Are Online Degrees Worth It? Key Factors to Consider
Most people asking whether an online degree is worth it are really asking something more specific: Will employers take it seriously in my field? That depends on a few things you can investigate before enrollment.
This article answers some of the core questions prospective students have while considering whether an online degree would be a good fit with examples from Chatham University's online programs.
How employers actually view online degrees
Hiring managers in sectors such as healthcare, business, technology, and social services routinely hire candidates who completed accredited degrees online while working full-time. And unless the degree is conferred by a school that offers only online degrees, employers are unlikely to know the format of your program unless you tell them.
What does matter to employers
Institutional reputation
A degree from a recognized university carries value regardless of format. A distinction that matters is between accredited nonprofits and unaccredited or for-profit institutions. Other reputation signals include strong rankings, student outcomes, faculty publication and expertise, and notable alums.
Relevant experience
Internships, clinical placements, and applied projects signal readiness. Many online students build this while still enrolled. Online students also have the opportunity to leverage their program’s flexibility and work full-time or part-time while in school. They can start applying what they learn at work to gain experience related to their degree.
Demonstrated skills
Portfolio pieces, certifications, and concrete work samples often speak louder than transcripts. Like relevant experience, these can be developed in courses and internships or while working. Students in online programs can also demonstrate their resilience, work ethic, and time management skills by highlighting their academic accomplishments alongside professional and personal achievements.
Online vs. in-person degrees: the real cost comparison
Online programs typically cost less than residential education when accounting for the full picture, not just tuition. Enrolling online eliminates additional housing and relocation costs, meal plans, and commuting.
More importantly, online students can usually keep working, which means receiving an income while in school — and many working professionals also qualify for employer tuition reimbursement benefits.
Public universities sometimes charge higher out-of-state rates for online students. Private universities like Chatham often charge the same tuition regardless of where students live, which can make them more competitive for students outside the state.
How to decide if online learning fits your field
Not every field translates equally well to online formats. The deciding factor is usually how much hands-on practice a program requires and whether they have accounted for ways to gain that practice.
Fields like business, counseling, sustainability, and education administration can be delivered effectively online because their core learning is discussion-based, research-driven, or built around supervised field placements students can complete locally. Nursing degree completion programs (e.g., RN-to-BSN) can also work well because students already have clinical foundations from their RN training.
Fields that require more physical experiential learning, such as entry-level nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and laboratory sciences typically need hybrid or on-campus formats because foundational clinical skills and lab hours can't be replicated as well virtually.
These degrees don’t have to be in person, though. If your field requires clinical hours, student teaching, or lab work, look for programs that arrange those experiences locally through partnerships. Many accredited online programs do this well, and even provide opportunities for students to earn credit for serving in their own communities and making a meaningful impact before graduation. The key is confirming how and where those requirements are fulfilled before committing to a program.
What online learning actually demands from you
One of the biggest adjustments most online students face isn't the coursework. It's building a routine and keeping up with degree requirements without a campus schedule to rely on. This requires focus, time management, clear online communication, and some tech savvy.
- Asynchronous programs where students complete coursework on their own schedule offer the most flexibility but require consistent self-discipline.
- Synchronous programs include scheduled live online sessions, which creates more accountability and peer interaction.
- Hybrid programs, which combine online coursework with periodic in-person sessions, can offer a middle ground.
The self-direction and discipline needed to complete a degree online translates directly to professional settings. Workplaces run on the same skills: written communication, deadline management, and digital collaboration without constant reminders.
What accreditation actually means for your degree
Accreditation is another signal to employers that a candidate’s degree prepared them for the job. That’s because accrediting organizations hold schools and programs to rigorous and respected standards. Two types of accreditation affect whether a degree will be recognized.
Regional accreditation
Regional accreditation is the standard for nonprofit universities and is what employers and graduate schools expect. Bodies like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) or the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) grant this status after reviewing a school's academic quality, faculty, and student outcomes.
Programmatic accreditation
Programmatic accreditation applies to programs in specific fields. For example, nursing, counseling, education, and social work programs need their own accreditation, separate from the university's, to qualify you for licensure. Specifically, nursing programs need CCNE or ACEN approval, and counseling programs need CACREP accreditation. Some disciplines can add to their credibility by pursuing optional accreditation.
Before enrolling anywhere, verify both. Confirm a school's accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education's database or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Why Chatham's online programs hold value
At Chatham University, online students work with the same faculty and career advisors as on-campus students and benefit from the university’s MSCHE accreditation. Without needing to live or learn on campus, online students have the same access as in-person students to field placement coordination and job search support.
Programs like the online RN-to-BSN and online MBA are structured around working schedules, with asynchronous coursework and advising built to keep students on track toward completion and career goals. These and other online programs at Chatham create opportunities to learn independently while also participating in a community of supportive faculty and fellow students.
Pittsburgh's healthcare, business, and sustainability sectors create real career connections for Chatham students, including those studying remotely. Career services connect online students to Pittsburgh's employer networks through virtual advising, alumni introductions, and field placement coordination tailored to each student's location.
If you’re considering the value an online degree could bring to your life and career, Chatham University offers programs and support to help you succeed.
Frequently asked questions
Can an online degree qualify me for professional licensure in nursing, counseling, or teaching?
Yes, if the program holds the required programmatic accreditation and includes supervised field experiences. Always verify your state's specific licensure requirements before enrolling, since requirements vary.