Best Online Digital Marketing Colleges

There used to be a time when digital marketing skills were nice to have but not necessary to land a job or launch a successful business. Those times are most certainly behind us now. Indeed, the times have changed — nowadays, it’s hard to work in the marketing field without some sort of digital component.

Everyone knows that marketing is vital to a business's success and that these days, visibility on the internet is almost certainly a large part of it. Because of this, it’s no surprise at all that more and more colleges have started offering a digital marketing degree online.

Digital marketing is a field that is continuing to grow in demand. Looking at data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate for market research analysts from 2020 to 2030 is 22%, almost triple the average of 8%. The demand for marketing managers, on the other hand, is around 10% — certainly still above the average. Because of the growing demand, many now choose to earn an online digital marketing degree.

If you want to know more about how you can earn a marketing degree online, this list of the best digital marketing colleges might be able to help.

What is Digital Marketing?

Digital Marketing is a course in which students learn to market products and services through digital media in order to reach the targeted consumer group.

An Accredited Business School creates a pathway for the students to enroll in digital marketing programs offered by the Colleges/Universities which are funded by the federal government or the state government.

The organization that accredits Digital Marketing courses is the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

The subjects taught in the Digital Marketing course are theoretical as well as practical. The common subjects/concepts covered in this course are Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), and Social Media Marketing (SMM).

An Associate degree in Digital Marketing is a two-year degree program in which students learn various digital marketing strategies to forecast market trends and satisfy market needs. An average of 65 credits is required for this course.

A Bachelor’s degree in Digital Marketing is a four-year degree program in which students learn about digital marketing skills such as Web development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and Social Media Engagement. An average of 125 credits is required for this course.

A Master’s degree in Digital Marketing is a two-year degree program in which students learn about advanced strategies of digital marketing after which the students get an opportunity to take up various career paths in the marketing industry. An average of 40 credits is required for this course.

There are few requirements that need to be fulfilled before one applies for admission in the Digital Marketing program. The student should have a high school diploma with a minimum of 2.0-3.0 GPA.

With a degree in Digital Marketing, a student gains advanced/detailed knowledge about the various digital media marketing mediums.

Related: Best Online Business Management Degree Programs

Why Choose a Digital Marketing College?

Digital marketing is one of the most valuable and in-demand fields these days, and that demand is only set to continue growing. Digital marketing is somewhat unique in that you can likely learn everything you need to know on your own through self-study or enrollment in some of the best online digital marketing courses. However, attending college offers a few benefits.

• Attending college often provides you with more guidance as you learn.
• Depending on the program you choose, studying digital marketing in college can provide you with practical experience that you can start immediately applying to your life and work.
• Colleges often have advisors to provide you with guidance as you transition from college to career.
• A degree may increase your chances of getting hired.
• Online colleges can provide you the freedom and flexibility you need, potentially freeing up more of your time to learn the tools of the trade and note ongoing or forthcoming trends.

Digital marketing can be called an “always green” degree because it’s always good, no matter the state of the economy. The demand will always be there, and it may even continue to grow. Choosing a college with the right mindset toward digital marketing can provide you with a better learning experience and improved networking potential.

How to Apply to a Digital Marketing College

When applying to a digital marketing college, students often have to go through the same type of application process as traditional colleges. Students will have to gather all of the requirements, fill in the application form, pay the application fee (if any) and submit their application to the institution.

Where traditional colleges may require you to mail physical applications to their admissions offices, more modernized digital marketing colleges may allow you to do everything online — including any interviews.

What are the Requirements for Digital Marketing College?

The requirements of digital marketing for colleges are often the same as any other program. As an applicant, you’ll likely be asked for your:

• Minimum GPA (some colleges do not require a minimum GPA)
• Transcript(s)
• Standardized test scores (if any)
• Recommendation letter(s)
• Personal statement/essay
• Application form
• Application fee (if any)

Not all colleges require standardized test scores for admission. Check with your program to see whether you need them before submitting your application.

Distance learning also often means you will need to have the appropriate devices or machines to allow you to participate in classes and complete coursework. Colleges often list the minimum tech requirements on their websites, so make sure you have the required tools before you apply (or make arrangements to purchase them).

As with any application process, mind deadlines and ensure you give yourself enough time to complete all of the requirements. Provide your recommenders with ample time to write your letters.

