For many people, restrictions on time and money make going to school full time impossible. But with the rise of online programs, it's easier and more affordable than ever to earn a degree — no matter where in the country you reside.
U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2016 list of the best online programs for earning a bachelor's degree, focusing on schools that effectively deliver affordable undergraduate degrees in a reasonable amount of time. To determine the rankings, U.S. News considered four categories: student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, and peer reputation. (You can read a full breakdown of the methodology here.) Note that because of multiple ties, the ranking only goes through No. 17.
Read on to see the 19 schools that make earning a degree online as seamless as possible, according to U.S. News.
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17. TIE: University of Nebraska Omaha
U.S. News score: 90
Cost per credit: $409 (out-of-state), $257 (in-state)
Most popular major: Business/commerce
The University of Nebraska Omaha offers more than 20 fully online degrees, including highly specialized programs like architectural engineering, gerontology, and aviation studies. A military-friendly school, UNO provides extra benefits to veterans, including participation in the Yellow Ribbon Post 9/11 GI Bill.
17. TIE: Regent University
U.S. News score: 90
Cost per credit: $395
Most popular major: Business administration and management
Online students at Regent University take classes from the same top-notch professors who teach on campus. Like with traditional classes, students still participate in class discussions via online threads and develop a community among their classmates, all while maintaining an independent schedule.
17. TIE: Charleston Southern University
U.S. News score: 90
Cost per credit: $490
Most popular major: Business administration, management and operations
Charleston Southern University offers three bachelor's degree programs for students who have no college experience up to those holding associate's degrees.
Students in the organizational management program can take advantage of classes with rolling enrollment, which allows them to complete two accelerated seven-week courses per semester.
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