Distance learning may traditionally have been a more solitary, text-based domain, but times have most certainly changed. Today, innovative universities around the country are utilizing the latest technologies to help devise an interactive, media-rich digital curriculum. These online schools create virtual environments that facilitate improved access to peers, teachers, and support structures. What’s more, 21st-century “classrooms” now rival campus-based settings in the engagement and collaboration stakes, and perhaps one day they’ll even supersede their brick-and-mortar counterparts.
Some universities also adapt their programs by adding courses based on emerging trends and new markets – steps that ensure they remain at the cutting edge and stand out from their contemporaries.
With all this in mind, read on for the 30 most innovative online colleges in the U.S. For the convenience of the reader, we have included the total enrollment for each school to show it’s size, as well as the tuition information for undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The first step in developing this article was determining what makes an online school innovative. We settled on dynamics such as the incorporation of new technologies, adaptability, flexibility, groundbreaking resources, unique degree courses, and how responsive each school is to the changing demands of 21st-century online students and professionals.
We also considered factors like awards and recognition, as well as the presence of any pioneering faculty members. This included a look at the top online universities in the country, consulting resources such as U.S. News & World Report’s 2020/2020 rankings of the best online schools in the nation for undergraduate and graduate education.
Of course, academic prestige itself is not enough to qualify innovation, so we had to delve deeper. This involved investigating all possible entries individually, summing up their innovation credentials, and deciding whether they are doing something, in particular, to set them apart from their contemporaries and justify their inclusion.
DREXEL UNIVERSITY
Drexel University is an outstanding choice for online learners. It is particularly suitable for graduate-level students, as it supplies over sixty master’s degrees online! Upon entering Drexel, distance education students are enrolled in the Digital Dragon community, which has networking connections for all students that branches across the entire globe. There is incredible study abroad opportunities available for on-campus and online students alike, and there is a multitude of career and major-based workshops and forums scheduled throughout the academic year. This innovative online school also supplies award-winning academic and career resources in the Steinbright Career Development Center and the W.W. Hagerty Library. Students can know for a fact that they are attending one of the best online schools in the country because Drexel University has been named as such on countless occasions.
Campus Location: Philadelphia, PA
Total Enrollment: 25,596
Online Tuition:
- $534 – $855 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $652 – $1,431 per credit hour — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT DREXEL UNIVERSITY
EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Eastern Illinois University is well-decorated in awards and accolades as one of the most affordable universities, an online school with the best professors, and a top public regional university in the midwestern United States. The school maintains an alarming student satisfaction rate of 98% one year after graduating, and students go one to fulfill their wildest career aspirations. EIU is absolutely one of the cheapest online schools on this ranking, with rates that hardly differ between undergraduate and graduate coursework. The school is well-known for its 100% online accelerated RN to BSN program, which has received national recognition for its success, and students regularly take part in a massive research project with professors that have real-world applications.
Campus Location: Charleston, IL
Total Enrollment: 7,806
Online Tuition:
- $307.35 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $309.00 per credit hour — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
BRENAU UNIVERSITY
Brenau University is committed to providing its online students with all of the resources necessary for success in their majors. It is a small school with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which gives students constant access to professors and resources alike, all of which are 100% available online with no required campus visits. Brenau is one of the oldest schools in this ranking, having been founded in 1878 and now has over 140 years of experience in education. It has a long history of firsts and is one a pioneer of women’s education. Today, this revolutionary online school has over 80 distance education programs.
Campus Location: Gainesville, GA
Total Enrollment: 1,754
Online Tuition:
- $540 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $540 per credit hour — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT BRENAU UNIVERSITY
REGIS UNIVERSITY
There are innumerable reasons why Regis University is one of the most innovative online schools in the country. For example, it is one of the only online schools on this list that is rooted in the Jesuit-Catholic religious order and with connections in over 112 countries. The majority of Regis University’s online courses are accelerated and evening-based, giving working adults the flexibility to personalize their schedules. Each online student must complete the four foundational courses: The Skilled Learner, Intro to Philosophy, Intro to Religion, and Leading Lives That Matter, all of which lay the groundwork for academic success. 93% of graduates from this online school obtain positions of employment in their field six months after exiting Regis, with starting salaries of about $56,000 per year, on average. This is one of the most well-accredited online schools in the state of Colorado.
