
If you plan to look for a job in your area, it's a good idea to enroll in an online university with a campus near you.
Because? This is because local employers often recognize degrees issued by local universities. This may sound false, but it happens often.
How do I find the best online colleges near me?
Yes, we finally arrived at the part of the article that you were waiting for.
These are the steps you need to follow when choosing an online university. With these steps, you select only the best of all the top-tier universities in your area.
Below are 7 steps to find the best online colleges near you:
- Choose a field of study
- Determine which online learning format best suits you
- Search for colleges online (with your location)
- Check the availability of your course
- Check admission requirements
- Find out how much it will cost you to study your program
- Apply to college online.
We will carefully explain these steps.
Step 1: Choose a field of study
The first step is to identify your interest. What do you like to do? What job would you like to do? What subjects do you do particularly well in? You must answer these questions before deciding on a study topic.
Be sure to choose a field of study that matches your professional interests. For example, someone who aspires to a career in health care must choose an area of study in nursing, pharmacy, medicine, therapy, and other health fields.
Once you have decided on an area of study, you need to determine which degree level aligns with your career goals. Also, make sure you meet the requirements before deciding on a level of study.
Online programs are offered at various levels, including:
- associate degree
- graduation
- Master-Study
- Doctorate
- Diploma
- Undergraduate Certificate
- Certificate of completion.
Factors to consider before choosing a career
You should consider some factors before choosing your level of study
- Time frame
The duration of a program depends on the level of study. A bachelor's degree takes four years to complete, while a certificate program can be completed in one year or less.
- Professional oportunities
The higher the degree, the higher the salary and career opportunities. A bachelor's degree can pay more than a certificate holder.
- Requirements
Enrollment requirements for diploma/certificate courses are lower than for bachelor's courses.
Popular careers
Many students enroll in these majors because they are in demand. If you choose one of these fields of study, you can get a well-paying job.
- Computer Science and Information
- Business
- mechanical Engineering
- social Sciences
- media
- health care
- Training
- Psychology
- criminal justice
- visual and performing arts
- Biological and biomedical sciences.
Step 2 – Determine which online learning format best suits your needs
Before you decide to take online courses, you should be aware of the different types of online learning and which one is best for you.
Online programs are generally offered in two main formats: fully online (asynchronous and synchronous) and partially online (hybrid or blended).
Complete online learning
In this format, online programs are delivered entirely online, without traditional face-to-face or physical classes. Full online learning can be asynchronous or synchronous, or even both in some cases.
- Asynchronous
In this type of online learning format, students receive recorded lectures, assignments and deadlines for completing assignments, view lectures, and participate in group discussions.
There are no class meetings or video calls. Also, there is little to no interaction between students. Asynchronous online learning is perfect for students with busy schedules.
- Synchronous
In this type of online learning format, students attend virtual classes, watch lectures, participate in group chats and discussions, and complete assignments according to a syllabus. There is an exchange between the students.
Synchronous online learning is not suitable for students with busy schedules.
Hybrid learning or blended learning
Hybrid learning is the combination of online learning and traditional classroom teaching. It allows interaction both face-to-face and online.
This type of online learning format requires students to meet in person.
Step 3 – Search for Colleges Online (With Your Location)
The next step is to find the right online university. You can do this in the following way.
- Google search
You can search for colleges online by program/field of study or by state/country.
For example:Best Affordable Online Psychology CollegesOThe best universities in Texas.
- check ranges
There are many ranking bodies such as US News & World Report, QS Top Universities. Check the rankings of the best online universities on their websites.
- search websites
There are many websites that allow users to search for colleges by state or program. For example,OnlineU.com
All you have to do is select a major and level of study and search. Your search results will give you a list of universities offering the program and their location.
- review blogs
Blogs like Worldscholarshub.com are your go-to blog for all education related articles. We have many articles on the best online universities and programs. You can find links to some of the articles at the end of this article in the "We Also Recommend" category.
Factors to consider before choosing an online university
Be sure to check the following things before choosing an online university.
