The Best Online Certificate Programs
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A certificate can help you specialize your skills for the workforce or prepare for a college degree. Since they’re shorter and more affordable than a degree program, you can learn more about a field before investing in a degree. And by choosing an accredited online college, your certificate credits can potentially transfer toward a degree program.
Our ranking can help you discover the best online certificate programs and find the right fit for your schedule, budget, and professional goals.
What Are Certificate and Diploma Programs?
The terms diploma and certificate refer to academic credentials awarded to students who complete vocational programs in different subjects. Both diplomas and online certificate programs are available at community colleges, technical and vocational schools, and some four-year colleges.
Although some schools use the terms interchangeably, diploma programs tend to be longer and more comprehensive than certificate programs. Certificates and diplomas are each designed to be completed within two years or less, making them both shorter alternatives to associate degrees.
The popularity of certificates has risen in recent years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 1,000,000 certificates were conferred during the 2021-22 academic year.
Popular Online Certificate Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
10 Best Online Certificate Programs
How did we rank the best online certificate programs? Our list prioritizes student needs by weighing factors such as flexibility, affordability, the number of certificates offered online, and transferability. We only rank accredited institutions that follow the best practices in higher education.
California Virtual Campus
- Tuition: $46 per credit in-state; varies out-of-state
Community colleges are an affordable way to earn a certificate online. And few community college systems can compete with the low tuition rates at California Community Colleges, which cost $46 per credit for in-state students. Through California Virtual Campus, you can earn an online certificate through the state’s wide network of community colleges.
Study applied photography, creative writing, or game audio in a certificate program. Or you can pursue bookkeeping, entrepreneurship, or tech skills through a fully online format. You don’t need to be a California resident to enroll, but if you do live in California you’ll qualify for the lowest tuition rate.
SUNY Online
- Tuition: $295 per credit in-state; varies for out-of-state
SUNY Online is a collection of New York’s 64 public universities. And these colleges offer over 100 online certificate programs. You’ll typically take classes with a flexible, asynchronous learning format, which appeals to working students.
With unique options such as environmental sustainability, court reporting, and cannabis production and management, you can find an online certificate that matches your interests and career goals. You can also study business, tech, criminal justice, and more through the network.
Mizzou Online
- Tuition: $435 per credit
Missouri’s public universities offer online certificates and degrees through Mizzou Online. For example, you can earn an online certificate in agriculture, biomedical science, data science, or health science. Or study engineering, statistics, or information technology.
With a flexible schedule and career-focused learning opportunities, these online programs can help you take the next step in your career. You can also transfer credits toward a degree-granting program to advance your education.
Austin Community College
- Tuition: $85 per credit
Another affordable community college option, Austin Community College offers online and fast-track programs. Through ACC Online, you can earn an online certificate in computer programming, accounting, or real estate. Or choose a unique certificate program in American Sign Language studies or fashion marketing.
You’ll benefit from an affordable tuition rate, flexible schedule, and career placement opportunities. ACC Online is also a great way to launch your college career because the credits transfer to most four-year universities in Texas.
University of Florida
- Tuition: $129 per credit in-state; $213 per credit out-of-state
At the university level, few schools can compete with the affordable in-state tuition rate at the University of Florida. Through UF Online, you can earn an online certificate with specialized program options. For example, you can study animal genetics, emergency management, or environmental horticultural management. Or specialize your skills with a certificate in medical entomology or urban pest management.
If you’re a Florida resident interested in agriculture, engineering, or construction, UF Online offers online certificates that match your goals.
Wake Technical Community College
- Tuition: $76 per credit in-state; $268 per credit out-of-state
North Carolina’s Wake Technical Community College combines affordability with career-focused training. In the public college’s online certificate programs, you can study payroll accounting, graphic design, project management, or computer programming. Or choose a specialized certificate in financial crimes, distribution management, or UX design.
Wake Tech prioritizes accessibility and support, offering an eLearning intro for new students to make sure distance learning is the best fit for their needs. Students can also get support through the free tutoring and learning center.
Oregon State University
- Tuition: $392-$428 per credit
A public institution in Corvallis, Oregon State University offers dozens of online programs. You can choose between online microcredentials and certificate programs, depending on your budget and goals.
The university’s 43 undergraduate microcredentials include professional writing, child and youth development, and Chinese. Or choose from 14 undergraduate certificates, including options in aging studies, cybersecurity, and geographic information science. The tuition rate varies depending on the program.
