In recent years, the US has seen an explosion of online colleges. And many public universities and private colleges now offer online degrees. These remote degree programs offer several advantages compared to on-campus programs. Online colleges make it much easier for people who cannot leave their careers behind to attend college. They have tremendous flexibility. And that makes working a full-time job and attending college an achievable goal.
Not too long ago, students didn’t have the opportunity to advance their education as they can now. And at one time, online programs were considered second-rate compared to traditional programs. However, the perception of online education has shifted dramatically. Now, even greater satisfaction rates are reported among graduates of online colleges and nontraditional programs.
Featured Programs
In this ranking, we look at 50 nonprofit online public colleges and public universities. Each of these schools has put significant resources into developing online educational programs.
Some schools have developed entire independent online degree program divisions. These include online colleges like CSU Global and PSU Global. Others have converted many of their current on-campus programs to include remote students.
Many online colleges have put extensive efforts into increasing the accessibility of education. And this shows in their remote programs. These online colleges are using their resources responsibly. And they have created academic and professional programs that rival their on-campus versions.
We believe these online colleges deserve recognition. These state universities with online programs have proven themselves over and over. Therefore, this article features the top 50 public universities with well-developed online academic programs.
Looking for other state universities that offer online degrees for graduate students? Check out 50 Best Nonprofit Colleges & Universities for Online Master’s Degrees
Our Methodology for Ranking the Best Public Online Colleges
To qualify for this ranking, all public universities and online colleges must be regionally accredited. They must also be publicly funded with at least 20 remote academic programs to offer. Additionally, each of the online colleges has a recognizable online degree program division. Finally, our ranking takes into account various data in areas such as:
- Academic excellence
- Faculty
- Reputation
- Range of degree programs
- Affordability
You’ll find a wide variety of online education programs in this review. We are particularly interested in online colleges dedicated to expanding the accessibility of education. And this is evident by the resources they have put into developing online programs. These online colleges are not arranged in any particular order. All deserve an equal place on our list of the top online colleges and public universities.
You may also like: 50 MOST AFFORDABLE NONPROFIT ONLINE COLLEGES
Ranking the Best Online Public University Programs
#1. Arizona State University Online
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona, and was founded in 1885. It is the largest public university in the nation, enrolling over 100,000 students. ASU has been highly ranked among public universities by many publications. Currently, it has the number seven bachelor’s online degree program in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.
Students can enroll in over 300 online programs through the school’s ASU Online platform. These programs include online bachelor’s degree programs, plus master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. The undergraduate offerings include business, film, marketing, and many more degrees.
Students enrolling in ASU Online get the same academic support as they would on-campus. This includes access to counselors, academic advisors, and success coaches. In addition, most courses online are offered in an asynchronous format. This allows students to tackle their coursework on their own time.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 300
#2. University of Missouri Online
The University of Missouri is a public research university founded in 1839. Known as Mizzou to its over 30,000 students, UM comprises 19 different colleges. The University of Missouri offers over 300 various online academic programs. It is one of the best online colleges in Missouri.
UM students who want to study online do so through the Missouri Online platform. This platform offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. Most programs are 100 percent online and do not require students to visit campus. Courses online in this program are offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 300
See also: TOP 25 NONPROFIT ONLINE COLLEGES IN MISSOURI
#3. Fort Hays State University Online
Located in Hays, Kansas, FHSU was established in 1902. It is a public research university. Today, FHSU enrolls a little over 15,000 students across its four colleges. Students enrolled at FHSU can select from a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Those looking for online education can enroll in FHSU Online. FHSU Online offers approximately 200 different online programs. These programs are offered across undergraduate and graduate levels. And they span degrees including accounting, computer science, health studies, philosophy, and more. In addition, the online courses are offered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats. This allows students the flexibility to choose the level of structure they need.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 200
#4. UMass Online
The University of Massachusetts is a public research University headquarter in Amherst. Over the years, it has grown into a five-campus university system. Established in 1863, UMass enrolls a total of 71,000 students. This New England College is frequently nationally recognized for academic excellence in online colleges.
