Student-Recommended Online Schools
The 7 online schools on this list are highly recommended by students with recommendation rates of about 70% or higher. Below you can view quotes from online alumni and specific ratings for degree satisfaction, financial aid services, and more. Schools are listed in alphabetical order.
Ratings are based on student reviews collected since 2008, totaling alumni reviews from schools. Keep in mind that the relatively small sample size of online school reviewers, as well as personal reviewer biases, can skew a school's rating positively or negatively. However, every review is vetted to ensure authenticity before being published.
American Public University System has a high recommendation rate of %. Master’s in Criminal Justice graduate, David, said, "The educational program, course delivery, and faculty were excellent. From the moment I started, the advisors, staff, and faculty proved how valuable I was as a person and student." Gabriel also commented on the strong student services, saying, "The professors all took their time to help when I had questions and to ensure that I truly understood the course materials." In response to several reviews regarding difficulties with financial aid, Business Administration student, Kevin, advised incoming students to stay proactive to avoid issues. Kevin said, "I have found that it is best to get the jump on securing one's classes and renewing financial aid... The key to one's success at APU is getting organized and taking responsibilities for one's actions."
With a recommendation rate of %, California Coast University is one of the most highly recommended online schools. Many reviews submitted by recent online graduates have described great student support, flexible pace for courses, and career advancements after graduation. Phillip, a 2014 Master’s in Healthcare Management graduate, said, "The support staff from admissions, faculty, and recognition by the president were all first rate." Business student, Jordin, said, "I love the ability to test out of classes as well. It has been great to work at my own pace." 2005 MBA graduate, Jonathan, said, "I had a very positive experience with both the faculty and overall curriculum." A few students cited difficulties caused by CCU’s lack of regional accreditation, like Brandi, who said, "It is not regionally accredited, and that will hurt you if you try to go to another college to further your degree or even find a job."
With a recommendation rate of % among graduates of its online programs, Columbia Southern University is an excellent choice for students pursuing online degrees. Reviews mentioned exceptional faculty, advisors, and staff as some of CSU's best qualities. Diannia, a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice graduate, said, "Teachers were outstanding, and the service I received from all employees was always courteous and speedy." Public Administration graduate, Larry, described great military student support; "This is the most military friendly school I have attended... Since it is fully nationally accredited, I was able to use my GI bill without any problem." 2014 graduate Wayne described some of the common online learning frustrations, saying, "It's very tough to read, comprehend, and be tested on material without being able to ask questions of the professor or get the perspective of others in the class."
King University has a recommendation rate of %. Many reviewers have commented on the strong support for working adults and flexible hours. In addition to flexibility, reviewers were appreciative of strong teaching and financial aid staff. Reviewer Hannah mentioned that the “financial aid team at King University [were] organized and professional about making sure [students] understand what payments are needed.” Furthermore, enrollment counselors reportedly make adjusting to King University easy and stress-free, while academic advisors make students feel supported when navigating their higher education journey. With concentrated five-week courses that are completed one at a time, many students expressed their appreciation for a streamlined format that allowed them to “focus on one subject,” giving it their full attention. Reviewer Susie said that “King University’s Online Communication Program [allowed her] to focus on one class and still be a full-time student.” Overall, students rave about the flexibility and student support, making King University a highly recommended school.
Saint Leo University Online has a recommendation rate of %. Bachelor's in Healthcare Management student, Rubey, said, "I am currently enrolled and have nothing but positive things to say. The staff is very helpful and the classes are challenging as well as informative." Eric, a 2015 graduate in Computer Information Systems, said, "I feel the instructors in CIS dept. are extremely involved and respond to any concerns or questions you may have. I am using my GI Bill so all of my financial issues are automatic. Overall this is a good school and it has definitely improved me as a person and a professional. Criminal Justice graduate, Christina, said, "I love St. Leo because my adviser calls me all the time to see if I need help or just to let me know I was doing a great job. If I got a low score or missed turning in something, she called."
Utah State University has a recommendation rate of %. Student comments about Utah State focus on its specialization in online learning, with one reviewer expressing that she appreciated Utah’s “interactive technology that allows people who don't live in Logan, and have day jobs be able to attend school and work toward a degree.” Many reviewers also commented on the exceptional support of faculty and staff. In addition to the distance-learner friendly environment and strong teaching staff, students expressed that financial aid and academic counselling staff were very helpful during their journey. Reviewer Megan expressed that “advisors were very educated and there to help make sure [students] had the information [they] needed.” Overall, it is clear that Utah State provides students with flexible online learning tools, as well as exceptional instructor and faculty support.
Western Governors University has a recommendation rate of %. Student reviews cited many positives, like exceptional faculty and flexible curriculum design. Robert, a 2014 MBA graduate, said, "The university mentors were amazing, the curriculum was tough but well laid-out, and I loved the work at your own pace model." Information Technology graduate, Dane, said "I appreciate the move-at-your-own-pace aspect of this institution." Marketing graduate, Angela, said, "The competency-based curriculum and flexible schedule/pace sealed the deal for me. The fact that the tuition was much lower than other universities was a huge selling point as well." Some students voiced their dissatisfaction with WGU graders. 2015 graduate, George, said, "The graders often don't have backgrounds in what they're evaluating. This creates a number of problems."
