Find your perfect college degree
In this article, we will be covering...
The COVID-19 pandemic makes history as it radically changed traditional education systems on all fronts. Michael Horn, a co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute, said that more students are now expected to consider online schooling as a result of the untimely pandemic.
In 2019, only 36% of students were enrolled in online courses, but by 2020, this number skyrocketed to 75%. Even though the number of students enrolled in online courses decreased in 2021, it remained 25% higher than in 2019.
Many people wondered if online learning would continue post-pandemic.
Apparently, yes.
In fact, many traditional college schools, including the Ivy League and other prestigious institutions, have embraced online education as a permanent part of their offerings.
This shift not only caters to the needs of students who prefer the flexibility of online learning but also opens up access to education for individuals who cannot attend classes in person.
What is Online Education?
Online education refers to internet-based technological instruction, learning, and assessment. The term describes any approach to education conducted entirely or partially online. This type of education comes in different forms:
- Attending Dully Online Schools and Colleges
- Administering Homeschooling Through Online Education
- Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
- Using Collaborative Environments for Project-based Learning
- Utilizing Online Access in a Traditional Classroom Setting
Anybody can earn an online degree. Nearly every education level, including online associate degrees, online bachelor’s degrees, online master’s degrees, and even high school diplomas, can be obtained online.
Online education is managed through various channels:
- Social Media Outlets
- Pre-recorded Video Lectures
- Student Chat Boards
- Virtual Blackboards
- Video Conferencing
The distribution channels for online education are endless. However, online learning is divided into two major categories:
- Synchronous online classes. These allow instructors and students to go online simultaneously. All discussions, presentations, and lectures occur at a scheduled time. To join, participants have to get online at a specified time.
- Asynchronous Online Classes. These classes allow the participants to join activities whenever they choose. Lectures, materials, assignments, and tests are provided by teachers beforehand and are accessed online at any time. Nonetheless, students are expected to join the online class at some point to complete the school activities.
Understanding Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Also called a baccalaureate degree, a bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree offered by accredited four-year schools. Whether you attend public, private, or online universities, bachelor’s degrees require completion of 120-128 credits or semester hours and last four years of full-time study. Part-time students usually graduate in five to six years.
Online bachelor’s degrees are gaining popularity and credibility over the years. Here are some of the reasons why more and more students are choosing them over traditional programs:
- They give you the leanest yet most affordable way to achieve a quality bachelor’s degree. Online programs eliminate the need for daily campus commutes or relocation.
- You get to have the freedom to complete your whole program at your own pace. You have a more extensive range of formats; some give you ample time to earn your credit all year round, others accommodate you through course schedules, and sometimes via asynchronous learning opportunities.
- You can learn about anything and everything that doesn’t necessarily revolve around your area of study.
Today, we can see even the most reputable colleges and universities offering online bachelor’s degree options. There are even exclusive online colleges that offer a range of accredited bachelor’s degrees.
This means that people who were once limited by income, geography, family responsibilities, work demands, physical disabilities, and other factors are now finding means to earn high-quality, four-year degrees online.
According to Barnes and Noble Education CEO Mike Huseby, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased a trend that he’s expecting in his business: the rapid increase of digital textbooks.
While most students still prefer physical textbooks, the percentage of digital courseware demand has radically increased to about 20%.
Tips for Success in Online Classes
There is no doubt that many students may feel overwhelmed by the switch to online instruction. Even though online classes offer multiple benefits, they are also more challenging than traditional classes. Your performance could be affected without a plan for addressing these issues.
To help you, here are some helpful tips to be successful in your online classes:
- Treat it like an on-campus class.
Getting behind on your work is easy without the regular meetings of person-to-person classes. You should, therefore, treat online classes as if they were in person. Getting real value from a class depends on your participation.
Hence, it’s important that you cooperate and participate in your distance learning the same way as you would when attending a physical class.
- Implement time management.
Many students enjoy taking online classes because they can set their own schedules. Yet being free can also be a disadvantage if you do not possess good time management skills. Without them, not only will you need to cram for exams or submit subpar assignments, but you may also have trouble focusing during lectures.
- Take part in virtual study groups.
