One of the factors that determine how good a school is is the graduation rate. This is as true for online schools as it is for on-campus schools. So, also consider online schools with high graduation rates when selecting to apply to.
Online student enrollment rates are drastically moving upward in all schools that offer online education. Check out Online Schools Graduation Rates.
Education is moving in the direction of modern technology. Age-old universities that existed before electricity are moving into the age of technology, creating record amounts of online students.
As a result, most are offering a lot of assistance to online students to prevent their graduation rates from dropping due to the heavy increase in online students around the globe.
Here, then, are our top 30 Online Schools Graduation Rates.
Table of contents
- List of Online Schools With The Highest Graduation Rates
- 1. Pennsylvania State University – World Campus – 87%
- 2. University of Florida – 84 %
- 3. George Washington University – 81%
- 4. Marist College – 80 %
- 5. Full Sail University – 80 %
- 6. University of Denver – 78 %
- 8. Northeastern University – 77 %
- 9. St. Joseph’s University – 76 %
- 10. Linfield College – 73 %
- 11. University of West Georgia – 69 %
- 12. University of Missouri – 69 %
- 13. Washington State University – 67 %
- 14. Jones International University – 67 %
- 15. Appalachian State University – 65%
- 16. Everglades University – 65 %
- 17. Misericordia University – 64 %
- 18. Savannah College of Art and Design – 64%
- 19. Cleary University – 64 %
- 20. Rogers State University – 64 %
- 21. Huntington University – 62 %
- 22. Champlain College – 62 %
- 23. Regis University – 62 %
- 24. Union University – 61 %
- 25. Abilene Christian University – 60 %
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendation
List of Online Schools With The Highest Graduation Rates
1. Pennsylvania State University – World Campus – 87%
Penn State has always been a pioneer in distance education, having founded one of the United States’ first correspondence courses in 1892. Penn State was also one of the first universities to offer accredited distance learning via the Internet.
With a history like that, it’s no wonder World Campus caters to more than 13,200 students from all 50 states, more than 40 countries, and 7 continents.
It is one of the Online Schools With The Highest Graduation Rates, In U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 best online programs rankings, World Campus ranked in the top 10 in three separate fields:
• No. 3 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• No. 5 for Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs.
• No. 6 for Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs.
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $18,565
Student Population: 8,488
Student-to-faculty ratio: 24 to 1
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2. University of Florida – 84 %
Located two miles outside of Gainesville, Florida, UF is one of the largest universities in the United States, with more than 50,000 students currently enrolled.
The University of Florida Distance Learning program offers over 100 online bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees through the Hough Graduate School of Business, the College of Medicine, Levin College of Law, and the College of Engineering. U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Florida as:
• No. 49 for Best Colleges in National Universities
• No. 5 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• No. 3 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $15,157
Student Population: 49,913
Student-to-faculty ratio: 21 to 1
3. George Washington University – 81%
through an Act of Congress, George Washington University and its three campuses—Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon in Washington, D.C., and the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, VA — are home to over 20,000 students from around the world.
George Washington University’s Online Learning Program has a variety of degree and certificate programs that can lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, while also offering individual courses exclusively online. U.S. News & World Report ranked George Washington University:
• No. 56 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• No. 16 for Best Online Graduate Education Programs
• No. 4 for Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $32,018
Student Population: 25,653
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13 to 1
4. Marist College – 80 %
Overlooking the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, New York, Marist College was founded in 1929 by the Marist Brothers and is one of the six institutions of higher learning nationwide that are affiliated with the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Marist has offered online learning courses for over a decade and currently offers a BA/BS in Liberal Arts and fully online graduate degree programs in Business Administration, Integrated Marketing Communication, Communication, Public Administration, Information Systems, and Technology Management. U.S. News & World Report ranked Marist College:
• No. 18 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• No. 46 Best Online Graduate Business Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $33,526
Student Population: 6,377
Student-to-faculty ratio: 16 to 1
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5. Full Sail University – 80 %
Located in Winter Park, Florida, Full Sail is a relatively new university, having only been established in 1979.
Despite its relatively young age, Full Sail boasts 37,000 graduates and has won numerous awards, including 21st Century Best Practices in Distance Learning from the United States Distance Learning Association (2011), and Apple’s Innovators in Education Award (2010).
