Finding a quality college is obviously a good goal to have when planning to enroll in a bachelor’s degree.
There are, of course, multiple criteria available to define quality, one of which is a high undergraduate graduation rate. This metric implies that a given institution provides an overall education experience that motivates students to finish what they started.
Now what if you also want to find an *online* bachelor’s degree program? Maybe you are a non-traditional student — possibly a working professional, or an active member of the military stationed away from home, or otherwise have obligations that limit your study schedule. An online academic program might go a long way towards helping you complete your degree because of time convenience, possible reduced cost and other factors.
There are a sufficient number of colleges that fit these requirements, and of course at some, there’s a premium to be paid in tuition, but there are also high-graduating colleges in the lower end of the cost spectrum. This article presents the 25 most affordable colleges and universities which have the highest undergrad graduation rates and offer at least two online bachelor’s programs. Note that the “Distance ed” value for each college entry below refers to the percentage of undergrad students taking either all or some distance courses as part of their academic program. As such, some programs at certain institutions are relatively new and the percentage (from NCES, most recent college reporting year) may not accurately reflecting current distance education enrollment. Methodology for the ranking is at the end of the article.
25 Most Affordable High-Grad Rate Colleges with Online Bachelor’s Degrees
University of Washington-Seattle Campus (UW, est. 1861) is based in Seattle, Washington. UW, considered a “Public Ivy” institution, boasts seven Nobel Prize-winning faculty members. Some of the accolades it has earned include positions on college review lists, including: Princeton Review’s Green Honor Roll 2017 (perfect score of 99); ARWU (top 20 universities worldwide); Forbes; U.S. News (best national public universities, Best Global Universities); Washington Monthly; QS (worldwide universities) and others.
UW offers academic programs from bachelor’s through doctorate levels. This includes three online bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Arts Early Childhood and Family Studies (degree completion); BA Integrated Social Sciences (full 4-year program or 2-year degree completion); BA Criminal Justice (degree completion; 90 credits required for admission; 65 credits for Major courses are online; total of 180 credits; offered through the Tacoma campus). Additional other courses are available online through the Seattle campus and may be applicable to otherwise on-campus bachelor’s degrees.
- Type: public
- Net price: $10,068
- In-state: $10,753
- Out-of-state: $34,791
- # students: 45591
- # undergrads: 30933
- Graduation rate: 84% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 10%
- Online tech: Canvas
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Image: University of Washington, Seattle (source)
Touro University Worldwide (TUW) is based in Los Alamitos, California. It is part of the Touro College and University System and has a commitment to Judaic values but open to all — particularly to serve adult learners, professionals and underserved students. While the associated Touro College was founded in 1971, TUW is a division focused primarily on online programs and was founded in 1998. TUW, a military friendly institution, claims that its predecessor, Touro University International (TUI) was “the first university in the world to offer a regionally accredited doctorate program online with no residency requirements.”
TUW offers primarily online degrees from associate’s through doctorate levels. This includes the following online bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Arts Psychology; BA Social Work; Bachelor of Science Business Administration and Management; BS Health Sciences with three tracks (Health Care Administration, Health Education, Long-Term Care Administration). Each degree requires 120 credits for graduation.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $10,572
- In-state: $14,600
- Out-of-state: $14,600
- # students: 1069
- # undergrads: 496
- Graduation rate: 78% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 92%
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
- Image: associated Touro University in California (source)
Indiana University-Bloomington (IUB, est. 1820) is based in Bloomington, Indiana, and is part of the Indiana University (IU) System. Accolades include rankings in lists by U.S. News (2016, #1, #2 and #22 for various master’s level online degrees) and others.
IUB offers hundreds of academic programs from associate’s to doctorate levels, including degrees and certificates. This includes 100+ online degrees and certificates, as well as hundreds of online courses offered collectively through IU Online for all participating IU campuses. Online bachelor’s degrees include: BS Labor Studies; BS Nursing. IU Online has substantially more online programs offered through other IU campuses.
