10 Online Colleges With Internship Opportunities in 2025

College students can benefit from internships in many ways. Internships provide an opportunity to gain work experience while earning credits toward a degree. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, over 60% of college seniors participated in internships in 2023.

Having an internship isn't just another entry on a resume�it gives you an advantage by providing hands-on experience in your field of study. Continue reading to see some accredited online colleges that offer internship opportunities.

Top Affordable Online Colleges with Internships

It's important to find an affordable school, but it's also crucial to have opportunities to gain experience. We compiled a list of the top online colleges with internships for students, each accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU is one of the most well-known online colleges, offering the chance to earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) at just $330 per credit hour. Beyond cost, the school also sets its students up for success upon graduation.

SNHU prides itself on employing professors with real-world experience who can share their knowledge of the field and help students secure internship opportunities. SNHU also offers a handy internship handbook to guide students as they look for good opportunities.

2. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus, or UMGC, has offered online courses since the 90s. Students here can pursue affordable undergraduate degrees at $324 per credit hour in-state and $499 out-of-state.

It also offers InternPLUS, a resource to help students find careers in their fields. The college's career services team works directly with employers in various industries to create unique internship opportunities tailored to student needs. This means UMGC students can access internships that aren't available to anyone else, reducing competition while enhancing each student's experience.

3. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is headquartered in Tempe, AZ, offering numerous bachelor's degree programs at an average of $574 per credit hour. To reduce the cost, students can apply for financial aid and scholarships using the FAFSA.

ASU also provides students access to Handshake, an online platform that helps students find internship and job opportunities. Students can customize their Handshake profile to not only find the right opportunities but also allow employers to find them. Additionally, there may be some exclusive opportunities available to ASU students only.

4. Oregon State University

Established in 1868, Oregon State University is a top school for traditional and online students. It offers numerous academic programs at just $366 per credit hour. Combined with the school's high acceptance rate, students can get a quality education at a reasonable rate.

While Oregon State University offers access to Handshake, the college also provides additional resources to find internships in various fields, such as research and public service. The CEOAS Student Opportunities Newsletter is another unique asset the college offers.

5. University of Nebraska

The University of Nebraska offers affordable degree programs for in-state students. The cost per credit hour is just $268 for residents � though it jumps to $859 for out-of-state students. However, various financial aid options can reduce this cost for out-of-state residents.

The Career Services department at this university offers a rotating selection of internship opportunities. This selection covers opportunities for all degree paths, ensuring students can easily find positions relevant to their interests. Additionally, the college also gives students access to Handshake.

6. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona's acceptance rate is higher than the national average � student debt upon graduation is also lower. The tuition here costs $580 per credit hour, but students can take advantage of various financial aid programs to lower this amount.

To help students gain experience outside of the classroom, the university provides access to a database of internship opportunities. The Student Engagement and Career Development department offers one-on-one coaching to guide students through the process of identifying and securing internships.

7. East Carolina University

Offering over 100 degrees online, East Carolina University helps students complete their degrees or begin new academic adventures. In-state residents can attend East Carolina University's online program for just $204.79 per credit hour, while out-of-state students can expect to pay a rate of $883. However, ECU offers various scholarships to incoming and transfer students in addition to state and federal financial aid to lower this cost.

ECU Career Services works closely with students to find internships within their fields. Like other schools on our list, ECU gives students access to the Handshake platform. Additionally, the college provides information for identifying the right opportunities and avoiding potentially fraudulent job postings.

8. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida strongly emphasizes internship opportunities. It offers comprehensive internship assistance to students and participates in Handshake. In addition to these resources, USF's Center for Career and Professional Development works closely with students to secure internships for academic credit.

The University of South Florida offers undergraduate degrees at a rate of $211 for in-state students and $575 for non-residents. USF offers various scholarships and fellowships to reduce these costs.

9. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers top-rated degree programs that allow students to graduate without high debt. Its high acceptance rate combined with a lower-than-average student debt upon graduation make this school a top choice. Tuition costs $335 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,014 for non-residents, though there are financial aid programs to reduce this cost.

The University of Missouri offers unique internship opportunities to students. The college participates in Handshake and gives students access to Missouri Intern Connect. Established by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this program helps students and employers connect.

10. Lehman College

As the City University of New York's only four-year school in the Bronx, Lehman College offers New York residents affordable degree programs at $305 per credit hour, while out-of-state students can expect a rate of $620. There are several scholarships to reduce the cost for non-residents�particularly the Lehman College Academic Scholarship, which all freshman students are automatically considered for.

What sets Lehman College apart is that students can access college-specific internship opportunities, as well as exclusive positions available only to CUNY students. These opportunities include the Mayor's Office Internship Program, giving students experience working in public service.

