2026 List of Accredited Online Bachelor's Degrees
Online bachelor鈥檚 degrees give you flexible, credible pathways to finish a four-year program from anywhere. This hub features over 90 fields of study at the bachelor's level that you can study 100% online. These degree pages span across career-focused areas like business, healthcare, and technology, as well as creative disciplines, social sciences, and education.
We research thousands of schools annually to help you weigh the value with data so you can make the most informed choice. Use the list below to jump straight into the disciplines that match your higher education goals, or continue reading to learn about what an online bachelor鈥檚 degree entails.
Online Bachelor's Degrees
About Online Bachelor鈥檚 Degrees
Online bachelor鈥檚 degrees have become central to higher education, expanding access to students who might otherwise be locked out of traditional pathways. Even after the pandemic peak, online learning remains a major force in higher education. In fall 2021, 61% of undergraduates 鈥� over 9 million students 鈥� took at least one online course, and 28% .
Bachelor鈥檚 degrees remain one of the most powerful credentials in higher education, with more than awarded in the 2021-22 school year. That's up 12% over the past decade. However, this growth isn鈥檛 evenly distributed across all fields.
Bachelor鈥檚 degree graduates see a jump of over $30,000 in salary annually.
Roughly 23.5% of U.S. adults age 25+ hold a bachelor鈥檚 as their highest credential, and the payoff is clear. Below, this table (based on data from the ) highlights the economic benefits of a bachelor's degree compared to only earning a high school diploma:
Earning more education often pays off quickly. On average, associate degree holders take home about $8,000 more each year than those with only a high school diploma, while bachelor鈥檚 degree graduates see a jump of over $30,000 in salary annually. Beyond higher paychecks, a bachelor鈥檚 degree also brings greater job security, cutting unemployment risk by 44%.
For students weighing the investment of cost and time, these outcomes highlight why pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 鈥� especially through a flexible online program 鈥� can be such a powerful next step.
Who Online Bachelor鈥檚 Programs Are Designed For
Online bachelor's programs are often the most appealing to students who need flexibility, whether you're a working adult balancing work shifts, a caregiver tied to home responsibilities, or someone living far from a major university hub.
A found that online learners are increasingly older, international, and career-focused, with growing demand for remote learning in fields like business, technology, and health. Below, we share that highlights how bachelor鈥檚 degree attainment varies sharply across age groups.
Only 16.3% of people aged in their early twenties hold a bachelor's, which makes sense since many in this range are still enrolled in college. Then attainment rises over the next decade, reflecting the group most likely to have finished their education and stabilized in their careers. Then, the percentage dips again among adults 65 and older, which may be partly reflecting lower access to higher education opportunities in previous decades.
How Online Bachelor鈥檚 Degrees Work in a Nutshell
An online bachelor鈥檚 degree usually requires 120 credits, mixing a general education "core" with major-specific coursework and electives on top of that.
Admissions requirements for online degrees mirror those of on-campus degrees. Most schools require a high school diploma or GED as well as transcripts. Meanwhile, SAT/ACT scores are becoming increasingly optional every year. A helpful feature of applying to most online programs is rolling admissions and flexible deadlines, which makes them incredibly accessible to adult learners.
Below are some common characteristics of an online bachelor's program:
Formats: Students can choose between fully online programs or hybrid degrees with limited on-campus components. Some majors do require in-person commitments, like lab sessions, practicums, or internships, but it's pretty rare across most disciplines. These formats are more common in healthcare and education, where supervised fieldwork is mandatory.
Delivery: Students may choose a bachelor's with synchronous classes, where live lectures replicate the classroom experience, or an asynchronous (self-paced) format, which allows them to study around work or family schedules.
LMS: Behind the scenes, most online programs run through learning management systems such as Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle. These platforms centralize lectures, readings, assignments, and exams while supporting group projects and digital discussions.
Even though you're dealing with a virtual infrastructure, interaction remains central. Online platforms host discussion boards, breakout groups, and virtual networking events, ensuring students build connections with peers and faculty.
The Types of Colleges Offering Online Bachelor's Degrees
The distance learning landscape for bachelor's degrees spans nearly every sector of higher ed, including for-profit vs. nonprofit colleges and private vs. public colleges.
