Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Badge for BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN SOCIAL WORK

Find top-ranked online bachelor’s in social work degree programs for students wanting to become an advocate for those who need it most.

The Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degrees

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  1. Wayne State University
  2. Portland State University
  3. Simmons University
  4. Aurora University
  5. University of Iowa
  6. University of Kentucky
  7. University of Cincinnati
  8. Saint Louis University
  9. Our Lady of the Lake University
  10. Liberty University
  1. University of Iowa
  2. Wayne State University
  3. University of Cincinnati
  4. University of Kentucky
  5. Saint Louis University
  6. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
  7. University of Montana
  8. Portland State University
  9. Liberty University
  10. Northern Arizona University
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. Grand View University 98%
  3. University of Kentucky 95%
  4. Troy University 95%
  5. University of Montana 95%
  6. Portland State University 93%
  7. Keuka College 93%
  8. West Texas A&M University 92%
  9. University of Cincinnati 86%
  10. University of Iowa 86%
  1. Campbellsville University 23 to 1
  2. Northern Arizona University 20 to 1
  3. University of Cincinnati 18 to 1
  4. Liberty University 18 to 1
  5. Aurora University 18 to 1
  6. Angelo State University 18 to 1
  7. University of Kentucky 17 to 1
  8. University of Montana 17 to 1
  9. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 17 to 1
  10. West Texas A&M University 17 to 1
  1. Saint Louis University $50,644
  2. Moravian University $50,500
  3. Simmons University $44,350
  4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $41,586
  5. Ursuline College $36,816
  6. Keuka College $36,191
  7. Mount Vernon Nazarene University $34,168
  8. King University $33,784
  9. Grand View University $32,068
  10. Our Lady of the Lake University $31,124
  1. Simmons University $27,152
  2. Saint Louis University $22,500
  3. Ursuline College $22,320
  4. Keuka College $20,758
  5. Moravian University $18,504
  6. Wayne State University $17,682
  7. Our Lady of the Lake University $17,316
  8. Union Institute & University $15,911
  9. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa $15,600
  10. Portland State University $15,048
  1. Union Institute & University
  2. Eastern Kentucky University
  3. Ursuline College
  4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  5. King University
  6. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  7. Moravian University
  8. West Texas A&M University
  9. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
  10. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
  1. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
  2. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  3. Moravian University
  4. Kentucky Christian University
  5. Grand View University
  6. Ursuline College
  7. Campbellsville University
  8. Our Lady of the Lake University
  9. West Texas A&M University
  10. Keuka College
  1. Kentucky Christian University 44%
  2. University of Missouri–St. Louis 51%
  3. King University 61%
  4. Eastern Kentucky University 64%
  5. Moravian University 67%
  6. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 73%
  7. Wayne State University 75%
  8. Simmons University 76%
  9. Angelo State University 79%
  10. Northern Arizona University 80%
  1. Union Institute & University 6 to 1
  2. Ursuline College 7 to 1
  3. Simmons University 7 to 1
  4. Saint Louis University 9 to 1
  5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 10 to 1
  6. Moravian University 10 to 1
  7. King University 11 to 1
  8. Mount Vernon Nazarene University 11 to 1
  9. Our Lady of the Lake University 11 to 1
  10. Keuka College 12 to 1
  1. Angelo State University $4,495
  2. University of Montana $5,515
  3. West Texas A&M University $6,372
  4. Tennessee State University $7,128
  5. Portland State University $8,400
  6. University of Iowa $8,711
  7. Troy University $9,312
  8. Eastern Kentucky University $9,544
  9. Northern Arizona University $10,644
  10. University of Cincinnati $10,656
  1. Angelo State University $4,181
  2. Kentucky Christian University $4,950
  3. West Texas A&M University $5,088
  4. University of Montana $5,166
  5. Liberty University $7,893
  6. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $8,280
  7. Troy University $8,550
  8. Grand View University $8,730
  9. Campbellsville University $8,904
  10. Tennessee State University $9,524

Key Takeaways

  • An online bachelor’s in social work is a perfect degree choice for students who have a big heart and a passion for community and service.
  • With a degree in social work, students are immersed in lessons on caring intervention and social policy which will qualify them for different careers in community and social service.
  • Because of the popularity of online education, most colleges and universities today offer online bachelor’s of social work degree programs, and most of them are in asynchronous formats with no set meeting times.
  •  

Featured Programs

An online bachelor’s in social work allows students to compete for entry-level, non-clinical roles in so many professional settings. Whether you want to work as a probation officer at your county prison, become a case management aide at your children’s hospital, or a behavioral management aide at your local school, a degree in social work online is a perfect choice for you to achieve that goal.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for social workers will grow by 9% over the next decade, adding 64,000 new jobs in the field.

Social work jobs are usually about assisting and supporting families, groups, and individuals as they try to live stable and healthy lives. This is also a program devoted to improving research on oppression, social welfare, human rights, and societal change.

As a bachelor’s degree holder in social work, you can assist licensed professionals through administrative and support services. However, if you want to become a licensed social worker, you will need to pursue a master’s degree in the field.

As a social worker, you can develop community programs, collect data on the efficiency of current community strategies, and even perform administrative duties in health clinics and community centers. Specializations in social work include healthcare, substance abuse, child welfare, and developmental disabilities.

For those unable to join classes on campus, schools that offer distance learning are the best options. Now, students can pursue their social work degree without compromising work and family time.

Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Career Paths

Case Managers: Social services case managers employ rehabilitation services and behavioral support to ensure that clients engage in services, utilize resources, and participate in activities that benefit them. Case managers also set goals, update case files, and suggest and recommend treatment options.

Counselors: A counselor’s primary task is to assess the physical and psychological health of a client. Counselors create, recommend, and review treatment goals as well.

Counselors also assist patients with skills to alter their behaviors and recognize situations that may interfere with the patient’s road to recovery. Counselors can refer clients to other services, resources, and support groups as well.

It is important to note that a master’s degree is required to provide direct clinical care to clients.

Social Workers: Those with a bachelor’s degree in social work usually focus on program developments, policies, and services. They can also suggest community resources like healthcare, childcare, and even food stamps.

These professionals work with individuals or groups, and together, they help patients adjust to challenges and changes like health issues, unemployment, and divorce. Clinical social workers, however, must hold a master’s degree in social work.

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists: Probation officers assess parolees and those on probation to establish or identify rehabilitation avenues. These specialists interview not only their clients but also their client’s friends and family to check on progress.

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists also provide resources, maintain case files, write reports, perform drug tests, testify in court, or complete pre-hearing investigations.

Social and Community Service Managers: These managers are equipped to work with the community and its stakeholders in identifying programs and services that would benefit the citizens of a community. With a bachelor of social work degree, graduates become equipped to facilitate outreach activities and draft proposals for social services funding.

Social and community managers also study data to ascertain program efficiencies, and suggest and implement improvements. For some roles in this field, you need to have a master’s degree to practice.

Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists: These professionals work with couples, families, and individuals, in providing professional therapeutic care.

To prepare students for these types of occupations that guarantee actual job growth, the online BSW program equips graduates for group or one-on-one counseling, focusing on certain topics like trauma, relational issues, conflict resolution, or grief in a social environment.

But before you are qualified to work in this field that also tackles social justice, you need to have a master’s degree plus complete supervised experience requirements.

Substance Abuse Counselors and Behavioral Disorder Counselors: These counselors work with clients who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction, other types of addictions, or mental health disorders. They provide support and suggest treatment options to help their clients overcome these disorders.

These types of counselors typically work in prisons, community health clinics, counseling offices, or rehabilitation facilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Degrees

Why get a bachelor’s in social work?

A bachelor’s degree in social work can help you become an advocate for those who need it most.

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How long does it take to get a bachelor’s in social work?

Individuals who pursue this degree can often complete the 120 required credits in about four years.

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What will you learn while getting a bachelor’s in social work?

Offered both online and in person, courses challenge students to think critically, work well with others, and practice effective communication skills. Students will study topics like behavioral psychology, social welfare policies, ethics, and addictions. Additionally, many programs include a professional experience component, which helps students gain firsthand knowledge of the field.

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What can you do with a bachelor’s in social work?

After completing a bachelor’s degree in social work, students may qualify for careers as case workers, probation officers, and human services assistants.

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Learn more about how to major in social work.

How We Picked the Best Bachelor’s in Social Work Online Program

Our ranking method starts with recognizing the school’s accreditation status. Schools that have regionally accredited online bachelor’s degree programs are clear indications that they offer high-quality education.

These online bachelor schools also share tough entry and graduation requirements, thus continuously challenging online students, so they can meet the school’s online academic standards for excellence.

Since these are distance learning formats, the schools on the list have excellent virtual learning platforms that give students the ease of access and technical support they need.

Finally, the degree programs in all the online schools in this list are characterized by intensive coursework and rigorous and comprehensive curricula.

