Is an Online College Degree Worth Anything?

A college degree can be earned through the Internet these days.

Getting it is cheaper, easier, and usually faster, too.

But because of the many conveniences that come with studying online, you can’t help but wonder whether an online college degree is worth your effort and money or if you are better off getting a traditional degree.

Provided that it’s from an accredited school, an online degree is worth it. Attending virtual classes is especially beneficial for non-traditional students who do not have the means to step foot on a physical campus daily.

A college degree online is also more accessible to learners who are on a budget or cannot find their preferred traditional degree near them.

While earning a degree online is easier, finding the right online degree is easier said than done.

In this post, we will talk about some of the most important things you need to know if you are planning on working on a degree conferred by an online college.

Are Online College Degrees Legitimate?

Online degrees are legitimate if they are awarded by accredited colleges or universities on the internet.

On the other hand, online degrees coming from diploma mills, which have no legitimate accreditation, have zero value, which is why employers and graduate schools will not honor and recognize them.

It’s no secret that, generally speaking, online degrees are cheaper than their traditional counterparts. They are also typically easier to earn for busy individuals, thanks to flexible class schedules.

Because of these perks, many can’t help but wonder if college degrees that can be earned online are real and legit.

For as long as a college degree is earned from a legitimate online school, it’s almost always 100% certain that employers and graduate schools will accept them.

As a matter of fact, many online degrees can come from actual colleges and universities with online campuses, such as Florida State University and the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

In order to make sure that a legitimate degree will result from the online program you are about to enroll in, check that the online school is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.

Are Online Colleges Respected?

Online colleges with accreditation are respected.

This is especially true for those with regional accreditation, which is considered more prestigious than national accreditation.

Nationally accredited online colleges are respected, too, and so are vocational, technical or career schools with the same kind of accreditation.

Gone are the days when it can be extremely challenging to determine whether an online school is a diploma mill or a legitimate institution, thanks to the many different sources of information on the web.

In most instances, it only takes a few keystrokes to find the answer to a pressing online school-related query.

Besides, many online colleges are highly ranked by some of the most popular and trusted online college rankers, such as US News, which is why students and employers alike respect schools offering online degrees.

Some of the best online bachelor’s programs, US News says, are offered by the following online schools:

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide
• University of Florida
• Medical University of South Carolina
• University of Illinois – Chicago
• Oregon State University
• Arizona State University
• Ohio State University – Columbus
• University of Arizona
• University of Central Florida
• CUNY School of Professional Studies
• North Carolina State University
• University of North Carolina – Charlotte
• Colorado State University – Global
• George Washington University
• Utah State University
• Pennsylvania State University – World Campus
• University of Georgia
• University of Oklahoma
• Creighton University
• Illinois State University

This does not mean, however, that non-ranked online colleges and universities are not respected and thus should not be shortlisted by non-traditional looking for the best degrees available in cyberspace.

Are Online Colleges That are Legit Easy to Spot?

With a little research, one can determine whether or not an online college is legitimate.

Other than visiting the institution’s website in order to check accreditation and other related matters, reading reviews in cyberspace may be done as well.

Forum sites and the BBB’s website are all review sources.

Making sure that the online degree you are planning to work on is from a legitimate online school is a must.

If not, you may end up with a completely valueless degree, thereby flushing your time and money down the drain. In many instances, finding out whether or not an online college has accreditation is more than enough.

But take note that some unaccredited online schools may still be considered legit.

Besides checking out the website of the online college you are eyeing and doing a background check of its accreditor, there are a few other steps that you may take in order to determine whether or not the institution is legit:

• Check out comments on forum sites for students such as College Confidential, Top Universities and the Student Room. You may also give Quora, Reddit and Answers.com a try.

• Pay the website of the Better Business Bureau a visit and take a look at what students with firsthand experience have to say. The BBB’s website, by the way, has a listing of accredited online schools.

• Access LinkedIn and use the alumni tool in order to come across the profiles of those who graduated from a particular online college and check where their online degrees have taken them.

Are Online Degrees Credible?

Online degrees conferred by accredited online colleges and universities are considered credible.

However, based on a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) study, only a little over 40% of employers would consider applicants with college degrees from schools operating solely on the internet.

Many degree-seeking students who are thinking about going to online schools fear that they might end up with degrees that are completely worthless and thus cannot be used for employment or educational purposes.

