{"id":14792,"date":"2026-04-10T10:59:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:59:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=14792"},"modified":"2026-04-10T10:59:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:59:50","slug":"are-online-degrees-taken-seriously","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/are-online-degrees-taken-seriously\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Employers Take Online Degrees Seriously?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are considering earning your degree online, you may be wondering how it may impact your ability to get hired. If you\u2019re pondering, \u201cDo employers take online college degrees seriously?\u201d Or, \u201cAre online degrees respected by employers?\u201d You\u2019re not alone, especially as online education continues to grow.<\/p>\n

The short answer to these questions is yes<\/strong>. Today, online degrees are widely accepted by employers<\/a>. As long as you get your degree from an accredited college or university, you should be good to go. As technology has advanced and more universities have expanded their online offerings, perceptions have shifted. Employers are now way more focused on the quality of the program and the skills you bring to the table than on how you get your education.<\/p>\n

At Goodwin, we\u2019ve experienced firsthand how online learning can prepare graduates for real-world success. As you explore your degree options, it helps to understand what employers actually think about online education and why these degrees have become more normalized.<\/p>\n

Before we get into specific programming, let\u2019s take a closer look at how employer perceptions have evolved.<\/p>\n

What do employers think about online degrees?<\/h2>\n

Not so long ago, online education was viewed with skepticism. Some employers questioned whether online programs could provide the same level of rigor and engagement as traditional, on-campus learning.<\/p>\n

That perspective has changed significantly, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

As online learning has become more common, employers have embraced it with open arms. The sheer percentage of students in online programs has helped normalize online education, as 28% of undergraduate students were enrolled in fully online programs in 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Today, many employers recognize that online education requires the same, if not more, discipline, time management, and self-motivation as a traditional program. In fact, 83% of executives<\/a> say an online degree is just as credible<\/strong> as one earned through a traditional campus-based program.<\/p>\n

So, when you ask yourself, \u201cWhat do employers think about online degrees?\u201d The answer is not much different from what they think of traditional programs. The program itself is more important than the format in this day and age.<\/p>\n

Do employers accept online degrees today?<\/h2>\n

One of the most common concerns students have is whether employers will actually accept their degree when it comes time to apply for jobs.<\/p>\n

At the risk of sounding repetitive, the reality is that employers do accept online degrees, as long as they\u2019re earned from an accredited institution. Accreditation<\/a> helps assure employers that the program meets established academic standards, which is often what they care about most.<\/p>\n

Whether your degree was completed online or on campus is typically not the deciding factor.<\/p>\n

But if you\u2019re still asking yourself, \u201cDo employers take online degrees seriously, really?\u201d It is helpful to remember that many universities (including Goodwin\u2019s) now offer fully online programs<\/a>. Advancements in technology and the shift to online learning have helped reinforce the credibility of online education in the eyes of employers.<\/p>\n

Why<\/em> are online degrees respected by employers?<\/h2>\n

There are several reasons why online degrees are respected by employers today, and it\u2019s time to dive into the details of why.<\/p>\n

First, online programs often mirror the same curriculum and learning outcomes as their on-campus counterparts. In many cases, they are even taught by the same faculty.<\/p>\n

Plus, online learning requires students to be incredibly independent. When you complete your work remotely, you are responsible for managing your own schedule, meeting deadlines, and staying organized without constant supervision.<\/p>\n

These are qualities that employers value without a doubt.<\/p>\n

These skills are especially relevant in today\u2019s workforce, where remote and hybrid work environments are becoming more common. Because of this, online degrees can even be seen as more appropriate preparation for the workforce than traditional ones.<\/p>\n

Explore flexible online learning options at Goodwin<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

The benefits of online degrees<\/h2>\n

Beyond credibility and the obvious flexibility, there are other practical advantages<\/a> to online education. These include:<\/p>\n

1. Affordability<\/h3>\n

Online programs tend to be more cost-effective. Tuition for a year of online college costs, on average, $6,765 less<\/a> than a year of on-campus tuition. This affordability lets more people pursue higher education and enter the workforce with the right skills.<\/p>\n

2. Student success<\/h3>\n

Online learning can also support student success. One study found that community college students who took up to 40% of their coursework online were more likely to complete their degree<\/a>, suggesting that flexibility plays a meaningful role in helping students stay on track.<\/p>\n

3. Career readiness<\/h3>\n

Additionally, earning a degree remains one of the strongest ways to improve your chances of getting a job. The employment rate for people ages 25 to 34 with a bachelor\u2019s degree or higher was 88% in 2023, compared to 74%<\/a> for those with only a high school diploma.<\/p>\n

Clearly, employers continue to value higher education, regardless of whether it is completed online or in person.<\/p>\n

How to make sure your online degree is taken seriously<\/h2>\n

While public perception of online education has improved, there are still important factors to consider when choosing a program.<\/p>\n

To make sure your degree is respected, it is important to:<\/p>\n