- Type: public
- Net price: $12,621
- In-state: $10,388
- Out-of-state: $34,246
- # students: 49695
- # undergrads: 39184
- Graduation rate: 76% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 8%
- Online tech: Canvas
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
- Image: Lilly Library, Indiana University Bloomington (source)
University of Florida (UF, est. 1853) is based in Gainesville, Florida, and is part of the State University System of Florida. Faculty includes two Pulitzer Prize winners, as well as many with awards for distinguished teaching, and elections to two science-related national academies. Accolades including positions on college review lists by: U.S. News & World Report (#11 online bachelor’s program 2016, multiple topical, global ranking, etc.); Forbes; Washington Monthly; ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities); QS World University Rankings, and others. Amongst the notable alumni of UF is Academy Award-winning actress Faye Dunaway, singer/ musician Stephen Stills (Buffalo Springfield; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) and sportscaster/ TV host Erin Andrews (Dancing with the Stars).
UF offers academic programs from associate’s through doctorate levels. This includes over 100 online degrees at all levels, and 18 online bachelor’s degrees (BA, BS) in total. Topics include Anthropology, Biology, Business Administration, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Computer Science, Criminology, Environmental Management, Fire and Emergency Services and several more. Credit requirements for graduation are a minimum of 120.
- Type: public
- Net price: $14,761
- In-state: $6,381
- Out-of-state: $28,659
- # students: 52367
- # undergrads: 34554
- Graduation rate: 87% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 67%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Image: University of Florida (source)
University of Georgia (UGA, est. 1785) is based in Athens, Georgia, and is part of the University System of Georgia. It’s programs and overall educational offering have earned it rankings in various college review lists, including: U.S. News & World Report (#5 best online bachelor’s programs, #21 Best Colleges 2016); Forbes ( #21 in Top 25 Public Colleges 2015); New York Times (College Access Index 2015 – #10 public, #24 overall); Washington Monthly (#3 Best Bang for the Buck 2015); Bloomberg Businessweek; The Economist, and others.
UGA offers academic programs in the form of bachelor’s through doctorate degrees, and various levels of certificates. This includes two online bachelor’s degree programs: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA); Bachelor of Science in Special Education (BSSE). Both are degree completion programs requiring a minimum of 60-61 transfer credits, and a minimum of 121 credits for graduation (at least 45 cr earned at UGA).
- Type: public
- Net price: $14,956
- In-state: $11,634
- Out-of-state: $29,844
- # students: 36574
- # undergrads: 27951
- Graduation rate: 85% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 7%
- Online tech: eLearningCommons/ Brightspace, Blackboard Collaborate
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Image: Ilah Dunlap Little Library, University of Georgia (source)
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMN, est. 1851) is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is the main campus of the University of Minnesota System. Accolades include positions on college rankings lists by: League of American Bicyclists (Platinum Bicycle Friendly University rating); U.S. News; Forbes; ARWU; Washington Monthly; QS and others. Notable alumni of UMN includes popular author and radio host Garrison Keillor (Lake Wobegon Days), and former U.S. Vice President (under President Jimmy Carter).
UMN offers degree programs from the bachelor’s through doctorate levels. This includes three online bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Applied Science in Manufacturing Operations Management (BASc-MM, partly online); Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies (BS-MdS); BS Medical Laboratory Sciences (BS-MLS, partly online). Each requires 120 credits for graduation. Some of the other UMN campuses, particularly Crookston, have several more online bachelor’s degrees that may be available to UMN-TC students.
- Type: public
- Net price: $16,242
- In-state: $14,142
- Out-of-state: $23,806
- # students: 51579
- # undergrads: 34870
- Graduation rate: 78% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 29%
- Online tech: Moodle
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
- Image: Walter Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (source)
James Madison University (JMU, est. 1908) is based in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Achievements include appearances on college ranking lists: U.S. News & World Report (#2 Innovative Public Schools – South 2017); Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (#62 in Top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges 2017); Princeton Review (Guide to 361 Green Colleges 2016); Money Magazine (Top 20 Colleges most likely to pay off), amongst others. The university earned a LEED Platinum sustainability for Wayland Hall in 2012 — the first renovated college residence in the U.S. to receive this award.)
JMU, which most recently had an undergrad retention rate of 91%, offers over 120 degree programs from the bachelor’s through doctorate levels. This includes four online bachelor’s degrees: Nursing RN to BSN (degree completion, requires associate’s in nursing); Adult Degree Program with three options – Bachelor, BA or BS of Individualized Study (BIS, BAIS, BSIS). The latter requires student be 22 years or older, and have completed 30 college credits, amongst other criteria.
