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Best Online Colleges for Non-Traditional Students

Are you a nontraditional student looking for the best online colleges? If your answer to this question is in the affirmative, keep reading this article.

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The term “Non-traditional students” simply refers to a demographic of students who do not desire the usual brick-and-mortar mode of learning. In plainer terms, nontraditional students are students who did not enroll in college immediately after high school. There are several colleges that cater to this demographic of students, this article contains a list of the best online colleges for nontraditional students.

Nontraditional students are usually students who have family responsibilities, jobs, or other commitments that might make earning an on-campus degree a challenge.

Alternative learning environments, such as self-paced programs or the ability to earn credits based on their personal and professional experiences are usually ideal for nontraditional students. This learning format helps them schedule work, family, and school seamlessly.

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This article contains information about available learning options for nontraditional students and helps them determine whether or not the schools on the list fit their academic needs.

Below is our list of the best online colleges for nontraditional students.

Best Online Colleges for Non-Traditional Students

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University located in Manchester, New Hampshire is one of the best colleges for nontraditional students in the U.S. SNHU offers over 200 online programs in disciplines like criminal justice, business, psychology, and computer science.

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The majority of the courses offered at SNHU take up a duration of eight weeks. Many of the programs accept significant transfer credits and deliver coursework asynchronously, this format provides flexibility for working professionals. Undergraduate applicants are required to complete an application and submit academic transcripts.

The average cost of tuition per credit for undergraduate in-state and out-of-state students is $320. The cost of tuition per credit for graduate in-state and out-of-state students is $627.

2. Liberty University

Liberty enrolls located in Lynchburg, Virginia has a student enrollment of over 100,000, many of whom are online students. The university also serves roughly 30,000 military students. Liberty offers online programs in fields like criminal justice, education, business, and arts and sciences.

Most programs are delivered 100% online, and students pursuing bachelor’s degrees can transfer up to 75% of their required credits.

Admission criteria defer by program, but the most common requirements include submission of an application, official transcripts, and a minimum GPA. Military students can receive up to 55% discount on tuition.

The average cost of tuition per credit for undergraduate in-state and out-of-state students is  $390-$455. The cost of tuition per credit for graduate in-state and out-of-state students is  $565-$615.

3. Purdue University Global

Purdue University based in West Lafayette, Indiana operates Purdue University Global which is the university’s virtual campus. This online university offers a career assessment tool that helps match prospective students with the right program.

Students can also enjoy access to one-on-one career advice once they are admitted. Applicants must be proficient in English. Popular program offerings at this college include health sciences, business, nursing, and human services.

The university also offers online programs geared specifically toward members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. Military students can often earn transfer credit for their experience.

The average cost of tuition per credit for undergraduate in-state and out-of-state students is $371. The cost of tuition per credit for graduate in-state and out-of-state students is $420-$700.

4. Averett University

Averett University based in Danville, Virginia, Averett operates a graduate and professional studies division that offers online bachelor’s programs in business administration, leadership, sociology, nursing, and human services.

Most programs eliminate in-person requirements, and incoming transfer students can submit all prior credits for evaluation. Each program offers five start dates per year, offering increased flexibility to working professionals and parents.

Prospective undergraduate students must submit an application, official transcripts from previous schools, and a copy of their driver’s license or government-issued identification.

The average cost of tuition per credit for undergraduate in-state and out-of-state students is  $480. The cost of tuition per credit for graduate in-state and out-of-state students is $530-$695.

5. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus based out of Largo, Maryland, UMGC is the virtual campus of the University of Maryland System. UMGC offers bachelor’s degrees in fields like accounting, English, environmental management, homeland security, and software development, among many others.

The university offers multiple start dates per semester to provide flexibility for older adult learners and working professionals.

Undergraduate applicants need a high school or GED diploma to qualify for admission. Former community college students can transfer in up to 70 credits, while students transferring in from four-year schools can earn up to 90 credits for prior coursework.

The average cost of tuition per credit for undergraduate in-state  $306 and $499  for out-of-state students. The cost of tuition per credit for graduate in-state is $504 and for out-of-state students is $659.

6. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College is located in New Britain, Connecticut. It is a public college that exclusively offers online programs mainly in career-focused fields like paralegal studies, organizational leadership, public safety administration, and healthcare administration. Charter Oak aims to offer maximum flexibility by offering six start dates throughout the year for all of its online programs.

Students can earn credits for prior learning and through various tests and assessments. Applicants are required to submit an application and official academic transcripts.

The average cost of tuition per credit for undergraduate in-state  $319 and $419 for out-of-state students. The cost of tuition per credit for graduate in-state is $516 and for out-of-state students is $540.

7. UMass Global

Brandman University became UMass Global in 2021, the college is based in Irvine, California. The university offers online programs in three delivery methods; 100% online, hybrid, and a competency-based option, this option allows students to earn credits as they demonstrate mastery of the material (as opposed to following a semester schedule).

Roughly 90% of students enrolled in the online program keep their jobs while enrolled at UMass Global. Applicants are required to have at least 12 college credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

The average cost of tuition per credit for undergraduate in-state and out-of-state students is $500. The cost of tuition per credit for graduate in-state and out-of-state students is $680.

8. Thomas University

Thomas University is a private college located in Thomasville, Georgia. TU focuses on offering strong academics to military students. The university oversees online bachelor’s programs in fields like computer information systems, criminal justice, elementary education, marketing, and rehabilitation studies.

Prospective undergraduate students must submit an application and official transcripts. They should also have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA on previous coursework.

The average cost of tuition per credit for undergraduate in-state and out-of-state students is $450. The cost of tuition per credit for graduate in-state and out-of-state students is $524-$725.

9. Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College is located in Pasadena, California, and offers online bachelor’s programs in human development, business administration, social work, and early childhood education. The college delivers most of its online coursework asynchronously through the Canvas learning management system.

Undergraduate applicants are required to have a minimum 2.0 cumulative high school GPA. They are also required to complete an interview with a member of the admissions department and have either three years of professional experience or 24 completed college credits.

The average cost of tuition per credit for undergraduate in-state and out-of-state students is $360-$855. The cost of tuition per credit for graduate in-state and out-of-state students is $1,115.

10. Herzing University

Herzing University is located in Madison, Wisconsin, and primarily offers career-focused online programs in fields like business, legal studies, public safety, technology, nursing, and healthcare.

All online coursework are offered mostly online and asynchronously. This college offers multiple start dates throughout the academic year. Online students can also complete some coursework through blended learning if they desire to.

All applicants are required to meet online with a member of the admissions department. Additional requirements include  transcripts, an application, and placement testing.

The average cost of tuition per credit for undergraduate in-state and out-of-state students is $490. The cost of tuition per credit for graduate in-state and out-of-state students is $590.

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