Best Online Colleges in Utah 2024
Find the best online colleges in Utah ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.
Top Online Colleges in Utah
- University of Utah
- Utah State University
- University of Phoenix
- Weber State University
- Southern Utah University
- Utah Valley University
- Utah Tech University
- Western Governors University
- Westminster University
- University of Utah
- Utah State University
- University of Phoenix
- Weber State University
- Utah Valley University
- Western Governors University
- Southern Utah University
- Utah Tech University
- Westminster University
- Utah State University 94%
- University of Utah 89%
- Southern Utah University 84%
- Westminster University 70%
- Western Governors University 42 to 1
- Utah Valley University 25 to 1
- Utah Tech University 22 to 1
- Southern Utah University 22 to 1
- Weber State University 21 to 1
- Utah State University 19 to 1
- University of Utah 18 to 1
- Westminster University 8 to 1
- Westminster University $40,352
- University of Utah $8,175
- Western Governors University $8,010
- Utah State University $7,387
- Southern Utah University $6,006
- Utah Valley University $5,614
- Weber State University $5,471
- Utah Tech University $5,266
- Westminster University $16,275
- Utah Valley University $9,152
- Weber State University $8,089
- Western Governors University $7,765
- Southern Utah University $7,574
- University of Utah $7,353
- Utah Tech University $7,020
- Utah State University $6,763
- Westminster University
- Western Governors University
- Utah Tech University
- Utah Valley University
- Southern Utah University
- Weber State University
- University of Phoenix
- Utah State University
- University of Utah
- Westminster University
- Utah Tech University
- Southern Utah University
- Western Governors University
- Utah Valley University
- Weber State University
- University of Phoenix
- Utah State University
- University of Utah
- Westminster University 70%
- Southern Utah University 84%
- University of Utah 89%
- Utah State University 94%
- Westminster University 8 to 1
- University of Utah 18 to 1
- Utah State University 19 to 1
- Weber State University 21 to 1
- Utah Tech University 22 to 1
- Southern Utah University 22 to 1
- Utah Valley University 25 to 1
- Western Governors University 42 to 1
- Utah Tech University $5,266
- Weber State University $5,471
- Utah Valley University $5,614
- Southern Utah University $6,006
- Utah State University $7,387
- Western Governors University $8,010
- University of Utah $8,175
- Westminster University $40,352
- Utah State University $6,763
- Utah Tech University $7,020
- University of Utah $7,353
- Southern Utah University $7,574
- Western Governors University $7,765
- Weber State University $8,089
- Utah Valley University $9,152
- Westminster University $16,275
Featured Programs
Colleges and Universities in Utah
Students hoping to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Utah can choose from among 18 different colleges and universities. Ten of these schools are private, including a fully online school - Western Governors University - which serves almost 80,000 students. Brigham Young University in Provo, one of Utah’s two religiously affiliated schools, has some of the state’s top programs in religious studies, history, and business.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
While tuition at private schools can be costly, fees at these two schools fall below the national average, ranging between $6,000 and $7,000. Utah’s public universities are also on the cost-friendly side. Utah Valley University, the state’s largest public school, serves over 28,000 students and has a sticker price of about $6,000. The University of Utah, another affordable option, is close behind, with a student population of just under 28,000 students. Here, students can earn degrees in fields such as computer science, chemistry, engineering, and anthropology.
If you’re someone who lives life to the extreme, Utah may be just the place for you. Careening down the hills at its world-class ski resorts, braving the rapids on white-water rafting trips, hiking through national parks, and speeding across mountain bike trails are just some of the ways visitors and residents of The Beehive State can get their thrills. Another selling point for Utah? Average tuition for this state’s colleges and universities falls thousands of dollars below the national average.
Learn more about Utah’s higher education opportunities by checking out the state’s many affordable colleges and universities.
What are Utah’s Colleges & Universities?
