List of Online Colleges by State

Alabama

There are 34 bachelor degree-granting colleges in Alabama, 14 of which are public schools. Many Alabama colleges are located in rural areas. The most popular majors include education at rural schools and science and technology subjects in urban settings.

Alabama's population is currently a little over five million, and it's growing by 1.7% every three years, especially in suburbs and college towns where schools recruit out-of-state enrollees. About 34.3% of people in Alabama who are 25 years old or older have earned a bachelor's degree or higher. This means that out of every 100 adults in Alabama, roughly 34 have completed college or university with at least a bachelor's degree. The state's colleges feed into its largest industries, which include aerospace, agriculture, and automotive manufacturing. Read our 2024 list of the best online colleges in Alabama for more information on distance learning in the state.

Alaska

Four of the seven bachelor's-level colleges in Alaska are public institutions, divided between rural and urban locations. Popular majors in this state include health professions, business, and engineering. Alaska's college borrowers carry an average of about $26,356 in student loan debt, which is among the lowest amounts in the nation.

Alaska's economy relies heavily on oil extraction, tourism, and fishing. However, the main industry is the retail trade. We've ranked the best online colleges in Alaska if you're interested in earning an online degree in the state.

Arizona

Arizona is home to 28 colleges that grant bachelor's degrees, including five public institutions and five 100% online schools. The bulk of Arizona's college population is urban, though some smaller institutions are in smaller towns. Popular majors at the state's largest institutions include business- and health-related disciplines such as finance and healthcare administration. Arizona college graduates hold an average of $24,298 in student loan debt, according to the most recent available data.

Arizona's notable industries include agriculture, natural resource extraction, and renewable energy, with information technology making advances in urban areas. The state's population grows around 3.8% every three years, and people continue to move to Arizona thanks to job opportunities in its urban counties. Check out our 2024 list of the best online colleges in Arizona to learn more.

Arkansas

Arkansas is home to 27 colleges that confer bachelor's degrees, including 12 public schools and one fully online school. About 24.7% of people in Arkansas who are 25 years old or older have earned a bachelor's degree or higher. So, out of every 100 adults, approximately 25 have completed college or university with at least a bachelor's degree.

This is about 10% less than the national average. Agriculture, health professions, and social science are the most popular majors at the state's largest colleges. These majors are in line with key industries in Arkansas, such as agriculture, production, transportation, and healthcare.

The average Arkansas college graduate has about $27,000 in student debt, with a higher percentage of private college students holding at least some debt. Read on to find our list of the best online colleges in Arkansas.

California

As the most populous state, with almost 39 million residents, California hosts 212 four-year colleges in total. The state's two public university systems account for most of its 47 public colleges, including many in both large cities and rural areas. Additionally, there are eight universities that are distance learning only. Students study a wide range of majors statewide, with some of the most popular being business and various social sciences. On average, California college students accrue $21,125 in loan debt.

California's population decreased by -1.4% in the past few years, which may be due to fewer transplants from other states. The state generates huge revenue from its finance, insurance, and real estate industries, along with trade and business services. If attending an online school in this state sounds appealing, you can review our list of the best online colleges in California.

Colorado

Thirty-six bachelor's-level colleges call Colorado home, including the state's 23 public institutions. Many of these are in small towns or rural areas. There's also three fully online colleges in Colorado. About 43.7% of people in the state aged 25 and older have a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the U.S. average of 34.3%. Common Colorado majors include business, social science, health professions, and engineering. The average Colorado college graduate holds more than $26,000 in student loan debt.

Over the past couple of years, Colorado has experienced a 1.8% population increase, which is slightly above average. Many new residents are drawn by opportunities in large industries such as healthcare and social assistance, professional and technical consulting, aerospace, and biosciences. You can review our 2024 list of the best online colleges in Colorado for details on distance learning in this state.

Connecticut

Connecticut is home to 24 institutions that grant bachelor's degrees, including seven public colleges and one fully online college. Most colleges are in small to midsize cities or towns. Business and social science majors are popular throughout the state, but the largest college — the University of Connecticut — graduates more engineering majors than any other category. Average education loan debt is high in Connecticut at $35,853 per student.

