For most, the Bachelor’s degree is a students first step towards extending their education and knowledge beyond that of the standard K-12 education. It is also the first time that students get to experience a greater deal of autonomy over their own educational and occupational destiny.
Through the pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree, students can send themselves down whatever path they so choose to learn about whatever topic may interest them in order to prepare for whatever career they see fit.
This may seem like a lot of choices to make and that’s because it is! Deciding what Bachelor’s degree is best is a personal and tricky decision to make. To complicate things further, students are faced with so many different universities and colleges to attend in order to pursue their degree. To help alleviate that problem, we’ve compiled a list of our top 100 colleges and universities to attend for an online Bachelor’s degree.
These are all accredited universities and colleges that we’ve found to be up to our standards, and we’ve ranked them for you by the out-of-state tuition rate per credit. We hope that this ranking will help you find the university or college that is best suited to your needs.
1. University of Texas – Arlington
Originally named Arlington College, the University of Texas – Arlington was established as a private school that focused on first through tenth grade students. Initially underfunded, the school eventually received a substantial donation from Edward Emmett Rankin. However, this money was not enough to keep the school’s doors open and eventually it was shut down in 1902 and reopened as the Carlisle Military Academy. This school eventually folded as well and was then reopened as the Arlington Traning School which was later renamed to Arlington Military Academy.
By 1917, the school had been incorporated into the Texas A&M University system. Finally, in 1967 the school was renamed to its current name, the University of Texas – Arlington. Located in Arlington, Texas, the University of Texas -Arlington now enrolls nearly 40,000 students. University of Texas – Arlington is a public institution.
Tuition: $147:non-resident
2. Western Governors University
In a 1996 meeting of the Western Governors Association, Governor of Utah Mike Leavitt, proposed the creation of a school that would be designed to serves the northwest United States. The plan was to create a school that was built around a competency-based learning model that would focus primarily on providing high-quality distance education. By focusing on distance education, the school would be able to serve more students across a larger area.
Known as Western Governors University, the school was able to control costs and reach a large student base. Founded in Salt Lake City, Utah, Western Governors University also operates satellite campuses in Missouri, Nevada, Indiana, Texas, Tennessee, and Washington with a combined student body of 77,000 students. Western Governors University is a private institution.
Tuition: $192:non-resident
3. Fort Hays State University
Founded in 1902, Fort Hays State University was originally named the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School. Originally established as an extension of the growing Kansas State Normal School, Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School quickly grew to become more than just a simple extension campus. Established on the site of a former frontier military installation known as Fort Hays, the school quickly outgrew the grounds and a new campus was needed. It was decided that the school would establish a new campus closer to the town of Hays in order to serve a larger population of students.
Today, Fort Hays State University has grown to become Kansas’ third-largest public university with a student body of a approximately 11,200 students. Fort Hays State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $213:non-resident
4. Western New Mexico University
Opening its doors on February 11, 1893, Western New Mexico University began enrolling its first class of students in a rented space in the town’s Presbyterian Church. Named the New Mexico Normal School at its establishment, the school was located in what was then the Territory of New Mexico. After four months of operation, the New Mexico Board of Regents called for the creation of an official school building in the nearby town of Silver City, New Mexico. In 1896, construction on the school’s first building, the Old Main, was completed. After just twenty years of operation, the school’s population had grown to five-hundred students.
Currently, Western New Mexico University is still located in Silver City, New Mexico, and enrolls a student body of about 3,500 students. Western New Mexico University is a public university.
Tuition: $226:non-resident
5. Eastern Oregon University
Nestled amongst the vibrant and beautiful stretch of the Blue Mountain range between Boise, Idaho, and Portland, Oregon, Eastern Oregon University was founded in the scenic town of La Grande, Oregon. Initially created to serve as the area’s teachers college, Eastern Oregon University underwent a variety of name changes and curriculum overhauls over the coming years. By 1997, the Oregon State Legislature had settled on the school’s current name of Eastern Oregon University.
Now, Eastern Oregon University is home to a student body of 1,700 students at its La Grande campus with an additional 15,000 students enrolled online through the school’s distance education program. Students are able to enroll in over one-hundred different degree programs. Eastern Oregon University is a public institution.
Tuition: $232:non-resident
6. State University of New York – Delhi
Initially created as a farming and agricultural studies school, the State University of New York at Delhi was founded in the small mountain town of Delhi, New York. Designed to serve the area as a agriculture and mechanical arts school, the school operated under this sole mission for the next few decades until it was eventually added into the State University of New York School System sun 1913. However, the curriculum at the school was not expanded beyond agricultural and mechanical arts until the mid-1920s. It was at this point that general education courses as well as a litany of other degree programs were then offered. In the 1960s, business classes were incorporated into the school’s programs, forever changing the trajectory of the State University of New York – Delhi.
Located in Delhi, New York, the State University of New York at Delhi is home to a student population of just over 3,000 students. State University of New York at Delhi is a public institution.
Tuition: $235:non-resident
7. Ohio University
At the Confederation Congress, the Congress of the United States called for the establishment of Ohio University in the Articles of Confederation through the Ordinance of 1787. Under the mandate that “Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary for good government of mankind, schools and the means of education shall be encouraged,” Ohio University was created as the example of the kind of dedication to higher education and knowledge that the United States would stand for. Known originally as the American University, Ohio University became a shining example globally of higher education.
Founded by Manasseh Cutler and Rufus Putnam, Ohio University is located in Athens, Ohio, and currently enrolls a students body of just shy of 40,000 students. Ohio University is a public institution.
Tuition: $240:non-resident
8. Amberton University
During the Sixties, the Abilene Christian University was undergoing a period of extreme growth and the school was beginning to struggle to accommodate the ever-growing student population and their needs. Wanting to provide these students with a place of higher education, Abilene Christian University quickly established an extension campus in the nearby town of Mesquite, Texas in 1971, creating the footprint for what would eventually become Amberton University. After three years at its Mequite, Texas location, the school was then moved to Garland, Texas at which location it began to thrive. By 1982, the school was renamed to Amber University and then renamed once more to Amberton University in 2001.
Focusing primarily on adult education, Amberton University quickly became a leader in this type of education. Now, Amberton University is home to thousands of students who are enrolled on-campus and online. Amberton University is private institution.