Campus Location: Denver, CO
Total Enrollment: 9,208
Online Tuition:
- $315 – $460 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $465 – $810 per credit hour — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT REGIS UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON
A small school established in 1966, the University of Minnesota Crookston has 20 years of online teaching experience and is now included on numerous lists of the best distance education schools. While the enrollment is small compared to others on this list, UMN Crookston is incredibly diverse with students from over 40 states and more than 20 countries. This online university believes in supplying students with more than just classroom experience, with opportunities spanning volunteer projects, real-world learning, and research trips and internships, and more. Coursework and degree programs are reviewed continuously under the Academic Quality Improvement Program, which is in place to maintain high levels of accreditation and notability.
Campus Location: Crookston, MN
Total Enrollment: 2,653
Online Tuition and Fees:
- $451.50 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
SNHU is one of the biggest names in online school history. One of its most remarkable qualities is its massive size, as it is one of the largest online schools in this ranking. Southern New Hampshire University successfully educated and nurtures the professional success of an enormous amount of students. There are dozens of online student clubs and organizations, private online community platforms comprised of over 15,000 students, 24/7 online support services, and state-of-the-art virtual environments offered exclusively at this online university.
Campus Location: Hooksett, NH
Total Enrollment: 63,000
Online Tuition:
- $320 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $627 per credit hour — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
At the University of Florida, online students take part in groundbreaking research opportunities that are kept constantly underway by the internationally renowned faculty members. The bachelor’s programs are highly ranked for their affordability, particularly for in-state residents, and has achieved the #1 positions from AffordableColleges.com. All of the degree programs are customizable from the ground up and students are in complete control of their education. The Employer Pathways program sets this school apart by connecting UF online students with employers all across the world, such as Discover Financial Services and Walt Disney.
Campus Location: Gainesville, FL
Total Enrollment: 52,367
Online Tuition:
- $129.18 per credit hour (residents); $552.62 per credit hour (non-residents) — undergraduate and graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM
The University of Alabama Birmingham believes in supplying as many flexible, innovative online opportunities for its students through 100% online degrees, blended programs, and distance accessible courses. The world-renowned Collat School of Business supplies excellent distance education programs entirely online, including Accounting, Business Administration, and Management Information Systems degrees. There are also impressive master’s programs in engineering that very few other online universities offer with zero campus visits. UAB online is a trend-setter in business, education, healthcare sciences, and clinical care, and gives students access to global partnerships and a network of over 115,000 graduates.
Campus Location: Birmingham, AL
Total Enrollment: 17,189
Online Tuition:
- $262 – $441 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $517 – $656 per credit hour — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO
Ranked in the top five online schools in the nation for bachelor’s degrees, the University of Illinois Chicago is a leader in transformative, innovative distance education programs. Rare programs such as the quantitative research program are available online at UIC and very few other institutions of distance education. Known as the UIC Extended Campus, the virtual classroom supports an entire community of tenacious learners of all ages. The Online Pathways Program is an excellent opportunity for beginners to earn low-cost, high-quality transfer credits entirely at a distance. UIC has earned impressive accolades in its career as an online school, such as the 10th most transformative college in the nation from Money Magazine.
Campus Location: Chicago, IL
Total Enrollment: 29,120
Online Tuition:
- $500 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $793 per credit hour — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
This online school is another pioneer and innovator among the few with over 20 years of experience. Florida International University is a massively successful institution of higher education, having graduated over 200,000 students from more than 30 countries across the globe. Students take part in initiatives to solve worldwide issues with expert faculty members, including researchers, scholars, and instructors. Such programs as Career Engage for engineering majors give students ample opportunities to form networking connections and locate employment opportunities with their favorite companies. FIU holds corporate partnerships with 236 Fortune 500 Companies that are always on the location for graduates.
Campus Location: Miami, FL
Total Enrollment: 55,000
Online Tuition and Fees:
- $205.57 per credit hour (residents) — undergraduate degrees
- $690.54 per credit hour (residents) — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE
South Texas College is one of the most innovative online schools for students seeking associate degrees, of which there is a wide variety, making this an excellent transfer school. A top-rated college for military personnel, STC is an excellent choice for those who are active-duty or veterans. There is a wealth of academic, financial, and career-based resources all of which are available at a distance along with the 100% online coursework. South Texas College is the most affordable college in this ranking, especially for residents of Texas.
