10 Online Colleges With High Graduation Rates 2025

If you're planning to attend college online, there are many things to consider. Generally speaking, the best online colleges have high graduation rates, so this is an important factor when choosing a school.

With that in mind, let's look at some top online schools with high graduation rates. We'll also provide some general information about choosing a school and the benefits of online learning.

Online Schools With High Graduation Rates

Well-known distance education programs become popular for their accessibility but not always for their graduation numbers. Keep reading for more information about some of the top online colleges with high acceptance rates so that you can consider attending one of these institutions as well.

1. Rice University

Rice University is a private, nonprofit university located in Texas with an impressive 96% graduation rate. It offers online master's degrees along with summer courses undergraduate students. Areas of study include:

• computer science
• data science
• business administration
• engineering management
• economics

The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Average tuition rates range from $53,712 to $58,128 per year, with 66% of students receiving financial aid.

2. Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a prestigious private school in Illinois. It offers a variety of online graduate programs and has a 96% overall graduation rate. Degree programs include:

• healthcare administration
• marriage and family therapy
• prose & poetry
• law
• regulatory compliance

Average yearly tuition costs $52,698 for graduate students, and 61% of all students attending the school receive financial aid. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredits this institution.

3. Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis is a private school with a 94% graduation rate. It offers a variety of online graduate and undergraduate degrees, certificates, and courses through its School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Options include:

• humanities
• clinical research management
• health sciences
• strategic communications
• international affairs

Both full-time and part-time study options are available at this school, which is accredited by the HLC. Average tuition rates range from $61,750 to $62,982 a year depending on degree level, and the school awards financial aid to 54% of students.

4. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is a public university with an enrollment of more than 32,000 students and a 92% graduation rate. It offers online master's and doctoral degrees along with a variety of certificates and undergraduate courses. Many areas of study are available including:

• radiologic science
• accounting
• public administration
• public health
• educational leadership

This school is known for having one of the highest graduation rates among public universities with online programs. Accredited by the SACSCOC, it features average tuition rates ranging from $8,989 to $39,330 depending on level and residency status. About 58% of students receive financial aid.

5. Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a private, nonprofit school in Boston, MA, with a 90% graduation rate. It provides various certificates, bachelor's degree completion programs, and master's degrees in online formats. Majors include:

• management
• information technology
• interdisciplinary studies
• psychology
• project management

The school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and known for its diverse study options and academic excellence. Average yearly tuition ranges from $27,728 to $63,141, and as many as 80% of first-time students receive financial aid.

6. Boston University

Boston University is another top private school in Boston. Its graduation rate is 90%, and it features online coursework leading to many types of degrees and certificate programs. Areas of study include:

• art education
• financial management
• gastronomy & food studies
• social work
• software development

Average tuition prices range from $63,798 to $65,168 a year, with financial aid going to 55% of students. The NECHE accredits this institution.

7. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia is a top public school located in Athens, GA. Its graduation rate is 87%, and it offers online degrees and certificates in many specializations, such as:

• special education
• avian health & medicine
• business & technology
• civil engineering
• pharmacy

The school is accredited by the SACSCOC and is known for its high academic standards. Tuition averages range from $8,878 to $30,220 per year, with 84% of students receiving financial aid.

8. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public university with a graduation rate of 85%. Online learners can pursue various undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and courses at this school, including the following:

• early childhood professional education
• social work
• aerospace engineering
• crop sciences
• human resource development

The school is accredited by the HLC and known for its wide array of online programs. Tuition ranges from $15,545 to $34,501 per year, and around 61% of students receive financial aid.

9. Indiana University

Indiana University is a public university in Bloomington, IN, with a graduation rate of 81%. It offers various online programs, including an associate degree, two bachelor's degrees, and many master's and doctoral programs. Majors include:

• nursing
• labor studies
• business analytics
• biology
• epidemiology

Tuition costs range from $10,133 to $40,482, and 83% of students receive some form of financial aid. The HLC accredits this school.

10. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a large public university enrolling more than 50,000 students. Its online campus provides many unique graduate and undergraduate degrees and certificates and has a graduation rate of 78%. Majors include:

• anthropology
• criminology
• public relations
• sport management
• fire & emergency services

This is a great option for students looking for cheap online colleges that accept financial aid, as average tuition rates are as low as $3,876 per year. The school is accredited by the SACSCOC.

Our Selection Criteria

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is a government database that compiles many kinds of educational data. We used information from the NCES to confirm graduation rates and to choose the schools featured in this rank list. The following selection criteria were considered:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting body.
• Graduation rate: All of the schools boast graduation rates of at least 75%, and most of them have much higher rates.
• Variety of online programs: The schools offer multiple online bachelor's and/or master's degrees, certificates, and courses, or a combination of different types of programs.

Finding Programs at Accredited Online Colleges With High Graduation Rates

When looking for programs at online colleges, follow the steps below:

• Visit the official website of the school you want to search.
• Using the site menu, click on the academics tab.
• If the school offers both online and on-campus degrees, you may see an option for ''online programs'' or ''online education.'' Click on this link to view available programs.
• If you don't see a separate option for online programs, navigate to the ''program finder'' or ''explore majors'' page where you can search for specific programs. If available, use the online filter to view online programs.
• If you are still having trouble finding online programs, use the search bar built into the school website. Enter terms such as ''online degrees'' or ''online programs'' for best results.

If you still aren't sure whether a school offers your chosen major as an online program, reach out to the college directly. An academic advisor can provide you with information and answer specific questions you may have.

Benefits of Attending a School With a High Graduation Rate

Schools with high graduation and retention rates generally have excellent reputations. They are known for having strong academic standards and prioritizing their students, providing the resources they need to succeed.

Schools with high graduation rates may offer student support services like tutoring to help students who are struggling. They are also more likely to have smaller class sizes, expert faculty, and financial aid options, all of which make it easier for students to find academic success and earn their degrees.

Online Students vs. On-Campus Learners

Online courses are often much more flexible than in-person classes. While this can be beneficial, many students struggle with setting their own study schedules and staying on track academically.

For this reason, in-person schools often have higher graduation rates than schools with distance learning programs. However, this isn't true across the board, as proven by the schools discussed in this article. Given the right resources, highly motivated online learners are every bit as likely to graduate as traditional students who study on-campus.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today

If you're interested in pursuing online degree programs at schools with high graduation rates, explore the colleges featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to find out more about their programs and to find the right one for you.