Although it didn't lose population, Connecticut's 0.3% growth rate is among the slowest states that grew in population. Indeed, in recent years more people have migrated out of Connecticut than have moved in. The state's services economy is much larger than its goods-producing economy, especially in healthcare, finance and insurance, and education. Read our list of the best online colleges in Connecticut to learn your distance education options.

Delaware

There are six bachelor's-granting schools in Delaware, with half of them public and two in the state's capital of Dover. Business and health professions majors are especially popular in this state. Delaware's average student loan debt is among the highest in the country at $39,705. In terms of its population, around 34.5% of adults have at least a bachelor's degree, which is about the national average.

Delaware's population grew by 4.2% during the past three years, just surpassing 1 million people. Still, the largest share of residents consists of older adults. Delaware is known for its finance and insurance companies, thanks to its lenient tax laws. Check out our list of Delaware's best online colleges to start researching degree programs.

Florida

Florida hosts 129 four-year colleges, 41 of which are public schools and two are online-only schools. This makes sense for a population of 22.6 million. Approximately 32.3% of Floridians have attained at least a bachelor's degree, which is only slightly less than the national average. Students at the largest colleges most often study business or health professions majors, though more Florida students study oceanography than in most other states. The average Florida college student graduates with $24,454 in loan debt.

And even though Florida is already one of the most populous states in the country, it continues to grow about five times faster than the national average. The population boom has helped make real estate into one of Florida's fastest-growing industries, alongside professional and technical services and healthcare. You can review your distance education degree options on our 2024 list of the best online colleges in Florida.

Georgia

Sixty-five bachelor's-granting colleges call Georgia home, including 27 public options and one fully online school. These schools are split between larger cities and small college towns. Business-related majors are popular in the state, though engineering is the top choice at the largest school, the Georgia Institute of Technology. College graduates in this state carry an average of $27,759 in student loan debt.

With a population of around 11 million, Georgia is growing fast. It has a 2.9% growth rate, as more people migrate to the state than leave. Healthcare, manufacturing, and education employers hire many of these residents. In Georgia, about 33.6% of adults have at least a bachelor's degree. Read our list of the best online colleges in Georgia to start researching your online education.

Hawaii

Hawaii has nine bachelor's-granting colleges spread across three islands, including four public schools. Four institutions are in Honolulu and the rest are in smaller towns. More students enroll in business, social science, and health professions programs than any others, with a relatively high number studying oceanography. Hawaii's graduates accrue an average of $24,926 in student loan debt.

Hawaii's population in recent years has seen declines at a rate of -1.4%, as residents migrate to other states. Education and trade are the largest Hawaiian industries, but tourism hospitality is a close third. Of the 1.4 million population, 34.7% have obtained at least a bachelor's degree. Read our list of the best online colleges in Hawaii for more information on its distance learning opportunities.

Idaho

With a 1.9 million population, Idaho is home to 12 four-year colleges, five of which are public and most of which are in rural areas. And in Idaho, 30.2% of adults have earned a bachelor's or higher, which is only slightly below the national average. The state has a wide diversity of popular majors, including business, health professions, communications and journalism, and — living up to its name as the Gem State — mining and mineral engineering. College graduates in Idaho take out an average of $24,983 in student loans.

Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states, with a 6.8% increase in population. This is mainly due to rapid migration to the state, perhaps drawn by its high-growth healthcare and professional services industries. Our 2024 rankings list of Idaho's best online colleges can help you start researching online degree programs in this state.

Illinois

Illinois has 77 higher learning institutions that offer bachelor's degree programs, including 12 public colleges. Many are spread throughout rural parts of the state, but 33 are located in Chicago. Approximately 36.7% of adults in Illinois have obtained at least a bachelor's degree, if not higher. The state's most popular majors include business, health professions, and engineering. Illinois graduates hold an average of $28,552 in student debt.

Illinois is one of the states with a population that has declined in recent years by a rate of -2.1%. This may be due to the high taxes. The state currently has a population of 12.5 million. Healthcare, trade and transportation, and business and professional services are the current top industries. Read our list of the best online colleges in Illinois if you're considering distance learning in this state.