Campus Location: McAllen, TX
Total Enrollment: 31,000
Online Tuition:
- $77 per credit hour (in-district); $87 per credit hour (out-of-district); $200 per credit hour (non-resident) — undergraduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Oregon State Ecampus draws nationally recognition every year for its incredibly successful distance education platforms and is ranked the #3 undergraduate school in the United States according to U.S. News and World Report. There are over 70 bachelor’s and master’s degrees, more than 110 subjects to study, and 1,300 online classes! Readers can navigate to the OSU course preview to see a sample of online learning at this innovative school. Oregon State Ecampus spares no expense when it comes to student services and technology, student tenement, and academic quality. Faculty members are all impressively credentialed and provide only the very best quality instruction and training. Some of the most successful departments include those in business, agricultural sciences, fisheries, and wildlife sciences, and engineering.
Campus Location: Corvallis, OR
Total Enrollment: 28,886
Online Tuition:
- $318 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $560 per credit hour — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
Offering both competency-based and traditional online program, Northern Arizona University’s innovative approach to distance education puts control into the hands of the students. Competency-based online degrees allow students to advance more quickly through their program by earning credit for areas in which they already have knowledge, skill, and experience. There are nursing, information technology, and business programs of this nature online at NAU, and students establish their own flexible schedules. Northern Arizona was the first school in the nation to offer online competency-based degree programs, which set the standard for other universities.
Campus Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Total Enrollment: 29,031
Online Tuition:
- $425.00 per credit hour – undergraduate degrees
- $575.00 per credit hour – graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD
One of the many distinctive aspects of the University of Illinois Springfield Online is the personal online program coordinator who is paired with each student for the entirety of their academic career. These experts are invaluable resources for all distance education students. There are over fifty online programs from which to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree, as well as numerous support systems to help students succeed inside and outside of college. For those who are unsure about starting their online educational career, UIS provides a free online learning readiness survey. Illinois Springfield is a relatively small school, which can be seen in the student enrollment, which is perfect for students looking for a more intimate and collaborative learning experience.
Campus Location: Springfield, IL
Total Enrollment: 5,431
Online Tuition:
- $304.50 per credit hour — undergraduate tuition
- $362.25 per credit hour — graduate tuition
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
The University of Missouri Online, or Mizzou Online, is quite renowned for its more than 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and over 1,000 online courses and has been recognized as such innumerable times. As a “national leader in online education,” Mizzou has set the standard for many other online schools. On-campus faculty design and instruct all of the online classes, and distance education students can look forward to the award-winning support services throughout their experience. Some of the most popular programs at Mizzou Online include the well-ranked nursing programs, such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice, which is one of a kind and very rarely offered at other schools.
Campus Location: Columbia, MO
Total Enrollment: 29,866
Online Tuition:
- $299 per credit hour (residents); $387 per credit hour (non-residents) — undergraduate degrees
- $386 per credit hour — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
This highly impressive online university is a global leader among private research universities and has been recognized as such by both Times Higher Education and The Wall Street Journal. The faculty at USC is comprised of over 4,000 researchers, instructors, mentors, and scholars, many of whom have earned such accolades as the MacArthur “Genius” Grant, the National Medal of the Arts, and the Guggenheim Award. Having been founded in 1880, USC is a pioneer among on-campus and online education, and today offers some of the most technologically advanced virtual programs available. According to such statistical reviewing resources as Niche, this online university is one of the top schools in the nation for individual programs, academic excellence, and student happiness.
Campus Location: Los Angeles, CA
Total Enrollment: 44,000
Online Tuition:
- $1,928 – $1,968 per credit hour — undergraduate and graduate degrees
Recommended Schools
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
BRESCIA UNIVERSITY
Brescia University is not only innovative in its delivery of excellent online programs, but also in its approach to tuition costs. This online university has recently announced a tuition freeze until 2022 and therefore earned its place as one of the most affordable online schools for graduate-level coursework, in particular. Not only that, but online coursework is delivered throughout accelerated, 8-week terms, making it one of the most fast-paced schools on this ranking, as well. Students can look forward to massive access to resources and instructors because it is one of the smallest online schools on this ranking, with a total enrollment of just over 1,000. For students who prefer a more intimate, one-on-one type of learning environment, Brescia college is an excellent choice.
