Very often we are asked if online degree programs are of the same quality as their traditional on-campus counterparts.  In past years the perception has been that online distance learning was not at the same level as campus classroom situations.  This is simply not the case.  Not only are online degree programs a good choice, they are widely accepted by employers, these days.

Online education is a proven model for learning, with a lengthy track record. It enables accredited higher learning for individuals living with physical disabilities, busy working class people, soldiers and those living abroad, and stay at home parents to mention a few. There is fundamentally little difference between physically sitting in an auditorium listening to lectures versus watching a webcast video of the professor.

The recognition of the quality of online degrees compared to on-campus degrees varies. While most major online colleges are regionally accredited, the public perception of their quality is in dispute. Some experts argue that degrees in certain fields are more accepted online than in others, while some programs are less suited for online-only schools.^[1]

A survey by the Distance Education and Training Council found that 100 percent of employers who responded felt that distance education program graduates performed better on the job as a result of their degree (as compared to their previous performance). Additionally, employers felt that an employee receiving a distance education degree compared favorably, in terms of knowledge learned, to someone with a resident degree.^[2] On the other hand, The Chronicle of Higher Education reported in January 2007 on a Vault Inc. survey that found 55 percent of employers preferred traditional degrees over online ones. 41%, however, said they would give "equal consideration to both types of degrees."^[3]

The Sloan Consortium, an organization funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to maintain and improve the quality of distance education, publishes regular reports on the state of distance education in the U.S. In its 2006 report "Making the Grade: Online Education in the United States, 2006," it stated that "in 2003, 57 percent of academic leaders rated the learning outcomes in online education as the same or superior to those in face-to-face. That number is now 62 percent, a small but noteworthy increase."^[4]

In some instances, an online degree may be no different than a degree earned in a campus-based program. The instruction is often exactly the same, and the online degree contains no special designation. An example of this is the degree offered to Columbia University students who earn a degree through the Columbia Video Network (CVN) versus the campus-based program.^[5]

References:

1. ↑ New York Times, "Degrees of Acceptance"
2. ↑ http://www.detc.org/downloads/UsingYour%20DE%20to%20Earn%20Degree.pdf
3. ↑ Chronicle of Higher Education, "Employers Often Distrust Online Degrees"
4. ↑ Sloan Consortium
5. ↑ About Business Majors

^{source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_degrees}

Thinking about pursuing your degree through distance learning?  Worried about how you will pay the tuition and any other costs involved? You may qualify for a scholarship, grant or other type of financial aid.  Distance education degrees are no different, in terms of funding, than on-campus degree programs.  Of course the online degree program must be accredited, but the same holds true for traditional degrees.

All of the traditional types of financial aid are available: Scholarships, grants, and student loans.  What are they and how do they work?

Scholarships:

Scholarships do not have to be repaid.  They are personalized forms of financial aid available for students with particular strengths in academic, artistic, or athletic fields. In addition, students from underrepresented minority groups or students in financial need may also be eligible to receive scholarships. 

Consult with the various schools with programs in which you have interest to determine if they offer scholarships for students in your situation.

Grants:

Grants do not have to be repaid.  Pell Grants are a type of educational grant that is often awarded to students by the Federal government. To receive a Pell Grant, students must meet certain qualifications that have been determined by the government.

Student Loans:

Student loans must be repaid.  There are several types of educational loans available from the Federal government. Two major categories of federal education loans are:

• Student loans (Stafford loans and Perkins loans)

Stafford loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized Stafford loans are awarded to students based on their financial need. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are not based on financial need.
Perkins Loans are low-interest loans borrowed directly from your school with federal assistance.

• Parent loans (PLUS loans)

  PLUS loans are awarded to parents of students who qualify as dependents

To apply for any form of federal financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid.)  Do this as early as possible.

Students should complete the FAFSA on the Web worksheet prior to filling out the FAFSA; it will make the process go much more smoothly.

The question that we get asked the most is:  how do employers view online degrees?  This is a very good question, and something that you should be thinking about if you are considering an online degree program.

Online degrees vs traditional degrees have several advantages for both the degree seeker and the employer.  Because a student can continue working and meeting job requirements while pursuing an online degree, many employers are quite supportive of this degree option. 

The traditional degree program may not be an option if there is not a college or university close to where you live, or you may have a long commute, and with the price of gas, may not be an option for you.  Also, consider the other costs involved to attending an on campus program versus an online program.  Often employers will help pay for the cost of tuition, so do ask.

Recent surveys of many different types of employers indicate that overall employers have the same level of acceptance of an online degree program as they do from a traditional program.  However, it doesn’t hurt to ask your employer their opinion.  If you don’t wish to stay in your current position, or if you wish to change industries once you have obtained your degree, do some research to determine how online degrees are viewed by your targeted employer or industy. 

Also, keep in mind that online degrees from accredited, top tier universities are going to be the most acceptable option in most cases.