About Us

COE and Online Education

OnlineColleges.net was started in 2009 as a response to the global surge in online education. As the demand for our resources grew, we began creating more original content and funding proprietary research. In early 2016 we relaunched as the Center for Online Education to better reflect the breadth of knowledge and information on our site.

Once dominated by for-profit institutions, online education is growing at public and private nonprofit schools. New opportunities for advanced skill development, professional certification and work-based learning will also integrate online access throughout the span of your career. Students have more options than ever before when it comes to getting an education from an accredited online college.

Our team of internal experts and collaborative partners is dedicated to bringing you the most up-to-date, accurate information about the online learning experience. Our online college rankings, student guides, and in-depth analyses of current online education trends fill a gap in the resources available to help students, instructors, and parents. These include resources and tips on topics ranging from financial aid and accreditation, to study skills and career planning.

Exploring Trends and Issues

As acceptance of online learning grows and technology provides more effective ways to learn, we can expect the online education landscape to transform. These changes can be fast-paced, so being aware of emerging trends is the first step in preparing for the future.

Here are a few of the areas we predict will continue to grow and improve in the coming years:

  • Blended Learning

    Online programs are integrating on-campus and off-campus events to enhance the learning experience and better support online students. These “face-to-face” interactions can include use of the latest synchronous, real-time video communication tools.

  • Personalized Learning

    Students are finding choices, both in terms of the number of online programs available, and in how they can navigate these programs and their courses. Expect to find more flexibility and real options related to assignments and course content, as well as class materials that adapt to your individual learning needs.

  • Mobile Learning

    As we increasingly reach for our smartphones to communicate and conduct the business of our daily lives, access to courses is possible, too. Learning management systems and other apps are more effective than ever at allowing us to teach and learn on the move.

  • Virtual Reality

    Immersive, 3D technologies are still being developed for educational use. But the latest options, such as Google Cardboard, are more affordable and allow for a new digital learning experience. Watch for integration of these tools to explore real-world simulations and problem-solving in your field of study.

Join us as we continue the pursuit and development of the best resources for online students. We’ll provide ongoing updates about the latest innovations and help you prepare for online learning.

Supporting Prospective Students

We understand that finding that right college or online program can be intimidating. That’s why we provide resources designed for students who are interested in studying either online or on campus. Our guides cover everything you need to know about higher education before you enroll. Check out the sampling of prospective students resources below, and be sure to visit our full library.

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Assisting Current Students

Most colleges provide a wealth of support for their students; however, they can fall short when it comes to letting students know about the help that is available to them. Our current student resources provide guidance on making the most of available services, getting through the ups and downs of school, and what to do after graduation. Below are a few of our most popular resources. Visit our library to view them all.

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Our Contributors

Vivian Eisenstadt M.A.P.T.
Physical Therapy Vivian Eisenstadt M.A.P.T. Physical Therapist and Owner of Vivie Therapy
Lisa Lawmaster Hess
School Counseling Lisa Lawmaster Hess Adjunct professor of psychology at York College of Pennsylvania
Amber Pearson
Construction Management Amber Pearson Program Manager
Shaolaine Loving
Law Shaolaine Loving Attorney at Loving Law Ltd.
Michael Schneider
Civil Engineering Michael Schneider Civil Engineer
John Whitcraft
Electrical Engineering John Whitcraft Electrical Engineer
Nilda M. Laboy, PsyD
Forensic Psychology Nilda M. Laboy, PsyD Clinical and Forensic Psychologist
Janet Ramin
Interior Design Janet Ramin Interior Designer
Stephen Pfleiderer, MA, CADC, CAI
Substance Abuse Counseling Stephen Pfleiderer, MA, CADC, CAI Substance Abuse Counselor, San Francisco Intervention
Jeff Tindall
Computer Programming Jeff Tindall Managing Director of Tindall Media, LLC.
Frank Guenzerodt
Supply Chain Management Frank Guenzerodt President & CEO USA, DACHSER USA Air & Sea Logistics Inc.
Joshua Welsh
English Joshua Welsh Assistant Professor, Central Washington University
W. Randolph Ford, Ph.D.
Data Science W. Randolph Ford, Ph.D. Data Scientist
Manuel Romero
Communications Manuel Romero Executive Director of Public Affairs; Borough of Manhattan Community College
Elaine Bayless
Theology Elaine Bayless Empowerment Coach
Juan Pablo Madrid
Web Development Juan Pablo Madrid Design Director
Brandon Schroth
Sports Management Brandon Schroth Digital Analyst
Gerald J. Leonard
Project Management Gerald J. Leonard Consultant
Jason L. Hotch
Business Management Jason L. Hotch Business Management Graduate, Colorado State University-Global Campus
Anthony Buffone
Forensic Science Anthony Buffone Science and Biology Teacher, Homer-Center School District
Ali Roscoe
Medical Assistant Ali Roscoe Utilization Manager, Drake Counseling Services
Jennifer Bouley
Human Resources Jennifer Bouley HR Professional, Bouley-Mak Consulting and Coaching
Laura Stinson
Graphic Design Laura Stinson Web and Graphic Designer, Designed by Laura
Chris Hood
Computer Science Chris Hood Online Computer Science Instructor, Southern New Hampshire University
Tanya Higgins
Engineering Tanya Higgins Global Manager of Quality and Production, John Deere
Brittani Powell
Teaching Brittani Powell Counselor, San Diego Virtual School
Jennifer Dunphy
Public Health Jennifer Dunphy Director of Population Health, Regal Medical Group. Online MPH Graduate
Shawna Kunselman
Nutrition Shawna Kunselman Clinical Nutritionist, Wellness Speaks
Tasha Holland-Kornegay
Counseling Tasha Holland-Kornegay Licensed Professional Counselor, Our Treatment Center
Mary Lou Chernik
Criminal Justice Mary Lou Chernik Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Maryland University College
Jonathan Steele
Nursing Jonathan Steele Executive Director, WaterCures.org
Duane France
Psychology Duane France Clinical Mental Health Therapist, Family Care Center

Our Financial Partners

Schools marked as “sponsored” or “featured” throughout this site are those that we may receive compensation from. Program details accompanying commercial entries are provided by the schools themselves and are not verified or guaranteed by our editorial team.

We do not privilege partnered schools in our editorial rankings or lists. Programs are only included if they meet the rigorous criteria of our methodology. We do not receive any kind of financial gain by including them in our rankings.

Contact Us

We’re here for students, instructors, and parents. If you can’t find the information you need, have comments or feedback, or just want to say hi, please reach out to us!

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 202-367-9383
  • Address: PO Box 524314 | Houston, TX 77052