What Are the Top Accredited Online Universities?

Are you seeking the top online universities to obtain an online degree? You might want to find a college that is accredited, but you also might seek an online program that is supportive, that has a great retention and graduation rate and more. One of the best ways to discover this information is through online college reviews and rankings.

If you search for rankings online, you may discover that many rankings pertain to campus educational experiences. This may be a disappointment, as when you want to fit an online education into your busy schedule, you may not be concerned with a college’s fraternity or sorority success rate. Nor would you be interested in the school with the best beer bashes nor the school that offers the best dormitories.

Instead, you may be more interested in rankings concerned with that school’s accreditation. How many accreditations does that school maintain, for instance, and how long have they held them? This information is important to anyone who seeks to fund their college education through grants, scholarships and loans. You may not receive money for that education if the online program is not accredited. Additionally, many employers seek to hire employers who have graduated from top-ranking credible schools.

Seek an online university, also, that maintains a high acceptance, retention and graduation rate. These schools tend to look favorably upon financial aid and may also have programs that help students pay for their online educational experiences. Also, look at citations – the more citations quoted from that school or from its instructors and professors, then the more that school is looked upon favorably for high-quality instruction.

Another item to look for is the school’s student-teacher ratio. Online learning is a solitary experience for some, so the more support you receive, the better your experience. A low student-teacher ratio may mean the instructor spends more time with students. Additionally, smaller classes also may mean that you’ll receive more peer support.

Finally, although it is great to attend a ‘popular’ online program, you might seek other reviews prepared by students to learn more about how they feel about their experiences with certain online programs. Take their advice with a grain of salt, however, as their information may be biased. The top online accredited university that you choose, in the end, is your decision and it is one that you need to base upon factual information.

While “top” online university rankings will vary from source to source, you can base your decision upon the way the ranking site obtains its information. Additionally, you might look at the information itself – why base your decision upon a popularity ranking when you can choose a school that will provide a top-notch college education with the accreditation that you need for financial resources and a good job upon graduation?

While many college review and rankings sites provide insightful and trustworthy information, you may learn that other sites base their rankings upon criteria that means nothing to you, your choices and your future. Decide what you need to learn, and embark on a search that will help you to decide which online university is the “top” university for you.

The Most Popular Online Universities

According the our user selection data, the universities listed below are those that have the most interest from prospective students. You can click on each college's logo to request more information from that particular college.

University of Phoenix — Now the largest private university in North America, the University of Phoenix maintains nearly 200 convenient campus locations as well as one of the leading online learning formats to serve students anywhere at any time. University of Phoenix degree programs are designed in collaboration with academic and industry professionals to ensure quality, relevance and rigor.
Kaplan University — Kaplan University represents one of the largest accredited online colleges with degree programs available in a wide range of subject fields. Enjoy a vast library of resources, dedicated advisors and innovative learning techniques through Kaplan.
Ashford University — Benefit from one of the lewst program costs available online, the ability to transfer credits and the flexibility of online courses available 24 hours per day. Ashford University might represent your ideal choice for a college education if you're a working adult or if you have not completed your degree.
Capella University — As an accredited university, Capella University takes online learning seriously and, today, more than 28,100 professional adults attend Capella unversity online. Earn a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree and participate in certificate programs to maximize your personal and professional potential through innovative programs.
Grand Canyon University — Grand Canyon University offers online and campus-based bachelor's and master's degree programs through the Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing, College of Entrepreneurship and College of Liberal Arts. GCU is a small Christian University in Phoenix AZ as well as an NCAA division II school, and their online division offers substantial financial savings as well as a quality accredited education.
Liberty University — Liberty University now represents the world's largest evangelical Christian university both on campus and online. Earn an accelerated, accredited degree when and where you are — no night classes, no commuting. It's simple, flexible and of course, Christian.
Walden University — Founded in 1971 in Minneanapolis, Minnesota, Walden University's motto states their mission: "A higher degree. A higher purpose." The coursework offered at this university is designed with working adults in mind. Those who may previously have not had the time to attend class can now earn a degree online from Walden.
Westwood College — Advance in your career with over 25 diploma, associate, bachelor's and master's programs offered by Westwood university. Westwood offers a hands-on career-focused curriculum that more than 20,000 graduates have used to transform their lives.
DeVry University — DeVry University specializes in technology-based, job-training-oriented higher education, so its career-focused students can get the most out of any online coursework as they prepare to enter or advance in the job market. DeVry offers numerous degrees in business, computing, health, and more.
Boston University — A graduate education from Boston University is available to anyone who has Internet access, worldwide. Programs of study available at BU include music education, finance, marketing, project management, risk management, information systems, art education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, criminal justice, and more.
Everest University — Everest University offers flexible programs taught by qualified professionals with industry-specific expertise. Gain real-world knowledge and the practical insights that cannot be learned from any textbook as you train for a career or for career advancement online.
Strayer University — Strayer University offers an affordable online education that is convenient and supportive and filled with quality programs. Course work and lectures are presented by experienced faculty members who have first-hand knowledge of the workplace, so you'll be able to use your education immediately on the job.
American InterContinental University — AIU Online is the Web-based virtual campus of American InterContinental University, an international university with residential campuses located in Atlanta, Georgia; Los Angeles, California; South Florida; Houston, Texas; and London, England. This university is dedicated to making a quality online education available to anyone with a passion for learning or a motivation to make their career dreams come true.