Tuition: $265:non-resident
9. University of Central Missouri
Eventually becoming the University of Central Missouri, the Warrensburg Teachers College was established in 1871. In the coming years, the school would change and grow in scope, ultimately leading to an increase in student population and educational opportunities offered at the school. By 1919, it was decided that the school would be renamed to the Central Missouri State Teachers College. This was the first in a series of name-changes. Named Central Missouri State Teachers College, then Central Missouri State College in 1945, then Central Missouri State University in 1972, the school was finally named the University of Central Missouri in 2006.
Established in the city of Warrensburg, Missouri, the University of Central Missouri enrolls almost 15,000 students and offers 150 different major to choose from. University of Central Missouri is a public institution.
Tuition: $265:non-resident
10. Southeast Missouri State University
The State of Missouri determined in the 1870s that the state was in need of a new state university. As word traveled throughout the state that the State Legislature was looking to fund a new school, cities across the state began campaigns to attract the new school. Hoping to lure in the state legislature, a group of business owners and politicians in the city of Cape Girardeau began working to convince the state to build the new school in their city. Their campaigned worked and Southeast Missouri Normal School was established in Gape Girardeau, Missouri. The school experienced massive growth over the coming years, a lot of which can be contributed to the construction of Interstate 55.
Today, Southeast Missouri State University is home to a student body of nearly 12,000 students and offers students over 200 different areas of study. Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $272:non-resident
11. West Texas A&M University
In 1910, the Texas House of Representatives called for the establishment of a school in western Texas that would eventually be known as West Texas A&M University. Opened as the West Texas State Normal College, the school was originally created to act as a training facility for teachers within the state that would then go out to work in the state’s public school system. One of seven state-funded colleges, West Texas Normal College was eventually renamed to West Texas A&M University after it was incorporated into the Texas A&M University system.
Founded just outside of Amarillo, Texas, in the city of Canyon, Texas, West Texas A&M University offers over 100 different degree programs and enrolls almost 10,000 students. West Texas A&M University is a pubic institution.
Tuition: $284:non-resident
12. Columbia College
The Christian Female College, what eventually would become Columbia College, was established in 1851 by the Missouri State Legislature in order to better serve women in the area and provide them an opportunity for a higher education. At its founding, Columbia College was the only women’s college west of the Mississippi River. The school operated as a women’s-only institution for the next century and eventually became coeducational in 1970. Founded in close affiliation with the Christian Church, Columbia College still operates a Christian College.
Enrolling 2,1000 students currently, Columbia College is located in Columbia, Missouri and offers over seventy-five different programs of study. Columbia College is a private institution.
Tuition: $290:non-resident
13. Bemidji State University
The first class of students enrolled in Bemidji State University in 1919. Originally named the Bemidji State Normal School, the school was eventually renamed to Bemidji State Teachers College. After some time, the school’s name was shortened to Bemidji State College and then finally renamed to Bemidji State University in 1975. In 1999, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System urged the school to change its named to Minnesota State University-Bemidji in order to better mirror the systems naming scheme, but students and faculty opposed the decision.
Named for its location in Bemidji, Minnesota, Bemidji State University has a student body of over 6,300 students and offers a variety of different programs of study for its students. Bemidji State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $296:non-resident
14. University of Southern Indiana
Established as a regional extension campus for the already established Indiana State University, the University of Southern Indiana was founded in 1965. Construction began on the new campus in 1968 and its first class of students were enrolled in 1969. Over the coming two decades, the school continued to operate as an extension campus for Indiana State University. During this period of time, the school underwent a large amount of growth. By 1985, it was decided that the school should be spun-off into its own school. Later that year, the University of Southern Indiana was officially chartered.
Now, the University of Southern Indiana is home to a student body of 11,000 students at its Vanderburgh County location, and offers students eighty different degree programs. University of Southern Indiana is a public institution.
Tuition: $297:non-resident
15. Lamar University
Originally known as South Park Junior College, Lamar University was founded in 1923. Established by Louis R. Pietzsch, the school originally operated out of the third floor of the South Park High School. Working out of this location for the next three years, the State of Texas Legislature eventually granted the school the ability to give degrees and it was renamed to Lamar College. Named for Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second President of the Republic of Texas, Lamar College was soon moved to its own campus. By 1942, the school was out of South Park High School and operating independently.
Incorporated by the state in 1995, Lamar University is currently located in Beaumont, Texas and enrolls a student body of 15,000 students. Lamar University is a public institution.
Tuition: $308:non-resident
16. Rogers State University
Accepting its first class of students in 1909, Rogers State University was founded as the Eastern University Preparatory School. Offering its first courses in the Claremont Building, now the school’s oldest building, Eastern University Preparatory School operated for the next eight years until it was shut down and reworked into the Oklahoma Military Academy. The newly opened Oklahoma Military Academy soon began to offer four years of high school education alongside its two years of junior college. Due to declining attendance rates brought upon by the Vietnam War, the school was overhauled and began to offer undergraduate and graduate programs.
Named to honor Clement Vann Rogers, Rogers State University currently enrolls a student body of 4,300 students Rogers State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $309:non-resident
17. Indiana University East
Needing to provide additional facilities for its ever-increasing student body, Earlham College founded an extension program that would eventually become Indiana University East. Operated in a joint-partnership between Earlham College and Indiana University, this new program grew to eventually include the nearby Purdue University into the partnership of this brand-new extension program. In due time, the program had grown to become so large that the Indiana General Assembly saw it fit to spin it off into its own program.
By 1971, the Indiana University East was officially established. Located in Richmond, Indiana, Indiana University East is home to approximately 4,500 students. Indiana University East is a public institution.
Tuition: $315:non-resident
18. Colorado Christian University
The Denver Bible Institute was established in 1914, setting the stage for what would eventually become Colorado Christian University. Originally, the Denver Bible Institute was created independently of the state of Colorado, but this plan was eventually abandoned and a charter was sought for the new school. At this point the school was renamed from the Denver Bible Institute to the Denver Bible College and began to grant degrees to students. Over the coming three decades, the school operated on its own and eventually merged with the Western Bible Institute to form Rockmont College.
In 1989, Rockmont College was renamed to Colorado Christian University. Now home to 7,400 students, Colorado Christian University is located in Lakewood, Colorado. Colorado Christian University is a private institution.
Tuition: $315:non-resident
19. Southern New Hampshire University
The New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science was established in 1932 and laid the groundwork for what would transform to become Southern New Hampshire University. Operated by husband and wife, Harry A.B. Shapiro and Gertrude Crockett Shapiro, the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science was founded in downtown Manchester, New Hampshire. For the next thirty years, the school would operate at this location but then be forced to move to its current location on the borderline of Hooksett and Manchester. During this move, the school was renamed to the New Hampshire College of Accounting and Commerce.
