The short answer is Yes! Accredited online degrees do hold the same value as traditional degrees. The key factor however is that such online degrees must be earned from reputable institutions.
Employers increasingly recognize online education, with key factors like program accreditation, school reputation, and field of study determining its weight.
Key Factors That Make Online Degrees Legitimate
Same Accreditation: Regionally accredited online programs (e.g., SNHU, Capella University, University of Phoenix) meet the same standards as on-campus degrees.
Identical Curriculum & Faculty: Many schools (like Walden University, Purdue Global) offer identical courses online and in-person.
Employer Acceptance: 83% of HR leaders view online degrees favorably (Northeastern University survey).
Flexibility Without Sacrifice: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity partner with top universities (e.g., University of Illinois, Georgia Tech) for rigorous online degrees.
Exceptions: Some fields (e.g., lab-based sciences, clinical healthcare) may require in-person training.
Online vs. Traditional Degrees FAQs
1. Do employers respect online degrees?
Yes—especially from accredited schools (check CHEA.org). Brands like LinkedIn Learning even offer stackable credentials to boost resumes.
2. Are online degrees easier than regular degrees?
No—reputable programs (e.g., Arizona State Online, Penn State World Campus) have the same rigor, exams, and deadlines.
3. Can I get a job at top companies with an online degree?
Yes—Google, Apple, and IBM no longer require traditional degrees (Forbes). Coding bootcamps like Udacity’s Nanodegrees are also accepted.
4. Are online degrees cheaper?
Often—UoPeople offers tuition-free degrees, while Coursera programs cost 40-60% less than on-campus options.
Final Thoughts
An accredited online degree carries equal weight to a traditional degree for most careers. For credibility, choose programs from SNHU, edX (MIT/Harvard courses), or Purdue Global. Supplement your learning with MasterClass (soft skills) or Pluralsight (tech certifications) to stand out.
For your next steps: take time to explore and verify accreditation of any online degrees your are considering at chea.org or explore Coursera’s online degrees (coursera.org/degrees).