UMass Online offers over 200 degrees and 4,000 courses online. Online programs offered include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. In addition, students can choose from dozens of online courses offered. These include business, management, education, information technology, health sciences, and more. UMass online college students have access to the same resources as those attending programs on campus.
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools & Colleges
Programs: approx. 200
#5. Purdue University Global
Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Established in 1869, Purdue enrolls nearly 46,000 students across its seven campuses. Additionally, Purdue University Global has one of the largest international student populations of any college in the country.
Purdue University offers students online degree programs through its Purdue University Global campus. Purdue University Global is built on industry-leading online education technologies. And it offers students over 175 different online degree programs. These programs include nursing, aviation, business, communication, and many others.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 175
#6. Indiana University Online
Indiana University is a public university located in Bloomington, Indiana. Founded in 1820, IU enrolls over 110,000 students across its various campuses. The Bloomington campus is the school’s largest, with 40,000 students enrolled. IU is considered one of the best state colleges in the country.
Indiana University operates IU Online, the school’s remote education platform. This program is geared towards working adults and students who wish to study online. Online college students enrolled at IU can select from more than 200 remote programs. These programs include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. Students will find online courses in labor studies, informatics, philanthropy, business, education, and more.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 200
#7. Penn State World Campus
Penn State is a public university located in University Park, Pennsylvania. Established in 1855, Penn State has grown to become one of the largest universities in the nation. The school with 20 campuses and a staggering 100,000 students.
Nearly 20,000 of those students are enrolled at Penn State World Campus, the school’s online division. It is thought to be one of the best public online universities in the US. Students attending World Campus can enroll in more than 170 different academic programs. Whether you’re interested in a bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or certification program, World Campus has a degree for you. The online courses at World Campus are asynchronous. So students can do their coursework on their own schedules.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Programs: approx. 170
Related: TOP 25 NONPROFIT ONLINE COLLEGES IN PENNSYLVANIA
#8. University of Nebraska Online
The University of Nebraska has grown to become the state of Nebraska’s top public university. Founded in 1869, the college operates four campuses. Plus, there is an additional agricultural and technical college.
The University of Nebraska also operates the University of Nebraska Online. This platform collects programs from various UN campuses and offers them online. Currently, students can choose from over 150 different academic programs. These include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. In addition, students enrolled at UN Online can choose from an abundance of online courses. These include agriculture, business, engineering, family studies, and more.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 150
#9. University of Wisconsin eCampus
The University of Wisconsin is the flagship university of the UW System. Currently, the UW System is one of the largest public university systems in the country, with over 170,000 students. These students attend courses at any of the thirteen different UW System campuses.
Students who want to attend UW for online education can enroll in the University of Wisconsin eCampus. The eCampus is a collection of different online programs offered across the school’s various campuses. The online courses are offered in both an asynchronous and synchronous format. They are also offered entirely online or in a flexible, hybrid format. The hybrid programs are ideal for students who want to attend campus occasionally.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 150
#10. University of Arizona Online
Founded in 1885, the University of Arizona is one of the top public universities in the state and country. Nearly 46,000 students are currently enrolled at the University of Arizona. UA is ranked by US News & World Report as having the number seven online bachelor’s program in the nation.
Students interested in remote degree programs can enroll at University of Arizona Online. The online division currently offers 124 different online academic programs to choose from. These programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Many of the online courses are available asynchronously so students can take them on their own time. Students can enroll in bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or certification programs.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 124
Related: TOP 5 NONPROFIT ONLINE COLLEGES IN ARIZONA
#11. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is the state’s largest and oldest public university. Founded in 1883, the University of North Dakota predates North Dakota’s statehood. It has a student body of around 15,000 and is considered one of the region’s best schools.