For as long as they enroll in a legitimate online college, that should be the least of their worries.

But still, it’s important to consider the fact that, according to the SHRM study mentioned above, less than half of all employers would favor online degrees from schools with no physical campuses.

On the other hand, up to 92% of employers would consider online degrees from schools with physical campuses, too.

In order to be sure, taking into account only the findings of the said study, you might want to consider attending the online campus of a traditional college or university, preferably one whose name is familiar to many or all.

Are Online Degrees Taken Seriously?

Especially in this day and age, online degrees are taken seriously by many employers. They are accepted, too, by many graduate schools.

But before attending an online school, it’s a good idea for students to research the stance of their preferred companies or graduate schools on online degrees beforehand.

In order to make sure that the online degree you are thinking about working on will be taken seriously, check that the school conferring it is accredited, which is a telltale sign that it’s legit.

You may also research whether or not the degree of your choice has programmatic accreditation.

Thinking about enrolling in, say, an online engineering program?

To have complete peace of mind that you will end up with a valuable engineering degree, see whether or not it’s accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which accredits many engineering programs offered by US colleges and universities.

Besides opting for a legitimate online degree, it’s also a good idea to earn good grades in your online courses. For many employers, an applicant’s performance in college is more important than the college he or she attended.

Is Getting Into an Online College Easier?

In many instances, an online college is easier to get into than a traditional institution. However, it’s usually because online degrees and on-campus degrees have different application pools.

If the applicant is not eligible, he or she is likely to be denied admission into the online institution.

There are many misconceptions about earning a college degree via the internet.

One common example is that an online degree is not as good as a traditional degree. Another is that earning a degree from an online school is not as hard as earning a degree from a physical college or university.

And then there is also the false impression that anyone can have an online degree as anybody can get into an online school.

According to a US News report, at most schools offering both online and traditional degrees, the acceptance rate for their online programs is just around 2.4% higher than the acceptance rate for their on-campus programs.

In fact, some online programs have lower acceptance rates than their traditional counterparts!

Generally speaking, however, the acceptance rates for online programs and on-campus ones are different because they have different application pools.

It’s more likely for non-traditional students applying online to get an acceptance letter than traditional students because of various reasons, such as:

• Having some college credits and experience
• Enjoying financial independence
• Possessing better time-management skills
• Knowing exactly what they want in life

The following table compares the acceptance rates for online programs and traditional programs at colleges and universities offering both, proving that it’s not all the time that getting into an online school is always easier:

NAME	TRADITIONAL	ONLINE
Arizona State University	83%	88%
California Baptist University	65%	62%
California University of Pennsylvania	83%	72%
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide	69%	65%
Fort Hays State University	86%	94%
Ohio State University – Columbus	50%	77%
Oregon State University	78%	52%
Pennsylvania State University – World Campus	51%	88%
Temple University	56%	74%
University of Florida	48%	60%
University of Illinois – Chicago	77%	84%
University of Oklahoma	78%	89%
Utah State University	97%	100%
Washington State University	80%	71%
West Texas A&M University	67%	78%
Western Kentucky University	93%	73%

It’s true that it’s not always that getting accepted into an online college or an online degree offered by an institution with a physical campus is easier.

However, in most instances, it’s usually faster and easier to apply to it than applying to a traditional school as either a first-time, first-year student or transferee.

Related Article: Is Online or Traditional College Harder and Why

And this brings us to this pressing question…

Is Applying to an Online School Faster?

Applying to an online school, more often than not, requires applying directly to the institution through its online portal.

Without the need to use the Common App or Coalition App, some requirements are bypassed.

Some examples are writing admissions essays and enumerating extracurricular activities.

There is no denying that one of the most stressful moments in the lives of high school students is the college application season. It’s not just applying itself that’s nerve-racking itself but also waiting for admissions decisions.

Luckily for non-traditional students, they no longer have to go through the same ordeal.

To have a much better idea of how much easier it is to apply to an online school, check out the following steps on applying for an online bachelor’s degree offered by Strayer University, a private for-profit university offering both online and traditional degrees, all of which are fully accredited:

• Fill out the application form. The form is practically barebones — you will have to provide basic details such as your name, address, birthday, citizenship and highest level of education. Without any essay to write, short answer questions to respond to, or extracurriculars to enumerate, you can complete the form in just a few minutes.