What are the Costs for Digital Marketing College?

The fact that you are going to earn your digital marketing degree online means your costs will vary from those earning theirs on-campus. Aside from tuition fees and any other fees from the institution, you won’t have to spend any extra money on transportation, housing, and so on.

You may also need to purchase a computer or tablet to keep up with lessons and coursework.

Best Colleges in 2022 to Earn Your Digital Marketing Degree Online

Full Sail University

Institution Type: Private, for-profit
Accreditation: ACCSC
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 55%
Tuition: $27,840
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Internet Marketing

Full Sail University or FSU offers degree programs both on-campus and online. These degrees were designed specifically for the industries of arts, media, entertainment, and technology. The institution has both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs available, each of them centering on creative problem-solving and industry experience in the real world. This school, located in Florida, also works toward empowering its students by teaching them to generate their own ideas and concepts.

FSU proudly claims “the Full Sail Advantage,” a different approach to education that makes earning it a much more pleasant process. Some of the things that make FSU different include:

• Accelerated programs that allow you to finish your degree at around half the time
• Lower cost of living associated with shorter programs for on-campus programs or a general lower living cost for distance learning
• Tuition already includes books and supplies
• Tuition is locked during your program and does not rise every semester
• You can start any time
• As an unlimited YR (Yellow Ribbon) school, FSU is military-friendly
• FSU has an esports team
• Financial aid and scholarships are available

FSU offers many degrees that look to the future, one of them being a Bachelor of Science in Internet Marketing. This degree, which you can earn 100% online, has a curriculum that aims to equip you with all the knowledge you need to succeed as a digital marketer. You can finish your degree in as short as 29 months, which means you’ll be able to get to work sooner for that ROI.

FSU’s BS in Internet Marketing can help you learn how to develop interesting and dynamic content for various industries while you provide your clients with search engine optimization (SEO) and analytics services.

University of Phoenix

Institution Type: Private, for-profit
Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 53.1%
Tuition: Around $18,000
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Business, with a Marketing Certification

The private for-profit University of Phoenix has around twenty campus locations nationwide. However, it appears as though they stopped accepting new students at their satellite campuses around 2015, choosing instead to focus their resources on their main Phoenix, AZ campus. The institution also chose to dedicate more of its resources to providing education more accessibly by making its programs available 100% online. 

There are several great benefits to choosing to earn your degree from this institution — let’s look at some of them:

• When enrolling at the University of Phoenix, you can choose to start whenever you are ready. Many start dates, often spaced five to six weeks apart, are available so you can choose one that suits your schedule.
• The University of Phoenix offers college credit courses designed to teach you the skills you need to work in these modern times. These are four to six-week-long individual credit courses that can be transferable to other institutions at their discretion.
• If you want to start your education but you aren’t ready to commit to earning a full degree, you can opt for an Online Certificate Program (credits are applicable to your degree later on).
• This link explains how you can save time and money when earning your degree at the University of Phoenix.
• Enrolling allows you to lock your tuition rate and pay that single price throughout your education.

You can earn your BS in Business with a Marketing Certification fully online at the University of Phoenix. This program + certificate includes learning about the principles and fundamentals of digital marketing.

Granite State College

Institution Type: Public, not-for-profit
Accreditation: NECHE
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 53.1%
Tuition: Here
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Marketing

Part of the well-known University System of New Hampshire, Granite State College is a public, not-for-profit institution founded in 1972. GSC proudly proclaims that they are 100% online, affordable, and accredited. This statement is in line with the college’s goal to provide accessible education to everyone, no matter their age or income. 

In the beginning, Granite State College offered weekend and evening classes to make education more accessible to busy adults. Nowadays, they’ve improved upon that by offering 100% online programs from associate to master’s degrees. If you need support throughout your education, GSC makes sure it is available to you both in-person and online.

Some notable facts about Granite State College:

• GSC is New Hampshire’s leading public online degree program provider. It is ranked at the top by the U.S. News and World Report for Best Online Degree Programs.
• Granite State College prides itself on keeping its tuition rates among the lowest in the New England area, and the lowest in New Hampshire (for a four-year college).
• This institution is military-friendly, with all of its degree programs approved for GI Bill and tuition assistance benefits.
• Programs at GSC are available fully online, with some select courses on-campus.