Interestingly, between 2012 and 2023, the number of by 13.5%, while for-profits shrank by over 50%. Public four-year universities have emerged as the dominant providers, thanks to their scale, affordability, and broad program offerings. Many even extend in-state tuition rates to online students regardless of location, making them particularly attractive.
Below, we discuss some of the current trends and how vary sharply by sector:
Public nonprofit universities: Now the largest providers, public universities enroll the largest number of online students thanks to their massive scale, with 28% of public undergraduates studying fully online these days.
Private nonprofit universities: At private nonprofits, only about 21% of students are studying completely online. They are on a much smaller scale, often with specialized or mission-driven programs.
For-profits: Although for-profit colleges have contracted sharply in number (dropping from 1,451 schools to just 683 in the decade leading up to 2023), some major players remain central to the market. For-profit colleges lead in intensity 鈥� 71% of students at four-year for-profits study fully online, even though this sector enrolls only 4% of undergraduates overall.
Community colleges: These schools are, perhaps, the most budget-friendly way to get a degree in the long-run. They are vital as transfer pipelines, with many online-to-online partnerships for degree completion.
In terms of where students end up studying, most fully , with 74% enrolled at institutions in their own state. Only about one in four students end up choosing out-of-state options. This suggests that while national online providers continue to grow, local and state-based schools remain the backbone of online undergraduate education.
Popular Majors in Online Bachelor鈥檚 Education
Over the past 50 years, , shifting away from humanities and education toward applied fields like business, health, and technology. In the 2021-22 school year, just six majors accounted for nearly of all bachelor鈥檚 graduates: business, health, social sciences, biological sciences, psychology, and engineering.
Business remains the largest field, producing more than 375,000 graduates annually, though it has dipped slightly in recent years. Interestingly, women make up nearly of bachelor鈥檚 graduates overall, dominating majors such as health and psychology, while men hold the majority in engineering and business.
Health professions continue to climb, while computer science has more than doubled in the past decade. Psychology and biology remain stable draws, even as traditional humanities, such as English and foreign languages, have declined by more than a third.
What Careers Can You Get With a Four-Year Degree?
There are many popular online bachelor's programs to choose from. The main list above organizes the online bachelor degree programs by discipline, providing a quick view of each subject's focus.
Below are some career paths that these degrees can lead to. We include job-related data that's projected through the end of the decade (2034), which we sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics ().
Business and Financial Occupations
Online business degrees cover essential areas such as finance, marketing, HR, and management, or your major can focus on one of those areas specifically. Graduates in business often enter fields like project management, sales, public relations, or even supply chain management. If you're more interested in leadership roles, you may be better suited to pursue an online management degree.
Computer and Information Technology Occupations
Online computer science degrees focus on programming, data structures, algorithms, and network security, building skills essential for software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Similarly, online IT degrees emphasize the practical application of technology, covering areas like system administration, networking, and database management to prepare students for roles in IT support, network administration, and information security. Both fields offer strong job prospects.
Protective Service Occupations
An online criminal justice degree is popular due to its broad career applications, like law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, and homeland security. Degrees in this area often provide options for specializations, including Criminology, Forensic Psychology, and Public Administration. In general, they cover foundational topics such as criminal law, ethics, and forensic science.
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
An online early childhood education degree is widely sought after because it prepares students to work with young children from birth to age eight in settings like preschools, daycare centers, and early learning programs. An education degree delves into child development, classroom management, and educational psychology, all critical skills for fostering young children鈥檚 social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Under this category in the BLS are also those who get library science degrees and become librarians and museum curators.
Architecture and Engineering Occupations
One of the most popular engineering degrees is an electrical engineering program due to its versatile applications in industries like telecommunications, electronics, and renewable energy. Students gain skills in circuits, signal processing, and power systems, all of which are essential in today's tech-driven world. This field is always in high demand. If the architecture element of this category interests you most, you might want to consider our online architecture degrees page.
