Online universities have become so ubiquitous that almost everyone has heard about the University of Phoenix Online, Kaplan, Devry University, Capella University and American Intercontinental University. These learning institutes have branded online learning to the point where most people have accepted an accredited online experience in job applications and as a socially-acceptable learning experience. But, are these online colleges and universities your only options
The following list of the ten best online universities may boggle your mind. You may not have thought about them or even heard about them. But, they offer a top-notch education, as witnessed by their standings in OEDb’s Top Ten Online College Rankings 2009. Note that none of these colleges or universities are household names…yet they offer the same advantages as the top five online degree programs listed in the first paragraph.
First, the online courses and degree programs listed below are accredited; therefore, you know you’ll receive a solid education with the ability to transfer credits and to build upon a higher degree if you desire in the future. Additionally, their locations are a moot issues — all the degree programs offered are available to anyone who can gain admission to these programs. Finally, all the programs listed below offer financial aid to those who qualify. Additionally, many of these programs offer discounts for military personnel and their families.
So, why attend a “crowded” online class when you can gain access to a program that is top-notch, yet less well known. After all, your success in the future could make one of the following online degree programs famous. It’s up to you — each program offers a way to earn a degree from a distance while you work your way up that career ladder or while you serve in the military.
The online colleges, universities and degree programs listed below are in the same order as shown on OEDb’s Top Ten Online College Rankings 2009. The links, however, take you directly to the listing’s online program offerings at the specified institution so you can learn more about their programs.
- Nova Southeastern University: Nova Southeastern University is the tenth-largest independent university in the country and a pioneer of non-traditional approaches to high-quality education. NSU provides distance-learning programs that range from bachelor’s to doctoral programs, all obtained through online or off-campus learning processes. Seventy-six of the university’s online undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs have been certified by the Southern Regional Education Board’s Electronic Campus, and are offered through this highly successful consortium.
- Regent University: This Christian university is famous for its combination of Biblical principles and rigorous academic curriculum. Regent University online is a fully accredited program that uses the same rigorous curriculum as the on-campus programs. Their programs range from communications and the arts to divinity school and a school of education. They also offer a schools of government, psychology and counseling and a school of undergraduate studies that provide degrees in majors from accounting to psychology.
- Champlain College: Champlain College is a 126-year-old institution that has been delivering online education for over 10 years. They offered their first online course in 1993, followed in 1996 by its first entirely online bachelor’s degree. Currently, Champlain is the only college in Vermont to offer bachelor’s degrees 100 percent online in business, writing, technology, paralegal and allied health careers. Champlain College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges.
- Upper Iowa University: UIU’s online Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Higher Education Administration degrees are designed to give you the flexibility you need to balance classwork with your career. They offer a discount to military personnel and their family members as well as employee discounts for those who work with cooperating corporations and organizations. Applicants may transfer up to ninety hours of undergraduate credits.
- LeTourneau University: Inspired by faith and a spirit of ingenuity, LeTourneau University integrates learning, living and Christian leadership in a community of integrity, academic quality and technological innovation. This university offers an associate degree in interdisciplnary studies, bachelor’s degrees in business and in psychology and master’s degrees in a variety of majors. They also offer teacher’s certifications (PACT) and the Texas Principalship Certification. LeTourneau has a history of over 60 years of providing exceptional higher education, including our online education.
- Liberty University: Liberty has become the world’s largest evangelical university and has never lost sight of its mission — equipping men and women with Christ-centered education to impact their world and workplace. Liberty’s mission is “Training Champions for Christ” in majors such as business, counseling, criminal justice, education, nursing and in Christian ministry. But, don’t stop there, as LUOnline offers a variety of degrees in more than forty programs and ninety areas of specialization.
- Grand Canyon University: Grand Canyon University is a student-focused institution that provides academically challenging education in a Christian community for students from diverse backgrounds. They offer undergraduate and graduates degree programs in education, nursing and health sciences, business and liberal arts. Grand Canyon University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
- Dickinson State University: This North Dakota university offers online degrees in agriculture sales and service equine management, an associate in arts, and degree programs in business administration, finance, human resource management, international business, technology and in university studies. Dickinson also offers these courses in an extended learning environment. All courses are offered online so you can finalize a degree while you are working from a distance. they have been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central (regional) Accrediting Association since 1946.
- Western Governors University: WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of their success in expanding access to higher education. WGU is a fully-accredited non-profit online university that offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in a wide range of interests. If you want to pursue business management, information technology, teaching or the health professions, this university might have special appeal for you.
- Salem International University: Salem University has a tradition of academic excellence and innovation. Complete your Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Associates in Business Administration or Bachelors in Business Administration or Bachelors in Information Technology on your time. Classes start every month, and financial aid is available for those who qualify. Just think — you could earn your project-based (not thesis based) MBA in as little as twelve months.