• Log in to the admissions portal. After completing the application form, you will be given access to the admissions portal where you will have to log in to verify your identity, pick the online degree program you are interested in, and choose your preferred payment method.

• Submit requirements. It’s also via the admissions portal where you will submit the few admissions requirements. As an applicant to Strayer University’s online bachelor’s degree, you will have to submit the official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended or a high school diploma or an equivalent — that’s it!

However, keep in mind that different colleges and universities have different admissions requirements.

This is also true for those operating in cyberspace or offering both online and traditional degrees. It’s exactly because of this why some online schools may require applicants to provide more details or submit more documents.

Different online degrees from the same institution may also have different requirements.

If it’s easier to apply to an online school than a traditional one, it’s so much easier to apply to a diploma mill. In most instances, an applicant’s credit card number is all that’s needed by the provider.

However, as everyone knows, any degree from a diploma mill has no value.

And this is why it’s of utmost importance to do your homework before applying to a school operating online.

Check that it’s accredited by a legitimate accrediting agency, such as one that is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Are Online Degrees Easier to Earn?

Online degrees are easier to earn than traditional degrees in that they are usually self-paced and held virtually.

However, they are the same as their on-campus counterparts in terms of the courses and evaluation of results, which means they also necessitate hard work, discipline and commitment.

Some people believe that online degrees are not as valuable as traditional degrees as they are easy to earn.

Well, they are correct to some extent — working on a college degree available online is trouble-free for most, especially non-traditional students who are working or have families to look after, because classes happen virtually.

Nothing can be easier than earning a degree in the comfort of one’s home, logging online to read materials, watch videos or, in some instances, attend virtual classes.

Some students enrolled in hybrid courses have to spend just 50% of their time in a physical classroom and 50% of their time on the web.

In that aspect, everyone can agree that online degrees are easier to earn than their on-campus counterparts. But on other levels, college degrees are pretty much the same whether online or on-campus.

For instance, an online degree being offered by an institution with a physical campus is likely to be using the same program and curriculum as its traditional degree.

In fact, chances are that it’s also using the same faculty members to administer classes conducted virtually and physically.

In order to graduate, online students need to have the same set of traits as traditional students.

Otherwise, the challenges may cause them to drop out or fail to get grades high enough to graduate.

According to Arizona State University, the following traits are essential to college success:

• Ability to follow directions
• Responsibility
• Self-management skills
• Communication skills
• Independent-work skills
• Critical-thinking skills
• Study skills
• Technological skills
• Creative thinking
• Having personal goals
• Being engaged
• Tolerance for ambiguity
• Assertiveness
• Collaboration skills
• Ease with diversity

Okay, the last few traits are not that important when it comes to attending an online college or university.

Some of them, however, have to be honed and utilized more in order to succeed in earning a degree via the internet.

They include ability to follow directions, self-management skills, being engaged and technological skills.

Without those must-haves, online learning can prove to be more challenging than traditional learning.

It’s for this reason why getting a college degree online is not for all — some types of learners are simply more likely to succeed in college in an on-campus setting.

Because of the many similarities between an online degree and a traditional one, the diploma you will receive after completing your online program will not include the word “online”.

It will appear as though you went to college just like traditional students, unless the institution operates purely via the internet.

And this takes us to a question many feel too shy to ask…

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Program?

An online bachelor’s degree program can be completed anywhere from a little over a year to six years. The length of time it will take to graduate depends on various factors.

Some of them are the number of credits earned from previous colleges or whether the student is enrolled part-time or full-time.

Some people enroll online to get employed faster, while others study online to further their careers.

In any case, generally speaking, it’s possible to complete online programs at a much faster rate than traditional programs, thus making it possible for non-traditional students to get their hands on their degrees in less time and be able to use them for different purposes, such as:

• Job application
• Career advancement
• Economic stability
• Business creation
• Networking opportunities
• Further education
• Personal growth

Accelerated online bachelor’s degrees are some of the undergraduate degrees available on the web that you can finish the quickest.

In fact, in some countries, they are known as two-year or three-year degrees even though they are full bachelor’s degrees that can otherwise be completed in four to six years.

Refrain from assuming that accelerated bachelor’s degrees on the web have easier courses, which is why one can complete them in no time.

As earlier mentioned, course-wise, online degrees and traditional degrees are the same.

More materials in shorter sessions — this is what makes accelerated online programs brisk.

