What Are the Top Online Colleges?

By DeVry University

February 23 2022

4 min read

Going back to school is an important decision – and choosing which online university you attend is a critical step. With all the options available, how can you ensure that you’re making the right choice?

It helps to start by thinking about what you’re looking for. Whether it’s flexible learning options, student support like tutoring and career coaching or finding a hands-on program in your specific area of study, you want to narrow your list down to the top online colleges for you.

Let’s dig into some of the questions you may have as well as the points you should consider as you begin your search, including:

Why is Online College a Good Choice?

In today’s ever-connected world, many of us are balancing a packed schedule. From work and family to sports, hobbies and social activities, it’s no surprise that we sometimes struggle to find time to focus on ourselves.

That’s where online learning can help. With 100% online programs, you get the flexibility to study when and where it’s convenient, whether you’re completing assignments on your lunch break or powering up your laptop after the kids go to bed. When looking for the best online colleges for you, be sure to find out how each school can help you fit studying into your life.

Does it Matter Where I Go to College?

It does – but not for the reasons you may think. In fact, business leaders responding to a survey by Gallup said that when it comes to hiring decisions, a candidate’s knowledge and skills are significantly more important than where a candidate attended school. So, why does it matter which school you pick?

To start, where you choose to attend college can have a significant impact on both what and how you learn. Here are some questions to consider as you begin your search:

- Is the school accredited?
- Accreditation is important because it shows that the school has met certain quality standards. This means that a third-party provider has evaluated the school to ensure that their programs, courses and services can, in fact, help you learn the necessary skills you need to pursue related careers in your field of study. Not only has the school completed a rigorous application process, but they must consistently meet and maintain those standards in order retain their accreditation status.
- Will this program help me achieve my goals?
- When choosing a college, be sure to dig into the curriculum and course descriptions of the program you are interested in. This will give you a clearer explanation of what you’ll learn – and help you better determine if it will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to pursue the jobs you’re most interested in.
- How will the school support me?
- Even the strongest students can benefit from a little support here and there. A good school will offer you a variety of resources that you can leverage as needed, like one-on-one tutoring, financial aid guidance, counseling services, resume support and so much more.
- Does it fit my lifestyle?
Let’s be honest – you’re not going to learn much if you’re struggling to fit lectures and coursework into your busy schedule. If flexibility is critical to your success, look for a school that offers things like virtual tools and resources and shortened class sessions. At DeVry, for example, each of our classes can be completed in just 8 weeks.

What are the Top Online Colleges?

Determining the best online colleges comes down to your own personal preferences and what works for you. However, if you’re looking for some reassurance in your decision, there are many lists available online to help point you in the right direction.

In a study of America’s Best Online Learning Schools in 2022, for example, Newsweek and Statista ranked DeVry University among “America’s Top Online Colleges.” This particular list was developed based on survey responses from over 9,000 online learners, as well as additional research.

Is an Online Degree as Good as a Traditional Degree?

As long as you enroll at an accredited university, a good online degree program should offer you the same quality education as traditional in-person classes would. When talking with admissions representatives, be inquisitive. Do online classes provide opportunities to collaborate with peers? Are professors available to answer any questions you may have? Will you have access to the same tools and support as on-campus students, such as library resources, tutoring and career services? Understanding the online student experience is a great way to help you determine if it’s the right program for you.

Explore 100% Online Programs at DeVry

Ready to find the best online college for you? We can help you learn more about what makes DeVry a great choice, evaluate any transfer credits you may have and find the right program to meet your needs.

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