Online classes can be stressful if you are accustomed to classroom classes. You may still see and talk to your classmates, but the connection isn’t as deep as sitting next to a classmate. Ask your classmates if they would like to study together via video conference if your class has an online discussion forum. When you find some study partners, make sure you meet up with them through a common schedule.
- Try to solve problems on your own.
The first step to learning online is to make sure you read instructions carefully and review each module properly. The professors are willing to answer your questions, but before you contact them multiple times per day for each problem you face, it might be more efficient to solve it yourself by searching on Google.
The Top 15 Best On-Campus Colleges and Universities
There is a notable increase in colleges and universities that focus on online programs. So, here is a guide to the best online bachelor’s degrees in the US.
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
You’ll always see a familiar name when it comes to online learning. Arizona State University enrolls over 180,000 students annually, with more than 65,000 of whom are enrolled in online degree programs.
ASU Online offers 300 online degrees and certificates that accept young and adult students. Whether looking for a fresh start or continuing education, you can find what you need at ASU Online. The programs accommodate various schedules and lifestyles, providing flexibility for students of all ages and backgrounds.
With an extensive range of degree options and a commitment to quality education, Arizona State University is a top choice for online learners.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Over 135,000 students attend Liberty’s 15 colleges and schools. They offer over 700 degrees from the certificate level to doctorate. With their online programs, students from around the world can access over 450 of these programs.
In addition to producing professional workers in diverse fields and industries, Liberty University trains professionals with a passion for God, the community, and excellence. Liberty University trains Champions for Christ.
University of Massachusetts
This university is a five-campus public research university system known for its top-of-the-line academic programs, excellence and scope of its research, and enduring adherence to its public service mission. The school offers 113 online programs and 12 others that you can complete by combining both online and on-campus study.
UMass is notable for its Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Nursing, and Master of Public Health (MPH) programs. When enrolling online, enrollees can take advantage of the school’s prestigious professors who also teach on campus.
Online students can also walk on campus during graduation and are provided with academic counseling and library resources.
Penn State World Campus
State College, PA
Pennsylvania State University is a very progressive research-I university that maintains a strong online presence to attract more students to continue their education. Penn State has a large population of residential students across its twenty-four campuses, totaling over 80,000. Additionally, more than 20,000 students are enrolled in their online school, the Penn State World Campus.
Penn State, a leader in online education, offers courses tailored to best practices in online delivery. Taught by experienced faculty, these courses prioritize learning outcomes over convenience and utilize technology to enhance the educational experience. Online students will join Penn State’s worldwide network of more than 775,000 alums.
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
This school is known for advancing knowledge across various fields, including sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions. Students at FSU, whether on campus or online, are provided ample attention for success via the school’s quality assurance, high standards, and continuous improvement, so courses are improved over time. FSU has several classes and degrees that you can complete online, 100%.
Students can choose between synchronous and asynchronous learning formats or a mix of both to ensure flexibility in their schedules and learning preferences. As one of the nation’s most elite research universities, online students will learn from world-renowned faculty and instructors.
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO
Mizzou is one of the Best Value Colleges in the United States, offering 90 online degree programs and certificates. If you’re looking for a great Journalism school, you can consider Mizzou, home to the world’s first school of journalism. Other great areas Mizzou thrives include Business, Education, Health Professions, and Engineering.
The same on-campus faculty facilitates the online classes. Depending on the course, semesters usually range between eight and sixteen weeks, although all their online classes are self-paced.
Purdue University
The Purdue University online programs build on Purdue’s land-grant mission to make high-quality Purdue education affordable and accessible. Purdue University offers a variety of online and hybrid programs across its network of campuses, from Purdue West Lafayette and Fort Wayne to Purdue Global.
You can easily find a program that meets your needs and career goals with Purdue Online and explore possibilities you might not have considered before. Choose the right online program for you by searching for options by degree level, personal goals, and area of study.
Utah State University
Logan, UT
Utah State University is ranked second among the highest-ranked public universities in the West. It is also number 4 among America’s Top Colleges with the lowest tuition and the 8th best public national university for graduates with the least debt. It is one of the pioneers in online education, with a 90-year experience of providing distance learning programs for degree and non-degree seekers.
