Top 30 Best and Fully Accredited Online Colleges in the United States of America

The United States of America, apart from being the world power, also serves as a place where you can get the best of college degrees across the world. Many people around the world today, are traveling to the United States to further their tertiary education, but the good news is that you can also achieve this online via the comfort of your present destination. The United States of America also has many accredited online colleges which you can choose from to further your tertiary education. In this post, I shall be showing you 30 of such colleges, and I call them the best fully-accredited online colleges in the USA.

Ranking Methodology for Accredited Online Colleges in the United States of America

There is a current ranking of the top accredited online colleges in the United States

*Note: This ranking was not carried out by me, it is actually documented.

While applying the ranking methodology listed below, some colleges received the same number of points. In such cases, their tuition fees were used to break the tie, thereby awarding the more affordable online colleges the higher ranking.

Tuition Points

• Under $20,000 – 1 Point
• Under $15,000 – 2 Points
• Under $10,000 – 3 Points
• Under $5,000 – 4 Points

United States and World Report Recognition as a Top Online School for Bachelor’s Programs

• Top 10—10 points
• Top 25 —9 points
• Top 50 —8 points
• Top 75 —7 points
• Top 100—6 points
• Top 125—5 points
• Top 150—4 points
• Top 175—3 points
• Top 200—2 points
• Top 250—1 point

Customization Options

Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, Accelerated, Degree Completion, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option

Wow Factor

1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us

Must read: Tuition Free Universities in Canada For International Students: Get The Fact

Top 30 Best Accredited Online Colleges in the United States of America

1. Fort Hays State University

HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION

URL: http://www.fhsu.edu/virtualcollege/

In-State Tuition: $4,884

Points Scored: 14

The Fort Hays State University tops the list among the 30 best accredited online colleges in the United States of America, and it is also the most affordable accredited online college in the US too. The University provides degree learning programs ideal for adult learners, which range from associate’s degrees to doctoral degrees. Other programs available in the college include; Certificate programs, accelerated transfer programs, and educational specialist programs.

The well-known undergraduate majors you will find in Fort Hays State’s Virtual College include; Computer Science, Education, Agricultural Business, Human Health and Performance, and Criminal Justice. Just like other fully accredited online colleges, FHSU also provides its distance education students so many resources to support their success, including academic assistance, technical resource and support, and a career resource center. Wen

2. West Texas A&M University

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: http://www.wtamu.edu/academics/distance-education.aspx

In-State Tuition: $7,699

Point Scored: 14

West Texas A&M University cane first among the list of regionally accredited online colleges. The university offers both undergraduate and graduates degree programs completely online via hybrid formats.

Programs you will find in the university include; bachelor’s degrees in business administration, criminal justice, and health sciences, as well as master’s degrees in instructional design and technology, finance and economics, curriculum, and instruction.

West Texas A&M is part of the Texas A&M university system, the second largest university system in the world.

3. University of North Florida

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: https://onlinedegree.unf.edu/programs

In-State Tuition: $6,394

Points Scored: 13

The University of North Florida is among the top accredited online colleges for nursing in the United States of America. The school offers a 30-credit hour RN to BSN program that can be completed in just 12 months of full-time study as well as a 48-credit hour Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) that can be finished in as few as 24 months. Programs are accelerated, but flexible, meaning students can take more time to finish their degree requirements if necessary. In addition to regional accreditation from the SACSCOC, UNF has received special program accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

4. American Public University

HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION

URL: http://www.apu.apus.edu/

In-State Tuition: $6,880

Points Scored: 13

Having more than 200 online degrees and certificate programs, American Public University came 4th in this ranking of the top 30 best fully accredited online colleges in the United States of America. Some popular undergraduate majors from APU include; bachelor’s offerings in transportation and logistics management, business administration, homeland security, sports, health sciences, and environmental science.

Master’s, doctoral and accelerated degree options are also available. Classes are synchronous, and there are start dates every month for aided flexibility.

5. University of Arkansas

HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION

URL: https://online.uark.edu/

In-State Tuition: $8,820

Point Scored: 13

The University of Arkansas is one of the top online universities in the United States. The university’s global campus gives an opportunity for distance education students to earn a degree from a top-tier university without attending classes physically. The courses offered by the institution, are delivered by on-campus faculty members, and online students receive many of the same resources as traditional students.

