Top 10 online colleges for 2014

In recent years, online learning has become more accepted — and that means jokes about diploma mills aren’t as widespread as they used to be. Still, it’s important for students to choose wisely when it comes to getting an education online.

Here are the top 10 online universities, according to the editors at BestCollegeReviews.org:

Walden University earned the No. 1 spot. It stuck out because students are located in all 50 states and 145 countries. More than 75 programs are available — and they’re affordable. And notably, 97% of employers who hired a Walden grad said they’d hire another one! In today’s job market — that’s an influential stat for prospective students.
Post University’s classes are conveniently scheduled for busy students. Classes are broken down into eight-week modules every six weeks. This timetable allows students to graduate faster — just 18 months for a bachelor’s degree.
Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers more than 50 online degree programs. Further, prospective students seeking a bachelor’s degree can transfer up to 90 approved credit hours. Grad students can choose between three master’s degree programs.
Independence University has been in the online education business for over 30 years and caters to working adults. In recent years, it has added a variety of programs to give students more options. The school is accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, and the website has a calendar countdown showing how many days until classes start again.
Colorado State University has classes that start every four weeks. Once students are enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program, their tuition rate is locked — so prices won’t go up on students unexpectedly.
Liberty University is the largest private nonprofit online Christian university in the U.S. It offers more than 300 degree programs for prospective students. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Kaplan University has smaller classes — in both undergrad and graduate programs — than many online schools so students have more opportunities to work closely with instructors. Additionally, the website lists several options for financial aid, including info on scholarships, grants, Operation HOPE and tuition reduction options.
Western Governors University is a nonprofit, private online university. And it’s the only university in the country that’s accredited simultaneously by four accreditation commissions. Why should prospective students care about that? It means credits are more likely to be transferred to other accredited institutions and degrees are more likely to be recognized by other universities and future employers. And even better, the school charges a flat rate tuition — $2890 per six month term — so students who can take full course loads can save.
National University offers more than 1,200 courses online — and notably, it ranks in the top 10 for granting the most master’s degrees to women, Hispanics and African Americans. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Saint Leo University is accredited by Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and holds to the Catholic values rooted by its bricks-and-mortar counterpart located in Florida. The online school offers associate, bachlor’s and master’s programs as well as graduate certificates and one doctoral program.