GSC offers a BS in Marketing which covers principles of traditional marketing and everything you need to know to become a digital marketer.

Cambridge College Global

Institution Type: Private, not-for-profit
Accreditation: NECHE
Acceptance Rate: 21%
Graduation Rate: 56.2%
Tuition: Here
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing

Cambridge College Global is one of the best colleges that offer digital marketing out there today. With its main campus in Boston, Massachusetts, and four other regional locations, Cambridge College aims to make education more convenient and accessible for working adults. To make this happen, the institution makes its programs available 100% online to allow people to earn their education from anywhere in the world.

Here are a few reasons to consider Cambridge College:

• Coursework is career-focused and the courses are taught by qualified faculty members with real-world experience in their respective fields.
• Cambridge College is military-friendly, offering discounted tuition rates to military servicemen and their dependents. Veterans and their dependents also get a separate discounted rate. Each military-affiliated student also gets the opportunity to transfer their qualified prior experience and credits toward a bachelor’s degree (up to 90 credits).
• First responders and their immediate families also get a generously discounted tuition rate.
• Cambridge College acquired the New England College of Business in 2020 (now the New England Institute of Business).
• This institution is multi-awarded.

Cambridge College’s BS in Digital Marketing covers important topics such as web analytics, email marketing, online automated tools, viral marketing, and more. There are also three concentrations available.

Arkansas State University

Institution Type: Public, not-for-profit
Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 67.2%
Graduation Rate: 47.3%
Tuition: $30,960
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication with Social Media Management Certification

ASU Online offers a student-centered education that allows working students to complete their studies while juggling other responsibilities. Arkansas State University also has accelerated program formats that can help you finish your degree faster if you qualify. Programs are offered with flexible schedules and multiple possible start dates each academic year. Other reasons to consider ASU include:

• The programs are 100% online, with well-thought-out curriculums involving real-life practical experience so you can apply your newly-learned knowledge and skills right away.
• ASU offers certifications and undergrad, grad, and post-grad degrees.
• You can access the same support and resources as on-campus students.
• Diverse students from different places, ages, backgrounds, and professions allow for more marketing opportunities.

The BS in Strategic Communication with Social Media Management Certification requires 120 credits to complete, with 36 hours of core courses. It is aimed to help students become communications industry pros with knowledge and expertise in the best social media strategies.

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Institution Type: Public, not-for-profit
Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 90.1%
Graduation Rate: 53.4%
Tuition: Here
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing Technology

Part of the well-known University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin Stout is known as “Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University.” With its Stout campus in Menomonie, this institution has more than 10,000 students enrolled.

The University of Wisconsin-Stout offers CI or Customized Instruction degree programs in a hybrid or fully online format. Students can enroll for certifications, certificates, and degrees from undergrad to doctorate. Programs at this institution use the Canvas online learning system to handle all aspects of every course.

Some reasons to check out this school include:

• There are dedicated support advisors for adult students.
• Whether you’re an in-state, out-of-state, or international student, you pay the same tuition rate.
• There are free writing labs (where you can get feedback within as short as a day) and free tutoring in popular subjects.

The BS in Digital Marketing Technology offered at this school aims to teach students the essential digital technology and marketing skills to help them engage target markets, sell products, establish a brand, and more.

Southern New Hampshire University

Institution Type: Private, not-for-profit
Accreditation: NECHE
Acceptance Rate: 93.5%
Graduation Rate: 39.5%
Tuition: Here
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Marketing (Digital Marketing Concentration)

Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit institution founded almost a century ago in 1932. It prides itself on having some of the lowest tuition rates in the country and on offering financial aid opportunities to qualifying students. SNHU makes it easy to transfer from a different school by accepting up to 90 qualifying credits from your previous college toward your BS in Marketing.

SNHU has over 200 affordable and very flexible online programs that you can apply to for free. It has gone a full decade without raising tuition rates.

SNHU’s BS in Marketing with the Digital Marketing Concentration is up there with the best online digital marketing programs of 2022. However, if social media is more your thing, you can opt for their social media concentration instead. Thanks to Southern New Hampshire University’s self-paced programs, you have the ultimate flexibility of learning on your own schedule.