Undergraduate programs at the University of Arkansas include; bachelor’s degree in communication, interdisciplinary studies, business, and nursing. Master’s degree options include educational technology, food safety, business administration, engineering, and many more. Students who wish to apply for terminal degrees can choose from four distinct doctoral programs.

6. Oregon State University

NORTHWEST COMMISSION ON COLLEGES AND UNVERSITIES (NWCCU)

URL: http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/

In-State Tuition: $10,366

Point Scored: 13

Oregon State University is one of the top regionally accredited online universities in the United States. The university offers over 1,000 unique courses and 45 different degree programs which include; bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees as well as graduate certificates.

The course students take from Oregon State University’s eCampus are direct reflections of the university’s stellar on-campus offerings. Undergraduate programs include majors in political science, anthropology, environmental sciences, and business administration. Available Master’s degree programs are in business, natural resource sciences, education, science and engineering, and public policy. OSU is also home to an online Ph.D. in Counselling.

7. College of Coastal Georgia

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: http://www.ccga.edu/page.cfm?p=695

In-State Tuition: $3,821

Point Scored: 12

The College of Coastal Georgia is one of the cheapest accredited online colleges in the United States of America. At the moment, the school only offers bachelor’s degrees online, and they include; Bachelor of Applied Science in Workforce Management and Leadership, Bachelor of Arts programs in both French and Spanish Language and Literature, and an RN to BSN program.

Apart from fully online options, these programs are also offered via a hybrid format. The College of Coast Georgia prides itself on providing online programs that are not only convenient and flexible but also highly interactive and engaging too.

8. University of Central Florida

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: https://www.ucf.edu/online/

In-State Tuition: $6,368

Points Scored: 12

The University of Central Florida offers more than 80 degrees and certificate programs completely online, little wonder it is considered as one of the best accredited online universities in the United States of America. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs as well as degree completion programs. Undergraduates can choose majors such as communication and conflict, international and global studies, health services administration, and legal studies. Master’s degree programs are available in digital forensics, exceptional student education, aerospace engineering, hospitality and tourism, management, and many others.

9. Florida International University

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: http://fiuonline.fiu.edu/about-us/why-choose-fiu-online/index.php

In-State Tuition: $6,556

Points Scored: 12

Florida International University is regarded as one of the top accredited online colleges because of the diverse degree options it offers its online students. For example, apart from the traditional undergraduate offerings in early childhood education, communication arts, and finance, the university also offers a unique bachelor’s in Asian studies as well as a major in hospitality management.

For Master’s degree students, FIU offers degree options in African and African Diaspora Studies, construction management, and forensic science.

10. Southeast Missouri State University

HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION

URL: http://www.semo.edu/online/

In-State Tuition: $6,990

Points Scored: 12

The Southeast Missouri State University offers o=more than 30 different degree and certificate programs, which meets the needs of students who are looking for accredited online colleges in the US.

The university offers bachelor’s degrees in subjects such as business administration, criminal justice, computer information systems, healthcare administration, and family studies. Master’s degree programs include; applied behavior analysis, elementary education, criminal justice, general management, exceptional child education, public administration, etc.

Two educational specialist degrees are also available, one in education administration and the other in teacher leadership. Southeast Missouri State University’s distance education students are taught by the same faculty members who teach on-campus classes.

11. Sam Houston State University

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: http://online.shsu.edu/

In-State Tuition: $7,762

Points Scored: 12

Sam Houston State University is among the most affordable accredited online colleges in the United States, this in part is as a result of scholarship opportunities the school offers to online students. You will find over 40 different degree programs in the school, which range from bachelor’s to doctoral levels.

Bachelor’s programs include criminal justice, history, general business administration, sociology, and psychology. Master’s offerings include degrees in communication studies, curriculum and instruction, banking and financial institution, digital forensics, homeland security studies, etc. Teachers who are interested in nationally accredited inline colleges can pursue EdD degrees in Developmental Education Administration and Instructional Technology from Sam Houston State University.

