Online degree programs make higher education more accessible than ever. With options ranging from associate to master’s degrees, students can pursue accredited programs that match their personal and professional goals. This guide outlines some of the most respected online degree types for 2026 and what makes each valuable.
Schools to Compare
How We Rank Schools
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most
recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS).
To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked
against schools at the same credential level:
BOCSCORE
- Graduation rate 30%
- Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
- Average net price (lower is better) 20%
- Retention rate 15%
- Fully online availability 10%
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Graduation rate
93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$102,772
Avg net price
$12,116/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 98%
- Programs offered: 64
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
97%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$124,080
Avg net price
$13,807/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 98%
- Programs offered: 100
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Acceptance rate
11%
Graduation rate
93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$92,446
Avg net price
$13,481/yr
TuitionIn‑state$16,347
Out‑of‑state$50,547
Key stats
- Retention rate: 97%
- Programs offered: 127
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 97%
- Programs offered: 6
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
89%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$71,588
Avg net price
$6,541/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 97%
- Programs offered: 172
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Acceptance rate
8%
Graduation rate
95%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$89,718
Avg net price
$13,370/yr
TuitionIn‑state$64,144
Out‑of‑state$64,144
Key stats
- Retention rate: 98%
- Programs offered: 78
Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges · IPEDS · College Scorecard
Acceptance rate
9%
Graduation rate
93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$82,511
Avg net price
$12,548/yr
TuitionIn‑state$15,203
Out‑of‑state$49,403
Key stats
- Retention rate: 97%
- Programs offered: 161
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard
Graduation rate
94%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry
$83,648
Avg net price
$13,138/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Key stats
- Retention rate: 98%
- Programs offered: 206
Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard
Why Choose an Online Degree
Online degrees are ideal for students who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. Many schools offer the same curriculum and faculty as their campus-based programs.
Key advantages include:
- Study from anywhere on a schedule that fits your life.
- Choose from accredited programs in nearly every discipline.
- Earn a degree that’s recognized and transferable.
- Develop in-demand skills aligned with growing industries.
Whether you’re just starting college or advancing your career, an online degree provides a proven, efficient path forward.
Most Popular Online Degree Fields
Certain degree fields continue to stand out for their relevance and long-term opportunity. These are among the most popular online majors today:
- Business Administration: Learn leadership, marketing, and management fundamentals.
- Psychology: Study human behavior and mental processes in flexible online settings.
- Computer Science: Build skills in coding, software development, and systems analysis.
- Education: Prepare for teaching or administrative roles in K–12 and higher education.
- Healthcare & Nursing: Gain credentials for clinical and administrative healthcare positions.
- Criminal Justice: Explore law enforcement, corrections, and forensic systems.
- Engineering & Technology: Learn technical problem-solving for modern industries.
Each of these degree types is offered through accredited online colleges with multiple start dates per year.
Choosing the Right Degree Type
The best degree for you depends on your career goals, prior experience, and time commitment.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Associate Degree (AA, AS): Two-year programs designed for entry-level positions or transfer.
- Bachelor’s Degree (BA, BS): Four-year degrees covering comprehensive academic and career preparation.
- Master’s Degree (MA, MS, MBA): Advanced study for leadership, specialization, or professional advancement.
Students uncertain about a specific major can start with general education or interdisciplinary programs and specialize later.
Find Online Degree Programs
Use the widget above to explore accredited online degree programs by subject, degree level, or start date. You can compare schools and request more information directly from participating institutions.
What to Look for in an Online Degree Program
Before applying, make sure your chosen program offers:
- Accreditation: Verify recognition by a Department of Education–approved agency.
- Transparent Costs: Review tuition, fees, and technology requirements.
- Strong Student Support: Look for tutoring, advising, and online library access.
- Career Relevance: Align coursework with your desired job field.
Evaluating these factors helps ensure your degree provides both quality education and long-term value.
Next steps
If you’re narrowing down majors, compare criminal justice degrees and healthcare degrees, or return to the online colleges guide to compare schools.
Accredited online degrees give students the flexibility to learn from anywhere while preparing for careers across business, healthcare, technology, and education. Choosing the right major and school can open doors to advancement, personal growth, and meaningful professional success.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best online degrees in 2026?
The best online degrees in 2026 include fields such as business, computer science, nursing, healthcare, engineering, and criminal justice. The right degree depends on your career goals, interests, and the time you can commit.
Which online degrees are worth it?
An online degree is generally worth it when it comes from an accredited institution and aligns with a career that values the credential. Compare program cost against published earnings data from the College Scorecard before enrolling.
What degree levels can you earn online?
You can earn certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees fully online from accredited colleges and universities.
Are online degrees respected by employers?
Yes, when the degree comes from an accredited institution. Most employers focus on the school’s accreditation and the graduate’s skills rather than whether the program was online.
How do I choose the best online degree for me?
Start by identifying your career goal, then match it to a field and degree level. Confirm the program is accredited, compare costs and outcomes, and review our field-by-field program guides.
