YOUR GUIDE TO ONLINE EDUCATION
Your Guide to Accredited Online Schools
From elementary school to graduate programs, compare accredited online schools by methodology, cost, and quality to find the right program for your needs.
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Everything You Need to Choose an Online School
Compare Accredited Schools
Search accredited online schools and compare programs by cost, delivery format, and quality before you enroll.
Find Financial Aid
About 80% of first-time, full-time students at four-year institutions receive aid. Explore scholarships, grants, and loans.
Browse Schools by State
Online schools are constantly expanding across the U.S. Find local online K-12 schools and colleges in our state directory.
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Explore Our Guide to Online Schools by Grade Level
We have guides for every stage of online learning, from K-12 through graduate school. Start with the one that matches where you are.
WHY ACCREDITATION MATTERS
Accreditation Is the Most Important Factor to Compare
Accredited online schools have been thoroughly evaluated and determined to be operating with their students' best interests in mind. These are the two most common types.
- Regional accreditation goes to academically oriented, not-for-profit colleges and universities
- Six regional accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA
- National accreditation covers vocational academies, technical schools, and for-profit colleges
- National accreditors are grouped as programmatic, career-related, or faith-related
Understand How Online Learning Works
Online schools at every level vary in delivery format and school type. Understand what you or your child is enrolling in before choosing a program.
Fully Online or Blended Programs
The blended format mixes online courses with in-person coursework. Online high school students may use a blended school to earn extra AP credits, while college students supplement their education with virtual courses.
Synchronous or Asynchronous Courses
Synchronous courses require you to meet online at the same time as your professors and classmates. Asynchronous courses have no scheduled meetings, so you decide when you complete coursework and interact online.
Public or Private Schools
Many states provide public online schools at the K-12 level that are fully or mostly funded, often free of charge and accredited. In higher education, most schools are public and not-for-profit, and they typically offer lower tuition for in-state residents. Private schools may cost more, but some specialize in a field or offer newer facilities and smaller class sizes.
Featured Online Schools
Explore programs from our partner schools and compare degrees, start dates, and transfer credit policies.
Online Graduate Programs
Online graduate schools make it possible to advance in your field while still working full-time. Programs like business administration, nursing, computer science, education, and social work draw large enrollments, but there are programs across a range of fields. Browse our online graduate programs guide and search for schools using our database.
K-12 Online Schools
Students of all ages can extend their learning through K-12 online schools. Benefits include an earlier introduction to technology, a chance to strengthen challenging skills, and the opportunity to take college credit courses. If your child suffers a chronic illness, has been injured, or works better at home, online elementary school, middle school, and high school may be the answer.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Whether you attend an online college or an online graduate school, know your options. Browse our guides to applying for scholarships, grants, and loans.
Resource Library
Our online learning resources provide a foundation for success for new applicants and enrolled students alike. Find academic support and guides for students with a range of needs.
Keep Up With the Latest
Browse the guides students use most, from study support to presenting your online degree to employers.
Student Interviews
Still unsure about online learning? Read our collection of interviews with online students.
Read Student InterviewsVisual Academy
Visual Academy is Online Schools' novel attempt at furthering education and creating a hunger for more knowledge through the use of visual learning techniques.
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We strive to provide students interested in earning an online degree with the most accurate, comprehensive, and accessible information.
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