Now known as Southern New Hampshire University, the school is home to 3,000 students on-campus and an additional 60,000 students online. Southern New Hampshire University is a private institution.
Tuition: $320:non-resident
20. Utah State University
Upon receiving funding from the federal government through the Morrill Act, the State of Utah began searching for a site upon which it could establish its first public institution of higher education. Already having its capital in Salt Lake City and the Insane Asylum in Provo, it was decided that the new institution of higher learning should be located in the town of Logan, Utah. In 1888, the Agricultural College of Utah was chartered and in 1890, the first group of students began enrolling in classes.
Consolidating with nearby schools over the coming years, now Utah State University is home to over 28,000 students and offers a wide variety of different degree programs from which to choose from. Utah State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $325:non-resident
21. Dakota State University
For the past twenty years, Dakota State University has maintained a well-earned reputation for being on the cutting-edge of technology use in the classroom. Beginning in the early 2000s, Dakota State University began offering all of its students a tablet and a laptop computer in order to aid with their educational experience. Along with this computer, all students were required to enroll in a either an introductory programming or computing class. Because of this dedication to technology, Dakota State University earned the designations of “National Center of Academic Excellence in Research” and “National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations”.
Established in 1881, Dakota State University was originally known as Madison Normal School. Today Dakota State University is home to nearly 3,000 students at its Madison, North Dakota campus. Dakota State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $335:non-resident
22. Granite State College
One of the cornerstones of the University System of New Hampshire, Granite State College was established with the distinct goal of providing flexible options of higher education to adult students. Established in 1972 in Concord, New Hampshire, Granite State College still operates out of its original campus. However, due to growth, Granite State College has added additional satellite campuses as well as greatly expanded its online campus.
Dedicated to offering students additional educational opportunities, Granite State College offers most of its classes online in order to cater to non-traditional students. Today, Granite State College offers over fifty different programs of study. Granite State College is a public institution.
Tuition: $335:non-resident
23. University of South Dakota
The Dakota Territorial Legislature called for the establishment of the University at Vermillion in 1826. The precursor to the University of South Dakota, the University at Vermillion was one of the oldest educational institutions in the state of South Dakota and is also older than of the educational institutions in the state of North Dakota.
Established in the city of Vermillion, South Dakota, the University of South Dakota has become the center of the city. Operating the only medical and law schools in the state, the University of South Dakota currently enrolls a student population of nearly 10,000 students and offers 270 different programs of study to choose from. University of South Dakota is a public institution.
Tuition: $335:non-resident
24. University of Alabama
After entering into the Union, the newly formed General Assembly of Alabama called for the creation of an institution of higher-learning within the borders of the state. This school would eventually evolve to become the University of Alabama. The first classes were held at the University of Alabama in 1820, making it one of the oldest public institution of higher education in the entire country. The school’s campus was modeled heavily after the designs created by Thomas Jefferson for the University of Virginia campus.
Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, close to the state’s capital, the University of Alabama enrolls almost 37,000 students. The University of Alabama is a public institution.
Tuition: $335:non-resident
25. Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Founded in 1867, Clarion University of Pennsylvania was originally named the Carrier Seminary of Western Pennsylvania. After four years, the school was finally up and running. Accepting its first class of students in 1871, the Carrier Seminary of Western Pennsylvania operated independently of the state for sixteen years until the school received backing from the state. It was at this point the school was renamed to Clarion State Normal School. By the 1980s, the school had been incorporated into Pennsylvania’s public education system and had received university status, resulting in the school’s name being changed once more to Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Founded and still located in Clarion, Pennsylvania, Clarion University of Pennsylvania has a student body of over 5,000 students. Clarion University of Pennsylvania is a public institution.
Tuition: $337:non-resident
26. Saint Joseph’s College
Located along the shore of Sebago Lake in the small town of Standish, Maine, Saint Joseph’s College was founded just outside of Portland, Maine’s largest city. Originally established as the Portland Regional Community of the Sisters of Mercy in 1912, Saint Joseph’s College was created as an institute for the education of women while also providing students a background in Catholic teachings and history. The school operated as a women’s-only institution for the coming decades until becoming coeducational in certain programs in 1970.
Currently, Saint Joseph’s College is the only Catholic School in the state of Maine. Enrolling over 1,000 students, Saint Joseph’s College offers students forty different degrees to choose from. Saint Joseph’s College is a private institution.
Tuition: $345:non-resident
27. Colorado State University
Through a key piece of legislation, then Governor of the Colorado Territory Edward M. McCook called for the establishment of a brand new state university designed with the purpose of serving the newly settled area. In 1870, Colorado State University was established. Running into a variety of different developmental issues in the beginning, the school eventually secured funding and a plot of land. Originally named Colorado Agricultural College, the school was eventually added to the Colorado State University system and was renamed Colorado State University.
Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Colorado State University enrolls a student body of approximately 3,400 students. Colorado State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $350:non-resident
28. Washburn University
In conjunction with the Congregational Ministers and Churches of Kansas, the State of Kansas issues a charter that called for the creation of Lincoln College in 1865. After receiving a generation donation of a plot of land by the abolitionist John Ritchie, construction began on what was then Lincoln College but would soon become Washburn University. Renamed in 1868 to Washburn College, the school was named to honor the legacy of Ichabod Washburn, a famous abolitionist from the town of Worcester, Massachusetts who pledged $25,000 to the fledgeling institution.
Established on a foundation of progressive ideals, Washburn University is located in Topeka, Kansas and enrolls a students body of approximately 6,600 students. Washburn University is a public institution.
Tuition: $352:non-resident
29. Jacksonville State University
Governor Edward O’Neal called for the established of the State Normal School at Jacksonville in 1883, laying the necessary groundwork for what would grow to become Jacksonville State University. Originally occupying facilities that once belonged to the defunct Calhoun College, the State Normal School at Jacksonville originally operated as a state preparatory school for teachers. By the 1920s, the curriculum of the school had shifted towards becoming a four-year institution and the name of the school was changed to the State Teachers College at Jacksonville. The name was changed twice more. Once to Jacksonville State College, and then finally to Jacksonville State University.
Established and still located in Jacksonville, Alabama, Jacksonville State University is currently home to approximately 8,700 students. Jacksonville State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $359:non-resident
30. Old Dominion University
Initially, Old Dominion University was created out of humble beginnings as an offshoot campus of the nearby College of William and Mary. Wanting to create an extension campus in the nearby city of Norfolk, Virginia, officials from the College of William and Mary began buying up buildings, land, and hiring professors that would eventually work at the new campus. In 1930, the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary opened its doors to students. The school grew quickly over the coming decades. By 1962, the school had grown so large that it was deemed necessary to spin the school off into it’s school known as Old Dominion College.
