Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
By Dr. Winston Ewert and Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Find top-ranked Online bachelor’s in information technology degree programs for students wanting to qualify for jobs like information technology consultants, computer network architects, and data scientists.

Key Takeaways

  • Top online IT programs offer a wide range of specializations such as cybersecurity, network management, and data analytics, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career goals in high-demand fields.
  • The best IT programs emphasize practical experience through virtual labs, simulations, and real-world projects, giving students opportunities to apply IT concepts in areas like software development, cloud computing, and system administration, preparing them for immediate job readiness.
  • The programs in our ranking are designed with flexibility in mind, offering asynchronous courses and customizable schedules, allowing students to balance their studies with full-time work or other responsibilities, making it ideal for those looking to advance or shift careers while earning their degree.

Top 10 Online Information Technology Bachelor's Degrees in 2025

  1. University of Missouri
    +2
  2. Loyola University Chicago
    +5
  3. Florida International University
    +1
  4. University of Memphis
    –2
  5. Thomas Jefferson University
    +16
  6. Mercer University
    +6
  7. University of Alaska Fairbanks
    +6
  8. Northern Arizona University
    –2
  9. Tennessee State University
  10. Campbell University
    +13

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best research universities for education programs saw a considerable amount of shuffling. Thomas Jefferson University gained the most ranking positions as the university expanded its Cybersecurity and Data Analytics Lab, offering hands-on experience with advanced tools in cybersecurity, data science, and cloud computing.

Additionally, new courses focusing on artificial intelligence and machine learning have been integrated into the IT curriculum, reflecting industry trends and preparing students for emerging fields in tech. The university has also strengthened its partnerships with tech companies, providing students with more internship opportunities and industry-led projects to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. These updates make the program more aligned with the evolving needs of the IT sector.

Featured Programs

Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at University of Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $14,130
    Expenses: $18,142
    Starting Salary: $74,503
    Salary after 4 years: $95,165
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #1 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/29

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Loyola University Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $51,716
    Expenses: $19,694
    Starting Salary: $79,920
    Salary after 4 years: $102,783
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $6,565
    Expenses: $19,406
    Starting Salary: $68,448
    Salary after 4 years: $87,431
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,344
    Expenses: $17,726
    Starting Salary: $56,864
    Salary after 4 years: $72,635
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Professional Studies

    Concentrations

    • Organizational Leadership
    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/29

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $45,533
    Expenses: $22,874
    Starting Salary: $124,977
    Salary after 4 years: $160,730
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technology

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Management
    • IT Project Management
    • Networking
    • Software Development
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Mercer University

    Macon , GA
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/28

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Mercer University

    Cost of Degree: $33,380
    Expenses: $18,592
    Starting Salary: $73,249
    Salary after 4 years: $94,204
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business

    Concentrations

    • Information Technology & Informatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 48 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Fairbanks , AK
    #1 Best Grad School in Alaska 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Alaska 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Cost of Degree: $10,016
    Expenses: $16,700
    Starting Salary: $59,365
    Salary after 4 years: $75,830
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSEM in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management
    • Emergency Management
    • Emergency Medical and Public Health Management
    • Fire Administration
    • Homeland Security
    • Law Enforcement Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Northern Arizona University

    Flagstaff , AZ
    #3 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Northern Arizona University

    Cost of Degree: $12,238
    Expenses: $17,028
    Starting Salary: $58,707
    Salary after 4 years: $74,989
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Computer Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Tennessee State University

    Nashville , TN
    #5 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #8 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,568
    Expenses: $17,300
    Starting Salary: $52,389
    Salary after 4 years: $66,918
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Professional Studies

    Concentrations

    • Health Administration
    • Information Technology
    • International Organizational Leadership
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Campbell University

    Buies Creek , NC
    #7 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Campbell University

    Cost of Degree: $40,410
    Expenses: $23,301
    Starting Salary: $72,997
    Salary after 4 years: $93,880
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technology and Security
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Information Technology and Security

    Concentrations

    • Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Regent University

    Virginia Beach , VA
    #13 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    32%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/22