- Type: public
- Net price: $16,252
- In-state: $10,390
- Out-of-state: $26,164
- # students: 21270
- # undergrads: 19548
- Graduation rate: 82% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 10%
- Online tech: Canvas
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Image: James Madison University, quadrangle near Burrus Hall (source)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC, est. 1867) is based in Champaign, Illinois, and is the main campus of the University of Illinois System. UIUC achievements include Nobel Prizes (23 for faculty and alumni), Pulitzer prizes (25), and others. The first graphical Web browser, Mosaic, was developed at UIUC’s NCSA (National Center for Supercomputing Applications), which inspired the Netscape browser. Other achievements for UIUC include earning positions in various college review lists, including U.S. News & World Report (top 10 best online graduate programs – Education) and others. The campus is “wired,” with 100% of classrooms having Wifi access, as well as over 360 buildings on- and off-campus.
UIUC offers academic programs from the bachelor’s through doctorate levels plus certificates, including over 75 online programs. There are five online bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Science in Earth, Society and Environment Sustainability BS-ESES) — with three concentrations areas (Sustainable Business, Environmental Informatics, and Sustainable Societies); RN to BSN completion (requires associate’s in nursing); BS Computer Science. Additional online courses (800+ in total) are available that may apply to on-campus BA and BS degrees. Non-credit MOOC courses are available to anyone around the world.
- Type: public
- Net price: $16,683
- In-state: $15,058
- Out-of-state: $30,680
- # students: 46951
- # undergrads: 33932
- Graduation rate: 85% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 35%
- Online tech: Moodle
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
- Image: Main Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (source)
Clemson University (CU, est. 1889), a well-regarded research university, is based in Clemson, South Carolina. Accolades for CU include awards for faculty (including titles of distinguished educator), and ranking positions in lists by: Princeton Review (#1 for career services); U.S. News (#23 public universities overall, #18 national public universities in 2015 for incoming freshman SAT average critical reading scores.
CU has nearly 200 academic programs from bachelor’s through doctorate levels, including certificates, plus worldwide research and study projects. Three online bachelor’s degrees are offered: RN/BS (degree completion program – requires associate’s in nursing, online as of Fall 2017); BS Youth Development Studies ( part-time, completion – requires 60 incoming credits ); BS Electrical Engineering (BSEE, completion – for transfer students). Spouses of military personnel can take advantage of the MyCAA (Military Career Advancement Accounts) program that provides up to $4K financial aid towards various academic programs (including online degrees and certificates).
- Type: public
- Net price: $17,797
- In-state: $14,708
- Out-of-state: $34,590
- # students: 23406
- # undergrads: 18599
- Graduation rate: 81% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 19%
- Online tech: Canvas
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Image: Clemson University (source)
Ohio State University (OSU, est. 1870) is based in Columbus, Ohio, and is a member of the University System of Ohio. It is amongst the largest campuses in the U.S. by student population. Some of its college ranking achievements include positions on lists by U.S. News & World Report (#16 Nation’s Best Universities, #8 Online Undergraduate Programs, #1 Public University in Ohio); Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (Top 20 Best Public College Values) and others.
OSU offers academic programs from the associate’s through doctorate levels. This includes three online bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH, degree completion – requires dental hygiene associate’s degree or certificate); BS Health Sciences (BSHS); BS Nursing. These degrees require a minimum 120 credits for graduation. Online certificate programs are available as well.
- Type: public
- Net price: $17,971
- In-state: $10,037
- Out-of-state: $28,229
- # students: 59482
- # undergrads: 45831
- Graduation rate: 84% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 26%
- Online tech: Carmen, CarmenConnect
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
- Image: Library, Ohio State University (source)
University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMA, est. 1863) is based in Amherst, Massachusetts, and is the main campus of the University of Massachusetts System. Students have access to reference materials at the world’s tallest university library (and 2nd tallest library of any type), the university’s W.E.B. Du Bois Library – which replaced the old library in Goodell Hall (pictured). Other accolades include positions on college ranking lists by: U.S. News (2017 Best Colleges – #27 Public Universities and #74 Best National Universities); Princeton Review (#1 Best Campus Food 2017) ; Forbes; Washington Monthly ; Academic Ranking of World Universities; QS World University Rankings; University Ranking by Academic Performance.
UMA offers academic programs from associate’s through doctorate levels. It offers a number of online bachelor’s degrees through the Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) division. They are: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA, degree completion); Bachelor of Science Hospitality and Tourism Management (completion); RN to BS in Nursing (requires associate’s in nursing). Additionally, through UMA’s University Without Walls, students can customize a choice of BS or BA from the university’s selection of online courses, or choose from one of 12 diverse study areas. Broad topics: social sciences, business, criminal justice, education, health, writing, sustainability.