Bellevue University

Institution Type: Private, not-for-profit
Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 64.2%
Tuition: Here
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Marketing

Bellevue University has been working towards innovating the online learning space for over 25 years. Its commitment to delivering the best possible digital education experience means the institution has considered as many possible ways as it can to make students’ lives easier, whether on-campus or online. The institution understands the need for flexibility in online learning, which is why students can choose whether to follow a set schedule with instructors and classmates or to go self-paced.

You can finish Bellevue University’s BS in Marketing in as short as two-and-a-half years because it is offered as an accelerated cohort. However, you only qualify for this format if you are able to transfer an associate degree or 60 prior credits.

Colorado Technical University

Institution Type: Private, for-profit
Accreditation: HLC
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 30.3%
Tuition: Here
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Digital Marketing Concentration

Colorado Technical University provides education in line with its mission to provide students with industry-relevant education while giving them choices and flexibility along the way. Founded in Colorado, CTU now offers programs at its Colorado Springs and Denver South campuses. It also makes many of its high-quality programs available 100% online. Here are some reasons to consider CTU:

• CTU introduced its online school in 1995, pioneering in the distance learning space. It also proudly declares it is a mobile-friendly school since students can keep up with their classes through the recently-improved Colorado Technical University mobile app.
• The CTU Fast Track option allows students to transfer qualifying life, work, and prior education experience into credits counting towards their degrees. All students, regardless of degree or program, are eligible for the CTU Fast Track assessment.
• Colorado Technical University is military-friendly, providing reduced fees and rates for active duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel and their spouses. Vets can also qualify for CTU’s Patriot Scholarship. Military students are able to use their GI Bill benefits here.

CTU’s BS in Business Administration with a Digital Marketing concentration balances a foundational education in traditional marketing strategies and learning about the new methods and tools involved in digital marketing.

Johnson & Wales University

Institution Type: Private, not-for-profit
Accreditation: NECHE
Acceptance Rate: 36.5%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Tuition: Here
Program(s): Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing & Social Media

Johnson & Wales University is another one of the best colleges with digital marketing degrees. Founded in 1914, JWU now has campuses in Providence, Rhode Island, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Multi-awarded JWU aims to provide education with a focus on personal attention and industry connections, driven by academic expertise and excellence. The institution puts an emphasis on experiential learning in its curricula, whether in or out of the classroom.

Johnson & Wales University’s BS in Digital Marketing and Social Media aims to give students the knowledge to help them develop effective marketing strategies. Its robust program can teach students what they need to know, from A-Z.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a marketing degree online?

One of the biggest benefits of earning your marketing degree online is the flexibility that comes along with distance learning. This flexibility means that the time frame in which you finish your degree may vary.

For example, if you choose to commit to full-time studies, you can earn your bachelor’s degree in the average amount of time it usually takes: four years. You may even be able to shorten it by a few months if you take the maximum possible load every term.

On the other hand, self-paced or part-time studies can take up to ten years to finish. However, colleges often put a hard cap on the amount of time you’re allowed to finish your bachelor’s degree. Some institutions have it at around seven or eight, while others can go up to ten. It’s best to check with your school to make sure you can finish your studies in time.

It’s worth noting that there are also accelerated programs that can allow you to finish your bachelor’s degree much faster. For example, some institutions like Bellevue University may offer programs where you can finish your bachelor’s degree in 12-17 months — provided you already have a qualifying associate degree.

Which degree is best for digital marketing?

A digital marketing online degree might always be the best way to prepare you for a career in the field. However, there are certainly other degrees that can also help you succeed as a digital marketer.

• An old-school marketing degree will still teach you all the principles you need to know to succeed in the digital world. You can also choose your concentration such as sales, entrepreneurship, business administration, international marketing, and more. Once you earn a solid marketing foundation, you can seek further education to learn more about digital marketing methods and techniques.
• A degree in communications can help you become more effective with your marketing strategies. You can also choose your concentrations such as business communication or integrated marketing communication.
• A computer science degree can help you get into the more technical side of digital marketing. If you enjoy working with data metrics and analytics, this may be more your cup of tea.

Wrapping Up

Earning your digital marketing degree online should be a smooth experience that doesn’t get in the way of your day-to-day responsibilities. This list of the best online digital marketing colleges offers some of the best programs and educational experiences available today. When choosing your school, remember to weigh your options and seek a program that fits your personal and career goals!