Washington State University Global
- Tuition: $584 per credit in-state; $651 per credit out-of-state
Located in Pullman, Washington State University Global offers unique online programs to learners across the globe. The public institution’s online undergraduate certificates include American Indian studies, energy conscious construction, and organic agriculture. You can also pursue a certificate in early childhood education, global leadership, or professional writing.
While WSU Global charges a higher tuition rate than some of the other certificate options in our ranking, the specialized programs make it a good fit for students interested in less common program options.
Colorado State University Global
- Tuition: $375 per credit
Colorado State University Global offers online programs as a public university. You’ll pay a flat tuition rate regardless of your residency status as a student in the online certificate programs.
CSU Global’s options include certificates in business administration, computer programming, digital marketing, project management, and information technology operations. You can add new skills to your resume and earn transferable credits with the flexibility of an accredited online program. The university designs its undergraduate certificates to stack toward a full degree.
Southern New Hampshire University
- Tuition: $330 per credit
A private university that enrolls over 170,000 online students, Southern New Hampshire offers hundreds of online programs. Its online certificate programs at the undergraduate level include programs in accounting, computer programming, cybersecurity, and human resource management. The career-focused programs draw on the knowledge of industry experts.
If you don’t have affordable in-state options, SNHU can be a good option due to its flat tuition rate. You can also transfer the credits from your online certificate program into an associate or bachelor’s program.
How to Choose an Online Certificate Program
If you are considering an online diploma or certificate, you should weigh several factors before settling on which institution to attend. Some of the most important variables include:
Accreditation
Accreditation is essential when choosing where to earn an online diploma or certificate. Accreditation is a comprehensive vetting process that evaluates degree-granting institutions based on their academic programs, faculty members, student outcomes, and student resources.
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) accredits more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide. Additionally, certificate programs in select fields — such as nursing — may also receive programmatic accreditation. The Department of Education (DOE) maintains a full list of all recognized accreditors.
Location
For certificates and diplomas that include a fair amount of hands-on training, you may want to consider living relatively close to campus. Some hybrid programs hold their practicum sessions on campus or at facilities that are near school grounds.
If a certificate or diploma pathway is 100% online, then location may not be as much of an issue. However, living close to campus also allows you to take advantage of libraries, labs, and computer centers.
Cost
Many online certificate programs feature the same per-credit tuition rates as degrees. When comparing program costs, you may need to factor in your location and school type. While many online programs charge the same rates for everyone regardless of location, some charge out-of-state students higher tuition rates than in-state students.
In terms of school type, community colleges tend to charge the lowest rates, then public four-year schools, and then private schools. The credits required for a certificate vary, but for programs between 12-20 credits, tuition for the online schools on this list falls anywhere between $396-$12,520.
Program Offerings
Exploring the program offerings is one of the most important parts of the process. While some schools cover a wide variety of study areas at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, most schools specialize in a select few fields.
When looking at program offerings, evaluate the faculty teaching the programs and the applicability of the credentials awarded in your target field as well.
5 Reasons to Get a Certificate or Diploma
Certificate and diploma programs are popular educational pathways for both established professionals seeking higher salaries and more advancement opportunities, as well as high school graduates who wish to receive relevant job training and enter the workforce without completing a full degree program.
Here are some of the most common reasons for earning a diploma or certificate online:
- Professional development: Diplomas and certificates provide foundational training that you can use to negotiate for more advanced occupations and positions.
- Career changes: The diploma or certificate track is ideal if you’re unsatisfied with your current profession and wish to switch to a field where some job training is required.
- Skill building: Diploma and certificate programs focus on specialized skills, making these pathways appealing if you’re looking to develop your skill set.
- Resume improvement: If you’re unable to secure work in your chosen field, you may get a much-needed resume boost from earning a diploma or certificate.
- License requirements: Certificates or diplomas may be necessary to obtain licensure. If you earn a nursing diploma, for example, you’ll be qualified to take the required registration exams and become a registered nurse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Certificate and Diploma Programs
Online certificate programs usually only differ from campus-based certificates in the delivery method. The content should be identical, and teachers typically teach both.
If the online certificate program features a field experience component, you can often complete it at a location near you. Depending on the school, the tuition rates may also differ for online and on-campus students.
Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed July 22, 2024.
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