Today’s Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

As a prospective college student in Pennsylvania, you have plenty of school and program options. Your state hosts 14 public universities and 15 community colleges, with six universities ranked in the top 100 nationwide, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. And many of their accredited degree programs are now offered online.

Enrolling in an online college in Pennsylvania gives you the flexibility to learn on your schedule. You’ll spend less time on campus (or no time at all) while saving money and preparing to enter your desired career. Even better, you’ll remain eligible for in-state tuition and scholarship opportunities.

Ready to get started on your online program search? This detailed guide highlights the best accredited online college programs in Pennsylvania and offers valuable resources to help you find the right program for your needs. 

Top Online Colleges in Pennsylvania for 2024

To help you find the right online program, we’ve ranked the best online colleges in Pennsylvania for 2024. We focused on colleges that put students first by offering affordable tuition, generous financial aid opportunities, low student-to-teacher ratios, valuable student support and career placement services, and a variety of online degree options to choose from. Explore our college rankings below to find the best online program for you.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools
or
Select a StatePennsylvania
About the Ranking
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
• Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
2. Assign Weightings
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
• Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
• For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
Affordability
• Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
• Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
Support Services
• Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
• Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
• 1

  The Pennsylvania State University

  University Park, Pennsylvania

  Public $$$$

  Penn State University World Campus courses are designed to meet the demands of busy, working students who need the freedom to study in the times and places that work best for their needs. Penn State’s online offerings were initially launched in 1998. Today, students can choose from over 125 online degree programs. From bachelor’s to doctoral degrees, any student can find a program that meets their educational and professional goals. Even if you’ve already earned credits as part of another program, transferring to Penn State to complete your degree is a smooth process. As a student, you can be confident that your online degree is backed by the same longtime reputation for academic excellence as on-campus programs at the university.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Arts in Labor and Human Resources

  • Credits: 123
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $620-$664/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations

  • Credits: 33
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $1,007/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Doctor of Engineering

  • Credits: 45
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $1,007/credit
  • Mode: Fully online, with 5 days on campus
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 2

  Temple University

  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  Public $$$$

  Temple University’s digital education program gives students maximum flexibility to choose the online degree and style of learning that helps them achieve their learning goals. These fully accredited online undergraduate and graduate degrees are available in asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid delivery methods. With asynchronous courses, students won’t be held back by preset class meeting times and can watch lectures anytime. Synchronous courses take place at set times, providing classwide participation and discussion opportunities. Hybrid classes combine the advantages of in-person instruction with the freedom of online learning. All course formats and levels are designed and taught by the same faculty as on-campus programs.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Social Work

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2-4 years
  • Cost: $610/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: CSWE

  Master of Science in Human Resource Management

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: 13 months-6 years
  • Cost: $1,165/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: AACSB

  Master of Music in Music Education

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $835/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: NASM

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 3

  California University of Pennsylvania

  California, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  If you’re balancing the demands of full-time work and personal responsibilities, California University of Pennsylvania provides the opportunity to pursue a flexible online degree that will help you move forward in your career. As a student of PennWest’s Global Online program, you can choose the program that suits your goals and a schedule that fits your life. These online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees help you build crucial skills in high-demand fields, boosting your professional prospects. Plus, these online programs can help you earn your degree at an affordable price. Online students don’t pay for on-campus services and are often eligible for a special nonresident tuition rate.

  Program Highlights:

  Online Bachelor’s in Art Therapy

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $328/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: NASAD

  Online Master’s in Corporate Communication

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $625.60-$647.60/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Doctorate in Criminal Justice

  • Credits: 42
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $685.40-$1,024.65/credit
  • Mode: Fully online, with 1-week residency
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 4

  Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

  Mansfield, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  If your goal is to complete a bachelor’s degree program entirely online, then Mansfield University of Pennsylvania might be just the school for you. With an online bachelor’s degree, you can transfer credits you’ve already earned and pick up your education where you left off; completing your online degree could take even less than the traditional four years of study. If you’re just starting your undergraduate journey, Mansfield has several bachelor’s programs that are entirely online. Once you’ve achieved your undergraduate degree, you’ll enjoy improved career prospects as you take your next steps toward a promising career or advanced academic studies.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Arts in Art History

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $322-$482/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $322-$482/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $322-$482
  • Mode: Fully Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 5

