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Best Online Public Universities Of 2024

Audited & Verified: Nov 26, 2024, 10:01am

Matt WhittleContributor

Matt Whittle has experience writing and editing accessible education-related content in health, technology, nursing and business subjects. His work has been featured on Sleep.org, Psychology.org and NurseJournal.org.

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If you want to earn a bachelor’s degree but need flexibility while pursuing your education, consider looking at your options for online programs at some of the best public universities. Many public universities offer four-year degrees online in diverse fields, such as business, education, computer science and the humanities. Students can find degree options at these schools that match various budgets and needs.

Besides offering flexibility and convenience, earning your degree online from a public university may also cost less. Many public universities charge all online students the same tuition rate per credit, whereas out-of-state students typically pay significantly more to attend public universities in person. But, earning a degree online isn’t the right choice for everyone, so make sure it’s the right fit for you before you enroll in a program.

Explore some of the best online public universities of 2024. We discuss the programs they offer, tuition rates and any unique characteristics to consider and help you choose a school.

Our Methodology

Table of Contents

Our Top Picks

Table Of Contents

Best Colleges

Key Takeaways

Prospective students can find many public universities that offer fully or partly online bachelor’s degrees in various fields.
Each school has its own admission criteria, program requirements and tuition rates.
The best public universities offer affordable, flexible bachelor’s programs that make higher education more accessible to in-state and out-of-state students.

Best Online Public Universities

Florida State University

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$6,517/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

94%

Graduation Rate

84%

$6,517/year (in-state)

94%

84%

Why We Picked It

Florida State University (FSU), in Tallahassee, offers six online bachelor’s degree completion programs. Options include a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in financial planning, a B.S. in public safety and security and a B.S. in interdisciplinary social science. Distance learners at FSU take classes through the Canvas online learning management system.

Online students pay a distance learning fee in addition to tuition. The FSU distance campus offers many resources for online learners, including a career center, library services, technology help and an online reading and writing center.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9 to 5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Example Online Programs: Computer science, criminology
Example Scholarships Available: Guenter Schwartz Endowed Memorial Scholarship, Corey D. Dahlem Memorial Endowed Scholarships
In-Person Requirements: No

University of Florida

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$6,381/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

97%

Graduation Rate

90%

$6,381/year (in-state)

97%

90%

Why We Picked It

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida offers fully online bachelor’s programs in business, the life sciences, health and communications. Degree options include a B.S. in computer science, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in criminology, a B.S. in entomology and nematology, and a B.S. in fire and emergency services.

Distance learners get access to their own social and community hub and dedicated academic advisors. Students can choose from dozens of online specializations.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Example Online Programs: Anthropology, agricultural education and communication
Example Scholarships Available: Presidential Scholarship, Gator Nation Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: No

University of Central Florida

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$6,368/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

93%

Graduation Rate

78%

$6,368/year (in-state)

93%

78%

Why We Picked It

Students can earn more than 30 online bachelor’s degrees and 35 minors from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando. Choose from majors in the social sciences, religion and cultural studies, legal studies and hospitality management. Online student support resources include a writing center, access to the UCF Library, and student accessibility services.

The school offers a UCF Online Tuition Support Scholarship that awards financial support to students who demonstrate strong academic performance.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Example Online Programs: Anthropology, career and technical education
Example Scholarships Available: UCF Online Tuition Support Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: No

George Mason University

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$13,401/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

85%

Graduation Rate

73%

$13,401/year (in-state)

85%

73%

Why We Picked It

George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, offers 20 online bachelor’s degree programs in fields including psychology, information technology, computer game design and global affairs. Other options include a B.S. in geography, a B.S. in health administration, a B.A. in international security and law, and a nursing RN-to-B.S.N. program.