UND offers its online degree programs through UND Online. UND Online has roots in the University of North Dakota’s correspondence courses dating back to 1911. Now, UND Online offers hundreds of online degree programs. Students can choose from areas of study like accounting, businesses, engineering, history, and many more. In addition, students can choose online courses from a self-paced enroll-anytime format or a semester-based format.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 124
#12. University of Alabama at Birmingham Online
Founded in 1969, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is the flagship institution in the University of Alabama System. The system is made up of 12 different colleges enrolling almost 21,000 students. The school is also home to the UAB Health System.
Students at UAB who wish to study online need to look no further than UAB Online. The school’s online campus is designed for all types of learners. The programs are highly flexible and cater to both working professionals and full-time students. UAB Online offers degree programs and online courses to suit many scheduling needs. In addition, UAB Online students can choose bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 100
#13. California University of Pennsylvania Online
California University of Pennsylvania is one of the state’s most prominent public universities. Founded in 1852, the college is located in California, Pennsylvania. And it educates nearly 7,000 students a year. It’s considered one of the best online public universities in the country.
Aspiring online students can enroll in over 100 programs at Cal U Online. Each online degree program is designed to be affordable and flexible. Additionally, the online courses offered are presented in an asynchronous format. Students can choose from bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Programs: approx. 100
#14. University of Cincinnati Online
The University of Cincinnati is the oldest higher education institution in Cincinnati. Founded in 1819, UC is home to over. The school is number 33 among America’s public research universities and boasts 46,000 students. It has been recognized countless times for academic excellence.
UC Online is the University of Cincinnati’s online learning campus. Students enrolled at UC Online can choose from dozens of online programs at all degree levels. Most are offered in an asynchronous format to ensure that students can work their education into their schedule easily and flexibly. These programs are based on the same high-quality curriculum taught on the UC campus.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 100
#15. East Carolina University
Founded in 1907, East Carolina University is one of the top public research universities in North Carolina. Currently, ECU enrolls over 29,000 students. It’s one of the best online public universities in the nation.
Students at ECU can enroll in courses offered through ECU Online. ECU Online offers over 100 different academic programs to its students. These include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. The programs are great options for working professionals, as many of the courses are offered in an asynchronous format. The online instructors also teach the same classes on the school’s campus.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 100
#16. Texas Tech University Worldwide
Located in Lubbock, Texas, Texas Tech University was first founded in 1923. and has grown to become one of the largest public universities in Texas. Over 30,000 students are currently enrolled at Texas Tech University. And it is thought to be one of the best online public universities in the country.
Students at Texas Tech can enroll in courses offered online through the TTU Worldwide eLearning platform. TTU Worldwide has over 100 different academic programs online. These programs include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. Some of the areas of study include sociology, architecture, communication, and many more. These courses are offered in tandem with their on-campus counterparts.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 100
#17. Kansas State University Global
Founded in 1863, KSU is a public university. Located in Manhattan, Kansas, KSU is the first public University in Kansas. More than 20,000 students are currently enrolled at the college. It is one of the best online public universities in the state.
Students can choose from over 100 online programs at KSU Global Campus. There are programs at all degree levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. These programs are designed with many different students in mind. That includes both full-time students and working professionals. They are taught by the same award-winning instructors that teach on campus.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 100
#18. University of Memphis Global
Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the University of Memphis was established in 1912. Today, the University of Memphis has grown to become one of the state’s best online colleges, and it enrolls almost 21,000 students.
Students at UofM can enroll in degree programs through the University of Memphis Global campus. U of M Global campus offers some of the most consistently high-ranked programs for online education. In addition, students can currently select from over 100 undergraduate and graduate online degrees. Many are offered asynchronously, adding flexibility to course scheduling.
Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 100
#19. Florida International University Online
Founded in 1965, Florida International University is located in Miami, Florida. One of the top public universities in the state, FIU enrolls over 54,000 students.
