Colleges in Pennsylvania

Misericordia University (MU), located in Dallas, provides exceptional online programs as one of the premier online schools in Pennsylvania. The Center for Adult and Continued Education provides an accelerated online option called the Expressway Degree for students who want to graduate within two-and-a-half years, on average. These accelerated programs cost much less than their on-campus counterpart. MU offers online degree options, including accounting, applied behavior sciences, business administration, healthcare management, information technology, and RN to BSN. The professional studies degree gives students the opportunity to complete their bachelor's degree with transfer credits from another school. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 for the professional studies program. MU offers hybrid and fully online formats for students.

Slippery Rock University (SRU) offers quality online education for transfer students as one of the top online schools in Pennsylvania. SRU's online degree completion programs allows students to complete their bachelor's if they have credits or an associate degree from another school. SRU offers degrees in leadership studies, management, and nursing. The bachelor's in interdisciplinary programs allows students to make use of existing credits to tailor the degree to suit their academic interests. In order for students to qualify for this program, they must have at least 60 transfer credits, have taken the equivalent of SRU's English, math, and computer proficiency courses, and a minimum GPA of 2.0. In- and out-of-state tuition differs slightly, and active military members and their spouses qualify for a 15% tuition discount.

DeSales University (DSU), located in Center Valley, provides students with online degrees in its ACCESS program. DSU degrees include business administration, criminal justice, finance, marketing, and psychology. For students interested in studying theology, the school's online degree teaches religion in the tradition of Christian Humanism. Transfer students can use up to 75 transfer credits toward the 120 credits required for graduation. Veterans who qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program receive $8,000 in gift aid. ACCESS tuition differs from traditional tuition, and remains more affordable. Transfer students need a 2.5 GPA, but the school may accept a 2.0 GPA in certain cases. DSU rewards transfer students with merit-based scholarships, depending on factors like GPA, credits obtained, and courses completed.

Duquesne offers fully online programs for students leading busy professional lives at one of the best online colleges in Pennsylvania. Duquesne’s online programs enable students to gain a well-rounded education. Students have frequent virtual interactions with peers and professors through both individual and collaborative learning opportunities. The fully online RN to BSN allows RNs to gain further leadership skills while continuing to work full-time. This degree requires no residency, allowing students flexibility in their studies. Accelerated online bachelor's degrees programs include computer systems technology and organizational leadership for students wanting to graduate more quickly. Part-time tuition costs the same for out-of-state students as in-state residents. Duquesne supports the Yellow Ribbon Program for qualified veterans among other financial aid options.

Robert Morris University (RMU) is located in Pittsburgh and provides a reputable selection of online degrees for working students as one of the notable online schools in Pennsylvania. Online students receive the same support as those on-campus, with dedicated school, career, financial aid, and wellness counselors. Degree options for the online program include business administration, organizational leadership, health services administration, and criminal justice. The RN to BSN allows RNs to complete their degree fully online while gaining added earning potential. Once nursing students graduate with a BSN, they may continue on to the RN to MSN fully online program to gain further leadership skills within the healthcare field. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required for students to qualify for online programs.

Philadelphia University offers PhilaU Online, a program allowing working students to complete their degrees in one of the well-known online colleges in Pennsylvania. Degrees include accounting, business management, behavioral and health sciences. The bachelor's degree in law enforcement leadership teaches students leadership skills through a combination of crime analysis, advanced police management, and contemporary policing. This program takes two-to-three years to complete, with courses spanning eight weeks. As part of the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering, and Commerce, the innovative MBA gives students a practical, project-based curriculum. With an MBA under their belt, students can become CEOs, management consultants, financial analysts, and marketing managers. PhilaU prides itself on affordable tuition, where the undergraduate tuition was reduced by $75 this year.

Temple University is located in Philadelphia and provides a highly-ranked bachelor's degree in business administration as one of the top online colleges in Pennsylvania. Students benefit from an exceptional education from the Fox School of Business, which allows them to develop successful marketing skills and receive unparalleled academic instruction. Concentrations with the business administration degree include accounting, business management, marketing, and legal studies. Students seeking their master's degree after graduation can benefit from the 4+1 Acceleration Program, which allows some graduate courses at undergraduate tuition rates. This program enables students to complete their bachelor’s and graduate degrees within a five-year period. TU supports the Yellow Ribbon Program for qualifying veterans to receive gift aid for themselves and their spouses.

La Salle University offers several fully online programs that allow students to begin or continue their degree in one of the best online schools in Pennsylvania. Completely online graduate programs include business administration (MBA), cybersecurity, and nonprofit leadership. The pre-speech language pathology program readies post-baccalaureate students who need undergraduate prerequisite courses to apply for their master's degree. A bachelor's degree in organizational leadership gives students the tools to become better leaders in today's global business community. The RN-to-BSN program offers nurses the chance to achieve leadership positions within their healthcare specialties. In- and out-of-state tuition is the same for online students. Active veterans qualify for educational support and help with housing expenses from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Eastern University, located in St. Davids, is a top Christian college offering asynchronous, online programs for working students at a reputable online college in Pennsylvania. The school's accelerated undergraduate business programs include focuses on organizational leadership and business administration, which may be completed fully online in two years. An accelerated bachelor's degree in youth ministry leadership provides a faith-based program that requires a one-week residency at the main campus. Other accelerated bachelor's degrees include criminal justice, RN to BSN, organizational leadership, and early childhood development. Student success advisors assigned to each student provide support throughout the entire program. All students in accelerated online programs qualify for financial aid.

