Are Online Degrees Respected? (2024)

FAQs

Are Online Degrees Respected? ›

Yes, most traditional universities don't distinguish between online and in-person on the transcript or diploma.

As many as 83% of business leaders see an online degree at a “well-known” institution as having the same value as an on-campus degree. If they are not familiar with a school, however, or the institution isn't known for producing prepared graduates from its programs, your degree may not be seen as having the same value.

Ultimately, the viability of an online college degree depends on your unique situation. However, the degree itself can be just as valuable as an in-person degree. Before you select an online program, evaluate the institution based on our recommended criteria to ensure that you make the best decision for your career.

Online programs are absolutely worth it, depending on your circ*mstances. In general, online programs are not easier than on-campus programs. Online programs aren't necessarily more affordable, but they can be. Just like degrees earned on campus, online degrees are widely respected by employers.

Yes, online degrees are equivalent to traditional degrees. The primary distinction lies in their delivery methods. Traditional degrees are typically delivered through in-person classes on campus, whereas online degrees utilize various digital platforms to reach learners who are often located elsewhere.

In general, employers are likely to care less about whether a degree was earned online and more about a program's reputation and what type of specialized skills a graduate brings to a position.

Experts say employers are largely more interested in the person than the degree. They generally won't recognize immediately if that person's degree was obtained online or in person. Some schools are fully online while others offer online programs in addition to their traditional in-person options.

Degrees. Degrees conferred by online and on-campus programs carry the same level of prestige as long as the school and program are properly accredited (which we discuss in more detail below). Diplomas do not specify whether students completed their programs through on-campus or online delivery.

Despite the great advancements in distance education, and it being embraced from academic institutions of all varieties, a stigma has lingered around the topic for years. Negative perceptions exist, suggesting that online degrees are “less credible” than degrees earned in person.

Online colleges are becoming more popular, but prospective students may still worry about their credibility. We're here to set the record straight: An online degree holds just as much weight as a traditional degree. In fact, data shows that most employers don't even differentiate between the two types of degrees.

Are online degrees less prestigious? ›

Yes, most traditional universities don't distinguish between online and in-person on the transcript or diploma. Even if there is a difference, it's still going to look a million times better than one of those sketchy for profit online colleges that aren't accredited.

Provided you obtained your online diploma from a valid, accredited provider, it is just as acceptable as a traditional diploma. In these situations, the vast majority of colleges and employers will accept your diploma, but we always recommend checking with those colleges or institutions to be sure.

Check the School's Website

Most accredited colleges and universities include a link to their accreditation details somewhere on their homepage or on their “About Us” page. Alternatively, you can look for accreditation information using the school's search function or by searching “[School Name] accreditation site:.

If you have concerns about online college, you should know that over the past two decades, online programs have become more reputable and most employers are now much more accepting of online degrees and view them as being just as valuable as on-campus degrees.

Manchester, N.H. (July 25, 2023) Today, Forbes announced Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is recognized as one of the “Best Employers for Women” in the U.S. for 2023. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

There's a reason you're required to put the name of the college you attended on your resume and job application. Despite what you may read to the contrary, most employers do care about where you went to school for your degree.

Degrees. Degrees conferred by online and on-campus programs carry the same level of prestige as long as the school and program are properly accredited (which we discuss in more detail below). Diplomas do not specify whether students completed their programs through on-campus or online delivery.

Do Employers Respect Open University Degrees? Depending on your area of study, you may be expected to attend a certain university to work at certain companies or firms. However for the majority of degrees, your employers are going to respect your degree like it is any other degree, after all, it's a degree.