Top 10 Online Degree Programs for Working Adults in 2024
In 2024, flexible, high-quality online degree programs are making it easier for working adults to advance their careers without pausing their work lives. The following programs, based on rankings from US News, Times Higher Education, and QS, provide opportunities for adult learners to gain essential skills, balance work and studies, and achieve their career goals affordably.
1. University of Florida Online (UF Online)
The University of Florida’s online platform is renowned for its affordability and quality. In-state tuition is just $112 per credit, while out-of-state students pay about $500. UF Online supports fields like Business, Environmental Management, and Computer Science, which are in high demand. Students can also convert their work experience into credits, reducing the time and expense needed to complete their degree. With a large alumni network, UF Online has been ranked highly for its graduate success rates and low student debt.
2. Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global’s ExcelTrack is a customizable program that allows adult learners to move through coursework at their own pace. It’s an affordable option with tuition from $315 to $371 per credit. Programs in Health Sciences, Business Administration, and Information Technology cater to high-growth fields, and many students benefit from Purdue’s strong career services and industry ties, which help them transition directly from study to new job opportunities or promotions.
3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
With over 200 online programs, SNHU is well-known for its flexible options in Business, Psychology, and Creative Writing. Tuition stands at $330 per credit, and students may transfer up to 90 credits, making degree completion faster and more affordable. SNHU’s collaboration with industry leaders provides networking opportunities and job placement resources, and recent data shows that 95% of graduates were employed in their fields within six months of graduation.
4. Colorado State University Global (CSU Global)
CSU Global locks in tuition at $350 per credit, allowing students to plan their finances without worrying about unexpected increases. CSU Global offers fields like Project Management and Cybersecurity, designed for professionals who want to gain practical, workplace-ready skills. The university provides 24/7 tutoring and offers credits for previous work experience, allowing students to graduate faster.
5. University of Arizona Online
The University of Arizona Online offers more than 100 degree options, including popular fields like Psychology, Cyber Operations, and Law. Tuition rates range from $500 to $700 per credit. This program is geared toward working adults, with strong partnerships in the healthcare, technology, and legal fields that help graduates secure jobs quickly. Their career services team also offers personalized coaching to connect graduates with industry-specific roles.
6. Thomas Edison State University (TESU)
TESU caters specifically to adult learners, allowing for credit through exams, professional certifications, and work experience. Undergraduate tuition averages $399 per credit, with popular programs in Public Service Administration and Healthcare Management. TESU’s flexible model appeals to students who want to work at their own pace, and the university has seen strong outcomes in fields such as healthcare, with graduates quickly moving into managerial roles.
7. Excelsior College
Excelsior College’s competency-based model is perfect for students who prefer learning at their own pace. Students can test out of courses where they have prior knowledge, reducing costs. With tuition starting at $510 per credit, Excelsior has seen high enrollment in Nursing and Public Health programs, particularly for professionals seeking career advancements. Graduates report improved job prospects and increased salaries, with recent data showing an 85% job placement rate.
8. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU)
ENMU offers one of the most affordable online programs, with in-state tuition at $175 per credit and out-of-state students paying just slightly more. Degrees in Business, Aviation Science, and Communicative Disorders are in high demand, and ENMU also provides hybrid options for students who live nearby. ENMU’s affordability makes it particularly attractive to working adults with family responsibilities or other financial constraints.
9. University of the People (UoPeople)
University of the People is a nonprofit institution that charges no tuition. Students pay a $120 exam fee, making it one of the most affordable options worldwide. It currently offers degrees in Computer Science and Business Administration, with many students from low-income backgrounds or developing countries. UoPeople’s affordability and accessibility attract students globally, and it has partnerships with large companies that value its unique model, such as Microsoft.
10. Oregon State University (OSU) Ecampus
Oregon State’s Ecampus offers over 45 online programs, including Computer Science, Natural Resources, and Sociology. Tuition averages $350 per credit. OSU provides strong career services, including job coaching and access to a vast alumni network. They offer 24/7 academic support and a dedicated online career center, which has helped many adult learners secure promotions or new job placements.
Choosing the Right Program
When choosing an online program, consider your career goals, budget, and how much time you can devote to studies each week. Programs like Purdue Global’s ExcelTrack or Excelsior College’s competency-based degrees are ideal for adults who want a self-paced option. For those with budget constraints, the University of the People or Eastern New Mexico University are affordable options.
Today’s online programs are creating more options for working adults than ever before. Each of these top 10 programs in 2024 provides a flexible, accessible, and affordable path for adults to earn their degree while continuing their careers. By choosing a program that fits their schedule and financial needs, working adults can reach their goals without taking time away from their professional lives.