Best accredited online colleges of 2023

The advent of online education has drastically opened possibilities for people from all walks of life to acquire new knowledge and skills. It is now easier than ever to make a switch to a different profession without having to neglect their regular duties.  

The worldwide online education market has seen a tremendous surge in the number of students, leading to the rapid emergence of more and more teaching programs. During recent years, e-classrooms have taken advantage of the most advanced IT systems for an enriched learning experience. AI, AR, Cloud, IoT and VR are some technological solutions implemented by virtual classrooms which make them even more engaging than before. 

The online education market in India is estimated at INR 91.41 billion and is projected to increase to a valuation of INR 325.48 billion by 2026 with a CAGR of 17.9% between 2021 and 2026. The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns have made educational institutions realize the importance of digital learning. The Indian Government has initiated National Digital Educational Architecture (NDEAR), National Initiative for School Heads and Teacher’s Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA), and ShaGun program to facilitate the implementation of online classes nationwide and generate better quality education. This article will explore the best accredited online colleges in 2023 as well as the top benefits of taking UGC-approved online degree courses in India. 

Degree programs offered online 

The history of online education dates back to the early 1990s when the Open University of Britain launched its first online learning program. With the widespread availability of high-speed internet today, online education has grown by leaps and bounds since then. These days, online degrees are available for a wide variety of niches. It is not uncommon for students to pursue programs such as MBA, MCA, BBA, BA, BCom, MCom, MSc, MA etc. 

In India, the UGC oversees and evaluates the quality of education offered by colleges and universities. It established the National Assessment and Accreditation Council in 1994. Since then, it has adopted a philosophy of continuous improvement to ensure that colleges and universities deliver the best courses. More than 50 universities in India are approved and accredited by the UGC to offer the best online courses. 

Find out the online programs from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and its benefits. 

Online degrees have several advantages 

An online degree has the following advantages: 

• A major advantage of online degree programs is the degree of academic autonomy that students receive. Students have access to multiple courses from anywhere in the world, and they can access course materials readily. It depends entirely on how much time they are willing to devote to the program.  

• Online degrees are perfect for those juggling multiple responsibilities, since there are no fixed time commitments, and students can choose their learning schedules and study at their own pace. Working professionals are also welcome to attend, and exams are proctored online semester-by-semester.  

• Online degrees can be completed from the comfort of one’s home, so there is no need to travel by bus, train, or car to the institute or university. As a result of the lack of commutes, learners are able to save energy, relax, and spend more time learning. They are able to interact with peers and learn from instructors across the globe without having to leave their homes.

What is the best way to choose an online college?

It is difficult to choose an online college because every learner has a unique set of requirements. A number of factors should be considered, but the most important ones are the institution’s placement record and accreditation. Here are some tips on how to find the right online university or college. 

1. Your subject should be determined  

Deciding which subject to pursue is of utmost importance, and it marks the beginning of your college or university selection. Many universities provide foundation courses for their students, yet there are various career paths and outcomes depending on the program. To ensure that you make the right choice, analyze the majors available thoroughly and examine the starting salary range upon graduation. Popular fields with high income potential include business, healthcare, technology and more. Before signing up for a class, peruse through its syllabus diligently and take into account student reviews online.  

2. Make a list of colleges that offer the course you’re interested in 

It is not guaranteed that all universities will offer the programs you’re looking for or have accreditation status. Find out which colleges allow you to earn your degree online and pick accordingly. 

When taking classes, it’s crucial to check the Learning Management System (LMS). If the website does not perform well and you can’t log your progress, that’s a deal-breaker. Talk to the individuals who have graduated if you are uncertain about the student experience. 

3. Assess the ranking and accreditation of the institutions and their programs 

Having an accredited degree indicates that a university meets the standards set by these accreditation bodies and is preferred by employers. Prospective employers view accredited degrees as reliable and reputable, so they are more likely to land good jobs after graduation. India’s Ministry of Education uses the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) to rank its higher education institutions. 

If the college offers good placement assistance, it is a good idea to look at its starting salary packages. Some undergraduate and postgraduate programs are offered with affiliation to other international universities, which is an important aspect to keep in mind. Meritorious students should also be eligible for financial aid and scholarships. 

4. How does a college become accredited?  

If an institute is accredited, it means it can perform inspections, certifications, and tests related to conformity assessment. Visiting an official website and checking database listings are the best ways to verify a college’s accreditation. You can check the UGC website for accreditation information, as well as NAAC, NBA, VCI, COA, and AMBA accreditation agencies 

• What is the importance of accreditation for a college?  

A college’s accreditation helps boost its credibility. It helps prospective students trust the university, and it tells employers that courses offered follow the highest standards. 

5. Are you comfortable with the way the program is delivered?

It’s essential to consider how frequently live lectures happen, if the program meets your quality standards, and the delivery modes before signing up for a course. Make sure to ask the university about quizzes and assessments tests as well as proctored online exams with live lectures. To have an enjoyable learning experience, it’s important that the student portal be able to function properly without downtime or lags. 

India’s best online degree colleges 

In the following list, you will find NAAC accredited and UGC approved online degree colleges in India. Many universities in the nation are offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees online due to the push for online education by the UGC, and UGC-entitled online degrees are widely recognized by employers worldwide. Students are also provided with career guidance and placement assistance at most of these universities. 

