Best Online MBA Programs in Washington

Badge for BEST ONLINE MBA IN WASHINGTON
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • An online MBA program in Washington can open leadership role opportunities in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration.
  • There are a number of public universities in Washington that have a tuition of less than $10K per year.
  • A number of the online MBA degree programs in Washington can be completed on a part-time basis, making the programs a viable option for busy working professionals.

Washington's Best Online MBA Programs

Sort by:
  1. Washington State University
  2. Seattle University
  3. City University of Seattle
  4. Northwest University
  5. University of Washington
  6. Eastern Washington University
  7. Gonzaga University
  1. University of Washington
  2. Washington State University
  3. Seattle University
  4. Gonzaga University
  5. Eastern Washington University
  6. City University of Seattle
  7. Northwest University
  1. Eastern Washington University 96%
  2. Northwest University 94%
  3. Seattle University 85%
  4. Washington State University 83%
  5. Gonzaga University 70%
  6. University of Washington 48%
  1. University of Washington 21 to 1
  2. Eastern Washington University 19 to 1
  3. Washington State University 15 to 1
  4. Gonzaga University 12 to 1
  5. Seattle University 10 to 1
  6. Northwest University 9 to 1
  7. City University of Seattle 6 to 1
  1. Seattle University $51,324
  2. Gonzaga University $50,735
  3. Northwest University $35,000
  4. City University of Seattle $13,558
  5. University of Washington $11,189
  6. Washington State University $10,708
  7. Eastern Washington University $7,104
  1. Gonzaga University $19,422
  2. Northwest University $19,188
  3. University of Washington $17,004
  4. Seattle University $14,292
  5. Eastern Washington University $12,723
  6. Washington State University $12,366
  7. City University of Seattle $11,812
  1. Gonzaga University
  2. Eastern Washington University
  3. University of Washington
  4. Northwest University
  5. City University of Seattle
  6. Seattle University
  7. Washington State University
  1. Northwest University
  2. City University of Seattle
  3. Eastern Washington University
  4. Gonzaga University
  5. Seattle University
  6. Washington State University
  7. University of Washington
  1. University of Washington 48%
  2. Gonzaga University 70%
  3. Washington State University 83%
  4. Seattle University 85%
  5. Northwest University 94%
  6. Eastern Washington University 96%
  1. City University of Seattle 6 to 1
  2. Northwest University 9 to 1
  3. Seattle University 10 to 1
  4. Gonzaga University 12 to 1
  5. Washington State University 15 to 1
  6. Eastern Washington University 19 to 1
  7. University of Washington 21 to 1
  1. Eastern Washington University $7,104
  2. Washington State University $10,708
  3. University of Washington $11,189
  4. City University of Seattle $13,558
  5. Northwest University $35,000
  6. Gonzaga University $50,735
  7. Seattle University $51,324
  1. City University of Seattle $11,812
  2. Washington State University $12,366
  3. Eastern Washington University $12,723
  4. Seattle University $14,292
  5. University of Washington $17,004
  6. Northwest University $19,188
  7. Gonzaga University $19,422

Washington State is capable of fostering an atmosphere that is favorable to business. Amazon, Costco, Expedia, Microsoft, and Starbucks are just a few of the most prominent names that Washington has a long history of developing, nurturing, and building. Because of this, some of the most recognizable brands, forward-thinking businesses, and brilliant startups pick Washington to call home.

The Evergreen State may be among the greatest places to get and apply for an online MBA degree, given its significance to many important organizations and relatively quick expansion.

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Washington State

Washington has few business schools and colleges despite its rapid expansion and growth. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), only 49 public and nonprofit institutions exist. Of these, 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs are accredited. These numbers may seem low, but the accredited online MBA programs in the state are excellent choices for your graduate degree.

The largest public university in the state is the University of Washington in Seattle. Roughly 40,000 students attend classes to train for fields like nursing, education, biology, and computer science.

This public research institution is also affordable, charging about $11,000 for tuition. In fact, none of the public colleges and universities in Washington have tuition that exceeds $12,000 in price. This includes community colleges, technical colleges, and four-year universities, making Washington a uniquely affordable place to earn your associate, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Washington State also has 24 private institutions. Of those, nine are religious. The most widely known of these, Catholic university Gonzaga University, enrolls roughly 7,000 students, at a cost of $40,000, in areas such as religious studies, engineering, and law.