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Regent University

    Cost of Degree: $20,686
    Expenses: $12,146
    Starting Salary: $57,391
    Salary after 4 years: $73,809
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Leadership Studies – Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1259/28

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Cost of Degree: $16,570
    Expenses: $17,994
    Starting Salary: $75,293
    Salary after 4 years: $96,174
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology Second Degree
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology: Business Minor
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Western Kentucky University

    Bowling Green , KY
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/21

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Western Kentucky University

    Cost of Degree: $11,436
    Expenses: $15,452
    Starting Salary: $50,809
    Salary after 4 years: $64,901
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Computer Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Oral Roberts University

    Tulsa , OK
    #9 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/22

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Oral Roberts University

    Cost of Degree: $34,100
    Expenses: $15,820
    Starting Salary: $54,245
    Salary after 4 years: $69,763
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Georgia Southern University

    Statesboro , GA
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/20

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Georgia Southern University

    Cost of Degree: $5,905
    Expenses: $19,667
    Starting Salary: $60,682
    Salary after 4 years: $77,511
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Technology

    Concentrations

    • Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 48 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Missouri State University

    Springfield , MO
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1101/23

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Missouri State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,024
    Expenses: $16,024
    Starting Salary: $58,576
    Salary after 4 years: $74,821
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technology

    Concentrations

    • Application Development
    • IT Infrastructure or Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $16,450
    Expenses: $24,000
    Starting Salary: $63,181
    Salary after 4 years: $81,255
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technologies

    Concentrations

    • Business Management For It
    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Analytics
    • Project Management For It
    • Software Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Technologies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  24. #20

    Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #10 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs #2 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Keiser University

    Cost of Degree: $24,136
    Expenses: $26,450
    Starting Salary: $44,176
    Salary after 4 years: $56,814
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Upper Iowa University

    Fayette , IA
    #10 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/21

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Upper Iowa University

    Cost of Degree: $19,000
    Expenses: $15,022
    Starting Salary: $57,265
    Salary after 4 years: $73,647
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technology

    Concentrations

    • Cyber Security and Computer Forensics (SEC)
    • Network Management (NET)
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    Columbus State University

    Columbus , GA
    #17 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #8 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Columbus State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,751
    Expenses: $19,046
    Starting Salary: $51,073
    Salary after 4 years: $65,237
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technology (Bsit)
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Daytona State College

    Daytona Beach , FL
    #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2025 #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024 #16 Best Online Associate in Accounting 2025 #21 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Daytona State College

    Cost of Degree: $3,106
    Expenses: $15,179
    Starting Salary: $43,043
    Salary after 4 years: $54,981
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Rogers State University

    Claremore , OK
    #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Oklahoma #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Oklahoma 2025 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Oklahoma #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Oklahoma 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Rogers State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,392
    Expenses: $16,948
    Starting Salary: $51,731
    Salary after 4 years: $66,078
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Information Technology Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Information Technology

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,953
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,409
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $61,324
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $78,332
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 8 years
  • Job Growth: 17.94%
  • Number of Jobs: 3,697,200
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers17.42%$169,510
Computer and Information Research Scientists25.68%$145,080
Database Architects10.75%$134,700
Software Developers17.94%$132,270
Computer Network Architects13.44%$129,840

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers$169,510
Computer and Information Research Scientists$145,080
Database Architects$134,700
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Frequently Asked Questions About Information Technology Degrees

Earning a bachelor’s degree in information technology can set you on a path toward a lucrative career in a high demand field. With programs available both online and in person, students can enjoy flexibility while completing the roughly 120 credits needed for graduation.

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Over the course of four to five years, students will learn about topics like network administration, programming languages, project management, and information technology for businesses. Students may also have the option to choose a concentration, like telecommunications, cybersecurity, or software development. Students will learn how to troubleshoot and solve problems relating to technical issues as well as manage computer systems and software.

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Graduates will qualify for jobs like information technology consultants, computer network architects, and data scientists.

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Learn more about how to major in computer science.

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Online IT Programs Looking for You

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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.

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