Best Online Associate in General Studies
Find top-ranked online associate degrees in general studies programs to prepare you for a number of entry-level jobs ranging including customer service, retail management, research assistance, and more.
Key Takeaways
- An associate degree can greatly increase your salary over someone who has a high school diploma alone.
- Many students go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.
- The versatile general studies degree prepares graduates for entry-level jobs such as customer service, retail management, research assistance, and more.
Top 10 Online Associate Degrees in General Studies
- Pace University
- Providence College
- Arkansas State University
- Northern Michigan University
- Golden Gate University
- Andrews University
- Anne Arundel Community College
- Hampton University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Regent University
- Pace University
- Hampton University
- Andrews University
- Providence College
- Anne Arundel Community College
- Arkansas State University
- Golden Gate University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Murray State University
- Regent University
- New England College 100%
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 96%
- Arkansas Tech University 94%
- University of the Incarnate Word 94%
- Franklin Pierce University 93%
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania 92%
- Andrews University 91%
- Northwest Nazarene University 88%
- Murray State University 84%
- Pace University 83%
- Northern Virginia Community College 28 to 1
- Regent University 21 to 1
- Columbia College 20 to 1
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 20 to 1
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania 18 to 1
- Arkansas Tech University 18 to 1
- Northern Michigan University 18 to 1
- Anne Arundel Community College 16 to 1
- Montgomery College 16 to 1
- Murray State University 16 to 1
- Providence College $57,928
- Pace University $50,026
- Franklin Pierce University $43,155
- New England College $41,518
- Albertus Magnus College $37,682
- Northwest Nazarene University $36,298
- University of the Incarnate Word $34,400
- King University $33,784
- Andrews University $32,734
- Hampton University $29,162
- Franklin Pierce University $37,200
- Andrews University $26,580
- Pace University $25,560
- Albertus Magnus College $22,176
- Golden Gate University $19,620
- University of the Incarnate Word $18,900
- Regent University $16,028
- King University $14,181
- New England College $13,678
- Hampton University $13,099
- Albertus Magnus College
- King University
- Wilmington University
- Northern Virginia Community College
- San Diego Christian College
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- Northwest Nazarene University
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
- Arkansas Tech University
- Columbia College
- San Diego Christian College
- Northwest Nazarene University
- Columbia College
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
- Albertus Magnus College
- Arkansas Tech University
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- Montgomery College
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Wilmington University
- Regent University 32%
- Providence College 53%
- King University 61%
- Eastern Kentucky University 64%
- Arkansas State University 70%
- Northern Michigan University 71%
- Hampton University 74%
- Albertus Magnus College 80%
- Pace University 83%
- Murray State University 84%
- New England College 7 to 1
- Andrews University 10 to 1
- San Diego Christian College 11 to 1
- King University 11 to 1
- Providence College 11 to 1
- Wilmington University 12 to 1
- Franklin Pierce University 12 to 1
- Hampton University 13 to 1
- Golden Gate University 13 to 1
- University of the Incarnate Word 13 to 1
- Northern Virginia Community College $5,412
- Arkansas Tech University $5,820
- Arkansas State University $6,888
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $7,716
- Anne Arundel Community College $7,920
- Montgomery College $8,070
- Murray State University $8,196
- Eastern Kentucky University $9,544
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,570
- Golden Gate University $11,088
- Arkansas Tech University $5,481
- Arkansas State University $6,282
- San Diego Christian College $7,440
- Columbia College $8,826
- Murray State University $9,144
- Wilmington University $9,216
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania $9,288
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania $9,288
- Eastern Kentucky University $10,008
- Northern Michigan University $10,176
Featured Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About General Studies Degrees
Why get an associate degree?
Associate degrees are a great alternative to a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree. An associate degree can be earned in half the time and can help to advance your career and boost your earning potential.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earning an associate degree can increase your salary by more than $8000 over someone who has a high school diploma alone.
