10 Best Online Colleges for Students With Bipolar Disorder 2025

Managing the challenges of bipolar disorder while pursuing higher education can be difficult. For students looking for both flexible learning environments and strong mental health support, selecting the right online college is crucial.

Many online colleges offer comprehensive support systems that cater specifically to the needs of students with mental health conditions, ensuring they have the resources and flexibility they need.

Online Degree Programs for People With Bipolar Disorder

Some of the best online schools for students with mental health issues offer mental health support and services (e.g., counseling, wellness programs, and accessible resources) that help students with bipolar disorder maintain balance and succeed academically.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is an accredited online college offering a wide range of flexible degree programs, along with academic and mental health support. The curriculum is structured to accommodate different learning paces, which is ideal for students with bipolar disorder who may need to adjust their schedules based on their well-being.

SNHU's wellness center is professionally licensed as an educational health center. Ut offers various services tailored to support students' emotional health. Individual and group counseling sessions are available, ensuring students receive the mental health care they need.

2. University of Florida

The University of Florida is another accredited school with flexible online degrees in numerous areas, such as business, nursing, and psychology. The school's Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC) provides extensive support for students with bipolar disorder, including 24/7 crisis intervention. Students can also participate in individual, group, and couples counseling, as well as online consultations. The CWC allows up to 12 counseling sessions, ensuring comprehensive care for those who need it.

The University of Florida provides flexible online degrees designed to accommodate students who need a balanced approach to their studies. It includes programs in business, nursing, and psychology. The courses allow for asynchronous learning, enabling students to manage their workload around their mental health needs. The school's Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC) offers 24/7 crisis intervention, as well as individual, group, and couples counseling. This ensures that students with bipolar disorder can access comprehensive care when needed.

3. Western Governors University

Western Governors University's (WGU) competency-based learning model is ideal for students seeking flexibility when it comes to their online studies. Courses are self-paced, allowing students to advance as soon as they can show their understanding of the concepts.

This makes it easier to manage high-energy periods and times when a lighter workload is necessary. WGU also provides free mental health resources and offers 24/7 online counseling and well-being services, making support easily accessible for students with bipolar disorder.

4. University of Arizona Global

The University of Arizona Global is an accredited online college with an array of degrees including business administration, health sciences, and education. The flexible course structures can be beneficial for students managing bipolar disorder.

The school has counseling and psychological services to help support learners with mental health issues. Students with bipolar disorder can benefit from accommodations, such as extended deadlines for assignments, specialized tutoring, and additional time for exams and projects.

5. Liberty University

Liberty University provides online degrees in fields, such as psychology, business, and education. The curriculum is structured with flexible deadlines, comprehensive resources, and small class sizes that allow for individualized attention from instructors. This helps students manage fluctuating energy levels and stay on track.

The school offers various mental health services, including drop-in consultations, screenings, and various types of counseling (i.e., individual, couple, and group counseling). Liberty University also provides its students with workshops that promote emotional wellness to further support their mental health. Crisis services remain available even outside regular office hours, and students are encouraged to reach out to their resident director or the university's emergency line when needed.

6. UMass Global

UMass Global offers various online programs in business, social work, and education, emphasizing adaptable learning that suits students with bipolar disorder. Courses are designed for flexible completion, allowing students to pace themselves according to their mental health.

The online school supports students by offering peer support groups and directing them to valuable resources like the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Additionally, students can access hotline numbers, crisis text services, and a therapist finder tool, ensuring they can connect with the right support when needed.

7. National University

National University, which has a wide array of accredited degree programs, offers mental health services to ensure students have the support they need to succeed. The school has dedicated wellness staff that can help provide tailored support for students balancing academics and mental health challenges like bipolar disorder.

National University's online learning environment and curriculum are built with short, focused courses that can be completed one at a time, reducing the stress of managing multiple subjects simultaneously. This format benefits students with bipolar disorder by allowing them to focus on one task at a time.

8. Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers online programs in areas like business, agricultural sciences, and engineering, with courses designed to offer flexibility and manageable workloads. The curriculum supports self-paced learning, which is particularly advantageous for students with bipolar disorder who may need to adjust their schedules based on the current state of their mental health.

The CSU Health Network offers a range of mental health and well-being resources, including individual and group therapy. Students can access continuous support with tools like SilverCloud, an online cognitive behavioral therapy app that supports self-guided mental health improvement.

9. Walden University

Walden University offers programs in psychology, nursing, and public health. Its curriculum is structured for students who need to balance their academic and mental health needs. The university's online format allows for flexibility in learning and includes features like recorded lectures and adjustable deadlines.

Walden University further supports its students with bipolar disorder by providing wellness resources such as the Student Assistance Program. Students can access free virtual counseling sessions with licensed counselors, available 24/7 through ComPsych. This ensures that students can get help whenever needed, including during crises.

10. Northeastern University

For students with bipolar disorder, Northeastern University Online offers comprehensive mental health and counseling services, including support groups, access to apps like Headspace and SilverCloud, and assistance for students who need to start or maintain medications. The Find@Northeastern service provides 24/7 mental health support with unlimited free counseling.

The school offers online degree programs in health sciences, business, and computer science, each structured to support students' varied learning needs. The courses are flexible, with both asynchronous and real-time options to accommodate different energy levels and productivity cycles.

Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online as a Student With Bipolar Disorder

Earning a degree online offers several advantages, especially for students managing bipolar disorder.

Flexibility

Earning a degree online provides flexible courses that allow you to work when you feel capable. Competency-based programs enable you to progress at your own pace and move ahead as soon as you master the material. This can help manage periods of higher energy and productivity while accommodating times when rest is needed.

Reduced Stress

Online learning eliminates the need to commute to on-campus classes, reducing stress. Additionally, students can access schools across the U.S. with better resources than those available in-state. The convenience of learning from home allows students to create a study environment that supports their mental health.

Tips for Earning Your Degree Online as a Student With Bipolar Disorder

These strategies can help you cope with your bipolar disorder and find ways to better balance your personal life, mental health struggles, and coursework.

Take Advantage of Accommodations

Accommodations and support can make a significant difference in managing your workload. By reaching out to student services, you can learn about and set up any accommodations that would improve your well-being and help you succeed academically.

Use Mental Wellbeing Apps

Mental health apps like SilverCloud, Headspace, and other on-demand therapy apps can be great ways to support mental well-being. They can help you develop coping strategies and maintain mindfulness when needed.

Ensure You Have a Support Network

Attending schools that offer mental health resources like counselors, peer support, and 24/7 assistance can be beneficial for students with bipolar disorder. Maintaining regular communication with friends, family, or support groups can also provide you with the emotional stability you need while completing your degree.

What Are the Best Majors for a Person With Bipolar Disorder?

For students with bipolar disorder, majors that offer flexibility, creativity, and less intensive workloads are typically the best fit, such as fields such as psychology, creative writing, or art.

Find an Online Degree Program Today

Explore your options on Learn.org today. Choose an online college that offers the support and flexibility you need to succeed while managing your bipolar disorder, so you can earn your degree.