Here are a couple interesting education links from September 2011.

Best Colleges ranking by US News & World Report – The latest edition of the most recognized college rankings was recently released.

64 years fighting for innovation in higher education – Now 87, Murray Block talks about changes he pushed for in the education industry to make college more accessible. His latest fight is bringing respect and legitimacy to quality distance learning programs.

The digital promise must be a total learning experience – Teachers can leverage the internet and other technologies to provide a more customized learning environment geared for the individual student.

Storytelling in elearning – Stories are among the most effective tools for teaching. This article goes over tips for incorporating storytelling in an online learning environment.

Country, rock, and rap: new subjects for Nashville schools – Classes in country, rock, and rap will supplement the traditional curriculum of orchestra, choir, and band in Nashville’s public schools. Instruction in songwriting, production, and other skills such as DJing will also be added to music theory and other existing offerings.

A master’s degree is the standard requirement for most generalist positions in the industry. We chose the best health care administration online master’s degrees to help you with your search for a good program. These degrees were picked because of their cost, special features, reputation, and accreditation. Each of them come from a regionally accredited school. Regional accreditation is the highest level of institutional accreditation. It means the following master’s degree programs meet the same educational standards found at more traditional universities, from large state schools to Ivy League universities.

• Master of Health Administration (Ohio University)
• Accelerated MBA in Health Care Administration (Benedictine University)
• Master of Science in Management – Healthcare Administration (New England College)
• MBA in Healthcare Management (Northeastern University)
• MBA in Healthcare Management (Western Governors University)
• Master’s Degree in Health Administration (Saint Joseph’s University)
• MBA in Health Care Management (Regis University)
• Master of Healthcare Administration (Bellevue University)
• MBA in Health Care Management (Quinnipiac University)
• MBA in Healthcare Management (The University of Scranton)

Master of Health Administration (Ohio University)

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

The online Master of Health Administration degree program from Ohio University prepares you for leadership roles in health organizations. You will learn how to solve the complex administrative problems in today’s workplace.

The faculty are experts in their fields and bring real-world experience to the classroom. Students have reported that they were able to apply the coursework immediately to their jobs.

Class topics include leadership, finance, health system structures, ethics, law, human resources, health policy, strategic planning, and marketing.

The program has four entry points during the year and can be completed in two years.

Ohio University is a tier one school according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 college rankings. Also, the magazine ranked the school’s graduation rate fourth out of 257 national universities. Ohio University made top 10 in this category three years in a row.

[Request more information about this degree from Ohio University]

Accelerated MBA in Health Care Administration (Benedictine University)

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

If you want to earn your degree quickly from a prestigious school, consider Benedictine University’s online Accelerated MBA in Health Care Administration.

Benedictine is a tier one school according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2010 college rankings and has consistently ranked well over the years on the magazine’s list of top master’s institutions in the Midwest.

The Accelerated MBA program isn’t for everyone. The accelerated format requires taking two online classes at the same time. You will spend a lot of time studying, researching, and collaborating to keep up with the coursework. However, if the pace gets too intense, you can slow down for a bit by switching to one course at a time.

Benedictine MBA students receive benefits in the workplace from their education. According to a June 2009 survey:

• 39 percent of Benedictine’s first year MBA students received an increase in compensation or responsibility that they felt was linked to the MBA program.
• 88 percent of Benedictine’s second year MBA students said they were able to apply what they learned at work in a way gained the attention of their co-workers or superiors.

[Request more information about this degree from Benedictine University]

Master of Science in Management – Healthcare Administration (New England College)

Regional accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

If you want an online degree with great customer service, consider the Master of Science in Management with a Healthcare Administration Concentration from New England College.

As a student, you will have direct access to the professors. Also, you can receive assistance from an Admissions Advisor, Student Services Manager, and Technical Support Team. The Technical Support Team is available 24/7 in case you have any technical difficulties.

Not only will you receive great service, but you’ll also receive a strong education. New England College is a tier one school according to U.S. News & World Report, so your degree will be respected in the workplace.

The program is setup in a cohort system. You will progress through the classes with a group of approximately 13 to 15 students. The cohort system allows you to learn together with the same students, provide peer support for each other, and build a sense of community in the virtual environment.

[Request more information about this degree from New England College]

MBA in Healthcare Management (Northeastern University)

Regional accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Northeastern University offers a strong education with its online MBA degree with a specialization in Healthcare Management.

The classes within the specialization cover the managerial factors of the health care industry including long range planning, environmental analysis, and implementation. You will learn how to meet stakeholders’ goals and manage company resources for maximum benefit.

Upon graduation, you can work in mid-to-upper level positions in areas such as biotech, consulting, hospitals, clinics, pharmaceuticals, venture capital, disease management, and market research.

The MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is the most prestigious accreditation agency for business degrees. AACSB accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business programs worldwide. AACSB accredited schools have superior business faculty and provide meaningful interaction between students and teachers.

Northeastern University is a tier one school in U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 college rankings.

[Request more information about this degree from Northeastern University]

MBA in Healthcare Management (Western Governors University)

Regional accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

For cost-conscious students, Western Governors University (WGU) offers a very affordable online MBA degree in Healthcare Management.

The low cost does not mean you will get a subpar education. Instead, WGU’s online MBA is highly respected in the workplace. The school developed the degree program with input from business leaders and experts. Also, WGU’s National Advisory Board includes major companies such as Oracle, Google, and Microsoft.

As a student, you will enjoy quality customer service and online technology. WGU received the 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). The USDLA recognized WGU as the first U.S. competency-based online university and its success in providing higher education to working adults.

[Request more information about this degree from Western Governors University]

Master’s Degree in Health Administration (Saint Joseph’s University)

Regional accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Earn your degree in health administration from a top school by enrolling at Saint Joseph’s University. Saint Joseph’s is a tier one university according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 school rankings.