- Type: public
- Net price: $20,093
- In-state: $14,971
- Out-of-state: $32,204
- # students: 30037
- # undergrads: 23373
- Graduation rate: 76% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 22%
- Online tech: Blackboard
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
- Image: University of Massachusetts Amherst (source)
Faith International University (FIU, est. 1969) is based in Tacoma, Washington, is also known as Faith Evangelical Seminary. As the name suggests, the education is Christian-oriented. While a small institution in terms of student population, the latter is relatively diverse.The university offers a number of scholarships as well as military/ veteran benefits to qualified students. A special, low-cost monthly payment program covers tuition and fees, allowing students to graduate debt-free.
FIU offers bachelor’s through doctorate level academic programs. This includes four online Bachelor of Arts degrees: BA Religion (BAR); BA Leadership (BAL); BA Education (BAE); BA Business (BAB). These programs are partially online, combining both online and on-campus courses. Students can choose from 11 minors overall, though not all are applicable to each major. Graduation requirements for each degree is 180 quarter credits.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $20,712
- In-state: $7,840
- Out-of-state: $7,840
- # students: 588
- # undergrads: 301
- Graduation rate: 80% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 100%
- Online tech: Canvas
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
- Image: Faith International University (source)
Pennsylvania State University (PSU, est. 1855) is based in University Park, Pennsylvania, and is amongst the largest campuses in the U.S. The acclaimed university is considered to be a “Public Ivy,” in terms of quality of education and experience, and holds a top 10 position for both online undergrad and graduate programs, in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online Programs 2017” college ranking lists.
PSU offers academic programs at the associate’s through doctorate levels. Through the World Campus division, Penn State offers over 125 online degrees and certificates at all levels . This includes over 25 Bachelor of Science majors at the bachelor’s level, some of which have both a BA option as well, for a total of 30+ online bachelor’s degrees. Some topics include Advertising/ Public Relations (Strategic Communications Option), Agribusiness Management, Business, Criminal Justice, Digital Multimedia Design, Economics, Energy and Sustainability, Finance, Health Policy and Administration, Information Sciences and Technology, International Politics, Nursing and several more. Minimum credits for graduation: 120. Note that some of these may be degree completion programs requiring an associate’s degree or at least a certain number of completed college credits for admission.
- Type: public
- Net price: $25,055
- In-state: $17,900
- Out-of-state: $32,382
- # students: 47789
- # undergrads: 41359
- Graduation rate: 86% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 37%
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Image: Student Union Building, Pennsylvania State University (source)
Bethel University (BU, est. 1871) is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is affiliated with the Baptist Church. Students come from many church denominations, as well as non-denominational backgrounds. The university appears in college ranking lists published by U.S. News (Top 21 Best Colleges – Midwest 2014, #7 Best Colleges for Veterans 2013, #7 Best Colleges for Study Abroad 2013), Money Magazine ( #7 100 Best Colleges for Your Money 2016), Lumosity (top 50 smartest colleges), and others.
BU’s academic programs are taught from a Christian perspective and cover associate’s through doctorate levels. This includes 32 online programs, of which 10 are online bachelor’s degrees, including track/ concentration options. BU offers the latter through their Adult Undergrad degrees program. These are: BS Business Management with two Concentrations (Global Business or Management); BA Christian Ministries; BS Finance; BA Human Services; BS Management Information Systems; BA Organizational Leadership with three Concentrations (general, Christian Ministries or Human Services); RN to BS Nursing (completion – requires associate’s in nursing). Some of these programs are fully online, others are hybrid, with a selection of online courses requiring on-campus sessions (one- or two-week periods).
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $27,205
- In-state: $35,160
- Out-of-state: $35,160
- # students: 4016
- # undergrads: 2964
- Graduation rate: 76% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 16%
- Online tech: Blackboard
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
- Image: Bethel University in Minnesota (source)
Johns Hopkins University (JHU, est. 1876) is based in Baltimore, Maryland. The highly-regarded institution claims the title of “America’s first research university,” and spends the most on research amongst American colleges and universities. Many of these projects are in science and engineering projects, and all research overall is conducted on six continents. In its 140+ years of existence, it has gained many achievements and accolades too long to mention all here, but which includes 36 Nobel laureates past and present.
