Top 5 Certified Virtual Universities for Quality Education

Choosing to study online can be a highly effective solution, especially for individuals in areas with limited local academic options or those managing busy schedules. Online degrees are often more affordable than traditional college programs, making higher education accessible and cost-effective. However, with the increasing number of online institutions, it’s crucial to evaluate their credibility, course offerings, faculty quality, instructional methods, and accreditation status before making a commitment.

To streamline your search, here are five of the best fully accredited online universities in 2018 worth considering.

Harvard University
Harvard offers a diverse selection of online learning options, including free courses, podcasts, non-credit certificates, and graduate programs. They leverage cutting-edge platforms like edX—a joint venture with MIT—to enhance remote learning experience. Harvard provides both self-paced courses and hybrid programs combining online and on-campus classes. Students enrolled in credit-based courses receive transcripts, ensuring academic legitimacy.

Columbia University
Columbia’s online offerings are ideal for those seeking advanced degrees, particularly master’s programs. Additionally, they provide non-credit certificates in sectors like healthcare, business, and environmental sustainability, preparing students for higher education or specialized careers. Courses are available fully online or in blended formats including weekend workshops and evening classes. Students also gain access to international courses via platforms like Coursera, expanding their academic horizons.

Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins, renowned for research excellence, offers over 240 online degree and certificate programs across nine divisions. These span disciplines such as health sciences, engineering, arts, and business. Programs range from bachelor’s to doctoral levels, available part-time or full-time, online or hybrid. Students benefit from extensive resources like digital library access, academic advising, and 24/7 support services via various communication channels.

University of Southern California
USC Online features a wide variety of graduate certificates and degrees, including specialized fields such as engineering, psychology, and social work. Many programs incorporate practical components like fieldwork, offered through hybrid formats. USC supports remote learners with flexible options, including tailored programs for military personnel, such as cybersecurity and military social work, and even a master’s in business designed for veterans.

Illinois Institute of Technology
IIT specializes in science, technology, and research-focused education. Its online courses cover areas like technology, business, architecture, and applied sciences via hybrid or fully online models. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with professional development courses combining lectures and lab work, mainly suited for IT professionals seeking advanced skills.

Apart from these top universities, institutions like Drexel, Carnegie Mellon, Lehigh, Florida Tech, University of Denver, and NYU also provide excellent online programs. Many of these schools offer financial aid options to support remote students in pursuing their educational goals.