Online college programs have grown rapidly as the Internet has become more popular. According to a 2009 study by the U.S. Department of Education, attending a college or graduate school online often leads to a better educational outcome than attending a brick-and-mortar classroom. The best online graduate programs offer students individualized instruction, flexibility, efficiency and a strong mentoring environment.
Northcentral University
Founded in 1996, Northcentral University is 100 percent online and offers graduate degrees in business, education and behavioral and health sciences. The school, known for its flexibility and comprehensive individual faculty support, also features a state-of-the-art distance learning portal, academic writing center and a library with searchable databases and interlibrary loans for special reading material. This school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. GetEducated.com, a consumer group which rates online degree programs based on cost and credibility rated Northcentral a Best Buy in 2009 and 2010.
Northcentral University
10000 E. University Drive
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
866-776-0331
ncu.edu
Capella University
Capella University maintains 42 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and has won many awards, including the CHEA Award for Outstanding Institutional Practice in Student Learning Outcomes in 2010, Best in Class Interactive Media award in 2009 and the Learning Impact award in 2009. Capella's graduate business school was ranked among the top 50 business programs by the Princeton Review in 2008. Graduate programs include business and technology, education, social and behavioral sciences and public service leadership. Capella, founded in 1991, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Capella University
225 S. Sixth St., Ninth Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402
888-227-2736
capella.edu
University of Phoenix
Established in 1976, University of Phoenix is the world's largest private, online-learning-focused university. Billed as a distance-learning solution for working people, one of the entrance requirements is that prospective students be gainfully employed in a professional environment related to their major. University of Phoenix offers graduate degrees in business, nursing and health care administration, psychology, education, information technology and criminal justice. The school is accredited by organizations including the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. Financial aid is available to students who qualify, as well as preferential rates for members of the US Armed Forces; Military Advanced Education Journal named it one of the top 20 military-friendly schools in 2008.
University of Phoenix
866-766-0766
phoenix.edu
Walden University
Walden University, one of the oldest distance learning schools, was founded in 1970 as a solution for working people who couldn't afford to take time off to pursue a degree. Walden offers graduate degrees in business administration, nursing, education, software engineering, forensic psychology, leadership and health informatics. It's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. College Crunch also ranks Walden's graduate business program among the top 10 online business programs in the U.S.
Walden University
155 Fifth Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA
800-444-6795
waldenu.edu
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