2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING ACCREDITED ONLINE COLLEGES
Are Any of These Top Accredited Online Colleges Right for You in 2017?
When it comes to your education, we know you want the best. Online colleges offer the freedom and flexibility to pursue your dreams no matter your current life schedule. But choosing accredited online universities is of utmost importance.
Award Emblem: Top 6 Best Accredited Online Colleges
We have created a 2017 ranking for six of the best accredited online colleges you can apply to this year. This “Best Accredited Online Colleges Guide” will help with the following:
- We will start off by explaining why choosing accredited colleges vs. unaccredited colleges is so important.
- Then we will go into what makes each of these best accredited online universities special and unique.
- Finally, we will finish up our reviews of the online accredited schools with some of the top rankings and recognitions each of these online accredited colleges have received.
Know that our list of accredited online schools will offer you online accredited colleges with:
- Full accreditation
- Undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs
- Online learning flexibility
Perhaps choosing one of these best online accredited colleges today will be a fabulous choice for your education goals tomorrow.
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AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best Accredited Online Colleges
List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the accredited colleges names below to go directly to the detailed review section for those accredited online schools):
- Arizona State University
- Oregon State University
- Pennsylvania State University – World Campus
- University of Central Florida
- University of Florida
- University of Illinois – Chicago
Top 6 Best Accredited Online Universities | Brief Comparison & Ranking
Online Accredited Schools | Headquarters Location | ||
| Arizona State University | $11,209 – $23,654 | 63.43% | Tempe, Arizona |
| Oregon State University | $23,514 | 63.07% | Corvallis, Oregon |
| Pennsylvania State University – World Campus | $13,202 | 86.11% | University Park, Pennsylvania |
| University of Central Florida | $22,416 | 69.7% | Orlando, Florida |
| University of Florida | $28,541 | 87.51% | Gainesville, Florida |
| University of Illinois—Chicago | $25,800 | 58% | Chicago, Illinois |
Table: 6 Best Top Accredited Online Colleges | Above list is sorted alphabetically
What Are Online Accredited Colleges?
Before we talk about the best accredited online colleges, it is important to understand what sets online accredited universities apart from unaccredited universities.
In order to be officially accredited, an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will give the accredited online colleges their approval of authorization.
That means accredited colleges have met a quality standard.
Image Source: Pixabay
Not only is this aspect of accredited online colleges important for those wanting a top education, it is also important for those who want a top career after education. In addition, accredited online schools have the potential for federal financial aid.
Many high-end companies or career positions require or desire students with educations from accredited traditional universities or accredited online universities.
Every single one of the top accredited online colleges below has been accredited by one of these agencies.
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Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best Accredited Online Colleges
Below, please find a detailed review of each of the accredited online colleges on our list of best online accredited colleges. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these accredited online universities to score so highly in our selection ranking.
Arizona State University Review
First up on our list of the best accredited online colleges is Arizona State University (ASU). Out of all accredited colleges, Arizona State University has some of the best perks, including:
- Over 100 degree program options
- 6 flexible start dates each year
- Affordable tuition
Unlike many other accredited online schools, ASU focuses on interactive online courses so students can interact with “highly recognized faculty on campus and classmates to encourage learning through collaboration.”
Top Accredited Online Colleges #1: Rankings and Recognitions
As one of the best accredited online universities in 2017, here are some U.S. News Rankings for a few of Arizona State University’s various programs:
- #3 in Best Online Graduate Business Programs (Excluding MBA)
- #4 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- #5 (tie) in Best Online MBA Programs
- #5 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs
- #13 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs
- #40 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Education Programs
Aside from these glowing rankings, ASU also took the #1 spot in the country for innovation among even the best accredited online colleges.
Oregon State University Review
Next up on our list of the best accredited online colleges is Oregon State University. With one of the cheaper tuition costs on our list of online accredited schools, Oregon State University educates over 19,000 students worldwide.
Image Source: Oregon State University
This online education comes with over 45 online degree programs and more than 100 subjects to study. They even offer more than 20 different chemistry courses online.
To see if you may be interested in Oregon State University over other best accredited online universities, they offer a helpful Ecampus Course Demo. This allows you to see if their online structure will work well for you.
Top Accredited Online Colleges #2: Rankings and Recognitions
As one of the best accredited online universities in 2017, here are some U.S. News Rankings for a few of Oregon State University’s various programs:
- #8 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- #28 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs
In addition to these two rankings, The Best Schools put Oregon State University in their top 10 for top online accredited universities.