No longer known as Old Dominion College, Old Dominion University now operates two additional campuses and has a student body of over 25,000 students. Old Dominion University is a public institution.
Tuition: $369:non-resident
31. University of Wisconsin-Platteville
In 1959, officials from the Wisconsin Institute of Technology and Wisconsin State College decided that it would be best to merge the two institutions into one. This newly formed institution was renamed the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Its origins dating back all the way to 1866, the oldest component of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville was Platteville Normal School, an institution dedicated to the education of teachers. This school was eventually renamed to Platteville State Teachers College and then to Wisconsin Institute of Technology, Platteville.
Currently, still located in Platteville Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is home to approximately 9,000 students. University of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution.
Tuition: $370:non-resident
32. Belhaven University
Doctor Lewis Fizhugh chartered Belhaven College in 1894. Originally, the school was incredibly small and operated entirely out of a tiny residence located on Boyd Street in the small town of Jackson, Mississippi. Unfortunately, this building burned down in a fire and construction was soon underway on a brand new location. Tragedy struck again in 1904 when Doctor Lewis Fizhugh passed away at which point ownership of the school was transferred to his colleague Doctor J.R. Person. Person continued to operate the school in Doctor Lewis Fizhugh’s vision until, after five years, another fire claimed the school.
The school reopened in 1911 under guidance from the Presbyterian Church. Today, Belhaven University is home to 4,300 students. Belhaven University is a private institution.
Tuition: $370:non-resident
33. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
On a plot of land originally owned by a local family known as the Bullards, Northwestern State University of Louisiana was officially established in 1856. Initially, a convent and a school were built at this location. Due to its incredibly early date of establishment, Northwestern State University actually predates the Civil War. Established by the Louisiana State Legislature, the school was originally named the Louisiana State Normal School. The school grew over the coming years and with that growth came a series of name changes. In 1921 the school was renamed to Louisiana State Normal College and then to Northwestern College of Louisiana in 1944.
Today, Northwestern State University of Louisiana is located in Natchitoches, Louisiana and enrolls a student body of over 9,000 students. Northwestern State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $375:non-resident
34. Northeastern University
In 1868, the precursor to Northeastern University, the Evening Institute for Younger Men, opened its doors in 1868. From its creation, Northeastern University focused primarily on providing students in the area with a wider variety of options when it came to education. Northeastern University wanted to provide more flexibility when it came to earning a higher-education. Founded in Boston, Massachusetts, Northeastern University currently operates satellite campuses in Charlotte, North Carolina; Seattle, Washington; and Silicon Valley, California.
Today, Northeastern University has the designation of having “High Research Activity” from the Carnegie Classifications Institute of Higher Education and enrolls a student body of approximately 25,000 students. Northeastern University is a private institution.
Tuition: $378:non-resident
35. Sierra Nevada College
Starting from very humble beginnings, Sierra Nevada College opened its doors to its first class of students which included just twenty-three enrollees. One of the unique goals of the new college was to incorporate as much of the unique characteristics of the school’s surrounding location in the Lake Tahoe region. In just six years, the school had earned accreditation and was now offering a much wider variety of different academic programs to its students. By the 1980s, Sierra Nevada College had added its first Master’s programs to its curriculum.
Located in Incline Village, Nevada, Sierra Nevada College offers students twenty different undergraduate programs as well as a variety of different graduate programs to its student body of just over 1,000 students. Sierra Nevada College is a private institution.
Tuition: $379:non-resident
36. Baker College
Established in Flint, Michigan, Baker College began enrolling it first class of students in 1911. Originally named the Baker Business College, the school was designed with the purpose of providing an education to adults who were looking to enter into the workforce immediately upon completion of their degree. Baker Business College focused on providing students with tangible, real-life work skills. In order to do so, Baker Business College went to great lengths to integrate real-world experience into their curriculum. Founded by Eldon E. Baker, Baker College offered students a premier business education.
Having merged with Muskegon College in 1965, Baker College now offers students fifteen different programs of study to choose from. Baker College is a private institution.
Tuition: $390:non-resident
37. Liberty University
Senior Pastor Jerry Falwell of the Thomas Road Baptist Church, called for the creation of Liberty University in 1971. Named the Lynchburg Baptist College, the school would undergo series of transformations over the coming decades resulting in the Liberty University of the modern day. Senior Pastor Jerry Falwell created Liberty University with the distinct goal of providing a high-quality education with a Christian perspective.
Originally named for the city of Lynchburg, Virginia, in which the school is located, the school was renamed in 1985 to Liberty University. Now, Liberty University enrolls 15,000 students on campus and additional 100,000 online. Liberty University is a private institution.
Tuition: $390:non-resident
38. Charter Oak State College
The Connecticut State Legislature called for the creation of Charter Oak State College in 1973. As part of a plan to expand the educational offerings within the state of Connecticut, Charter Oak State College was established as one of a few different schools created to remedy the situation. Founded across the street from the Central Connecticut State University, Charter Oak State College was incorporated into the Connecticut State College and Universities System.
Located in the town of Hartford, Connecticut, the name Charter Oak State College is derived from the state’s famous Charter Oak, a very large white oak tree located in the city. Now, Charter Oak State College is home to approximately 2,300 students. Charter Oak State College is a public university.
Tuition: $392:non-resident
39. California State University – Dominguez Hills
In 1960, the Governor of California Pat Brown, called upon the California State Legislature to allocate funds towards the establishment and construction of a brand new school. Initially, the new school was to be located in the city of Palos Verdes and was to be named South Bay State College. As plans began to move forward it was eventually decided that Dominguez Hills was a better location for the new school than Palos Verdes. Being a newer town, the state hoped that by locating the school there it would cause people to move there to help populate the new town.
Currently located in the Dominguez Hills region of Carson, California, California State University, Dominguez Hills is home to student body of approximately 15,000 students. California State University, Dominguez Hills is a public institution.
Tuition: $396:non-resident
40. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
An integral part of the University of Wisconsin System of schools, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater was founded in 1868. Originally named the Whitewater Normal School, the school was initially founded to act as a training facility for teachers across the state of Wisconsin. The school operated in this limited capacity for the following fifty years. In 1927, the Whitewater Normal School was granted the ability to offer students bachelor’s degrees and was renamed to Whitewater Teachers College. The school underwent a few other name changes: in 1951 to Wisconsin State College-Whitewater, and then the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1971.
