Online Degrees: Affordable Programs for Working Adults

The stigma around online degrees has largely disappeared. A 2024 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 92% of HR professionals view online degrees from accredited institutions as credible as traditional degrees. Many major employers -- including Google, Apple, Amazon, IBM, and Bank of America -- have removed degree requirements entirely for many positions. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated acceptance of online education, as even traditional universities moved classes online. What matters to employers is accreditation and skills, not whether your classes were online or in person. In fact, completing an online degree demonstrates self-discipline, time management, and technical skills that employers value. The key: your degree must be from a regionally accredited institution. Employers are skeptical of degrees from unaccredited schools or known diploma mills.

Accreditation is the single most important factor when choosing an online program. A regionally accredited school has been evaluated and approved by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. There are six regional accrediting bodies: HLC (Higher Learning Commission), MSCHE, NECHE, NWCCU, SACSCOC, and WASC. To verify accreditation, search the school at the Department of Education database (ope.ed.gov/dapip) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (chea.org). Red flags that indicate a diploma mill: the school promises a degree in weeks with little or no coursework, charges a flat fee for a degree rather than per credit, is not listed in the Department of Education database, has a website that looks unprofessional, cold-calls or emails you to enroll, or claims accreditation from an agency you cannot verify. If a school is not accredited, your degree will not be recognized by employers or other colleges, and you cannot receive federal financial aid.

Many online schools offer credit for what you already know, which can save you significant time and money. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) programs evaluate your work experience, military training, professional certifications, and other learning to award college credit. Western Governors University evaluates prior certifications and experience. SNHU accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Excelsior University is known for generous prior learning credit policies. Thomas Edison State University specializes in adult learners and offers extensive PLA options. CLEP exams ($90 each) let you test out of college courses -- passing scores earn you 3-12 credits each. DSST exams (formerly DANTES) are similar credit-by-exam options. Military service members can earn credit through the American Council on Education (ACE) military evaluation program. Even professional certifications (like CompTIA, AWS, PMP) can translate to college credit at some schools. Ask each school about their PLA policy before enrolling.

Online degrees are significantly cheaper in most cases. Average cost comparison for a bachelor's degree: WGU costs approximately $15,000-$18,000 total. SNHU Online costs approximately $38,000-$40,000 total. ASU Online costs approximately $44,000-$65,000 total. Average public university (in-state, on-campus) costs approximately $44,000 total tuition alone (not including room, board, or fees). Average private university costs approximately $160,000+ total. Community college (2 years) plus online university (2 years) costs approximately $20,000-$30,000 total. The savings increase further when you factor in that on-campus students also pay for housing, meal plans, transportation, and parking. Online students study from home and can continue working full-time. With Pell Grants ($7,395/year), the cheapest online programs (WGU, community colleges) can cost almost nothing out of pocket for qualifying students.

The GI Bill and other military education benefits can be used for online degree programs at accredited schools. The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) covers tuition and fees at public schools (or up to $27,120/year at private schools for 2025-2026), plus a monthly housing allowance and a books and supplies stipend ($1,000/year). For online-only students, the housing allowance is set at half the national average Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate. The Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) provides a monthly benefit amount for education. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31) covers education costs for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The Yellow Ribbon Program at participating schools covers costs above the GI Bill cap. Dependents may be eligible for Chapter 35 (Dependents' Educational Assistance). Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool at va.gov to check which online schools are approved and estimate your benefits.

Your local Workforce Development Board (WDB) may pay for your online degree or certificate through WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding. WIOA provides grants for training programs that lead to in-demand careers. To access WIOA funding, visit your local American Job Center (find one at careeronestop.org). A career counselor will assess your situation and help determine if you qualify for training funds. WIOA Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) can cover tuition, fees, books, and sometimes transportation and childcare. The training program must be on your state's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Many accredited online schools are on state ETPL lists. Priority is typically given to low-income adults, dislocated workers, public assistance recipients, and justice-involved individuals. This is free money that does not need to be repaid.

If you need to earn a degree quickly, competency-based and accelerated programs can help. Western Governors University allows you to complete as many courses as you can in each 6-month term. Motivated students have earned bachelor's degrees in as little as 12 months (though the average is 2.5 years). Many schools offer accelerated terms (8-week sessions instead of 16 weeks), allowing you to complete a year of coursework in less time. Starting at a community college with CLEP and DSST exams can let you test out of dozens of credits. Some employers (like Starbucks, Walmart, and others) partner with specific schools for tuition-covered accelerated programs. Prior Learning Assessment can award credit for work experience and reduce time to degree. Transfer credits from any previous college coursework (even if it was 20 years ago) can reduce your time significantly. The fastest realistic path to a bachelor's degree: combine maximum transfer credits, CLEP exams, prior learning credit, and a competency-based program.

Online students at accredited schools qualify for the same federal financial aid as on-campus students. File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov to access Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year), federal loans, and work-study. Many state financial aid programs also apply to online programs -- check with your state's higher education agency. Employer tuition reimbursement is common: many employers offer $5,250/year (the IRS tax-free maximum) for employee education. Some notable employer programs: Starbucks covers 100% of ASU Online tuition, Walmart offers $1/day college through Live Better U, Amazon's Career Choice program covers tuition for select programs, and UPS offers tuition assistance up to $25,000. Scholarships for online students are available from schools, private organizations, and community foundations. Workforce development boards can cover tuition through WIOA grants. Veterans can use GI Bill benefits. Do not assume you cannot afford college -- explore every funding option before deciding.

Having a criminal record does not prevent you from earning an online degree. Most online schools have open or flexible admission policies and do not conduct background checks for enrollment. Some schools ask about criminal history on applications but use it for campus safety purposes (less relevant for online students). A criminal record does not affect your eligibility for federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants, federal loans). Drug convictions no longer affect financial aid eligibility at all. Many online programs are ideal for people in reentry because they offer flexibility to work around employment, probation appointments, and family obligations. If a school asks about criminal history and you are concerned about disclosure, contact the admissions office to discuss their policy before applying. The vast majority of online schools will admit you regardless of your background.

When evaluating online degree programs, consider these factors. First, verify accreditation at ope.ed.gov/dapip -- this is non-negotiable. Second, compare total cost of the degree (not just per-credit price) and check what financial aid is available. Third, look at transfer credit policies if you have prior college coursework, military training, or professional certifications. Fourth, check graduation rates and student outcomes on the College Scorecard (collegescorecard.ed.gov). Fifth, consider the format: asynchronous (study anytime), synchronous (scheduled class times), or hybrid. Asynchronous is most flexible for working adults. Sixth, check student support services: advising, tutoring, career services, and technical support. Seventh, look at alumni reviews and employer recognition. Eighth, consider whether the program has any professional licensing implications in your state (important for education, nursing, social work, and other licensed fields). Start by narrowing to 3-5 schools, request information, and speak with admissions counselors before deciding.