- Institution Type
You need to verify if the college is an adult education center, vocational school, vocational school, public college, private nonprofit college, or private nonprofit college.
The type of institution affects the cost of the program. In general, public universities have low tuition fees compared to private for-profit universities.
- accreditation
Accreditation has many implications for the quality of degrees awarded by colleges and universities. It will be so difficult to find a job with an unaccredited degree.
A college's accredited status can also affect the availability of financial aid or the ability to earn credit.
The accreditation status of an institution can be viewed on its official website.
- flexibility
Check the delivery method of the university's online programs. It can be completely online (asynchronous and synchronous) or hybrid. It depends on how flexible the programs offered are.
- affordability
Tuition is an important factor to consider when choosing an online university. Find out about tuition and other fees to determine whether or not you can attend college.
- Location
You need to check how close or how far the university is from you. Remember that it is highly recommended to choose an online university with a campus in your state.
- Financial help
If you're considering using student aid to finance your studies, it's important to check student aid availability and eligibility.
Step 4: Check the availability of your course
Once you have decided on a university, the next step is to check if your study program is available online or not.
Learn more about the duration, application dates and deadlines.
You can also check if the online program is delivered fully online or hybrid.
Step 5: Check the admission requirements
You need to know the requirements for your title. In most cases, online universities require the following
- rehearsal
For an essay or personal statement, colleges require you to know your reasons for applying to a program, your knowledge, and your experience with the program.
- Test results
Most online colleges require a certain minimum score on the SAT or ACT. Depending on your choice of program and grade level, different test scores may be required.
- letter of recommendation
These letters are usually written by professors from your previous institutions.
- Official Transcripts
Universities, including online universities, require transcripts from your previous institutions with a specific minimum cumulative GPA, starting at 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Step 6: Find out how much it will cost to study your program
Different program, different tuition fees. Some online colleges charge by credit hour and allow students to pay for courses as they are taken.
You should also check the payment options whether it is convenient for you or not
Tuition is not the only fee you need to check, you should also check course fees, textbook fees, course materials, exam fees, and online delivery fees.
Online programs generally cost less than traditional programs. Online students do not pay many fees such as accommodation, meals, health insurance, bus ticket, etc.
Step 7: Apply
After deciding on the university and degree program, the next step is to apply.
Applying for a program online is equivalent to applying for a program on campus.
You will follow almost the same steps and provide the same documents, except for visas and other immigration documents.
How to Apply to Universities Online
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the electronic version of the following documents: test results, essays, official transcripts from your previous institutions, letters of recommendation, and other documents specific to your degree program.
- Complete financial forms if available
- pay the application fee.
frequent questions
How long is an online program?
The duration of an online program is usually the same as the duration of the program offered on campus.
Bachelor programs can last 4 years. The master's degree can last up to 2 years. The associate's degree can take more than one year. Certificate programs can be completed in one year or less.
What courses are in demand?
Degree programs in these fields of study can land you well-paying jobs
- mechanical Engineering
- health care
- Business
- computing or information technology
- Communication
- Training
How can I finance an online program?
Eligible students who are unable to pay their tuition may apply for financial aid such as loans, grants, and scholarships.
What do I need to apply to online universities?
Most online colleges will require the following
- Test results
- letter of recommendation
- Personal opinion
- Official Transcripts
Are online races worth it?
Yes, reputable online degrees are worth it. They receive the same quality of education as students who attend physical classes. This is because the programs are largely taught by the same professors.
We also recommend
Look at these articles:
- 1 year online bachelor's degree
- Top 15 Automotive Engineering Degrees Online
- Best online computer science degree
- How much does it cost to get an associate degree online?
- Associate Degree in 6 Monaten Online
- Top 10 Online Certificate Programs in Texas
- How to Quickly Get an Accredited High School Diploma Online
- 15 Best Online Computer Science Degrees
- Free Online Computer Science Degrees.
Diploma
There is no perfect online university anywhere. The idea of the best online university is the university that meets most or all of your requirements.