Distance learners benefit from access to resources such as advising services, career services, a writing center and library, and accessibility services. Mason Online uses the Blackboard learning management system for delivering online classes.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9 to 5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $70
Example Online Programs: Applied science, cybersecurity concentration; economics
Example Scholarships Available: Mason Foundation Scholarships
In-Person Requirements: No

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$5,785/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

90%

Graduation Rate

59%

$5,785/year (in-state)

90%

59%

Why We Picked It

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, in Tallahassee, offers six online bachelor’s degree programs. Options include a Bachelor of Criminal Justice, a B.A. or B.S. in psychology, a B.S. in sociology and an RN-to-B.S.N. program. Classes include asynchronous and synchronous components to provide time for community building among classmates and instructors.

The RN-to-B.S.N. program requires some in-person clinical experiences but most online degrees can be completed entirely at a distance without coming to campus.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9 to 5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $25
Example Online Programs: Global security and international affairs, information technology
Example Scholarships Available: USDA National 1890 Scholars
In-Person Requirements: Varies, some programs require in-person clinical experiences

Purdue University-Main Campus

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$9,992/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

90%

Graduation Rate

84%

$9,992/year (in-state)

90%

84%

Why We Picked It

Distance learners can choose from many online bachelor’s degrees from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Online options include a B.S. in aviation management, a B.S. in professional flight, a B.S. in early childhood administration and a B.S. in criminal justice.

Prospective students can take any undergraduate course for a three-week introductory period without paying. The school may award credit toward online degrees for experiential learning and transfer credits. Online student services include access to the Purdue Global Library and a Career Services Center.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Public
Application Fee: Free
Example Online Programs: Communication, accounting
Example Scholarships Available: Returning Student Relief Grant
In-Person Requirements: No

University of North Florida

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$5,964/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

80%

Graduation Rate

66%

$5,964/year (in-state)

80%

66%

Why We Picked It

The University of North Florida (UNF), in Jacksonville, offers online bachelor’s degrees in subjects such as integrative general studies, healthcare management, early childhood education and learning design and technology: workforce learning and leadership.

Online courses take place primarily asynchronously, but some classes include a synchronous component that will be noted in the class schedule. UNF Online uses the Canvas learning management system for online classes. All distance learners get access to all UNF campus resources, including the library, student wellness center and UNF counseling center.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9 to 5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Example Online Programs: nursing (RN-to-B.S.N.), sports management (marketing concentration)
Example Scholarships Available: Enrollment Services Scholarships, Foundation Scholarships
In-Person Requirements: No

San Diego State University

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$8,174/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

89%

Graduation Rate

78%

$8,174/year (in-state)

89%

78%

Why We Picked It

Located in San Diego, California, San Diego State University (SDSU) offers seven fully online or hybrid bachelor’s programs. Degrees open to distance learners include a B.S. in child development, a B.S. in public health, a B.S. in criminal justice and a B.S. in business administration.

SDSU’s Global Campus offers courses with both synchronous and asynchronous components. Distance learners can have one-on-one interactions with instructors through virtual office hours, explore multimedia content and get access to dedicated advisors and support staff.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9 to 5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $70
Example Online Programs: Communication, economics
Example Scholarships Available: Aztec Scholarships
In-Person Requirements: Yes, if hybrid

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$3,495/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

72%

Graduation Rate

45%

$3,495/year (in-state)

72%

45%

Why We Picked It

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers eight online bachelor’s degree completion programs. Distance learners can find a B.S. in accounting, a B.S. in business administration, an RN-to-B.S.N. and an American Indian Studies B.A.

The school provides support and resources to students enrolled in distance courses, including 24/7 Canvas learning management system support. Online learners also get access to academic advising through the Center for Student Success, library services and tutoring help.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $55
Example Online Programs: Accounting, business administration
Example Scholarships Available: Chancellors Scholars, Ayars Family Endowed Scholarship
In-Person Requirements: No

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

$7,498/year (in-state)

Student Retention Rate

73%

Graduation Rate

61%

$7,498/year (in-state)

73%

61%

Why We Picked It

Online students can earn bachelor’s degrees in fields including business, health and the humanities from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Degree options include a B.S. in accounting, a B.S. in finance, a B.S. in public health education and a B.A. in history.

