8 Best Online Colleges for Students With ADHD 2025

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, is a condition that causes the brain to work a little differently. This is sometimes considered a learning disability, but often, people with ADHD just have a different learning style.

Because of this, it can be difficult for ADHD students to succeed in a traditional learning environment. Some may specifically opt for the best majors for students with ADHD, but they might also find online programs to be more effective, allowing them to pursue any major of interest. Keep reading to discover the best online colleges for students with ADHD.

Online Degree Programs for People With ADHD

While some students with ADHD prefer the structured format of on-campus classes, many excel through online degree programs. Below, we've highlighted some excellent online degree programs for students with ADHD, all with regional accreditation.

Learn more: Is Online School Better for People With ADHD?

1. CSU Global

CSU Global is the online school for the public Colorado State University System. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business and tech.

The online school offers multiple start dates every year and accepts as many transfer credits as possible, including credit for other types of prior learning like military training. It also provides wellness and disability services to help students access assistive learning devices and other resources.

2. Davenport University

Davenport University is a private institution with campuses throughout Michigan, but it offers online learning experiences through its Online+ global campus. These include undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas of study such as business, education, healthcare, and technology.

Students at Davenport can choose between asynchronous and synchronous online classes, allowing those who crave structure to still have set meeting times without having to leave the house. The university offers an array of support services for college students, including counseling and wellness services, academic success counselors, and disability services.

3. Franklin University

As an institution geared toward adult learners, Franklin University is a great option for students with ADHD. It accepts up to 94 transfer credits for bachelor's programs, runs courses in six-week terms, and offers support programs and student advocates to all learners.

The private university is based in Columbus, OH. Its online learning programs are available from the associate level through the doctoral degree levels in areas of study like:

• business
• criminal justice
• education

4. Herzing University

Herzing University is based in Madison, WI, but the private school has several other campuses around the U.S. and an online campus. The latter offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, such as behavioral health, legal studies, public safety, and technology.

Herzing's online programs have small class sizes, multiple start dates, and flexible schedules. Undergraduate students can transfer up to 90 college credits. Multiple support services are available for students, including one-on-one advisors, assistance with time management and scheduling strategies, and disability advocacy.

5. National University

National University offers online associate through doctoral degrees in fields like business, healthcare, psychology, and tech. It's a private institution and its main campus is in San Diego.

Enrollment at National University is open year-round, and courses are a short four weeks each. Students can bring in transfer credits or earn college credit for prior learning and have access to academic support, wellness services, mentorships, and accessibility services.

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Although Southern New Hampshire University offers on-campus programs, it's best known for its online degrees. These degrees are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels in numerous fields of study.

SNHU is a private university in Manchester, NH. It's a great option for ADHD students as it accepts up to 90 transfer credits into bachelor's programs, eight-week courses, and award-winning academic support, including an online wellness center and accessibility center.

7. UMass Global

UMass Global's online programs are already flexible, but students may particularly enjoy the self-paced MyPath programs. In these programs, students take an exam that determines their knowledge level and then receive a personalized learning plan where they proceed through online courses at their own pace.

UMass Global is a private online college but it's affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts System. It offers dedicated support services, including academic advisors and accessible education services.

8. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is the online campus of the public University System of Maryland. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like business, healthcare, and technology.

Students can transfer up to 90 credits, but also earn college credits for other types of prior learning. Programs at UMGC offer condensed classes and multiple start dates a year. Additionally, students can take advantage of success coaches who help them address specific needs and reach their academic goals.

Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online as a Student With ADHD

As we mentioned above, some students with ADHD prefer the learning environment of on-campus courses, but many do better when learning online. Some benefits of learning online when you have ADHD include:

• Flexible scheduling: Online courses usually have set due dates but allow students to complete their coursework any time during the week, meaning you can work when your executive function is most cooperative.
• Transfer credits: It's not uncommon for students with ADHD to have started college prior, so they may already have credits. Many online programs allow for a high number of transfer credits, so none of your previous learning goes to waste.
• Short, condensed terms: Often, online programs will have students take fewer classes at a time but have shorter course lengths. For example, two courses every eight weeks instead of four courses every six weeks. This allows you to focus on fewer classes at a time and reduces your risk of getting bored with your coursework.
• Learn from home: Having the ability to learn from home, or wherever you prefer to study, means you don't have to worry about sitting through lengthy lectures or getting to campus on time.

Tips for Earning Your Degree Online as a Student With ADHD

Sometimes, even if students with ADHD prefer to learn online, having ADHD can make earning a degree difficult. However, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your success.

First, know your rights. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) entitles students with mental health conditions or learning disabilities to access resources (e.g., extra time on exams or assistive technology). Reach out to your school's accessibility resource center to learn more about your options.

Understanding what learning strategies work best for you will also help you succeed. You may prefer to listen to an audiobook instead of reading a textbook or study using flashcards or practice exams. Knowing what works best for you personally will help you stay on track and earn good grades.

Additionally, creating some sort of schedule can also help. People with ADHD aren't always great at following a self-made schedule, but time management is often difficult, so it's wise to create an organized path. Maybe this is as simple as looking ahead and choosing a few specific days each week to focus on coursework, or, if you're a night owl, setting aside time in the evening.

What Are the Best Majors for a Person With ADHD?

For people with ADHD, the best major is something you're passionate about. While many people with ADHD struggle to stay focused, many also can become hyper-focused on topics they're interested in.

Don't choose something you've only recently become interested in; choose something you've had a continued interest in, as you're less likely to burn out on the topic. You can also pick a major that builds on skills you're naturally good at. For example, good writers may opt to pursue English. This will make the overall experience of earning a degree a little easier.

Find an Online Degree Program Today

Find the right online degree program today by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools to learn more about their degree options and student support services.