U.S. News publishes one of the most widely referenced rankings of online colleges each year. These rankings highlight universities that demonstrate strong academic quality, student satisfaction, and graduation rates.
While helpful, it’s important to understand how these rankings are built and how to interpret them when comparing schools.
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
How U.S. News Ranks Online Colleges
The U.S. News Best Online Colleges list evaluates programs using several weighted factors. Typical data inputs include:
- Engagement: Student participation, instructor accessibility, and completion rates.
- Services and Technologies: Access to technical support and learning resources.
- Faculty Credentials: Education level and professional experience of instructors.
- Peer Reputation: Academic reputation among other institutions.
- Affordability Metrics: Average tuition and fees for distance learners.
While the data is sourced from verified submissions, it reflects only participating schools and focuses primarily on four-year universities.
Strengths and Limitations
U.S. News rankings are valuable for identifying well-established universities with robust online infrastructure.
However, students should be aware of certain limitations:
- Not all accredited schools participate in the ranking process.
- Rankings may favor larger institutions with more reporting resources.
- Affordability and flexibility aren’t weighted as heavily as reputation.
- Specialized or career-oriented programs may not be represented.
For many learners, smaller colleges or regional universities may offer equal or better outcomes at a lower cost.
Our Ranking Approach vs. U.S. News
Our Best Online Colleges Ranking emphasizes transparency, affordability, and real student outcomes.
We analyze a broader range of institutions , including nonprofit, public, and private schools , to highlight flexible, accredited programs accessible to a wider audience.
Key differences in our approach:
- Inclusion of cost-per-credit and total program pricing.
- Consideration of flexible formats like self-paced and hybrid models.
- Focus on verified accreditation and student support services.
- Presentation of actionable program links for direct exploration.
By focusing on practical decision factors, our rankings help students move from research to enrollment more efficiently.
Compare Accredited Online Programs
Use the search tool above to explore accredited online colleges that match your learning style, career path, and budget. You can filter by degree level, subject, and flexibility preferences.
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.
External rankings can provide valuable insight, but your best college choice depends on fit, affordability, and accreditation. Compare trusted sources, explore flexible degree options, and use data-driven tools to find a program that works for you.
Frequently asked questions
What are the U.S. News best online colleges?
U.S. News & World Report publishes annual rankings of the best online bachelor’s and master’s programs based on factors like student outcomes, faculty credentials, and student services. Compare their list with our independent rankings to find the right fit.
How does U.S. News rank online colleges?
U.S. News evaluates online programs using measures such as graduation and retention rates, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, and peer reputation.
Are U.S. News online college rankings reliable?
U.S. News rankings are a useful starting point, but no single ranking fits every student. Weigh accreditation, cost, program fit, and outcomes alongside any ranking before choosing a school.
Do U.S. News rankings only include accredited colleges?
Yes. Ranked institutions are accredited, which is the baseline requirement for credit transfer and recognition.
