For busy learners seeking added flexibility, online college has become an increasingly viable option. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), about 28% of all undergraduate students in the United States took exclusively distance education courses during the fall 2021 semester alone.
Despite these programs becoming more commonplace, there are still many online degree misconceptions floating around. From questions surrounding online college credibility to concerns over rigor and employer perception, we're breaking down the most commonly perpetuated online college myths and facts — so that you can make an informed decision about your own education.
If you do decide to pursue an online degree, you'll also learn more about the programs offered at Bay Path University and what sets us apart from other online options.
Common Myths About Online College Degrees
So, are online degrees worth it? Discover 10 of the most common myths about online degrees below, along with the realities behind them.
1. Myth: Online Degrees Aren’t Respected by Employers
Are online degrees respected by employers? According to the latest research, the answer is yes. A report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) finds that 87.4% of employers have reported hiring candidates with online degrees. Furthermore, the starting salaries for these candidates are the same as those with "traditional" degrees.
2. Myth: Online Classes Are Easier Than Traditional Classes
Don’t make the mistake of assuming an online degree program is automatically a walk in the park. In reality, online degree programs are designed with the same academic rigor and pace as their on-campus equivalents — meaning you'll still need to complete the same coursework. The main difference is increased flexibility, which also means you'll have to maintain responsible time management and self-motivation.
3. Myth: The Education Quality Is Lower
Some people believe that earning a degree online must mean making sacrifices when it comes to the quality of your education. However, research has demonstrated time and time again that many online courses deliver equal or even better learning outcomes than in-person classes. In one 2021 study published in Interactive Technology and Smart Education, researchers found that "online learning is at least as effective and often better than [face-to-face] modalities in supporting learning outcomes."
4. Myth: You Won’t Interact With Professors or Classmates
Worried that an online degree program will be isolating without face-to-face class meetings? This doesn't have to be the case, especially with more schools now offering synchronous learning experiences. Between live video chats, virtual office hours, and online discussions, online students have several opportunities to interact and build meaningful relationships with peers and professors.
5. Myth: Online Degrees Aren’t “Real” Degrees
When a degree comes from a reputable and accredited school, it's a "real" degree — regardless of whether it was earned online, in-person, or a combination of both. These days, most degrees obtained online aren't even designated as "online" degrees. They simply feature the name of the school and the type of degree earned.
6. Myth: It’s Too Late to Start College Online
Whether you have some higher education coursework under your belt or have never set foot inside a college classroom, it's never too late to earn your degree online. Students in these programs come from all walks of life. The most important thing is that they have a commitment to bettering themselves and achieving their educational goals.
7. Myth: Online Students Are On Their Own
Any reputable school with online degree programs will offer support services. This may include virtual tutoring, academic advising, career coaching, and more. If your school is set up to support online students, you should never feel like you're on your own.
8. Myth: Online Degrees Are Faster and Require Less Work
Some online degrees may be offered in an accelerated format, and the flexibility of online classes can allow students to take more credit hours at once. However, that doesn’t mean these programs are inherently faster or easier than their on-campus counterparts. Rather, online programs reflect the same learning outcomes, coursework requirements, and rigor of traditional degree programs.
9. Myth: You Can’t Transfer Credits Into or Out of Online Programs
Transfer policies can vary greatly from one school to the next, but many institutions allow credits from a previous degree program (online or on-campus) to transfer to an online program — or vice versa. At Bay Path University, for example, students can transfer up to 90 credits to an on-campus or online undergraduate program.
10. Myth: Online Learning Is Only for Certain Fields
While some fields may be better suited to an online learning experience, it's possible to find online degrees in just about every industry imaginable. If hands-on learning is required to sharpen certain industry skills, practical experiences may be offered through on-campus labs, internships, or practicum opportunities.
Why These Myths Still Exist
Although distance degrees are hardly "new," these online education myths continue to be perpetuated. Why is that?
Rapid Growth of Online Education
One reason that there are still so many online college degree myths circulating is the explosive growth of online education and distance degree programs that emerged with increased internet access — especially during the early 2000s. During this time, there were few laws in place regulating these programs, and many for-profit schools sprang up across the country.
Unfortunately, some schools during this era of growth made bogus claims about graduates' job placements and salary earnings. The Department of Education eventually discovered that 72% of for-profit graduates with associate degrees were actually earning less than high school dropouts.
