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The best online colleges provide you with the knowledge and skills to work across industries. Whether you aspire to a career in business, information technology, education, or any comparable field, earning a bachelor's degree is an ideal place to start. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bachelor's degree-level occupations are projected to grow by 10% by 2026, faster than projections for all occupations.

Many students find online bachelor's degrees more flexible and convenient than in-person options. These degrees may even be more affordable. We've factored in everything from cost to graduate success (and more!) to bring you the best online bachelor's degrees of 2022. 

Top 5 overall schools for online bachelor's degrees: Quick facts

College	Degree stats	How much?
Ohio State University Columbus, OH	Acceptance rate:68% Graduation rate:77% Two AS to BS options One RN to BSN option	Per credit hour:Varies Application fee:Varies
University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL	Acceptance rate:66% Graduation rate:Not publicly available 11 specialization minors available Gator Pathways operates with college, employer, and academic partners	Per credit hour tuition: $129.18 resident $715.80 nonresident Application fee: $30
University of Central Florida Orlando, FL	Acceptance rate:36% Graduation rate:75% Degree-completion programs 12 transferable credits required for admission	Per credit hour tuition: $179.19 resident $212.71 nonresident Application fee: $30
Florida International University Miami, FL	Acceptance rate:58% Graduation rate:65% Education programs prepare students for state licensure Guaranteed admission to students who qualify	Per credit hour tuition: $146.52 resident $263.58 nonresident Application fee: $30
Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT	Acceptance rate:100% Graduation rate:54% Start dates on the 1st of each month Accelerated options available	Avg. per credit hour tuition: $248.40 Application fee: $65

The 10 best online bachelor's degrees

ZDNet's ranking methodology factors in federally reported data alongside programmatic and professional outcomes when assessing online bachelor's degrees. We also incorporate expert insights and maintain impartiality to give you an objective assessment of your options. 

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard. Note that for public colleges, the average annual net price given is for in-state students.

1. Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

About the school:Alongside campuses and research centers throughout Ohio, OSU offers over 40 online programs. OSU's provides online bachelor's degrees in radiologic sciences, health sciences, dental hygiene, and nursing, among others.

• Acceptance rate:68%
• Graduation rate: 77%
• Avg. annual net price: $16,845
• Time to completion:Two to four years
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:1250-1460 (SAT not required)
• Minimum GPA:2.5
• Enrollment periods per year:Three
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation:The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

2. University of Florida-Online

Gainesville, Florida

About the school:With online bachelor's degrees in 25 disciplines, UF Online enrolls over 4,400 online students annually. All learners have access to UF Online's exclusive career services. 

• Acceptance rate:66%
• Graduation rate: Not publicly available
• Avg. annual net price:$9,024
• Time to completion:Two to four years
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:1170-1330
• Minimum GPA:2.5
• Enrollment periods per year:Three
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation:The University of Florida-Online is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

3. University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida

About the school:UCF offers over 100 online programs, 26 of which are degree-completion bachelor's degrees. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, UCF has agreements with 10 partner schools to facilitate enrollment for transfer students.

• Acceptance rate: 36%
• Graduation rate: 75%
• Avg. annual net price:$11,575
• Time to completion:Two to four years
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:1170-1340
• Minimum GPA:2.0
• Enrollment periods per year:Three
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation:The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

4. Florida International University

Miami, Florida

About the school:FIU provides 39 online bachelor's degrees including two combined undergraduate and graduate programs. Learners can earn a bachelor's and a master's in criminal justice or hospitality management in five years. FIU is a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

• Acceptance rate:58%
• Graduation rate:65%
• Avg. annual net price: $5,298
• Time to completion:Two to five years
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:1110-1280
• Minimum GPA:Varies
• Enrollment periods per year:Three
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation:Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

5. Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

About the school:Established by 19 U.S. governors, WGU offers online bachelor's degrees in business, information technology, and health and nursing. Additional online degrees are provided through WGU's Teachers College.

• Acceptance rate:100%
• Graduation rate: 54%
• Avg. annual net price: $9,969
• Time to completion:2.5-4 years
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:Not required for admission
• Minimum GPA:2.0
• Enrollment periods per year:12
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation:Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges And Universities (NWCCU).

6. University of Missouri

Columbia, Missouri

About the school:With online bachelor's degrees in 47 areas of study, Mizzou's online programs are provided in conjunction with three other institutions within the University of Missouri system.  

• Acceptance rate:82%
• Graduation rate: 68%
• Avg. annual net price: $16,559
• Time to completion:Two to four years
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:1120-1340
• Minimum GPA:2.5
• Enrollment periods per year:Three
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation: The University of Missouri is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

7. The University of West Florida

Pensacola, Florida

About the school:Established in 1963, UWF houses five academic colleges. UWF's 15 online bachelor's degrees include accelerated nursing and criminal justice degrees. In 2021, the school announced a new fully online bachelor's in public health degree.

• Acceptance rate: 58%
• Graduation rate: 52%
• Avg. annual net price: $7,089
• Time to completion:Two to five years
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:1080-1260
• Minimum GPA:2.0
• Enrollment periods per year:Six
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation:The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

8. University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona 

About the school:Online offerings at UArizona include over 40 bachelor's degrees. UArizona awards transfer credit through a community college alliance program, for previous college coursework and associate degrees, and for military service. 

• Acceptance rate:85%
• Graduation rate:64%
• Avg. annual net price: $13,358
• Time to completion:Two to four years
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:1110-1360
• Minimum GPA:2.5
• Enrollment periods per year:Six
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation:The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

9. University of Colorado Denver

Denver, Colorado

About the school:CU Denver began offering online courses in 1996. CU Denver now provides 15 online bachelor's degrees in conjunction with its campuses in Colorado Springs and Boulder. 

• Acceptance rate: 66%
• Graduation rate:50%
• Avg. annual net price: $14,470
• Time to completion:Four years
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:1000-1220
• Minimum GPA:2.0
• Enrollment periods per year:Three
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation: University of Colorado Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

10. Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida

About the school:FAU's eight online bachelor's degrees accommodate first-year, transfer, active military and veteran, and international students alike. Options include a BS in computer science, BA in criminal justice, and more.

• Acceptance rate: 63%
• Graduation rate:61%
• Avg. annual net price: $14,470
• Time to completion:Four years
• Avg. SAT range for admitted students:1080-1240
• Minimum GPA:2.0
• Enrollment periods per year:Three
• Course delivery method:Asynchronous

Accreditation:Florida Atlantic University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges And Schools Commission on COlleges (SACSCOC).

What should I expect in an online bachelor's degree program?

No two online bachelor's degrees are identical, but some commonalities exist across programs. Coursework blends lecture content with assignments and assessments to build your foundational understanding of the discipline. Depending on the type of degree, you may have more projects and presentations than essays. 

Most bachelor's degrees culminate in a capstone or thesis requirement.

As with any college experience, you need to fully engage with the content, your classmates, and your instructors. Active participation benefits you and the rest of the class.

Some online bachelor's degrees may provide you with the option to take heavier course loads and complete the program in fewer than four years. Others have part-time options that accommodate busy schedules and let you take classes as you have the time and resources to do so. 

Enrolling in an online bachelor's degree requires dedication, self-motivation, and ambition. Time management is key when taking online classes. Here are some resources about what to expect from online bachelor's degrees:

• What to expect in a business degree program

• What to expect in a computer science degree program

• Earning a business management degree online: What to expect

• Getting a computer engineering degree online: What to expect 

• What to expect in an online engineering degree program

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