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2023 Most Popular Online Teaching Schools

602 Schools Ranked
$42,485 Average Earnings
$22,242 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for teaching students. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Teaching Degree Search has created its Most Popular Online Teaching Schools ranking. This report analyzed 602 schools in the United States to see which ones had the most popular online programs for teaching students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah
12,503 Total Awards
$62,838 Average Earnings
$26,218 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Western Governors University the most popular school in the United States for teaching students working on their degree. This large private not-for-profit school is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and it awarded 12,503 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,218 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from WGU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $62,838 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 84% were women.

Read More…

#2

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona
9,205 Total Awards
$48,396 Average Earnings
$31,746 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Grand Canyon University. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Teaching Schools list. Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, Arizona and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 9,205 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Grand Canyon University accumulate an average of $31,746 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $174, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Grand Canyon University graduates make an average of $48,396 annually. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Grand Canyon University

#3

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia
3,637 Total Awards
$40,489 Average Earnings
$30,497 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 602 schools in the United States that were part of this year’s ranking, Liberty University landed the # 3 spot on the list. Liberty University is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Lynchburg, Virginia. It awarded 3,637 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,497 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $420 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Liberty University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,489 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Read full report on Liberty University

#5

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
1,463 Total Awards
$61,758 Average Earnings
$36,349 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Capella University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular teaching schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the large private for-profit school awarded 1,463 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Capella University accumulate an average of $36,349 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Capella University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,758 during the early years of their career. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Capella University

1,879 Total Awards
$42,182 Average Earnings
$24,258 Avg Student Debt

Arkansas State University - Main Campus came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Teaching Schools ranking. Arkansas State University - Main Campus is a fairly large public school located in Jonesboro, Arkansas that handed out 1,879 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from A-State accumulate an average of $24,258 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $141 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from A-State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,182 during the early years of their career. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Arkansas State University - Main Campus

#8

Northcentral University

San Diego, California
785 Total Awards
$56,007 Average Earnings
$28,423 Avg Student Debt

Northcentral University landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in San Diego, California, and it awarded 785 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Northcentral University accumulate an average of $28,423 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Northcentral University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $56,007 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Full Northcentral University Report

1,725 Total Awards
$50,608 Average Earnings
$33,058 Avg Student Debt

University of Phoenix - Arizona came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Teaching Schools ranking. This large private for-profit school is located in Tempe, Arizona, and it awarded 1,725 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,058 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $146 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UOPX - Arizona, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,608 during the early years of their career. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Phoenix - Arizona Report

#10

American College of Education

Indianapolis, Indiana
3,997 Total Awards

With a ranking of #10, American College of Education did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. American College of Education is a medium-sized private for-profit school located in Indianapolis, Indiana that handed out 3,997 degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

Read full report on American College of Education

#11

Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana
2,554 Total Awards
$42,329 Average Earnings
$23,205 Avg Student Debt

Ball State University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Teaching Schools ranking. Ball State is located in Muncie, Indiana and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,554 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Ball State accumulate an average of $23,205 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $267. During the early years of their career, Ball State graduates make an average of $42,329 annually. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Ball State University

#12

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
914 Total Awards
$46,346 Average Earnings
$24,912 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Charlotte did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #12 on the list. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 914 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UNC Charlotte accumulate an average of $24,912 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $193 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UNC Charlotte graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,346 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

Full University of North Carolina at Charlotte Report

#13

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
733 Total Awards
$44,403 Average Earnings
$24,531 Avg Student Debt

East Carolina University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Teaching Schools ranking. ECU is a public institution located in Greenville, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 733 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,531 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $277 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from ECU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,403 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Read full report on East Carolina University

#14

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
715 Total Awards
$61,266 Average Earnings
$27,779 Avg Student Debt

Nova Southeastern University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular teaching programs. This large private not-for-profit school is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and it awarded 715 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $27,779 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $405 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from NUS Florida, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,266 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

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#15

Eastern Gateway Community College

Steubenville, Ohio
370 Total Awards
$40,112 Average Earnings
$18,095 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Gateway Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students. It came in at #15 on the list. Steubenville, Ohio is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 370 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Eastern Gateway Community College accumulate an average of $18,095 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Eastern Gateway Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,112 during the early years of their career. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Eastern Gateway Community College Report

#16

University of West Georgia

Carrollton, Georgia
887 Total Awards
$42,087 Average Earnings
$27,451 Avg Student Debt

University of West Georgia came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Teaching Schools ranking. Carrollton, Georgia is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 887 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from University of West Georgia accumulate an average of $27,451 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $184 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, University of West Georgia graduates make an average of $42,087 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Full University of West Georgia Report

#17

South Texas College

McAllen, Texas
352 Total Awards
$29,327 Average Earnings
$8,601 Avg Student Debt

South Texas College ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Online Teaching Schools list. South Texas College is a large public school located in McAllen, Texas that handed out 352 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $8,601 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from South Texas College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,327 during the early years of their career. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Full South Texas College Report

765 Total Awards
$47,774 Average Earnings
$23,098 Avg Student Debt

Florida International University ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Online Teaching Schools list. Located in Miami, Florida, the large public school handed out 765 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from FIU accumulate an average of $23,098 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $93 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from FIU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,774 during the early years of their career. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#19

Valdosta State University

Valdosta, Georgia
717 Total Awards
$38,901 Average Earnings
$29,121 Avg Student Debt

Valdosta State University ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Online Teaching Schools list. VSU is a fairly large public school situated in Valdosta, Georgia. It awarded 717 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $29,121 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $212 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, VSU graduates make an average of $38,901 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