This means that you will have to spend more time reading materials, watching videos and doing projects and less time having coffee breaks, naps and vacations.

So, in other words, you will have to make sacrifices.

However, in exchange, you will be able to reap the rewards of having a college degree in no time.

Ready to take on the challenges of completing an accelerated online bachelor’s degree? The following are some schools that allow you to graduate in as short as a little over a year:

NAME	NUMBER OF ACCELERATED PROGRAMS
Albertus Magnus College	8
American InterContinental University-Online	25
Arizona State University	40
Bay Path University	16
Capella University	17
Colorado State University – Global Campus	13
Colorado Technical University	41
Concordia University – Chicago	7
Indiana Wesleyan University	8
LeTourneau University	12
Liberty University	121
Northeastern University	10
Regis University	4
Southern New Hampshire University	11
Trine University	10
University of Louisiana at Monroe	14
Western Governors University	28

Not all online colleges and universities offer accelerated programs. Similarly, not all online programs come in accelerated forms.

But fret not if you are in a hurry to earn your online degree but the school of your preference does not offer the accelerated kind. That’s because, in general, an online program can be completed faster than an on-campus one.

The following are some of the tips on how to graduate online at a faster rate:

• Taking asynchronous classes where you can go online whenever possible.
• Enrolling full-time, which means taking 12 to 18 credits per semester — or more, if the school permits.
• Going for an online program that will accept all previous college credits earned.
• Opting for an online college or university that grants college credits for life and work experience.
• Eliminating as many distractions and unnecessary breaks as possible.

Can Fresh High School Graduates Attend Online Colleges?

Online degrees are not only suited for working adults and full-time parents.

They are also ideal for some teens fresh from high school.

While there are advantages to skipping a traditional college or university, there are also some disadvantages to studying online right after finishing high school.

It’s true that institutions operating on the internet tend to attract non-traditional students because they make earning a degree not only possible but also convenient for individuals who are too busy to go to a physical campus.

However, teenagers who have just finished high school may choose to obtain an online college degree, too.

Students usually finish high school between 17 to 18 years of age.

Age-wise, they are still traditional students as they will enter college before their 23rd birthday — non-traditional students are usually 24 years old and older.

However, the minute they get accepted into an online college or university, they become non-traditional students themselves.

Non-traditional students are considered such not only because they are still in college despite being already in the working or family age group. The following are things that make students non-traditional:

• Not immediately pursuing postsecondary education after high school.
• Financially independent from parents.
• Having children or dependents other than a spouse.
• Attending college on a part-time basis (taking less than 12 credits per semester).
• Received an equivalent to a high school diploma, such as a GED certificate.
• Having a part-time or full-time job while attending college.

It’s not uncommon for non-traditional students to have multiple characteristics that make them fit the profile.

Based on online data, 80% of non-traditional students with over three non-traditional characteristics have dependents.

On the other hand, among those with only a single non-traditional characteristic, 23% are employed full-time, 23% didn’t attend college right after high school, and 36% are part-time students.

Attending a college or university online is common among high school graduates taking a gap year — it allows them to earn college credits while traveling, volunteering, working or pursuing other interests.

It’s also suited for high school graduates who cannot stand the thought of leaving their family and friends behind in order to become out-of-state students or have no easy access to their desired academic program.

And those who are still on the fence as to whether or not college is for them may give online learning a try before applying to a traditional school.

Needless to say, online degrees are also ideal for students who cannot afford on-campus degrees.

While there are many good reasons why some high school graduates attend an online school instead of a physical one, a few downsides come with it, too.

For instance, since attending an online college or university keeps them from being a part of a traditional student body, including especially a diverse one, they may fail to acquire certain lessons, experiences and skills that could come in handy when it’s time to apply for a job or maintain a good performance in the workplace such as:

• Self-awareness
• Exposure to different cultures
• Good social skills
• Collaborative skills
• Wider knowledge base
• Thinking from a global perspective
• Establishing a network

Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree Worth Anything

An online college degree is worth it for any non-traditional student. It comes with the kind of convenience and affordability that a traditional degree doesn’t offer.

And because the resulting diploma does not usually indicate that your degree was earned via the internet, it’s unlikely for a potential or current employer to know the difference.

However, just see to it that the provider of the online degree is a legitimate institution, as evidenced by an accreditation. It also pays to check if your target company or industry welcomes online degrees.