Established in 1976, University of Phoenix is the largest, and one of the most well-known, online-focused colleges. The school offers a variety of associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a wide range of programs including nursing, education, health care, business, and arts and sciences. All programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), with many programs receiving additional accreditation. Classes can be taken either online or at one of the school's more than 200 campuses throughout North America. Online students retain use of the Center for Writing Excellence, University Library and Center for Mathematics Excellence.
University of Phoenix
866-766-0766
phoenix.edu
Kaplan University offers students the chance to complete a degree program at their own pace. Message boards and instant messages allow students to communicate one-on-one for certain projects. The school’s library provides online access to articles and excerpts, which the library scans and emails to the student. The library also delivers books to the student’s home. Kaplan University offers master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as professional certifications and law degrees.
Kaplan University
866-527-5268
online.kaplanuniversity.edu/Pages/HomePage.aspx
Founded in 1918, Ashford University offers an accelerated online program that allows students to complete their degree in 12 months. Students can transfer 99 approved credits to the program that count towards their bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s courses start at $372 per credit hour, while classes for the six master’s-level programs offered start at $486 per credit hour.
Ashford University
866-711-1700
ashford.edu/home
American InterContinental University (AIU) offers online courses and also maintains residential campuses in Georgia, California, Florida, Texas and London. AIU promises to distribute at least 80 percent of their content online, and, although there is no one-on-one contact with instructors, they provide message boards so students can have chat discussions about subject topics. Online degree programs offered include business administration, criminal justice, design, education and information technology.
American InterContinental University
877-701-3800
www.aiuonline.edu/
South University has seven locations and an online degree program offered through the Savannah, Georgia, campus. The University offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. South University claims that many of their online professors also work in the fields in which they teach. The school provides an extensive online library, tutoring, student organizations, interactive student forums and career services.
South University
888-444-3404
online.southuniversity.edu/
Everest University offers 19 programs online, including accounting, business, computer-information science, criminal justice, homeland security, legal and medical insurance billing and coding. Everest also promises one-on-one instruction by the faculty.
Everest University
888-391-8881
everestonline.edu
Herzing University offers more than 30 online course degree programs and promises help from “real people.” The college also claims to often vary its courses and degree programs, based on the current economic climate. Undergraduate degrees include health care, business, technology, design and public safety. Herzing also offers MBA programs in business, health care and technology and MSN programs in nursing.
Herzing University
866-508-0748
herzingonline.edu/
Virginia College has online degree programs for people who are self-disciplined, motivated and comfortable with computers. They offer career-orientated programs, career-placement assistance, financial-aid options and include all textbooks as part of the tuition price. Programs include business, criminal justice, culinary, medical and technology degrees. Virginia College also offers master’s programs in cybersecurity, business administration and criminal justice.
Virginia College
888-827-7770
vconline.edu
Walden University offers an online degree program that provides students an opportunity for face-to-face residencies if they so choose. The college gives working professionals the flexibility to complete their education. Study-group sessions are coordinated in chat rooms, allowing students to work together on projects. Many of the online programs also offer field-based supervised internships as part of the program.
Walden University
866-492-5336
waldenu.edu
Rasmussen College is an accredited online school that is working on the cutting edge of new media. Rasmussen offers bachelor’s degrees in allied health, business, criminal justice, technology and design. The school also employs the EdVantage Support System, an online support group that offers assistance, including online tutoring, technical support and financial aid information, whenever needed.
Rasmussen College
888-549-6755
rasmussen.edu