10 Online Colleges for Greatness in 2012

 – Helping Take Your Career to the Next Level

Jones International University was the first accredited online university, established in 1993. Today, with more than 2,500 universities and colleges and 6.1 million students, online education is here to stay. The sector has shown tremendous growth in the past decade due to the convenience and flexibility these programs offer to working professionals and other busy individuals. Better access to internet and increased federal funding has contributed to the rise in enrollment as well, especially for courses offered by for-profit, private universities. Several public universities are also offering online courses to sustain the competition. Most universities also allow you to transfer the credits to a regular program at a later stage.

Online programs offer several benefits. The programs are highly flexible. You can complete them from the convenience of your home or office at your own pace. There are many universities and hundreds of programs to choose from. Many students also appreciate the fact that online courses fit right into their schedule. You do not have to quit your job or taking care of your family to reach your academic goals.

It may, however, be overwhelming to see the wide variety of online programs available in certain fields. Each program may have pros and cons. You should use your personal judgment to make the final decision. The top 10 online colleges for greatness in 2012 include:

  1. University of PhoenixUniversity of Phoenix is one of the oldest online universities. It offers a wide variety of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate programs in business, nursing, education and liberal arts. It is one of the largest and most popular for-profit universities as well.
  2. Southern New Hampshire University - Southern New Hampshire University has been in business for 80 years. More than 13,000 students are enrolled in about 150 graduate and postgraduate programs offered by the university. It has been ranked number 12 on Fast Company’s 2012 list of 50 most innovative companies. Programs are offered in business, education, hospitality, liberal arts and community economic development.
  3. Golden Gate University -Golden Gate University is another non-profit, accredited university that makes it to the list of 10 online colleges for greatness in 2012. It caters to the millions of working professionals who wish to advance their academic credentials in the fields of accounting, business administration, human resources, IT management and law.
  4. Regent University -Regent University is a faith-based academic institution, which offers multitude of programs in communication, education, psychology, global leadership, and divinity. The fully accredited University has been in operation since 1978.
  5. National University - National University is the second largest, non-profit, private university in California. It has been providing educational services to more minority students than any other academic institution in the state. It offers courses in business, education, engineering, health and human services, and sciences.
  6. Colorado State University - Colorado State University is also one among the 10 online colleges for greatness in 2012. It offers wide range of online programs, which have been accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  7. Northcentral UniversityNorthcentral University is the first, one-hundred percent online, accredited university to offer doctorate programs in behavioral and health sciences, education and business. The University is known for its faculty-mentored programs, which focus on providing personalized education to every student.
  8. American Public University - The University offers more than 1500 courses and 70 career-oriented degree programs in business, education, security management, public service, science and technology.
  9. Grand Canyon University - The University has been helping students achieve their academic potential since 1949. Its relatively recent, fully-accredited, online programs are great for Christian adults seeking to reach their academic potential.
  10. Saint Leo University - Saint Leo University offers accelerated degree programs to working professionals, who wish to advance their academic credentials and work opportunities.

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