It wasn’t too long ago that many employers didn’t take online degrees seriously and the general public did not consider the online bachelor degree a “real” education achievement. But those attitudes have changed drastically as programs have become better established and accredited, they are now viable options for people with full-time jobs and other responsibilities.
Here are eight schools that have great programs to get your degree online:
Pace University
Based in New York, Pace University has been offering online degrees since the 2004-2005 school year and has ranked consistently high among other online universities. Tuition is priced similarly to non-online degree programs, with each credit costing $570 (as of the 2014-2015 school year). Pace’s program in computer and information science is particularly exceptional.
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is best known for its numerous online programs and degrees “designed for the real world”. It offers over 100 online degree programs and thousands of online courses, but among the best is their bachelor of science in business. Specializations range from accounting and administration to small business management and sustainable enterprise management. A bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Phoenix totals about $50,000, so it’s also a much more affordable option.
Indiana University
When it comes to getting your online masters degree, it doesn’t get much better than Indiana University’s online programs, especially business degrees from its Kelley School of Business (bachelor programs are also offered). Tuition costs about $1,175 per credit, and 24-hour tech support is offered to online students.
Central Michigan University
This public university has also built up quite the respectable online education program over the past several years. Each credit for online classes is priced at about $370, and the most popular and established degree is in organizational behavioral studies.
Pennsylvania State University
Penn State is a well known public school in the heart of Pennsylvania, but students no longer even need to set foot on campus. Back in the 2000-2001 academic year the institution launched its online degree programs, and today these programs are consistently rated highly. The school’s “World Campus” is the heart of this venture, and the strongest majors are actually in the sciences (psychology and nursing). Credits are currently priced at $518 each.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Worldwide
Launched in 1993 as a private institution for online degrees, this is one of the earliest “online colleges” still in existence today. Degree specialties are in aeronautical fields, with the most popular being in General Aviation tied with General Aerospace Science and Technology. Each credit is priced at $325, as of 2014.
University of California– Los Angeles
If you’re looking for an engineering degree online, the options are rather limited. However, schools that do offer them tend to be competitive and in-depth. The cream of the crop in this area is the online engineering program offered by the University of California– Los Angeles. Though it wasn’t established until 2007, it ranks above most other online engineering programs. Credits run $916 each.
Daytona State College
Distance learning doesn’t always have to mean “distance” learning. In-state students get a real deal if they take classes online at Daytona State College. Not only are the online programs ranked well, but state residents pay only about $92 per credit (as opposed to $560 for non-residents). The most successful degree here by a landslide is in business management.