12. University of North Dakota

HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION

URL: http://und.edu/academics/extended-learning/online-distance/

In-State Tuition: $8,139

Points Scored: 12

The University of North Dakota makes this list of the top 30 best and fully accredited online colleges because of its combination of quality and affordability. The university has over 50 degree and certificate programs, ranging from bachelors to doctoral programs as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates.

Bachelor’s degree programs at the University of North Dakota include; communication, social science, engineering, medical laboratory science, and psychology. Master’s degrees include aviation, electrical engineering, and forensic psychology.

The University also has an impressive list of online doctoral programs which includes; programs in aerospace sciences, higher education, environmental engineering, and much more. Students benefit from resources associated with the most nationally accredited online colleges, such as online tutoring, student success and coaching, and writing assistance.

13. Eastern Oregon University

NORTHWEST COMMISSION ON COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (NWCCU)

URL: https://www.eou.edu/online/

In-State Tuition: $8,004

Points Scored: 11

Eastern Oregon University is among the leading accredited online colleges for undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Students who enroll in the university have several undergraduate majors to choose from, such as; anthropology/sociology, politics and economics, early childhood education, and communication studies.

Bachelor’s of Applied Science programs are also available in Eastern Oregon University in both business administration and emergency medical services administration. For graduate students, the university offers three master’s degree programs; MA in Teaching and MBA, and an ME in Education program. Students who started their degree in other universities can also transfer their program to YOU.

14. Georgia Southern University

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/online/

In-State Tuition: $6,273

Points Scored: 10

Georgia Southern University is among the fully accredited online colleges which offer programs in Business, education, and healthcare. Most of these programs are master’s degrees and they include programs in engineering management, kinesiology, applied economics, and instructional technology.

There are also three options for undergraduates: an RN to BSN, a Bachelor of General Studies, and a BS in Information Technology. Postgraduate offerings include several EdS programs and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Many programs can be completed via a hybrid or blended format.

15. Valdosta State University

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: https://www.valdosta.edu/academics/online-programs/

In-State Tuition: $6,297

Points Scored: 10

Valdosta State University is one of the most unique and popular fully accredited online colleges which gives distance education students an opportunity to complete their degrees via a competency-based education model. The university has a litany of online and hybrid programs which ranges from associate’s to doctoral levels, and minors, certificates, and endorsement are also available.

Bachelor’s degree programs in Valdosta State University include offerings in criminal justice, human capital performance, emergent media and communication, and organizational leadership. Master’s degree programs that are available include adult and career education, healthcare administration, educational leadership, and library and information science. In addition to the two distinct EdD programs, a doctoral program is also available.

16. Missouri State University – Springfield

HIGHER LERANING COMMISSION

URL: https://outreach.missouristate.edu/online/

In-State Tuition: $7,060

Points Scored: 10

Missouri State University – Springfield is also considered one of the best accredited online colleges for undergraduate and graduate students. The university provides fully online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates.

Bachelor’s degree programs from the university include programs in professional writing, hospitality leadership, finance, and information technology service management. Several undergraduate minors are also available, and they include; screenwriting and technical writing, religious studies, and diversity studies.

MSU-Springfield also offers a dozen of master’s degree options too such as communication, and history. Doctoral nursing students can pursue a general Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice. Transfer options are also available for degree completion students.

17. University of Maine-Augusta

COMMISSION ON INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION OF THE NEW ENGLAND ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES INC.

URL: https://www.uma.edu/academics/online/

In-State Tuition: $7,448

Points Scored: 10

The University of Maine-Augusta is one of the best accredited online universities in the Northeast and the US. It offers numerous fully online degree programs as well as hybrid programs. Some bachelor’s degree programs include those in business administration, information and library science, cybersecurity, mental health, and human services, etc.

The University of Maine-Augusta also offers post-baccalaureate programs in computer information systems, public administration, and justice studies. Like most of the top regionally accredited online colleges for undergraduates, the University of Maine-Augusta also offers several associates, minors, and certificate programs as well.

18. Lamar University

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: https://degree.lamar.edu/programs/

In-State Tuition: $8,146

Points Scored: 10

Lamar University is a member of the Texas State University, and it is one of the leading fully accredited online universities in the South and also in the United States. The university offers a comprehensive list of undergraduate programs which includes those in criminal justice, business, nursing, communication, and sociology.