Indiana

Indiana is home to 55 bachelor's-level colleges, most of them rural and 15 of them public institutions. Indiana also has two schools that are fully online. Business, engineering, and health professions are common majors in Indiana. Overall, the percentage of students graduating with their bachelor's is slightly less (6%) than the national average, and these graduates take on an average of $28,521 in student loan debt.

Indiana grew by 1.1% in recent years, but that growth rate may be slowing as the birth rate lowers and people move elsewhere. Currently, Indiana has a population of around 6.8 million. Education, healthcare, and manufacturing are among the state's largest industries. The list of the best online colleges in Indiana might help you find an online degree program in this state.

Iowa

Iowa hosts 35 bachelor's-granting colleges, with three of them public schools (a relatively small proportion). Most of the state's schools are in rural areas. Some of Iowa's most common majors include business, engineering, and agriculture. In this state, college graduates carry an average student debt of $29,560, and only 30.3% of the total population hold bachelor's degrees, which is slightly below the national average.

Iowa grew 0.5% in the past several years, which means fairly slow migration into the state compared to outflows. The population is currently at 3.2 million. Education and healthcare are two of Iowa's largest industries. If online learning intrigues you, read through our 2024 list of the best online colleges in Iowa.

Kansas

Kansas hosts 32 four-year colleges, which are mostly located in rural areas. Eight of these are public colleges. Common fields of study include the health professions, business, and agriculture. Of the 2.9 million population, around 34.7% graduate with at least their bachelor's degree. This matches the national average. Kansas college students incur $26,202 in loan debt on average.

Kansas grew in the 2010-2020 decade, but very slowly at .1%. Overall, the state's urban areas grew while rural areas declined in that period, leading to projected increases in healthcare, manufacturing, and education jobs. Read our rankings of the best online colleges in Kansas to learn about the programs on offer.

Kentucky

Kentucky contains 34 colleges that confer bachelor's degrees, including eight public institutions. Most of the state's colleges are located in small towns, and the largest schools see more business and health professions majors than any others. Kentucky graduates hold an average of $28,356 in education loan debt. It's also notable that only 26.5% of adults in Kentucky have obtained a bachelor's degree, which is 7.8% below the U.S. average.

In the past three years, the state's population grew by just 0.4%, and it currently holds at 4.5 million. High-employment industries in Kentucky include transportation, production and manufacturing, and healthcare. You can review our list of the best online colleges in Kentucky for more information about virtual degree programs.

Louisiana

Louisiana features 31 colleges with bachelor's degree programs, which includes 16 public schools and two 100% online schools. Of the 4.5 million residents of the state, around 26.1% hold a degree at the bachelor's level. Louisiana colleges confer many degrees in business and health professions, and the state has a relatively large concentration of petroleum engineering majors. Students here take on an average of $26,284 in education loans.

Louisiana's population growth is actually declining at a rate of -1.8%, which may be in part to the hurricanes that occur in most parts of the state. Some of Louisiana's top industries are healthcare, social services, education, and government. If you're curious about distance learning in Louisiana, be sure to read our list of the best online colleges in the state.

Maine

There are 19 bachelor's-granting schools in Maine, mostly in small cities or towns. Seven of Maine's colleges are public. Health professions, business, and social sciences are some of the most popular majors in Maine. The state's college alumni carry $32,764 in student loan debt on average.

Maine has been consistently growing around 2.4% over the past decade due to migration from other states and abroad. The state currently stands with a population of 1.3 million. Education and government are two of the largest knowledge-work industries, followed by professional and business services. For more details, check out the list we've compiled of Maine's best online colleges.

Maryland

Maryland boasts 33 colleges that offer bachelor's programs, with 14 of them public. The most popular majors in the state include computer and information sciences; students in these subjects are more heavily concentrated in Maryland schools than in most other U.S. states. Maryland graduates have an average of $30,461 in loan debt.

