Online Degrees: Accredited, and Affordable Too!

There's a reason why online degree programs are currently enrolling more than 1.2 million students. With the same accreditation as many on-campus schools--at a typically lower cost--students can earn their online education more flexibly and affordably.

With questions of cost and accreditation facing students everywhere in the U.S., online degree programs are growing as a viable option for earning an education.

Online Degrees More Affordable
At one prominent, private U.S. institution, an online degree in psychology can be earned after 124 credit hours. At $367 per credit hour, after books and tuition, the degree would cost $18,000. This is substantially less than the average cost of an on-campus private graduate degree, which can exceed $30,000. Student debt rose 107% between 1994 and 2004, a statistic that underscores the need for affordable education.

Instructor Attention in Education Online
One reviewer of online degree programs at the Board of Regents considers online instructors even more attentive than their in-person counterparts. Online questions must be answered readily and thoroughly in order for both student and course to succeed. This kind of urgent relationship spawns a more efficient sharing of information and ideas.

Accreditation
Most online schools are accredited, and many of these accreditations are issued from the same governing bodies that accredit on-campus universities.

There is still progress to be made, however. Many online schools are lobbying with different professional organizations to receive additional accreditation. One online law school is currently lobbying the American Bar Association (ABA) for formal recognition, hoping to boost the career prospects of graduates from its online degree programs.

For the student who prefers independence and has a lean budget to work with, an education online is becoming a better and better alternative.

Sources
The Hill, "Internet lets you earn a post-graduate degree in the privacy of your home"
The Shreveport Times
The Denver Post, "Students graduate to higher debts"