For many people, especially busy adults with full-time jobs or other commitments, online colleges and universities have put a degree or technical certification within reach. Learning online offers the flexibility and convenience to earn a degree while still working or being a stay-at-home parent. The top online schools are accredited by reputable agencies like the Higher Learning Commission and offer students plenty of resources for success.

Ashford University

Ashford University offers accelerated associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in accounting, history, finance, early childhood education, organizational management and more. Ashford is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a respected university because of the services it provides for online students. These services include unlimited free tutoring, academic coaching, personal advisement services and military benefits.

Ashford University 400 North Bluff Blvd. Clinton, IA 52732 866-711-1700 ashford.edu/online

University of Phoenix

Established in 1976, University of Phoenix offers undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs in science, health administration, business, education and information technology, among others. According to bestuniversities.com, it’s a top online school because it offers students many resources, such as a comprehensive electronic library and graduation support. All programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and some programs have additional accreditation by organizations like the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

University of Phoenix 3157 E. Elwood St. Phoenix, AZ 85034 866-766-0766 phoenix.edu

Everest University Online

Everest University offers online associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in programs such as accounting, criminal justice, homeland security and paralegal studies. Bestuniversities.com highly ranked the school because of its 24/7 student support and career placement services. Everest is accredited by the Council for Higher Education.

Everest University Online 888-391-8881 everestonline.edu

Capella University

Capella University is an online school that only offers master’s and doctoral degrees. Programs include technology, business and counseling. Its completely online university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. In 2000, Capella became a charter participant of the AQIP (Academic Quality Improvement Program).

Capella University 225 S. Sixth St., Ninth Floor Minneapolis, MN 55402 888-227-2736 capella.edu/online_learning

Walden University

Walden University is an exclusively online university that offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in areas such as education, technology and health and social sciences. Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Walden University 155 Fifth Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55401 612-338-7224 waldenu.edu

American InterContinental University

American InterContinental, an international university with campuses around the world, offers onlice degrees in education, criminal justice and design. AIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its online student services include live chat sessions AIU advisors and career services.

AIU Online 5550 Prairie Stone Parkway, Suite 400 Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 877-701-3800 aiuniv.edu

Kaplan University

Kaplan University online offers undergraduate and graduate degrees online in areas such as education and nursing. Kaplan’s student services include academic advising, 24/7 technical support and student clubs and organizations. It’s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Kaplan University Online 550 W. Van Buren St., Seventh Floor Chicago, IL 60607 866-527-5268 online.kaplanuniversity.edu

Colorado Technical University

CTU offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees and its programs include engineering, computer science, health sciences, business and management. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the university provides services to students in the military through its department of military education. In 2007, Military Advanced Educations ranked CTU among its top 10 institutions.

Colorado Technical University 4435 N. Chestnut St. Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-792-0188 coloradotech.edu

Virginia College

Virginia College offers degrees online in business, health care, technology and culinary arts. Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. It also provides military benefits and career placement assistance.

Virginia College Online 500 Century Park South Birmingham, AL 35226 888-827-7770 vconline.edu

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University provides a variety of academic undergraduate and graduate programs. Its online school is one of the largest providers of higher education to the U.S. military and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council for Higher Education.

Saint Leo University 33701 State Road 52 Saint Leo, FL 33574 800-334-5532 saintleo.edu