With a population of around 6.1 million, Maryland sees high employment in its trade and transportation, education, and professional and business services industries, but the biggest sector is government jobs. Out of every 100 adults in Maryland, approximately 42 have completed at least a bachelor's. This indicates a more educated adult population compared to the national average, which can positively impact Maryland's workforce, economic growth, and overall quality of life. You can review your online learning options using our 2024 list of the best online colleges in Maryland.

Massachusetts

There are 78 bachelor's-granting colleges in Massachusetts, of which 14 are public. Twenty-six of the state's colleges are in Boston, with several more in the greater metro area. The state has a wide diversity of popular majors, but business is a common thread throughout its largest schools. College alumni in Massachusetts hold $33,457 in loan debt on average.

The population of Massachusetts is actually at a slight decline (-.4%), but of the current adult residents, 45.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the U.S. average. This highlights Massachusetts as having a notably educated population, which can contribute to a stronger workforce, enhanced economic development, and a higher standard of living. The largest industries are education and professional, scientific, and technical services, which include many varieties of business consulting. Read our list of the best online colleges in Massachusetts if you're curious about what's available in this state.

Michigan

Michigan hosts 53 colleges that offer bachelor's degrees — including 21 public schools — mostly in small cities or towns. Business and the health professions are popular fields of study, and engineering is the most common major at the University of Michigan (the largest institution). Michigan has a lower percentage of college-educated adults (31.1%) compared to the national average (34.3%), and those who graduate from a Michigan college have $29,863 in student loans.

Michigan's population of around 10 million is at a slight decline of -0.4% in recent years. Transportation and trade is Michigan's largest industry by employment, thanks to Detroit's association with the automobile industry, but education and professional and business services are also important. Review our rankings list of the best online colleges in Michigan to start planning your education.

Minnesota

There are 44 bachelor's-granting colleges in Minnesota, 13 of them public and two are remote learning only. Many Minnesota students enroll in business and social science bachelor's programs. Alumni of Minnesota colleges carry an average of $32,012 in student debt. And overall, 38.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, surpassing the national average. This higher education level can boost the state's economic and social development.

At 0.5%, Minnesota's growth rate closely matches the total U.S. rate. But that growth is slowing as more people seem to be leaving the state than moving to it. The population is currently at 5.7 million. Manufacturing is a key part of Minnesota's economy, with a number of major companies located in the state. Check out the list of the best online colleges in Minnesota if you want to study here.

Mississippi

Eighteen colleges with bachelor's programs call Mississippi home. Most of these are in small towns and rural areas, and eight of them are public schools. Business is the most popular major, though engineering, education, and the health professions make a strong showing. In Mississippi, only 23.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, falling below the national average. This lower education level may impact the state's economic growth and opportunities. The average amount of loan debt is $29,714 among Mississippi college graduates.

Mississippi is one of the states with a declining population at -.7%, and it's been that way over the course of the last decade. However, it's possible that the bureau undercounted some people and growth has stayed flat or gained slightly. The population hovers around 2.9 million. As a mostly rural state, agriculture is Mississippi's biggest industry. Review our list of the best online colleges in Mississippi.

Missouri

Missouri has 63 schools that confer bachelor's degrees, including 14 public colleges and three online-only colleges. Most are located in rural parts of the state. Business and social sciences are two of the most popular Missouri major categories. Graduates of this state's colleges accrue an average of $28,713 in student loan debt. Of the adults in the state, 31.2% have a bachelor's degree at minimum, which is slightly below the national average. This indicates potential challenges in achieving higher economic growth and competitiveness.

The population of Missouri, around 6.1 million, expanded by just 0.7% in the past few years. This was driven most recently by international migration. As with many states, Missouri's largest employers tend to be in the healthcare, education, and retail trade industries. Read through our rankings of Missouri's best online colleges to learn more about degree choices.

Montana

Fourteen bachelor's-level colleges call Montana home, including nine public schools. Most institutions are in small cities or rural towns. Business is a common major, along with natural resources disciplines — for example, Montana has the highest concentration of graduates with soil science degrees. The state's alumni hold an average student debt burden of $27,114.