JHU offers over 260 academic programs from bachelor’s through doctorate levels. This includes six online bachelor’s degrees: Civil Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical Engineering; Computer Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Organizational Leadership. Four of the aforementioned Engineering degree programs are also available in hybrid delivery mode. (The exception is Environmental Engineering.) Additionally, there are dozens of online and/or hybrid certificate programs available.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $27,352
- In-state: $50,410
- Out-of-state: $50,410
- # students: 23917
- # undergrads: 6042
- Graduation rate: 92% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 6%
- Online tech: Blackboard, Adobe Connect
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Image: Peabody Library interior, Johns Hopkins University (source)
University of Denver (DU, est. 1864) is based in Denver, Colorado. Accolades include positions in college rankings lists such as from U.S. News (2017 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs – Top 50, 2017 Top 100 Best Colleges – National Universities, #53 Best Colleges for Veterans), Princeton Review (#8 Most Popular Study Abroad Program 2017), Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Wall Street Journal, Open Doors and others. Notable alumni include figure skater Michelle Kwan, Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, amongst others.
DU’s 220+ academic programs cover bachelor’s through doctorate levels. This includes an online Bachelor of Arts completion program with six majors to choose from: Communication Arts; Global Studies; Leadership and Organization Studies; Environmental Studies; Global Commerce and Transportation; Information Technology. These require 180 quarter credits in total, depending on the credits transferred in (maximum 96). While this is a degree completion program, with as few as 45 credits needed from DU for graduation, some of these majors do allow for first-time students.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $32,940
- In-state: $46,422
- Out-of-state: $46,422
- # students: 11614
- # undergrads: 5754
- Graduation rate: 79% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 4%
- Online tech: Canvas
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
- Image: University of Denver (source)
Villanova University (VU, est. 1842) is based in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. VU’s accolades include appearances on college review lists by U.S. News (2017 Top 50 Best Colleges – National Universities), The Economist (#3 for alumni earnings above expectations 2015), and others. Notable alumni of VU include Cardinal John O’Connor (former Archbishop of New York), football hall-of-famer Howie Long, and Jill Biden (Second Lady, and wife of former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden), musicians Jim Croce and Don McLean, and others.
VU’s academic programs include associate’s through doctorate levels, and certificates. This includes four fully online bachelor’s degrees, all of which are degree completion programs. Three are from the College of Professional Studies (CPS): BA Leadership Studies; Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) – General Studies track; BA Public Service and Administration. The School of Nursing also has a newly online BS Nursing – RN to BSN degree completion program, which requires an associate’s degree for admission. Additional online options include Professional Development certificates, and a large selection of non-credit professional education courses in over a dozen disciplines.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $33,270
- In-state: $49,280
- Out-of-state: $49,280
- # students: 10842
- # undergrads: 6999
- Graduation rate: 90% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 9%
- Online tech: Blackboard
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Image: Villanova University (source)
Endicott College (EC, est. 1939) is based in Beverly, Massachusetts. Online students may want to make a trip to this seaside campus, which brags private beaches. All students complete several internships as part of their graduation requirements. Accolades for EC include ranking positions on college review lists by U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges: for Veterans, for Internships/ Co-ops, for Regional Universities North), Victory Media (Military Friendly), Money Magazine (Best Colleges for Your Money) and others.
EC academic programs cover associate’s through doctorate levels. This includes three 100% online bachelor’s degrees offered by the Van Loan School: Bachelor of Science Business Management; Bachelor of Arts Liberal Studies; BS Psychology. The School of Nursing also offers the partly online BS Nursing RN to BSN degree completion program. EC also has four online associate’s degrees and various online credit courses, as well as online graduate degrees.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $34,509
- In-state: $31,312
- Out-of-state: $31,312
- # students: 4835
- # undergrads: 3181
- Graduation rate: 80% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 18%
- Online tech: Canvas
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
- Image: Hale Library, Endicott College (source)
Loyola University Chicago (LUC, est. 1870) is based in Chicago, Illinois, offering a lakeside view of Lake Michigan. It is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Accolades for LUC include positions on college ranking lists by U.S. News & World Report (2017 Best Online Programs – #21 for bachelor’s degrees, top 50 colleges, top 100 national universities, #47 best value) and others.