Several online MBA programs are also offered by the university, with concentrations in construction project management, healthcare administration, enterprise resource planning, and criminal justice management.

Those in the teaching profession may consider pursuing one of the school’s online MEd programs with available concentrations in educational technology leadership, special education, teacher leadership, and school counseling. Students can take advantage of several start dates per year for added convenience.

19. Texas Tech University

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: https://www.texastech.edu/online.php

In-State Tuition: $8,428

Points Scored: 10

Because of its versatility, Texas Tech University is among the list of accredited online colleges in the United States. The university offers a number of unique undergraduate and post-graduate programs for its online students, and courses can be taken on a full-time or flexible part-time basis.

Texas Tech’s Division of eLearning and Academic Partnership offers bachelor’s degrees in applied leadership, general studies, university studies, and human sciences for instance. Master’s degree programs include those in English, civil engineering, strategic communication and innovation, agricultural communications, and so on. Doctoral programs are also numerous as it includes offerings in agricultural education, technical communication, special education, technical communication and rhetoric, systems and engineering management, etc. Transfer scholarships are also available.

20. Western Illinois University

HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION

URL: http://www.wiu.edu/online_learning/

In-State Tuition:  $12,655

Points Scored: 10

Western Illinois University tops the list of regionally accredited online colleges, this is because many of its distance learning options mirror the university’s high-quality on-campus programs. The university offers several bachelor’s degree programs which include a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with special emphasis on the environment. This program is unique and the only one of its kind offered in the state of Illinois.

Master’s degree program options include; business, elementary education, and infrastructural design and technology. Lecture schedules are flexible with no time limit designated for completion.

21. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION

URL: http://www.siue.edu/online/

In-State Tuition: $11,008

Points scored: 9

Being one of the most established regionally accredited online colleges in the United States of America, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offers individual online courses as well as full degree programs offered completely online via a blended format.

The school is geared mostly towards graduate students with only two bachelor’s-level programs, an accelerated RN to BSN program and a BS in Leadership in Organizations. Featured master’s degree options include programs in healthcare informatics, instructional technology, nursing education, and physical education and coaching pedagogy. A single doctoral program—the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)—is also available for postgraduate nursing students. SIU-Edwardsville’s online students benefit from a variety of support services, including tutoring, library, and counseling services.

22. Lee University

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: http://leeuniversity.edu/adult-learning/

In-State Tuition: $15,770

Points Scored: 8

Lee University is a top and very popular accredited online college that offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate programs from its Division of Adult Learning (DAL).

Undergraduate programs at Lee University include; business administration, criminal justice, and Christian studies. Master’s degree programs include programs in ministry studies, business administration, and marriage and family studies.

Online students can also pursue certificates in areas like intercultural studies, the Bible, Christian leadership, and pastoral studies. Like many of the best accredited online colleges, Lee University’s classes are asynchronous, which means students have the flexibility to make their own schedules. Hybrid courses are also available.

23. University of Alaska-Fairbanks

NORTHWEST COMMISSION ON COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (NWCCU)

URL: https://elearning.uaf.edu/

In-State Tuition: $5,976

Points Scored: 7

The University of Alaska-Fairbanks is categorized as one of the cheapest regionally accredited online colleges that offer a range of degrees, starting from certificate programs to graduate degrees. Associate degree programs from the university include subject areas like accounting, paralegal studies, applied business, and early childhood education. Bachelor’s programs include; homeland security and emergency management, psychology, justice, and business administration. A bachelor’s degree completion program is also available.

The University of Alaska-Fairbanks also offers Master’s degree options in the administration of justice, education (online innovation and design), security and disaster management, and special education. UAK also offers several occupational endorsements for those who wish to advance in their current careers.

24. Valley City State University

HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION

URL: http://online.vcsu.edu/

In-State Tuition: $7,196

Points Scored: 7

Valley City University is rated as one of the best accredited colleges for bachelor’s programs. Undergraduate students can choose from an array of majors from the university, which includes programs in English education, professional communication, and business process integration management.