The school offers an online Master’s Degree in Health Administration designed for health care workers who need a strong business education that is relevant to the health care field.

Saint Joseph’s program includes two specializations to choose from: Informatics and Health Care Ethics.

The field of informatics has increased in demand as health care companies are looking for skilled workers to oversee their computer records of patient information and ensure security as required by law.

Health care ethics has increased in importance as various issues have moved to the forefront of the health industry. For example, health administrators are expected to work through issues such as euthanasia, the use of technology to prolong life, genetic screening for birth defects, abortion, distribution of scarce medical resources, and the right to healthcare.

[Request more information about this degree from Saint Joseph’s University]

MBA in Health Care Management (Regis University)

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Regis University’s MBA with a specialization in Health Care Management is a flexible degree that qualifies you for a variety of health care careers. For example, you could work in finance, marketing, management, and policy.

The Health Care Management specialization is designed for nurses, health care administrators, physicians, and other medical workers who want to learn business administration skills relevant to the health care industry.

Most students prefer taking one class at a time, which allows you to graduate in two years. There is a Fast Track MBA option for highly motivated students. With this accelerated option, you can complete the degree in as little as 18 months.

The program has six flexible start dates per year so you don’t have to wait long to begin your graduate studies.

Regis University is a top school in the nation, earning tier one status in U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 college rankings.

Master of Healthcare Administration (Bellevue University)

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Bellevue University makes our list of top online degrees because of its low cost and excellence in distance learning.

Bellevue’s Master of Healthcare Administration is more affordable than most other similar degrees. The program takes 39 credits to complete.

In 2009, the United States Distance Learning Association, the world’s premier distance learning association, awarded Dr. Christine Beischel an award for outstanding leadership. She is the dean of the College of Distributed Learning, which provides leadership and support to Bellevue’s online degree programs through curriculum design, student services, and technology.

Many students are attracted to Bellevue’s programs. According to the 2008-2010 edition of the Healthcare Management Education Directory, Bellevue’s health care programs have one of the highest enrollments in the nation.

MBA in Health Care Management (Quinnipiac University)

Regional accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Quinnipiac University offers one of the best master’s degrees in health care administration. Its Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the top accreditor for business programs.

Quinnipiac’s School of Business was recognized as a top business school in the 2010 edition of “The Best 301 Business Schools” book published by The Princeton Review. Also, Quinnipiac is a tier one university according to the 2010 school rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

The MBA program provides an education that emphasizes health care administration topics. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the financing and organization of the U.S. health care system. You will learn how to assess the health of communities. You will develop expertise in the legal issues that health care companies face. And you will learn strategic planning and marketing skills applicable to the health care industry.

MBA in Healthcare Management (The University of Scranton)

Regional accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

The Online MBA with specialization in Healthcare Management from The University of Scranton is one of the few degree programs in the U.S. that is online and accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only 7% of business schools worldwide have earned AACSB accreditation. With this accreditation, Scranton joins a select group of institutions including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.

You will receive a strong education but you won’t have to pay a high price. U.S. News and World Report ranked the university among “Great Schools at a Great Price,” a distinction that relates academic quality to tuition cost. Scranton made this listing of 15 master’s universities in the North for six consecutive years.

Also, Forbes.com listed the school among its top American schools in 2009. The Princeton Review awarded Scranton a place in its 2010 edition of “The Best 371 Colleges.” And Scranton was considered a Military Friendly School in a national listing done by G.I. Jobs.

We looked at various factors to determine our selections. We looked at cost, special features, reputation, and accreditation. Accreditation was an especially important consideration because it can affect your job search and further education prospects. There are two basic types of accreditation, regional and national. Regional accreditation is preferred because it is recognized by more employers than national accreditation. Also, credits and degrees earned from regionally accredited institutions are accepted by more schools if you choose to transfer to or earn a graduate degree from another school. Because of these reasons, all of our selections are degrees from regionally accredited institutions.

Here are our top online degrees in early childhood education:

• Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education (Post University)
• Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Western Governors University)
• Bachelor of Science in Child Studies (Post University)
• Master of Science in Education – Early Childhood Education (University of the Southwest)
• Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Kendall College)
• Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (California University of Pennsylvania)
• Master of Science in Early Childhood Education (Erikson Institute)

Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education (Post University)

Regional accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Post University’s associate degree in early childhood education prepares you to work in schools as well as private or corporate environments.

As a student, you will learn child development and psychology. Also, you will gain the skills of teaching math, science, literature, and social studies to children. The degree program includes practicums that can be done at an arranged site near you.

If you want to be certified as a teacher in the future, you can transfer into a baccalaureate degree program.

Post’s classes are small and interactive. They are scheduled in eight week accelerated modules. The online courses offer the same curricula as the on campus courses. You will learn from the same faculty who teach on campus. They have PhD degrees and real world experience in the topics they teach.

Upon graduation, your diploma will not specify “online” degree. Instead, you will receive the same official, traditional diploma as the on campus students.

[Request information about Post's early childhood education program]

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Western Governors University)

Regional accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Western Governors University (WGU) offers one of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. 120 credits are required to graduate.

WGU is the only exclusively online school in the U.S. to receive accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This agency is the premier accreditor of teacher preparation degrees and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

NCATE accreditation is a strong endorsement of the quality of WGU’s early education program. The NCATE accrediting team reviewed WGU’s early education curriculum to ensure that graduates have the skills and knowledge to become effective teachers.

[Request information about WGU's early childhood education program]

Bachelor of Science in Child Studies (Post University)

Regional accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Post University already made our list of top online degrees with its associate’s degree so it comes as no surprise that the school also has a great bachelor’s program.