Community and Social Service Occupations
Within the humanities & social sciences, an online sociology degree is a solid choice for many. It attract students interested in studying social behavior, institutions, and cultural dynamics and has broad applicability in careers across social services, education, and community management. With the growing need for data-driven decision-making in HR, urban planning, and nonprofit organizations, sociology graduates find both research and practical community-based roles.
Online counseling degrees prepare students to support individuals, families, and groups in managing mental health, emotional, and social challenges. A bachelor鈥檚 in counseling introduces foundational concepts in psychology, but most counseling positions require a master鈥檚 degree to meet state licensure requirements.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Among the math and sciences, a popular option is an online environmental science degree, which addresses climate change, sustainability, and natural resource management. These programs are typically interdisciplinary, covering biology, chemistry, ecology, and environmental policy, allowing graduates to enter fields like conservation, environmental consulting, and government agencies.
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
An online nursing degree is a solid choice for students who want to learn the skills to enter careers in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. A BSN is preferred and sometimes required by employers for entry-level positions. It includes foundational science courses, such as anatomy and pharmacology, alongside ethical and clinical training in patient care.
Jobs You Can Get with an Online Degree
Today, students can pursue virtually any career that requires a bachelor鈥檚 degree through an online program. While some majors, like engineering or nursing or counseling, traditionally required in-person study, most now offer online programs with limited on-site labs, clinicals, or residencies (as needed). So, whether your interests lie in business, technology, healthcare, education, or the social sciences, there鈥檚 likely an online pathway somewhere out there that leads to the same credentials and opportunities as a campus-based program.
Interested in pursuing a future-proof career? Explore our article about the Top 10 High-Paying, AI-Proof Jobs.
Ask an Expert: Choosing the Right Online Bachelor鈥檚 Program
Choosing the right online bachelor鈥檚 program isn鈥檛 just about finding the most affordable online college or the most flexible, it鈥檚 about understanding how your degree translates into opportunities, which is why we turned to two seasoned experts to share their insights.
Professor of Business Law & Career Development Expert (J.D.)
Strategic Recruitment Director & Career Coach
What factors should students consider when deciding which online bachelor鈥檚 degree aligns best with their career goals?
Professor Ro: "This question can apply to any program, whether it's online or in-person. Career goals can include industry, roles, salary, location, and interest. A factor to consider is a) who are the alumni from this program, b) what kind of networking is available during and post-graduation, c) data on ROI and employment, and d) what resources are available on 'campus'."
Coach Jessica: "Students should start with the end in mind. Think about the industries or roles you鈥檙e aiming for, then trace backward to see which degrees are commonly required or preferred. Consider the flexibility of the degree as well, some fields lead to very specific roles, while others open multiple pathways. I always recommend people if they're unsure, aim high and then you can change [after] you start鈥�
Also, when it comes to online learning, [students] must remember it demands self-discipline, so look for programs structured in a way that matches your learning style and daily schedule. And have a high-balance between relevance to the job market and interest increases long-term career satisfaction."
How can prospective students evaluate whether a degree field has strong job market demand?
Professor Ro: "Considering job demand in a degree field is very important since the goal is not the degree, but employability with a degree. Prospective students should gather information from current job holders in roles that they would like to consider and evaluate what are the popular degrees within the industry, and what skills should also be learned to best accompany and supplement the degree to become competitive applicants for employment."
Coach Jessica: "It's important [to look at job demand] but can't be the only thing to look at. If you're great at something, you will get hired. Students can look at labor market data from government resources, job boards, and professional associations to see current and projected demand. Salary reports and LinkedIn job trends are also helpful."
What role should personal interests play in choosing an online bachelor鈥檚 program vs. salary potential?
Professor Ro: "Usually, personal interests play a huge role in deciding between an online or in-person degree. This may be due to personality, life situation, economics, and experience being sought for college. The salary potential is always important since students should want to earn a salary that is consistent with the investment in time, finances, and energy."
Coach Jessica: "Personal interests and strengths should carry significant weight!! A degree tied only to salary potential won't be rewarding. Money comes and goes and it will be difficult to sustain motivation in a field that doesn鈥檛 align with who you are."
Ideally, students should find a point where their interests, natural abilities, and market demand overlap. That鈥檚 where both engagement and earning potential can thrive.