And the cost of an associate degree is around $3500 per year, while the average tuition for a bachelor’s degree at a public college or university sits at around $9000 per year.
However, if you want to go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree can also be a great stepping stone towards earning that next degree.
In fact, many community colleges have transfer agreements with nearby public and state colleges that make the prospect of continuing on towards higher education as painless as possible.
Even better, many regionally accredited colleges now offer degree programs online, ensuring that students receive a high quality education with the convenience of an online program.
Why get an online associate degree in general studies?
Online students earning an associate degree in general studies can help students explore a variety of disciplines and career paths while also working toward a versatile degree.
How long does it take to get an associate degree in general studies?
In about two years, students earning associate degrees in general studies can complete the required 60 credits either online or in person.
If you have your high school diploma and are wondering how to pay for college, check out our handy Guide to Financial Aid in Higher Education.
In fact, we have a number of financial aid resources available to help you navigate towards earning your associate degree:
- A step-by-step guide to applying for financial aid
- A guide to applying for federal grants, which offer the highest level of financial aid to students with the biggest need
- A look at work study programs, which are a unique supplement to federal financial aid.
What kind of courses are required to get an associate degree in general studies?
During their studies, online students will take courses in math, computer science, fine arts, social science, and humanities. Many programs will also require you to earn credits through elective courses in areas like marketing, business, criminal justice, and education, all to the end of gaining a well-rounded educational experience.
What can I do with an associate degree in general studies?
Graduates of general studies degree programs will be prepared for a number of entry-level jobs ranging including customer service, retail management, research assistance, and more. Associate degrees in general studies are also a great starting point for those who will go on to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree in a wide variety of disciplines.
Best Online Associate Degree in General Studies Programs
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2025 #5 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science 2025 #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Information Technology 2025 #9 Best Online Colleges in New York 2025
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
61%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1210/26
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Pace University
Cost of Degree: $51,424Expenses: $24,642Starting Salary: $34,924Salary after 4 years: $36,729Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in General Studies
Concentrations
- Degree Completion
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
AA in General Studies Degree Completion
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #7 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #12 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Rhode Island 2024
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
86%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1340/30
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Providence College
Cost of Degree: $60,848Expenses: $19,792Starting Salary: $38,374Salary after 4 years: $40,358Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
53%
Student body
18K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/22
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Arkansas State University
Cost of Degree: $7,754Expenses: $18,472Starting Salary: $23,761Salary after 4 years: $33,738Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AGS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
53%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Northern Michigan University
Cost of Degree: $13,622Expenses: $15,620Starting Salary: $25,838Salary after 4 years: $36,688Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025 #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Golden Gate University
Cost of Degree: $11,343Starting Salary: $43,027Salary after 4 years: $45,251Online Degrees
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
71%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/24
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Andrews University
Cost of Degree: $33,710Expenses: $12,250Starting Salary: $24,990Salary after 4 years: $26,282Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 50 Best Community Colleges for Future Success in 2025 #1 Best Community Colleges in Maryland 2025 #1 Best Online Associate in English 2025 #1 Best Online Associate in Gender Studies
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
27%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Anne Arundel Community College
Cost of Degree: $8,186Starting Salary: $27,396Salary after 4 years: $38,901Online Degrees
AA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #4 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
46%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1030/22
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Hampton University
Cost of Degree: $29,162Expenses: $16,886Starting Salary: $26,193Salary after 4 years: $27,547Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #12 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
49%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1062/20
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Eastern Kentucky University
Cost of Degree: $10,130Expenses: $14,535Starting Salary: $25,514Salary after 4 years: $36,227Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
Associate in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #13 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
32%
Graduation
55%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/22
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Regent University
Cost of Degree: $20,686Expenses: $12,146Starting Salary: $23,840Salary after 4 years: $25,072Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 3 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #8 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2025
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/20
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Franklin Pierce University
Cost of Degree: $44,963Expenses: $19,222Starting Salary: $23,527Salary after 4 years: $24,742Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #24 50 Best Community Colleges for Future Success in 2025 #2 Best Community Colleges in Maryland 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Maryland 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Communications
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
28%
Student body
24K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Montgomery College
