Have you ever wondered about the possibility of going back to school as an adult? Scooping the internet to discover the best online colleges for working adults? Here’s the information you’re looking for. I urge you to stay with me closely as we explore all you need to know about this topic.
Managing a business or working as a staff in a company is very tasking when combined with education. The truth is that; it will be very stressful, energy time-consuming, and at some point, you might want to quit.
This is because the learning is done through traditional methods where you have to drive some miles to take your lessons, and later come back to the office. However, this can be avoided by enrolling in something called an online school.
In this article, I will share with you the best online colleges that will benefit you as a working adult in any industry. I will extensively explain the schools so that you can gain full insights about each of them. But before then, let’s look at some statistics that you would like to see.
66% of online students are working professionals, 28% of undergraduates takes classes exclusively online, and 61% of online students are parents.
This statistics is according to National Center for Education Statistics and Education Dynamics
How to Choose the Right Online School as a Working Adult
If you really want to reach your academic goals as a working professional using online learning, you must pay attention to these details.
- The rate of enrollment, retention, and graduation.
- Accreditation from appropriate bodies.
- Availability of Federal Financial Aid Support.
- Percentage of online programs.
- Availability of academic & career counseling services.
- Earning credits for work and life experiences.
With these things I listed above, you are going to have an awesome learning experience. Without any further ado, let’s get started properly.
Best Online Colleges for Working Adults
It is good to note that these schools are ranked based on affordability, ease of admission, reputation, student outcomes, flexibility, and student diversity.
- National University
- Western Governors University
- Strayer University
- Purdue University Global
- Bellevue University
- Regis University
- Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Carter Oak State College
- Union Institute & University
- Bethel University
- Excelsior College
- Post University
1. National University
Year Founded: 1971
Accreditation: Yes
Online Percentage Enrollment: Not provided
This is the first school on our list of online schools for working adults. The university is a top educator of the US military in San Diego, founded in the year 1971 whose legacy is to pioneering higher education for nontraditional students. the institution has been accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
The school has 5 pillars of support for its students; financial, academic, career, family & and community, and social & and emotional support.
Click here to start your journey at the National University
2. Western Governors University
Year Founded: 1997
Accreditation: Yes
Online Percentage Enrollment: 100%
Western Governors University is the next on our list. It is one of the online colleges for working adults and has gained the Military Friendly School designation. It is the interest of WGU to eliminate the barriers that stand between historically underrepresented women and the quality of education.
The grading system is one of the attributes that make this university the best online school for adults on our list, the school has a unique way of grading its student’s performance using a Pass/Fail grading system. The use of letter grades or GPA is not allowed, it is either the student passes the course of study by passing all assessments with a grade equivalent of “B” or fails the course of study.
It is important to note that the college curriculum is based on today’s workforce and their grading will improve your productivity.
WGU has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) an institutional accreditation body of universities and colleges. WGU has lifted the banners of high and quality education which has led the school to be recognized and certified by other institutions and bodies across the globe.
Click here to start your journey at Western Governors University
3. Strayer University
Year Founded: 1892
Accreditation: Yes
Online Percentage Enrollment: 100%
The next on our list is Strayer University. The school is accredited and committed to quality education, so you can earn a diploma and be more outstanding in society.
The accreditation status of the school is Accreditation Reaffirmed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The school has raised the bar for higher learning by being certified by other organizations that are of high place and standard in the evaluation of academic quality. This organization includes; The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and The National Security Agency (NSA)
Click here to start your journey at Strayer University
4. Purdue University Global
Year Founded: 1869
Accreditation: Yes
Online Percentage Enrollment: Not provided
Purdue University Global is an online school for adults who are working, they have dedicated faculty and support teams that will help you achieve your goal.
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditation agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education accredited Purdue University Global
Click here to start your journey at Purdue University Global
5. Bellevue University
Year Founded: 1966
Accreditation: Yes
Online Percentage Enrollment: 100%
Bellevue University is the next school on our list, they offer Impactful undergraduate and graduate programs for adults who are working.
They offer various types of programs which include; doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, associate, and continuing education. Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission institutionally and specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies.
Click here to start your journey at Bellevue University
6. Regis College
Year Founded: 1927
Accreditation: Yes
Online Percentage Enrollment: 66%
The next on our list is Regis College, founded in the year 1927 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston. The school is one of the leading nursing and science education, known for its supportive community and a commitment to social service and justice.