Today, there are much more stringent requirements schools need to meet to confer online degrees and even be eligible for federal student aid. Still, these few "bad apples" from the early days of online degrees have contributed to myths that are still shared today.
Confusion Between “Online Learning” and Emergency Remote Learning
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, schools across the globe were suddenly forced to transition to emergency remote learning. During this unprecedented shift in education, teachers at all grade levels (from elementary through post-secondary) had to rely on limited resources to finish out their school years.
Since then, numerous studies have found that COVID-era remote learning had a negative overall effect on student learning — with one systematic review noting "lower scores in standardized tests [...], academic, motivational, and socio-economic factors" contributing to decreased performance overall.
However, there's a significant difference between the emergency remote learning we saw during COVID and typical online degree programs. Online college degree programs from reputable schools offer a learning experience that more closely reflects the physical classroom, with tools and resources in place to support learners. Unfortunately, there are still some lingering negative connotations from the pandemic days that have spread to legitimate online degree programs.
Variability Between Programs
Finally, there's the simple fact that not all online degree programs are created equal. Even with stricter regulations and quality standards, there's still a great deal of variability between different schools. Not all programs are the right choice for all learners — and what's right for one student may not be a good fit for another.
What Actually Matters When Choosing an Online Degree
As you explore your options for an online degree, there are a few factors you'll want to look for to find your ideal fit.
Accreditation
First, be sure that any school you're considering has been institutionally accredited by a reputable third party. Often, this will be a regional accrediting body — but this may vary depending on the size and location of the school. At Bay Path University, we're proud to be accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
In addition to institutional accreditation, some programs in certain fields may have their own industry accreditation. For example, our RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
When schools and programs can demonstrate accreditation, it provides added reassurance that they have met strict requirements and standards for quality.
Program Structure and Support
It’s important to examine the specific structure of an online program, along with any supportive resources. Bay Path University offers a wide range of resources dedicated to online learning support, from tutoring and academic advising to personalized career planning and interview practice.
Fit for Your Lifestyle
Last but not least, be sure that the format of your chosen online degree program is suitable for your lifestyle. If you work 40 hours per week and have a family to take care of, you may not be available to meet for synchronous online classes during the day. Instead, you might be better suited to an asynchronous learning format that allows you to work on evenings or weekends around your busy schedule.
At Bay Path University, our online degree programs are designed to replicate the rigor and experience of our on-campus degree programs — but with the added flexibility that busy learners need to thrive.
So, Are Online Degrees Worth It – For You?
Still trying to decide between online vs. traditional college? Here are a few last-minute things to keep in mind as you weigh your options.
Good Fit If You Need Flexibility
When it comes to flexibility and versatility, online degree programs reign supreme. You'll save time by not having to commute to a physical campus — and if you opt for asynchronous courses (where available), you also won't be tied down to a "traditional" class meeting schedule. If you're looking for a way to earn a college degree without putting other areas of your life on hold, an online program could be right for you.
Good Fit If You’re Self-Motivated
At the same time, online degree programs aren't inherently easier just because you don't have to meet in a physical classroom. In fact, many students find that online programs require more discipline and careful time management than traditional learning formats. With this in mind, it's important to be self-motivated and have some basic time-management skills. Otherwise, it can be easy to fall behind.
Worth Exploring for Many Career Paths
Whether an online program is suitable for you may also depend on the specific field of study you're considering. For some types of programs, it can be difficult to acquire hands-on skills and competencies in a virtual setting.
At Bay Path University, flexible online degrees, both undergraduate and graduate, are offered in a wide range of industries, including (but not limited to):
- Accounting
- Criminal justice
- Elementary education
- Leadership and organizational studies
- Psychology
- Nursing
Explore Online Degree Options at Bay Path
Despite the myths and misconceptions surrounding online degree programs, the reality is that an online degree from the right school can be a great choice (and a worthwhile investment) for many types of learners.
At Bay Path University, we're proud to offer more than 25 flexible online undergraduate degree and certificate programs to suit your needs, along with online graduate degrees. With multiple start dates to choose from, full- and part-time options, and transfer credit opportunities, we're ready to meet you where you're at. Get in touch to learn more about our online degree programs or take the next step by filling out an application for admission today.
