Will getting my degree online put me at a significant disadvantage?
Just for a short bit of background, I have almost no previous programming experience, save the past few months I have been working on a popular Java MOOC. I spent my first few years of college as a biochemistry major racking up tons of debt in a degree I had no desire to be in. I&#x27;ve recently delved into programming and have found that I thoroughly enjoy it, and could very much see a future for myself in it. I am deciding between two routes to finish my degree. Here’s my options:<p>1. UMKC (not online). Unheard of on the national scale but well known where I&#x27;m from, Kansas City. Pretty middle of the pack when it comes to quality of the degree, but nothing to complain about as far as I&#x27;m aware. Cost per credit is just shy of $400. I can live with my parents if I continue school here and save a good bit on rent and food.<p>2. Fort Hays State University, or FHSU, (offers a completely online BSCS). Nothing on my degree would mention that it was done online. It is a legit brick and mortar school, and the program is regionally accredited (but not ABET, not sure that that matters). However, it&#x27;s located in a town of about 20,000 in the middle of nowhere Kansas, so I worry about my networking opportunities. The cost is only $207 per credit hour. I would save almost $15,000 going this route, plus I would be able to continue working the job I have in which I may work in 2-3 different cities every year or two. This job pays decent and would likely be able to pay for all my schooling as I go, so I wouldn&#x27;t tack on any additional debt the the already withstanding $50k I have taken out.<p>I am heavily leaning towards option 2. I want to relocate to Seattle &#x2F; Denver or somewhere similar after graduation. I know these will require me to have a solid portfolio and great connections. How may I augment my learning if I choose the online option so that I am just as competitive as other traditional students in these areas? In the long run, will online put me at a disadvantage?