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30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Degree Programs

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Wayne State University

    Cost of Degree: $15,882
    Expenses: $16,873
    Starting Salary: $37,936
    Salary after 4 years: $48,488
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #3

    Simmons University

    Boston , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/30

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Simmons University

    Cost of Degree: $44,350
    Expenses: $20,198
    Starting Salary: $41,612
    Salary after 4 years: $53,868
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #4

    Aurora University

    Aurora , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1089/22

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Aurora University

    Cost of Degree: $27,420
    Expenses: $16,602
    Starting Salary: $32,919
    Salary after 4 years: $42,615
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-4 years
    • Format: Online
  4. #5

    University of Iowa

    Iowa City , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/25

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at University of Iowa

    Cost of Degree: $10,353
    Expenses: $16,530
    Starting Salary: $44,972
    Salary after 4 years: $57,481
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 121-132
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  5. #6

    University of Kentucky

    Lexington , KY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/24

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at University of Kentucky

    Cost of Degree: $12,859
    Expenses: $20,206
    Starting Salary: $39,169
    Salary after 4 years: $50,064
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #7

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/26

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at University of Cincinnati

    Cost of Degree: $12,334
    Expenses: $16,990
    Starting Salary: $36,050
    Salary after 4 years: $46,077
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 57
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #8

    Saint Louis University

    Saint Louis , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/28

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Saint Louis University

    Cost of Degree: $50,644
    Expenses: $20,032
    Starting Salary: $46,243
    Salary after 4 years: $59,863
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Our Lady of the Lake University

    Cost of Degree: $31,124
    Starting Salary: $30,282
    Salary after 4 years: $39,202

    Online Degrees

    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  9. #10

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $16,203
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $29,499
    Salary after 4 years: $38,187
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
  10. #11

    Keuka College

    Keuka Park , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1036/17

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Keuka College

    Cost of Degree: $36,191
    Expenses: $17,861
    Starting Salary: $33,275
    Salary after 4 years: $43,076
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 56
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  11. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Tennessee State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,336
    Expenses: $15,556
    Starting Salary: $28,869
    Salary after 4 years: $36,899
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Northern Arizona University

    Cost of Degree: $11,810
    Expenses: $16,928
    Starting Salary: $32,350
    Salary after 4 years: $41,349
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #15

    Troy University

    Troy , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Troy University

    Cost of Degree: $9,312
    Expenses: $13,665
    Starting Salary: $29,812
    Salary after 4 years: $38,104
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #17

    Angelo State University

    San Angelo , TX
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/20

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Angelo State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,186
    Expenses: $15,280
    Starting Salary: $33,584
    Salary after 4 years: $42,925
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  15. Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    870/18

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Kentucky Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $23,700
    Expenses: $15,496
    Starting Salary: $26,007
    Salary after 4 years: $33,667
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. #19

    Grand View University

    Des Moines , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Grand View University

    Cost of Degree: $32,158
    Expenses: $16,306
    Starting Salary: $32,206
    Salary after 4 years: $41,692
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 58
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/21

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Mount Vernon Nazarene University

    Cost of Degree: $24,203
    Expenses: $15,212
    Starting Salary: $35,626
    Salary after 4 years: $46,120
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  18. #24

    Moravian University

    Bethlehem , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1156/23

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Moravian University

    Cost of Degree: $50,500
    Expenses: $18,334
    Starting Salary: $39,260
    Salary after 4 years: $50,824
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Saint Joseph's College of Maine

    Cost of Degree: $41,586
    Expenses: $17,836
    Starting Salary: $33,489
    Salary after 4 years: $43,352
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. #28

    Ursuline College

    Pepper Pike , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1087/21

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Ursuline College

    Cost of Degree: $36,816
    Starting Salary: $35,911
    Salary after 4 years: $46,489

    Online Degrees

    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1062/20

    Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Eastern Kentucky University

    Cost of Degree: $9,844
    Expenses: $13,160
    Starting Salary: $28,506
    Salary after 4 years: $36,436
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Social Work Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Social Work

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $33,985
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $43,439
  • * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Social and Community Service Managers9.08%$69,922
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary3.87%$68,936
Social Workers, All Other6.58%$59,282
Healthcare Social Workers9.61%$57,884
Marriage and Family Therapists14.89%$56,093

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$40,604$60,163$90,112

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Michigan15% higher than average$61,990
#3 North Carolina11% higher than average$61,594
#4 Minnesota4% higher than average$65,555
#5 New York5% higher than average$71,319
#6 Virginia5% higher than average$64,262

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Social and Community Service Managers$69,922
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary$68,936
Social Workers, All Other$59,282
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Online Social Work 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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