FIU offers online degrees to students via FIU Online. On this platform, students can choose from over 100 academic programs. These programs include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. FIU online education is designed with flexibility in mind. Working professionals and full-time online students can both create schedules to suit their needs.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 100
#20. Ball State University Online
Ball State University was founded in 1918 and is now one of the top public universities in Indiana. Located in Muncie, BSU enrolls nearly 22,000 students. The school has also received a “high research activity” classification from Carnegie Classification.
BSU offers students online degrees through Ball State Online. BSU Online offers over 100 different academic programs for students to choose from. These include bachelor’s, associate’s, master’s, certification, and doctoral programs. Degrees offered by BSU can be completed in either part-time or full-time formats. In addition, all of them are provided in an asynchronous format.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 100
#21. University of Arkansas Global Campus
Located in Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas was founded in 1971. As one of the state’s top public universities, it has a student population of over 27,000. The UA system comprises six campuses.
Students wishing to pursue a degree online can enroll in the University of Arkansas Global Campus. The Global Campus offers students dozens of online degree programs to choose from. These degrees include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. Most can be completed entirely online, and many of them feature asynchronous classes.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 96
#22. University of Illinois Online
The University of Illinois is one of the largest public universities in Illinois. Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois’s flagship location is Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. Currently, over 52,000 students are enrolled at UIUC.
For those interested in pursuing an online degree, UIUC offers programs via Illinois Online. Illinois Online has dozens of academic programs to enroll in. Students enrolled in these programs can choose from high-quality undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition, the programs are designed with working professionals in mind. This allows students greater control over their course schedule.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
#23. Texas A&M University Distance Education
Located in College Station, Texas, Texas A&M University was initially founded in 1876. The flagship of the Texas A&M state university system, Texas A&M University enrolls just over 68,000 students.
Texas A&M students can earn online degrees through its Distance Education department. Students enrolled in distance education can choose from nearly 100 programs. These programs include 57 graduate online degrees, 47 certificate programs, and one undergraduate program. Texas A&M has designed these programs with working professionals in mind. Additionally, many of the programs are offered in an asynchronous format.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 99
You may also like: TOP 30 NONPROFIT ONLINE COLLEGES IN TEXAS
#24. Upper Iowa University Distance Learning
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a public university in Fayette, Iowa. Upper Iowa University is one of the oldest universities in Iowa. Upper Iowa University has grown to become one of the brightest academic institutions in the state. And it has a student body of just over 6,000.
Students at Upper Iowa University can enroll in online courses through Upper Iowa University Online. There are over 90 different academic programs for students to choose from. The school uses rolling start dates throughout the year. This means that online students never have to wait more than two months for a new class to start. In addition, online degrees are offered in a self-paced format. As a result, students can accomplish their learning on a schedule that works best for them.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 90
#25. Oregon State University eCampus
Located in Corvallis, Oregon, OSU is a public land-grant research university. Founded in 1868, OSU is now home to a student body of just over 32,000 students. As the largest university in Oregon, OSU offers over 95 academic programs online.
Students wishing to pursue an online degree can enroll in OSU eCampus. The available programs range from 100% online to hybrid degree programs. These degrees include both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Some of the areas of study include computer science, botany, economics, and many others. Students can visit the OSU eCampus website to get a feel for their online learning platform.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities
Programs: approx. 95
See also: TOP 15 NONPROFIT ONLINE COLLEGES IN OREGON
#26. New Mexico State University Online
Founded in 1888, NMSU is a research university in Las Cruces, New Mexico. One of the oldest public institutions of higher education, the college is one of the most important universities in the country. Currently, just over 24,000 students are enrolled at the school.
NMSU offers students online degrees through its NMSU Online campus. Students enrolled in NMSU Online can choose from dozens of degree programs. There are 100% online bachelor’s degrees and online graduate degrees with some on-campus components. The programs are designed for working professionals and full-time students alike. And many of the courses are offered asynchronously.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 70
#27. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida was founded in 1963. A part of the state university system of Florida, UCF is a research university that enrolls just over 69,000 students.
