Top Online Education Colleges

Methodology

Our education rankings showcase the colleges offering the best online undergraduate education programs this year. We based our calculations on the quantifiable factors that we believe contribute to the ideal learning experience at the best online colleges: program cost; full-time to part-time faculty ratio; institutional financial aid, acceptance, retention, graduation, default, and job placement rate; and history of accreditation. Learn more

Rank School Undergrad Tuition FT to PT
Faculty Ratio		 Institution
Fin. Aid Rate		 Acceptance Rate Retention Rate Graduation Rate Accred.
Years		 Default
Rate		 Job Place. Rate  
1 The University of Findlay N/A 4.14 to 1 99% 69% 78% 57% 79 6% N/A  
2 University of North Carolina-Wilmington N/A 2.69 to 1 37% 57% 86% 67% 60 5% N/A  
3 Regis University $49,920 0.32 to 1 89% 76% 82% 62% 90 7% N/A  
4 Judson College $56,064 1.80 to 1 96% 74% 65% 38% 87 5% N/A  
5 Saint Joseph's College of Maine $36,480 0.45 to 1 100% 88% 75% 55% 51 3% N/A  
6 Vanguard University of Southern California $46,500 0.45 to 1 95% 74% 75% 55% 48 5% N/A  
7 Southwestern College (1) $48,484 0.29 to 1 100% 87% 70% 57% 80 9% N/A  
8 Sterling College N/A 1.03 to 1 100% 49% 62% 48% 84 14% N/A  
9 Liberty University $39,000 2.25 to 1 80% N/A 73% 48% 32 7% N/A  
10 University of Wisconsin-Stout N/A 2.35 to 1 11% 89% 71% 53% 84 4% N/A  

Education Colleges

A growing number of top online colleges are offering degrees for students who wish to pursue a career in early childhood, elementary, special, or adult education. Keep in mind that degree, endorsement, and certification or licensure requirements to teach vary depending on what type of teaching you plan to do. Students who wish to teach may be required to take the Praxis exam, complete a basic skills assessment, and/or complete field experience and internship requirements. The majority of online education degree programs at the best online colleges allow students to earn a degree and/or fulfill state standards for licensure to teach in their state.

Education degree curriculum for K-12 teachers builds on a general education core with professional education courses, including educational psychology, methods of teaching subjects including social science, science, and math, and behavioral and classroom management. Adult education and corporate and career training degree programs will focus on training fundamentals, educational psychology, and adult learning behavior. Education degree graduates may pursue a career teaching in public or private schools, preschools, or business and corporate environments, or explore other career opportunities in ministry, teaching administration, or children's book writing. Students seeking the best online colleges for an education degree should be sure a school and education program are both fully accredited.