What Are the Top Accredited Online Universities?
Are you seeking the top online universities to obtain an online degree? It’s important to find a college that’s accredited, but it’s equally important to enroll in an online program that is supportive, has great retention and graduation rates and more. One of the best ways to discover this information is through online college reviews and rankings.
Searching for Rankings Online
If you search for rankings online, you may discover that many rankings pertain to brick-and-mortar college experiences. This may be a disappointment, since when you fit online education into your busy schedule, you’re not as concerned with a college’s fraternity or sorority success rate. Nor would you be interested in the school with the best beer bashes or the school that offers the best dormitories.
What to Look for in Online School Rankings
What you may be more interested in, when looking for a top online school, are factors such as graduation rate, retention rate, accreditation, and financial aid eligibility.
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.
Student Reviews of Online Universities
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 you choose is your decision and it’s one that you need to base upon factual information.
Rankings Methodologies & Final Suggestions
While “top” online university rankings will vary from source to source, you can base your decision upon the methodology of the rankings. Additionally, you might want look at the individual metrics of the rankings, instead of the cumulative score. Maybe some factors are more important to you than others. You could also research schools on your own at the U.S. Department of Education College Navigator.
Listed below, you’ll find a list of accredited online universities that are the most popular among the visitors to BestOnlineUniversities.com.
Top Online Universities
According to our user selection data, the universities listed below are those in which prospective students are most interested. You can click on each college's logo to request more information from that particular school.
|
Kaplan University – Kaplan University is 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’s online programs. |
![]() |
|
University of Phoenix – Now the largest private university in North America, the University of Phoenix maintains over 200 convenient campus locations as well as one of the leading online learning formats to serve students anywhere at any time. The University of Phoenix degree programs are designed in collaboration with academic and industry professionals to ensure quality, relevance and rigor. |
![]() |
|
Ivy Bridge College – Ivy Bridge College offers online associate’s degree programs in accounting, business, computer technology, healthcare administration, criminal justice and general studies. The programs provide the flexibility and convenience of online learning while offering unparalleled mentoring and student support. For students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, Ivy Bridge provides streamlined admission to some of the best four-year colleges in the U.S. |
![]() |
|
Post University – Now dubbed the largest provider of online higher education in the state of Connecticut, Post University has been offering accredited, accelerated online degree programs for nearly 15 years. Post’s online programs are thriving today thanks to an effort to providing the detail of in-person learning to students needing the convenience and flexibility of online education. |
![]() |
|
Walden University – Founded in 1971 in Minneapolis, 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 previously may not have had the time to attend class can now earn a degree online from Walden in convenient and affordable style. |
![]() |