Aspiring online students can enroll in a degree program offered through the UCF Online platform. At UCF Online, students can choose from a catalog of over 100 different academic programs. These programs include both undergraduate and graduate degree options. Some of the most popular programs include nursing, anthropology, and psychology. In addition, these programs are offered in various formats to suit students’ scheduling needs.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 70
Related: TOP 25 ONLINE COLLEGES IN FLORIDA
#28. University of Alabama – Bama By Distance
Founded in 1820, the University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Home to over 37,000 students, the University of Alabama is the largest public university in the state.
UA offers students online degree programs through their Bama By Distance program. Bama By Distance boasts a catalog of over 70 innovative programs. These include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and specialist programs. These programs are made up of online courses and streamed videos. Most of these programs are offered entirely online, but others are hybrid degrees. In addition, most of the courses Bama By Distance provides are delivered asynchronously.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 70
#29. Utah State University Online
Located in Logan, Utah, USU is the flagship university of the Utah state university system. Founded in 1888, it is home to a student body of nearly 27,000. And it is the largest public university in the state.
Students at the university can enroll in online degrees through the school’s USU Online platform. USU Online is made up of over 60 different academic programs. These programs include both undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are 100% online. USU Online has been operating for 25 years and has had over 150,000 students enrolled in the online platform. The programs are designed for full-time students, part-time students, and working professionals.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities
Programs: approx. 60
#30. Florida State University
The oldest public university in Florida, FSU, was founded in 1851. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, FSU is part of the University System of Florida. Currently, the school has a student body of almost 42,000. It is considered one of the best public universities online.
FSU offers online degrees to students through Distance@FSU. Distance@FSU offers students 60 different online degree programs to choose from. These programs include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. Many of these programs are 100% online, but some are hybrid. In addition, they are offered in synchronous and asynchronous formats. This way, students can choose the learning option that works best for them.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 60
#31. Mississippi State University Online
Established in 1878, MSU now enrolls over 21,000 students. Located in Starkville, Mississippi, MSU is one of the top universities in the region.
Students at MSU can enroll in MSU Online. The platform offers over 60 online degree programs. These programs include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. Courses offered by MSU Online are offered synchronously and asynchronously. MSU has designed them with full-time students and working professionals in mind.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Online Programs: approx. 60
See also: TOP 10 NONPROFIT ONLINE COLLEGES IN MISSISSIPPI
#32. Northern Arizona University Online
Northern Arizona University was established in 1899. The school is the first public university in Arizona and enrolls around 30,000 students. It is one of the top public universities in Arizona,
NAU students can pursue a degree online through Northern Arizona University Online. Students can choose from fully accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Online degree programs at NAU are offered in two different formats. These include traditional online and competency-based online. Traditional online leverages a more synchronous format. And competency-based online uses more asynchronous courses.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 50
#33. University of Louisville Online
The University of Louisville is a research university. It was established in 1798. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, UofL enrolls over 21,000 students. The university has received Carnegie Classification for high levels of doctoral research.
Aspiring online students at the University of Louisville can enroll at the University of Louisville Online. It is consistently rated among the top online universities and offers over 50 online degree programs. These programs include bachelor’s, master’s, and certification programs. The programs offered by UofL Online can be either synchronous or asynchronous.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 50
#34. Central Michigan University Global Campus
Central Michigan University is one of the largest universities in the nation. Founded in 1892, it is located in Mount Pleasant. CMU Central is home to a student body of almost 22,000.
CMU students can enroll in degree programs through Central Michigan University Global Campus. There are over 200 programs to choose from at all levels. These programs include bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs. Some are offered in an accelerated format. This allows students to complete their education faster. CMU’s Global Campus offers courses of different lengths. Students can choose from eight-week, twelve-week, and sixteen-week formats. In addition, many courses offered through Central Michigan University Global Campus are asynchronous.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 50
Related: TOP 20 NONPROFIT ONLINE COLLEGES IN MICHIGAN
#35. University of Oklahoma Online
Established in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is located in Norman, Oklahoma. A research university, the University of Oklahoma enrolls a student body of just under 29,000 students.
