9 Best Online Colleges for Students With Anxiety 2025

As society puts more emphasis on respecting the special situations created by mental health disorders, online learning continues to provide opportunities for students who are unable to attend in-person higher education programs.

Accredited online colleges and universities offer students learning opportunities from associate degrees to doctoral degrees, allowing learners to find degrees that fit their goals. Online universities and degree programs from on-campus universities provide learning environments that are friendlier to college students with social anxiety and related disorders.

Online Degree Programs for People With Anxiety

Some of the best online colleges for students with mental health issues often provide courses with an asynchronous format, which allows students to tailor their learning experience around their conditions. Beyond the opportunities provided by online classes, many of these colleges also provide support services to promote their students' overall well-being.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a leading provider of online education. Online students can participate in flexible coursework that allows for part-time and full-time scheduling. The online tuition rate at SNHU is $330 per credit hour � one of the most affordable degree programs available.

Students at SNHU can pursue online bachelor's degrees in diverse subjects like:

• business
• criminal justice
• education
• social work
• and more

Students with social anxiety will benefit from the isolated nature of these online programs due to no face-to-face or scheduled class times.

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University has multiple in-state campuses, but it has become a leading provider of online college degree programs. Enrollment at ASU can lead to degrees ranging from associate to master's degree levels, with multiple certificate opportunities to further expand learning.

Students can use the me3 assessment to help determine the best degree programs for them, without scheduling any meetings with advisors, and can enroll fully online. ASU offers degrees in business administration, human services, and computer science.

3. Strayer University

Strayer University has over 50 on-campus locations spanning 17 states, from New Jersey to New Mexico. In addition to these in-person degree programs, students can pursue online degrees in information technology, business administration, and health services administration.

Strayer also offers no-cost general education courses, which can reduce the cost of earning a degree. About 92% of Strayer students are part-time, reflecting the flexibility of the school's online programs.

4. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global offers top-ranking, accredited online degree programs. CSUG has weekly deadlines, but students can view lectures and other course material at any time. This allows students to pursue education when they are physically and emotionally able to.

Some popular degree programs include cybersecurity, management information systems, and accounting. In addition to these programs, students can pursue online certificate programs.

5. University of Maryland Global Campus

Students at the University of Maryland Global Campus can earn associate, bachelor's, master's, and even doctoral degrees. UMGC offers free, fully digital textbooks to help reduce costs and increase accessibility.

Undergraduates participate in eight-week courses, reducing the courseload at any given point. Students can complete this coursework on their own schedules, although most classes set deadlines for assignments.

6. University of Massachusetts Global

UMass Global is the online college of the University of Massachusetts. UMass Global offers two pathways for online students: traditional instructor-led courses and MyPath. UMass Global MyPath is a fully self-paced competency-based program. Unlike some programs, students won't have set deadlines or classmate interaction.

Some of the most popular degrees offered by UMass Global include:

• liberal studies
• criminal justice
• early childhood education
• legal studies

7. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University is located in New Jersey, but it offers over 100 degree programs to students globally. TESU offers 100% of its degrees online through flexible scheduling.

Students with anxiety can complete these degrees on their schedule, avoiding some of the concerns that come with in-person or fixed course schedules. Students can earn degrees in liberal arts, business, nursing, and many more subjects.

8. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a traditional university that has begun to expand its online offerings to in-state and out-of-state students. These online degrees have an average of 40% lower tuition rates than their on-campus equivalent, but students learn from the same faculty with the same curriculum.

Students at the University of Florida are encouraged to tailor their education to their schedules. Students can take as many or as few asynchronous courses as they feel comfortable taking each semester. Students will also have access to internships and other real-world experiences that can help them establish a support network to help them learn, despite their anxiety.

9. University of the People

The University of the People is a tuition-free, accredited school. Instead of taking standard semesters with a set number of courses, students complete one course at a time. Students only pay when taking final assessments, reducing some financial burdens that can trigger anxiety.

All programs are taken entirely asynchronously, allowing students freedom and flexibility to learn when they feel capable of completing coursework.

Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online as a Student With Anxiety

There are many benefits to earning a degree in an online format, especially for students with anxiety.

Online education provides increased flexibility allowing students to work around anxiety attacks or similar health events. Some schools even allow you to fully self-pace your coursework, allowing you to earn your degree as quickly or slowly as you see fit.

Another major benefit of online education is affordability. Most online schools have lower tuition rates, even compared to on-campus degrees from the same school. Students can reduce their economic impact, which can often trigger anxiety.

Online degrees are earned either without classmate interaction or limited to virtual sessions. Students with social anxiety can learn without feeling the stresses that come with regular interactions.

Tips for Earning Your Degree Online as a Student With Anxiety

There are several steps you should take to make earning your online degree easier:

• Complete the FAFSA: Submit your FAFSA form and apply for financial aid. These programs will help you reduce costs and worries around paying for your schooling.
• Research support services: Look into your school's support services. Many online schools offer programs or can connect you to mental health support resources.
• Create a support network: Set up a support network of friends and family, if possible. Although not everyone has a strong network to rely on, turning to those closest to you can help get you through tough college experiences.
• Prioritize mental health: Take time for your mental healthcare. Online education often has flexible courses and deadlines, so make sure you give yourself time when you need it.

What Are the Best Majors for a Person With Anxiety?

In addition to some programs being better suited for people with anxiety, some majors are better, too. Degrees in history, computer science, and accounting can lead to careers with remote working opportunities. People with anxiety will benefit from these distance education programs that also lead to virtual careers.

Find an Online Degree Program Today

There are benefits to online education, whether you have anxiety or not. Use our resources to learn more about online degree programs at schools nationwide including their admission requirements, scheduling flexibility, and how to submit your application today.