In Montana, 34% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher, almost perfectly aligning with the national average. This suggests that Montana offers a solid foundation for economic and social development. Montana's 4.5% population growth recently has far outpaced the rate for the U.S. as a whole. Most of this increase is due to record levels of migration from other states. Agriculture is big business in Montana, though the trade and transportation and government sectors also employ significant numbers of residents.

Nebraska

Nebraska's 22 four-year colleges include seven public schools among their number. Business is the top major in this state, though liberal arts and engineering subjects attract a fair number of students. In Nebraska, 33.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher, only a percentage point below the national average. This suggests that Nebraska's education level is the national standard, which can support steady economic and social progress. Nebraska's average amount of student debt is $26,781.

Nebraska grows at around the same 0.8% rate as the U.S. in total. However, the state has experienced some migration losses, so its growth may slow. The population stands at 1.9 million. Agriculture, transportation and trade, and government are some of the top-employing Nebraska industries. Read our list of the best online colleges in Nebraska if you're curious about what's available.

Nevada

There are 14 colleges on Nevada soil that offer bachelor's degrees. Seven of these are public, and nine are located in one of three midsize cities. The health professions and business are popular study disciplines in the state. Nevada alums have an average of $21,357 in student debt. Of all state residents, around 26.5% have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher, well below the national average. This lower education level may present challenges for the state's economic growth and development.

At a population of 3.1 million, Nevada experienced 2.9% growth over the past three years, about three times the national rate. This was mostly due to new residents moving from other states. Nevada's tourism and gaming industry is well known around the world, but its natural resources and renewable energy sectors are also growing. We've ranked the best online colleges in Nevada.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is home to 14 four-year colleges, with most of them rural and five of them public. It also hosts one fully online university. Some of the state's common majors include business, biology, and education. At $39,928, New Hampshire graduates have one of the highest average student debt rates in the country.

In New Hampshire, 39% of adults have a bachelor's degree at minimum, surpassing the national average. This higher education level can positively influence the state's economic and social development. New Hampshire has grown 1.8% and is currently at a population of 1.4 million. Since then, the state has seen high levels of migration increase its population even more. New Hampshire's growth industries include technology and manufacturing, while healthcare and government employers remain at the top.

New Jersey

As a population-dense state, with 9.2 million residents, New Jersey packs 58 colleges into a fairly small area. These include 13 public options. Business and psychology are the clear favorites among fields of study in this state. Graduates of New Jersey colleges carry an average student loan burden of $35,117, which is significantly higher than most states. We also want to note that 42.3% of residents here have at least a bachelor's degree, which is significantly above the national average. This higher education level contributes to the state's economic and social development.

New Jersey is consistently growing more racially and ethnically diverse thanks in part to steady immigration. Hospitality, healthcare, and education are the industries that employ the most New Jersey residents. If you're considering an online degree in the Garden State, read through our 2024 list of the best online colleges in New Jersey.

New Mexico

New Mexico contains 12 schools with bachelor's degree programs, nearly all of them public. Students at these institutions most often study the health professions and business. On average, New Mexico graduates have $20,868 in student loan debt, which is lower than most states. In New Mexico, 29.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. This lower education level may impact the state's economic growth and opportunities.

New Mexico's population has declined by a rate of -0.1% in the past few years and currently holds at 2.1 million. This could be due to slowing birth rates leading to more sluggish growth. Some of the state's top industries include healthcare and professional and technical services, with defense and aerospace a growing concern for the government. To learn about distance education in this state, be sure to read our list of the best online colleges in New Mexico.

New York

New York features 203 bachelor's-granting institutions, more than half of which are in the New York City metro area and 43 of which are public. The state also hosts two online-only institutions. With so many schools, the state has a wide array of popular majors, but students at the largest colleges tend to favor the social sciences and health professions. In New York, 38.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more advanced degree, surpassing the national average. This higher education level supports the state's economic and cultural vibrancy.

Interestingly, this state's population has declined by a rate of -3.1% in the past three years, even continuing after the mass exodus during the COVID pandemic. New York is one of the finance capitals of the world, with a population of 19.5 million, and top industries include healthcare and government. Check out our 2024 rankings of the best online colleges in New York to find distance learning opportunities.