Campus Location: Owensboro, KY
Total Enrollment: 1,231
Online Tuition:
- $425 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $500 – $600 per credit hour — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT BRESCIA UNIVERSITY
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
Fort Hays State University supports students in almost 200 online degrees, which are composed of associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. The coursework of each online major is intended to prepare students for their professional careers and includes training in skills highly sought after by employers. FHSU has been recognized with dozens upon dozens of awards and accolades for its innovative online degrees and is often in the top five or ten schools. Whether students are college-aged or adult learners, beginners or seasoned experts, there are incredible educational opportunities available that will sharpen abilities in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving as such applies to career-specific and general skills. Past and current students have only the most glowing things to say about FHSU’s Virtual College.
Campus Location: Hays, KS
Total Enrollment: 12,802
Online Tuition:
- $218.67 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $287.75 per credit hour — graduate degrees
- $400 per credit hour — MBA and DNP degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
This online school is a “world leader in experiential learning.” Northeastern University maintains such a reputation by providing fabulous online degree programs that integrate real-world learning experiences through the Experiential Network. Students engage in challenging coursework and complete hands-on projects with industry-leading companies entirely from their own homes. There are over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs that draw from all nine colleges, and Northeastern is committed to providing the latest in educational technology. The Lifelong Learning Network connects students from all across the globe in a community that fosters collaboration and teamwork in all fields and industries. Northeastern also maintains strong partnerships with over 3,300 employers throughout seven continents, where students can find excellent learning and employment opportunities. This online school is truly one of the most innovative in many regards.
Campus Location: Boston, MA
Total Enrollment: 19,940
Online Tuition:
- $541 per credit hour — college of professional studies degrees
- $1,638 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $26,210 per term — undergraduate degrees
- $1,260 – $1,640 per credit hour — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY
Bellevue University utilizes unique online resources in the delivery of its interactive virtual degrees. Through the cutting-edge and award-winning application, Cyber-Active Online Classroom, students can interact with their professors, advisors, and peers. This resource alone makes coursework at Bellevue an incredibly accessible and fun experience for distance learners. High-end college statistics resources such as College Factual and Washington Monthly have listed this online school as one of the easiest to approach for adult learners. There are more than 75 accredited online undergraduate and graduate degrees available at Bellevue University, all of which have small class sizes that utilize hands-on resources. The school functions under an innovative “real mastery” approach to online education that intends for students to master industry-specific skills that are expected in the workplace.
Campus Location: Bellevue, NE
Total Enrollment: 10,407
Online Tuition:
- $425 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $585 per credit hour — graduate degrees
- $750 per credit hour — doctoral degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Well-ranked for its affordability, accessibility, and academic excellence, Liberty University is a massively popular and highly innovative online school that is considered one of the finest in the country. An excellent choice for both active-duty military/veterans and members of the Evangelical Christina church, Liberty University provides outstanding opportunities for soldiers of the United States Military and faith-based degree programs. Liberty operates from a mission to “train champions for Christ” by providing coursework rooted in Christian principles. The online school prides itself on the strictly 100% online accessibility of its degrees, resources, instructors, and advisors. There are over 400 associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs available at this innovative online school, all of which reflect the same quality as the on-campus degrees.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Total Enrollment: 110,000
Online Tuition:
- $390 per credit hour (full-time); $455 per credit hour (part-time) — undergraduate degrees/li>
- $330 – $605 per credit hour (full-time); $455 – $615 per credit hour (part-time) — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL
Purdue University Global is a division of Purdue University that is entirely committed to the provision of innovative online degrees for working adults. This fantastic institution offers fully personalized programs that can be taken through multiple pathways. Either a traditional online design or through the competency-based ExcelTrack, which allows students to advance through their online degree more quickly based on existing knowledge and experience. For those who are unsure about a Purdue University Global online course, there is a three-week trial period during which students don’t pay a dime! However, it is unlikely that students will not appreciate the coursework, as it is designed, instructed, and constantly kept up-to-date by industry leaders, 97% of whole hold advanced degrees.
Campus Location: Chicago, IL
Total Enrollment: 29,000
Online Tuition:
- $371 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $2,200 per term — ExcelTrack undergraduate degrees
- $420 – $700 per credit hour — graduate degrees
- $1,700 – $3,200 per term — ExcelTrack graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Among all innovative online colleges and universities, Western Governors University is perhaps one of the most affordable on this ranking. Students pay flat-rate tuition for 6-months of online coursework, during which time they are free to complete as many credits as they can. Such a framework for tuition also makes this online school one of the fastest in the nation, as well, and has earned it recognition from Forbes, as well as the Harvard Business Review, Time, CNN, and Bloomberg Businessweek. The coursework and degrees are designed in collaboration with industry leaders and corporate partners that produce graduates of which 97% of employers say are invaluable team members.
