Our Top 10 Best Online Colleges Pick's

Our Top Picks

So, what schools matched the criteria set by our editors? Read on for our top picks and why these particular schools qualify.

1. Kaplan University

Kaplan University excels in flexibility. Its Kaplan Commitment program allows new students to try out classes for three weeks for no cost. Its learning environment uses advanced technology and flexible delivery methods that make classes easy to access, including allowing you to attend class from your phone or computer. Kaplan has impressive program diversity, with more than 170 degree and certificate programs as well as advance-start bachelor's degrees that can be completed by in as little as 2 years.

2. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University stands out because of its full-time faculty dedicated solely to online learners. The university also offers classes one at a time so that students don't have to focus on multiple courses. 4-credit courses are available, which means students can move through the program faster. Students participate in a tutorial before starting each course, so that they are familiar with the format used for online study. The online classroom is an asynchronous learning environment, which means that you have the flexibility to complete your coursework when it works for you. Grand Canyon offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees in several areas.

3. Ashford University

From its roots in Clinton, Iowa, to its innovations in online education, Ashford University has a long tradition as a respected academic institution. Ashford prizes flexibility and has a mobile app that lets students connect to class on a variety of devices. The school also has flexible start dates and virtual learning communities that allow students to get personalized support from their peers, faculty, and alumni. When designing its degree programs, Ashford focuses on modern and relevant degrees that equip you with skills and knowledge for career success.

4. Full Sail University

Full Sail University offers online education to creative minds. Awarded by the United States Distance Learning Association, Full Sail's online learning environment is easy, convenient and innovative. Full Sail's 'Project LaunchBox' caught our eye because unlike most online universities, Full Sail provides their students with laptops equipped with learning tools to optimize the online learning experience. The university's learning environment allows students to view classmates, contact instructors, engage in live learning sessions with students and instructors and share work online - all aspects that make for a collaborative and dynamic learning environment. Full Sail offers over 40 degree programs at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree level and further eases distance learning with academic and career support services.

5. Liberty University

Liberty University jumped out to us right away because it is the largest non-profit, private online university in the U.S. It has also offered distance education programs since the mid 1980's. Liberty has 24/7 tutoring options for online students, along with access to an online writing center and academic advisors. It offers a wide array of programs with over 160 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, making it easy to find a program that is right for you. The university also stands out for its Christian-based student community and service options, which are all available to online students.

6. Colorado State University - Global Campus

We chose Colorado State University's Global Campus for its top-ranking online degree programs. CSU - Global Campus was ranked 7th by U.S. News & World Report for its online bachelor's degree programs in 2013. The university has a tuition guarantee program for online students, so that you won't need to worry about your tuition increasing as long as you're actively enrolled in classes and earning a degree. The university features an innovative online platform with a virtual library, virtual instructor office hours and an online help desk. Colorado State's Global Campus has dozens of online programs and is designed specifically for working professions, so you'll be able to fit courses into your schedule.

7. Brandman University

Also ranked in the top ten for online bachelor's degree programs (#8 in 2013's U.S. News rankings), Brandman University offers over 200 programs through online study. Students can choose from undergraduate and graduate degrees in arts and sciences, education or business, in addition to certificates and continuing education options. If you enroll in one of Brandman's online programs, you'll have online access to all services that the school offers to its on-campus students.

8. Strayer University

Strayer University's unique Graduation Fund helped it to place among our top 10 online schools. For each course you complete at Strayer, your fund grows, and it could cover the tuition for up to 10 future courses. The university also offers a tuition reduction for new students. Additionally, new students can take Strayer's free Online 101 course to learn how to navigate the university's online learning system and how to be successful in distance education classes. Strayer offers a mix of asynchronous and synchronous classes in its diploma, certificate and associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs.

9. Ashworth College

With its career-focused programs and flexible scheduling options, Ashworth College is a top choice for an online college. It offers a self-paced learning system that lets you start taking classes when you're ready, instead of waiting for a new semester. You'll get plenty of support at this school, with tutoring and advising options available for online students along with a 24/7 online student community area. In addition, you won't have to pay extra for textbooks, since all of your learning materials are included in the price of tuition. Ashworth features more than 100 areas of study available through associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs, as well as diploma and certificate options.

10. Northcentral University

New enrollees in Northcentral's online graduate programs take a Student Success Tour to acclimate to the university's Student Portal, a web-based learning management system that allows you to request program information and pay your tuition, as well as access learning materials and communicate with instructors, advisers and fellow students. As a Northcentral student, you'll also have access to the university's online library, virtual bookstore, and writing and dissertation centers. Other features that stood out to us included the school's live, on-demand tutoring service and its honor societies for online students. Scholarship opportunities are available for Northcentral's online students.