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#20

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas
849 Total Awards
$45,255 Average Earnings
$23,965 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Kansas State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. K -State is located in Manhattan, Kansas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 849 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $23,965 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $273. During the early years of their career, K -State graduates make an average of $45,255 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Full Kansas State University Report

864 Total Awards
$40,036 Average Earnings
$24,940 Avg Student Debt

Bowling Green State University - Main Campus came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Teaching Schools ranking. Located in Bowling Green, Ohio, the fairly large public school handed out 864 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from BGSU accumulate an average of $24,940 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $323, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, BGSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,036 during the early year of their career. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Bowling Green State University - Main Campus

#22

University of West Alabama

Livingston, Alabama
1,334 Total Awards
$48,388 Average Earnings
$27,626 Avg Student Debt

University of West Alabama ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Online Teaching Schools list. University of West Alabama is a public institution located in Livingston, Alabama. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,334 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from University of West Alabama accumulate an average of $27,626 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, University of West Alabama graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,388 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

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#23

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia
691 Total Awards
$46,278 Average Earnings
$26,724 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Old Dominion University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working. Located in Norfolk, Virginia, the large public school awarded 691 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,724 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $199, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Old Dominion graduates make an average of $46,278 annually. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Old Dominion University Report

865 Total Awards
$41,940 Average Earnings
$30,604 Avg Student Debt

Rasmussen University - Florida came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Teaching Schools ranking. This medium-sized private for-profit school is located in Ocala, Florida, and it awarded 865 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Rasmussen University - Florida accumulate an average of $30,604 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $127, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Rasmussen University - Florida graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,940 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 97% were women.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Florida

#25

Valley City State University

Valley City, North Dakota
282 Total Awards
$39,881 Average Earnings
$22,578 Avg Student Debt

Valley City State University ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Online Teaching Schools list. Valley City, North Dakota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 282 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,578 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Valley City State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,881 during the early years of their career. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

Not only did these schools make the top most popular online list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#27

National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois
#28

University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky
#29

Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas
#30

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
#31

Alliant International University

San Diego, California
#31

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, Texas
#33

National University

La Jolla, California
#35

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee
#36

Arizona State University - Skysong

Scottsdale, Arizona
#37

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, Georgia
#39

Purdue University Global

Indianapolis, Indiana
#40

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia
#40

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
#42

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Green Bay, Wisconsin
#42

Stanly Community College

Albemarle, North Carolina
#44

Bryant & Stratton College - Online

Orchard Park, New York
#45

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina
#46

University of New England

Biddeford, Maine
#47

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
#48

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
#50

Georgia Military College

Milledgeville, Georgia
#51

Viterbo University

La Crosse, Wisconsin

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 Viterbo University La Crosse, WI
52 George Washington University Washington, DC
52 Belhaven University Jackson, MS
54 Creighton University Omaha, NE
54 Concordia University, Chicago River Forest, IL
54 Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network Boston, MA
57 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston, MS
58 SUNY Empire State College Saratoga Springs, NY
59 University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WA
60 University of Missouri - St Louis Saint Louis, MO
61 The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MN
61 Regis University Denver, CO
63 George Mason University Fairfax, VA
64 California University of Pennsylvania California, PA
65 Butler University Indianapolis, IN
66 Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Hudson, NC
67 Haywood Community College Clyde, NC
68 Clemson University Clemson, SC
69 Oregon State University Corvallis, OR
69 University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KY
71 Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, MN
72 Durham Technical Community College Durham, NC
73 Concordia University, Saint Paul Saint Paul, MN
74 Saint Leo University Saint Leo, FL
75 Granite State College Concord, NH
76 Wilmington University New Castle, DE
76 University of Kansas Lawrence, KS
76 Carson - Newman University Jefferson City, TN
79 Point Park University Pittsburgh, PA
80 Copiah-Lincoln Community College Wesson, MS
81 Midland University Fremont, NE
82 Hostos Community College Bronx, NY
83 Pikes Peak Community College Colorado Springs, CO
83 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA
85 Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CT
86 Hamline University Saint Paul, MN
87 Leeward Community College Pearl City, HI
88 Boise State University Boise, ID
88 University of Memphis Memphis, TN
90 Brenau University Gainesville, GA
90 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL
90 University of South Florida - Main Campus Tampa, FL
90 Delaware County Community College Media, PA

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular online teaching schools ranking:

Rank School Location
94 Brandman University Irvine, CA
94 Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, IL
94 Pima Community College Tucson, AZ
97 Holmes Community College Goodman, MS
97 Tyler Junior College Tyler, TX
99 Klamath Community College Klamath Falls, OR
99 William Woods University Fulton, MO
101 Rochester University Rochester Hills, MI
102 New Mexico State University - Main Campus Las Cruces, NM
103 Western Iowa Tech Community College Sioux City, IA
103 The University of West Florida Pensacola, FL
105 Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus Portales, NM
105 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC
105 Montgomery County Community College Blue Bell, PA
108 Bemidji State University Bemidji, MN
109 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
109 University of Maine Orono, ME
109 Chemeketa Community College Salem, OR
112 Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, LA
112 University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, LA
112 Northeast Community College Norfolk, NE
112 Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY
112 Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, GA
117 University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR
117 Harvard University Cambridge, MA
117 Chadron State College Chadron, NE
117 Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City Kansas City, MO
121 Pitt Community College Winterville, NC
121 North Iowa Area Community College Mason City, IA
121 Bucks County Community College Newtown, PA
121 International Institute for Restorative Practices Bethlehem, PA

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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