Eventually incorporated into the University of Wisconsin system, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater now enrolls a student body of just over 12,000 students. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a public institution.
Tuition: $398:non-resident
41. Briar Cliff University
The Mother Superior of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Dubuque, Mother Mary Dominica Wieneke, and Most Reverend Edmond Heelan partnered together in the late 1920s to begin work on establishing Briar Cliff College. By 1930, they were ready to open the doors to the newly founded Briar Cliff School, located upon the Briar Cliff. Originally, the school only offered classes to women but this eventually changes males were allowed to enroll in 1965. By 1967, residence halls had been added to the campus and students were able to take up residency at the school.
Founded in Sioux Falls, Iowa, Briar Cliff University enrolls just over 1,300 students. Briar Cliff University is a private institution.
Tuition: $399:non-resident
42. Campbellsville University
Founded as a boys school, Campbellsville University was established as the Russell Creek Academy by the Russell Creek Baptist Association. In the coming years, the school would undergo a series of changes that would take it from a humble boys school to a full-fledge university. One of these key changes took place in 1966 when the school had gained university status and began offering college courses and degrees.
Located in Campbellsville, Kentucky, Campellsville Unviersity enrolls a student body of over 3,200 students and offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs to its students. Campbellsville University is a private institution.
Tuition: $399:non-resident
43. Touro University Worldwide
Speaking at the Touro Synagogue in 1970, George Washington gave a stirring speech that would go on to influence the establishment of Touro University. Listening to the words of George Washington, the Touro family began developing a system of nonprofit schools of higher education that were sponsored by the Jewish faith. Known as Touro College, the school system eventually consolidated to establish Touro University Worldwide in 1998. Originally named Touro University International, the school focused on providing students with a wide variety of different distance education opportunities.
Now a leader in the field of distance education, Touro University Worldwide enrolls thousands of students online and offers a wide variety of different educational programs from which to choose from. Tour University Worldwide is a private institution.
Tuition: $400:non-resident
44. Bellevue University
Bellevue University was originally created with the clear goal of providing working adults with an opportunity to gain a high-quality education. Named Bellevue College at its founding, the school grew over the coming decades. By 1975, Bellevue College had grown to become so large that it was then the fourth-largest private school in the state of Nevada. Years later, the Bellevue College would receive university status and begin to offer Master’s programs to its offerings.
Renamed Bellevue University in 1994, Bellevue University is located in Bellevue, Nevada and enrolls a student body of approximately 10,000 students. Bellevue University is a private institution.
Tuition: $410:non-resident
45. University of Massachusetts – Boston
In the Sixties, the State of Massachusetts was in an education crisis. Demand for higher education greatly outpaced the available spots at public universities. Hoping to remedy this situation, the Massachusetts State Legislature voted in 1964 to establish the university now known as the University of Massachusetts Boston. A year later, classes began to be held in a newly renovated building in the Park Square area of Boston, Massachusetts. During this time, construction on the Columbia Point campus was underway and was completed in 1974. In 1982, the University of Massachusetts Boston absorbed the nearby Boston State College.
Located in downtown Boston, Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Boston enrolls approximately 17,000 students. University of Massachusetts-Boston is a public institution.
Tuition: $410:non-resident
46. Buena Vista University
Opened in 1891, Buena Vista University originally held its first classes inside the Storm Lake Opera House. While this arrangement worked at first, soon demand for spots at the university grew so large that the school needed to move out of the Storm Lake Opera House. This prompted construction on a new campus for the growing school. Over the coming years, a new campus was erected. Much of it still remains to this day, although some of it was lost in a fire in 1956. During the 1950s and 1960s, Buena Visa University experience a period of rapid growth.
Today, Buena Vista University enrolls almost 1,000 students and offers forty-two different programs of study for its students. Buena Vista University is a private institution.
Tuition: $421:non-resident
47. Brescia University
Originally named Mount Saint Joseph Junior College, Brescia University was established in 1925. Established by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph at Maple Mount, the school would grow and change to become the Brescia University of the modern era. Originally, the school operated as a women’s-only school in order to education women and offer them more opportunities. In time, the school was eventually made to be coeducational after the addition of new campuses.
Named for the Italian city of Brescia from which the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph hailed, Brescia University is now home to a large number of students at its Owensboro, Kentucky campus. Brescia University is a private institution.
Tuition: $425:non-resident
48. Northern Arizona University
Founded to provide children in Arizona with an opportunity for an education, Northern Arizona University was originally established as the Northern Arizona Normal School in 1899. Operating as a state normal school for the next six decades, Northern Arizona University was eventually granted the ability to offer Bachelor’s degrees and was renamed to its current name.
Now, Northern Arizona University is one of the state’s premier research universities and has earned the designation of having “High Research Activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Enrolling 28,000 students, Northern Arizona University is located in Flagstaff, Arizona. Northern Arizona University is a public institution.
Tuition: $425:non-resident
49. Western Kentucky University
A.W. Mell founded the Glasgow Normal School and Business College in the heart of downtown Glasgow, Kentucky in 1876. In the coming years, the school would eventually grow and transform while also merging with other nearby schools to form Western Kentucky University. After Glasgow Normal School and Business College was formed, the Potter College was established nearby by Pleasant J. Potter. The Potter College would soon merge with the Glasgow Normal School and Business College, as well as the Western Kentucky Normal College and Teachers College, in the 1930s to form what would eventually be renamed to Western Kentucky University.
Now located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Western Kentucky University enrolls a student body of 21,000 students and offers over one-hundred different programs of study. Western Kentucky University is a public institution.
Tuition: $425:non-resident
50. Indiana Wesleyan University
Founded in 1890, Indiana Wesleyan University was originally named Marion Normal College. Indiana Wesleyan University operated under the name of Morion Normal College until 1912 at which point the school was then renamed to Marion Normal Institute. After eight more years, the school was renamed to Mario College which remained the school’s name until 1980. It was that year that the school was finally renamed to Indiana Wesleyan University.
Over the course of the 20th century and into the 21st, Indiana Wesleyan University’s curriculum and student body expanded. Today, Indiana Wesleyan University is one of the largest private universities in the entire state of Indiana, enrolling 16,000+ students at its Marion, Indiana campus. Indiana Wesleyan University is a private institution.