North Carolina

North Carolina contains 68 bachelor's-level colleges in mostly small-town settings, including 17 public schools and one online college. Business and health professions are common fields of study at the state's largest colleges. Graduates of North Carolina colleges hold an average of $29,681 in educational loan debt.

In North Carolina, 33.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree. This close alignment with the national average supports steady economic and social development in the state. North Carolina's population is around 10.8 million, and it's expanding at a rate of 3.8%. Migration has led to net increases. Some people may be drawn to the state's education, transport and logistics, and food processing industries. You can review our rankings list of the best online colleges in North Carolina if you're interested.

North Dakota

Of the 15 four-year colleges in North Dakota, nine are public institutions. Common fields of study include engineering, business, and the health professions. North Dakota also has the nation's highest concentration of agricultural economics students. The average alumnus of a North Dakota college holds $31,939 in student debt.

Over the past decade as a whole, North Dakota has been one of the fastest-growing states. In recent years, however, the rate has dropped substantially to a steady 0.6%, which is below the U.S. average. Some people have been drawn to the state by its oil and gas extraction industry. The trade and transportation and healthcare sectors also employ high numbers of residents. Be sure to read our list of the best online colleges in North Dakota as you research degree programs.

Ohio

Ohio features 111 bachelor's-granting schools, including 41 public colleges. Business, health professions, and engineering are among the most popular majors in the state. Ohio's graduates carry an average of $30,605 in education loan debt after graduating.

With a population of 11.7 million that is slowly declining at a rate of -0.1%, only 30.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, which is below the national average. Despite this, the state's key industries — trade and transportation, healthcare, education, and government — continue to thrive. Check out our rankings of the best online colleges in Ohio to find distance learning programs in this state.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma's 29 bachelor's-level colleges include 16 public options, mainly in rural areas. The most popular majors are in the business and health professions fields. In Oklahoma, 27.3% of adults have earned a bachelor's degree, which is below the U.S. average of 34.3%. This lower percentage may impact the state's economic progress and development. Those who have graduated from an Oklahoma college have an average student debt of $27,876.

The population of Oklahoma (around 4 million residents) has expanded by 2.4% over the past three years, and positive migration has continued to increase the state's numbers. Education is the top-employing field in Oklahoma, followed by trade and transportation and healthcare. Review our list of the best online colleges in Oklahoma to find potential schools.

Oregon

Oregon has 28 colleges with bachelor's degree programs, eight of which are public schools and one is a 100% online college. Just under half are in the largest city, Portland, while the rest are in smaller cities or rural towns. Oregon students often choose social science and business majors, though Oregon State also graduates a large number of engineering students. The state's graduates have $26,504 in education debt on average. And around 35.5% of adult residents have a bachelor's degree, slightly surpassing the national average and contributing positively to the state's economic and social progress.

Oregon's population of around 4.2 million has declined in the past few years by -0.1%. This slight dip in population is a recent reverse migration pattern, compared to the massive growth of 10.6% during the last decade. Trade and transportation, education, government, and business and professional services together employ the highest numbers of Oregon residents. See our list of the best online colleges in Oregon if this state's distance learning programs interest you.

Pennsylvania

Most of Pennsylvania's 129 colleges are private institutions, with only 38 of them public. Nearly all of the public schools are in small towns, while the cities have more private options. Business and the health professions are popular majors, though the top major at the largest school (Penn State) is engineering. Pennsylvania's graduates tend to have relatively high student debt, with an average of $39,375.

In Pennsylvania, 33.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher, positively influencing the state's economic and educational landscape. Manufacturing plays a large part in Pennsylvania's economy, as does professional, scientific, and technical services. Interestingly, Pennsylvania's 12.9 million population has been declining by -0.3% over the last several years. Read our 2024 list of the best online colleges in Pennsylvania if you're curious about what's available.

Rhode Island

As the smallest state by area, Rhode Island is home to only 12 four-year colleges. More than half of these are in Providence and only two are public institutions. The state also hosts one online school that is all distance learning. Many Rhode Island students choose to study the health professions, business, and the social sciences. After graduating, they carry an average of $36,791 in student loan debt.