Students at the University of Oklahoma can enroll in OU Online to earn an online degree. Currently, OU Online offers students over 50 different online degree programs. Of these programs, over 30 are graduate programs, and 15 are certificate programs. These programs include undergraduate, graduate, and certification programs. Many of these programs are offered 100 percent online. Courses are offered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 50
#36. University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a public university in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina is one of the best online colleges in the region. Over 52,000 students are currently enrolled at USC.
USC has over 50 online graduate and post-graduate programs. They are offered in a flexible online format. This allows students to earn an online degree either part-time to full-time. The school also has two online programs for undergraduates. These include nursing and interdisciplinary studies. Students can enroll in any of the programs through the University of South Carolina Online.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 50
#37. Western Kentucky University Online
Western Kentucky University is home to over 21,000 students. It is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Western Kentucky University is now widely regarded as one of the best public online colleges in Kentucky.
Students at Western Kentucky University can enroll in online degrees through WKU Online. WKU Online students can choose from a large selection of online degree programs. These programs include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, many of which are offered entirely online. In addition, courses in this program are typically delivered in an accelerated format. They are also often made available in an asynchronous format.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 46
#38. Ohio State University Online
OSU is one of the top public research universities in Ohio. Located in Columbus, the college was first established in 1870. Today, OSU has over 67,000 students and is thought of as one of the best public online colleges in Ohio.
Those interested in earning an online degree from OSU can attend Ohio State Online. Ohio State Online offers students online education with remote certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Many of the programs are offered entirely online, but some are made available in a hybrid format.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 42
See also: TOP 25 NONPROFIT ONLINE COLLEGES IN OHIO
#39. CSU Global
CSU currently enrolls over 34,000 students. Established in 1870, CSU is the flagship university of the Colorado state university system.
Students who want to earn an online degree from CSU can enroll in CSU Global, which offers more than 40 online degrees. These online degrees include both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Courses in the programs are offered in an accelerated format and have no set times or locations. Instead, students can join in on monthly start dates, allowing for even more flexibility over how and when they earn their degrees.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 40
#40. Southeast Missouri State University Online
SEMO is a public university in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Founded in 1873, it currently enrolls over 10,000 students. SEMO has earned the reputation of being one of the best online colleges in the state.
SEMO students can enroll in an online degree through Southeast Online. Students registered with Southeast Online can select from 40 different online education. Online degrees include bachelor’s, master’s, certification, and specialist degrees. Most of the programs are available entirely online. SEMO Online is constantly updating its online degree offerings and has rotating start dates throughout the year. These programs are designed with both working professionals and full-time students in mind.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 40
#41. Sam Houston State University Online
SHSU is one of the oldest public universities in Texas. Located in Huntsville, it was founded in 1879. SHSU is a member of the Texas University System. Currently, the college enrolls over 21,000 students.
SHSU students can enroll in programs from SHSU Online. A wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs are available. Most have an entirely online format. And generally, they do not require students to visit the campus. The online degrees are identical to their on-campus counterparts. In addition, SHSU Online allows students to schedule their courses however they want. This makes it an excellent option for working professionals hoping to advance their careers.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 40
You may also like: Top Scholarships for Online Students
#42. Kennesaw State University
Established in 1963, KSU has a student body of over 32,000 students. A public university, KSU is located in Kennesaw, Georgia. It is considered one of the best public online colleges in Georgia.
KSU offers students online degrees through the KSU Online platform. Students enrolled in KSU Online can choose from over 40 different online degrees. These programs include doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s programs. The school also has online minors, endorsements, and certificates.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 40
#43. West Virginia University
West Virginia University currently enrolls over 29,000 students. Founded in 1867, Located in Morgantown, WVU is one of the best public online colleges in the region.