Tuition: $432:non-resident
51. Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale
Arther Keiser, founder of Keiser University, established Keiser University with his mother Evelyn Keiser in 1977 in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Originally named the Keiser School, Keiser University operated as a career college, mainly focused on teaching students applicable work skills. The school taught mainly business and healthcare courses in the beginning. By 1982, the school added course in computer programming and it was decided that the name of the school would be changed to the Keiser Institute of Technology. Following this change, associate degrees were added into the curriculum and the school was renamed once more to Keiser College.
In 2006, the school began offering students a wide array of degrees as it briefly switched to a for-profit business model under the name of Keiser University. Today, it is now a non-profit university that offers a wide variety of educational experiences to its students. Keiser University is a private institution.
Tuition: $440:non-resident
52. Limestone College
Tom and William Curtis, father and son, worked together in a partnership in order to found and establish Limestone College in 1854. Both scholars from England, Thomas and William Curtis traveled from England to the United States with the vision of creating a school that provided educational opportunities to women. Settling in South Carolina, the duo set to work on establishing Limestone College as one of the first women’s colleges in the state. Today, Limestone College is one of the oldest schools in the state of South Carolina and is named for its proximity to a nearby limestone quarry.
Located in the city of Gaffney, South Carolina, Limestone College is still made up of much of its original campus. Today, Limestone College enrolls approximately 1,000 students on campus and an additional 2,500 students online. Limestone College is a private institution.
Tuition: $441:non-resident
53. Upper Iowa University
Hoping to establish a new institution of higher education, community members worked hard with the local branch of the Methodist Church in order to raise enough money through donations to establish what would become Upper Iowa University in 1857. Led by pioneer Elizabeth Alexander, Upper Iowa University was founded to serve the people of the newly settled Iowa Territory. In partnership with her husband, Robert Alexander, Elizabeth Alexander, worked to get her new school started in the town of Fayette, Iowa.
Today, Upper Iowa University is located along the Volga River in the town of Fayette, Iowa. Still maintaining its ties to the Methodist Church, Upper Iowa University enrolls a student body of nearly 6,000 students. Upper Iowa University is a private institution.
Tuition: $441:non-resident
54. City University of Seattle
Founded in 1973, the City University of Seattle was established by its creator Dr. Micheal A. Pastore. Working to create a school that served working professionals, the City University of Seattle was created by Dr. Pastore with the vision of providing most of its classes through non-traditional delivery formats such as night and weekend classes, as well as distance education. At the time, Dr. Michael A. Pastore perceived a lack of educational options for working professionals and hoped that his new school would service that gap in the local education system. He was proven right as the school became a success almost immediately and soon additional campuses began to sprout up all over the city.
Now, the City University of Seattle has a student body of nearly 6,400 students and is located in the city of Seattle, Washington for which the school gets its name. City University of Seattle is a private institution.
Tuition: $447:non-resident
55. Adventist University of Health Sciences
Growing out of a program started at the Florida Hospital, the Adventist University of Health Sciences was founded in Orlando, Florida. Originally, Florida Hospital established its nursing program that was receiving students from the nearby Southern Missionary College. These students would come to the Florida Hospital in order to gain valuable insight and on-the-job experience in order to supplement their education and advance their nursing careers. As this program grew to be more robust, the Florida Hospital decided to add an in-house Associate Degree in Nursing program. By 1992, Florida Hospital had consolidated all of its separate nursing programs under one name and began offering students the ability to earn Bachelor’s degrees in 1998.
In 2012, the school was renamed to the Adventist University of Health Sciences and still operates under this name. Currently, the Adventist University of Health Sciences is home to a student body of approximately 1,800 students. Adventist University of Health Sciences is a private institution.
Tuition: $460:non-resident
56. Stephen F. Austin State University
Established in 1923, Stephen F. Austin State University was named after one of the founding fathers of the state of Texas, Stephen F. Austin – for which the state of Austin, Texas also has received its name. Originally created to serve as a teaching college for public school teachers in Texas, Stephen F. Austin State University quickly expanded the scope of its curriculum in order to service more students and provide more educational opportunities.
Located in Nacogdoches, Texas, Stephen F. Austin State University resides on the grounds of Thomas Jefferson Rusk’s former homestead. A public university, Stephen F. Austin State University is one of the few public colleges in the state that is not part of the Texas University systems. Currently, Stephen F. Austin State University enrolls approximately 14,000 students. Stephen F. Austin State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $467:non-resident
57. LeTourneau University
Husband and wife, R.G. and Evelyn LeTourneau began working on plans for what would become LeTourneau University as World War II came to a close. The two originally planned to create a university that would work to educate returning soldiers in order to teach them valuable work skills and help them enter into prosperous post-war careers. By 1956, R.G. and Evelyn LeTourneau were ready to open what was then known as the LeTourneau Technical Institute.
Focusing primarily on teaching students manufacturing skills, the LeTourneau Technical Institute operated out of an old hospital building. Upon graduation, students were placed into jobs at the nearby LeTourneau Manufacturing plant. Today, LeTourneau University provides a much broader scope of educational opportunities to its student body of nearly 5,000 students. LeTourneau University is a private institution.
Tuition: $475:non-resident
58. Notre Dame College
Founded in 1922, Notre Dame College was founded in the city of South Euclid, Ohio on Ansel Road. Originally, Notre Dame College only admitted women. Over time, the school began to grow and it was determined that the Notre Dame College campus should expand to a fifteen acre campus in South Euclid. Operating initially as a residential campus only, Notre Dame College added Weekend College programs to its curriculum in 1978. This was Notre Dame College’s first program that was offered to students in a non-traditional means, laying the groundwork for future distance education programs.
By 2005, it was decided that Notre Dame College would not only admit women, but also begin to enroll men. Enrollment at Notre Dame College quickly doubled. Now, Notre Dame College is home to a student body of almost 2,250 students. Notre Dame College is a private institution.
Tuition: $475:non-resident
59. Southwestern College
Through an act of legislation by the Kansas State Legislature, the first steps towards establishing Southwestern College were underway when the bill called for the designation of a small plot of land for what would be the site of what was then known as the Southwest Kansas Conference College. However, this plot of land remained undeveloped for over a year as plans for the new college were still being ironed out. Overcoming financial and size concerns, construction finally began and the first class of students at Southwest Kansas Conference College were enrolled in 1886. In 1909, the school’s name was shortened from Southwest Kansas Conference College to Southwestern College.
Currently, Southwestern College is located in the Kansas town of Winfield and is home to a student body of nearly 1,900 students. Southwestern College is a private institution.