Central Washington University (CWU) is a smaller public school, serving just over 12,000 students, and has a tuition of $8,000. With 15% of its population being Hispanic, CWU is now recognized as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. Washington health professions also have the opportunity to receive funding for loan repayment through Washington’s Health Professional Loan Repayment Program.

Check out the top higher education programs and find an affordable degree in Washington State.


What are Washington’s Colleges & Universities?

Washington’s Best Overall

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

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Job Outlook for Online MBA Program Graduates in Washington State

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, business and management jobs are expected to rise by at least 7% nationwide between 2021 and 2031. Over the next ten years, logisticians will experience the highest increase at 28%, with financial examiners coming in second at 21%.

All you need is a bachelor’s degree to qualify for these positions. Pursuing a master’s degree in business administration will lead to even higher roles and pay.

The average salary for executives in Washington State is $131,200 yearly, or at least $63 an hour. The state’s growth for jobs associated with MBAs is anticipated to expand at a rate of 6% until 2031, which is another optimistic sign for employment.

Between 2021 and 2031, 16% more positions on the chief executive cadre are anticipated in Washington. In the same years, employment vacancies at the management level and in the operations sector are anticipated to increase by 17%, with well over 1,200 openings forecast annually.

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Biggest Employers of Online MBA Program Graduates in Washington State

Because MBAs are valued for their capacity to think critically, cope with uncertainty, and solve complicated problems, the phrase “MBA preferred” appears frequently in job postings. The proper candidate can access a wide range of opportunities with an MBA. Having an MBA increases your likelihood of landing a higher-paying job, which equals more money in your pocket.

Here are some of the biggest employers of MBA grads in Washington State:

Amazon

Amazon is a multinational e-commerce and technology company based in Seattle, Washington. It is most known for its e-commerce platform, through which users may buy various goods, including electronics, clothing, books, household goods, and more. Amazon is the third-largest employer of newly graduated MBAs across all industries.

With many candidates having worked and studied abroad, Amazon honors MBAs for the global perspective they may bring to the organization. Their wide range of experiences and diverse backgrounds are essential in giving a new perspective to the company. Many of the company’s senior leaders joined Amazon after earning their MBAs.

Starbucks

Starbucks is an international chain of coffee shops and coffee companies. It is renowned for its high-quality coffee drinks and distinctive café environment. Starbucks actively recruits MBA candidates who are familiar with Starbucks as a company.

In addition to hiring MBA grads, Starbucks also provides an exclusive ten-week internship program open for MBA students. Qualified applicants will participate in high-impact, business-relevant projects with clear expectations and goals. They’ll also receive mentorship and leadership opportunities.

Deloitte Digital

One of the largest professional services networks in the world is Deloitte Digital. It offers digital consulting, strategy, design, and technology services to assist businesses in transforming and navigating the opportunities and problems brought on by the digital era.

Due to the company’s dedication to new hire growth, it became one of the top employers for MBA graduates. Employed MBA graduates at Deloitte do not remain stagnant in their careers. They are continuously given several opportunities to advance and broaden their skill sets.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom, an American luxury department store chain, constantly seeks professionals to capitalize on opportunities in an ever-evolving retail landscape. The strategic thinking skills of MBA graduates can aid Nordstrom in creating long-term business plans that take into account shifting consumer preferences, market trends, and competition dynamics.

Additionally, Nordstrom offers a unique MBA Internship Experience that welcomes up to 200 interns annually. The internship opportunity is open to students in various specializations, from tech to corporate and management to sales.

Avanade

Avanade is a global professional services company that provides digital and cloud services, technology solutions, and consulting services primarily focused on Microsoft technologies. Because multidisciplinary collaboration is critical in the digital industry, Avanade hires MBA graduates capable of coordinating efforts across departments and functions.

Avanade also offers several internship opportunities that seek to arm working professionals with the resources they need to close the gap between enterprise problems and in-house IT solutions.

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Best Online MBA Programs in Washington State

  1. #1

    Washington State University

    Pullman , WA
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    33K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Washington State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,063
    Expenses: $17,042
    Starting Salary: $88,748
    Salary after 4 years: $109,324
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    One of the world’s leading business schools, the AACSB-accredited Carson College of Business, is housed at Washington State University. The business school offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) and an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA).