Immaculata University (IU) provides several fully online programs for students who need the flexibility to complete their education at one of the finest online schools in Pennsylvania. These online programs in the College of LifeLong Learning mimic the same high-quality education as those found on-campus, including distinguished professors and up to 72 transfer credits accepted for continuing students. Degrees offered include business leadership, cybersecurity, healthcare management, and RN-to-BSN. The bachelor's degree in allied health for clinical professionals allows students with prior clinical training from a community college or recognized program to continue their studies. This specialized program gives students clinical leadership tools and prepares them for a master's program in the field.

Geneva College, located in Beaver Falls, is one of the best online schools in Pennsylvania. Geneva welcomes students of all faiths and uses its Christian-oriented foundation to provide an education based in faith and community. The school offers several online degrees, including programs in child and family services, human resources, management, organizational leadership, and public relations. These accelerated programs allow students with previous college experience to complete their degree in just 16 months. A bachelor's in aging services teaches students the management skills they'll need to thrive in community-based settings and residential facilities. The program focuses on topics like non-medical direct care support and services, evaluation and planning, aging services administration, and legal procedures. The bachelor's degree in Christian ministry leadership gives students the opportunity to gain a solid foundation, preparing them to work within the ministry as a workplace chaplain, or transition to seminary school.

California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U) offers award-winning, fully online programs for students wanting to attend online colleges in Pennsylvania. The bachelor's degree in Arabic language and culture allows students to develop their language skills in modern standard Arabic, while simultaneously studying Arabic culture. This program focuses on writing, reading, and speaking language skills with the use of various online platforms. The bachelor's degree in liberal studies provides transfer students the option to create a personalized program tailored to their interests. Students take courses from the natural sciences, humanities, or social studies programs. Cal U also offers degrees in computer information systems, legal studies, technology management, and wellness and fitness. Active military, veterans and their spouses receive discounted tuition when they enroll in Cal U Online. Tuition for out-of-state students differs from in-state-students for online programs.

Carlow University, located in Pittsburgh, is another online school in Pennsylvania that offers several programs that can be completed entirely online. The school's bachelor's degree in healthcare management prepares students with business-based skills for success in the highly competitive healthcare field. Students in this program go on to careers in healthcare advocacy, insurance, long-term care, healthcare institutions, and private practices. The bachelor's degree in business management enables students to gain critical knowledge using information technology, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork applications to succeed in a business-oriented career. Students gain a great foundation in this program, and can apply for the online Carlow Accelerated MBA program if they choose to further their education. Carlow's Center for Digital Learning and Innovation (CDLI) ensures that students receive the support they need throughout their online education.

Elizabethtown's School of Continuing and Professional Studies provides flexible online programs for full-time working students. The bachelor's degree in criminal justice gives students a solid foundation of that system, along with a theoretical approach to the law and current underlying issues within the field. This program allows students to thrive in careers in public safety and court systems; it also serves as the predecessor to law or graduate school. The bachelor's degree in human services, behavior and addictions counseling contains all the coursework of a regular human services degree, but with added courses like group counseling, introduction to addictive disorders, and pharmacology. This program provides the educational requirements for students to take the Certified Drug and Alcohol Addiction Counselor exam.

Widener's online degree programs grant working students a flexible learning format where they never need to step foot on campus. The RN to BSN program allows nurses to learn in an asynchronous format, receive 33 active credits for their nursing license, and choose an accelerated version for a quicker finish. There are no on-site residencies to complete, and this program is done completely within the comfort of the student's home. The master's degree in instructional technology teaches students how to integrate technology into learning environments. Upon graduation, students gain employment at training programs, K-12 schools, and higher educational institutions. Coursework in this program allows students to complete assignments at their own pace. Widner's affordable per-credit tuition for online courses costs the same for in- and out-of-state students.

Cedar Crest's School of Adult and Graduate Education (SAGE) offers online programs from one of the top online colleges in Pennsylvania. This program delivers personalized attention characteristics of a small private college, but with a highly flexible distance learning format and a generous transfer credit policy. The completely online bachelor's degree in business administration gives students the option of choosing an economics, healthcare management, human resources management, management, or marketing focus. All the online courses offer a regular or accelerated format. SAGE's partnership with the Online Consortium of Independent Colleges and Universities allows Cedar Crest students to take online classes from other schools who are members. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition.

Clarion Online gives students the opportunity to continue their education with online programs while still holding down a full-time job. Clarion has been nationally recognized for its commitment to online learning. The school's bachelor's degree in business administration in real estate helps students excel in careers like property management, appraisal, and real estate brokerage. The bachelor's degree in library science prepares students by teaching information management and transfer in both traditional and current methodology. Upon graduation, students can apply to the online master's in information and library science program. Qualifying active duty military students and their dependents get a special discounted tuition. In-state students pay a lower tuition rate.