  Clarion University of Pennsylvania

  Clarion, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  With Clarion University of Pennsylvania, the degree you’ve been considering is within your reach. With online programs of study, it’s easier than ever to fit your classes into a busy life and career. Whether you want to earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, there’s a program at Clarion for you. Each curriculum at Clarion has been rigorously reviewed and nationally vetted to ensure academic excellence. Plus, 90% of university faculty hold the highest available degree in their field, so you can be confident that you’re receiving a solid education from respected experts.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Arts in Applied Technology

  • Credits: 60-65
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $9,829-$11,108/year
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Master of Science in Special Education

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: 1-2 years
  • Cost: $676.60-$770.10
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Master of Science in Library Science Information and Library Science

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $676.60-$770.10/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: ALA

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 6

  University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  Public $$$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 7

  Rosemont College

  Rosemont, Pennsylvania

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 8

  Keystone College

  La Plume, Pennsylvania

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 9

  Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

  Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 10

  University of Valley Forge

  Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

  Private not-for-profit $$$$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 11

  Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

  Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

  Private not-for-profit $$$$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 12

  Central Penn College

  Summerdale, Pennsylvania

  Private for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  10/1

• 13

  Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

  Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  21/1

• 14

  Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

  Kutztown, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  6

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 15

  Mount Aloysius College

  Cresson, Pennsylvania

  Private not-for-profit $$$$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 16

  Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

  Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  20/1

• 17

  Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

  Indiana, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 18

  York College of Pennsylvania

  York, Pennsylvania

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 19

  Millersville University of Pennsylvania

  Millersville, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 20

  DeVry University-Pennsylvania

  Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania

  Private for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 21

  Pennsylvania College of Technology

  Williamsport, Pennsylvania

  Public $$$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 22

  Pittsburgh Technical College

  Oakdale, Pennsylvania

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 23

  Lackawanna College

  Scranton, Pennsylvania

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools
or
Select a StatePennsylvania
About the Ranking
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
• Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
2. Assign Weightings
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
• Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
• For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
Affordability
• Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
• Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
Support Services
• Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
• Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
• 1

  Butler County Community College

  Butler, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  Students taking one of Butler County Community College’s online classes will access their course material through the Blackboard learning management system. In addition to online courses, BC3 has hybrid and iTV (remotely viewing a class being taught on a different campus) class formats. BC3 has over 100 classes offered online, allowing students to take at least a few of their required classes online as they work through their degree. Over 20 of the 100 online courses meet the Quality Matters (QM) standards, a faculty-centered, peer review process that is designed to certify the quality of online and blended (hybrid) courses. BC3’s hybrid degrees include those in the field of business, accounting, education, healthcare, technology, psychology, and math.

  Program Highlights:

  A.A. in Early Childhood Education

  • Credits: 60-61
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $202-$415/credit
  • Mode: Hybrid
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

  AAS in Accounting

  • Credits: 62
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $202-$415/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  AAS in Hospitality Management

  • Credits: 62
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $202-$415/credit
  • Mode: Hybrid
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 2

  Northampton County Area Community College

  Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  Northampton Community College serves over 20,000 students each year. The college offers a large variety of associate degrees available 100% online, with others available that offer at least 75% of the programs online in a hybrid format. The school’s online program is well established with 20 years of experience in and development of online programs. If you’re not sure online learning is for you, Northampton has an on-demand online learning show & tell info session to give you an idea of what it will be like. Online classes are accessed through the Blackboard learning management system and can be synchronous or asynchronous, and some online courses may require you to come to campus for testing or to use a web-based test proctoring tool.

  Program Highlights:

  Applied Psychology

  • Credits: 62
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $169-$494/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

  Communication Studies

  • Credits: 62-63
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $169-$494/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Public Health

  • Credits: 62
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $169-$494/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 3

  Westmoreland County Community College

  Youngwood, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  There are 25 online degrees, diplomas, and certificates that Westmoreland County Community College offers entirely online, and many more that can be completed 50% or more online. In addition to online courses, Westmoreland has face-to-face, blended, and live remote course deliveries. All students enrolling in online courses at Westmoreland are enrolled in an online orientation course to learn how to use Desire2Learn (D2L), a learning management system that serves as the school’s online classroom. Additional online resources include Brainfuse online tutoring and online academic advising. Online learning at Westmoreland can help students achieve educational success while meeting their personal and professional obligations.