Cost of Degree: $10,398Starting Salary: $29,863Salary after 4 years: $42,404Online Degrees
AA in General Studies
Concentrations
- Technology
- Communication And Languages
- Humanities
- Arts
- Social Sciences
- Administration And Health
- Engineering And Math
- Science
- Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #5 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2025
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
31%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at New England College
Cost of Degree: $27,114Expenses: $20,014Starting Salary: $23,370Salary after 4 years: $24,578Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
58%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1077/22
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Murray State University
Cost of Degree: $9,708Expenses: $17,211Starting Salary: $27,461Salary after 4 years: $38,993Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 39-43
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #15 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #1 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
53%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1021/19
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at University of the Incarnate Word
Cost of Degree: $35,660Expenses: $18,310Starting Salary: $27,448Salary after 4 years: $28,866Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #8 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #12 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 Best Online Associate in Human Services #9 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2024
Tuition + fees
$24K
Graduation
43%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Columbia College
Cost of Degree: $12,268Expenses: $14,602Starting Salary: $22,481Salary after 4 years: $23,643Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
Associate in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Arkansas 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
49%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/20
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Arkansas Tech University
Cost of Degree: $8,508Expenses: $15,186Starting Salary: $25,059Salary after 4 years: $35,582Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Online Master's in Biology #13 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration #15 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates) #17 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
56%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $11,122Expenses: $18,636Starting Salary: $28,500Salary after 4 years: $40,468Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Idaho 2025 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Idaho 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
58%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/23
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Northwest Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $40,895Expenses: $17,216Starting Salary: $24,206Salary after 4 years: $25,457Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
57%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $12,262Expenses: $17,000Starting Salary: $29,863Salary after 4 years: $42,404Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024 #16 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025 #21 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
Tuition + fees
$26K
Graduation
35%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at San Diego Christian College
Cost of Degree: $26,300Expenses: $17,502Starting Salary: $22,220Salary after 4 years: $23,368Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #19 50 Best Community Colleges for Future Success in 2025 #1 Best Community Colleges in Virginia 2025 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024 #5 Best Online Associate in English 2025
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
35%
Student body
69K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Northern Virginia Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,703Starting Salary: $30,642Salary after 4 years: $43,510Online Degrees
AS in General Studies
Concentrations
- Health Science
- Required Credits: 60-62
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Delaware 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Delaware 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Delaware 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Delaware 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Graduation
20%
Student body
19K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Wilmington University
Cost of Degree: $12,330Starting Salary: $24,363Salary after 4 years: $25,622Online Degrees
AA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 2 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #9 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
46%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at King University
Cost of Degree: $34,800Expenses: $15,484Starting Salary: $26,297Salary after 4 years: $27,657Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in General Studies
Concentrations
- General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion time: 20 months
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2025 #22 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2025
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
50%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for General Studies degree at Albertus Magnus College
Cost of Degree: $39,924Expenses: $23,534Starting Salary: $29,277Salary after 4 years: $30,791Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
AA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Career Outlook for Students with General Studies Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolDigital Communication And Media/Multimedia
Degree Level: Associate's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $5,400
- Avg. Expenses*: $15,117
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $23,767
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $33,747
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 7 years
- Job Growth: 5.92%
- Number of Jobs: 1,473,100
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
Managers, All Other | 5.75% | $133,560 |
Web and Digital Interface Designers | 7.93% | $98,540 |
Producers and Directors | 8.10% | $82,510 |
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | 3.43% | $79,910 |
Film and Video Editors | 4.66% | $66,600 |
Top Industries
Industry | Avg. Salary |
---|---|
Managers, All Other | $133,560 |
Web and Digital Interface Designers | $98,540 |
Producers and Directors | $82,510 |
Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?
If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.
In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.
Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.
Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.
As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.
In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).
While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
Resources for Online College-Bound Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.