Easiest Online Degrees With No Residency Requirements 2026

For many online students, residency requirements are one of the biggest hidden barriers to finishing a degree. Some programs still require campus visits for orientations, intensives, or final projects, which can be costly and unrealistic if you live far away or have work and family commitments. Even a single required visit can make an otherwise flexible online degree difficult to complete.

The good news is that many accredited colleges now offer fully online degrees with no residency requirements at all. These programs allow you to complete coursework, exams, and projects entirely online, without ever setting foot on campus. Below, we’ll look at online degrees that are known for eliminating in-person requirements, starting with flexible associate-level options.

Online Degrees You Can Earn Without Campus Visits

The degree options below are widely recognized for being fully online, with no mandatory campus residencies, in-person orientations, or on-site coursework. Each option is designed so you can complete all academic requirements remotely, regardless of where you live.

1. Associate Degree in General Studies

An associate degree in general studies is one of the easiest online options to complete without residency requirements. The curriculum is broad and flexible, typically covering communication, social science, and basic quantitative reasoning without labs or fieldwork. Because the degree is designed to be generalist in nature, schools are able to offer it fully online with minimal restrictions.

Many online general studies associate programs are also highly transfer-friendly, making them a popular choice for students who want a clean, residency-free path into a bachelor’s degree later on. Self-paced formats, asynchronous coursework, and assessment-based options allow you to complete all requirements remotely, regardless of where you live.

Program duration: 2 years

Universities that offer an online associate degree in general studies:

• Southern New Hampshire University: Online associate degree in general studies
• Louisiana State University Eunice: Online associate degree in general studies
• Northern State University: Online associate degree in general studies
• Thomas Edison State University: Online associate degree in general studies
• Campbellsville University: Online associate degree in general studies

2. Associate Degree in Business Administration

An associate degree in business administration is another strong option if you want a fully online degree with no residency requirements. The curriculum focuses on practical business topics such as management, marketing, accounting basics, and business communication. Because these subjects do not require labs or fieldwork, schools are able to deliver the entire program online without in-person components.

Many online business administration associate programs are designed to be predictable and accessible for remote students. Coursework is typically asynchronous, allowing you to complete assignments on your own schedule without campus visits or live sessions. Generous transfer credit policies and self-paced options at some schools also make this degree a flexible, residency-free starting point for further education.

Program duration: 2 years

Universities that offer an online associate degree in business administration:

• Southern New Hampshire University: Online associate degree in business administration
• Indiana Wesleyan University: Online associate degree in business administration
• Florida Institute of Technology: Online associate degree in business administration
• Campbellsville University: Online associate degree in business administration
• Columbia Southern University: Online associate degree in business administration

3. Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management

A bachelor’s degree in business management is one of the most commonly offered online degrees with no residency requirements. The curriculum centers on leadership, operations, marketing, finance basics, and strategic planning—subjects that translate well to an online format. Because coursework is typically project-based or exam-based, there is no need for in-person labs, internships, or campus visits.

Many online business management programs are designed specifically for distance learners across the country. Asynchronous classes, accelerated terms, and competency-based options allow you to complete every requirement remotely. In many cases, you can earn the entire degree—from admission to graduation—without ever setting foot on campus, making this one of the most reliable residency-free bachelor’s options.

Program duration: 18 months to 4 years

Universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in business management:

• Western Governors University: Online bachelor’s degree in business management
• Southern New Hampshire University: Online bachelor’s degree in business management
• Liberty University: Online bachelor’s degree in business management
• Arizona State University: Online bachelor’s degree in business management
• American Public University: Online bachelor’s degree in business management

4. Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies / Interdisciplinary Studies

A bachelor’s degree in liberal studies or interdisciplinary studies is one of the most residency-friendly options available online. These programs are intentionally broad, allowing you to study multiple subject areas without being locked into a rigid sequence of courses. Because the curriculum is discussion-, reading-, and project-based, schools are able to offer the degree fully online with no campus visits, labs, or in-person requirements.

Many online liberal studies programs are designed for degree completion and distance learners. High transfer credit limits, self-paced options, and accelerated terms make it possible to finish the degree remotely, even if you live far from campus. If avoiding residency requirements is a top priority, this degree type consistently offers some of the cleanest, most flexible paths to graduation.

Program duration: 1 to 4 years

Universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in liberal studies:

• Excelsior University: Online bachelor’s degree in liberal studies
• Arizona State University: Online bachelor’s degree in liberal studies
• Thomas Edison State University: Online bachelor’s degree in liberal studies
• University of Kentucky: Online bachelor’s degree in liberal studies
• UMass Global: Online bachelor’s degree in liberal studies

5. Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology

A bachelor’s degree in information technology is a strong choice if you want a technical degree that can be completed entirely online. These programs focus on areas such as networking, cybersecurity, systems administration, and database fundamentals. Instead of requiring physical labs or campus visits, most schools use virtual labs, simulations, and remote assessments to deliver coursework.

