Compare Online Schools
What Really Distinguishes Top Online Colleges?
So you’ve decided to pursue an online degree, but the number of online universities makes your head spin. Below we’ve assembled a virtual tour and online college comparison of several popular online schools to highlight valuable facts you should know before you take the plunge.
- Art Institute Online: The nation’s premier online school for career-related arts programs
- Capella University: Wide range of degree programs with over 18,000 students currently enrolled
- DeVry University: Learn at one of the school’s 80 locations or through an online degree program
- Penn Foster: Leader of technical / vocational diploma and certification programs
| Capella University | DeVry University | Art Institute Online | Penn Foster Career School | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1993 | 1931 | 2000 | 1890; online 2000 |
| Start Dates | Quarterly | Quarterly | Quarterly | Anytime |
| Accreditation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tuition Range | $375 – $450/credit hour | $325 – $335/ credit hour (12+ credits); $550 – $560/credit hour (1-11 credits) | $454/credit | $90/credit hour |
| Degree Types | Certification Bachelor’s Master’s PhD and PsyD | Associate’s Bachelor’s Master’s Graduate Certificates | Diploma Associate’s Bachelor’s | Career Diploma Certification |
| Reputation | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More |
| High-Profile Online Degrees | Details | Details | Details | Details |
| Specialties | Business, Higher Education, Psychology | Accounting, Education, and Health Information | Media Design, Industrial Design, Photography | PC Repair, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Transcriptionist |
| Delivery Methods | Details | Details | Details | Details |
| Request More Information | Contact Capella | Contact DeVry | Contact Art Institute | Contact Penn Foster |
Online Degrees 101
Use our Online Degrees 101 guide to explore and learn the ABCs of online education. Here you'll find a wealth of information to get you started in your online education.
- Distance Learning Overview
- Online Education Tips
- Online College Comparison
- Online Degree Differences
- Online School Accreditation
- For-Profit vs Nonprofit Online Schools
- Online Education Glossary
- Interview with an Online Student
- Interview with an Online Professor
- Major and Career Decision Guide
- Online Degrees 101 Home
- Find Online Schools
Popular Articles
Learn the truth about online school from online business course professor Joyce Staples.
Read more »Prepare for a Changing Job Market with Online Vocational School
Online trade schools are more than simply an alternative to academic education—they're a must for anyone planning to enter a skilled trade.
Read more »Pathway to an Online Project Management Degree
An online project management degree can get you headed in the right direction, but with all the education options available, where do you start?
Read more »All About Accredited Online Bachelor Degrees
If you're thinking of an undergraduate education but can't fit a traditional 4-year program into your jam-packed schedule, try an accredited online bachelor degree.
Read more »Accelerated College Degrees Online
Accelerated online degrees are available for almost all degree types and fields.
Read more »