Want to earn your degree online while working? Learn about the best online degree programs for working adults.
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UpdatedNovember 2, 2023
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Are you ready to discover your college program?
A college degree can mean new job opportunities and a boost in earning potential. But working adults can find it difficult to balance school with their professional responsibilities.
An online format makes it easier for working students to graduate. With flexible scheduling options, affordable tuition rates, and generous transfer credit policies, online colleges are a great option for working adults. Our ranking evaluates the colleges that offer the best online degree programs for working adults.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Featured Online Programs
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online bachelor's programs.
Price Check
Do you have transfer credits? Choose an affordable online college to finish a bachelor’s degree for as little as $3,300-$5,500.
Best Online Degrees for Working Adults
What defines the best online degree programs for working adults? Working students benefit from flexible course options, generous transfer credit policies, and affordable tuition.
Methodology
Our ranking incorporates flexibility, affordability, and options for transfer credits or credit for prior learning. We also only included accredited institutions where at least 25% of students are 25 years old or older, according to data from the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES).
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Degrees for Working Adults
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Not sure about your major? Purdue University Global offers over 200 online degree programs for working adults. That means you can choose a program that maximizes your transfer credits and fits your career goals. And more than three in four online learners at Purdue University Global are over the age of 25, according to NCES data.
While Purdue charges $315-$371 per credit for undergraduate programs, U.S. military service members qualify for a rate of $165 per credit.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$13,356
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,766
Out-of-state
$9,740
Retention Rate
33%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
43,927
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Accreditation
Yes
#2 Best Online Degrees for Working Adults
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Choose from over 30 online programs at Eastern New Mexico University, including options in nursing, business, education, and information systems. Or major in unique fields like aviation science, communicative disorders, and personal financial planning.
You can earn a degree fully online or blend in on-campus courses for a hybrid format. Most online courses use an asynchronous format so that you can complete coursework on your schedule. New Mexico residents benefit from a low $175 per credit tuition rate, while non-residents pay $257 per credit.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,074
Out-of-state
$6,114
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,351
Out-of-state
$7,110
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
5,266
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Accreditation
Yes
#3 Best Online Degrees for Working Adults
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
It’s one of the most affordable online degree programs for working adults. At the University of Florida Online, you can earn over 20 online bachelor’s degrees with an in-state tuition rate of $112 per credit. Out-of-state students pay $500 per credit.
Major in advertising, business administration, environmental management, health education, or another field. You can earn credit for work experience with UF’s credit-by-exam program, which includes credit for military experience.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,358
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
4,407
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
#4 Best Online Degrees for Working Adults
Colorado State University-Global Campus
Aurora, CO - 4 years
- Online
A public institution, Colorado State University Global has not raised its tuition rate in over ten years. You’ll pay $350 per credit with no fees. And a tuition guarantee means you can budget for your degree without worrying about tuition increases.
CSU Global is also a great place for working adults. Learners take classes with no set times or locations, and 87% of learners are 25 or older. You also benefit from one-on-one tutoring, career coaching, and student success counselors.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,400
Out-of-state
$8,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,000
Out-of-state
$9,000
Retention Rate
47%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
12,578
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
#5 Best Online Degrees for Working Adults
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private university with over 200 career-focused programs, Southern New Hampshire University integrates real-world experience into its online programs. Earn a degree in business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, or tech at SNHU. There’s no application fee, and you get a $330 per credit tuition rate for undergraduates.
You can also transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Through credit for prior learning, you can receive credit for work experience, industry certifications, and workplace training.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$9,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,810
Out-of-state
$18,810
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
134,345
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Accreditation
Yes
#6 Best Online Degrees for Working Adults
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Oregon State University offers 46 online bachelor’s programs with flexible schedule options. While some programs include local fieldwork or internships, most use a 100% online format with no in-person requirements or live sessions. You can also receive credit by examination or credit for military experience.
Distance learners participate in success coaching, academic advising, and free tutoring. OSU charges $350 per credit for most undergraduate courses. The public university also uses low-cost course materials.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,846
Out-of-state
$29,445
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,257
Out-of-state
$26,109
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
32,312
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Accreditation
Yes
#7 Best Online Degrees for Working Adults
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online
An online institution focused on working students, Western Governors University offers degrees in business, healthcare, technology, and other fields. And 88% of students are 25 or older.
WGU also uses a unique format with no deadlines or scheduled exams. That means working adults can progress on their own schedule.