Online information technology programs are well suited to distance learners because they are built to replace in-person requirements with digital tools. Competency-based and self-paced options allow you to move through material you already know without waiting for a traditional semester to end. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can complete all degree requirements remotely.

Program duration: 18 months to 4 years

Universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in information technology:

• Western Governors University: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology
• Capella University: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology
• Southern New Hampshire University: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology
• Liberty University: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology
• University of Maryland Global Campus: Online bachelor’s degree in information technology

6. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is often available fully online with no residency requirements, making it a practical choice for students who cannot attend campus in person. The curriculum typically covers criminal law, corrections, ethics, investigations, and public policy. Most coursework is theory-based and delivered through readings, case studies, projects, and exams rather than fieldwork or labs.

Many online criminal justice programs are designed for nationwide distance learners. Asynchronous formats, accelerated terms, and generous transfer policies allow you to complete all degree requirements remotely. As long as you choose a program that does not require internships or practicum placements, you can earn this degree without any campus visits from start to finish.

Program duration: 2 to 4 years

Universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice:

• Florida International University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• Southern New Hampshire University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• East Central University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• Arizona State University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• Colorado State University Global: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice

What “No Residency Requirements” Really Means

When a school advertises an online degree, “no residency requirements” means you are not required to visit the campus at any point during the program. All coursework, exams, projects, and assessments are completed remotely, using online platforms and digital tools. This is especially important for students who live far from campus, work full time, or have family responsibilities that make travel unrealistic.

However, not all online programs define residency the same way. Some degrees are mostly online but still require short campus visits for orientations, labs, or final capstone experiences. Programs that truly have no residency requirements remove these expectations entirely, allowing you to earn your degree from anywhere with an internet connection.

Common Residency Requirements to Watch For

Even in online programs, residency-style obligations can sometimes appear in less obvious ways. Understanding what to look for can help you avoid surprises after enrolling.

On-Campus Orientations or Intensives

Some programs require new students to attend a brief orientation or intensive session on campus. While these visits may only last a few days, they still count as residency requirements and can create logistical challenges.

In-Person Labs, Practicums, or Internships

Certain degrees, especially in health care or education, may require in-person labs or supervised fieldwork. If your goal is a fully remote experience, it is important to confirm that all practical components are completed virtually or are not required at all.

Proctored Exams at Physical Locations

A small number of programs require exams to be taken at approved testing centers. While less common than in the past, this can still count as an in-person requirement for some students.

How to Confirm a Program Has No Campus Requirements

Before enrolling, it is always a good idea to verify a program’s residency policy directly. Program pages, academic catalogs, and admissions counselors can usually confirm whether any in-person components exist.

When speaking with a school, ask specific questions about orientations, exams, labs, and graduation requirements. Clarifying these details early can help ensure the program truly fits your needs and allows you to complete your degree fully online without unexpected travel.

FAQs About Online Degrees With No Residency Requirements

Choosing a degree with no residency requirements can remove major logistical barriers for online students. The FAQs below address common questions to help you confirm whether a program is truly 100% online.

Are Fully Online Degrees With No Residency Requirements Accredited?

Many fully online degrees with no residency requirements are offered by accredited colleges and universities. These programs meet the same academic standards as on-campus options, even though all coursework is delivered remotely.

It is still important to verify accreditation before enrolling. Confirming that a school holds regional or national accreditation helps ensure your degree is recognized by employers and other institutions.

Do Online Degrees Without Residency Requirements Ever Require Campus Visits?

Some online programs are advertised as flexible but still include short campus visits for orientations, labs, or capstone projects. These requirements are sometimes listed in fine print or described using terms like “intensive” or “immersion,” which can be easy to overlook.

To avoid surprises, it is important to confirm whether any in-person components exist before enrolling. Asking direct questions about orientations, exams, labs, internships, and graduation requirements can help you verify that the program truly allows you to complete everything remotely.

Can I Graduate Without Ever Visiting Campus?

Yes, many online degrees are designed so you can complete every requirement without stepping on campus. Coursework, exams, group work, and capstone projects are typically completed through online learning platforms, virtual labs, or remote proctoring systems.

However, not every online program meets this standard, even if it is marketed as “fully online.” Verifying that graduation, final assessments, and capstone experiences are also completed online ensures you can earn your degree without any required travel.

Explore Fully Online Degrees With No Residency Requirements

If traveling to campus is not an option, a residency-free online degree can offer the flexibility you need. Visit Learn.org to explore accredited online programs with no residency requirements and compare options that fit your location, schedule, and goals.