Yes — thousands of students around the world earn accredited degrees online every year. Today’s online degrees are not only credible and flexible, but they can also offer career-advancing opportunities without the traditional costs or time constraints.
Whether you’re aiming to switch careers or get ahead in your current one, platforms like SNHU, UoPeople, and Coursera provide pathways to respected, recognised qualifications.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply for University Online?
To apply for most online universities, you typically need:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Previous transcripts (if transferring)
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- A government-issued ID
Specific requirements may vary based on the institution and programme. For example, National Open University applicants must register through their portal with supporting documents and choose their study centre.
Steps to Getting an Online Degree
There are several steps that require your due diligence if you intend to take up an online degree. Taking up a degree is a huge step. A degree determines where you go and where you spend the prime of your life in terms of career and job placement.
A degree also determines the direction you will take when it comes to pursuing your education further after completing your first qualification.
In this post, we present critical steps to getting an online degree. The multiplicity of options and possibilities can make the task of identifying the best degree programme a challenge for many. Here are the essential steps you should follow when considering an online degree.
1. Choose What Degree You Would Like to Pursue
This is a very critical step in your due diligence. Everything you do after this phase depends on the decision you make here — so you need to ensure it’s the right one. To do so, gather all the necessary information to make an informed choice.
Ask yourself:
- What are my interests, talents, and passions?
- What are my short-term and long-term career goals?
- Which industries align with my personal and professional objectives?
Once you’ve reflected on these questions, identify the learning disciplines that match your career dreams. From there, explore available courses in those disciplines. Certain institutions are particularly reputable in specific fields. For instance:
- If you want to pursue a degree in Finance, consider University of Phoenix
- For Computer Science or Data Analytics, check out edX or Udacity
- For tuition-free access to degrees in Health Science or Education, consider UoPeople
Aligning with a strong institution in your field ensures that you’ll receive a credible qualification and gain an edge in the job market.
2. Conduct Extensive Search
This is where the internet becomes your best friend. Before making a final decision, ensure that you have explored all feasible options. Use Google, specialised databases, and ranking platforms to perform a targeted search.
Keep in mind:
An Accounting degree from University X may not have the same structure, focus, or career outcomes as one from University Y. You need to identify institutions that offer programmes designed with the specific career outcomes you’re aiming for.
Below are reliable platforms you can use to begin your search:
- Online Education Database: OEDB
- Guide to Online Schools: Guidetoonlineschools.com
These sites feature top-ranking online universities and their offerings across many fields and specialisations. Use them to compare course structures, faculty credentials, tuition fees, and career services.
How to Register for a National Open University Online
Applying to a national open university (such as NOUN in Nigeria or Open University UK) typically involves:
- Creating an online application profile
- Uploading required documents (ID, prior qualifications)
- Choosing your programme and study centre (if applicable)
- Paying application or registration fees
Check the institution’s website directly for specific steps. For example, National Open University of Nigeria and other open universities have online portals that walk you through registration with minimal paperwork.
3. Shortlist the Best Options
Your shortlisting phase is all about eliminating schools and options that don’t align with your goals, budget, or life circumstances. This step helps you zero in on the institutions that truly fit your needs.
Key criteria to focus on:
- Tuition and total programme cost
- Degree specialisation and curriculum
- Course duration and flexibility
- Accreditation status
- Support services (e.g. tutoring, mentorship, career guidance)
For example, Capella University offers flexible, competency-based learning ideal for working professionals, while Thinkific and Teachable are great if you‘re looking to build self-paced skills alongside formal study.
One of the most important considerations is accreditation. Never skip this step. Accreditation ensures that your degree will be recognised by employers, licensing boards, and postgraduate institutions. To verify accreditation, use directories like:
Once you’ve eliminated schools that don’t align with your interests, budget, or learning style, you’ll be in a strong position to move forward with confidence.
FAQs: Online Degrees and Career Growth
Are online degrees taken seriously by employers in 2025?
Yes — as long as your degree is from an accredited institution. Major employers, including Amazon and top hospitals, regularly hire graduates from online programmes such as those from SNHU and Purdue Global.
What’s the easiest accredited online degree to get?
Business Administration (BA) and Communications are among the most accessible degrees. Flexible options are available from UoPeople and University of Phoenix.
Can I complete an entire degree 100% online with no campus visits?
Yes. Schools like Capella University, Walden University, and ASU Online offer fully remote degrees — even for programmes like Nursing, where clinicals are arranged locally.
Do online degrees say “online” on the diploma?
Generally, no. Most diplomas look identical to those awarded on campus. For instance, a Harvard Extension degree states “in Extension Studies” but does not indicate the mode of delivery.
How fast can I get a legitimate bachelor’s degree online?
You can earn a bachelor’s in 18–24 months via accelerated options like Western Governors University or Southern New Hampshire University.
Are online degrees cheaper than traditional college?
Often yes. UoPeople is tuition-free (students pay only admin fees), while Coursera’s online MBA runs ~$20K — far less than the $60K+ typical of on-campus MBAs.
Can I get financial aid for an online degree?
Yes — accredited institutions like SNHU, Purdue Global, and ASU Online are eligible for FAFSA and other aid. Confirm via https://studentaid.gov or the school’s financial aid office.
What’s the hardest part of earning a degree online?
Staying motivated. Online learning requires strong self-discipline, especially without in-person interaction. Use platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning for structured support and career tools.
Final Thoughts on Getting an Online Degree
Earning a degree online is now one of the most effective ways to advance your education without putting your career or family life on hold. From flexible course schedules to reduced tuition costs, online degrees offer options for working professionals, career changers, and first-time students alike.
That said, you still need to choose carefully. Take time to research degree specialisations, verify accreditation, compare costs, and assess whether a programme meets your long-term goals. Providers like SNHU, UoPeople, Coursera, and Capella University continue to innovate online education — offering industry-relevant content, real-time support, and globally recognised credentials.
Whether you’re applying through a national open university or a global platform like edX or LinkedIn Learning, the key is to align your study path with where you want to be next in your career.