The university’s competency-based model appeals to working adults who bring experience in their field. You also pay a flat tuition rate rather than a per-credit rate, which means you can take a heavier course load without paying more.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,380
Out-of-state
$6,380
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
#8 Best Online Degrees for Working Adults
SUNY
Albany, NY - 4 years
- Campus
The State University of New York system includes 64 institutions. With SUNY Online, you can choose from over 850 degrees offered online. Programs in the behavioral sciences, business, technology, social sciences, and more use a flexible format designed for working adults on tight schedules.
You also qualify for a low tuition rate of $295 per credit for New York residents or $353 for non-residents. And you can save more by receiving credit for prior knowledge gained in the workforce.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
No
#9 Best Online Degrees for Working Adults
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution in Kansas, Fort Hays State University offers over 200 online programs. You benefit from affordable tuition rates and flexible course schedules while earning a degree online. Choose from majors in general studies, organizational leadership, sociology, management information systems, or over 80 other bachelor’s options.
FHSU charges a flat tuition rate for all distance learners of $243 per credit. You can also apply transfer credits toward a degree to save money or receive credit for military experience or prior learning.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,140
Out-of-state
$14,580
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,726
Out-of-state
$10,602
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
15,033
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Accreditation
Yes
#10 Best Online Degrees for Working Adults
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ - 4 years
- Online
Thomas Edison State University specializes in degree completion for adult learners. With flexible course options, students can graduate while balancing school with their professional responsibilities. At this public institution, 89% of students are 25 or older.
Choose from over 100 areas of study or design your own individualized degree. You can also earn credit by exam or through independent study.
New Jersey residents pay $419 per credit for fewer than nine credits or a flat rate of $3,319 per term for nine or more credits. The discounted full-time rate can save students money.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,182
Out-of-state
$9,342
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,024
Out-of-state
$12,024
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,495
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Accreditation
Yes
How to Make College More Affordable as a Working Adult: 5 Factors
College can be expensive. But you can make college more affordable by choosing an affordable program, maximizing your transfer credits, and applying for transfer credits. Working while in school can also help you cover tuition and other expenses.
1. Research Tuition Rates
An online format can save you money. You can research tuition rates and choose the most affordable program, regardless of location. Start by checking public colleges in your state, which generally offer the lowest tuition rates. And make sure to factor in fees, textbook costs, and other expenses.
2. Maximize Transfer Credits
Earning a bachelor’s degree requires at least 120 credits. Many online colleges allow up to 90 transfer credits, which means you can finish a bachelor’s degree in as little as one year. Ask for a transcript evaluation to see how many transfer credits you’ll receive at different colleges.
3. Earn Credit for Prior Learning
You can receive credit for work, military, and even volunteer experience. Industry certifications and workplace training programs might also translate into college credits. Look into the credit for prior learning policies at prospective online colleges. Some may require an examination or portfolio review.
4. Work While in School
Working while pursuing a degree can help you pay for school. That’s because you’ll bring in a paycheck that can help cover costs. Many adult learners rely on savings or income to pay for their degree. And working while in school also means you won’t have a gap in your work history.
5. Apply for Financial Aid
Online students — including working adults — can apply for financial aid. If you attend an accredited institution, you’ll qualify for many forms of financial aid, including federal grants and loans. Scholarships can also lower the cost of your degree. Some institutions also offer financial aid to make college affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Degrees for Working Adults
What are the best online degree programs for working adults?
Flexible programs appeal to working adults. For example, a self-paced or asynchronous format lets learners complete coursework around other responsibilities. Working adults also benefit from colleges with generous transfer credit policies and affordable tuition.
Are there accelerated degree programs for working adults?
Yes, working adults can enroll in accelerated programs, including accelerated online degrees. If you have prior college experience, consider accelerated degree completion programs that maximize your transfer credits. You can finish a bachelor’s degree in as little as a year.
How much do online colleges cost?
The cost of online college varies by school. Some charge under $200 per credit for online undergraduate programs. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, consider public universities in your state. Typically, in-state students benefit from the lowest tuition rates.
How do working adults pay for college?
Working adults pay for college with a mix of savings, income, and financial aid. If you’re working while in college, you can cover some expenses with your paychecks. Online programs typically appeal to working adults because of their flexibility. At accredited online colleges, you can also use scholarships, grants, and loans to cover expenses.
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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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