Before choosing an online college, ask yourself the following questions: What field of study are you interested in? What type of online degree do you need to achieve your career goals? What type of institution offers the degree you need?
We don't want to brag, but with this guide you can't go wrong when choosing an online university. Now you can go ahead and choose the best university in your state.
If you follow this guide well, you should be able to find amazing online colleges near you that can benefit you so much.
FAQs
What is the easiest online university to get into? ›
Antioch University in Culver City, California, offers an online degree program for Liberal Arts. It is arguably considered as the easiest online college – or an 'easy' pick because it takes a well-rounded, generalist approach. The university's online B.A in Liberal Studies accepts up to 75 transfer credits.
How do you know if online college is right for you? ›- Decide on and find your major. ...
- Verify the program and classes are offered fully online. ...
- Check admission requirements and application fees. ...
- Compare tuition, fees, and financial aid. ...
- Keep an eye out for fees above tuition costs. ...
- Ask about the faculty credentials.
Contrary to what some prospective students believe, online bachelor's programs aren't always easier to get into than those offered on a physical campus. That's one of several findings based on an analysis of data that schools submitted to U.S. News in an annual survey about admission to online colleges.
What is the fastest degree to get online? ›- Accounting.
- Art and Design.
- Business Administration and Management.
- Education and Teaching.
- Environmental Policy.
- Finance.
- Forensics and CSI.
- Liberal Arts and Humanities.
Associate degrees are one of the fastest degrees that pay well, requiring only 60 credit hours—half the time required for bachelor's degrees—and professional certifications can take only anywhere between three and six months depending on the program you choose.
Is it cheaper to go to a university online? ›Not only does tuition tend to be lower, but many additional expenses, such as transportation costs and course materials, are eliminated in an online program. However, it's important to note that the average cost of online college is still a significant investment.
Do colleges look down on online school? ›Colleges do not look down on students who have done their high school education online. Since doing high school coursework online has become an increasingly popular option, most universities and colleges accept applicants who only completed their schooling via the Internet.
Does online college take longer? ›As this post has pointed out, it often takes less time to earn an online bachelor's degree than it does to earn one in a campus-based degree program. Many students finish bachelor's degrees in as few as 12 to 18 months by taking online courses and earning credit hours via remote learning.
Do colleges look at online school differently? ›The application process itself is the same. If the online school is an accredited school, there is not much of a difference.
What is the success rate of online college? ›Success rates tend to be higher in face-to-face classes. In Fall 15, face-to-face classes had a success rate of 69% versus only 60% in online classes, a gap of 9%. However, this gap has been decreasing, with only a 3% gap in success rates in Fall 19 (70% in face-to-face versus 67% online).
Which online degree is worth it? ›
Business Administration is ranked as the best online degree to get because of the many specialization options and the highest salary potential with only a bachelor's degree. A Bachelor's of Business Administration (BBA), or a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) may prepare graduates for many career options.
What percent of college students only study online? ›Online Colleges Statistics
14% of all full-time students. 17% of all part-time students. 14% of all undergraduate students.
Thus, many online courses run the same length as their on-campus counterparts. This means that a semester-based schedule will include approximately 15 weeks of work for 9 hours per week or 135 hours total for the semester for each 3-credit course.
What is the number one easiest degree to get? ›As the most popular college major since 1980, business encompasses a variety of sub-disciplines, such as finance, accounting, and marketing. It's also considered to be one of the easiest college majors. With a business degree, you could also work in fields like healthcare, human resources, or public administration.
How fast can I complete online bachelor's degree? ›Most online degrees take the same time to complete as a traditional degree, which is about four years. But you can finish accelerated online degrees in as fast as 1-2 years, though they come with a heavier course load.
What is the hardest degree to get a 1st in? ›- Chartered Accountancy. ...
- Architecture. ...
- Medicine. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Dentistry. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Artificial Intelligence. ...
- 6 easiest degrees for international students who hate writing essays. Trending.
Starting with an associate degree is worth it as there are great benefits and opportunities that come with it. Earning an associate degree can have a significant economic impact. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), associate degree holders earn 20% more than workers with only a high school degree.
