8 Best Online Colleges for Arabic & Middle Eastern Americans 2025

The United States has long been called a ''melting pot'' in reference to the blend of cultures and as people have come to the country from various countries around the world to find new lives. Immigrants from the Levantine region, the area that includes the Middle East and Arab world, aren't new to America, but there are new online opportunities for students looking to study Arabic culture.

Students can participate in online degree programs in Arabic language, Middle Eastern studies, and more. Although some schools offer limited versions of these courses, several provide well-rounded education tailored to Arab, Persian, and other Levantine students.

Best Online Colleges for Arabic/Middle Eastern Students

Online college degree programs allow schools to offer more diverse programs without some of the limitations that come with on-campus course options. Students coming from nations like Egypt, Jordan, and Israel can find universities that offer courses in their native language and English that can help them either reconnect with their ancestry or earn a degree.

1. Mishkah University

Mishkah Islamic University offers associate and bachelor's degrees through an Islamic lens. In addition to faith-based coursework, students can take Arabic classes as a second language. The degrees offered by this school are generally liberal arts and social science related and give students a deeper understanding of the Quran and the Arabic language.

2. American Islamic College

The American Islamic College was the first Muslim higher education institution in America. The school earned accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission to offer Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Divinity (MDIV) degrees.

Students can learn Arabic through online courses ranging from the basic to the advanced level. Students can also earn a bachelor's or master's in Islamic Studies which can prepare students for careers in academia or faith-based careers.

3. University of the People

The University of the People is an accredited, tuition-free university based in California. In 2021, it became the first American university to offer a Bachelor of Science in business administration in an Arabic language program.

University of the People offers English as a second language learning programs alongside its Arabic language courses and degree programs. In addition to the BSBA, students can pursue associate and master's degrees.

4. University of Michigan Dearborn

Dearborn, MI has the largest Arabic and Middle Eastern population percentage in North America, with 55% of the city identifying as having ancestors from Saudi Arabia, North Africa, or the Levant. The University of Michigan Dearborn offers on-campus and online courses that can benefit Arabic and Arab American students.

In addition to degree programs in humanities and social sciences that can have an Arabic and Middle Eastern focus, the school has the Center for Arab American Studies. This program offers minors and certificates that teach Arab history, as well as lessons on the Arabic alphabet.

5. American University

American University offers multiple online graduate degrees in diverse fields of study alongside on-campus programs in Arabic studies. The school offers study abroad options, allowing them to study in Europe and Africa.

Online graduate degree offerings include a Master of Public Administration and Policy, Master of Science in Human Resource Analytics and Management, and a Master's degree in strategic communication.

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is one of the leaders in online education. The school offers multiple linguistic degree programs, including a Master of Science in teaching English as a foreign language. The school offers self-paced fully online coursework with English as the official language, but online materials can be translated as necessary.

7. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix has a diverse liberal arts program that includes courses in Modern Standard Arabic � as well as French, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. Students can also choose from a large number of degrees in other fields of study that allow students to learn on their schedules with affordable tuition rates.

8. Hebrew College

Hebrew College offers online courses that allow students to become educational leaders and Rabbis. Students will take courses that student Jewish history and traditions from their origins to their spread to the Western world. Students can also access individual online courses like Jewish Mindfulness, Succession in Judaism, and Ulpan Hebrew Language.

Our Ranking Criteria

Arab and Middle Eastern students come from diverse backgrounds as Moroccan, Egyptian, Israeli, and other Levantine students speak different dialects and have different goals. We chose these schools based on a few criteria.

• Options for Hebrew and Arabic speakers: Students who immigrated to the West or children of immigrants might not be proficient in English. These schools offer support services for non-English native speakers. Online educational materials can also be used through translation software helping bridge language barriers.
• Flexible scheduling: The online nature of these programs allows students to pursue their students around work or family responsibilities or religious considerations.
• Support services: Online colleges can still offer support services, especially based on cultural or religious needs.
• Arab and Middle Eastern focused coursework and education: Nearly all online schools have some offering for Arab or Middle Eastern students, but these schools have more tailored options for these students.

FAQs About Online Programs for Arabic Learners

Middle Eastern and Arabic learners have many opportunities to pursue online education, but they might have questions about these programs. Some common questions relate to services provided, how many Middle Eastern students pursue college education, and what schools have Arabic studies programs.

What Services Are Provided to Middle Eastern Students?

Middle Eastern students enrolled in online colleges have access to multiple services. They can access specialized scholarship programs, student groups, and other programs. Schools like UM-Dearborn have the Center for Arab American Studies that provides additional support and project opportunities for these students.

What Percentage of Middle Eastern Students Go To College?

According to the Arab American Institute, nearly 50% of eligible Arab Americans have a bachelor's degree or higher. This rate doesn't differentiate between Arabic and English speakers � it doesn't regard online or on-campus education either.

What Are the Top-Ranked Online Colleges for Arabic Studies?

Many schools offer Arabic Studies programs, but some are ranked higher than others. American University and the University of Michigan Dearborn have some of the top-ranking Arabic Studies programs.

Explore Online College Programs

Whether you're looking for programs taught in Arabic, Hebrew, or a similar language or a degree to learn more about the history of the Middle East and North Africa, there are degree programs for you. Use our resources to research individual schools, their degree programs, and how you can start your application process today.