Online education is for students who prefer to learn from the comfort of their own home at their own pace.
It’s also great for students who need flexible scheduling, such as full-time professionals or parents. As a result, online degrees are becoming increasingly popular. Here are ten important facts about online degrees for you to consider:
Online Degrees are Accredited
Just like degree programs at physical universities and colleges, legitimate online programs are accredited. The most universally accepted form of accreditation is regional accreditation. There are six regional accrediting agencies nationwide, which are also responsible for evaluating traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. As such, these organizations are widely known and trusted. Many online schools are nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council instead of a regional accreditor. This is becoming increasingly recognized and acceptable.
Employers Accept Online Degrees from Accredited Schools
Nowadays, an online degree from a regionally accredited school carries the same weight in an employer’s eyes as a degree from a traditional university or college.
Universities Accept Online Degrees from Accredited Schools
If your online school is regionally accredited, you’ll be able to transfer credits and apply to graduate programs with the same ease as a degree from a physical institution.
Online Degrees Provide Quality Education
According to the U.S. Department of Education, online education is as effective as traditional education. In fact, students taking courses online were in many cases shown to outperform students in traditional classroom settings.
Online Programs Cater to All Learning Styles
Everyone learns differently, and online colleges recognize this. There are a wide range of programs available, each with a different approach to education. Some programs allow students to work at their own pace and with a great deal of independence. Other programs keep students focused with a set schedule and frequent video conferences. Whatever your learning style, there’s an online program for you.
Degrees of All Levels Are Available Online
Many reputable online universities offer not only associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, but master’s and doctorate degrees as well.
New Legislation Ensures the Authenticity of Online Degrees
In the past, it was difficult to verify whether or not the student enrolled in the online course was the person actually completing the coursework. The College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008 changed that. The Act requires online colleges receiving federal funds to verify the student’s identity, thereby ensuring the authenticity of online degrees.
Public and Private Universities Offer Online Degrees
Online degrees are provided by many private schools, but they are also becoming increasingly available from public schools as well. This helps in-state students save a lot of money on tuition, making online education more affordable in general.
Online Degrees are Eligible for Federal Financial Aid
Students of online programs can receive the same types of federal financial aid as students of traditional programs, as long as the online school is properly accredited.
Using an Online Degree from a “Diploma Mill” Can Get You Into Trouble
“Diploma Mills” are illegitimate organizations which print out degrees for a fee, and require little or no work from their students in return. Listing a degree from such an institution can cost you your job, and in many states may result in hefty fines or even jail time.