While virtual college courses were a necessity for many during the COVID-19 lockdowns, undergraduates are now opting to take many or even all of their courses online due to the flexibility and quality of remote instruction.  

However, anyone contemplating a fully online degree may be wondering: Are online degrees respected? 

How Common Are Online Degrees? 

Fully online degrees are now a regular part of college life. In 2022, more than 4.9 million college and graduate students were enrolled in fully online degree programs, according to NCES — including nearly 40 percent of students in master’s or doctoral degree programs who took all their classes online.  

Increasing numbers of undergraduates are also opting for online degrees, with around 14 percent studying fully online.  

Virtual college and graduate courses now allow millions of students each year to earn valuable, rewarding degrees that open doors to new career opportunities in a wide range of industries — without having to uproot their lives.  

How Do Employers View Online Degrees Today? 

Employers are increasingly open to hiring candidates who earned their degrees online. A 2024 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 87 percent of employers had recently hired graduates with online degrees, offering them the same starting salaries as workers with traditional on-campus degrees.  

In the modern business climate, employers don’t differentiate between online and on-campus degree holders.  

Instead, when considering job candidates, employers often look at the program’s accreditation and curriculum and the reputation of the university. Many colleges now deliver virtual courses using the same faculty who teach on campus, helping ensure consistency in quality and academic rigor.  

Are Online Degree Programs as Rigorous as In-Person Programs? 

Online programs at accredited universities are held to the same academic standards as traditional in-person programs. The curriculum and grading expectations are typically identical between online and in-person programs at any given university or college.  

In many cases, the same professors who teach in lecture halls and classrooms also lead online courses. This ensures consistency in subject matter and quality of instruction. 

What sets online courses apart from in-person learning is the delivery format. Virtual degree programs typically don’t have scheduled class times, and students must take greater responsibility for managing their schedules and balancing coursework with personal and professional commitments. The flexibility of an asynchronous online format offers significant advantages but also requires discipline and time management skills.  

Assignments, exams, discussions and projects are still central to the educational experience, and students are expected to engage with the material just as deeply. For these reasons, employers and academic institutions recognize that an online degree reflects exactly the same achievement as an on-campus degree. 

What to Look for in an Online Degree Program 

Finding the right online degree program requires evaluating more than the cost or degree offerings from a particular university or college. For the greatest return on investment of a student’s time and resources, it’s crucial to evaluate the institution’s structure, credibility, and support.  

Accreditation Matters 

Students should select a program accredited by a reputable organization such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for business degrees or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for healthcare degrees.  

Accreditation ensures that a degree meets academic quality standards and will be recognized by employers and admissions offices of graduate programs, which verify whether an online degree came from an accredited institution. 

Quality of Instruction 

Look for programs taught by experienced faculty, not third-party instructors. Many reputable schools offer the same professors and curriculum for both online and on-campus students. This helps ensure that an online degree carries exactly the same weight as a traditional on-campus degree. 

Flexibility and Support  

Online learning should offer flexible scheduling. Strong programs provide access to academic advising, technical support, tutoring and career services. These resources often play a key role in student success. A well-designed online degree program balances convenience with structure, offering flexibility while maintaining clear deadlines and expectations to support consistent progress. 

Launch Your Career with a SEMO Online Degree 

For anyone wondering whether online degree programs are respected, SEMO Online provides a clear answer through its commitment to academic quality, engaged faculty, and full student support. Online learners have access to tutoring, advising, library services, and career tools. SEMO Online’s programs are accredited by leading groups such as AACSB; CCNE; and The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering. 

Courses are taught by the same distinguished faculty who teach on campus, and students can choose from various session lengths throughout the year. With no set class times, students can complete coursework on their own schedules while still meeting weekly deadlines.  

Find out how SEMO Online can help you meet your educational and career goals. Start your next chapter and apply today.