    The Executive MBA online is designed for interested applicants with significant work experience who want to maximize their capacity to add value to the organization as an experienced professional. Other students will be referred to WSU’s online MBA program, which has several concentrations offered, including:

    • Finance
    • International Business
    • Hospitality and Tourism
    • Marketing
    • General Track

    Online Master's Degrees

    Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Seattle University

    Seattle , WA
    #20 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/27

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Seattle University

    Cost of Degree: $15,033
    Expenses: $18,474
    Starting Salary: $86,234
    Salary after 4 years: $105,610
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    The Albers School of Business and Management at Seattle University offers a top-notch online Master of Business Administration degree program suitable for students who want to develop business and tech-connected knowledge. This online MBA program received its accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

    In addition to online coursework, students must visit the campus for the one residency retreat. Students will develop long-lasting relationships with their cohort and faculty during the retreat.

    Similar to what on-campus students receive, online MBA students will also have access to mentorship programs, powerful alumni and professional networks, and a collaborative, cutting-edge curriculum.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    City University of Seattle

    Seattle , WA
    #6 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at City University of Seattle

    Cost of Degree: $11,812
    Starting Salary: $72,862
    Salary after 4 years: $89,234

    The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the City University of Seattle is one of the best MBA programs in Washington. This online MBA program develops the skills that are required for today’s commercial organizations.

    The online program’s curriculum, identical to the on-campus program, discusses topics in digital marketing and analytics, financial management, decision-making, entrepreneurship, and more.

    In addition to the required core courses, students can tailor their online degrees by pursuing electives and concentration. Available concentrations:

    • Change Leadership
    • Data Analytics
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Global Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Lean Six Sigma
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Specialized Study
    • Global Supply Chain Management
    • Technology Management

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Northwest University

    Kirkland , WA
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2024 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Northwest University

    Cost of Degree: $19,478
    Expenses: $13,848
    Starting Salary: $63,174
    Salary after 4 years: $77,369
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The ACBSP-accredited online Master of Business Administration at Northwest University is designed for working adult students to pursue a graduate degree without leaving their current obligations. All coursework in this MBA program is completed online in an asynchronous learning format. Online students can access campus resources and facilities, including student centers and libraries.

    Online students will explore courses in management, ethics, business innovation and research, accounting, applied economics, and corporate strategic management. Online students will learn from the same on-campus experienced faculty and advisors.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $18,057
    Expenses: $19,848
    Starting Salary: $109,132
    Salary after 4 years: $134,433
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Washington’s Foster School of Business offers a unique Technology Management hybrid MBA program that is designed for students who want to have a strong business management and technology foundation. This specialized MBA prepares students for leadership roles in technology-focused industries or organizations.

    Online students will participate in stimulating readings, case study analysis, and lively discussions. Additionally, they can participate in the international study tour. This optional study-abroad program allows students to visit locations worldwide and network with various companies, from General Electric in Singapore to BMW in Munich to an e-home automation company in Dubai.

    • Required Credits: 68
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Hybrid
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Eastern Washington University

    Cheney , WA
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Eastern Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $13,758
    Expenses: $18,406
    Starting Salary: $73,225
    Salary after 4 years: $90,202
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The online Master of Business Administration program at Eastern Washington University is one of the country’s most affordable online MBA programs. This AACSB-accredited program provides online students with a comprehensive curriculum that builds on skills and knowledge gained from a bachelor’s degree.

    In addition to the required business courses, students can tailor their accelerated online MBA program and pursue a concentration in:

    • General Business
    • Finance
    • Health Services Administration
    • Accounting
    • International Business
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 44
    • Completion time: 10 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Gonzaga University

    Spokane , WA
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Washington 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1310/28

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Gonzaga University

    Cost of Degree: $19,811
    Expenses: $18,972
    Starting Salary: $87,052
    Salary after 4 years: $106,612
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The online Master of Business Administration program at Gonzaga University is a tier-one graduate degree emphasizing sustainability and faculty research content. Students have the opportunity to study abroad for two weeks, focusing on Europe’s economic, political, and social environment. This opportunity will help students explore global supply chain management challenges and the global dimensions of management and marketing.

    Students can concentrate their studies on Finance or Project Management.

    • Required Credits: 33-35
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: Washington (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $15,366
  • Avg. Expenses*: $19,004
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $107,429
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $132,272
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
  • Job Growth: 4.86%
  • Number of Jobs: 11,888,900
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Chief Executives-8.21%No data
Computer and Information Systems Managers15.41%$174,680
Sales Managers4.06%$157,820
Compensation and Benefits Managers1.71%$156,150
Human Resources Managers5.22%$147,300

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$70,004$105,360$163,373

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#16 Washington7% higher than average$105,360
#2 New York5% higher than average$116,372
#3 Virginia5% higher than average$104,589
#4 Michigan15% higher than average$90,047
#5 Georgia13% higher than average$90,306
#6 Illinois7% higher than average$96,596

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers$174,680
Sales Managers$157,820
Compensation and Benefits Managers$156,150
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.

Want to explore some of the other online MBA programs in states near you? Some of the best online MBA degrees are in states like Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming. An online education can make it easy for students in a neighboring state to complete a degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Degrees in Washington State

MBA degrees are the most popular advanced degree in American higher education. This versatile degree offers a variety of specializations that can help working professionals build leadership skills, expand their network, and enhance their overall business knowledge.

Online MBA degrees are excellent options for anyone needing business fundamentals covered while having the chance to study more in a selected concentration. An MBA in Marketing is different than a MS in Marketing because the MBA degree doesn’t assume previous business education, whereas the MS program likely would.

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Go to Online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer responsive test designed to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and English reading skills used by graduate management programs, such as online MBA programs, to assist with admissions selections.

The GMAT is still required by many graduate schools of all shapes and sizes—elite research universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, online colleges, etc. There’s no real common denominator for which types of schools require the GMAT, or don’t.

If you are considering a graduate business school in Washington that requires the GMAT, then you certainly want to do well on the exam. Even if schools you’re considering don’t require it, you may want to take the test because a high score could still help your application, and because there may be another college that suddenly interests you, and it might require successful completion of the GMAT.

If you’re going to take the test, at minimum you’ll want to study with solid guidance provided by quality resources. People have many different opinions about which GMAT test prep resources are the best, therefore we recommend that you start looking at and comparing the best-selling GMAT test guides.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are aspiring to be admitted into an elite university’s program, you may want to work with a graduate or business school admissions expert. An admissions consultant can give you the most customized information about your prospects and many will work with you on whatever specific need you might have—test prep, applications, personal essays, and even help with finding meaningful internships.

There is a growing number of high quality MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. Furthermore, there are a lot of highly reputable colleges and universities offering online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT.

If standardized testing simply isn’t a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.

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Typically, online MBA degrees can be earned in about 2 years. However, specializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. Because an online MBA program can offer so many educational paths, program requirements can vary greatly, from 30 to 60 credits, which means your MBA degree may take anywhere between two and four years to complete.

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Online MBA courses are very similar to those offered on campus, and many programs require a thesis or professional experience component. Students will study topics like corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations.

Most online MBA programs will be asynchronous for maximum flexibility. This means students watch lectures and read when they can, and likely join web forums for class discussions.

While online MBA courses can be “self-paced”, there usually are still mid-term and end of term deadlines. Typical online MBA courses will have multiple deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments.

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MBA graduates can advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more. MBA programs are popular because of their versatility. With so many choices of concentrations, your MBA can prepare you for leadership or executive roles in virtually any industry.

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While the average in-person MBA program in Washington will cost about $50,000, the most affordable MBA program is $16,500 from Eastern Washington University, and the most expensive is $93,000 from the University of Washington.

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The most common MBA online programs concentrations in Washington include Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Management, International Business, and Information Systems, and they are all recognized by prestigious rankings such as U.S. News & World Report.

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Student Submitted Questions on the Best Online MBA Programs in Washington

Misty asks, “What are the specific resources or services provided to online MBA students who may be balancing their studies with professional or personal commitments?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Online programs are designed with flexibility in mind so online MBA students should have the balance they need. Schools often offer a variety of resources and services, such as asynchronous classes, virtual advising, and networking events. If there are specific accommodations that you need, talk with your advisor to figure out how to make sure the program can work for you.

Jace asks, “How do programs ensure that online students are proficient in using whatever technology they require from the outset?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: This is a great question, as your success in your online MBA program will in part be determined by how proficient you are in using the required technologies. Many programs will have orientations, which are used to familiarize students with the program’s learning management system and any software they might use. Schools might even host technology workshops. There also should be an IT support team available to answer any questions that students might have as well as online tutorials and guides.

Ally asks, “Do online MBA students get to use all the same university resources that in-person students do?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Yes! Online MBA students typically have access to all of the same resources their in-person peers do. Access to databases and journals, career counseling and fairs, online counseling and mental health services, tutoring, and more are typical. Talk with the admissions office at your current or potential school to see all that is available to you.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build 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 is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And 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 or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new 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 institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. 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 which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students 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.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, 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. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

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 resume 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.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will 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 require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, 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 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 Prospective Grad 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.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here