Minor and certificate endorsement programs include psychology, library media, customer relationship management, and enterprise applications. A single Master’s degree program in education is also available from this online university. Distance education student at Valley City State University can take advantage of a variety of support services, which includes academic tutoring, library services, technical assistance, and counseling.

25. Kennesaw State University

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: http://learnonline.kennesaw.edu/

In-State Tuition: $6,060

Points Scored: 6

Located in the Southeast, Kennesaw State University is rated as one of the more comprehensive accredited online colleges. The University offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs and over 500 different online courses on both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Bachelor’s degree programs from KSU include programs in business administration, computing, engineering, and humanities. Master’s degree programs are offered in international policy and management, instructional technology, educational leadership, engineering, and lots more. Doctoral programs are also available in the university, and they include; teacher leadership and instructional technology.

26. California State University-East Bay

WASC SENIOR COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY COMMISSION

URL: http://www.csueastbay.edu/online/

In-State Tuition: $6,564

Points Scored: 6

When you are thinking of value, then an accredited online college that should come to your mind is California State University-East Bay. The university offers affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as credential and certificate programs from a top-tier public university.

Bachelor’s degree programs from the university include; ethnic studies, business administration, recreation, and human development. Master’s options include offerings in recreation and tourism, healthcare administration, and education leadership. Hybrid and degree programs degree completion programs also available, and classes are scheduled on a flexible quarter system.

27. University of Maine-Fort Kent

COMMISSION ON INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION (CIHE) OF THE NEW ENGLAND ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES (NEASC)

URL: https://www.umfk.edu/distance/

In-State Tuition: $7,575

Points Scored: 6

The University of Maine-Fort Kent is one of the most popular fully accredited online colleges for undergraduates in the United States of America. It offers a variety of degrees and certificate programs.

Associate’s degree-level programs include options in allied health, conservation law enforcement, general studies, criminal justice, health information technology, and information security.

Bachelor’s degree programs are available in areas like; accounting, rural public safety administration, healthcare administration, and cybersecurity. A fully online RN to BSN program is also available. For students who desire a mixture of online and traditional classes, hybrid options are also offered.

28. University of Texas at the Permian Basin

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: https://www.utpb.edu/online/

In-State Tuition: $5,774

The University of Texas at the Permian Basin is an affordable choice for regionally accredited online colleges. The university offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs as well as several certificates and endorsements.

Bachelor’s degree programs are offered in areas like; child and family studies, political science, industrial technology, management, marketing, etc. Graduate students can make options in a general MBA and an MBA in Finance. There are also programs in English, public administration, education, and kinesiology.

It is important that you also note that some of these online degree programs are offered in collaboration with other accredited online colleges in the Texas University system through the University of Texas Online consortium (UTOC).

29. University of West Georgia

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES (SACSCOC)

URL: https://uwgonline.westga.edu/

In-State Tuition: $6,143

Points Scored: 5

Many publications have written about the University of West Georgia as one of the best accredited online colleges in terms of value. Courses from the university are offered both partially and fully online, and hybrid options are also available as well.

Students in this university can choose from undergraduate degrees in nursing, criminology, organizational leadership, sociology, and political science among others. Master’s degree programs include degree programs in early childhood education, computer science, music education, media, reading instruction, and public administration.

Doctorate degree programs include; higher education administration, school improvement, and nursing education. Like other fully accredited online colleges listed in this ranking. the University of West Georgia also offers several certificates and endorsements online.

30. Minot State University

HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION OF THE NORTH CENTRAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS

URL: http://www.minotstateu.edu/online/

In-State Tuition: $6,568

Points Scored: 5

Last, but not least in my list of top 30 fully accredited online colleges in the United State of America is the Minot State University. It is one of the most seasoned online colleges you will find in this ranking. The university has been offering online education for nearly two decades now.

Minot State University offers nine different undergraduate programs, including a bachelor’s degree in management information systems, international business, information technology, applied business, and marketing. A BSN completion program is also available.

Master’s degree programs are available in information systems, sports management, general management, and special education. In addition to the traditional support services typically offered by accredited online colleges, MSU also offers disability and multicultural studies.

Conclusion

This sums it up in the ranking of the top 30 accredited online colleges in the United States of America for the year 2018. You can log on to the websites of the various universities to get more information.