How to evaluate and choose an online degree program that fits your career goals, learning style, and budget while avoiding low-quality programs.
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Verify Accreditation and Legitimacy
Confirm the institution holds regional accreditation from a recognized accrediting body
There are 6 regional accrediting agencies in the US, and regional accreditation is the gold standard. Nationally accredited schools are often for-profit and their credits rarely transfer. Check the federal database to verify.
Check for programmatic accreditation in specialized fields
Nursing (CCNE), business (AACSB/ACBSP), engineering (ABET), and education (CAEP) have field-specific accreditation that affects licensure and employment. Without it, your degree may not qualify you for professional credentials.
Research the school's graduation rate, student loan default rate, and reputation
For-profit online schools have average graduation rates of 20-25% compared to 50-60% at nonprofit online programs. Student loan default rates above 15% are a red flag. These statistics are publicly available in federal databases.
Verify that the online degree appears identical to the on-campus version on your transcript
About 60% of reputable universities issue the same diploma for online and on-campus graduates. If the transcript or diploma notes 'online program,' check whether employers in your field view this differently.
Evaluate Program Structure and Quality
Determine whether courses are synchronous, asynchronous, or a mix
Synchronous courses meet at set times via video, which works well for real-time discussion but limits scheduling flexibility. Asynchronous courses let you complete work on your own schedule within weekly deadlines.
Check the program's completion timeline and whether you can go part-time
Full-time online bachelor's programs take 3-4 years; master's programs take 1-2 years. Part-time options extend this by 50-100%. Some programs offer accelerated 8-week terms that let you take courses back-to-back.
Review the technology requirements and learning management system
Most programs require a computer less than 4-5 years old, reliable internet (10+ Mbps), and a webcam for proctored exams. Test the learning management system during a free trial or demo if the school offers one.
Ask about faculty credentials and whether they teach exclusively online or also on campus
Programs where regular faculty teach online courses (not just adjuncts) typically have higher quality instruction. Check if faculty hold terminal degrees in their field and have published recent research.
Evaluate student support services: advising, tutoring, library access, and career services
Strong online programs provide 24/7 tech support, virtual tutoring, online library databases, and career counseling via video calls. Ask if online students have access to the same career fairs and job boards as on-campus students.
Compare Costs and Financial Aid
Calculate the total program cost including tuition, fees, textbooks, and technology
Online tuition ranges from $300 to $1,500 per credit hour. A 120-credit bachelor's degree costs $36,000-$180,000 total. Some schools charge out-of-state rates for online students while others charge a flat rate.
Check eligibility for federal financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement, and scholarships
Only students at accredited schools qualify for federal aid. About 56% of employers offer tuition assistance averaging $5,250 per year (the tax-free maximum). Apply for employer benefits before enrolling.
Compare per-credit costs across 3-5 similar programs
A $100 difference per credit hour adds up to $12,000 over a bachelor's degree. Public universities often offer in-state online tuition rates to out-of-state students, making them $5,000-$15,000 cheaper than private options.
Check if the program accepts transfer credits or offers credit for prior learning
Transferring 30-60 credits from a community college saves $9,000-$45,000. Some programs award credit for professional experience, military training, or industry certifications, reducing total credits needed by 15-30.
Assess Career Outcomes
Research whether employers in your target field accept online degrees
About 70% of employers view online degrees from accredited schools as equal to on-campus degrees. However, some fields (healthcare, law, certain government positions) still prefer or require in-person education.
Check the program's job placement rates and salary outcomes for graduates
Reputable programs publish graduate employment data. Compare the average starting salary for graduates against the total program cost. A degree should increase your earnings enough to justify the investment within 3-5 years.
Verify the degree meets licensing requirements if you're entering a regulated profession
Teaching, nursing, social work, counseling, and accounting all have state-specific licensing requirements. Confirm that the online program meets the requirements in the state where you plan to practice, not just where the school is located.
Evaluate networking and alumni connection opportunities
Online programs with active alumni networks, virtual meetups, and professional development events provide networking that comes naturally in on-campus programs. Check if the alumni directory is accessible and whether local chapters exist.
Make Your Decision
Talk to 2-3 current students or recent graduates of your top program choices
Ask about the workload per week (expect 10-20 hours for full-time enrollment), the quality of instructor feedback, and whether they'd choose the same program again. Student forums and alumni groups are good places to find contacts.
Assess your own readiness for self-directed online learning
Online students need strong time management, self-motivation, and discipline. Students who have a dedicated study space and block 2-3 hours daily for coursework have completion rates 40% higher than those who study ad hoc.
Apply for admission and financial aid at your top 2-3 programs
Many online programs have rolling admissions with multiple start dates per year. Apply to 2-3 schools to compare acceptance and financial aid offers. Application fees for online programs average $40-$75 each.
Enroll and complete any orientation or technology setup before classes begin
Most online programs require a virtual orientation covering the learning platform, academic policies, and support resources. Complete this 1-2 weeks before classes start so you can troubleshoot any technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online degrees respected by employers?
Online degrees from regionally accredited universities are viewed the same as on-campus degrees by the vast majority of employers. A 2024 SHRM survey found that 83% of hiring managers treat online degrees equally when the institution is well-known. The degree itself does not indicate whether it was earned online or in person. Degrees from for-profit or nationally accredited (rather than regionally accredited) institutions face more skepticism. Stick with established state universities or well-known private universities with online programs.
How much cheaper is an online degree compared to on-campus?
Online tuition is typically 10-30% lower than on-campus rates at the same institution. Total savings are larger because you eliminate room, board, commuting, and campus fees, which add $10,000-$20,000/year to on-campus costs. Some state universities charge in-state online tuition regardless of where you live, saving out-of-state students $15,000-$30,000/year. Programs like the University of Florida, Arizona State, and Penn State World Campus offer full bachelor degrees for $30,000-$50,000 total.
How do I verify an online program is legitimately accredited?
Check the US Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions (DAPIP) at ope.ed.gov/dapip. The school must hold regional accreditation from one of the six recognized regional accreditors (like HLC, SACSCOC, or MSCHE). For professional programs, also verify programmatic accreditation (ABET for engineering, AACSB for business, CCNE for nursing). Avoid schools accredited only by unrecognized or self-created accrediting bodies, which are a hallmark of diploma mills.
Can I finish an online degree while working full-time?
Yes, and most online programs are designed for working adults. Asynchronous programs let you access lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule. Full-time students typically take 3-4 courses per semester (12-16 credits), requiring 30-40 hours/week. Part-time enrollment (1-2 courses, 10-20 hours/week) is more manageable alongside full-time work but extends graduation from 4 years to 5-6 years. About 62% of online degree students are employed full-time during their studies.
What technology do I need for an online degree program?
You need a computer (laptop or desktop) with a webcam and microphone, a reliable internet connection with at least 10 Mbps download speed, and a quiet space for proctored exams and live sessions. Most programs use a learning management system like Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle. Chrome or Firefox browsers work with most platforms. Some programs require specific software (MATLAB, Adobe Creative Suite) which is often provided free through student licenses. A second monitor is helpful but not required.