Colleges	Programs offered	Average salary (annual)	Additional features
Manipal University Jaipur, (NAAC A+ & UGC-entitled)	Online BCA, MCA, BBA, BCom, MCom, MBA, & MA JMC	INR 7.5 lacs to INR 22 lacs	Advanced Learning System, e-library, attractive scholarships, career guidance and support, and placement assistance
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (NAAC A++ & Institute of Eminence)	Online MSc in Data Science, M.Sc. in Business Analytics, & MBA for working professionals.	INR 10.8 lacs	State-of-the-art learning management system (LMS), an extensive e-library, access to alumni network, and free access to Coursera.
University of Mysore	Has online degree programs in Computer Applications, MBA (dual specialization), bachelor’s in business administration, Bachelor of Commerce, and Master of Commerce	INR 2.4 lacs and higher for fresh graduates	E-material is sent to students along with regular assessments. Degrees are AICTE accredited, affordable, and recognized by the Government of India
Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, NAAC with Grade A+ accreditation	Offers online degrees in BCom, BBA, BCA, and MSc Mathematics	INR 6 lacs and higher	International students, e-resources, affordable, and online programs are designed for working professionals
Lovely Professional University, Punjab	Undergraduate programs in BA, BCA, BCom and PG programs in MSc Mathematics, Master of Arts, Political Science, History, Sociology, and Economics	INR 5 lacs to INR 62 lacs	Cutting-edge curriculum and expert mentors, best LMS, personalized mentorship, and placement assistance
Chandigarh University Punjab, NAAC Grade A+ accredited	Offers online undergraduate programs on Journalism & Mass Communications, Business Administration, and Computer Applications. Postgraduate programs are available for Commerce, Liberal Arts, BA, and Journalism and Mass Communications.	INR 8 lacs to INR 36 lacs	The university is UGC and AICTE-recognized, using the latest learning technologies for their online bachelor’s and master’s Degree programs. It also provides spoken English classes, career assistance, and easy EMI financing options for students.
Amity University	Amity University offers online bachelor’s degree programs in Business Administration, Arts, and Computer Applications	INR 5 lacs to INR 21.5 lacs	The university is accredited by WES, QAA Global, WES, and is UGC-entitled.

You may also like to know more about online master’s degree programs.

What is the process for getting into an online college? 

A pandemic such as COVID-19 prompted many universities to offer degree programs online. In order to get admission to an online college, students must apply online and complete an application form. The college admissions process remains the same: students must apply online and complete an application form. This is a step-by-step guide to how undergraduate and postgraduate programs are accepted: 

• The application form is filled out by students on the portal 
• Documents such as 10+2 certificate, national ID, passport, and other relevant information must be provided 

• There is a non-refundable application fee and a first-semester payment due 
• An online interview may take place once the university approves the application and verifies the documents. Students are interviewed by an admissions counselor or university panel of professors. Some universities also conduct their own entrance exams. When students clear these rounds and are accepted, their enrollment in the online degree is confirmed by email and SMS. 

This is how to get admission to an online college: Admissions to online colleges haven’t changed, and students need to fill out an application form online. The following is a step-by-step guide to the admission process for undergraduate and graduate programs. 

Don’t forget these points as well:  

• You must meet the general eligibility requirements for admission, such as the class 12 and entrance exam scores. Every college has its own admissions requirements. 
• Check the official website of universities for more information on application deadlines. 
• Obtain the necessary documents, such as a national ID, a birth certificate, and proof of residency. 
• Check specific program eligibility requirements at the time of registration and pay the application fee. 

 Learn more about getting admission in online degrees at MAHE. 

Frequently asked questions regarding online degree colleges 

The emergence of technology has led to an increase in online college admissions. The importance of preparing in advance to apply in these educational institutions cannot be overstated. Knowing how to prepare for interviews, apply for scholarships, and sit for entrance exams is crucial. Each online college has its own admissions policy or criteria. The following questions are frequently asked: 

1. Are online degrees in India a good choice?  

Yes, online degrees in India are good if they are accredited courses. The employment rates for graduates with an online degree are similar to those who attend full-time programs, the only difference being the mode of learning. 

You may be interested in understanding how worthwhile pursuing online degrees. 

2. Is it wise to pursue an online master’s degree in India? 

Yes, you can pursue an online degree in India if you cannot make time commitments to attend full-time programs. Finish your degree at your own pace, do the coursework, and take online exams to acquire your certificate. 

3. Can I apply to foreign universities with an online degree certificate?  

Yes, UGC entitled degrees and national and global accreditations are all recognized by foreign universities. After completing your online degree in India, you can apply for enrollment in master’s programs or higher education in international colleges. 

4. Do online colleges provide placement? 

Most online colleges offer placement assistance, but it’s important to check with the institution, just in case. 

5. Is it tough to complete an online degree? 

The hardest part about pursuing an online degree is the level of commitment and self-discipline it takes. Learners should have good time management skills and not miss the deadlines for projects/ assignments and online exams. In terms of difficulty for coursework and projects, it’s the same as full-time offline degrees. 

Conclusion

If you’re considering pursuing an online degree program in India, look no further than Manipal University Jaipur and MAHE. We have compiled a list of the top accredited online universities for 2023 to make selecting your institution easier. Simply apply online and wait for a response from an education counselor. If you’ve got queries about the courses available, you can always contact the admissions team of the chosen university and obtain more information.