Comparing Online Degrees: Are They Worth It?
Online degrees have surged in popularity thanks to the flexibility and accessibility of learning remotely. Top schools now offer online bachelor’s, master’s and certificate programs spanning every academic and professional field imaginable.
But how do online degrees compare to traditional in-person programs? Can you still get a quality education? Will online degrees limit your job prospects upon graduating?
This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of online degrees, accredited online program options across fields, and whether earning a degree fully online is worth it compared to on-campus in the modern workforce.
The Benefits of Earning a Degree Online
Pursuing an online degree comes with some distinct advantages that provide flexibility and broad access to higher learning.
Learn From Anywhere
Online programs allow you to complete coursework 100% remotely so you can study from home or wherever you have internet access.
Schedule Flexibility
Many online programs allow you to learn on your schedule by watching pre-recorded lectures or completing assignments asynchronously.
Saves Travel Time
Avoid long commutes to a physical campus for those without colleges nearby. Everything is done virtually.
Potentially Lower Costs
Some online degrees from state schools can have lower tuition than in-person. And you save on gas, parking, etc.
Keep Working Full-Time
Easier to earn an online degree while working compared to coordinating in-person classes around your schedule.
Wide Range of Program Options
Top online degrees now span nearly every academic and career field imaginable from arts to tech to business.
Gain Valuable Digital Skills
Learning online inherently builds skills with digital tools and remote collaboration increasingly useful in the workforce.
Potential Downsides to Consider
While online degrees provide amazing access to education, there are some potential tradeoffs to weigh as well.
Lacks In-Person Campus Experience
Miss out on social growth opportunities and mentorship gained be studying alongside peers physically.
Requires Self-Motivation
It’s easier to procrastinate or fall behind without set class times. You must provide internal drive and structure.
Potential Employer Bias
Some old-fashioned employers still view online degrees as less credible. But this is fading fast.
Lab Work Limitations
Degrees like chemistry and biology are harder to complete online due to lack of access to physical labs and equipment.
Less One-On-One Support
Communication with faculty is often more sporadic in online programs. You may feel “on your own” at times.
Burnout Risk
Staring at a screen constantly while keeping up with remote coursework can lead to extra fatigue and burnout for some.
Technology Issues
Spotty internet or tech problems can disrupt the remote learning experience if you lack backup options.
Skills You’ll Learn Earning a Degree Online
While the curriculum similarities depend on your specific degree, online programs strengthen a common set of valuable skills:
Time Management
Managing your own schedule and getting assignments done without set class times requires strong personal time management abilities.
Self-Motivation
You must provide internal motivation to stick to materials without an in-person professor keeping you accountable each week.
Digital Literacy
Navigating online learning platforms, video meetings, corresponded education and collaborative software boosts your digital skills.
Communication Skills
You must become comfortable engaging via digital mediums like video chats, email correspondence and discussion boards.
Self-Directed Learning
Online education requires taking initiative to get questions answered and grasp concepts deeply on your own.
Technical Troubleshooting
Honing skills to quickly troubleshoot any technology issues that arise during remote learning prevents disruptions.
Personalized Learning
Cater your learning style and study habits towards subjects and at times that work optimally for you.
Which Fields Offer Quality Online Degrees?
While limited for lab sciences, top online degrees now span most major academic and career categories:
MBA/Business
Extremely common. Prestigious schools like Harvard Business School offer online MBAs. High demand and salaries.
Computer Science/IT
Coding and tech skills translate well digitally. Flexible skills-focused online Bootcamps also popular.
Marketing
Digital marketing skills are learned remotely. Tons of online undergrad and masters programs available from top schools.
Psychology/Social Work/Counseling
Gain clinical and interpersonal skills digitally. Allows helping professionals train without career interruptions.
Criminal Justice
Study law, public policy, criminology and administration fully online. Prepares for government and legal system roles.
Healthcare/Public Health
Nursing, healthcare management and public health degrees teach vital skills remotely. Allows current providers to advance while working.
Education
Teachers can earn masters in education fully online. Prepares for leadership roles. Great for current teachers balancing work.
Graphic/Web Design
Technical design and coding skills translate very well digitally through remote project and portfolio work.
Finance/Accounting/Economics
Quants and number crunchers can gain knowledge remotely. High ROI careers.
Communications/Journalism
Learn strategic communications, writing and storytelling skills from anywhere. Prepares for digital media era.
Are Top Online Degrees Worth the Investment?
For most career paths, earning an accredited online bachelor’s or master’s degree can provide tremendous long-term value if aligning with your professional goals.
Career Advancement
Degree holders gain skills preparing them for higher level roles and greater leadership responsibility. Many professions require degrees.
Higher Salary Potential
On average, degree holders across fields earn significantly higher lifetime incomes than non-degree holders according to labor department data.
Gain Valuable Knowledge
Earning a degree shows commitment to deepening your expertise in a field and successfully managing intensive workload.
More Job Opportunities
Many lucrative and interesting careers are simply not available to those without relevant degrees and training. Degrees open doors.
Job Security and Resilience
Degree holders tend to have lower unemployment rates and greater ability to pivot into adjacent roles if industries decline. Provides flexibility.
Personal Growth
The journey of earning a degree builds confidence, focus, and life skills transferable well beyond just your career.
While costs and debt must be weighed carefully, high quality accredited online degree programs can provide strong long-term ROI for career, earnings potential and personal growth.