Campus Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Total Enrollment: 110,534 (online students)
Online Tuition:
- $3,225 – $5,280 per 6-month term — undergraduate and graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
OHIO UNIVERSITY
One of the many reasons that Ohio University has earned a spot among the most innovative online schools in the country is its collaboration with community college partners. In this way, students can attend classes at their local community college while also completing online coursework with Ohio University to earn a Bachelor’s Degree as quickly as possible. There are over 50 programs from which to choose at Ohio Online, many of which have been recognized as the number one programs for bachelor’s in business management and communications, as well as the best online masters in education. Ohio University produces some incredibly successful graduates, including 41 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 10 Fulbright Scholars.
Campus Location: Athens, OH
Total Enrollment: 22,275
Online Tuition:
- $240 – $353 per credit hour (residents); $243 – $356 per credit hour (non-residents) — undergraduate and graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT OHIO UNIVERSITY
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Through an internal collaboration effort between the faculty members, the innovative Metropolitan College and Extended Education Division, and the Distance Education Department, Boston University provides some of the most popular and outstanding online degrees in America. The distance programs are carefully designed by instructors, instructional designers, support staff, and media producers to create a revolutionary learning experience. Boston University is ranked in the top 50 schools in the nation and is considered an excellent choice for veterans of the United States Military. Students can take comfort in the dozens of awards and accolades that BU has earned over the years as an online educator, especially the Blackboard awards for course design.
Campus Location: Boston, MA
Total Enrollment: 34,657
Online Tuition:
- $480 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $850 – $905 per credit hour — graduate degrees
- $985 per credit hour — graduate certificates
LEARN MORE ABOUT BOSTON UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
The University of Central Florida believes in putting the online degree directly in control of the student. The distance programs are personalized to each learner’s schedule and method of understanding the course material. Students can hold full-time jobs while gaining undergraduate and graduate degrees from UCF without sacrificing any time at either their education or their career. Some of the most popular majors include those in healthcare-related fields, such as Nursing, Healthcare Informatics, Health Services Administration, and Psychology. The University of Central Florida has over 20 years of experience in online education and now provides more than 90 of the most innovative, interactive, fully online programs in the United States.
Campus Location: Orlando, FL
Total Enrollment: 68,571
Online Tuition:
- $179.19 per credit hour (residents); $715.80 per credit hour (non-residents) — undergraduate degrees
- $327.32 per credit hour (residents); $1,151.72 per credit hour (non-residents) — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS
Penn State World Campus has been educating students at a distance for over 125 years. In 1998, it pioneered some of the very first virtual degrees available 100% at a distance, and, today, offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs in an extensive range of topics. Penn State World Campus seeks to provide online students with the same experience available to on-campus learners by giving them access to all of the same fabulous resources and well-credentialed professors. The online learning platforms provide a highly functional and easy-to-use experience that allows students to work well individually, as well as interactively with peers, instructors, and advisors. PSWC receives numerous accolades every year for its achievements in education and is in the top ten online schools in the country for business and engineering degrees.
Campus Location: University Park, PA
Total Enrollment: 13,411
Online Tuition:
- $576 – $617 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $6,994 – $7,549 flat rate per 12 or more credits — undergraduate degrees
- $924 – $1,236 per credit hour — graduate graduate
- $11,093 – $12,552 flat rate per 12 or more credits — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
This most innovative online school has been recognized by numerous different consortiums and accrediting bodies as one of the top online schools of business and management in America. The University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Isenberg School of Management is one of the best in the country for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. UMass Amherst online also maintains one of the best online nursing degrees, as well, which has also received glowing recognition. Students can personalize their programs to tailor them around their particular interests, goals, and professional pursuits, and individualized advising, as well as students’ relationships with their professors, help guide them toward success. As one of the nation’s top public research universities, there are invaluable resources at online students’ fingertips. For example, in 2017, UMass Amherst Research expenditures totaled $219,000,000!