In Rhode Island, 36.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, exceeding the national average and fostering the state's economic and social development. Rhode Island has seen a very slight decline of -0.1% in its population of around 1 million. Healthcare and government are two sectors with high employment in this state. Explore our list of the best online colleges in Rhode Island to see what educational opportunities are available remotely.

South Carolina

Thirty-nine colleges offer bachelor's degrees from South Carolina, including 14 public schools. Business is the most popular field of study in this state, which also has the highest concentration of materials engineering students. Alumni of South Carolina schools hold an average of $32,635 in educational loan debt.

In South Carolina, 30.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, a figure below the national average, which could affect the state's economic growth. Despite this, South Carolina's population of 5.3 million is growing at a 5% rate, largely due to migration from other parts of the country.. As in many states, healthcare, social service, and education are some of the highest-employing industries. You can read through our rankings of the best online colleges in South Carolina to find available distance education programs.

South Dakota

South Dakota contains 17 colleges that confer bachelor's degrees, of which nine are public and three are 100% online. The health professions, business, and education are popular study subjects in this state. The average South Dakota alumnus carries student debt totaling $32,029.

In South Dakota, 30.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree, which is below the national rate. This lower percentage may impact the state's economic growth. That said, South Dakota continues to thrive with its strong community and economic resilience. South Dakota's population of 919,000 is actually growing by 3.7%, mostly because of migration to its largest cities. Healthcare is a major industry, as is credit intermediation (a money-lending practice in the finance sector). Check out our rankings list of the best online colleges in South Dakota to help research your education options.

Tennessee

Tennessee hosts 49 bachelor's-granting institutions on its soil, with 11 of them public. Common fields of study include business, the health professions, and the social sciences. On average, Tennessee's college students graduate with $26,852 in loan debt. Additionally, 29.7% of state residents hold bachelor's degrees, which is below the national rate. This could potentially impact the state's economic growth and development down the line.

This state's population is just over seven million strong, and it's growing by 3.1%. It also grew more diverse, with many people from nonwhite backgrounds moving to the state. Tennessee's top industries include trade and transportation, healthcare, and education. To learn about online programs in this state, you can review our rankings list of the best online colleges in Tennessee.

Texas

Texas is home to 136 bachelor's-level colleges split between urban and rural locations. Sixty of these institutions are public, including those in the large University of Texas and Texas A&M systems. The state's many high-enrollment schools mean that there isn't a single most common major, although business, the health professions, and engineering are popular. Texas alumni have an average of $26,273 in student loan debt. Since only 32.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, which is below the national average, the state's economic growth and development may be affected at some point.

Texas, already the second most populous state with 30.5 million residents, experienced 4.7% growth in the past few years due mainly to migration from other states. Transportation, education, and business and finance are all key industries, and the state government expects petroleum extraction to grow through 2030. Check out our list of the best online colleges in Texas to find potential programs in 2024.

Utah

Utah features a choice of 20 colleges that offer bachelor's degrees, including seven public options and two fully online schools. Business, the social sciences, and the health professions are among the most popular fields of study. Graduates of Utah colleges have the lowest average amount of education loan debt at $18,344. Additionally, Utah hosts 36.1% of adults with bachelor's degrees, exceeding the national average and contributing positively to the state's economic growth.

With 4.5% population growth, Utah is one of the nation's fastest-growing states with a current population of 3.4 million. The trend has continued in recent years, which is more due to positive migration than the birth rate. Important industries in this state include healthcare, education, and manufacturing. If you're interested, explore our list of the best online colleges in Utah.

Vermont

As a small state, Vermont has only two public and eight private colleges mostly in rural settings. Popular bachelor's degree majors include computer science and biology, and Vermont has a high concentration of geological and geophysical engineering majors. Although the average graduate in Vermont has student loan debt that's quite high at $34,866, it's also a highly educated state, with 41.7% of adults holding at least a bachelor's degree. This significantly surpasses the national average and enhances the state's economic and social development.