LUC academic programs range from associate’s through doctorate levels. This includes seven online degree-completion bachelor’s programs: Bachelor of Science Nursing – RN to BSN (requires associate’s of nursing); Bachelor of Arts Applied Communication; BA Applied Criminal Justice Leadership; BA Applied Psychology; BA Applied Studies; BA Information Technology; BA Management. A minimum of 120 credits are required for graduation in these degree programs.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $34,934
- In-state: $42,032
- Out-of-state: $42,032
- # students: 16422
- # undergrads: 11129
- Graduation rate: 75% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 6%
- Online tech: Blackboard
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
- Image: Cudahy Library, Loyola University Chicago (source)
New York University (NYU, est. 1831) is based in New York, New York. The university claims the title of the largest private university in the U.S., and has research programs in over 25 countries. Faculty have earned Nobel, Pulitzer, Lasker, Abel and other Prizes, as well as MacArthur Fellowships. Other accomplishments include alumni collectively receiving a total 106 Emmy nominations for acting, cinematography, directing, editing, music, sound mixing and 43 more categories. Seven of these nominations are for the long-running sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live alone.
NYU offers academic programs from the associate’s through doctorate levels. This includes four online bachelor’s degrees, including track/ concentration options. Programs: Bachelor of Arts Social Science with a concentration in Organizational Behavior and Change; Bachelor of Science Leadership and Management Studies with three concentration options (International Business and Global Management, Human Resource Management, or Organizational Management and Development). NYU’s overall online offering includes master’s degrees and grad and undergrad certificates — some of which may be blended or low-residency online courses.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $35,147
- In-state: $49,062
- Out-of-state: $49,062
- # students: 50550
- # undergrads: 26135
- Graduation rate: 85% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 2%
- Online tech: Blackboard
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Image: Vanderbilt Hall, New York University (source)
Marist College (MC, est. 1929) is based in Poughkeepsie, New York, on the shores of the Hudson River. The college was founded on several principles, including that of excellence in education and dedication to service. Accolades include appearances on multiple college review lists: U.S. News (Best Online Education Programs 2017 — MBA and BA/BS Liberal Studies); Kiplinger’ Personal Finance (#73 Best Values in Private Colleges 2017); Princeton Review (top 50 Colleges That Create Futures, Best 382 Colleges 2018); Money Magazine (Best Colleges); Forbes ( #47 Top Colleges); Victory Media (Military Friendly School 2017); Barron’s; Bloomberg Businessweek and others.
MC academic programs consist of bachelor’s and master’s level degrees and certificates. This includes the online BA/ BS Professional Studies degree completion program, designed for non-traditional students, with 11 areas of study for majors. Students can choose 2-3 areas of customization (45 credits total). Topics include: American Studies; Communication and the Arts; Data Center Technologies; Economics; Enterprise Systems; Information Technology and Systems; Leadership; Organizational Leadership and Communication; Professional Studies; Project Management; and Psychology. Students can complete either a BA or a BS degree in these topics, for a total of 22 online bachelor’s degree options. Graduation requires completion of 120 credits.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $35,817
- In-state: $35,210
- Out-of-state: $35,210
- # students: 6569
- # undergrads: 5616
- Graduation rate: 83% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 14%
- Online tech: iLearn
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Image: Cannavino Library, Marist College (source)
Saint Joseph’s University (SJU, est. 1851) is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Accolades including ranking positions in college review lists published by U.S. News & World Report (2017 Best Colleges – Regional Universities North, Best Colleges for Veterans, Best Online Programs – topical bachelor’s and master’s), Princeton Review (2018 The Best 382 Colleges, 2017 Best Business Schools), Victory Media (Military Friendly School), Payscale (#5 Best ROI Business Schools), and others.
SJU academic programs range from associate’s through doctorate levels. This includes three online bachelor’s degrees, including concentrations. Bachelor of Liberal Studies – General Studies with two Concentrations (Autism Studies or Professional Studies – both degree completion); Bachelor of Business Administration. Each degree requires at least 120 credits for graduation.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $36,058
- In-state: $43,020
- Out-of-state: $43,020
- # students: 8415
- # undergrads: 5377
- Graduation rate: 80% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 25%
- Online tech: Blackboard Learn
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Image: Barbelin Tower, Saint Joseph’s University (source)
MCPHS University (est. 1823) is based in Boston, Massachusetts . According to data from the U.S. Dept of Education, MCPHS alumni are the #1 top earners of all graduates in the New England region, within 10 years after enrollment. Graduates also pay down the principal of federal student loans at a higher rate than the national average — 97% compared to 68%. Undergrad retention and graduation rates are higher than the national average as well. These and other factors have earned the university a #1 ranking in Forbes’ Best College in the Country for Value.