Post’s Bachelor of Science in Child Studies combines classroom instruction and field work to provide a balanced curriculum designed to prepare you for a rewarding career. The early childhood education coursework is based on the educational standards set forth locally and nationally by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Post’s online format is very flexible. The university offers eight-week accelerated modules six times a year (every other month starting January). You will not have to wait many months to get started on your degree.

Typically, students enroll in two courses per module. If you have the time and energy to handle more than two courses, you can discuss this arrangement with an academic advisor.

[Request information about Post's early childhood education program]

Master of Science in Education – Early Childhood Education (University of the Southwest)

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

If you want an online master’s degree that prepares you to earn a teaching license in Early Childhood Education (Birth to Third Grade), University of the Southwest has a degree for you.

Southwest’s Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education is relevant degree that helps you develop knowledge and skills in the following areas: child development, growth, and learning; family and community collaboration; curriculum creation and implementation; and safety and health. The classes are online and your practicums can be completed in your area.

The School of Education at Southwest abides by the National Council for Teacher Education Standards developed by the National Collegiate Association of Teaching Educators. In 2004, the Council determined the school to be in continuing compliance with the standards for an additional seven years.

[Request information about Southwest's early childhood education program]

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Kendall College)

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Kendall College’s online bachelor degree in early childhood education includes student teaching elements in pre-primary and primary levels. Also, the school uses the Virtual Field Experience™ to help you see how the best teachers interact with their students in different settings. This innovative feature combines DVDs, lesson plans, assessments, student work samples, and teacher journal entries to give you a rich learning experience.

Kendall’s degree program prepares you to apply for the Illinois Type 04 Certification. While the certification is specific to Illinois, it is similar to the teaching certificates in other states. You should check with your state department of education to find out the requirements of its licensure. Your state may recognize an Illinois certificate and allow it to be used to gain similar licensure in your state.

181 quarter credit hours are required to graduate.

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (California University of Pennsylvania)

Regional accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

If you are looking for a master’s program, you can’t go wrong with enrolling at California University of Pennsylvania, or Cal U for short. Cal U’s online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education is a 33 credit graduate program for certified teachers interested in earning additional certification in Early Childhood Education.

The degree is affordable with a tuition rate lower than average. Also, you will receive a strong education because the school is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

As a student, you will learn how to apply the knowledge of child development to different educational settings. You will be prepared to work in public schools (pre-K to fourth grade), preschools, Head Start programs, child care organizations, and parenting and family support programs.

Master of Science in Early Childhood Education (Erikson Institute)

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

As a graduate school that focuses solely on early childhood education and development, Erikson Institute is able to deliver a strong education to its students. Erikson’s online Master of Science in Early Childhood Education is designed especially for teachers with three or more years of post-baccalaureate work experience.

The 28-month degree program is structured in a cohort. You will work with the same group of students for the duration of the program. The cohort learning environment gives you time to build beneficial relationships as you learn from and collaborate with your peers. The power of interpersonal relationships enhances learning, interaction, and support and helps you complete the degree successfully.

Along with imparting knowledge and providing opportunities for practical application, Erikson’s faculty emphasizes developing self-awareness as a professional competency to become a more effective teacher.

To enter this promising industry, you will likely need at least a bachelor degree from an accredited school. The vast majority of entry level positions require a baccalaureate level of education. The best bachelor accounting degrees prepare you not only to fill a position but also to earn a profession certification like Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Certifications increase your earning power and give your more options for advancement.

The school you choose is important. A top school will help you learn the knowledge and skills to become a competent worker and pass a certification exam. One of the qualities to look for in an institution is regional accreditation. This type of accreditation is more credible than its counterpart, national accreditation. Compared to nationally accredited schools, more employers recognize degrees from regionally accredited schools and bachelor degrees from those schools are accepted in more graduate schools should you choose to further your education. Also, some states require degrees from regionally accredited schools to sit for their CPA exam.

To guide you in your education, we evaluated online accounting programs and chose the best online degrees with excellent education standards and regional accreditation. Also, we looked at other factors including tuition cost, special features, and reputation.

• Benedictine University
• Western Governors University
• Grand Canyon University
• Southern New Hampshire University
• Liberty University
• Brandman University

Benedictine University

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Benedictine University holds a respectable reputation as a top school. It is a tier one institution according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 study of the best colleges and universities in America.

As an online student, you will receive the same respected degree as an on-campus student. Your degree will not have an online distinction.

Benedictine’s faculty have real-world experience to help you apply the lessons and concepts from the classroom to the workplace.

Benedictine offers credits for professional experience. If you have relevant work experience, you may qualify for up to 18 credit hours and save time and money on your degree.

Course highlights include Cost Accounting, Federal Taxation, Accounting and Financial Management, and Computer Fraud.

The program is open to students age 22 and older with at least two years of work experience.

[Request information about Benedictine's accounting degree]

Western Governors University

Regional accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

If you want a rewarding online experience during your studies, consider enrolling in Western Governors University’s (WGU) Bachelor of Science in Accounting. WGU was given a Best Practices in Distance Learning award by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) for its online technology.

WGU’s accounting degree is highly respected. The university designed the program with input from business leaders and accounting experts. WGU’s National Advisory Board consists of high profile organizations such as Oracle, Google, and Microsoft. These businesses support WGU because of its focus on producing graduates with relevant skills for the workplace.

If you are a full time student, WGU offers one of the lowest prices for an online regionally accredited bachelor degree in accounting. 138 credits are required to graduate.

[Request information about WGU's accounting degree]

Grand Canyon University

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting that prepares you to sit for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam. CMAs are recognized all over the world as accounting professionals with managerial skills who can help the companies they work with.

Also, the degree program allows you to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. You can take additional classes from Grand Canyon’s MBA program to qualify for licensure.

Grand Canyon was ranked 7th in the 2009 online school rankings by Online Education Database (OEDb). Also, OEDb gave the school high marks for its small classes. It tied for 4th in OEDb’s student-faculty ratio rankings with a ratio of 13 to 1.