Regis College is accredited by a voluntary, non-governmental institution; the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) who are dedicated to promoting higher learning and educational standards.
Furthermore, the school has certification on programmatic accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Eduaction in Radiologic Technology, Commission on Dental Accreditation, Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Technology, Accreditation Commission for Eduaction in Nursing, Council on Social Work Education, and lots more.
Click here to start your journey at Regis College
7. Maryville University
Year Founded: 1872
Accreditation: Yes
Online Percentage Enrollment: 83%
Maryville University is a recognized private institution in St. Louis, Missouri. They have nationally ranked in online programs as top 10 online MBA in Cyber Security, top 10 Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security, Top 25 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management, etcetera.
The school was recognized by Forbes as Top Colleges in America in year 2019. Due to their innovative use of technology and the flexibility to adapt to change in tech, they were recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2021-2024. This recognition is given to schools that have outstanding records in the use of technologies and leadership in education.
Click here to start your journey at Maryville University
8. Charter Oak State College
Year Founded: 1973
Accreditation: Yes
Online Percentage Enrollment: Not provided
Charter Oak State College is also one of the online colleges for working adults who desire to gain bachelor’s, master’s, or associate degrees and certificates. The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education.
Click here to start your journey at Charter Oak State College
9. Union Institute & University
Year Founded: 1964
Accreditation: Yes
Online Percentage Enrollment: 100%
Union Institute & University is the next school on our list. They educate motivated adults who seek academic programs to enlighten, empower, and engage them in pursuing their goals professionally, of a lifetime of learning and social responsibility.
UI&U is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Click here to start your journey at Union Institute & University
10. Bethel University
Year Founded: 1871
Accreditation: Yes
Online Percentage Enrollment: 71%
Bethel University is a private Christian university in St. Paul, Minnesota that offers online programs for adults. The school was founded in 1871 and focuses on transformative academics with a vibrant, Christ-guided community, empowering students to live their lives to the standard of their calling.
The school has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission far back in 1959 with many program-specific accreditors certifying them. Moreover, the school has program approvals from the American Chemical Society, Minnesota Board of Teaching, and lots more.
Click here to start your journey at Bethel University
11. Excelsior University
Year Founded: 1971
Accreditation: Yes
Online Percentage Enrollment: Not provided
Excelsior University is a non-profit learning, institution founded in the year 1971 and focused on giving adult learners educational Opportunities to learn online
The school has two primary types of higher accreditation, that is; Institutional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and programmatic accreditation which is applied to specific programs and departments within the institution.
However, it is important to note that the focus of this school; Excelsior University is their focus on adult learners and caters to their most important need, which is flexibility in studies.
Click here to start your journey at Excelsior University
12. Post University
Year Founded: 1890
Accreditation: Yes
Online Percentage Enrollment: 100%
Post University is the next on our list, it is one of the online schools that seek to grow in knowledge and improve their academic life. The university is licensed by the state of Connecticut through the Office of Higher Education.
The institutional accreditation was made by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECH).
Click here to start your journey at Post University
How to Apply for Online Programs
Application to most online programs starts from the university’s website. Here are steps you can take to complete your application.
- Go to the school’s admission application page, and check out the requirements as well as the deadline for applying.
- Having seen, and met the eligibility criteria, start your application process by creating an account (varies from school to school).
- Upload all required documents such as official transcripts, letters of recommendation, well-written essays, and many others.
- Ensure the form is completely filled, and edited properly before hitting the submit button.
- After your application, use the school’s applicant portal to check the status of your application.
- Be ready for any interview or written test if called upon.
Do note that some universities make use of common app for their application processes. This makes it possible for you to use one application for many colleges.
Conclusion
The schools listed above are online schools for working adults that you can apply for from the comfort of your home. The schools give much flexibility for you to study at your own pace, and be able to juggle both career and learning.
I wish you the best of luck as you apply.
Online Colleges for Working Adults FAQs
Is an online college worth it?
Yes, online colleges are really cool to consider especially if you are a working adult as it gives you the flexibility you need to juggle other things, while still giving you an awesome learning experience.
How do I check if my online school is accredited?
Ordinarily, accredited schools indicate that on their website, however, you can still check through the accreditation agency’s official site by searching for your school’s name on their database or list of member schools.
Are online schools cheaper?
Online schools are considered to be cheaper because some in-person costs are saved. Such costs are accommodation fees, commuting fees, meal plans, etc.
