Quick Answer
More than 3,200 US colleges offer online degree programs or courses, with 66 universities offering fully online degrees. Over 5.1 million students were enrolled exclusively online in 2023–2024. Online degrees from regionally accredited institutions are widely accepted by employers — 87.4% of employers have hired online degree graduates. Tuition ranges from $300–$600 per credit at public universities to $8,300/year at competency‑based programs like WGU. International students can enroll from abroad but cannot get an F‑1 visa for fully online programs.
Use the GPA converter below to see how your grades align with online university admission requirements.
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Overview: Online Universities in 2026
Online universities have evolved from a niche option into a mainstream pathway for earning accredited degrees. Today, many public and private non‑profit institutions offer fully online bachelor’s, master’s, and professional programs that are academically equivalent to their on‑campus counterparts. This guide covers the number of online institutions, accreditation, costs, GPA requirements, international eligibility, and the top‑ranked online programs.
The key to choosing a legitimate online university is verifying its accreditation status and understanding how your existing grades convert to the institution’s admission standards. The GPA converter above can help you estimate where you stand.
How Many Online Universities Are There?
The exact number depends on how you count. According to the latest data:
- 66 U.S. universities offer fully online degree programs (NCES, 2024).
- 3,242 colleges offer online degree programs and/or online courses — 1,623 public and 1,619 private.
- ~1,850 online bachelor’s and master’s programs were assessed in the U.S. News 2026 rankings.
- 515 colleges have more than 50% of students enrolled exclusively online.
In the 2023–2024 academic year, over 5.1 million students were enrolled exclusively online in the U.S. — about 25.6% of all Title IV institution students.
Key fact: Online learning is now a core part of higher education, not a separate alternative. Always verify that an online institution is accredited before applying.
Online University Accreditation: What to Look For
Accreditation is the single most important factor when choosing an online university. It ensures the institution meets recognized academic standards and that your degree will be accepted by employers and other universities.
| Accreditation Type | Recognized By | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Accreditation | CHEA, U.S. Department of Education | SACSCOC, HLC, NECHE, MSCHE, NWCCU, WASC |
| National Accreditation (DEAC) | CHEA, U.S. Department of Education | Distance Education Accrediting Commission |
| Programmatic Accreditation | Specialized bodies | IACBE (business), ABET (engineering) |
Regional accreditation is widely considered more prestigious than national accreditation. Online degrees from regionally accredited institutions are generally equivalent to on‑campus degrees. Always verify accreditation through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education database.
⚠️ Red flags: Unaccredited “diploma mills” may offer quick degrees with little coursework. Verify accreditation before paying any fees.
Cost & Financial Aid for Online Degrees
Online tuition varies widely by institution type and residency status. Below are the typical per‑credit tuition ranges for undergraduate programs in 2026/2027.
| Institution Type | Typical Tuition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Public (in‑state) | $300–$500/credit | UF Online $500/credit; UNC Charlotte $318/credit |
| Public (out‑of‑state) | $350–$1,400/credit | Texas A&M $1,294/credit; UMass Lowell $385/credit |
| Private non‑profit | $350–$600/credit | SNHU ~$330/credit; Liberty ~$400/credit |
| Competency‑based (WGU) | ~$8,300/year | Flat‑rate tuition |
| Tuition‑free | Minimal fees | University of the People |
Average tuition (U.S. News 2026): Online bachelor’s degrees from on‑campus colleges cost an average of $1,228 per credit hour, while pure online bachelor’s programs average $542 per credit hour. Many online programs are FAFSA‑eligible, and top‑ranked programs offer financial aid.
Admission Requirements & GPA for Online Universities
Online programs typically have the same admission standards as their on‑campus counterparts. Most online bachelor’s programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0–2.5 for admission. Graduate programs usually require 3.0 or higher. Below are examples from specific institutions.
| Requirement | Examples |
|---|---|
| Minimum 2.0 GPA | Hamline University, Medgar Evers College, LSU Online |
| Minimum 2.5 GPA | University of Oklahoma, UNI College of Business |
| Transfer student GPA | Winthrop University 2.0; JBU Online 2.0 HS / 2.5 transfer |
International transcripts are often evaluated through a credential evaluation service like WES. Use our GPA conversion tools below to estimate your equivalent US GPA.
Online Universities for International Students
International students can enroll in fully online U.S. degree programs from their home countries without a visa. However, F‑1 student visas cannot be issued for fully online programs. If you plan to study in the U.S., you must enroll in a hybrid or on‑campus program with limited online components.
| Scenario | F‑1 Visa Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Fully online from abroad | ✅ Allowed, no U.S. visa required |
| Fully online while in the U.S. | ❌ Cannot get F‑1 visa |
| Hybrid / low‑residency | ✅ May qualify for F‑1 visa |
| F‑1 student taking 1 online course | ✅ One course (≤3 credits) per term counts |
💡 Key tip: If you want to study online from your home country and later transition to the U.S., choose a university that also offers on‑campus or hybrid options to maintain future visa eligibility.