Grand Canyon’s accounting program is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), one of the top accrediting agencies for business degrees.

[Request information about Grand Canyon's accounting degree]

Southern New Hampshire University

Regional accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

The bachelor accounting degree from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a great program if you want to get a head start on the certified public accountant (CPA) certification. To sit for the CPA exam, you need a certain number of upper level accounting credits. SNHU’s program provides 33 such credits, which is more than the majority of accounting programs.

SNHU business degrees are accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), one of the two business school accreditors recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CHEA is the only U.S. nongovernmental organization that evaluates and certifies accrediting organizations. Also, SNHU is one of the few American institutions accredited by the prestigious European Council for Business Education (ECBE).

SNHU’s tuition is affordable and lower than the national average.

Liberty University

Regional accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Liberty University’s online accounting program is a great bargain for students who want to save money on their education.

Along with being affordable, Liberty offers a quality education. The university was ranked 6th overall by Online Education Database in its 2009 rankings of online schools.

Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting helps you become an effective accountant through courses in financial, governmental, non-profit, and managerial accounting. Also, you will be exposed to auditing and taxation concepts.

The faculty will teach you computer and communication skills so that you can evaluate and synthesize the complex accounting issues in today’s business environment.

Liberty is a popular distance learning institution with over 50,000 students enrolled in its online programs.

Brandman University

Regional accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Brandman University’s bachelor accounting program is helpful if you want to advance in your organization and prepare yourself for lower or middle management positions.

As a student, you will be exposed to the latest academic research on accounting issues in the workplace. The business professors are well-qualified with strong educational credentials and relevant work experience.

Course highlights include Intermediate Accounting I and II, Advanced Accounting, Income Taxation, and Auditing.

For over 50 years, Brandman has served working adults by providing them with a quality flexible education that meets the needs of their busy lives.

Brandman is part of the Chapman University System. Chapman is one of the most prestigious private schools in California and ranks in the top tier of American schools according to U.S. News and World Report.

A bachelor’s degree will not only prepare you with the necessary skills to succeed in the workforce. It also prepares you to pass professional certification exams like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

We ranked over 45 regionally accredited online bachelor’s degrees in accounting by tuition cost (ranked from lowest tuition to highest) so you can save money on your education with a low-cost accounting degree program. Also, we noted special features (like business accreditation) if a degree has them.

We believe the list below is the most comprehensive list of accredited, well-rated, inexpensive accounting degrees on the web. But gathering a list of all the degrees is a big endeavor so we may have missed some. Please contact us at thebestdegrees@gmail.com if you see any degrees missing. Thanks!

Also, in our calculations, we assumed zero credits transferred, a full time class load, and a degree completion time of four years.

Western Governors University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
[Request free information about this degree from Western Governors University]

Thomas Edison State College

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting

SUNY Empire State College

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Business, Management and Economics – Accounting

Columbia College

Degree Name: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Accounting

New England College of Business

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting

Liberty University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

TUI University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Managerial Accounting

Southern New Hampshire University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Notes: This degree is accredited by ACBSP.

Baker College Online

Degree Name: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

Upper Iowa University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Excelsior College

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Business – General Accounting

Mountain State University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Indiana Tech

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Southwestern College

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Notes: This is a degree completion program. To be accepted, you must have 30 credit hours of previous college coursework.

Bellevue University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Ashford University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
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University of Northwestern Ohio

Degree Name: Bachelor Degree in Accounting

Walden University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting – General
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University of Minnesota, Crookston

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Washington State University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Accounting
Notes: This degree is accredited by AACSB.

AIB College of Business

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Grand Canyon University

Degree Name: Bachelors of Science in Accounting
Notes: This degree is accredited by ACBSP.
[Request free information about this degree from Grand Canyon University]

Herzing University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Notes: Physical textbooks are included in the tuition.

Benedictine University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Arts in Management – Accounting

Ellis University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Colorado Technical University Online

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
[Request free information about this degree from Colorado Technical University Online]

Capella University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Business – Accounting
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American Intercontinental University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
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National University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

Western International University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Brandman University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting
Notes: This is a degree completion program. To quality for admission, you must have at least 12 transferrable baccalaureate-level credits (or the equivalent) from an accredited college or university.

National American University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
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Saint Leo University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
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Post University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
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Sullivan University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting

Regis University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Jones International University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

Regent University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Business – Accounting

University of Maryland University College

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Strayer University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
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Peirce College

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting
Notes: This degree is accredited by ACBSP.

Hawaii Pacific University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting

Argosy University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting

DeVry University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting
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City University of Seattle

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Kaplan University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
[Request free information about this degree from Kaplan University]

South University

Degree Name: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
[Request free information about this degree from South University]

We ranked over 45 regionally accredited online associate’s degrees in business by tuition cost (ranked from lowest tuition to highest) so you can choose an inexpensive degree. Also, we noted special features (like business accreditation) if a degree has them.

We believe the list below is the most comprehensive list of accredited, well-rated, cheap online business degrees on the web. But gathering a list of all the degrees is a big endeavor so we may have missed some. Please contact us at thebestdegrees@gmail.com if you see any degrees missing. Thanks!

These rankings were compiled on July 2010. The costs are estimates based on a degree completion time of two years or a full time class load. We noted if part time students have a different cost than full time students.

Liberty University

Degree Name: Associate of Arts in Business
[Request free information about this degree from Liberty University]

American InterContinental University

Degree Name: Associate of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Business
Notes: The cost includes all software and course materials including textbooks, which may be ebooks or traditional physical books.
[Request free information about this degree from American InterContinental University]

Kaplan University

Degree Name: Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration
[Request free information about this degree from Kaplan University]

Ivy Bridge College

Degree Name: Associate’s in Business Administration
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Ashford University

Degree Name: Associate of Arts in Business
[Request free information about this degree from Ashford University]

Strayer University

Degree Name: Associate in Arts in Business Administration
[Request free information about this degree from Strayer University]

Saint Leo University

Degree Name: Associate of Arts in Business Administration
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South University

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business Administration
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Bryant and Stratton College

Degree Name: Associate of Applied Science in Business
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Colorado Technical University Online

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business Administration
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Columbia College

Degree Name: Associate in Science in Business Administration
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National American University

Degree Name: Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration
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Georgia Perimeter College

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business Administration

Bellevue College

Degree Name: Associate in Arts in Business

Central Texas College

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business Administration

SUNY Empire State College

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business

Herkimer County Community College

Degree Name: Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration

Coastline Community College

Degree Name: Associate of Arts in Business

Rio Salado College

Degree Name: Associate in Applied Science in General Business
Notes: Although many of the courses in this degree will transfer to a four-year institution, some courses will not. The curriculum is not designed to meet the needs of students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution.

Thomas Edison State College

Degree Name: Associate in Science in Business Administration

Columbia College

Degree Name: Associate in Science in Business Administration

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana

Degree Name: Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration
Notes: This degree is accredited by ACBSP.

Troy University

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business

American Military University

Degree Name: Associate of Arts in Business Administration

New England College of Business and Finance

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business Administration

Nichols College

Degree Name: Associate in Business Administration

Iowa Central College

Degree Name :Associate of Science in Business

Southern New Hampshire University

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business Administration

Baker College

Degree Name: Associate of Business Degree in General Business

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business Administration

Upper Iowa University

Degree Name: Associate of Arts in General Business

Excelsior College

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business

Vincennes University

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business Administration
Notes: This degree is accredited by ACBSP.

Benedictine University

Degree Name:Associate of Arts in Business Administration

Indiana Tech

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business Administration – Management

Mountain State University

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business Administration

Penn State

Degree Name: Associate in Science in Business Administration

Monroe College

Degree Name: Associate (A.A.S.) Degree Program in Business Administration

Western International University

Degree Name: Associate of Arts in Business

Herzing University

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business Administration
Notes: Physical textbooks are included in the cost.

University of Northwestern Ohio

Degree Name: Associate Degree in Business Administration
Notes: This degree is accredited by ACBSP.

AIB College of Business

Degree Name: Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration

Champlain College

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business Management

Peirce College

Degree Name: Associate in Science in Business Adminstration
Notes: This degree is accredited by ACBSP.

Ellis University

Degree Name: Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration

Regent University

Degree Name: Associate of Arts in Business

St. John’s University

Degree Name: Associate of Science in Business
Notes: Full time students receive an IBM laptop.

Accreditation is an especially important factor because it can affect your job search. There are two types of institutional accreditation, regional and national. Regional accreditation is recognized by more employers than national accreditation. Also, credits from regionally accredited institutions are accepted by more schools if you choose to enroll in a doctoral program in the future. Because of these reasons, we only picked degrees from regionally accredited schools.

Here are our top five online master’s degree programs in psychology:

• Master of Arts in I/O Psychology (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology)
• Master of Science in Applied Psychology (Sacred Heart University)
• Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology (Argosy University)
• Master of Science in General Psychology (Grand Canyon University)
• Master of Arts in General Psychology (Northcentral University)

Master of Arts in I/O Psychology (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology)

Regional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, commonly known as “The Chicago School,” offers a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. This program teaches you principles and strategies to maximize a company’s labor force.

It is flexible with four specializations to choose from: Consumer Psychology, Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership for Healthcare Professionals, and Workplace Diversity. You can earn the degree in as little as 20 months.

The Chicago School is the largest and oldest nonprofit institution of graduate psychology. With their singular focus on psychology, the school is able to provide a better education than schools with programs in other fields.

The Chicago School is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) so you will receive a quality education from qualified faculty.

Admission is selective. In fall 2006, the school accepted only 27 percent of applicants, compared to other APA colleges that had an average acceptance rate of 40 percent and non-APA colleges with an average rate of 60 percent.

Master of Science in Applied Psychology (Sacred Heart University)

Regional Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Sacred Heart University is one of the best schools to get a master’s degree in psychology. Sacred Heart is a tier one school according to U.S. News and World Report. Also, the magazine ranked the school as one of the top 30 master’s level institutions in the North, according to the 2010 edition of “America’s Best Colleges.”

Sacred Heart offers a Master of Science in Applied Psychology that is designed to help you apply the latest psychology principles to real life work situations. The curriculum includes fieldwork projects so you will have opportunities to practice the lessons you learn from the virtual classroom.

You can choose from a general track and two concentrations, Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Community Psychology.

The faculty consists of experienced teachers, many of whom are practicing, licensed psychologists.

The degree gives you the skills and qualifications for many different sectors including human resources, social services, labor relations, and government. Also, it prepares you for doctoral studies in the future.

Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology (Argosy University)

Regional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

If you are interested in forensic psychology, consider enrolling in Argosy University’s Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology. Argosy has one of the largest graduate student communities in the nation. The school is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

As a student, you will gain the skills needed to compete for positions such as government agent, juvenile counselor, educator, therapist, and law enforcement agent.

Course highlights include Maladaptive Behavior and Psychopathology, Individual Assessment, Evaluation and Treatment of Offenders, and Psychology of the Victim.

Argosy provides their online students the same top-notch instruction and level of service as their campus students. Also, upon graduation, you will receive the same degree as the campus students. Your transcript and diploma will not have an online distinction.

[Request information from Argosy University about their master's degree program]

Master of Science in General Psychology (Grand Canyon University)

Regional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in General Psychology is a top degree from a great online school. The Online Education Database ranked Grand Canyon 7th place in their overall rankings of online colleges and universities. Also, the school has small classes with an student-faculty ratio of 13 to 1.

The tuition cost is only $465.00 per credit hour.

The degree program emphasizes critical thinking and leadership skills. With these qualities, you can impact the workplace whether your role is practitioner, teacher, or researcher.

Course highlights in the curriculum include Contemporary and Ethical Issues in Psychology, Graduate Statistics, Human Development, and Learning, Cognition, and Motivation.

At the end of the degree, you will enroll in a capstone course that gives you the opportunity to conduct research on an original topic.

[Request information from Grand Canyon University about their master's degree program]

Master of Arts in General Psychology (Northcentral University)

Regional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

The Master of Arts in General Psychology from Northcentral University gives you a solid education base for doctoral programs in psychology. Also, you will be prepared to work in a variety of settings.

The degree offers maximum flexibility in the direction of your studies. You can choose from a broad range of elective courses in order to fit your personal and professional goals.

Northcentral has a unique faculty mentored approach. The faculty is trained to teach online and provides personal attention.

Classes in the curriculum include Theories of Human Development and Functioning, Research Design, Theories of Personality, and Multicultural Issues in Psychology.

The program does not require any campus residency requirements so you can complete the degree at your own time and schedule. Flexible monthly start dates allow you to start right away on your education.

The tuition rate is affordable at $560 per credit hour. The school also offers a choice of payment plans.

Earning a hospitality degree gives you a solid foundation for your career in the industry. It gives you the skills to make a difference in a company and prepares you for advancement. Also, the degree sets you apart from many of your peers who do not have higher education qualifications.

However, you may not have the time to enroll in a traditional, campus-based degree program. Fortunately, there are online hospitality programs where you can earn a degree without disrupting your work schedule or family life. You can study for the classes at your own time and not have to attend a physical classroom at set times.

We selected the best online hospitality degrees from reputable schools. These schools offer a strong education and provide you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your career. We chose one associate’s degree, three bachelor’s degrees, and one master’s degree. We used several factors to evaluate the programs including tuition cost, special features, reputation, and accreditation.

Regional accreditation has more advantages than its counterpart, national accreditation. First, some organizations will only hire students from regionally accredited schools. Second, you may have trouble transferring credits from a nationally accredited school. Third, bachelor degrees earned at nationally accredited schools may not qualify you for graduate programs at the top schools, which are regionally accredited. Therefore, we chose degrees from regionally accredited institutions.

Here are our four recommended degrees:

• Bachelor of Business Administration – Hospitality Management (South University)
• Bachelor in Business Administration – Hospitality Management (DeVry University)
• Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management (University of Massachusetts)
• Master of Science in Hospitality Management – Global Tourism (Drexel University)

Bachelor of Business Administration – Hospitality Management (South University)

Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

The Bachelor of Business Administration with a Hospitality Management specialization from South University prepares you for entry-level management positions within the hospitality industry.

As a student, you will understand the relationships between tourism, hospitality management, and business administration. You will learn about the different departments within restaurants and hotels and how they operate. You will become aware of business law and legal liability and how those things affect the industry. Also, you will learn about current trends within the industry to help you make good decisions for the future.

At the end of the program, you will work on a capstone project based on your area of emphasis. This project gives you the opportunity to apply and showcase the concepts and skills you learned from the previous classes.

[Request more information from South University about their bachelor's degree in hospitality]

Bachelor in Business Administration – Hospitality Management (DeVry University)

Regional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

DeVry University’s Bachelor in Business Administration with a specialization in Hospitality Management was developed with top business leaders, so DeVry students are trained with the competencies employers are looking for.

With this degree, you will be equipped to manage hotels, gaming venues, and banquet facilities. Also, you will be qualified to oversee hospitality departments like food service and event planning within schools, health care companies, and businesses.

Course highlights include Foundations of Hotel Management, Meetings and Events Management, Restaurant Management, and Tourism Management.

With year-round classes, you can earn the degree in as few as nine semesters (just three years).

A DeVry degree is a solid investment when it comes to securing a job in the industry. Over 90% of DeVry graduates in the active job market are employed in their area of study within six months of graduation.

[Request more information from DeVry University about their bachelor's degree in hospitality]

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management (University of Massachusetts)

Regional Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

The online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from University of Massachusetts (UMass) is our favorite bachelor degree in hospitality.

This degree program is one of the few accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). ACPHA is the premier accreditation agency for hospitality degrees. There are only 54 institutions with degrees accredited by the agency and fewer still offer them online.

UMass is a tier one school according to U.S. News & World Report. As a student, you will take about 39 credits of hospitality courses and about 15 credit hours of other courses.

UMass’ bachelor degree is designed for working adults who have already completed 60 credits including the general education requirements.

Master of Science in Hospitality Management – Global Tourism (Drexel University)

Regional Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

If you’re looking for an online master level degree program, we recommend Drexel University’s Master of Science in Hospitality Management with a concentration in Global Tourism.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Drexel is a tier one school so you will be getting a quality education from a reputable school.

There is no online distinction with the degree. You will receive the same degree and transcript as on-campus students. Earning this type of degree may be useful because some employers believe that online degrees are lower quality than traditional degrees.

As a student, you will be prepared to meet the challenges of the workforce. You will qualified to become an important decision maker. Drexel graduates are recruited by high profile companies in the hospitality industry.

Possible positions include senior management of hotels and resorts, convention services, online development of travel services, and real estate projects.

The program can be completed part time in as few as two years.

There are so many online programs that it can be daunting to choose one. We made the process easier by researching schools and selecting the best online criminal justice bachelor’s degrees. We rated the degrees using the following criteria:

• accreditation
• tuition cost
• special features
• reputation

Out of these factors, accreditation is especially important. There are two types of accreditation: regional and national. Regional accreditation has more credibility than national accreditation. Some employers will only hire graduates from regionally accredited schools. Also, if you choose to transfer schools or earn a graduate degree, many regionally accredited institutions will only accept credits and undergraduate degrees from other regionally accredited institutions. Therefore, we narrowed our search for top degrees by only considering schools with regional accreditation.

Here are our top online bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice:

• Liberty University
• Post University
• Stevenson University
• Washington State University
• Portland State University
• Fort Hays State University
• Upper Iowa University

Liberty University

Regional accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Liberty University’s criminal justice bachelor program is one of the best bargains in online education. The low cost doesn’t mean you will get a subpar education. Liberty was ranked 6th overall by the Online Education Database (OEDb) in its 2009 rankings of undergraduate online schools that operate nationally.

Liberty has a flexible credit transfer policy. Law enforcement officials who have completed a course at an accredited police academy may be eligible to earn credits toward the degree. Some forms of military experience may also be eligible as college credit.

Liberty’s program will teach you knowledge and skills for a wide variety of criminal justice related fields. You will be equipped with communications skills as well as leadership and managerial skills required for advancement opportunities and certifications.

[Request information from Liberty University about their criminal justice program]

Post University

Regional accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Post University’s criminal justice bachelor program helps you understand the operation of the criminal justice and juvenile justice system, the legal framework by which the system operates, and the concepts of ethics required to act in a professional manner.

The online classes are offered in 8-week accelerated modules. Depending on the number of credits you transfer and your level of effort, you can earn the bachelor’s degree in as little as 18 months. Classes start six times a year so you don’t have to wait months to start your education like in other programs.

Upon graduation, you will receive an official, traditional diploma without online distinction. Both your diploma and university transcript will be exactly like the ones earned by on-campus students.

Post University was recognized as one of the nation’s top 20 online schools by the Online Education Database (OEDb), a resource for online degree programs. Post ranked 17th and captured top rankings in many of the factors used to rank schools including a top 10 ranking for students receiving financial aid.

[Request information from Post University about their criminal justice program]

Stevenson University

Regional accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Stevenson University is categorized as a tier one school by U.S. News & World Report in its “2010 America’s Best Colleges” ranking. The school’s criminal justice bachelor program is an accelerated program that uses 8-week sessions so you can graduate quickly.

You can choose from two tracks, Law Enforcement and Social Service. The Law Enforcement track provides skills for police and investigative careers while the Social Service track focuses on non-law enforcement positions in fields such as juvenile justice and substance abuse.

The degree culminates with a capstone course which requires you to apply the knowledge from your classes to complete a major project on a topic of special interest.

You must have at least two years of professional work experience to qualify for admission.

Washington State University

Regional accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Washington State University (WSU) makes our list because it is a highly ranked school. WSU made The Princeton Review’s 2010 list of “Best 371 Colleges” and U.S. News & World Report granted the school tier one status.

In a study done by PayScale, WSU was named one of the ten best US colleges in the West for salary potential.

WSU’s criminal justice program is the second oldest continuous program in the United States. The department is home to the first chapter of the national criminal justice honor society, Alpha Phi Sigma.

The school’s criminal justice faculty uses “active learning” methods to teach the curriculum. These methods include a mock trial team and simulations on policy making and crisis management.

Portland State University

Regional accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Portland State University (PSU) offers an online criminal justice bachelor program with the same quality coursework as its campus-based program.

The program begins with foundational material on different areas that make up the criminal justice system. You will explore topics such as law enforcement, courts, corrections, and rehabilitation.

Once you’ve learned the basic principles, you can specialize your degree by choosing electives in various topics including neighborhood crime, role of women, white collar crime, juvenile justice, and social factors.

According to U.S. News & World Report, PSU is one of the best schools at developing a learning community. Also, PSU was named one of the best colleges in the West by The Princeton Review.

With a competitive tuition rate, the school provides value to online learners.

Fort Hays State University

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) has one of the lowest prices for a regionally accredited criminal justice bachelor degree.

FHSU’s criminal justice bachelor program prepares you for many positions in the field including federal agent, security officer, correction officer, U.S. Marshal, customs agent, court administrator, law enforcement agent, juvenile intake personnel, and victim services personnel.

You will be given an academic advisor to help you plan a course schedule that ensures you meet the requirements for graduation within a reasonable time frame. FHSU provides job placement assistance as you near graduation.

Tech support for the online classes is available 24/7.

The classes are taught by the same outstanding faculty who teach on campus, so you can be confident that you will receive a quality education.

FHSU is a growing institution with about 4,000 on-campus students and close to 6,000 online students. The online student body is diverse with over 27 countries represented.

Upper Iowa University

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Upper Iowa University (UIU) offers their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at a competitive tuition rate.

UIU placed 4th overall in Online Education Database’s (OEDb) 2009 rankings of online colleges and universities.

UIU is welcoming to members of the military. The school was recognized by Military Advanced Education in its “3rd Annual Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities” and made the 2010 list of top military-friendly schools according to G.I. Jobs. UIU offers credit for military training, scholarships for military spouses, and tuition discounts for the whole military family.

As a student, you will learn how to apply concepts from criminal justice research, legal guidelines, and ethical principles. Class highlights include Criminal Law, Juvenile Delinquency, and Ethics in Criminal Justice.

We selected the best online RN to BSN degree programs in nursing which we feel are strong programs for your education dollars. Along with considering the tuition costs, we made our selections based on other factors including accreditation, special features, and reputation.

Each of the degrees has received regional accreditation, which is the most legitimate form of school accreditation in the United States. Some colleges with online programs hold national accreditation instead of regional accreditation because they are unwilling or unable to meet the rigorous standards of regional accreditation. Many regionally accredited institutions do not recognize credits or degrees earned at nationally accredited institutions.

Also, we examined the nursing accreditation of the schools. There are two main accrediting agencies for nursing programs, National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). There is some debate as to which agency is superior. We believe both are acceptable and neither is better than the other. Both agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CHEA is the only nongovernmental organization to evaluate and certify accrediting organizations in the United States.

Nursing accreditation is important for a couple of reasons. First, the colleges and universities which have received accreditation from NLNAC or CCNE have undertaken additional evaluation and scrutiny to make sure their nursing programs meet high standards. Second, some companies will only hire BSN graduates from schools with NLNAC or CCNE accreditation. Third, if you choose to further your education, some graduate schools will not accept BSN degrees from a non-accredited nursing program. Therefore, we chose degree programs that are accredited by one or both of the nursing accreditors.

Here are our top online RN to BSN bachelor nursing degrees:

• Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
• Chamberlain College of Nursing
• Sacred Heart University
• Drexel University
• Western Governors University
• Graceland University
• Indiana State University

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences

Regional accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Nursing accreditation: NLNAC

With a tuition cost of $290 per credit hour and matriculation fee of $290 per trimester, Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences offers one of the best deals for an online BSN.

Depending on the number of credits you transfer and the number of classes you take each trimester, Florida Hospital College’s RN to BSN program can be completed in as little as 18 – 24 months. Also, you can move at a slower pace if you have a busy schedule with work and family.

The program does not require clinicals or group projects.

Upon graduation, you will receive the same degree conferred to an on-campus student.

Florida Hospital College is part of Florida Hospital. With over 2,000 beds in Central Florida, Florida Hospital is consistently listed by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s best hospitals.

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Nursing accreditation: NLNAC, CCNE

With their singular focus on nursing education, Chamberlain is able to provide a better education than other schools who have programs in other fields.

Chamberlain College of Nursing’s Fast Track RN to BSN Online Degree completion program can be completed in as few as three semesters. The program is management oriented to prepare you for advancement opportunities as well as master’s level programs.

The curriculum does not include clinicals. Instead, you will participate in experiential learning projects.

Unlike many other online nursing schools, Chamberlain has rolling admissions which means you can apply throughout the year and not have to wait months or even a year to start taking classes.

Chamberlain is a trusted institution with a 120-year history of excellence in nursing education.

Sacred Heart University

Regional accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Nursing accreditation: CCNE

Sacred Heart University’s online RN to BSN program is designed for part-time students who have busy schedules because of work and family. You can earn a BSN degree at your own pace and avoid the stress that can come from an accelerated program.

Sacred Heart has a flexible credit transfer policy tailored to meet the needs of adults students. There is no time limit to transfer credits as long as you went to an accredited college and earned a grade of C or higher for the course. Up to 66 credits from a two-year college and up to 90 credits from a four-year college may be transferred for applicable courses.

The university’s expert faculty makes sure the online curriculum is up-to-date with developments in the field and your assignments and projects will be relevant to your workplace experience.

The Princeton Review included Sacred Heart in its latest edition of “The Best 371 Colleges”.

Drexel University

Regional accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Nursing accreditation: NLNAC, CCNE

Earn your bachelor degree in nursing online from a top school by enrolling in Drexel University’s RN to BSN program. Drexel was ranked one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report.

Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions is regarded as a top nursing school. With a rich 130-year legacy of training nurses, the college has earned a national reputation as an education leader in nursing.

Drexel’s online BSN program has the same rigorous academic standards (admission criteria, curricula, accreditation and exams) as their on-campus program. The same qualified faculty will teach your online classes and you will receive the same quality degree as on-campus students upon graduation.

You can complete the program at the pace that fits your lifestyle. Take 1-2 courses per term if you have a busy schedule or take a full time credit load to accelerate the process.

Western Governors University

Regional accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Nursing accreditation: CCNE

Time wrote an article about Western Governors University (WGU) calling it “the best relatively cheap university you’ve never heard of.”

WGU is a fully accredited online-only university with a unique low-cost tuition plan. For their RN to BSN program, the school charges a flat tuition rate of $3,250 per 6-month term. With the flat rate, you can save a lot of money by completing as much of your degree as possible each term.

WGU does not have traditional classes. Instead of basing your progress on earning credit hours from courses, you will complete challenging assessments (papers, tests, assignments) in the required subject areas. These assessments measure your knowledge and competency.

Your progress is tracked through Competency Units (CUs), which are credit equivalents based on the assessments you complete. If you devote much time and effort to learning the material, you can accumulate CUs at a faster rate than the typical course method. Also, if you are already competent in a topic, you can finish the assessment on that topic quickly.

[Request information from WGU about their RN to BSN program]

Graceland University

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Nursing accreditation: CCNE

Graceland University has been providing nurses with distance learning options since 1987. Their online RN to BSN program is competitively priced and uses an intuitive online platform called eCollege. Along with being user friendly, eCollege offers 24/7 technical support.

As a BSN student, you are required to attend a four-day, on-campus focus session. This session provides opportunities to be introduced to faculty and staff and meet your cohort classmates while participating in learning activities.

The university has 15:1 student to faculty ratio, which means you’ll enjoy small classes in which the professors can personally get to know you and help you with your studies.

Graceland was selected as a top college in the midwest by The Princeton Review in their “2010 Best Colleges: Region by Region” website section.

Indiana State University

Regional accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Nursing accreditation: NLNAC

Indiana State University’s online RN to BSN program has a unique feature that allows you to earn up to 10 credit hours through professional portfolio evalutation. This process gives you the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills in certain subject areas. Successful achievement of the objectives gives you full or partial credit for selected courses.

The tuition is affordable – even for out-of-state students. Indiana residents pay $272.00 per credit hour if they are enrolled for less than 12 hours in the semester. If they take 12-18 hours instead, they pay $3,757.00 for the semester. Out-of-state residents pay $340.00 and $4,696.00, respectively.

The Princeton Review named Indiana State among the “Best in the Midwest” schools for the sixth year in a row.