Our Selection Criteria

We didn't select just any online college. We vetted each program with rigorous standards to ensure we chose the best.

To make it onto our list, these colleges had to meet specific requirements, ensuring prospective students have the tools to succeed in their careers. Our criteria include:

• Accreditation: We ensure each school we select has received accreditation by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
• Online bachelor's degrees: To make our list, a college must offer students the ability to earn their degree entirely online. Additionally, the school must have a wide selection of programs for students to choose from.
• Career preparation services: It may go without saying, but each school on this list provides internship programs, as well as robust career services, to set students up for success. Some of these schools guarantee internships, while others offer students assistance in finding the right position for their needs.
• Affordability: We strive to promote colleges and universities that are affordable, whether through reduced credit costs or scholarship opportunities. Furthermore, many schools offer further discounts for active-duty military members and their families.

Earning Academic Credit for Internships

While internships are excellent opportunities for students to gain hands-on work experience and meet mentors in their fields, online students may also be able to earn credit toward graduation for their internships. These opportunities generally count for one course, and students typically hold the positions for one semester.

To earn credits for an internship, there may be certain eligibility requirements such as:

• Enrollment in specific courses: Some universities may require students to enroll in specific courses during the academic year to be eligible to earn credits for their internship. Speak with an academic advisor to ensure you qualify.
• GPA requirements: Students with a lower GPA may not be allowed to have an internship for credits to ensure their focus remains on their studies. Furthermore, they may need to maintain a specific GPA for the duration of their internship.
• Complimentary coursework: In addition to the real-world experience of the internship, students may need to complete coursework (e.g., research papers or exams) to earn credits.
• Specific amount of work hours: Whether the internship is part-time or full-time, students may need to work a specific number of hours each week at their internship for it to count toward graduation.

Keep in mind that colleges may limit the number of internships a student can receive college credits for. That doesn't mean the student can't work multiple internships, but they may not count toward graduation.

FAQs About Online Internships and Career Development During College

Below are some frequently asked questions about online internships and career development prospective students have.

Is It Possible To Do an Internship Online?

Yes, it's possible to do an internship online. While most schools offer in-person internships, many colleges also help remote students with their internship searches.

Following the pandemic, upwards of 50% of internships were online, according to a study by the Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions (CCWT) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Education. Though this figure may be decreasing, it's important to know that these positions can be fully remote.

Depending on what you're looking for, some positions may also be hybrid. This gives students a chance to earn internship experience without having to commit to full-time in-person roles. Speak with an academic advisor about the professional development and job opportunities available online.

How Does Applying Online for Internships Work?

Applying for online internships isn't much different from in-person or on-campus positions. If your university has a career services office that connects you with opportunities, you can speak with them directly. Schools may even have robust alumni networks, placing current students in companies that have hired graduates.

You can start by looking on a job board or networking via social media platforms like Linkedin. However, these platforms may prove a bit more challenging for securing internships, as you'll be competing with a wider pool of applicants.

Be sure you have a cover letter and resume prepared for your application. Your school may have services to help you craft the perfect application documents.

Is an Online or Virtual Internship Worth It?

Virtual internships can be worth it. Whether you're pursuing a career in healthcare or with a non-profit, internships help you forge a network with other professionals while exploring opportunities on the job market. Some internships may lead to job offers within the same company.

At the very least, one of the most important benefits of an internship is that you'll have invaluable experience to list on your resume. In turn, you can leverage that experience as you pursue job opportunities down the road.

How Is an Internship Course Graded?

The way an internship course is graded will depend on the university and the requirements of your specific degree program. Keep in mind that even within the same college, each degree may have different requirements and expectations. However, there are a few standard ways the course will be graded. These may include any combination of the following:

• An evaluation written by a supervisor: Most internships match interns with a supervisor who will guide them throughout the term of the position. At the end of the semester, this supervisor may write a report for the professor detailing the student's performance.
• Coursework: In some cases, students will be given relevant coursework to complete while they are working on their internship.
• A final project: Students may be asked to write a final paper or make a presentation detailing their experience and what they learned during their internship.
• Student reflections: Similarly, students may be asked to write an informal reflection about their time working the internship. These reflections may be weekly assignments graded over the semester or a final paper.

While there is no universal standard for how internship courses are graded, students can expect to receive either a letter grade or a simple pass/fail when the internship is over.

Find an Online College With Internships

Internship opportunities can be invaluable for students on any career path. Whether you're pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, gaining real-world experience before graduation gives you a leg up on the competition.

While any college student can get an internship, not every college works closely with students to find them the right opportunities that complement their career goals and schedules. For more information about online programs and steps to find the right one, consider the schools featured here on Learn.org.