Online universities are sprouting up everywhere. People want to get more education but do not have the time or the finances for traditional education on college campuses. Online universities are a welcome alternative. Read on to learn more reasons why online universities are so popular as well as to discover a list of the largest online universities in the US.

Why Are Online Universities So Popular?

The first two reasons are hardly the only reasons but they bear repeating. Online universities tend to be a lot cheaper than their brick-and-mortar alternatives for one thing. Affording an online education is just easier. Secondly, online universities allow you to take classes and complete coursework when you have the time. Instead of having to report for classes at a predetermined time and place you can complete your coursework anytime you want and at any computer with a suitable internet connection.

Online universities also allow you to locate any program you might want to find. Want a bachelors, a masters, or even a PhD? Online universities can give them to you. Do you want a degree in a field that your local physical university doesn’t offer? Online universities give you almost endless degree options. Do you want to pursue dual masters degrees simultaneously through one unified program? Online universities can make this dream a reality too.

Online universities are so popular because you can receive a quality education on your terms. While once it was a campus education or nothing, now you can make the choice. Online universities have abilities that campuses do not because while physical schools must maintain their college campuses, online universities only have to maintain their course materials, web sites, and a limited staff.

What Are The Largest Ones?

The largest online universities have managed to makes names for themselves. Even if you have never considered online schooling you may know some of these names because of aggressive advertising campaigns and their general popularity. If you ever consider online schooling then these are some universities you will want to keep in mind.

1. University of Phoenix
2. Strayer University
3. Kaplan University
4. Walden University
5. Nova Southeastern University
6. Liberty University
7. American Intercontinental University
8. Capella University
9. Grand Canyon University
10. Ashford University

Online universities open up educational possibilities that never existed before. Anyone can get a university education no matter where they are. You could too.

With the demand for college education increasing every year and due to the lack of space in traditional public universities and community colleges, earning an online degree is becoming a more viable and acceptable option. Below are the top 10 largest online universities. All are accredited and offer degrees in multiple subjects ranging from healthcare to education to business.

	University of Phoenix — At the University of Phoenix, a student body of over 420,000 study one of 100 degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral levels at more than 200 campuses worldwide. The University of Phoenix has an open enrollment policy, and offers a variety of flexible online courses.
	Strayer University — Programs at Strayer University are designed for working adults seeking career advancement. At its more than 75 campuses, Strayer provides instruction leading to degrees in accounting, business, criminal justice, information systems, management, public administration, health services administration, and education.
	Kaplan University — Kaplan University offers degrees at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's level. In addition, students may pursue certificates in education, business, information technology, arts and sciences, healthcare, nursing, criminal justice, and law.
	Walden University — Through its online program, Walden University confers the Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and Ph.D. Graduates are successful throughout the spectrum of the workforce.
	Nova Southeastern University — Nova Southeastern University is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning dedicated to providing students an unparalleled education at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Programs are offered both in traditional in class and distance learning. The university focuses on intellectual inquiry, leadership, and commitment to community.
	Liberty University — Located in Virginia, Liberty University has over 12,000 residential students and more than 45,000 online students, making it one of the largest Christian universities in the world. Students experience a 23:1 student-to-professor ratio, and can choose from more than 115 programs of undergraduate or graduate courses, residential, online or hybrid options.
	American InterContinental University — American InterContinental University features both in class and online courses leading to associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. The university offers programs in business administration, criminal justice, education, healthcare management, information technology, marketing, and visual communication.
	Capella University — Capella University's online programs confer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in business, information technology, education, psychology, public health, public safety, and human services. Composed of mostly graduate students, Capella's student body hail from all 50 states and 55 countries.
	Grand Canyon University — Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. Grand Canyon University offers its student body of more than 25,000 online and campus-based courses at the bachelor's and master's level. The university emphasizes individual attention for both the traditional and working professional student.
	Ashford University — Ashford University offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees both on campus and online. The university, founded in 1918, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Student Government Association produces a variety of activities on campus, including intramurals, homecoming, and a host of extracurricular activities.
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