Title: Are Online Degrees Worth It? - Cost, Perception & Downsides
Headings: Are Online Degrees Worth It? – Cost, Perception & Downsides
Are Online Degrees Worth It? – Cost, Perception & Downsides
Pros of Pursuing an Online Degree
1. It Could Be Less Expensive Than a Residential Alternative
2. It Could Be Easier to Accomplish While Working Full-Time or Raising Kids (or Both)
3. Many Online Degree Programs Are Reputable (Even Prestigious)
4. You Don’t Have to Leave Your House
5. Larger Online Degree Programs & Institutions Have Vast Alumni Networks
6. Your Employer Might Not Realize You Got Your Degree Online
7. It Could Earn You Respect for Your Time Management Skills & Focus
Cons of Pursuing an Online Degree
1. Some Employers Remain Resistant to Online Degrees
2. Some Employers Are Justifiably Skeptical of For-Profit Degree Programs
3. Unaccredited Programs Offer Little Value
4. Online Degree-Seekers Drop Out at Higher Rates Than Campus-Bound Counterparts
5. It Could Call Your Teamwork Skills Into Question
Final Word

Content: Southern New Hampshire University enrolls about 20 distance learning students for every student that studies on its campus in suburban Manchester. Millions of campus-based or commuter students now enroll in some combination of classroom-based and online-first classes. Indeed, the abrupt, pandemic-induced shift to distance learning at traditional colleges and universities is likely one of the many long-lasting changes precipitated by the pandemic. Therefore, it makes more sense to define true “online degree programs” as those that do not require students to set foot inside a classroom or lab at any point. Online degrees offer some clear advantages, including enhanced flexibility for students with full-time jobs or kids (or both) and lower average costs (especially compared to four-year residential programs) that can help enrollees avoid overwhelming student loan debt. On the other hand, while most employers acknowledge the growing prevalence of online-only degrees and won’t reflexively shut the door on applicants with digital credentials, employer acceptance of online-only degrees is far from total. Students hoping for the greatest possible choice of employment opportunities might prefer traditional education if it’s at all workable. Deciding whether to pursue an online-only degree or stick with the traditional higher education model is a big choice with significant implications for your career, finances, and lifestyle. What follows is an unbiased look at the benefits and drawbacks of choosing the online-only route. Pros of Pursuing an Online Degree
Pursuing an online degree has loads of potential advantages: