Attending college remotely offers several benefits, including flexibility, accessibility, and affordability. However, students deciding between earning a degree in a traditional in-person setting or getting an online degree may wonder what the differences and similarities are between these two types of post-secondary education.
While these two methods of pursuing education have some similarities, they also have some key differences. This article will review what online and traditional degrees have in common and what makes them different. We’ll also review how personal preferences and needs can help students determine the right education path for them.
Online Degrees vs. Traditional Degrees: Similarities
While traditional brick-and-mortar schools have been around for centuries, online education is a much newer form of learning. Thanks to rapid developments in technology, students enrolled in online programs can have a quality educational experience and learn the required skills and content needed to earn a degree regardless of where they are.
The growth of online degrees, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has also changed attitudes towards online degrees. Employers view online degrees as equal to traditional degrees, as long as they are granted by a reputable, accredited college or university.
Whether you’re seeking an online or a traditional degree, here are common factors to consider.
Accreditation
Accreditation is an important factor to consider when researching potential institutions, as this can impact the quality of the programs, your financial aid eligibility, and future job and educational opportunities. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes only a handful of accrediting agencies in the U.S., which accredit online and in-person colleges and programs. Accreditation is a rigorous, detailed process that aims to discern whether a college or university adheres to the highest academic quality.
An institution’s website will often include information about its accreditation status. You can also independently confirm this information through CHEA or the Department of Education’s database. We don’t recommend that students attend unaccredited online or in-person programs, as these degrees may not be legitimate and can affect a student’s eligibility for jobs and professional credentials.
Services
Another similarity between online and in-person education is in the services offered. All institutions should provide a range of student support services, from career assistance to library access, to ensure that students can get the help they need to be successful. Most colleges and universities outline the services offered on their websites, and it’s a good idea to research what’s available before you apply.
How these services are delivered varies from school to school. For example, in an online degree program, you may be able to access tutoring assistance over the phone or via a chat room, while most traditional colleges have an on-campus tutoring center. Additionally, regardless of whether students are enrolled in person or online, they have access to academic advisors who can help them plan their course of study, register for classes, prepare for post-graduation job-hunting, and more.
Diploma
The document indicating your degree completion will likely be the same whether you attend school online or in person. In most cases, diplomas and certificates do not indicate whether a degree was earned virtually or in a traditional classroom setting. A Bachelor of Arts is the same whether students complete their requirements online or in person.
Career outlook
Because online degrees are increasingly viewed as equal to traditional degrees by employers, how you earn your degree shouldn’t impact your employability and career outlook.
According to a 2023 report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 87% of employers had hired new graduates with an online degree. The survey also found no difference in starting salaries between employees with an online degree and those with a traditional degree.
Online Degrees vs. Traditional Degrees: Differences
However, there are differences between online and traditional degrees, and students should be aware of them to decide which will work best for them.
One of the big differences is related to the classic college experience. For many students, college is as much about making friends, attending sporting events, and getting their first real taste of freedom as it is about attending classes. These traditional college activities may be missing from the online experience. Online students may have to make an extra effort to build relationships and forge networking partnerships with their peers.
Another consideration is whether you want synchronous or asynchronous classes as an online student. A synchronous online program mimics the traditional experience, with regular class meetings that allow students to interact with their instructor and classmates. Meanwhile, in an asynchronous program, there are no actual classes. Students learn independently according to their own schedule with pre-recorded lectures, videos, reading assignments, and exams. When choosing an online program, students should consider what course delivery format is more appealing and aligned with their own learning style.
Another potential difference between online and traditional degrees is the cost. While most schools charge the same tuition for online and on-campus students, earning an online degree may be more cost-effective than attending a traditional college. For example, online students have more freedom to live in an area with a lower cost of living, even if their school is in an expensive city or region. The flexibility of online learning makes it easier for students to maintain full- or part-time jobs. Students also eliminate transportation costs like gas, parking, or public transit fares by being able to attend school from their own homes.
Is an Online Degree Right For You?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, all of which are unique to each student.
The most successful online students are motivated, disciplined, and comfortable learning independently. This format also greatly benefits students who need the flexibility to juggle schoolwork with jobs, caregiving responsibilities, and other obligations. Online learning may be the optimal choice for students whose primary focus is earning their degree.
Meanwhile, students who learn best in interactive environments or need additional support and accountability from instructors may find that a traditional degree program is a better fit. This may also be ideal for students who want a more traditional college experience, including living in a dorm, participating in athletics and extracurricular activities, and developing social and professional relationships.
A third option is a hybrid program, which offers both online and in-person classes. Some hybrid programs are low-residency, where students take most of their classes online but must visit campus once or twice a year for in-person seminars and experiences. Others split courses between online and in-person formats.
Consider your options carefully before you apply to any degree programs, online or otherwise. Research schools and programs, talk to admissions counselors and program representatives, and if possible, participate in virtual or in-person information sessions and open houses. Take your time, talk to your loved ones (you’ll want their support!), and build a realistic timeline for your education. Doing this will set you up for a successful and rewarding educational experience.