Online Colleges for International Students

Online colleges and programs are available in every state within the US. Please note that the information below is a general guide for students researching online colleges in the US, and applies to all states. For the most current and specific details, students should therefore also refer to individual state higher education agencies, as well as individual universities and colleges.

Online colleges in the USA allow international students to experience quality American education without leaving home. Online (also known as e-learning or distance education) is still relatively new, but continues to grow and gain recognition: a. recent conference on educational technology predicted that by 2019 more than half of all post-secondary courses will be offered online.

Online programs can be both degree and non-degree programs, and are offered by universities, graduate schools, community colleges, Christian colleges, career colleges and even high schools in the USA. Accredited online university and college degree programs include associate's, bachelor's, master's and even doctoral degrees, and these are designed to be equivalent to traditional campus-based credentials in everything except requirements of time and place. Online programs also include shorter options like diplomas, certificates, individual courses and bachelor's degree completion.

In general, online programs in the USA are available in areas like teacher education, human services, business administration, management, information technology, psychology, religious studies, security, criminal justice, media design, graphic design, interior design, fashion, liberal arts, real estate studies, hospitality management, sports and health sciences, and more. Flexible start dates and scheduling, affordable costs, transferable credits and a reduced carbon footprint are some of the benefits of taking online programs.

Online learning in the US is available at both fully online colleges and through the online divisions of campus-based institutions.