The online education sources available to post-secondary students are rapidly expanding. More and more students are choosing to complete degrees in an online or blended format. What are the most popular online colleges and universities according to enrollment numbers? The following data for the top twenty is from the United States Department of Education’s study of 12-month enrollment numbers from the fall of 2010. The following five schools are listed by enrollment in either the 2009 or 2010 year.
1. University of Phoenix: Thought the headquarters for the University of Phoenix is in Phoenix, Arizona, the school is one of the most developed online learning experiences in the industry.
Enrollment: 380,232
2. Kaplan University: Offering campus locations in Iowa, Maryland, Maine, and Nebraska, Kaplan provides blended learning and fully online courses. The Concord Law School online program is a part of the Kaplan family.
Enrollment: 71,011
3. Arizona State University: ASU has several traditional campuses in Arizona, as a public university. However, they also have an impressive online division which is embracing technology as a format to reach those who cannot attend a campus-based program.
Enrollment: 68,064
4. Miami Dade College: MDC has several campuses in Florida, as well as a virtual campus online. It is known for two-year associates degrees.
Enrollment: 59,120
5. Ohio State University: OSU is a public, four year institution in Ohio that also offers programs online for credit.
Enrollment: 55,014
6. Houston Community College: HCC has a number of campus branches in the Houston, Texas area. They also have an online distance learning program.
Enrollment: 54,942
7. Strayer University: Based in Washington, D.C., Strayer University provides campus, blended, and online learning options for its students.
Enrollment: 54,325
8. University of Central Florida: UCF is a public, research university near Orlando, Florida, with twelve campuses. By enrollment, it is the second largest university in the United States, offering online coursework in addition to the campus experience.
Enrollment: 53,401
9. University of Minnesota: The Crookston campus offers ten degree programs online, though UMN is a part of the public university system of Minnesota. Enrollment: 51,659
10. University of Texas at Austin: The University Extension of UT at Austin offers blended and online degree programs to complement the four-year, traditional on campus experience.
Enrollment: 50,995
11. University of Florida: The UFL online distance learning MBA program was ranked #1 by the Economist. The school also offers a variety of other degree programs online.
Enrollment: 50,691
12. Texas A&M University:
Enrollment: 48,702
13. Michigan State University: MSU offers over 100 graduate and undergraduate courses online in addition to their traditional, campus based degree programs.
Enrollment: 47,071
14. Ashford University: Based in Clinton, Iowa, Ashford is an online university which offers a variety of degree programs.
Enrollment: 46,835
15. Northern Virginia Community College: NOVA’s online degrees and courses are offered through its Extended Learning Institute (ELI).
Enrollment: 46,619
16. Lone Star College System: LSCS has eight campuses in Texas and an online campus for non-traditional students and distance learners.
Enrollment: 46,504
17. Liberty University: Liberty is the largest online Christian university in the United States, with over 150 programs of study available.
Enrollment: 46,312
18. University of Washington, Seattle Campus: The Professional and Continuing Education division of the University of Washington offers online course work in numerous disciplines.
Enrollment: 45,943
19. Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus: Penn State offers online programs, as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees in over seventy areas.
Enrollment: 45,185
20. Tarrant County College District: The TCCD Distance Learning Program is offered through instructional television and the internet.
Enrollment: 44,355
21. Walden University: Walden has been around for over 40 years. It is an online university focused on a student-centered education.
Enrollment: over 40,000
22. Baker College Online: Based in Michigan, Baker’s online programs are designed to help students accomplish goals, graduate, and further careers rather than become career students.
Enrollment: 33,427
23. Capella University: Capella offers a full range of programs, including certificates, undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees online.
Enrollment: about 30,000
24: Western Governors University: Ranked number one overall by the Guide to Online Education, Western Governors University offers a wide range of programs while remaining affordable.
Enrollment: over 25,000
25. Saint Leo University: SLO has had a center for online learning since 1999, and offers a nice selection of degree programs online.
Enrollment: 15, 565
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