Is an online degree as good as a regular degree? ›Many students worry whether an online degree holds the same prestige as a traditional degree. The truth is, they're equal in terms of academic quality, job preparation and career opportunity. Online degrees and traditional degrees only differ in the format they're delivered.
What are the disadvantages of online learning for students? ›- Lack of face-to-face interaction.
- Difficulty staying motivated.
- Limited access to resources and support.
- Technical difficulties.
- Isolation.
- Flexibility. ...
- Reduced Costs. ...
- More Free Time. ...
- Increased Course Variety. ...
- Career Advancement Opportunities. ...
- Increased Collaboration. ...
- Personalized Education. ...
- Enhanced Time Management Skills.
Does online school affect GPA? ›
Are online classes an easy way to earn needed credits for graduation? Can students use online courses to raise a GPA? The answer to all these questions is yes. Taking online courses can affect a grade record positively or negatively.
Do universities check your social media? ›Do colleges look at social media before admitting students? Yes, college and university admissions departments can check up on teens and 20-somethings via public-facing social media platforms.
Are online schools respected? ›As many as 83% of business leaders see an online degree at a “well-known” institution as having the same value as an on-campus degree. If they are not familiar with a school, however, or the institution isn't known for producing prepared graduates from its programs, your degree may not be seen as having the same value.
How many hours should an online college student study? ›You should plan to devote a minimum of three hours per week per credit, plus an additional hour per class each week to review materials. For instance, for a three-credit online course, you will need nine hours of study time and one hour of review time each week.
What is the average age of online college students? ›The average online student is 32 years old
The average age of an online student is 32 years old, which indicates that the online student population includes parents, professionals and everyone in between, all looking to continue their education by pursuing their master's or earning their first postsecondary degree.
One of the many advantages of online schools is that they will require less time from you compared to traditional schools. But then again, it is highly dependent on the online school that you or your child is enrolled in. On average, students spend four hours online.
What to do if no college accepts you? ›- Apply to a Community College. If you are determined to attend school in the fall, use a community college as your next step. ...
- Consider Taking a Gap Year. ...
- Find a Job That Enhances Your Application. ...
- Look Into Trade Schools. ...
- Wait Until You Can Reapply.
For some people, online programs are easier because they offer a flexible schedule. In addition, people with great time management skills and a sense of responsibility can excel in online classes. However, online education may be more challenging for those who enjoy learning in a classroom environment.
What grades do colleges look at the most? ›Your first year and sophomore year affect your cumulative GPA, which is important to most colleges. However, a solid academic record in your junior year is likely to carry more importance with an admissions committee.
What college is 100 percent acceptance rate? ›American Samoa Community College was founded in 1970 and is a public school. It's located in a rural village called Mapusaga in American Samoa. Although the college has a 100% acceptance rate, only legal residents of American Samoa can be admitted to ASCC.
How many college students struggle with online learning? ›
We found that during the transition to remote learning, 67% of students experienced struggle. The most reported struggles included: shifts in class format, effective study habits, time management, and increased external commitments.
Is online college stressful? ›Online students who lack friend and family connections outside of school often experience heightened isolation with increased distance learning. Social isolation symptoms include: Trouble connecting with individuals on a personal, deeper level. Low self-esteem or feelings of self-worth.
What degree is actually worth it? ›STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) degrees dominate the list of collegiate programs that lead to top-paying careers. While some bachelor's degrees in the humanities and social sciences don't typically offer high salaries, they can provide a foundation for a graduate degree and a more lucrative career.
What is the best online university in the world? ›| Rank | School Name | Financial Aid Available |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida | Yes |
| #2 (tie) | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University--Worldwide | Yes |
| #2 (tie) | University of Illinois--Chicago | Yes |
| #4 (tie) | Medical University of South Carolina | Yes |
An online degree is valid for employment in the US if it is accredited by the Distance Education Council (DEC). The DEC accredits colleges and universities that offer distance learning courses and degrees through its Automated Accreditation System (AAS).
