Will My Online Degree Be Respected in the Job Market?

As the costs of traditional higher education continue to skyrocket, more and more students are choosing to pursue online degrees. And as the offerings of online degree programs continue to expand and improve, employers are beginning to have a greater regard for online degrees.

Recent reports indicate public perception of online colleges is improving, along with the quality of online colleges, which has helped boost legitimacy for online degrees for employers. That value continues to rise as employers become more familiar with online degrees, which are turning up more and more frequently on applications. A report by Reuters showed that the online education sector grew 13 percent last year and that almost a quarter of students enrolled in at least some online college classes. CNBC recently reported that online schooling is becoming more important and accepted in today’s society. A force to be reckoned with, online colleges even play a key role in a government’s plans to expand access to higher education, to which the greatest barrier is cost; President Barack Obama pledged $500 million for online courses and materials as part of this multi-faceted plan, according to the Reuters report referenced above. The U.S. Department of Education reported this year that certain types of online learning (or blended learning) are actually better than face-to-face learning alone, which sets some online programs apart.

Choosing an accredited online school over other online education options is the most important way to make sure your online degree is respected in the job market. One way to sift your options is to check the U.S. Department of Education’s database of accredited colleges to make see if an online college is listed. It is important for students to understand that online colleges are accredited by the same agencies and in the same method as traditional colleges are, ensuring the college is operating legally and giving students a quality education. That means any nationally accredited online college can offer you the same quality and credibility that you can find in a brick and mortar college. If you don’t do the research, you could be tapping into what the Washington State Office of the Attorney General says is a “buyer beware” degree market.

So while some employers may still be skeptical about online degrees, you can rest assured that with the right accreditation and the growing respect and emphasis on online education sweeping the nation, an online degree is still a smart choice for your future.

Top Online Colleges

	Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University is a respected online institution that offers a variety of degrees to students. Kaplan has campus locations available as well as degrees available online that students can choose from.
	Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University has an outstanding faculty and staff willing to help students succeed in their chosen degree path. Ashford offers accredited degrees entirely available to take online.
	University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Degrees. As the largest online university in existence, University of Phoenix has a large variety of degrees available. Students will find degree programs offered in high growing industries with an immediate need for new employees.
	Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. An accredited Christian online university, Liberty prepares students with a great curriculum and faculty. Liberty graduates impact their workplace with their new knowledge of their field.
	American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. American InterContinental University is one of the world's largest and well respected online colleges in existence today. Thousands of students have graduated from AIU over the years and have gone on to have amazing careers in their chosen industry.
	DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Students just starting their educational career or students already with a degree will find a variety of degrees they will be interested in. DeVry offers high-quality, innovative programs that assist students in obtainting the skills they need to be successful.
	Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University is an excellent choice for students interested in obtaining their degree entirely online. With assorted degree levels available, lifelong learners or new college students will find the degree level perfect for them.
	Westwood College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. First time college students will find excellent undergraduate degree programs at Westwood College. With Westwood's online delivery program, students never have to leave their home to get a college degree.