Full Sail University also works with Project LaunchBox to offer both campus and online students a MacBook Pro at a deep institutional discount.
To keep their courses up-to-date, each program at Full Sail has an advisory board headed by industry professionals who keep in continual contact with the faculty.
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $30,376
Student Population: 27,694
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13 to 1
6. University of Denver – 78 %
The University of Denver’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies caters to the needs of working adults who wish to further their education.
It uses evening, weekend, and online formats for both credit and non-credit courses, as well as a combination of online and on-campus learning.
The University of Denver, University College offers a fully accredited course of study that may lead to a Bachelor of Arts Completion Program or a variety of Master’s degrees or graduate certificates. U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Denver as:
• No. 36 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs
• No. 22 for Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs
• No. 13 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $32,212
Student Population: 11,656
Student-to-faculty ratio: 11 to 1
8. Northeastern University – 77 %
Northeastern University has provided a quality distance learning program since 1979, priding itself on a flexible distance education for working professionals and non-traditional learners that integrates classroom learning with real-world experience.
Northeastern offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs that are fully accredited by four separate institutions, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.
(NEASC), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), and the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). U.S. News & World Report ranked Northeastern University:
• No. 51 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $30,376
Student Population: 27,694
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13 to 1
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9. St. Joseph’s University – 76 %
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Saint Joseph’s University is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Since 1851, St. Joseph’s has maintained its commitment to offering the best learning experience possible.
They have extended this commitment to their foray into distance learning, and currently offer a variety of online Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as Online Graduate Certificates in Business, Leadership, Liberal Studies, Criminal Justice, Health Services, and Education. U.S. News & World Report ranked the St. Joseph’s University:
• No. 90 for Best Online Graduate Education Programs
• No. 61 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• No. 57 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $34,347
Student Population: 8,805
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13 to 1
10. Linfield College – 73 %
Established in 1858, Linfield College is located in McMinnville, Oregon. Although Linfield has only 515 students currently enrolled, the school has a fairly rich academic history, having been named the No. 1 college in the western region by US News & World Report for the Comprehensive Colleges-Bachelor’s category for six consecutive years (2000-2006).
Through their Adult Degree program, Linfield has offered online courses for over a decade and currently offers Bachelor’s degree programs in Accounting, Business Information Systems, International Business, Management, Marketing, and RN to BSN entirely online. U.S. News & World Report ranked the Linfield College:
• No. 97 for Online Bachelor’s Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $36,240
Student Population: 515
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13 to 1
11. University of West Georgia – 69 %
Located 45 miles West of Atlanta, Georgia, UWG is notable for being one of only two public universities in the United States offering a psychology program with a humanistic and transpersonal focus.
The University of West Georgia has a variety of online degree-granting programs, including a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a Major in Criminology, Master’s degrees in Education, Music, Science, or a Georgia MBA, and Doctoral degrees in Education with various focuses. U.S. News & World Report ranked The University of West Georgia:
• No. 89 for Best Online Graduate Education Programs
• No. 69 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• No. 48 for Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
• No. 12 for Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs
• No. 4 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $12,649
Student Population: 11,769
Student-to-faculty ratio: 19 to 1
12. University of Missouri – 69 %
Formed by merging the Center for Distance and Independent Study (CDIS) and MU Direct: Continuing and Distance Education, Mizzou Online is the University of Missouri’s Online distance learning program.
Mizzou Online works with 18 of MU’s 19 schools and colleges to offer more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs, and more than 900 online course options.
Currently, Mizzou Online offers the second-most distance degrees and certificate programs in the SEC and enrolls over 12,000 students. U.S. News & World Report ranked The University of Missouri:
• No. 131 for Best Online Graduate Education Programs
• No. 75 for Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
• No. 48 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $16,884
Student Population: 34,704
Student-to-faculty ratio: 20 to 1
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13. Washington State University – 67 %
Formerly known as Distance Degree Programs, Washington State University Online has been providing students of all ages with continued education options since 1992.
WSU Online currently offers 200 courses each fall and spring term and 120 in the summer to 1700 WSU Online advised students.
