The flexible format accommodates you, whether you want to complete all the assignments at once or space out the work. The schools listed below offer a range of self-paced programs that may fit your life.
Best self-paced online colleges in 2022: Our picks
We considered various factors when compiling the following list of the best self-paced online colleges. Affordability, accreditation, and accessibility were the leading factors. Most schools charge per term instead of per credit for self-paced programs, making them some of the cheapest online colleges. Students can take as many classes as they wish during that term and pay a flat rate, potentially reducing the overall cost. Common programs include health, nursing, and business topics (such as online MBAs). They focus on helping working students receive higher education and certification. Some self-paced colleges also offer education or computer science career paths. Few institutions are exclusively self-paced online colleges, and some offer only a small number of self-paced courses. We listed only schools that offer entire degree programs in a self-paced format (often called competency-based). The following list — organized alphabetically — includes both online and brick-and-mortar schools. Each one offers at least three self-paced online degrees, and some offer dozens. All information is accurate as of the publication of this article. You can find more information on the degree programs and application requirements by visiting the schools’ websites.
- Capella UniversityMinneapolis, Minnesota Capella began 30 years ago as a distance-education institution. About 36% of students use Capella’s self-paced and competency-based learning format called FlexPath. Learners select from 40 self-paced programs and concentrations. Cost (per 12-week term): $2,500-$3,295 (bachelor’s); $2,470-$2,875 (master’s) Self-paced degree programs:
BS in business, management and leadershipRN-to-BSNBS in information technology, general information technologyMEd in teaching and learningMBA in project management
Accreditation: Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 2. Lourdes UniversitySylvania, Ohio A Catholic and Franciscan institution, Lourdes University cultivates a community of learning. It offers self-paced degree programs in business and nursing that accommodate working adults. Students can accelerate their degree and save money through the competency-based learning model. Lourdes supports distance learners with success coaches and potential $2,000 scholarships each term. Cost (per four-month term): $7,000 Self-paced degree programs:
BS in business administrationRN-to-BSNMSN, nurse educator
Accreditation: Lourdes University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 3. Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette, Indiana Purdue Global provides students with online education tailored to working adults. The 11 ExcelTrack degrees offer an accelerated, self-paced option for students with existing work and college experience. Learners can complete as many one-credit courses as they wish each term. Cost: $2,500 per ten-week term (bachelor’s); $1,700 per six-week term (master’s); $3,200 per ten-week term (MSN) Self-paced degree programs:
BS in criminal justiceBS in cybersecurityBS in analyticsMBAMSN
Accreditation: Purdue University Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 4. Rasmussen UniversityBloomington, Minnesota Rasmussen University offers competency-based courses online through its Empowered Learning approach. Each self-paced class includes six projects that help the student master marketable skills. Some programs also include self-directed assessments allowing students to test out of courses. Cost (per credit): $260-$325 (part time, bachelor’s); $125-$155 (master’s) Self-paced degree programs:
Bachelor’s in computer scienceBachelor’s in graphic designBachelor’s in accountingMaster of human resources managementMSN
Accreditation: Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 5. South Texas CollegeMcAllen, Texas As a leading Hispanic-serving institution, South Texas College offers four competency-based bachelor’s degrees. These self-paced programs are offered online or in a hybrid format. Cost (per seven-week term): $850 (in district); $910 (in state); $1,500 (out of state) Self-paced degree programs:
Bachelor of applied technology in medical and health services managementBachelor of applied technology in computer and information technologiesBachelor of applied technology in technology managementBAS in organizational leadership
Accreditation: South Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 6. University of Massachusetts GlobalIrvine, California UMass Global offers competency-based online courses through its MyPath platform. These self-paced programs incorporate games, simulations, and adaptive learning to provide an innovative student experience. Cost (per 24-week term): $3,200 (bachelor’s); $3,500 (master’s) Self-paced degree programs:
BS in information technologyBBA in business administration, general businessBBA in business administration, marketingBBA in business administration, GIS and data analyticsMA in organizational leadership
Accreditation: University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 7. University of North DakotaGrand Forks, North Dakota UND offers online courses in two formats: Semester-based and self-paced. Several degrees include only self-paced classes while others include a mix. Students can enroll in self-paced courses at any time. They have three to nine months to finish each class. Instructors offer personalized assistance via email or phone when needed. Cost per credit: $370 (undergraduate); $479 (graduate) Self-paced degree programs:
BA in social scienceBA in communicationBachelor of general studies
Accreditation: University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 8. University of WisconsinMadison, Wisconsin The UW Flexible Option caters to working adults. Students can apply work experience and previous college credit towards their degree. The self-paced degrees focus on applicable industry skills. Cost (per 12-week term): $2,250 (all-you-can-learn option); $1,125 (single class option) Self-paced degree programs:
BS in business administrationBS in diagnostic imagingBS in biomedical sciences, health sciencesBS in information science and technologyRN-to-BSN
Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 9. Upper Iowa UniversityFayette, Iowa UIU started including self-paced learning opportunities almost 50 years ago. Today, the institution provides a variety of course formats. Students can choose self-paced programs offered online or by mail. The self-paced courses start on the first of each month. Learners can take up to six months to complete each class. Cost (per credit): $330 Self-paced degree programs:
Bachelor’s in business administrationBachelor’s in psychologyBachelor’s in social science
Accreditation: Upper Iowa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 10. Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, Utah WGU offers several online, self-paced degree programs across four industries: teaching; health and nursing; business; and IT. Students work with program mentors to build a degree plan. Cost (per six-month term): $3,475-$5,930 (bachelor’s); $3,475-$4,530 (master’s) Self-paced degree programs:
BS in business administration, marketingBS in science education, middle gradesBS in online software developmentBSN-to-MSN, family nurse practitionerMS in cybersecurity and information assurance
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