Are there certain bachelor鈥檚 fields that translate more effectively to the online learning format than others?
Professor Ro: "Courses that require free discussions and projects that involve high levels of engagement will not fare well on online learning environments. However, courses that are structured as lectures with opportunities to engage would be effective. Further, industries that incorporate more online and tech (ex: traditional STEM subjects) may enjoy better conversion rate."
How important is accreditation when choosing a bachelor's degree online?
Coach Jessica: "Accreditation is important as it ensures a baseline standard of quality and determines whether your degree will be recognized by employers or graduate schools. In regulated fields like healthcare, education, or accounting, proper accreditation isn鈥檛 optional, it鈥檚 mandatory for your license. In other areas, such as business or technology, accreditation still matters as employers do want those they are confident in regarding their degree. (The plus side is they also weigh in skills and experience more heavily.)"
What resources can students use to research career outcomes and earning potential for different degree fields?
Professor Ro: "In addition to AI platforms, gathering information from job descriptions and wages in states that have wage-transparency are good places to start with evaluation of earning potential within degree fields."
Coach Jessica: "There government databases as well as platforms like PayScale, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary Insights and ChatGPT. Alumni networks and professional associations also add insight but the truth is speaking directly with professionals in the field or head-hunters will provide true insights that statistics alone aren't accurate as people always lie about numbers."
How do employers view online bachelor鈥檚 degrees in different fields?
Professor Ro: "Online degrees have become more mainstream, however schools with strong traditional programs enjoy more credibility with their online degrees. In addition, online programs that have a large number of online alumni (ex: Arizona State Univ or Purdue Global) have graduates that are employed, so this lends to more acceptance in communities."
Coach Jessica: "Online degrees have grown significantly, especially after Covid. Fields such as IT, business, and communications generally view online degrees favorably, provided the institution is reputable. More traditional or hands-on fields, are more cautious unless the program includes practical training and it is actually accredited.. or well known within the industry."
What advice do you have for students who are undecided about a major but want to pursue an online bachelor's degree?
Professor Ro: "There are many factors to consider, but ultimately it comes down to a) Why this particular degree, and b) will the online degree be worth it for future pathways?"
Coach Jessica: "If you鈥檙e undecided, choose a degree with broad applicability, such as business, communications, or liberal studies, that won鈥檛 close doors. Many online programs allow you to start with general education courses while exploring different areas of interest. Use that time to reflect on what subjects engage you, what skills come naturally, and what career paths spark your curiosity. It鈥檚 better to take that exploration seriously now than to feel locked into the wrong path later."
So, What Is the Best Bachelor's Degree To Make Money?
According to our experts, there isn鈥檛 a single 鈥渂est鈥� major for earnings across the board. The strongest long-term pay tends to come where three things overlap:
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What you鈥檙e good at
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Where employer demand is rising
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And programs that are credible and career-connected
You can use some of the labor-market and salary tools the experts suggested to verify pay trends, confirm the program鈥檚 accreditation, and check real placement outcomes. Then stack the deck with portfolio work, internships, certifications, and an active network.
In short: pick a field you can excel in, validate that it鈥檚 in demand, and choose an online program that proves graduates actually land well-paid roles.
What Degree Should I Get if I Want to Work From Home?
While there isn鈥檛 one 鈥渕agic鈥� major or field of study, the bachelor's degrees that most naturally map to remote-first roles include the following popular options:
Tech
Degrees in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, data science/analytics, and information systems
Remote roles: software/devops, security analyst, data analyst, cloud support
Business
Degrees in marketing, communications, accounting, finance, project management, HR
Remote roles: digital marketing/SEO, content or PR, staff accountant, FP&A, PM, recruiter
Design & Content
Degrees in graphic design, UX/UI, technical writing, digital media
Remote roles: product design, content design, tech writer, video/editor
Healthcare (non-clinical)
Degrees in health informatics, healthcare management, public health
Remote roles: HIM analyst, informatics specialist, population health analyst
Education & Training
Degrees in web design or health education
Remote roles: learning experience designer, e-learning developer
If you want to know more about this, read our in-depth article about how remote learning can you help you work from home.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that we think a bachelor's degree is 100% worth it. Bachelor鈥檚 holders consistently enjoy better outcomes than those without a degree, making the credential a powerful lever in today鈥檚 job market.
