Online Colleges and Universities

College

August 25, 20225 min read

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While there are many accredited colleges and universities that offer online learning opportunities for students, there are a handful that are online only. We have compiled a list of college programs that offer only online learning or distance learning opportunities. To connect to any or all the accredited online only colleges as reported to the Department of Education, simply click on the name below to be taken to a school specific page with additional information.

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What is an Online College?

An online college in essence is a higher education institution that offers post-secondary programs delivered online. Online college programs is commonly known as distance learning and are a relatively new learning medium.

Colleges that deliver instruction online are strikingly similar to traditional classroom settings in terms of course content with a different delivery methodology. The digital delivery of coursework is the distinguishing feature of an online college not necessarily the actual course content. To determine if an online college or university program is right for you, read our online college resources or online degree articles today.

Online degree programs can be found at a variety of higher education institutions that include:

Public Colleges
Private Colleges
Liberal Arts Colleges
Community Colleges
Bible Colleges
Cosmetology Schools
Nursing Colleges
Massage Schools
Career Colleges
Med Schools
Graduate Schools
Fashion Schools
Trade Schools
Law Schools

Why Is Online Learning Popular?

Distance learning is borne out of the digital age whereby two converging forces have collided. First, colleges and universities have found tremendous value within learning modalities by investing substantive resources to curate programs and curriculum to meet the ever-changing demands of the workforce.

The second major trend involved in the rise of online college programs is the growing appetite for digital learning. These programs are delivered either via synchronous or asynchronous models at scale, which allows students to access learning opportunities in a manner that best suits their schedule and objectives. Synchronous learning can be easily remembered by understanding the root word sync. When things are in sync, they are working together in unison with one another.

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Likewise, a synchronous learning model provides a platform for students to join one another in a digital sense at the same time. On the other hand, an asynchronous learning model does not require students and professors to be online at the same time performing the same coursework simultaneously. The best learning modality for you is ultimately up to you and knowledge is power.

What Are the Advantages of Earning a Degree Online?

The advantages of earning a college degree through a distance learning model are plentiful. The most common advantages of earning a college degree online include flexibility and independence. The majority of online learning classes offer students the flexibility to get through the requisite material in a self-directed, self-paced manner.

This learning modality allows school work to fit into an existing schedule for working professionals, parents, and busy students across the globe. In terms of independence, students given the reins to tackle material in a way that best suits their learning style(s) versus the one-size fits-all approach of yesteryear. Generally, online learners are not bound by time or geography, blending the best features of flexibility and independence to achieve your educational goals.

Are All Online Colleges Accredited?

In short, not all online college programs are accredited. A college or university that has earned a regional or national accreditation has successfully passed a rigorous set of standards that has proven to be highly important within the higher education community as well as with employers across the country.

Earning a college degree from an accredited online learning institution is given more weight and value in the marketplace that a degree from a non-accredited higher education institution. When performing research on distance learning opportunities, seek accredited colleges and universities as a matter of priority.

How Do I Find the Best Online College Program?

Determining the best online college for you is a matter of establishing your priorities and making decisions based on those criteria. In other words, what is best for your friends or colleagues is not necessarily going to be best for you and your career trajectory. We have detailed out the pros and cons of pursuing a college degree here so you can decide if college is a good investment for you.

Accredited programs range from certifications, associates degree, bachelors degree, masters degree, and doctorate degree programs. While the exact number of credit hours and degree tracks will vary from school to school, it is critical to understand your options to make the best decision possible for your future.

Are All Online College Programs the Same?

In short, not all distance learning programs are the same. In fact, the range of expectations can vary substantially from program to program. Some online learning programs require a combination of classroom and online learning which is commonly known as a hybrid online/classroom model. Additionally, some distance learning programs require students to be present and attend class remotely at the same time as the rest of the class while others allow students to self-pace the course.

These differences can have a substantial impact on your college experience and is critical to understand upfront. Perform deep research on online learning opportunities, request information, and ask great questions to help better understand the overarching expectations.