USU is proud of its accessible and affordable online school. Students can choose from 70 programs and 600 online courses to fit their goals and interests. Their most popular majors include Psychology and Business.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR
Oregon State University is seeing more students join their on-campus and online programs, with a 4% increase over the last year. As the largest state university, OSU caters to all student types, from fresh graduates to students seeking continuing education or career advancement. You can choose from over 90 study areas online.
Some of their most popular programs are Forestry, Marine Sciences, Sustainable Food Systems and more. The school boasts of its being a place of purpose, making a difference in natural resources, quality of life, and prosperity.
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
This university’s online program is tagged as one of the best in the nation because students are allowed access to scholarships, writing labs, and the career resource center. UA offers more than 100 online programs, with 20 bachelor’s degrees in Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Nursing, and Human Environmental Science.
If you’re one with strong opinions, you’d be glad to know that UA has a reputation for having a very strong community. Students at UA are known to stand up for things they believe in.
Florida International University
Miami, FL
Considered one of the US’s best online schools, Florida International University ranks highly. Over 1,500 courses and 100 online programs are available at the school. Aside from offering career readiness services for engineering and hospitality students, FIU’s online college offers services for public health and hospitality students as well.
Some programs run entirely online. Some online programs, such as the RN-to-BSN, require in-person clinical hours. Online bachelor’s degrees in computer science require students to take courses outside the department to earn certifications or minors.
A success coach works a student one-on-one. It allows students to complete mock interviews, create profiles on LinkedIn, and earn their certifications.
University of North Texas
Denton, TX
The University of North Texas offers 86 online programs that rank high academically throughout the country. Accelerated programs can be completed in 12-18 months by learners.
They offer certificates, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. A master’s degree program with accelerated learning is also available at UNT.
The accelerated courses at the University of North Texas are available through five different start dates. In the DFW area, students have the option of enrolling in an online program or a face-to-face course at a campus in Denton or Frisco. A single or two courses can be taken at a time in an eight-week format.
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
The SDSU Global Campus offers various courses, seminars, and certificate programs that promote lifelong learning. Self-enrichment courses include accounting and web design. Career advancement courses cover a wide range of topics, such as leadership, management, and quality improvement.
There are more than 50 certificate programs, courses offered online, English language programs, and many other opportunities available locally, regionally, and internationally at the SDSU Global Campus.
Aside from career training, this online college also offers personal enrichment courses. Students can design their own schedules with many self-paced programs.
Three fully online bachelor’s degrees are available at SDSU Global Campus: an economics bachelor’s degree, a screenwriting master’s degree, and a public health master’s degree. Marketing and construction certificates are also available to students.
University of Florida
University of Florida
The University of Florida has more than 200 graduate and undergraduate degrees and certificates online. These programs require formal admission. According to the US News and World Report, the school’s online bachelor program is ranked # 13 among all the US schools offering online degree programs.
The University of Florida offers more than 16 colleges that lead to bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or specialist degrees. Enrollees in their distance learning program can access the school’s online management system, career opportunity services, library resources, and an online registration program.
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a very competitive research university with three large campuses in Oklahoma City, Norman, and Tulsa. In addition to its reputation as one of the cheapest in-state schools, OU is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in Criminal Justice, Administrative Leadership, Lifespan Care, Liberal Studies, and World Cultural Studies.
OU’s online programs offer flexible learning opportunities for busy students. The majority of their programs provide an accelerated-paced schedule, allowing for quicker job market entry. Upon enrollment, students are then set to meet with their assigned instructor so they can come up with a graduation plan.
The Different Types of Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Once you decide to earn your degree online, think about the type you know will likely suit your goals and interests. More often than not, online bachelor’s degrees are similar to those offered by conventional four-year colleges and universities.
- Bachelor of Arts. This degree requires you to have several courses in the arts, like social sciences, humanities, music, or fine arts, hand in hand with the courses in your field of concentration.
- Bachelor of Science. This requires an enrollee to take several courses in science, like life sciences, physical science, or mathematical science, along with the courses relative to the area of concentration.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts. This program is paired with liberal arts courses with different options of either studio-based or practical courses, both general and specific, to your artistic focus or creative field.
