Online Schools Review

American Intercontinental University (AIU) was founded in 1977 as the American College of Applied Arts. The University's most popular online programs revolve around design, whether it is computer based or interior design. Degrees are also offered in business, education, marketing, and health care. Accredited by The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges, AIU faculty members hold advanced degrees in their subject areas. An admission interview and a high school diploma or equivalency are required for entry into the program. Credit hours cost up to $360 for undergraduates and $645 for graduate students.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, Ashford University has been educating since 1918. Nearly 11,000 students are enrolled, working to earn their associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees in areas including business, health care, education, criminal justice and sociology. Various types of financial assistance are available to help pay the 15,340 tuition bill, while cost per credit hour begins at 260 dollars. Thankfully, more than 75% of students receive financial aid. Students, typically working adults seeking to further their knowledge of a specific field, use a simple asynchronous online class style, although they do have a grounded campus located in Clinton, Iowa.

Though Capella University is new to the online university scene, be assured that education is the school's top priority. Established in 1997, Capella University has been educating 22,000 students each year who are earning their bachelor's, master's, certificate, and doctorate degrees. The areas of discipline offered include business, education, human services and psychology. The faculty echo years of experience and can help students graduate in a short time with a quality education. Online classes are asynchronous, and after a $75 application fee, students can begin working toward a degree from this Higher Learning Commission accredited school.

Chapman University was founded in 1861 and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school offer students opportunities in bachelor's, graduate, first professional, and certificate programs. Areas of study include business, education, film and media, law, humanities, and performing arts. Not just limited to online, Chapman University has 26 campuses in California and Washington. Most students are adult-learners seeking to further their careers. Credit hours can be expensive, but with grant, loan and scholarship availability, financial aid is a very real possibility.

Colorado Technical University was established in 1965 after receiving accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. This online school offers bachelor's and graduate degrees in areas like business administration, information technology, and criminal justice. The University requires an admission interview and attestation of a high school diploma or the equivalency upon entry. With the wide variety of financial aid options, prospective students can be assured that they afford the per credit fee of $265-$692. In addition to its online school, Colorado Technical University also has campuses around Colorado, Missouri, and South Dakota. Best of all, students can complete their degree in just 15 months.

DeVry University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, was founded in 1931. Since that time, the school has produced graduates in fields like accounting, web graphic design, and criminal justice. Other than its online services, DeVry has 23 campuses across the country and only employs staff with experience in their specified field. The school boasts a 90 percent post-graduation employment rate, and after the $50 admission fee, interview, and presentation of a GED or high school diploma, students can be on their way to a degree.

Kaplan University Online is no stranger to change, and they are more than equipped to prepare their students for the challenging versatility in today’s workplace. Established in 1937 in Davenport, Iowa, Kaplan College became Kaplan University in 2004 after being granted permission to offer graduate-level programs to its students. Faculty have experience teaching in higher education and have worked in their fields of study. Kaplan enrolls more than 32,000 students in areas such as business, education, legal studies, nursing and health sciences. Credit hours begin at $350 and with their support, you’ll have no problem landing the financial aid you need. 93% of all students receive financial aid which is one reason why Kaplan boasts an impressive 75% first year retention rate.

Since 1996, Strayer University has provided online higher education programs for working adults aiming to advance career proficiency. Employing a faculty of whom all hold a minimum of Master's degrees, their 44,000 students are afforded the best possible guidance. Strayer is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers a variety of courses in Certificate, Associate, Bachelor and Graduate degree programs. Tuition is based on cost per credit, beginning at $1,435 per course, and financial aid is available for those who qualify. Their online system is easily adaptable, being both synchronous and asynchronous which allows students to easily fit classes into their busy schedules. To apply to their online program or one of their 47 campuses across the country, an attestation of High School completion is required.

2,700 students are enrolled in the undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered at Tiffin University. Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, it has been awarding degrees since 1888. Areas of study at Tiffin include accounting, communication, English, marketing, and sports management. For those interested in an online degree, an interesting feature at Tiffin University is that students can begin courses before graduating from high school. Credit hours begin at $450, while text books often run for an additional $400. Those interested in Tiffin can be pleased to know that the school maintains a job placement rate well above 90 percent.

The University of Phoenix began its run in 1976 and is still going strong. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, the University of Phoenix has close to 350,000 students. The bachelor's and master's programs are offered in education, nursing, technology, and business administration. Credit hour pricing begins at $515. There is also the opportunity to utilizing available loans, scholarships and grants. The online courses are presented in an asynchronous style making it easy for the average adult student to adapt to online university life.

Virginia College is accredited by the Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Since its establishment in 1983, Virginia College has been awarding students associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in the areas of accounting, business administration, human service, IT, and health care. Each faculty member has a minimum of a graduate degree in their specified field of study.

In 1971, Walden University established its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minn. Currently, its online school offers an average of 33,000 students per year an array of educational programs. Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, students can major in anything from health sciences to social services. While the cost per credit hour differs between schools, financial aid is available for qualifying individuals.