8 Best Online Colleges for Students With Panic Disorder 2025

A panic disorder is a type of mental health condition in which someone experiences frequent panic attacks, usually with no known trigger. People with panic disorder may start to withdraw, become depressed or anxious, or turn to substances to help them cope. All of these things make it difficult to earn a degree.

For many with panic disorder, accredited online degree programs reduce much of the fear and stress around earning a degree. Keep reading to discover some of the best online colleges for students with panic disorder.

Online Degree Programs for People With Panic Disorder

Having a panic disorder can lead to severe social anxiety, which can make it hard to earn a degree on campus. An online learning environment is a great way for someone with a panic disorder to complete their degree program. Below, we've highlighted some excellent accredited online colleges for students with panic disorder.

1. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College is one of the only exclusively online public schools in the nation. It's headquartered in New Britain, CT, and offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like early childhood education, healthcare, and social work.

Charter Oak is one of the many great online colleges that accept transfer credits. It also awards credit through alternative pathways, like military or workforce training. All courses are fully online, and multiple start dates are offered every year.

2. CSU Global

At CSU Global, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas such as business, healthcare, and technology. It is the online campus of the public Colorado State University System.

Online students can take advantage of the school's numerous student success and academic support services. Those in bachelor's degree programs can transfer in up to 90 credit hours, and new courses start every month.

3. Empire State University

Empire State University cares deeply for the health and well-being of its students, offering numerous mental health and substance abuse resources on campus and online. It also accepts up to 93 transfer credits, so prior education won't go to waste.

The institution is based in Saratoga Springs, NY, and is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. SUNY Empire offers nearly all of its associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs online.

4. Franklin University

Franklin University is a private, nonprofit school in Columbus, OH. It's geared toward adult learners and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees online.

Because courses are developed with adult students in mind, they're flexible and predictable. Bachelor's degree students can transfer up to 94 credits into their degree program, and student support services are available to all learners.

5. National University

Students at National University can earn associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online in fields such as business, criminal justice, healthcare, and humanities. National University is a private, nonprofit institution based in San Diego.

Students with panic disorder will appreciate the fully online courses and four- and eight-week terms. They can also take advantage of the multitude of student services the university offers, including student wellness and mentoring services.

6. Southern New Hampshire University

While Southern New Hampshire University does offer on-campus programs, most of its students enroll in the more than 200 online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees the school provides. These are available in fields like business, liberal arts, and technology.

SNHU is a nonprofit, private university in Manchester, NH. It accepts up to 90 transfer credits for undergraduate students and offers courses in accelerated eight-week terms. Additionally, its student support is award-winning and includes an online wellness center.

7. UMass Global

UMass Global is a private, nonprofit online institution. While based in California, it's affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts System and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees online.

Students with mental health conditions may especially appreciate the university's self-paced MyPath programs, some of the best online self-paced programs in the country. These programs have no set due dates, allowing students to proceed through their courses at their own pace.

8. University of Maryland Global Campus

Through the University of Maryland Global Campus, students can earn online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, healthcare, and tech. UMGC is the online campus of the University System of Maryland.

Bachelor's degree students can transfer up to 90 college credits or earn credit through other types of prior learning. Courses are available in four- and eight-week terms, and numerous support services are available to students to help them succeed.

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

Panic disorder can be unpredictable, and one of the biggest benefits of earning your degree online when you have panic disorder is that you can learn from the comfort of your home. You don't have to worry about having a panic attack in the classroom.

The flexibility of these courses is also a bonus. Most have set due dates every week, but students can complete their coursework throughout the week at whatever time is best for them. If you try to do some coursework only to be hit with a panic attack, you can wait for the attack to subside and come back to work on your assignment later.

Additionally, many online programs run their terms a little differently than in-person programs. On-campus students usually take three or four courses every 16-week semester, but online programs typically offer shorter terms, allowing students to focus on, for example, two courses every four weeks. This can help reduce stress that may trigger a panic disorder.

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

Earning a degree online solves many of the biggest concerns that people with panic disorder have�it takes away the social anxiety that you might have with learning on campus. However, there are a few things you can keep in mind to help you succeed in your program, like:

• reaching out to your student advisor for assistance or accommodations
• speaking to your professors about your condition and how it may affect your studies
• taking advantage of accommodations and mental health resources that your school offers
• creating a schedule and staying on top of your coursework to avoid added stress
• filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applying for financial aid programs to reduce the stress of covering your tuition
• reducing your courseload and taking courses on a part-time schedule if needed
• sticking to whatever treatment plan your doctor has given you

For most students, there is no one trigger that causes panic attacks. However, sticking to your treatment and reducing stress can help lessen the frequency of these attacks.

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

There aren't any specific majors that are best for someone with panic disorder, but there are a few things to consider when choosing a major if you suffer from panic disorder.

First, choose a subject that you're naturally good at and interested in. This will make the coursework feel a little easier.

If social anxiety is a big part of your panic disorder, you may also want to avoid majors that include in-person components, like education or social work. Additionally, pursue majors that can lead to career paths that aren't as people-oriented.

Find an Online Degree Program Today

Don't let panic attacks stop you from earning a degree. Explore the accredited online programs featured on Learn.org and reach out to individual schools today to learn more about their degrees and student services.