Tuition: $478:non-resident
60. Jacksonville University
Established in 1934, Jacksonville University was founded by William J. Porter. Initially established under the name of the William J. Porter University, the school only offered students the ability to earn an Associate’s degree at first. In its early years, the school did not have its own facilities and operated out of the nearby First Baptist Church. After a year of operation, the school was renamed to Jacksonville Junior College. Upon the institution of the GI Bill, Jacksonville University experienced a major uptick in the amount of students enrolling in the school, which afforded the ability for the school to build its own permanent campus. Construction was completed in 1950 and in 1958 the school merged with the nearby Jacksonville College of Music
Renamed to Jacksonville University in 1958, Jacksonville University is located in Jacksonville, Florida and is home to a student body of nearly 4,200 students. Jacksonville University is a private institution.
Tuition: $485:non-resident
61. Southern Oregon University
Reverend Henry Skidmore of Oregon’s Methodist Episcopal Church founded Southern Oregon University as the Ashland Academy in 1872. Operating under its original name of Ashland Academy for its first five years, the school was renamed in 1878 to Ashland College and then to Ashland College and Normal School a few years later. These name changes were just the first in a series of name changes that the school underwent. Named Ashland Collegiate Institute then Southern Oregon State Normal School followed by Southern Oregon Normal School, Southern Oregon College, Southern Oregon State College, and then finally Southern Oregon University.
Today, Southern Oregon University is located in Ashland, Oregon and is home to a student population of approximately 6,200 students. Southern Oregon University is a public institution.
Tuition: $486:non-resident
62. Regis University
In 1877, a group of Italian Jesuits fled to the United States in need of asylum. Upon reaching the United States, the group settled in the city of Las Vegas, New Mexico. There, the group of Italian Jesuits began work to establish Regis University. Referred to as Las Vegas College at the time, the school operated successfully for the next few years. At the request of the Bishop of Denver, the Jesuits decided to move their school from the city of Las Vegas, Nevada to Denver, Colorado. In Denver, the school was merged with the already established Sacred Heart College to form the College of the Sacred Heart.
Renamed to Regis University in 1921, the school was named to honor Saint John Francis Regis. Today, Regis University enrolls a student body of 8,700 students at its Denver, Colorado campus. Regis University is a private institution.
Tuition: $490:non-resident
63. University of Saint Mary
Upon settling in the town of Leavenworth, Kansas, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul began work to establish a boy and girls school in 1858. After a year of work and planning, the St. Mary’s Institute opened as a precursor to the University of Saint Mary. Originally situated in the downtown-area of Leavenworth, Kansas, the school was moved to its current location just outside the city of Leavenworth in 1870. It was at this point that the name of the school was changed to St. Mary’s Academy. In 1923, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul officially chartered Saint Mary College. Saint Mary College began offering four-year Bachelor’s degrees in 1974 making it the first to do so in Kansas.
Now known as the University of Saint Mary since 2003, the University of Saint Mary is home to a student population of just over 800 students. University of Saint Mary is a private institution.
Tuition: $490:non-resident
64. Ball State University
Originally named the Eastern Indiana Normal School, Ball State University was established in 1876. Over the course of the next twenty-five years, the school operated under the Eastern Indiana Normal School name until it was forced to shutter its doors due to financial issues. Just a short year later, the school was revamped and reopened as Palmer University. However, this did not last very long as it was renamed to Indiana Normal College and then shut down in 1907. Following this series of unfortunate closures, the school was purchased by the Ball Brothers, two local entrepreneurs. It was at this point that the school reopened and it began to really prosper. In 1961, to honor the two brothers who breathed a new life into the institution, the school was renamed to Ball State College.
Later renamed to Ball State University, Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana and is home to approximately 22,000 students. Ball State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $492:non-resident
65. University of Wyoming
Inscribed with the Latin phrase “Domi Habit Unde Disceret”, meaning “He need not go away from home for instruction”, the first cornerstone was laid for the University of Wyoming‘s first building, the Old Main, in 1866. Just one year later, construction had been completed on the new university’s campus and it began enrolling man and women into its courses. Located on a plot of land known s Prexy’s Pasture, the campus has become renowned for its beautifully serene views that remain to this very day.
Growing over the years, the University of Wyoming is now home to a student body of over 14,000 students. Referred to as “UW” by most of its students, alumni, and faculty, the University of Wyoming offers students a variety of different undergraduate and graduate degree programs. University of Wyoming is a public institution.
Tuition: $496:non-resident
66. University of Louisville
After the founding of the city of Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentucky General Assembly passed a charter calling for the establishment of a brand-new institution of higher learning for the newly established city in 1798. Named originally the Jefferson Seminary, the school operated under this name until 1829. It was at this time that the people of Louisville called for a less “elitist” institution. Decades later in 1846, the Kentucky Legislature combined the Louisville Collegiate Institute, Louisville Medical Institute, and the new law school to form the University of Louisville. The aim of the new school was to be much more inclusive and welcoming of the public than its predecessors.
Still located in Louisville, Kentucky, the University of Louisville currently enrolls a student population of approximately 22,500 students. University of Louisville is a public institution.
Tuition: $497:non-resident
67. Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University began in 1971 with the idea that the college-level knowledge adults gain outside the classroom could be measured and applied toward an academic degree. Approved by the New Jersey Board of Education in December 1971, the idea became a reality with the establishment of the University on July 1, 1972. The University was aptly named in honor of Thomas Alva Edison, the New Jersey inventor who gained encyclopedic knowledge of many subject areas without attending college classes.
Presently, Thomas Edison State University enrolls a student body of approximately 17,500 and offers 100 different programs. Thomas Edison State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $499:non-resident
68. University of Maryland University College
Established with the goal of providing working adults with an opportunity to pursue a higher education outside of a traditionally schedules college course of study, the University of Maryland University College was formed as a series of night classes by the University of Maryland. Commonplace now, the University of Maryland University College was a pioneer in the field of distance education as well as other non-traditional course delivery methods. Over time, the program grew so large that it was spun-out of the University of Maryland and was renamed to the College of Special and Continuation Studies.
In 1959, the school was renamed to the University of Maryland University College. Today, the University of Maryland University College enrolls a student body of just over 90,000 students. University of Maryland University College is a public institution.
Tuition: $499:non-resident
69. Brandman University
Initially located on the former grounds of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, Brandman University was established in the city of Irvine, California. Formed in 1861, Brandman University was originally an additional branch of the nearby Chapman University. Capitalizing on its location on the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, Brandman University initially focused on providing a high-quality education to soldiers. Operating as a branch of Chapman University for the coming years, the school was eventually forced spin-off into its own school due to size concerns.