Campus Location: Amherst, MA
Total Enrollment: 28,635
Online Tuition:
- $125 – $1,980 per course — undergraduate degrees
- $1,230 – $2,250 per course — graduate degrees
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
Leland Stanford Junior University is one of the most highly respected institutions of higher education in the country and offers groundbreaking opportunities in online learning. From Artificial Intelligence to Strategies in Sustainability, Stanford provides innumerable opportunities for students at a distance. As one of the world’s leading universities, online students can take advantage of global resources to enhance their education. There are also excellent Massive Open Online Courses available for free! Students learn from the same world-class faculty members that teach on-campus courses and build invaluable relationships with leading thinkers in their fields of interest. Stanford provides an interactive online learning experience through many different mediums and one-on-one contact with students.
Campus Location: Stanford, CA
Total Enrollment: 16,914
Online Tuition:
- $17,619 per academic year — undergraduate degrees
- $17,493 per academic year — graduate degrees
*Some tuition rates vary up or down depending on the department/degree.*
LEARN MORE ABOUT STANFORD UNIVERSITY
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Arizona State University has been named the most innovative online school in the country by many different highly respected sources for five years running! Distance education students take part in a sensational, interactive learning environment that is driven by a collaborative effort for global success. ASU is responsible for numerous exciting ventures, such as the the largest trial for canine cancer vaccines in the world, and breakthroughs in carbon-capture technologies.
ASU provides online students with over 200 degrees to choose from, including associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as certificates and diplomas. Arizona State has been educating students since 1885. It now offers the most cutting-edge online degrees in the world that are guaranteed to give students the virtual educational experience of a lifetime.
Campus Location: Tempe, AZ
Total Enrollment: 71,946
Online Tuition:
- $530 – $728 per credit hour — undergraduate degrees
- $532 – $1,397 per credit hour — graduate degrees
- $595 – $1,153 per credit hour — certificates and diplomas
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I seek an online degree program offering innovative practices?
What do you think of when you hear the words “online distance learning degree program?” Do you think of sitting alone at home at your computer? On your own with no instruction or help? That’s most people’s impression, so you’re not alone in that realm of thinking.
But the truth is, through innovative technology, you’re absolutely not alone. Distance learning classwork today is delivered through a Learning Management System (LMS) chosen by the school.
Typically, your LMS system will work the best with your type of degree program and will allow you to access assignments, as well as contact faculty and fellow classmates. In addition, students have Tech Support available to them 24/7 if they have any computer-related issues.
What makes an online college innovative?
Besides being up-to-date in the best technology available in distance learning degree programs, other factors make online learning innovative, as well. Your online college program should provide you with assistance beyond graduation. Today, innovative practices include counseling and networking opportunities that will assist you in locating a real-world work position for you upon graduation.
Another important aspect to consider is the faculty’s teaching approach. Whether through online lectures or through a hands-on approach, you should choose a program that best fits your learning style. Most colleges continue to inspire their students through ever-changing curriculum, exciting opportunities, along with, support and encouragement in whichever career choice they pursue; therefore, adding to their goals of providing each student with an innovative learning experience.
What else should you look for in an innovative school? Positive research and development practices, community involvement, and charitable participation, as well as new ideas to support positive and diverse bodies of work. As Thomas Edison put it, “There’s a way to do it better – find it.”
How will attending an innovative online program help my career?
Innovative colleges appear to be the future of quality education. Choosing the right one to fit your personality and schedule is crucial to your success in completing the online degree program. As you attempt to begin your career, you will come to realize how relevant using the most up-to-date technology available will help you succeed in your career. Obviously, your career choice will determine the amount of computer-related work you will be doing. But still, as the innovative college provides more than just a technology-related education, you will find that your intellectual horizons will be heightened on all levels, academically and socially.
To indeed be the change the world needs, you must be willing to change with it, provide insightful and innovative ideas, as well as know-how to implement them. It’s the best way to succeed in your career!
“Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow.” – William Pollard
Schools Previously Included on this Index:
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- American Intercontinental University
- Ball State University
- Brandman University
- Capella University
- Central Michigan University
- Colorado State University-Global
- Columbia University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Everest University
- Full Sail University
- Grand Canyon University
- Johns Hopkins University
- North Carolina State University
- Post University
- Sam Houston State University
- University of Nebraska Lincoln
- University of Phoenix
- University of West Georgia
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Walden University
- Wilmington University