Top Online Universities: U.S. News 2026 Rankings
The table below lists the top online bachelor’s programs according to the U.S. News 2026 rankings. Programs are evaluated on graduation rates, faculty credentials, student engagement, services and technology, and expert opinion.
| U.S. News Rank | University | Out‑of‑State Tuition (per credit) | Application Deadline | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida | $500/credit | Rolling | Yes |
| #2 | University at Buffalo—SUNY | $353/credit | Rolling | Yes |
| #3 | University of Illinois Chicago | $350/credit | Rolling | Yes |
| #4 (tie) | The Ohio State University | $508/credit | Rolling | Yes |
| #4 (tie) | University of North Carolina—Charlotte | $318/credit | July 1 | Yes |
| #6 (tie) | Arizona State University | $580/credit | Rolling | Yes |
| #6 (tie) | Oregon State University | $384/credit | Rolling | Yes |
| #6 (tie) | University of Central Florida | $769/credit | Rolling | Yes |
| #9 | CUNY School of Professional Studies | $350/credit | Rolling | Yes |
| #10 | University of Tennessee—Knoxville | $460/credit | Rolling | Yes |
Ranking source: U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs 2026. Tuition figures are for out‑of‑state students and may vary by program. Always verify on the university’s official website.
Do Employers Accept Online Degrees?
Employer acceptance of online degrees has increased dramatically since the pandemic. The key factor is accreditation status and institutional reputation, not the delivery method. Recent survey data confirms this shift:
- 87.4% of employers have hired online degree graduates (National University, 2025).
- 100% of employers pay online graduates the same as in‑person graduates.
- 98% of hiring leaders say online degrees are more credible than a decade ago (Harris Poll, 2026).
- Hiring managers are now nearly 10x more likely to hire online degree holders than before the pandemic (VCU Research, 2026).
Key insight: A regionally accredited online degree from a reputable university carries the same weight as an on‑campus degree in most fields. The name of the institution and the accreditation matter far more than whether the program was delivered online.
Transferring Credits to Online Universities
Most online bachelor’s programs accept transfer credits from accredited institutions, often up to 90 credits (about three years of coursework). Typical policies require a minimum grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale). International transcripts must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service.
| University | Max Transfer Credits | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | 60 (2‑year) / 90 (4‑year) | Accredited institution |
| Liberty University | Up to 90 (bachelor’s) | C or better |
| University of the People | Up to 90 credits | C or better |
| Champlain College | Up to 90 (bachelor’s) | C or better |
| Purdue University (IDE) | 12 transfer credits | Reviewed after admission |
Online University Application Deadlines
Many online programs offer rolling admissions, meaning you can apply throughout the year. However, some programs have specific deadlines, especially for international applicants.
| Institution | Deadline |
|---|---|
| University of Florida | Rolling |
| University at Buffalo—SUNY | Rolling |
| University of Illinois Chicago | Rolling |
| University of North Carolina—Charlotte | July 1, 2026 |
| Texas A&M University | January 15 |
| Northeastern University | Fall 1 2026: August 3 |
| Brandeis Online | Spring‑2 2026: Feb 17; Summer 2026: May 5 |
| International applicants | Apply at least 6 months before start |
Online Universities with No Application Fee
Several accredited online universities charge no application fee, making them accessible options for international students and budget‑conscious applicants.
- University of the People — tuition‑free, no application fee.
- Western Governors University (WGU) — no application fee.
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) — no application fee.
- American Public University (APU) — no application fee.
- Maryville University — no application fee; no entrance exams required.
- Purdue University Global — no application fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online universities legitimate? ▼
Yes, if they are accredited. A regionally accredited online university is legitimate and its degrees are generally equivalent to on‑campus degrees. Always verify accreditation through CHEA or the U.S. Department of Education.
Are online degrees respected by employers? ▼
Yes. 87.4% of employers have hired online degree graduates, and 100% pay them the same as in‑person graduates. A regionally accredited online degree from a reputable university carries the same weight as an on‑campus degree.
How much do online universities cost? ▼
Tuition ranges from $300–$600 per credit at public universities, and $350–$600 per credit at private non‑profits. Competency‑based programs like WGU cost about $8,300 per year. University of the People is tuition‑free with minimal fees.
Do online universities require a minimum GPA? ▼
Most online bachelor’s programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0–2.5. Graduate programs typically require 3.0 or higher. Online programs generally have the same GPA requirements as on‑campus counterparts.
Can international students get a student visa for an online degree? ▼
No. Fully online degree programs do not qualify for an F‑1 student visa. International students can enroll from their home countries without a visa. Hybrid or low‑residency programs may qualify.
Can I transfer credits to an online university? ▼
Yes. Most online bachelor’s programs accept up to 90 transfer credits from accredited institutions, with a minimum grade of C or better. International transcripts must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service.
Sources & Methodology
This guide was compiled using official and primary sources to ensure accuracy and E‑E‑A‑T compliance. All data verified as of August 20, 2026.
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) — online enrollment and institution counts.
- U.S. News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs 2026 — rankings and tuition data.
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) — accreditation verification.
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) — national accreditation.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — F‑1 visa and OPT rules.
- Individual university websites — tuition, deadlines, GPA requirements, transfer credit policies.
Methodology note: Tuition and fee figures are indicative and vary by institution, program, and year. Accreditation and visa rules are current as of August 2026 but may change. Always verify with official university, CHEA, and USCIS sources before making decisions.
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Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education, GPA systems, and study-abroad guidance for international students.Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education — including GPA systems, scholarships, student financing, and study-abroad guidance — for students worldwide.