Renamed to Brandman University when it was spun-off from Chapman University, Brandman University now operates twenty-five campuses all along the West Coast throughout Washington and California. Brandman University is a private institution.
Tuition: $500:non-resident
70. University of Cincinnati
Name for its location in the city Cincinnati, Ohio, the University of Cincinnati was established in 1819 and has become an integral cultural touchstone of the community ever since. Initially named Cincinnati College, the college was later renamed to the University of Cincinnati in 1870. Founded on Clifton Avenue in downtown Cincinnati, the University of Cincinnati was soon forced to relocate from its original location to the Heights neighborhood in order to accommodate for an explosion of growth. By 1977, the State of Ohio had designated the University of Cincinnati as a state school.
Presently, the University of Cincinnati has grown to become the second-largest school in the state of Ohio with a student body of over 45,000 students. Students are able to enroll in over 350 different programs of study. University of Cincinnati is a public institution.
Tuition: $503:non-resident
71. Western Carolina University
Hoping to establish a school that would best serve their community, the people of the town of Cullowhee, North Carolina, came together to forma. Board of Trustees that would soon establish the precursor to Western Carolina University. This Board of Trustees established the Cullowhee Academy. Opening its doors in 1889, the Cullowhee Academy operated as the Cullowhee High School during its earliest years. By 1905, the school was no longer just a high school. Renamed to Cullowhee Normal & Industrial School, the school had been transformed into a state normal school.
Over the coming years the school would undergo a variety of different name changes until it was finally renamed to Western Carolina University in 1967. Today, Western Carolina University is home to a student body of nearly 9,000 students. Western Carolina University.
Tuition: $505:non-resident
72. Drexel University
One of the founding partners at the investment banking firm now known as J.P. Morgan & Co but then known as Drexel, Morion & Co., Anthony J. Drexel, established the brand new Drexel University in 1891. Anthony J. Drexel wanted to change the way that universities selected their student body. Drexel University was to accept student solely on their merit. The school would not discriminate by sex or background when deciding who should attend, instead the school would look at their intelligence and intellect. Originally established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University soon added additional campuses throughout the city.
Now, Drexel University maintains campuses in Philadelphia as well as an additional satellite campus in Sacramento, California. Home to over 26,000 students, Drexel University offers students over 170 different programs of study. Drexel University is a private institution.
Tuition: $508:non-resident
73. Franklin University
From its inception, Franklin University was founded with the goal of providing higher education to adults of all ages. Hoping to provide education to those that fell outside the norms of what made a traditional student, Franklin University was established as the YMCA School of Commerce in 1902. Operating under this name and mission for the next three decades, the YMCA School of Commerce eventually outgrew its home as part of the YMCA. Moving out of the YMCA, the institution was renamed to Franklin University and dissolved its relationship with the YMCA.
Now including an additional satellite campus in Indianapolis, Franklin University enrolls a student body of nearly 8,000 students. Franklin University is a private institution.
Tuition: $509:non-resident
74. Humboldt State University
Hiram Johnson, the Governor of California at the time, established Humboldt State Normal School as a state teacher’s college in 1913. Named after Alexander von Humboldt, a famous German scientist, Humboldt State Normal School was to focus on educating the people of California in the sciences. Seeking out a site for the new school, the state of California had to navigate fierce fighting between the cities of California who were vying desperately to have the school located in its city. Two cities, Arcata and Eureka fought fervently for the new school and ultimately Arcata, California won the contract for Humboldt State Normal School.
Eventually, the school became a full-fledged university and was renamed Humboldt State University. Today, Humboldt State University is home to a student population of 8,500 students. Humboldt State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $510:non-resident
75. Excelsior College
During the 1970s, the New York State Board of Regents began working on creating an external degree program that would serve all of the New York State system of higher education. Officially established in 1971, the Regents External Degree Program (REX) was founded by the New York State Board of Regents. Through this small external degree program, students were able to gain an education without the requirement of residing on campus. Soon, this program became quite popular and it was determined that it should be spun-off into its own institution.
Originally named Regents College, the school was renamed Excelsior College after privatizing. Today, Excelsior College specializes in distance education and enrolls a student body of nearly 35,000 students. Excelsior College is a private institution.
Tuition: $510:non-resident
76. Frostburg State University
Representative of Allegany County in Maryland, John Leake, introduced a key piece of legislation to the floor of the Maryland General Assembly in 1898 that called for the creation of a second normal school within the state of Maryland. Originally named State Normal School No. 2, this institution would eventually grow to become Frostburg State University. Construction on the school began in 1899 and the first class of students began enrolling in 1900. Initially designed to act as a training school for teachers throughout the state, the school began to churn out highly-trained teachers.
Eventually the school was renamed in 1935 to the State Teacher’s College at Frostburg, then to Frostburg State College in 1963, and finally to Frostburg State University in 1987. Today, Frostburg State University, located in Frostburg, Maryland, enrolls a student body of nearly 6,000 students. Frostburg State University is a public institution.
Tuition: $514:non-resident
77. Chatham University
The Pennsylvania Female College was established by Reverend William Trimble Beatty in 1869, laying the framework for what would eventually grow to become Chatham University. Holding its first classes in the Berry Mansion initially, soon the Pennsylvania Female College grew too large for its initial location. To not be outpaced with its explosive expansion, the Pennsylvania Female College began purchasing neighboring mansions and holding classes in them. By 1890, the school had rebrand as the Pennsylvania College for Women. Five decades late, the school was renamed to Chatham College in honor of William Pitt, the First Earl of Chatham.
Gaining university status in 2007, the school was renamed to Chatham University. Today, Chatham University enrolls approximately 2,300 students and is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Chatham University is a private institution.
Tuition: $515:non-resident
78. University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Opened as the Massachusetts Agricultural College, this institution would eventually grow to be known as the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Established in 1863, the Massachusetts Agricultural College received its initial funding federally through the Morill Land Act. Over the years the school grew and grew and in 1932 was renamed from the Massachusetts Agricultural College to the Massachusetts State College. Receiving a surge of applicants towards the end of World War II, Massachusetts State College underwent a period of great prosperity. The school added more programs to its curriculum and was renamed to the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1947.
During the 2000s, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst became the flagship school of the UMass system. Today, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is home to over 30,000 students and offers them two-hundred different programs of study to choose from. University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a public institution.
Tuition: $525:non-resident