Vermont's population of 647,464 is increasing by 0.7%, and migration from other U.S. states may only increase this rate in future. The state's major industries include government, healthcare, and trade and transportation. Be sure to read our list of the best online colleges in Vermont to learn more.

Virginia

Virginia is home to 50 four-year colleges, 15 of which are public schools. Business and health professions majors are Virginia's top fields of study, but engineering and liberal arts are also popular. This state's alumni carry $29,616 in education debt on average. Of the state's total adult population over 25 years old, 41% have earned a bachelor's degree at minimum, which is well above the national rate. This positively contributes to the state's economic advancement.

At a 1.0% pace, Virginia's growth rate was slightly higher than the rate for the U.S. as a whole. A relatively high birth rate has helped the state maintain its growth, with a current population of 8.7 million folks. One of the state's major industries is professional and business services, which includes all the consulting firms that work with the federal government in Washington, D.C. Check out the 2024 list of the best online colleges in Virginia to find distance learning programs.

Washington

Sixty colleges with bachelor's programs call Washington home, including 38 public schools. Many of these are in or around major metropolitan areas. The social sciences and business are some of the most common majors in this state. The average alumnus of a Washington college holds $23,993 in education loan debt. In the state as a whole, 38% of adults have at least a bachelor's degree, if not an advanced degree, surpassing the national average and supporting the state's strong economic and social progress.

With a population of 7.8 million, Washington is growing a little faster than the national rate, adding 1.4% to its population every three years thanks to migration from other states. The top employers are in government, education, and professional and business services. For ideas about distance education in this state, see our list of the best online colleges in Washington.

Washington D.C.

There are 12 bachelor's-granting institutions in the nation's capital, though only one of them is a public college. It may be unsurprising that many students study the social sciences in the epicenter of American politics, given that this category includes political science, international relations, and economics. Graduates from D.C. schools take on an average of $32,966 in student loans.

In Washington D.C., 62.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, which is significantly more than the national average. This is likely due to the high concentration of government agencies, international organizations, and top-tier universities in the area, which attract and employ a highly educated workforce. Government and professional and technical services are the D.C. sectors with the highest employment. Overall, Washington, D.C. has a population of 678,972 and is experiencing a slight decline of -1.5%. You can review your online learning options using our list of the best online colleges in Washington, D.C.

West Virginia

West Virginia has 24 bachelor's-level colleges, mostly in small rural towns, with half being public schools and two offering solely distance learning. Popular majors include business, health professions, and engineering. On average, students accrue $29,208 in student loan debt. However, only 22.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, likely due to limited access to higher education, economic challenges, and a reliance on industries like mining and manufacturing that don't require advanced degrees.

West Virginia is one of the handful of states with a population decline (-1.3%) in the past few years, currently at 1.7 million residents. This is due to both migration away from the state and the death rate outpacing births. Government is a top employer in this state, as are the education and trade and transportation industries. You can research distance degree programs with our rankings list of the best online colleges in West Virginia.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin has 43 bachelor's-granting colleges, located in midsize cities and small towns, including 16 public institutions and two fully online universities. Popular degree programs include business, health professions, and biological sciences. In Wisconsin, 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, below the U.S. average of 34.3%, which may hinder economic development and competitiveness. Wisconsin alumni average $30,270 in student debt.

Wisconsin's population of 5.9 million is growing at a slow rate of 0.3%, and migration from other states has kept the growth slow but steady since then. Some of Wisconsin's highest-employing industries are healthcare, education, and manufacturing. We've ranked the best online colleges in Wisconsin if you're interested in earning an online degree in this state.

Wyoming

As the nation's least populous state, Wyoming has only five schools that offer bachelor's degrees, all of them public. Business is a common major in Wyoming, which also has the highest concentration of mining and mineral engineering students in the nation. The average Wyoming college graduate holds $23,510 in student loan debt.

In Wyoming, 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, which is below the national average of 34.3%, potentially impacting economic growth and highlighting the need for better access to higher education. With a population of 584,057 growing at 1.2%, top industries include healthcare, government, and education. Positive migration has contributed to recent population increases.