WSU has several undergraduate degree programs, including Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Human Development, and Master’s degrees in Sports Management, Agriculture, and Molecular Biosciences. U.S. News & World Report ranked Washington State University:
• No. 120 for Best Online Graduate Education Programs
• No. 21 for Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs
• No. 21 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• No. 7 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $16,884
Student Population: 34,704
Student-to-faculty ratio: 20 to 1
14. Jones International University – 67 %
Founded by Glenn R. Jones, a distance learning pioneer, Jones International University was established in 1993 as the first university in the world to exist completely online and in 1999 became the first completely online university in the United States to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
JIU has continued Jones’ dream of widely available education and today offers a variety of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees specializing in Business and Education. U.S. News & World Report ranked Jones International University:
• No. 205 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $15,455
Student Population: 3,196
Student-to-faculty ratio: 46 to 1
15. Appalachian State University – 65%
Appalachian State’s Distance Education program offers transfer degree programs at the undergraduate level and both degree and certificate programs at the graduate level.
As transfer programs, only junior and senior coursework is available, so potential applicants would be wise to complete the general requirements before applying. AppONLINE has undergraduate programs in Business Education, Communication, Management, Health Promotion, and Nursing.
They also offer Graduate certificate programs in Educational Media, Gerontology, Middle and Secondary Teaching, School Leadership, and Sociology. U.S. News & World Report ranked Appalachian State University:
• No. 157 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• No. 67 for Best Online Graduate Education Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $10,203
Student Population: 17,589
Student-to-faculty ratio: 16 to 1
16. Everglades University – 65 %
Located in Boca Raton, Florida, and originally called the American Flyers College when it was established in 1990, the university was bought by the owners of Keiser University in 1998 and converted into a non-profit school.
The university is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers several Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs, including a Master’s in Business Administration, Aviation Science, and Entrepreneurship.
Additional School Information:
Total Expenses (2015-2016): Off-Campus: $54,846; Off-Campus with Family: $27,120
Student Population: 1498 (1,296 Undergraduate)
Student-to-faculty ratio: 11 to 1
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17. Misericordia University – 64 %
Founded on August 15, 1924, by the Religious Sisters of Mercy, Misericordia University operated as College of Misericordia until 2007 when they transitioned to operating as a full university.
Misericordia’s Center for Adult and Continuing Education is focused on providing a full range of undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs for non-traditional students.
Misericordia’s undergraduate programs include Accounting, Business Administration, Healthcare Management, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography, while their graduate programs include an MBA and a doctorate in Occupational Therapy. U.S. News & World Report ranked Misericordia University:
• No. 194 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $24,545
Student Population: 2,953
Student-to-faculty ratio: 12 to 1
18. Savannah College of Art and Design – 64%
Founded in 1978 by Paula S. Wallace, the Savannah College of Art and Design opened in 1979 with only 71 students. Since then the university has seen a steady increase in enrollment, from over 500 students in 1982 to 1,000 in 1986 and 2,000 in 1989.
In 2014, the university enrolled more than 11,000 students. Recently SCAD won the Instructional Technology Council’s award for Outstanding Distance Education Program and the rank of Excellence in Institution-Wide Online Teaching and Learning from the Sloan Consortium, becoming the first art and design university to do so.
SCAD currently offers five undergraduate and fifteen graduate degree-granting programs. U.S. News & World Report ranked Savannah College of Art and Design:
• No. 25 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $35,307
Student Population: 11,064
Student-to-faculty ratio: 18 to 1
19. Cleary University – 64 %
Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Cleary University was originally founded in 1883 as the “Cleary School of Penmanship.”Cleary University’s online programs were designed to mirror the quality of education present in their classrooms.
Cleary currently offers a variety of entirely online undergraduate degree-granting programs, including a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management, and Healthcare Management, and MBA in Financial Planning, Management, and Organizational Leadership. U.S. News & World Report ranked Cleary University:
• No. 169 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $11,996
Student Population: 704
Student-to-faculty ratio: 12 to 1
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20. Rogers State University – 64 %
Created in 1992, Rogers State University’s online program was the first of its kind to offer completely online associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Oklahoma.
RSU’s online program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and offers Associate’s degrees in Applied Technology, Business Administration, Liberal Arts, and Computer Science.
Their Bachelor’s degree programs expand upon this with degrees in Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Business Information Technology, Organizational Leadership, and Applied Technology. U.S. News & World Report ranked Rogers State University:
• No. 117 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $12,002
Student Population: 4,744
Student-to-faculty ratio: 21 to 1
21. Huntington University – 62 %
Originally opened as “Central College” in 1897, Huntington University is located in Huntington, Indiana. Huntington University is a Christian university that was founded by and is affiliated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and is also a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).