Students can earn a degree on their own schedule thanks to the school’s asynchronous courses. Distance learners at UNCG can receive accessibility resources and services and get access to the university libraries.

What To Know

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $65
Example Online Programs: Classical studies, hospitality and tourism management
Example Scholarships Available: Next NC Scholarship, UNCG Guarantee
In-Person Requirements: No

Should You Enroll in an Online Public University?

Pro Tip

Many online public universities let all distance learners pay in-state tuition, no matter where they live.

Earning a degree from an online public university can help you move forward in your job or launch a new career in diverse fields. When choosing to enroll in an online public university or to attend college in person, consider the following factors.

What type of schedule do you need? Online learning often appeals to busy students with full-time jobs. If you need a lot of flexibility to accommodate your schedule, an online program with asynchronous courses can provide what you need.
What’s your budget? If you’re trying to earn a degree on a budget, an online public university might help you save money. Many public institutions charge all online students the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. This can add up to big savings because out-of-state students typically pay a premium on tuition.
How do you learn best? If you’re an independent, organized learner with good time management skills, an online university can be an excellent choice. However, if you learn better with a set schedule and the accountability that comes from attending class in person, consider exploring on-campus or hybrid programs.

Accreditation for Online College

Before enrolling in any online public university, make sure it holds institutional accreditation. Colleges receive accreditation from accrediting bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Accredited universities must meet minimum quality standards and go through an approval process organized by an approved accrediting body. It’s important to choose an accredited school if you want to qualify for federal financial aid.

You might also need to look into programmatic accreditation, depending on your field of study. Programmatic accreditation means that a specific department or program met minimum standards for that field. Some employers, professional organizations and graduate schools require an accredited degree.

Look in CHEA’s database to find accredited programs and schools. You can also look up accreditation information on a prospective school’s accreditation webpage.

How To Find the Right Online College for You

Pro Tip

The number and variety of online programs available varies by university. Research the options at any prospective school to make sure it can meet your needs before you enroll.

Consider Your Future Goals

Online public universities can help you get the skills and knowledge you need to meet your academic and career goals. However, every college is unique, so make sure that you choose a school that aligns with your needs.

For example, find out if a prospective school requires any in-person learning. Some universities require in-person internships or attendance at an on-campus immersive experience. These experiences can be beneficial in many ways, but they can also add time and expense to your program.

Another thing to consider is that the number and variety of programs and degrees can vary considerably by school. Make sure that any prospective college offers the major and coursework you need.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition rates for the top public universities in our guide range from $3,495 to $13,401 per year. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete, bringing the estimated total between $13,980 and $53,604.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students at public universities in the U.S. paid an average of $9,750 in tuition and required fees each year. This adds up to about $39,000 on average for a four-year degree. In comparison, the schools on our list include options that cost considerably less and more.

To find out your eligibility for federal financial aid, fill out the FAFSA®. You can find out if you qualify for federal student loans, grants and scholarships. You can also contact prospective schools directly to find out about institutional funding support. This might include scholarships or work-study.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Public Universities

What is the No. 1 online college in the U.S.?

According to our ranked list of online public universities, Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, is the best. However, the best online college for you will depend on your academic and career goals, budget, schedule and desired program.

Is there a free online university in the U.S.?

Yes. The University of the People, based in Pasadena, California, offers fully online degree programs that don’t charge any tuition.

What is the easiest online college to get into?

Admission requirements for online colleges vary by school. Many online colleges only require that applicants hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Are online degrees legit?

Yes, most people realize that you can earn a high-quality degree online. In most cases, online students must meet the same graduate requirements and take the same classes as on-campus learners. Because of this, it won’t indicate that you earned your degree online in your transcripts.

Can I attend college entirely online?

Yes, you can complete a college degree entirely online if you find a school that offers fully online degrees.

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Matt Whittle

Contributor

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