- Bachelor of Applied Science. This program has an emphasis on technical and practical science both in a real-world and laboratory setting. It comes with an array of topics in the field of applied science.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Respected are Online Degree Programs?
Regionally accredited online degrees receive the same respect as their on-campus counterparts. With the increase of notable institutions offering online degrees, most employers today are starting to look at these degrees with the same level of respect seen in traditional degrees.
There are even cases where employers look at online degree holders interestingly, seeing this as an indicator that you can work independently and coordinate with others remotely. This will tell employers that you can manage your responsibilities and time without the need for direct supervision.
How Much is the Cost of an Online Bachelor’s Degree?
The specific cost of online bachelor’s degrees depends on several factors, including
- the institution offering the program,
- the specific degree being pursued,
- the student’s residency status and
- any additional fees or expenses associated with the program.
However, online degrees are generally less expensive than the usual on-campus degrees. But in most cases, both costs are relatively similar in terms of tuition.
Based on data from the US News and World Report, online degrees typically cost around $40,926 at public, in-state institutions, $62,756 at private schools, and $59,011 for out-of-state students. These costs closely mirror the average tuition fees for on-campus programs.
However, these online programs accommodate more students who need to complete their programs at an extended or accelerated pace. This can, in turn, allow money-saving opportunities for the enrollees. Nevertheless, if you are seriously thinking about getting an online bachelor’s degree, try to make use of your smart money-saving moves as you would if you are enrolled on campus.
- Consider staying in-state if possible.
- Explore State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements if you don’t find suitable in-state schools.
- Apply for the FAFSA early.
Although you can find a lot of affordable online colleges worldwide, in-state and out-of-state tuition fees will still apply.
Is an Online Degree Worth It?
Online degree programs provide learners the opportunity to advance their abilities without sacrificing their current commitments.
Below are some of the reasons why you should consider getting a degree online.
- You can complete a degree anywhere and at your own pace.
- Online degrees are more affordable because they don’t require you to travel to campus daily or relocate.
- You can advance your career without giving up your current commitments.
- You can choose the most suitable learning environment that you think will work best for your needs.
- The structure of online programs will also push you to be more self-motivated, enhancing your time management skills.
How Can I Adjust to Online Schooling?
Learn how to use your equipment correctly.
The more modern gadgets today have built-in cameras. If it turns green, it means everybody can see you. Of course, you don’t want to bring your laptop to the bathroom carelessly, not unless you are sure that the light is off, right?
Apart from that, learn how you can efficiently use your computer since this will be your primary medium throughout the whole duration of your learning. Familiarize yourself with library portals, chat boards, video-conferencing software, file-sharing programs, and the like.
Ensure also that your peripherals are working correctly and your internet doesn’t have an intermittent connection. The whole point here is simple: make sure that everything works perfectly, that they are up to date, and that you are knowledgeable enough about how to use all of these.
Learn how to communicate properly.
The majority of your interactions with your classmates and instructors will revolve around emails, feedback, or chat board messages. You must be able to communicate well; otherwise, you will fall behind academically.
Follow a routine.
In an online class, there will no longer be bells ringing to remind you that you are running late. No more guidance counselors or stern disciplinarians will nag you with your attendance. It is, therefore, helpful to treat your online class the same way you treat your conventional on-campus education.
- Wake up at the same time and try to engage in your normal routine.
- Try to plan your regular schedule around your class time or study time.
- Prepare your readings or materials ahead of time.
Are Online Classes the Future of Learning?
Offering online and hybrid courses is crucial for universities’ long-term survival. Full-time, campus-based courses have high course fees that discourage some students from enrolling. Others may have competing priorities, such as a family or a current job, that make full-time study impossible.
In response, universities that provide online learning assets are encouraging more learners to enroll, including students from provinces or even in another country. Any large organization needs to keep up with the latest consumer trends and technology, and universities are no different.
As a result, online learning isn’t just here to stay; it’s set to become a major component of the future education system. The US Department of Education estimates that more than 360,000 online classes are taught annually. These have been made possible with tech supports that include augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality.
The coronavirus pandemic has indeed burst the bubble of US College education. But thankfully, we can still find the best on-campus colleges that offer online degree programs.
Additional Resources:
