What are the Best Online Universities?

Going to college or university used to be reserved for young students straight out of high school and usually from families who could afford to send their children to an expensive school. Thankfully, those days are long gone. With the growing popularity of online universities, now anyone can affordably get a degree and do it in their own time. However, knowing how to select an online university can feel like a daunting task when making important decisions about where to get your degree. Additionally, you want to feel secure about the quality of the education. The first thing you should determine when looking for the best online universities is whether or not the schools you are considering are legitimate. Unfortunately, there are many schools that will allow people to pay to receive a diploma without actually doing any work. These schools are often referred to as "diploma mills." Having a degree from these schools is as useful as a blank piece of paper. Employers will not want to hire graduates who have not actually done the necessary work to earn their degrees. One way to safeguard against wasting your money on a diploma mill is to find an accredited online university by doing a little research. Oregon Student Assistance Commission Office of Degree Authorization Diploma Mills is a great resource that offers descriptions of diploma mills, links to accredited and unaccredited schools nationwide, and important information on accreditation laws across the country. Another helpful place to turn is the U.S. Department of Education. Their website offers several resources and publications to help you learn about diploma mills, accredited, and unaccredited schools in the United States.

After determining what schools offer a legitimate and good quality education, the next step is to determine specifically what you want from your online education. Some schools offer specialized degree programs for students with a specific types of career in mind. Many online universities offer opportunities for students interested in fields such as nursing, computer science, or criminal justice or for students wanting a more vocational education such as studying to become an electrician or earning a culinary certification. Once you decide what career path you want to follow, choose a school that offers a specialty in your desired area of study. Another important factor to consider when selecting the best online university is the level of education you wish to obtain. Online universities offer a range of degree options from associate degrees that can be earned in two years or less to graduate degrees that requires a bit more of a commitment. Many excellent online universities offer Bachelor’s degrees in such fields as accounting, psychology, biology, and anthropology and Master’s degrees in Business Administration, Education, and even a JD from law school. Understand how much education you need to obtain to be successful in your career and choose an online university accordingly.

Top Online Universities

	University of Phoenix - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Doctoral Degrees. Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctoral Degrees – As one of the world’s largest universities, University of Phoenix has the educational resources to make every student successful in their degree plan. University of Phoenix offers classes at a campus and also available to take entirely online.
	Kaplan University - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, & Master’s Degrees. With a successful track record of placing students in high-quality jobs, Kaplan University stands out among online colleges. Kaplan offers students the opportunity to take classes from the comfort of home and on their own schedule.
	Everest University - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, & Master’s Degrees. Everest University uses a hands-on approach to teaching students that brings out the best in everyone attending classes. Everest University allows students who work full time to take classes at their convenience and on their own schedule.
	American InterContinental University Online - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, & Master’s Degrees. American InterContinental University has been educating students around the world for over 35 years. During this time, AIU has become recognized for offering progressive, interactive degrees in high-growth industries.
	Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. With six semesters throughout the year, Saint Leo University gives students the opportunity to start college right away. They have faculty members and administrators who can help you throughout your whole online experience, from admission to financial aid.
	Ashford University - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, & Master’s Degrees. Ashford University offers both online programs and campus programs seeking to learn in a classroom. Ashford University is one of the most respected names in college education and students seeking a college degree will be hard pressed to find a better option.
	Grand Canyon University - Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Highly accredited and well respected, Grand Canyon University has been educating students from all around the world through their online programs. They put emphasis on providing individual attention to every student in order to ensure they receive the quality education they deserve.
	Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees. For those ready to take a step into the real-world, Colorado Technical University provides you with all the knowledge and tools necessary to acquire excellent career opportunities. Their staff is dedicated in helping you understand everything there is to know in the field of your interest.
	DeVry University - Associate’s & Bachelor’s Degrees. Focusing on providing students high-quality education, DeVry University has provided thousands of students a college degree online. DeVry University has numerous course offerings and offer flexible and interactive programs.
	Strayer University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Strayer University provides many advantages that many other online colleges do not offer. Each student is handled individually at Strayer University, where a great administrative staff makes sure every need is met.
	Liberty University - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, & Master’s Degrees. As one of the largest evangelical universities in the world, Liberty University provides a variety of campus and online programs. Liberty University is one of the top college online education providers in existence today.
	Penn Foster Career School - Certificates. Penn Foster Career School offers students the opportunity to receive the degree they need to pursue their desired career. With their programs available completely online, students could continue working or attend to other responsibilities while obtaining their degree.