The University offers both Adult degree programs for non-traditional students and online summer courses for students who wish to take advantage of the summer months to expand their education.
Some of the Adult degree programs include Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration, Organizational Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Not-for-profit Leadership. U.S. News & World Report ranked Huntington University:
• No. 87 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $18,741
Student Population: 1,204
Student-to-faculty ratio: 14 to 1
22. Champlain College – 62 %
Founded as Burlington Collegiate Institute in 1878, Champlain College changed hands and was renamed the Burlington Business College in 1884, before changing locations and taking its current name in 1958.
Champlain College offers 16 undergraduate degree programs that take place in 7-week sessions and are available entirely online.
Their Bachelor’s degree programs include Computer Forensics, Economic Crime Investigation, Web Design & Development, and Cyber Security. U.S. News & World Report ranked Champlain College:
• No. 131 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs
• No. 97 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $32,105
Student Population: 3,233
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13 to 1
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23. Regis University – 62 %
Established as the Las Vegas College by the Society of Jesus in 1877, Regis University is a Roman Catholic, Jesuit University, and is also one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.
Between them, Regis University’s two schools, The College for Professional Studies and the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions offer nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate degree-granting programs, including Bachelor’s degrees in Applied Psychology, Communication, Criminology, Liberal Arts, RN to B.S in Nursing.
They also offer over 30 graduate certificates in subjects like Autism Education, Systems Engineering, and Health Care Quality and Patient Safety. U.S. News & World Report ranked Regis University:
• No. 128 for Best Online Graduate Business Programs
• No. 65 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• No. 61 for Best Online Graduate Education Programs
• No. 37 for Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
• No. 20 for Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $23,873
Student Population: 10,683
Student-to-faculty ratio: 14 to 1
24. Union University – 61 %
An evangelical Christian university located in Jackson, Tennessee, Union University is affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention and relates to the Southern Baptist Convention.
The university states that its programs are “Ideal for persons who wish to pursue graduate work at a Christian university but do not have that option in the city where they live.
”Union University currently offers several fully accredited degree programs, including Master’s degrees in Christian Studies, Business Administration, Science in Nursing, and Education. U.S. News & World Report ranked Union University:
• No. 56 for Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $21,944
Student Population: 3,996
Student-to-faculty ratio: 11 to 1
25. Abilene Christian University – 60 %
Located in Abilene, Texas, Abilene Christian University is affiliated with Churches of Christ, having been governed by a board of trustees made up of members of the Churches of Christ since the university’s founding in 1906.
ACU currently offers four degree granting programs, all of them at the graduate level, Master of Arts and Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation, Master of Science in Organizational Development, Master of Education in Higher Education, and Master of Education in Leadership of Learning. U.S. News & World Report ranked Abilene Christian University:
• No. 19 for Regional Universities (West)
• No. 13 for Best Value Schools
• No. 5 for Best Colleges for Veterans
Additional School Information:
Average Net Price: $25,143
Student Population: 4,367
Student-to-faculty ratio: 14 to 1
FAQs
It will help you understand the level of support students get from these online schools to encourage them to finish their courses. Graduation rates indicate the percentage of students who complete their degree programs within a specific timeframe.
You should also find out if the school is accredited, what programs they offer, and the cost of acquiring the degree you are in interested in.
School websites are a good place to start. you can also check The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/
Not all the time. Consider your individual needs and learning style. Some schools with lower rates might offer a better fit if they specialize in a specific program or cater to non-traditional students.
Conclusion
The Online schools with the best graduation rates are testaments to the fact that one can get a good degree through online courses, e-learning platforms, or even schools that offer online education.
It also shows that you no longer have to follow a particular route to a destination, as there are many ways to kill a cat.
So if your academic dreams have been hampered by your inability to get admitted to a brick-and-mortar school, you must now explore the opportunities that online schools provide.
It’s our sincere hope that when you consider this, you will increase the number of graduating students from online schools. Good luck.
References
- www.degreecouncil.org – Online Colleges with the Highest Graduation Rates
- www.affordableschools.net – The 25 Most Affordable Highest-Graduating Colleges with Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- www.onlineschoolscenter.com – 30 Online Schools With The Highest Graduation Rates for 2020
- The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/
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