25 Best Online Degree Programs for Working Adults

Going to college has long been considered a rite of passage for students fresh out of high school to take their next step toward building a future career. The student body of various colleges continues to change. More than ever, working adults are going back to school to further their professional expertise or even make a complete career change.

If you are considering an online college for working adults, there are a number of factors to consider, and you probably have a lot of questions.

Common questions that we receive from working adult students include:

• Are there colleges that cater to working adults?
• What about the credits I have from past degree programs?
• Does my life experience count towards school placement?
• Is an adult online degree program a realistic option?

Luckily, we are here to help! In the information below we will cover everything that you need to know about online colleges for adults and going back to school.

Online Colleges for Working Adults

When thinking about going back to school as an adult, it’s important to consider how this can affect your career and how long you would like to spend in school. These factors can impact your decision when choosing the best college and program for your needs. While every company policy is different, a degree could possibly help you qualify for a promotion or a raise.

Alternatively, a degree could offer you the opportunity to change career paths to a lucrative career or something else you enjoy doing with your life. If you’re looking to change career paths, look for a school that offers career-specific degrees and certificate programs.

Another key component to going back to school as a working adult is the time commitment. You may want to look at your current schedule and decide how much time you can devote to school each semester. Along with that, you may want to think of a game plan for how long you want to attend school. For example, certificates are usually quicker to earn than an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

How to Earn a Degree Fast

Many adult learners have a desire to earn their degree fast since they are usually working a full-time or part-time job while attending college. Luckily, there are various ways to do just that.

You can look into schools that offer credit for prior learning and life experiences, offer credit by exams, allow you to transfer previous college credits, or offer flexible online degree programs. Other options for earning your degree fast include accelerated degree programs where a traditional 2-year degree may be obtained months sooner.

Accelerated courses also allow for quicker degree attainment. Alternatively, condensed courses allow you to learn the material in a shorter amount of time each semester while self-paced degree programs allow you to set your own schedule and learn on your time. This is particularly helpful for working adults or parents.

In the sections below, we will give you an in-depth look at the various factors you need to consider before committing to enrollment in your new degree program.

• Credit for Life Experience and Prior Learning
• Credit by Exam
• Transferring Previous College Credits
• Online Degree Programs

It is important that you have a solid understanding of the various ways you can earn your degree faster. Consider the following information as you research prospective schools.

Credit for Life Experience and Prior Learning

Any adult knows that education entails more than just textbooks, and some of the best learning experiences come from lifelong or professional accomplishments.

Whether you learned another language through global traveling or have exceptional management skills from working your way up the corporate ladder, modern universities understand that adults returning to school have a lot to offer when it comes to their prior learning experiences.

Fortunately, several of the universities listed in the table above allow students to apply for nontraditional learning credits from life experience or prior learning. However, the burden is on you to prove to your school that you have the experience needed to earn credit for college courses without actually taking them.

Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio

The most common method of earning credit for life experience is by presenting a Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio (PLA). Typically, there are several requirements that must be met before submitting a PLA for consideration, including:

• Current enrollment in a university degree program
• Completion of certain general education courses
• Minimum requirement for years of professional experience in the areas you are seeking credit

Each college that has an option to submit a PLA will typically have detailed submission guidelines on its website. You will also be required to pay a fee to your college for each credit hour that you are requesting. For example, if the PLA fee is $50 per credit hour and you want to receive credit for a three-credit hour course, you will have to pay a non-refundable fee with the submission of your portfolio.

While it may seem like a high price to pay, remember that if your portfolio is accepted you will be saving many times that fee amount on course tuition and textbooks.

What If I Have Prior Career Training or Professional Licenses?

If you have received professional training through your employment or have acquired applicable licenses or certifications, these experiences all have the potential of being considered at schools that offer credit for life experience.

The first step to receiving credit for these past experiences is contacting the admissions office at your prospective school. The advisors there will be able to direct you to the specific documents or portfolio that you will need to provide in order to process your credits from prior learning.

Credit by Exam

For working adults that have strong knowledge in core course topics, applying for credit by examination could be an excellent way to cut down on your tuition costs and accelerate your degree program.

