10 Best Online Colleges for Working Adults in 2026

If you're a working adult, you may be thinking about going back to school to advance or change your career and increase your earning potential. But going to college as an adult can feel overwhelming, so you're wondering,

''Are there any good schools for busy adults like myself?''

Keep reading as we explore some top schools offering the best online degree programs for working adults. We'll also talk about what to look for as an online student and provide answers to various questions you may have.

Why Working Adults Choose Online Colleges

Working adults face many challenges when returning to school. They often work full-time and may have families to care for.

Online undergraduate and graduate programs often provide more flexibility than on-campus programs, allowing students to study whenever it's convenient for them, rather than attending classes at set times. Some online programs are even self-paced.

What's more, online colleges are often more affordable than attending school in person. They generally contain fewer fees, may provide free textbooks and study materials, and enable students to save money on room and board since they don't have to live on campus.

There are many good schools providing online degree programs. We'll explore some of the best online colleges for working adults a little later in this article.

What To Look for in an Online College as a Working Adult

The best online schooling programs for adults cater to the unique needs of this specific demographic. Some things to look for in an online program include:

• Flexible schedules and asynchronous learning: Flexibility is one of the main benefits of online learning. Look for schools providing flexible schedules and asynchronous classes, as well as rolling admissions and/or frequent start dates.
• Accelerated and part-time options: Some adult learners may want to speed up their time in school, while others may be looking for a more relaxed pace. Online schools with accelerated and part-time options can meet the needs of both types of students.
• Affordable tuition and financial aid: Busy working adults may not have a lot of extra money to spend on their education. Schools with affordable tuition rates and various financial aid offerings can help them get their education without breaking the bank.
• Career services and employer partnerships: Working adults can benefit from schools offering career services, and employer partnerships can provide extra benefits for employees of specific companies. Look for these opportunities when choosing a school.
• Transfer credit policies: Many adult students already have some college credits under their belts. Choosing an online school with generous transfer credit policies enables students to get credit for past college experiences and graduate more efficiently.

10 Best Online Colleges for Working Adults

If you're ready to find the school that best suits your needs and career goals, you're in the right place. Keep reading as we look at some of the best online colleges for working adults.

1. University of the People

The University of the People is a private online university headquartered in California. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees and certificate programs, with areas of study including:

• business administration
• health science
• information technology

This school is unique in that it doesn't charge tuition rates; students only have to pay course fees. The online courses are flexible and career-focused, helping learners pursue improved job opportunities in a timeframe and at a price that works for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,200 per year
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

2. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private online university based in Utah. It is known for its numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs. Some of the majors include:

• software engineering
• special education
• public health

Students benefit from a competency-based education model that allows them to progress at their own pace. Affordable tuition rates are charged per term instead of per credit hour, so students who accelerate their studies can save big on overall costs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,658 per year
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is a public online school belonging to the Colorado State University System. Students can pursue certificate programs and bachelor's and master's degrees, with popular majors such as:

• cybersecurity
• criminal justice
• supply chain management

Students complete coursework on their own time within eight-week blocks, and new classes start monthly, allowing continuous study. The school accepts up to 90 transfer credits and features affordable tuition rates ideal for busy adults on a budget.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,000 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Amberton University

Amberton University is a small Christian school located in Garland, TX. Its focus is on providing accessible education to working adults, with more than 60% of its programs designed for online completion. Areas of study include:

• human relations and business
• entrepreneurship
• applied studies

Bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as certificate programs, are all available. With affordable tuition and flexible study schedules, this school is ideal for students juggling school with other commitments in their lives.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,000 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private school in Bellevue, NE. It offers flexible online and campus-based degree programs designed for busy adults. Some of the many programs available include:

• behavioral science
• financial planning
• sport management

Students can earn certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees at this school. The college is transfer-friendly and provides relaxed admission standards, flexible courses, and frequent start dates for maximum convenience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,903 per year
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global is a private school affiliated with the University of Massachusetts System, though it is headquartered in California. Learners can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs through this college, with options such as:

• business administration
• information technology
• organizational leadership

The school offers two ways to study: an instructor-led pathway and a self-paced pathway. Both options are flexible, with the instructor-led pathway providing a bit of added structure. Transfer credits are accepted, and multiple start dates make year-round study possible.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,540 per year
• Accreditation: WSCUC

7. University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus is the online component of the University of Arizona. This high-quality school provides accessible graduate and undergraduate degrees and certificate programs ideal for working adults. Programs include:

• child development
• education studies
• homeland security and emergency management

Students take courses one at a time for five- or six-week sessions. Courses are flexible enough to allow students to study anytime, day or night, and on any device with internet access.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,926 per year
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school that enrolls a six-figure online student body. It offers hundreds of degree and certificate programs, including digital photography, accounting, and environmental science.