- 3 Research Universities
- 10 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 2 Graduate Schools
- 7 Public Colleges & Universities
- 6 Private Colleges & Universities
- 1 Christian College or University
- 4 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 12 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 2 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Utah’s Best Overall
Best Online Colleges in Utah 2023
- #7 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #22 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #24 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #25 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Utah 2025
- #1 Best Colleges in Utah 2025
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2025
- #1 Best Research Universities in Utah 2025
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Utah
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Utah 2024
- #9 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #5 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
65%
Student body
40K
Median SAT/ACT
1290/25
Career Outlook for degree at University of Utah
Cost of Degree: $9,315Expenses: $21,298Starting Salary: $63,500Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
BS Economics
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Environmental and Sustainability Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Family, Community & Human Development
Concentrations
- Financial Planning Emphasis
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Psychology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Recreation & Tourism: Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Social Work
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BA Sociology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Utah 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Utah 2025
Other Rankings
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2025
- #3 Best Research Universities in Utah 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Utah 2025
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Utah
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Utah 2024
- #6 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
- #13 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #12 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
54%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/23
Career Outlook for degree at Utah State University
Cost of Degree: $8,305Expenses: $13,692Starting Salary: $49,600Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
BS Agribusiness
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Economics
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Marketing
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Technology Systems
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Anthropology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BA Communicative Disorders & Deaf Education
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Human Development & Family Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS History
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Human Experience Design & Interaction
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Journalism
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Psychology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Sociology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #3 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #7 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024
Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Business
Concentrations
- Accounting
- Administration
- Communication
- Finance
- Global Business
- Management
- Hospitality
- Management
- Information Systems
- Management
- Marketing
- Public Administration
- Retail Management
- e-Business
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Criminal Justice Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Organizational Security and Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS IT/Visual Communications
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Human Services/Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Utah 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
42%
Student body
37K
Career Outlook for degree at Weber State University
Cost of Degree: $6,391Expenses: $15,692Starting Salary: $49,900Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
BS Professional Sales
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Emergency Healthcare Science
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA English
Concentrations
- Creative Writing
- Professional & Technical Writing
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Health Promotion
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Health Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Medical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nutrition Education: Integrative Nutrition Education Emphasis
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Radiologic Sciences
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BA Communication, Civic Advocacy
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Integrated Studies
Concentrations
- Child and Family Studies
- Computer Science
- Health Administrative Services
- Health Promotion
- Health Sciences
- Nutrition
- Professional Sales
- Women and Gender Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2025 #8 Best Colleges in Utah 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
58%
Student body
20K
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Utah University
Cost of Degree: $6,770Expenses: $13,524Starting Salary: $45,500Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
Bachelor of Accounting
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Finance
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Political Science
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Aviation Administration & Leadership
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Business Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Communication
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Family Life and Human Development
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of General Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of History
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Marketing
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Utah 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
39%
Student body
54K
Career Outlook for degree at Utah Valley University
Cost of Degree: $6,270Starting Salary: $50,700Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Aerospace Technology Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Business Management
Concentrations
- General Business
- Hospitality Management
- International Business
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Digital Marketing
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Emergency Services Administration
Concentrations
- Emergency Management/Disaster Assistance
- Emergency Care
- Emergency Leadership
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BA Marketing
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Aviation Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BA Communication
Concentrations
- Applied Communication
- Public Relations & Strategic Communication
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Family Science
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Hospitality Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BA Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Professional Pilot
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Psychology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Respiratory Therapy
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Technology Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BA University Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Utah 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
36%
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for degree at Utah Tech University
Cost of Degree: $6,074Expenses: $17,590Starting Salary: $41,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
BS Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Communication Studies
Concentrations
- Applied Leadership
- Health Communication
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BAS Enterprise Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online Degree Completion
BS Design – Digital Design
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Individualized Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BAS Health Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online Degree Completion
- #7 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #9 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Utah 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2025
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Colleges in Utah 2025
- #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Utah
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Wyoming
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Utah
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Utah 2024
- #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025
- #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration
- #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology 2025
- #18 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
49%
Student body
214K
Career Outlook for degree at Western Governors University
Cost of Degree: $8,300Starting Salary: $48,100Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Business Administration
Concentrations
- Marketing
- Accounting
- IT Management
- Healthcare Management
- Business Management
- Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing
Concentrations
- Pre-Licensure
- RN-to-BSN
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Software Development
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Health Services Coordination
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Cloud Computing
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Data Management/Data Analytics
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Network Operations and Security
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Special Education (Mild-to-Moderate)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual-Licensure)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Science Education
Concentrations
- Secondary Biological Science
- Secondary Chemistry
- Secondary Physics
- Secondary Earth Science
- Middle Grades
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Utah 2025 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Utah 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Utah 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
65%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1269/26
Career Outlook for degree at Westminster College, Utah
Cost of Degree: $41,416Expenses: $16,451Starting Salary: $58,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
Bachelor of Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
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.