10 Best Online Colleges for Students With Mental Health Issues 2026

Several colleges and universities across the United States offer flexible online programs and mental health support services to help students succeed.

Many jobs in the United States require higher education, but if you struggle with your mental health, it can be hard to get through a degree program. However, learning online can relieve some of the stress and anxiety that is typical of a traditional degree program that takes place on campus.

Many colleges and universities offer excellent affordable online degree programs, flexible scheduling, and counseling resources. Keep reading to discover some of the best online colleges for students with mental health issues.

Online Degree Programs for People With Mental Health Issues

Earning a college degree, whether online or on campus, can be incredibly difficult for students with mental health conditions. However, online programs are often more accommodating and flexible, which can make them a little more achievable for students struggling with their mental health � and they typically accept various forms of financial aid.

Below, we've highlighted some online colleges and universities that are great options for students with mental health conditions. All schools listed are regionally accredited.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. It offers several bachelor's and master's degrees in areas of study like:

business
education
healthcare and nursing
technology and engineering

ASU offers asynchronous online classes that last anywhere from nearly eight weeks to 15 weeks. It allows students to transfer up to 64 college credits. Those who don't meet the university's admissions requirements can pursue the Earned Admissions pathway, which allows them to prove to the university that they can succeed by earning a GPA of 2.75 or higher through online courses.

The school offers various student services to help online students from all backgrounds succeed. These include mental health counseling services through 360 Life Services, as well as ASU's Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services to help learners with a variety of mental and physical disabilities.

2. Charter Oak State College

Through Charter Oak State College, online students can earn associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like business administration, healthcare, and psychology. Charter Oak is a public online school based in New Britain, CT.

It accepts up to 87 transfer credits for undergraduate programs but also awards credit for military training, advanced placement testing, and a portfolio assessment. Its Office of Accessibility Services assists college students with obtaining accommodations for their disabilities.

3. Colorado State University Global

Students at Colorado State University Global can earn online bachelor's and master's degrees. Programs are available in areas like business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and human services.

CSU Global is the online learning branch of the public Colorado State University System. It accepts up to 90 transfer credits for undergraduate students and also offers alternative credit options through things like prior learning assessments and military training. Additionally, CSU Global offers tutoring, career navigation services, and disability accommodations.

4. Davenport University

Davenport University is a private, nonprofit institution based in Grand Rapids, MI. It offers flexible online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields such as:

business
health and human services
mental health counseling
technology

Students enrolled at Devenport University, regardless of their location, have access to mental health counselors through the school. Access coordinators are also available to help students receive any accommodations they may need for their coursework.

5. Franklin University

Through Franklin University, online students can earn degrees in areas of study like computer science, education, healthcare, and psychology. Franklin University is a private, nonprofit institution in Columbus, OH that is geared toward adult learners.

Students can transfer up to 94 credit hours into bachelor's degree programs. All degrees are offered in a flexible, accelerated format, with six-week or 12-week courses. Student advisors and advocates are available to help students navigate their way through higher learning.

6. National University

Students at National University can earn a range of degrees online, from associate degrees to doctorates. These are available in fields such as criminal justice, engineering, human resources management, and technology. National University is a private, nonprofit institute in San Diego.

Many online programs are offered in short, four-week courses, and the university allows students to earn credit for various types of prior learning. It also offers a wealth of support services for students, including a behavioral health emergency hotline, a Student Wellness Center that can assist with mental health challenges, and a mentoring network.

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution based in Manchester, NH. While it offers in-person programs, it's best known for its range of online undergraduate and graduate programs. These are available in fields like:

business
human services
information technology
psychology

Students can transfer in up to 90 credits, and most courses are offered in eight-week sessions. Online students at SNHU have access to tutoring, well-being and mental health services, and accommodation assistance.

8. Thomas Edison State University

Through Thomas Edison State University, students can earn online degrees from the associate to the doctoral levels. TESU is a public university in Trenton, NJ geared toward adult education.

Online degrees are available in areas of study such as education, healthcare, public service, and technology. Students can transfer in up to 90 credit hours and take advantage of mental health counseling programs and disability resources from the university.

9. UMass Global

Students at UMass Global can choose from numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees. These include fields such as business, computer science, and social work.

UMass Global is a private, nonprofit online school based in California and affiliated with the Public University of Massachusetts. It offers many of its programs in the self-paced MyPath format.

In this format, UMass Global creates a custom pathway for each student, which they go through at their own pace, with no set deadlines. The more traditional programs are still flexible and offered in eight-week terms.

10. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is the online campus of the public University System of Maryland. It offers online associate through doctoral degrees in areas of study like:

biotechnology
clinical mental health counseling
computer science
nursing

The school offers multiple ''fast paths to credit,'' including credit by exam and credit for military or industry training. It also provides mentoring and accessibility services.

Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online as a Student With Mental Health Issues

There are several benefits to earning your degree online if you have mental health issues � the biggest advantage is flexibility. You can complete your coursework when it's convenient for you, and you don't have to worry about getting yourself to class on campus.

Many online programs offer shorter course formats. Instead of taking four courses for a semester, students may, for example, take two courses every eight weeks. This allows students to focus specifically on those courses and can prevent feeling overwhelmed with coursework from several classes at once.

Additionally, online programs usually accept a high number of transfer credits � as well as credits from other types of prior learning. This allows students with a more nontraditional educational history to still earn credit for what they've learned.

Tips for Earning Your Degree Online as a Student With Mental Health Issues

The best thing you can do if you're a student who struggles with their mental health is to ask for help. This can be hard, but by reaching out to advisors, student services, and professors, you can access assistance and accommodations if needed.

Many students also benefit from having a set study schedule to keep them on track and accountable. If you struggle to stick to a schedule, try reaching out to an advisor or friend for help staying accountable.

What Are the Best Majors for a Person With Mental Health Issues?

Mental health issues are not a one-size-fits-all thing, so there are not necessarily any specific majors that are best for someone with mental health conditions. The best major is something that you're interested in and can see yourself making a career out of.

That being said, many people with mental health conditions opt to study human behavior or work in fields like community service or social work. These majors can lead to many mental health professions, such as substance abuse social workers, child counselors, or other types of mental health professionals.

Find an Online Degree Program Today

Reach your career goals by exploring the online degree programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools today for more information on degree options, enrollment, and financial aid. You can find online colleges with resources for specific mental health disorders below.