The school provides eight- and 10-week course sessions and flexible study schedules as well as a generous transfer policy. Military benefits and employer partnerships allow qualifying students to receive tuition discounts.

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,200 per year
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

9. Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University is a private school in Fayette, IA. It provides on-campus, online, self-paced, and correspondence education programs in areas of study like:

• agricultural business
• communication studies
• human resource management

With so many different study options to choose from, working adults can choose whatever option works best with their lifestyles and schedules. Students can transfer credits to accelerate their studies and complete up to two courses per eight-week session.

• Estimated tuition cost: $19,475 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Liberty University

Liberty University is a large Christian University headquartered in Lynchburg, VA. It offers more than 600 degree and certificate programs at every program level, with many of those available online. Options include aviation management, Biblical counseling, and nursing.

Depending on degree level, students can transfer 50% to 75% of their total degree requirements from other schools. Flexible eight-week course sessions and frequent start dates make this school a great choice for busy working professionals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $22,362 per year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC)

Best Degrees for a Career Change

Some of the best online degree programs for working adults provide opportunities for career advancement into lucrative, in-demand fields. Undergraduate or graduate degrees in the following career-focused fields can provide great opportunities for working adults looking to change jobs:

• business administration
• nursing
• computer science
• education
• psychology
• accounting
• criminal justice
• human resources
• information technology
• health care administration

How We Rank Schools

We endeavor to choose high-quality programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the above programs for working professionals:

• Accreditation: All of the schools are regionally accredited by nationally recognized accrediting agencies.
• Flexibility and scheduling options: Each school is known for providing flexible online courses and a range of scheduling options.
• Tuition affordability and financial aid availability: The schools featured above provide affordable tuition rates and/or a wide variety of financial aid options.
• Degree variety and career relevance: All of the colleges provide a large variety of college degrees and certificate programs that prepare students for in-demand career opportunities.

FAQs About Online Colleges for Working Adults

If you still have questions about online education for adults, you're not alone. Keep reading as we explore answers to some frequently asked questions.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Degree as a Working Adult?

Generally speaking, it takes about two years to finish an associate degree, four years for a bachelor's degree, and another one to three years for a master's degree. But there is no one-size-fits-all blueprint for getting a degree as a working adult. The exact amount of time it will take you to graduate depends on factors such as whether you study full-time or part-time, enroll in an accelerated or self-paced program, and how many transfer credits you have.

Can I Transfer Credits From Previous Colleges?

Yes, most colleges allow students to transfer credits from a regionally accredited college or university. Different schools have different transfer policies, though.

Some allow students to transfer up to half of the credits required for their degree (60 for a 120-credit bachelor's degree); others may allow up to 90 credits. Still, some schools may allow an unlimited number of credits as long as you complete your last 30 credit hours at your current school.

Are Online Degrees Respected by Employers?

Yes, employers generally respect online degrees as long as they come from reputable, accredited schools. In fact, many schools don't distinguish between their online and in-person degrees, so potential employers may not even know that you studied online unless you bring this to their attention.

What Financial Aid Options Are Available for Working Adults?

Working adults can apply for grants, student loans, and work-study programs using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They can also apply for scholarships through their school or outside organizations. Graduate students may have additional options, such as applying for fellowships or assistantships. Military and employer benefits can also help both graduate and undergraduate learners pay for college.

Is It Possible to Balance Work, Family, and Online Classes?

Yes, many adult students do what it takes to go back to school while balancing work and family commitments. Though this takes dedication and a lot of hard work, many online colleges, such as those discussed in this article, make it possible by providing flexible scheduling options and self-paced coursework.

Explore Online Colleges for Working Adults

If you're ready to go back to school and improve your career prospects, explore the colleges and universities featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools to find out more about their programs and to choose the right one for you.