MCPHS academic programs cover bachelor’s through doctorate levels. This includes three online bachelor’s degrees: BS Health Sciences; Dental Hygiene; RN to BSN. All three of these programs are degree completion and require a suitable associate’s degree. Each requires a minimum of 122 credits for graduation.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $37,422
- In-state: $31,560
- Out-of-state: $31,560
- # students: 7095
- # undergrads: 3843
- Graduation rate: 78% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 22%
- Online tech: Blackboard
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
- Image: MCPHS University (source)
Quinnipiac University (QU, est. 1929) is based in Hamden, Connecticut. QU has earned several accolades, such as ranking positions on college review lists: U.S. News & World Report (American’s Best Colleges – #11 Universities North 2016, #1 Best Colleges for Veterans – North, Best Online Graduate Programs 2017 ); Princeton Review (Best 295 Business Schools 2016 ); Military Times (Best for Vets: Colleges); Victory Media (Military Friendly School). The university is also in the Top 13% of 4-year schools, for value of education, nationally, according to The Economist and The Brookings Institute.
QU offers over 100 academic programs from bachelor’s through doctorate levels, plus certificates. This includes four online bachelor’s degree programs: BBA (completion – requires 60 credits or associate’s degree); BS Health Science Studies (completion – requires 60 credits or associate’s degree); BS Nursing – RN to BSN ( (completion – requires associate’s in nursing); RN to MSN in Operational Leadership dual degree (graduates earn BSN and MSN). Completion of any of these bachelor’s degrees requires a minimum of 120 credits.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $37,439
- In-state: $43,940
- Out-of-state: $43,940
- # students: 9900
- # undergrads: 7099
- Graduation rate: 78% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 7%
- Online tech: Blackboard
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
- Image: Quinnipiac University (source)
George Washington University (GWU, est. 1821) is based in Washington, District of Columbia. Many thousands of internships around Washington, DC, are available to qualified students, which includes at the White House, World Bank, National Institutes of Health and others. This and other factors contribute to the accolades that GWU has earned, including ranking spots in college review lists by Princeton Review ( #1 Top Schools for Internships 2016, Top National Universities), U.S. News & World Report (#45 Best Education Schools 2017), Washington Monthly, Victory Media/ G.I. Jobs (Military Friendly School). Notable alumni of the university fall into several categories, including world leaders, entertainment, innovators, athletics and more. Some such alumni include: former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, former U.S. senator J. William Fulbright (Fulbright Scholarships founder) and others.
GWU academic programs cover associate’s through doctorate levels, plus certificates. This includes nine online bachelor’s degrees from three Schools (Nursing, Professional Studies, Medicine and Health Science) , including track/ concentration options. Programs: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with five concentrations (Clinical Health Sciences, Clinical Management and Leadership, Clinical Research Administration, Emergency Medical Services Management, Medical Laboratory Science); BS Nursing with three tracks (RN-BSN, RN-BSN Residency – includes work residency as RN at GW Hospital, and RN-MSN dual degree); Bachelor of Professional Studies in Police and Security Studies.
- Type: private nonprofit
- Net price: $39,562
- In-state: $51,950
- Out-of-state: $51,950
- # students: 27159
- # undergrads: 11504
- Graduation rate: 84% (undergrads)
- Distance ed: 8%
- Online tech: Blackboard Learn
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Image: George Washington University (source)
Ranking Methodology
Using data from NCES (National Center for Education Statistics), we applied the following approach:
- Collect a list of colleges/ universities indicated as offering “distance” bachelor’s programs. (NCES does not distinguish between distance and online programs.
- Filtered out colleges below a 75% undergrad graduation rate.
- Manually verify which colleges actually explicitly offer online bachelor’s degrees (including track/ concentration options). Degrees can be fully online, hybrid or blended.
- Select the top 25 remaining colleges on basis of graduation rate.
- Sort by average yearly net price per undergrad student.
Net price, in NCES’ definition, is the average yearly cost per undergrad student, including, tuition, fees, books, room and board, etc., for a given college/ university — which can change each academic year, and may be influenced by factors outside of the institution. Note: Actual cost per online students may differ based on living arrangements. Because online students can potentially reside in the same state, city or even in residence, we’ve chosen to use the net price measure.