Penn State World Campus allows students to take full advantage of Penn State's top academic offerings though completely online programs at one of the top-notch online schools in Pennsylvania. World Campus provides support through a new student orientation, access to a nationally-renowned research library, academic advertising, and career counseling. The bachelor's degree in agribusiness management gives students the critical-thinking skills to have a successful career in industries like farm production, food retailing, food manufacturing, commodity marketing and processes, and input markets. The Energy and Sustainability Policy allows students to choose either a bachelor's in science or a bachelor's in arts. Both degrees contain coursework with classes focusing on the global and environmental impact of energy, and understanding stakeholders' roles. The bachelor's of arts students get a chance to take additional classes in humanities, whereas bachelor's of science students continue to take specialized courses in the field. All students pay the same tuition.

The Gwynedd Mercy University, one of the top online colleges in Pennsylvania, offers student online programs through its School of Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS). The accelerated bachelor's in science nursing (ABSN) enables students with a bachelor's degree in another field to become a nurse. This accelerated program requires online nursing courses and on-site clinical rotations held at nearby healthcare facilities. The online nursing prerequisite courses provide students with courses like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology in five- to eight-week sessions. The online accelerated bachelor's of science in business administration (BSBA) allows students with previous college credit to complete their degree. Prospective students should have at least 46 transfer credits to apply to the BSBA program. The per-credit tuition stays the same for out-of-state students.

La Roche College, located in Pittsburgh, offers several online degree programs for working students that accommodate a busy schedule. The bachelor’s of science in leadership & administrative development gives students management skills to thrive in any workplace environment. This degree-completion program allows students with transfer credits to graduate in as little as 19 months. The Accelerated Program for Criminal Justice provides students with a bachelor's degree in a condensed eight-week format. Current or inactive law enforcement officers can receive 48 credits if they served for five years in the field. The bachelor's degree in medical imaging prepares students for a successful career in fields such as MRI, radiology, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and radiography. Students applying for this major must complete an approved medical imaging hospital program before beginning coursework.

BCCC's distance education students can earn a fully online associate of applied science in business management or a professional certificate in business skills, human resource management specialist, or Microsoft Office specialist. The college also offers several hybrid degrees that feature predominantly online courses, including marketing management, psychology, music, and criminology. These programs require occasional campus classroom sessions, but offer 80% or more of the coursework completely online. Most courses use an asynchronous delivery mode, though some professors may include synchronous components within courses. BCCC maintains reciprocity agreements with most U.S. states, allowing students who reside outside of Pennsylvania to enroll in online courses. However, due to certain restrictions, the school cannot offer online courses to residents of California or Massachusetts.

Located outside of Philadelphia, Manor is a two-year Catholic college affiliated with The Sisters of Saint Basil the Great. Serving around 1,000 students through both campus and distance education programs, the school offers fully online degrees in healthcare administration, business administration, and liberal arts. Students can also select from several hybrid degrees that mix campus and online courses. All distance education courses use an asynchronous format that gives online learners the flexibility to complete assignments on their schedule. Manor ranks among the most affordable online community colleges in Pennsylvania, and the school offers an assortment of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. More than 97% of entering students receive some type of financial aid, and the school awards more than $500,000 in scholarships annually.

Based in the town of Media, DCCC began offering distance education courses in 1998, making it one of the oldest online community colleges in Pennsylvania. The school offers fully online associate programs in business administration, general business, global studies, and liberal arts. These degrees require no campus visits, though some courses may require distance learners to take proctored exams either through a remote online service or on the DCCC campus. The school also offers several primarily hybrid programs that deliver up to 90% of coursework online, including early childhood education, English, history, and sociology. Most courses use an asynchronous format. Some online degrees, such as education, may include field work requirements that students typically complete within their own community.

The city of Schnecksville is home to LCCC, one of the top online community colleges in Pennsylvania. The school is a major proponent of distance education, with nearly half of the student body completing all courses online. The college offers 10 fully online associate degrees, including programs in education, human resources management, liberal arts, and paraprofessional/special education. LCCC also offers several degrees that feature limited campus components, such as health information technology, early childhood education, and psychology. The school has articulation agreements with prominent colleges around the state, offering seamless transfer pathways to institutions such as Drexel University, Temple University, and several members of the Penn State system. LCCC also offers a wide selection of support services and resources to online students, including disability services, a testing center, and tutoring services.

Along with a main campus in Nanticoke, LCCC maintains 11 satellite centers across the state and a significant distance education program, making it one of the largest online community colleges in Pennsylvania. The school offers online associate degrees in subjects such as computer information systems, medical office specialist, office information technology, and web and mobile development technology. Programs provide at least 80% of the coursework online and require limited campus visits. LCCC is a proponent of experiential learning, and the school hosts a prior learning program that allows students to gain credit for life experiences and other professional training. The school offers several pathways for applicants to earn prior learning credit, including a portfolio demonstrating relevant work experience, credit examinations, proof of professional certifications, and proof of military training or education.