For affordability-focused readers, OnlineU maintains a resource on the most affordable online bachelor鈥檚 degrees.
FAQs About Online Bachelor鈥檚 Degrees
Can You Earn a Bachelor's Degree Online?
Yes, you can earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree online from 495 accredited institutions, including both private and for-profit four-year universities. Of these, 50 are fully online colleges and universities offering bachelor's programs, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics ().
Students may also choose to enroll in hybrid programs, which blend online and in-person learning, while other degree programs are exclusively online. Ultimately, determining the best online undergraduate programs depends on your preferred style of learning.
Students pursuing online bachelor degree programs have a diverse array of options, each tailored to meet different career goals and academic interests. Programs range from career-focused fields like business, nursing, and IT to broader areas in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Whether students aim to advance in their current field or explore a new one, online bachelor's programs offer the flexibility and variety to suit nearly any path.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Bachelor's Degree?
An online undergraduate degree is designed to take four years of full-time study to complete. This allows students enough time to properly learn a subject and evaluate their academic goals. However, some students may take more time to finish by studying at a part-time pace. Overall, most bachelor's degrees require students to complete at least 120 credit hours total. Most courses are 3-4 credits and full-time students take 4-5 classes per term.
Alternatively, some bachelor's degrees offer ways for students to fast-track their graduation. Accelerated programs feature shorter terms that run year-round to allow students to take more courses each year. Students may be able to shave a year off the time needed to graduate.
To reduce time to graduation, check a school鈥檚 credit transfer policy. Many schools award credit for prior learning, professional, or military experience through portfolios or CLEP exams. Online degree completion programs also allow adults with prior credits to finish their degree more quickly and affordably.
Can You Work While Earning Your Online Bachelor's Degree?
Yes, many students can and do work while earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree online. In fact, online programs are especially conducive to balancing work and study since they often offer flexible schedules, including asynchronous classes that allow students to complete coursework around their job hours. These online courses usually feature recorded lectures and discussion boards, where a student can post at any time during the week. Live lectures or set class meetings are less common, but weekly assignments will typically have set due dates.
With flexible schedules via asynchronous courses, online bachelor degree programs empower students to advance their education without sacrificing their work commitments, making higher education more attainable.
What Accreditation Do You Need For a Bachelor's Degree Online?
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission () is a national accreditor that certifies the quality of schools with online programs. It also accredits fully online institutions. When researching the best online undergraduate degrees, consider schools that are listed in the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs ().
Regional accreditation is typically the most respected type of accreditation, ensuring that an institution meets high academic standards. Agencies like the Higher Learning Commission () and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges () are examples of regional accrediting bodies recognized across the U.S.
Additionally, specific fields may require programmatic accreditation; for instance, nursing programs benefit from CCNE or ACEN accreditation, while business programs might seek AACSB or ACBSP accreditation. For engineering, it's important to ensure the program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Selecting a school or program with proper accreditation is crucial, as it influences credit transfer, eligibility for federal financial aid, career prospects, and further educational options. All institutions featured on OnlineU are accredited, ensuring they meet quality standards and can support students' future goals.
What Will You Learn in an Online Bachelor's Degree Program?
In an online bachelor鈥檚 program, students complete a mix of general education and major-specific courses designed to build critical thinking and analytical skills as well as other soft skills, like communication. For example, many online programs incorporate networking opportunities with peers and professors through online communities and collaborative projects, helping students develop critical communication and teamwork skills.
General education courses often include subjects like English, math, and social sciences, ensuring a well-rounded academic foundation. Within their chosen major, students gain specialized knowledge 鈥� business majors may cover finance, marketing, and management, while psychology students study behavior, research methods, and cognitive processes.
Some programs emphasize more practical skills applicable across careers, such as problem-solving, time management, and digital literacy. Online degrees often include interactive features like discussion boards, recorded lectures, and virtual simulations that replicate in-person learning experiences. These programs may lean into project-based assignments or virtual labs, depending on the subject.
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