Can You Get a Degree Entirely Online?

You absolutely can earn a legitimate, fully accredited degree entirely online.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 28% of undergraduate students took courses exclusively online in Fall 2021. And as of 2020, over 3,900 institutions offered fully or primarily online programs.

When we say “entirely online,” we mean that you can complete all coursework, exams, and even graduation remotely. There is no requirement to attend campus in person, which makes it possible to study from anywhere in the world.

Online programs usually come in two formats:

• Synchronous courses have live sessions at set times, so you participate in real-time with classmates and instructors.
• Asynchronous courses give you the flexibility to complete lectures, assignments, and exams on your own schedule.

Many programs even combine both styles to offer structure while maintaining flexibility.

Accreditation matters. Not all online programs are created equal. A degree from an accredited institution holds the same weight as a traditional, on-campus degree. Employers increasingly accept online credentials, especially from recognized universities.

The key is to research programs carefully, ensure they are accredited, and choose one that fits your learning style. With the right program, you can earn your degree, advance your career, and do it entirely online without compromising quality or recognition.

If you’re considering earning a degree online, you’ll find a wide variety of options across many fields. Some of the most popular programs include:

• Business Administration (BS, MBA)
• Information Technology / Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Psychology (BA/BS; clinical programs usually require some in-person training)
• Communications / Marketing
• General Studies / Liberal Arts
• Education (non-licensure programs)
• Health Administration (non-clinical)
• Accounting
• Human Resources

Many major universities now offer an extensive range of online programs. They highlight your discipline and motivation, and your ability to manage your own learning. They offer the flexibility to pursue a degree that aligns with your career goals without sacrificing quality or access to resources.

Penn State University, Arizona State University, and the University of Florida each provide over 150 online programs.

You will receive the same credentials as on-campus students, and employers generally view this the same way. Your diploma usually will not indicate that the program is online.

Online learning is no longer limited to undergraduate programs. Many master’s and doctoral degrees are fully available online, letting you advance your education while continuing to work, manage family responsibilities, or stay in your current location.

From undergraduate to advanced degrees, online programs offer you a practical, respected way to earn your credentials. It also gives you greater flexibility, better access to materials, and a clearer path to achieving your academic and career goals without putting your life on hold.

Online programs are flexible, but it’s important to know which parts need to be completed in person.

Here are some examples:

• Nursing programs can’t be fully online because clinical experience is required. In Texas, the Board of Nursing requires at least 840 hours of clinical practice.
• Accredited social work programs require supervised field placements.
• Teaching licensure programs include student teaching experiences.
• Many engineering programs include laboratory components.
• Medical and healthcare programs, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, require practicums or clinical rotations.

When a program advertises as “online nursing” or “online social work,” that refers to the coursework portion. Lectures, discussions, and assignments can be completed remotely. The in-person requirements are always completed locally, often at hospitals, clinics, schools, or other approved sites.

If you’re looking for flexibility, many programs let you set up clinicals or field placements close to home. They help you balance work, family, and other responsibilities.

If you’re already a licensed nurse, RN-to-BSN programs often have fewer clinical requirements because you already have hands-on experience.

Plan and talk with your program’s advisors. This way, you can get the flexibility you need for coursework and still complete the in-person experiences needed for licensure. Knowing what needs to be done in person and what can be done online helps you earn your degree without sacrificing quality or your eligibility for licensure.

Use the right approach to advance your career, earn a respected degree, and manage your life while completing your education.

The NACE 2024 survey found that 87.4% of employers have hired graduates with online degrees. All reported paying them the same as traditional degree holders, demonstrating that your credentials are valued in the job market.

The GMAC 2024 survey found that about two-thirds of employers worldwide still prefer in-person programs for building leadership skills. In the U.S., more employers are accepting online credentials, particularly in technology fields where practical skills are prioritized.

Employers prioritize accreditation over the format of your studies. Most diplomas do not indicate whether a degree was earned online, so your credential is equivalent to one from an on-campus program.

The pandemic increased the prevalence of remote learning. Employers observed that students could succeed in online courses and now recognize that online graduates perform well in remote and hybrid roles.

Research from the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) showed that eight out of ten employers consider a college degree valuable, regardless of how it was earned.

An online degree can offer the same opportunities as a traditional degree. Employers focus on accreditation, program quality, and your skills rather than the mode of study. With a strong program and clear goals, your online degree can be equally respected and rewarding.

Accreditation is non-negotiable. It is the main factor in determining whether your degree will be recognized by employers, graduate schools, and licensing boards.

Begin by checking if the school has institutional accreditation from a recognized regional accreditor.
If you are interested in a specialized program, look for program-specific accreditation, like AACSB for business or CCNE for nursing. You can confirm accreditation by checking the CHEA database or the U.S. Department of Education database. This helps ensure the school and program are legitimate.

Confirm the delivery mode.

Some programs may say they are “online,” but they still require you to attend certain in-person activities, such as:

• orientations
• weekend intensives
• lab sessions
• capstone projects
• dissertation defenses

If you know about these requirements in advance, you can avoid surprises and plan your schedule better.

Financial aid eligibility

To get federal financial aid through FAFSA or other Title IV programs, you need to attend an accredited school. The good news is that most online programs at accredited schools qualify for federal aid. However, you should always double-check with the school’s financial aid office.

Technology requirements

You’ll need:

• A reliable internet connection
• A computer that meets the program’s minimum specifications
• Webcam for proctored exams or virtual presentations

State Authorization

Make sure the school is allowed to operate in your state. Some programs have restrictions for students who live out of state. If the school is a member of NC-SARA, this usually means it can enroll students in most states.

Online learning is flexible, but it asks for more self-management than traditional classes. Studies show that students who manage their time and stay organized are less likely to drop out and usually do better overall.

Embrace time management strategies.

Begin each week with a plan. Look over your syllabi, note important deadlines, and approach your coursework as you would a job.

Try using the Pomodoro technique. You will study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This can help you stay productive without getting burned out.

Setting regular study hours helps you build a routine and shows both you and those around you that your schoolwork comes first.

Maintain the right study environment.

• Set up a space just for studying, free from distractions.
• Keep all necessary materials nearby, such as your charger, notebooks, and water.
• Tell your family or roommates when you’ll be studying so they know not to interrupt you.

Stay connected.

• Staying engaged is important, even in online classes.
• Join in on discussion boards, go to virtual office hours, and take part in study groups.
• Connect with others to stay motivated, understand tricky topics, and feel like part of the community.

Use available support.

• If you’re having trouble, ask for help right away.
• Academic advisors, tutoring centers, and writing labs are available for online students.
• Early support often prevents small issues from becoming major setbacks.

Take care of yourself.

Online programs make school accessible 24/7, which can be a blessing, but also a risk for burnout if you never step away. Make sure to plan time for breaks, rest, and self-care.

When you manage your time well, create a good study space, stay involved, and take care of yourself, online learning can help you succeed and stay healthy.