Those who wish to pursue an online degree at WVU can enroll in WVU Online. WVU Online offers students over 40 different online degrees. Alongside those degrees, students can also choose from over 20 certificate programs. Some of the most popular degrees at WVU Online include an Online RN-BSN, a master of social work online, and many others. WVU Online offers the courses both asynchronously and synchronously.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 40
#44. University of Louisiana at Monroe Online
The University of Louisiana at Monroe was founded in 1931. It is located in Monroe, Louisiana, and is part of the University of Louisiana System. The school has a student population of just over 8,800 students.
ULM students interested in online degrees can enroll in ULM Online. ULM Online offers a catalog of over 35 degrees to select from, all 100 percent online. Students enrolled at ULM Online can choose from online associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Courses in this program are offered in eight-week blocks. Most of the online degrees offered by ULM Online utilize a synchronous format.
Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 35
#45. Washington State University Global Campus
Located in Pullman, Washington, WSU enrolls over 29,000 students. Founded in 1890, the college has become one of the best public online colleges in the Northwest.
WSU offers students a range of online education programs through its WSU Global Campus. Students enrolled at this public online university can choose from:
- 21 online undergraduate degrees
- 13 online graduate degrees
- 13 certificate programs
There is also an online teaching endorsement. These programs are all offered to students entirely online. WSU has designed its online degrees with flexibility in mind. And the programs leverage the latest online learning technologies. As a result, students can be assured they will get the same quality education as they would on-campus.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities
Programs: approx. 48
For the best public universities with online degrees, you might like the Largest Nonprofit Online Universities
#46. North Dakota State University Online
NDSU is the flagship of the North Dakota University System. Located in Fargo, NDSU enrolls over 13,000 students.
Students interested in earning an online degree from NDSU can enroll in NDSU Online. NDSU Online offers students over 30 different online education programs to choose from. The majority of the NDSU Online degrees are graduate-level programs. These online graduate degrees are designed for both working professionals and full-time students. The programs cover education, merchandising, public health, software engineering, and more.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 30
#47. Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University is one of the top public universities in Kentucky. It was founded in 1906. Located in Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University enrolls over 17,000 students.
EKU Online offers a selection of over 30 online education programs. These programs are designed to be completed entirely online with no campus visits. EKU Online degrees are flexible and ideal for working professionals. Courses are offered in an eight-week format. EKU Online allows students to make their schedules as flexible as they’d like.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 30
#48. University of Colorado at Denver
The University of Colorado at Denver currently enrolls over 18,000 students. This public university was established in 1912. The University of Colorado at Denver has grown to encompass two different campuses.
To earn an online degree from CU Denver, students must enroll in CU Denver Online. Students can choose from over 25 remote programs. These programs include undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Students enrolled at CU Denver Online have the same academic support and student services as on-campus students. Courses in this program leverage the latest in online learning technologies available to online colleges.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 25
Related: TOP 25 NONPROFIT ONLINE COLLEGES IN MISSOURI
#49. University of Florida Online
The University of Florida is a land-grant and space-grant public university. It was established in 1853 and is located in Gainesville. It is one of the most prominent schools in the University System of Florida. Currently, the school enrolls over 56,000 students.
The University of Florida offers many online degrees to students via UF Online. The school offers online degrees in 24 majors. Plus, they have many online master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. Some of the most popular programs offered are criminology, computer science, and more.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
Programs: approx. 24
#50. University of New Mexico Online
The University of New Mexico is one of the top public universities in New Mexico. Located in Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico was founded in 1889. Today, the college has a population of just over 27,000 students. It is one of the most popular online colleges in the state.
Students enrolled at the UNM can enroll in online degrees through UNM Online. UNM Online offers students over 30 different online programs to choose from. They have flexible scheduling and leverage the latest in remote learning technologies. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available. Some of the most popular programs include cybersecurity, engineering, and dental hygiene. Courses are offered in an eight-week format, allowing for accelerated completion of these programs.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programs: approx. 20
This concludes our ranking of the Best Online Colleges and Public Universities.
NPCO Staff