How many universities in the US offer online courses? ›This is already happening in online learning: 2,500 colleges offer online programs, but the 100 largest players have nearly 50% of student enrollment, according to U.S. Department of Education data.
Is online college more flexible? ›An online learning or blended learning environment gives students more flexibility than a traditional classroom. In a physical classroom, you are typically expected to attend class and take tests at a specific time and location.
What is the trend in online college enrollment? ›A survey out this year showed that, “before the pandemic, 0.28 percent of the high school respondents said they planned to attend college fully online. In 2022, that figure more than doubled, to 0.72 percent.” More than doubled.
How much time should you commit to an online degree? ›You should probably allow 3 hours per week to read/listen to the online content for each course you take. This doesn't include assignments outside of class. For each course, you should probably estimate: 3 hours per week reading the content online.
How long are most online classes? ›Online courses can be as challenging as traditional on-campus classes. You can expect to spend about 15 to 20 hours a week on your coursework if you are a full-time student. This may be less for part-time students or more for students who are taking particularly challenging courses.
How long should an online course last? ›
Anywhere between 4 to 8 hours of total length would be a very typical number for most industries. Not that you are specifically aiming for a given length, it's just it will naturally take you that much time to explain everything in sufficient detail. But your courses don't have to always take that long either.
Which is the hardest degree to pass? ›- Chartered Accountancy.
- Astrophysics.
- Quantum Mechanics.
- Law.
- Aerospace/ Aeronautical Studies, Engineering.
- Biomedical Studies, Neurosciences, Biochemistry.
- Nursing.
- Dentistry, Medicine.
A number of engineering majors are known to be extremely difficult including mechanical engineering, petroleum engineering, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, and chemical engineering (but not limited to these, either!).
What is a easy major in college that pays well? ›- Business Administration. Business administration is one major that is usually considered “easy.” Some programs will also only take 3 years to finish! ...
- English. ...
- Human Resources. ...
- Criminal Justice. ...
- Marketing. ...
- Supply Chain Management. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Communication.
- Anthropology.
- Business Administration.
- Communications.
- Creative Writing.
- Criminal Justice.
- Education.
- English.
- Health Sciences.
Associate degrees are one of the fastest degrees that pay well, requiring only 60 credit hours—half the time required for bachelor's degrees—and professional certifications can take only anywhere between three and six months depending on the program you choose.
What is one of the easiest colleges to get into? ›- Baker University - 99%
- Barton College - 99%
- Belmont Abbey College - 99%
- Benedictine College - 99%
- Blue Mountain College - 99%
- Central Christian College of Kansas - 99%
- Tulane University (USA) ...
- Northwestern University (USA) ...
- Cornell University (USA) ...
- Johns Hopkins University (USA) ...
- Dartmouth College (USA) ...
- Duke University (USA) ...
- Vanderbilt University (USA) ...
- National University of Singapore (Singapore)
Typically, colleges will not accept a GPA below 2.0 to a four-year program, but there are options for students with a GPA lower than this to succeed in being accepted.
What is the lowest GPA most colleges accept? ›Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.
What is the lowest GPA to stay in college? ›
OVERALL GPA POLICY
The most common overall GPA requirement is a 2.0. This means that a student's cumulative GPA from all terms, excluding grades received from other institutions, must be at least 2.0 at the end of each semester or quarter.
Academy of Art University
The Academy of Art University is located in San Francisco, California. It was founded in 1929 and is a proprietary institution. The school is located in an urban setting. Tuition and fees amount to approximately $29,190, and the academic year is based on a semester calendar.
Admission rates for 2022-2023 have not been announced but are expected to remain just as low. Given this competitive environment, admission experts say students shouldn't assume they'll be a 'shoe-in' at any school.
What college degrees are not worth getting? ›- Advertising. Pursuing an advertising major could lead to potential career paths in digital marketing, e-commerce, or sports marketing. ...
- Anthropology And Archeology. ...
- Art history. ...
- Communications. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Creative Writing. ...
- Criminal Justice. ...
- Culinary arts.