  Program Highlights:

  AAS in Office Technology – Office Administration

  • Credits: 63
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $205-$481/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

  AAS in Business – Marketing

  • Credits: 61
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $205-$481/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  AA in Liberal Arts

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $205-$481/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 4

  Montgomery County Community College

  Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  Montgomery County Community College has been educating the community online for over 20 years. More than 10,000 students take online courses at Montco every year, which puts them among the top ten colleges in the state of Pennsylvania offering online learning. Course delivery at Montco is accessed through the Blackboard learning management system and includes synchronous, asynchronous, hybrid, and flex formats. Class sizes at Montco are small which allows faculty members to give personalized attention to students who need it. Montgomery County Community College has partnered with many different four-year colleges, ensuring a seamless transfer experience for students who wish to continue with their education.

  Program Highlights:

  AS in Public Health

  • Credits: 61
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $190-$506/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

  AS in Psychology

  • Credits: 63
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: Cost: $190-$506/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  AAS in Management – Marketing

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: Cost: $190-$506/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 5

  Lehigh Carbon Community College

  Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  Lehigh Carbon Community College has great online options whether you’re looking for a full online experience or a hybrid program that combines online courses with a campus experience. Online courses at LCCC can be accessed through the Canvas learning management system and most are offered asynchronously, though a few might require students to take tests on-campus in the testing center. There are also several different course lengths that students can choose throughout the year. It’s recommended that new students attend the online Canvas student orientation to help them get accustomed to the online learning style.

  Program Highlights:

  AAS in Paraprofesional/Special Education

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $132-$396/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

  AAS in Human Resource Management

  • Credits: 61
  • Length: 2 year
  • Cost: $132-$396/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  AA in Business Administration

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $132-$396/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 6

  Reading Area Community College

  Reading, Pennsylvania

  Public $$

  Reading Area Community College proudly offers over 120 courses and ten in-demand online programs at a fraction of the cost of other colleges and universities in Pennsylvania. RACC’s advanced advising, tutoring, and coaching technologies can help you plan your academic pathway and stay on track to completion. Classes that are labeled “remote” will have regularly scheduled class times online, while hybrid classes will have regular online class times and online coursework. Courses labeled “online” are asynchronous with all course material located online. All RACC online courses will have a strong instructor presence and will be delivered through the Canvas learning management system.

  Program Highlights:

  AA in Computer Information Systems

  • Credits: 61
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $202-$386/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

  AA General Education – Education – Middle/Secondary Grades

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $202-$386/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  AA in Social Work

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $202-$386/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 7

  Pennsylvania Institute of Technology

  Media, Pennsylvania

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology recognizes that effective remote learning must be interactive and must use a variety of multimedia resources in order to engage students. In-class curricula aren’t simply pasted into an online platform; rather, the college’s online classes are built from the ground up and made to utilize synchronous and asynchronous class formats. Online students have access to free online tutoring and are each assigned a student success team member that will help guide them through areas of need including academic assistance, financial assistance, and emotional support.

  Program Highlights:

  A.S. in Health Care Management with Coding Academy

  • Credits: 62
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $475/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

  Associate of Psychology and Behavioral Health

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $475/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  A.S. in General Studies

  • Credits: 62
  • Length: 18+ months
  • Cost: $475/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

Online Learning Modes in PA: An Overview

In Pennsylvania, you can choose from several different ways to earn an online degree. From fully online to hybrid or blended programs as well as synchronous or asynchronous formats, there’s a mode for everyone. You’ll benefit from enrolling in a program that matches how, when, and where you learn best. 

Fully-Online vs. Hybrid/Blended

In Pennsylvania, online college students can choose from fully online, blended, and hybrid programs. Though often used interchangeably, blended and hybrid programs are different learning modes. In blended programs, the online elements of coursework either go along with or supplement in-person instruction. 

In hybrid programs, the online aspects of coursework will fully or partially replace instruction. Everyone learns differently because everyone thinks differently, and fully online courses are typically best for students who are self-disciplined and motivated. 

Every program is different, too. Programs that train students for careers that require hands-on skills are more likely to use hybrid and blended formats. 

In the following college spotlights, we’ve highlighted examples of quality online colleges for each type of learning style to give you an inside look at what each Pennsylvania program is like and find which one is best for you. 

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous

As an online college student in Pennsylvania, knowing how you learn best will help you decide whether you’d prefer synchronous or asynchronous learning. Each mode of learning offers its own set of benefits and challenges. Fortunately, many colleges offer both learning modes, but every program is different. 

Synchronous learning, which is attending classes at the same time as your classmates and instructors, means you’ll rely less on your self-discipline skills, but you may have less flexibility in your own life. You may prefer synchronous learning if you want to build community, collaborate while problem solving and learning new skills, or if you’d like to receive immediate feedback from your classmates. 