All colleges have their own specific requirements and restrictions on the number of credits that can be earned through examination, which typically varies from three to nine credits. There are two main types of exams that working adults use to apply for credits by examination – the CLEP and DSST.

What Is the CLEP Exam?

CLEP is a highly regarded examination that is available for students who wish to test out of certain general education college courses within their degree program. This test is accepted by more than 2,900 colleges and universities nationwide, and it offers examinations on 33 different course topics.

The areas of study covered by the CLEP include the following:

• History and Social Sciences
• Composition and Literature
• Science and Mathematics
• Business
• World Languages

Each CLEP exam costs around $80, and there are additional costs if you wish to purchase a study guide to prepare before the test. When you consider the cost of a college course averaging around $700, it is easy to see how paying the CLEP fee to earn credits by examination can save you a great deal of money in the long term.

There are numerous testing sites for the CLEP exam throughout the country, and it is easy to register for the date and location of your choice through their website. The CLEP website also offers valuable tools such as practice quizzes and additional information to help you prepare for taking the exam!

What Is the DSST Exam?

Like the CLEP, the DSST examination offers students the opportunity to pass a test in lieu of taking certain general education courses at their university. This specific test is accepted by more than 1900 higher education institutions nationwide, and it offers over 30 different examination options.

Across the country, there are 1,200 different testing sites where you can register to take a DSST exam. Each test costs about $80, like the CLEP, although it is important to verify any additional costs that you may incur based on the policies of your testing site.

As an added bonus, DSST exams are fully funded for military personnel! Whether you are a veteran or on active duty, you have the opportunity to take a DSST exam for free in order to apply it to your degree program. However, it is worth noting that if you do not pass the DSST test you will be responsible for funding any additional re-testing.

Transferring Previous College Credits

If you attended college in the past but did not finish your degree program, you may still be able to earn credit for the courses you’ve previously taken. While transfer policies vary greatly based on school and degree program, there is a good chance that you will be able to receive some credit for courses that you completed with a C or higher at another accredited university.

Across the board, there is no set standard for the number of transfer credits a college will or will not accept. However, your first step is to sit down with your school’s academic advisor or admissions counselor. They will be able to look through your previous transcripts and help you determine which of your previous classes will be eligible for credit for your new degree program.

Additionally, certain accredited colleges that offer distance learning options can have the most generous transfer policies. These online degree programs offer a range of benefits that can help you save time and tuition costs while pursuing your degree.

Online Degree Programs

If you are interested in pursuing your degree but are not sure how to balance your career and coursework obligations, an online degree program may be the perfect choice for you! Working adults are one of the many types of students that can greatly benefit from the flexibility and innovation of online degrees and programs.

Whether your goal is to finish your degree in a shorter timeframe or you need to log on to classes after office hours, there are many advantages to choosing to pursue an online degree offered by many of the nation’s top accredited universities. Beyond the flexible nature of online course scheduling, some of the advantages of working towards your degree online include:

• Options to work through the summer or take accelerated 8-week courses
• Generous transfer policies
• Ability to use federal and state financial aid, scholarships, and grants
• Innovative online learning platforms that connect you with instructors and students nationwide
• Potential for lower tuition costs
• Numerous degree program options

For working adults that want to further their careers without incurring massive amounts of debt or spending years on a college campus, online degree programs are a versatile way to get the most out of your education experience.

With the many opportunities available for allowing your previous life experience to count towards your education and the flexibility of online learning, earning your degree as a working adult is an excellent opportunity to improve your future.

How to Choose an Online School as a Working Adult

When choosing the right online university for adults, it’s important to consider some important factors. 

• Flexibility: As a working adult, it’s important that the college you choose offers flexibility with scheduling classes and offering asynchronous learning. This type of learning allows you to watch a lecture or lesson at a time that suits your schedule. If a class is not asynchronous, make sure the class offers the flexibility to allow for self-paced learning.
• Accelerated Learning: Some adult learners are interested in earning their degree at an accelerated pace in order to continue working and advance their careers quickly. 
• Accreditation: Accredited schools meet basic quality education standards. In the United States, most schools and programs are accredited by a regional or national accrediting institution that is recognized by the US Department of Education. 
• Recognition of Credits: If you have previous credits from an earlier education, check to see if your chosen college accepts and recognizes those credits. Some colleges also allow credit for life experiences that align with college-level coursework.