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Pennsylvania State University – World Campus Review
Out of all the accredited online colleges on our list of top accredited online colleges, Pennsylvania State University – World Campus has one of the lowest tuition costs and one of the highest graduation rates.
With over 125 “career-focused” programs, Pennsylvania State University focuses on career-enhancing programs with an exceptional online delivery experience.
In fact, the Pennsylvania State University – World Campus started distance education options in 1892, making it a pioneer among accredited online universities.
Top Accredited Online Colleges #3: Rankings and Recognitions
As one of the best accredited online colleges in 2017, here are some U.S. News Rankings for a few of Pennsylvania State University’s various programs:
- #4 in Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs
- #5 in Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs
- #7 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Business Programs (Excluding MBA)
- #8 in Best Online MBA Programs
- #8 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- #9 in Best Online Graduate Education Programs
On top of these high rankings, The Best Schools named Pennsylvania State University – World Campus #1 among all other best accredited online universities.
University of Central Florida Review
Next up on our list of the best accredited online universities in 2017 is the University of Central Florida (UCF). This is the first of two Florida-based accredited online schools we will mention.
Like many of the other accredited online universities on our list, there are many program choices. In fact, UCF offers over 60 online degree options in popular fields like Psychology, Health Services, Administration, Criminal Justice, including:
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Graduate degrees
- Graduate certificates
- 2+2 baccalaureate completion
- Undergraduate minors
- Undergraduate certificates
Not only do students get to take advantage of online study, UCF also offers “peer-assisted learning and online tutors, to financial aid and academic advising, everything you need is right at your fingertips.”
Top Accredited Online Colleges #4: Rankings and Recognitions
As one of the best accredited online universities in 2017, here are some U.S. News Rankings for a few of the University of Central Florida’s various programs:
- #36 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- #41 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs
- #57 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
On top of these rankings, The Best Colleges named the University of Central Florida #1 out of all best online accredited colleges.
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University of Florida Review
Out of all the online accredited schools on our list of the best accredited online universities, the University of Florida has the highest tuition costs. However, they also have the highest graduation rate – at over 97%.
Image Source: University of Florida
With almost 200 online program options, also more than any of the other accredited colleges, there are education options for practically anybody looking for a degree. These include:
- Online degree programs
- Certificate programs
- Credit and non-credit programs
University of Florida has over 330,000 alumni residing in 135 countries across the world. According to the website, these alumni “work as leaders at companies ranging from Boeing to Merrill Lynch to the New York Yankees.”
Top Accredited Online Colleges #5: Rankings and Recognitions
As one of the best accredited online colleges in 2017, here are some U.S. News Rankings for a few of the University of Florida’s various programs:
- #1 in Best Online Graduate Education Programs
- #5 (tie) in Best Online MBA Programs
- #20 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- #59 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs
On top of these rankings, The Best Colleges names the University of Florida #2 of all online accredited universities.
University of Illinois – Chicago Review
The last online college on our list of top accredited online colleges is the University of Illinois – Chicago. Though it has some of the higher tuition out of our best accredited online universities, the results are great — especially for Bachelor’s programs.
With only 12 online degree programs, they may have the fewest offerings of the best online accredited colleges we mention here. But that does not mean they are not excelling in those subjects.
Like many other great accredited colleges, the University of Illinois – Chicago offers summer online courses too. This way, students can finish up their degree programs more quickly.
Top Accredited Online Colleges #6: Rankings and Recognitions
As one of the best accredited online colleges in 2017, here are some U.S. News Rankings for a few of the University of Illinois – Chicago’s various programs:
- #8 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- #48 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs
Aside from these rankings, the University of Illinois – Chicago also received the #4 spot among online accredited colleges from College Choice.
Conclusion – Top 6 Best Accredited Online Universities
Now that you have seen our rankings for the best accredited online colleges of 2017, it is time to decide which of these accredited colleges online are right for you and your goals.
- Brainstorm what types of degree options you want from these accredited colleges online.
- Make sure each of these top accredited online colleges offer degree programs in your desired field.
- See if any of these accredited online schools specialize in your desired field (start by looking at the U.S. News rankings we provided).
- Talk to academic counselors from each of these online accredited schools to make sure you will fit in with their approach.
- See if you qualify for financial aid with any of the online accredited universities.
Once you have narrowed down your choices of accredited colleges online, you can begin the application process. Then there is nothing left but getting the education you want at one of the best accredited online universities in the country!
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