If you want more time and space to yourself, or just more flexibility, an asynchronous format may be best, but you may have less opportunities for spur-of-the-moment interactions with your classmates and instructors. 

In the spotlight below, you’ll find our highlights of quality examples of online degrees for each type of learning style. These spotlights will give you an inside look at what each program is like. Find the program that’s best for you. 

Part-Time vs. Full-Time

In Pennsylvania, online college students are considered full-time learners if they enroll in at least 12 credits per semester. Anything below 12 credits per semester is considered part time. 

The obvious benefit of a part-time program is that you’ll have more flexibility in your life to continue your career and learn at your own pace. Because it will take longer to finish your studies as a part-time student, you’ll spend more time in school as a part-time student than you would as a full-time student. 

When it comes to part time vs. full time, consider how you learn best. Also think about how fast you need to finish school and which option might be more affordable, given your unique circumstances. Colleges and universities across the state of Pennsylvania offer both options to students.

The spotlights below highlight quality examples of full-time and part-time online degree programs. Explore our program highlights for an in-depth look at what each program is like so you can narrow down your choices and find the best program for you. 

Accreditation Matters: Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

The best online colleges in Pennsylvania are accredited. When looking at schools, it’s vital that you look for accreditation by regional and national accrediting agencies such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), both of which accredit colleges at the institutional level in the state. 

National or regional accreditation is important for any online program in Pennsylvania, but subject accreditation is also critical for fields that are highly regulated or have strict licensing and certification regulations like nursing, engineering, and social work. Each subject-specific accreditor reviews individual programs.

Academic accreditation matters because if you earn a degree from a program without accreditation, you may not receive a quality education, and your degree may not mean much to employers. Research each school carefully. 

To learn more about accreditation, read our guide to accreditation. You can also search the MSCHE’s institution directory to find accreditation the best online colleges to apply to. 

Understanding the Cost of Online Colleges in PA

In some Pennsylvania schools, the costs of online college programs may be lower than on-campus degree programs. Additionally, online students save on transportation costs and course materials, many of which are online. Still, attending an online college in Pennsylvania requires significant expense, as higher education generally comes with considerable financial expectations regardless of where you live and whether you attend in-person or online.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that in-state students paid $14,532 for tuition and fees at public four-year colleges and $43,926 at private four-year colleges in 2021. Students of public two-year programs paid $5,441 tuition and fees for in-state degrees and $12,808 for out-of-state two-year degree programs. 

Many online students in Pennsylvania rely on financial aid resources like student loans, scholarships, and grants to pay for college. As an online student, however, you may be able to graduate with fewer loans than some on-campus learners. 

In the following cost comparison table, you’ll find general tuition rates of online colleges vs. traditional colleges in Pennsylvania.

Financial Aid for Pennsylvania Online Students

Online college students in Pennsylvania can depend on common financial aid resources that include student loans, state funding, and scholarships. 

Grants in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) website lists state grants and college work-study opportunities for Pennsylvania online students as well as an interactive guide that provides an overview of everything you need to know about financial aid. 

For example, PHEAA lists a grant for students who have aged out of foster care and one for children of those who have lost their lives protecting Pennsylvania citizens. 

Students in Pennsylvania can also apply for Pennsylvania Grant programs like the Pennsylvania State Grant and the Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant to pay for college.

Private Scholarships

Don’t underestimate the importance of applying for as many nonprofit and private external scholarships like those listed on FundsNet’s and Sallie Mae’s website. One of the best places to look for these scholarships is through your school and program. Also look into nonprofits in your area to see if they offer scholarships to local students.

Student Loans

The state of Pennsylvania offers many financial aid programs to help online students with state residency to pay for college. Their website lists the best student loan lenders—Credible and College Ave—which help students find and compare options and get quotes. 

There are also student loan repayment programs like the PA IOLTA Loan Repay Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program (LRP), but your first stop for student loans should be the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website.

To learn more about financial aid, visit our online colleges financial aid guide and our scholarship resource for students pursuing online degrees in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s Hottest College-Level Careers

If, like many online college students in Pennsylvania, you aren’t sure what degree discipline or career field interests you, you can identify and narrow your options by learning which career fields are in highest demand. In the chart below, you’ll find which careers are expected to see the fasted growth in the next decade. 

More Resources for Pennsylvania College Students