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The Global Insight

Are online degrees really worth anything?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on April 03, 2026

Although students might worry that their degree will be discounted because it was earned online, for many employers this is not the case. As long as the college awarding the degree was a legitimate one with proper accreditation, the degree is just as valid as one that may have been earned through traditional learning.

Is an online degree as good as a regular degree?

Because of accreditation standards and processes, graduates of online degree programs receive the same rigorous level of education as traditional degree program students. The degree is the achievement earned.

What accreditation should an online school have?

Legitimate online degree programs are accredited by agencies recognized by either the Department of Education or the nonprofit Council for Higher Education Accreditation, known as CHEA.

Is an online degree worthless?

Online programs are absolutely worth it, depending on the student’s circumstances. Contrary to popular belief, online programs are not easier than on-campus programs. Online programs aren’t necessarily more affordable, but they can be.

Can I get a job with a online degree?

Let’s get to the heart of the matter—yes, you can get a job with a degree earned online. There are thousands of graduates from online degree programs across the country who’ve been successful in landing meaningful work.

How do I make my online school accredited?

Accredited online colleges gain accreditation through a process laid out by the particular agency. Schools voluntarily submit to this process through the accreditation agencies. Generally, an institution applies for accreditation after spending some time reviewing the agency’s standards and preparing for an audit.

Is it worth it to go to college online?

As with traditional college learning, online classes require hard work and responsibility. Yet this hard work does pay off in the form of a degree and, someday, a career. For a student who works or who just wants a flexible schedule, online learning can be a good option for pursuing a college degree.

Are there any accredited online colleges and universities?

The Distance Education Accrediting Commission specifically endorses online colleges. Nonprofit schools, state-run public colleges, and schools focused on traditional academics usually hold regional accreditation. Programmatic accreditation extends only to specific degree or diploma paths offered at a given school.

Is it worth it to take free online classes?

While there are many free online courses, even those that aren’t still typically cost less than their on-campus counterparts. By learning virtually, you eliminate room and board fees, as well as any commuting costs. And because there’s greater flexibility, you can simultaneously earn a paycheck and an education.

Are there any online degree programs that are good?

Though program quality varies wildly and some online degree programs are sorely lacking, stubborn public perceptions of online-only degree programs as uniformly second-rate are outmoded.