When choosing the best school for working adults, be sure to consider the above points. This will help you stay employed while earning your degree, and still receive support from teachers and staff.

Is Going Back to College Worth it?

Yes, going back to college is worth it for many students. An online degree program can open a lot of possibilities for your career path. Whether you choose an online business degree or an online general studies degree, you will learn the skills required for your career.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial occupations are projected to grow 7 percent over the next decade. Alternatively, accounting occupations are expected to grow 6 percent over the same time period.

If you have a more creative soul, occupations within the advertising, promotions, and marketing fields are projected to grow 10 percent over the next 10 years. As you can see, there are a lot of opportunities in various fields making going back to college a good idea if you looking to further your career.

Online Schools for Working Adults

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer a variety of degree programs, and make it easy for students to take classes online.

Azusa Pacific University is a Christian college in Southern California. The school offers over 200 online and on-campus programs. Students can earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees and certificates. Online programs are asynchronous and either fully online or blended. Programs are offered in fields such as music, leadership, public health, user experience design, and organizational psychology.

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Bethel University is a Christian school in Tennessee. It was ranked in the top 12% of most affordable universities by Money Magazine. Online students can choose between undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs, all taught from a Christian perspective. Bethel offers 35 online programs, including programs in nursing, social work, accounting, business management, and special education.

Bethel University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Capella University is an entirely online college dedicated to helping working adults earn a degree. Its FlexPath program allows students to work at their own pace. Students in this program pay per 12 weeks instead of per credit. Students can also choose a guided learning program. The school offers a variety of fields of study, including behavior analysis and finance.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Charter Oak State College is a public online college in Connecticut. The school offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs to adults looking to further their education. Courses are either a full 15 weeks long or offered in accelerated 5 or 8 week formats. The school offers degrees in fields like cyber security, health care administration, and sociology.

Charter Oak is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Colorado State University is a top research school. It offers online programs for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. CSU online students pay in-state tuition regardless of residency. CSU offers bachelor’s degrees in fields like computer science, economics, and horticulture. The school offers master’s degrees in fields like agricultural sciences, music therapy, and aerospace engineering.

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Columbia College offers online and night classes at locations around the country for working adults. The school offers six start dates a year, and classes are either a half or a full semester long. It offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree in fields like real estate management, criminal justice, and educational leadership.

Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Davenport University’s Online+ program has offered online degrees for over 20 years. Students in this program have many options for learning online, including fully online programs and flex, blended, and even VR formats. Davenport offers over 50 online programs including an MS in Nursing and a BA in Urban STEM Education. The school offers online tutoring to help students succeed.

Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Excelsior University has helped adults get college degrees through distance learning since 1971. Students at Excelsior can earn an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees through entirely online programs. New courses start every 8 weeks to fit in with students’ busy schedules. The school offers a variety of degrees in fields such as health sciences and national security.

Excelsior University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Florida Institute of Technology is ranked as a Tier 1 Best National University by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees online. These programs are entirely online and asynchronous, and each course is 8 weeks long. Programs are offered in a variety of fields, including aviation management, cybersecurity, marketing, project management, information technology, and psychology.

Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Grand Canyon University offers both fully online programs and programs with evening courses for busy adults. Students can choose from over 200 programs offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Courses start every 8 weeks, making it easier to fit into students’ schedules. Programs are offered in a variety of fields, including urban ministry, public health, and business administration.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University is rooted in the Christian faith. Niche.com ranked Liberty as one of the top three online colleges in the US. Students at Liberty can choose from over 400 online bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree programs. Most courses are 8 weeks long and fully online. Some require 1 week residencies. The school offers many fields of study, including accounting and nursing.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Ohio Christian University’s online program is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees online. Courses are completely online and 5 weeks long. OCU allows students to transfer in qualifying credits from accredited institutions. Fields of study offered include biblical and theological studies, substance abuse counseling, and business management.

Ohio Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Out of Maryville University’s online students, 96% have reported positive outcomes in their careers after graduation. Maryville also partners with innovative companies to create new degree programs. Students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees through fully online programs. Start dates are flexible. Degree programs are offered in a variety of fields, including data science, speech-language pathology, and medicine.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Northeastern University’s online program offers over 80 degrees. Programs are offered either fully online or in a blended format.

Students can earn certificates, master’s degrees, or doctorates, or complete their bachelor’s degrees. Students in most programs benefit from Northeastern University’s Experiential Learning partnerships. Degrees are available in a variety of fields, including analytics, healthcare administration, applied logistics, and applied nutrition.

Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

U.S. News & World Report named Post University one of the best schools for online graduate education. Post offers online programs and evening and weekend courses for working adults. Online programs are asynchronous. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees online. Fields of study offered include legal studies and e-sports management.

Post University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

U.S. News & World Report has named Purdue University in the Top 10 Most Innovative Schools for the past five years. Purdue offers online students three weeks to try its bachelor’s programs before fully committing. Purdue’s programs are fully online and asynchronous. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees in fields like aviation, nursing, and fire science.

Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Regent University was named in the #1 Best Bachelor’s Programs in Virginia listing by U.S. News & World Report. Regent’s online programs are fully online. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees. Online courses are 8 weeks long, and there are 8 start dates each year. Programs are offered in a variety of fields, including biblical studies, government, and strategic communication.

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Regis University is a Catholic school with Jesuit values that offers accelerated online programs for working adults. Classes are 5 or 8 weeks long, and most have six start dates during the year. Students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. Fields of study offered include computer information systems, creative writing, and health services administration.

Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Saint Leo University was one of the first colleges in the country to offer an online learning program. Saint Leo is a Catholic school and offers a liberal arts education. The school offers over 60 programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Students can also earn professional certificates. Programs are offered in a variety of fields, including emergency management, psychology, and social media marketing.

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Southern New Hampshire University offers over 200 programs designed to help students advance in their careers. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees.

Motivated students may participate in the school’s accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program. Bachelor’s programs have 8 week terms starting six times per year. Master’s have five 10 week terms. Programs are offered in a variety of fields, including engineering and health.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Students at Thomas Edison State University can choose from over 100 fields of study. They can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees fully online. Undergraduates have 12 start dates throughout the year, and each term is 12 weeks long. Graduates have four start dates. Programs are offered in a variety of fields, including air traffic control, clinical laboratory science, and dental hygiene.

Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Union Institute and University offers students the choice between fully online and hybrid programs. Students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees or professional certificates. Students may also begin working on their master’s during their bachelor’s program. There are several start dates throughout the year. Programs are offered in a variety of fields, including psychology and cybersecurity.

Union Institute & University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Maryland Global Campus has been helping working adults further their education for over 75 years. Students can choose between online and hybrid programs to earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees. The school offers several sessions per semester with multiple start dates throughout the year. Fields of study offered include data analytics and public safety.

The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Walden University students can earn their degrees through fully online programs. The school offers several start dates throughout the year. Students can choose between synchronous programs or Tempo programs that allow students to complete their coursework on their own time. Students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees in fields like school counseling, public health, information technology, or communication.

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Western Governors University’s goal is to provide students with an affordable education that’s flexible enough to fit into their busy lives. Its competency-based degree programs make it possible to earn a degree sooner. Students can earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees through WGU. All programs are fully online. Fields of study offered include marketing and accounting.

Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Getting Your College Degree Online

Going back to school as a working adult doesn’t have to be a stressful time in your life. You can confidently choose one of the best online degree programs for working adults and enjoy the benefits of a flexible schedule while pursuing your dream career.  

When choosing an online degree program, remember to look for colleges that are accredited and offer the support you need to achieve your goals. Whether you need a flexible schedule to continue working, or take care of your children, there is likely a program for you.

Whether you want to further your education to move up in your company or you are ready to pursue an entirely new career path, returning to school as a working adult is now easier than ever. Start the next step in your educational journey today!