As you’re evaluating programs, consider how each school’s research, resources and reputation line up with your career interests and goals. The best online college is the one that fits your needs. How to Choose the Best Online College for You Academic advisers can offer guidance on which route is best for you. Still, experts say it may make sense for some online students to major in a liberal arts discipline if it’s a subject they are truly passionate about. Prospective students will likely need to decide between a liberal arts major and one that is more career-focused, with the latter being the route many take to change career fields or advance professionally. Many online bachelor’s programs require students to complete general education requirements in the arts, humanities and sciences if they haven’t already done so at another college or university. This can help ease fears that employers won’t accept applicants with online undergraduate degrees. The curriculum for an online bachelor’s degree typically matches the on-campus curriculum at the same school, and the diploma usually doesn’t state whether that specific degree was earned online or in person. Students in online programs usually earn the same degree as on-campus students. In fall 2020, about 11.8 million of all undergraduate students were enrolled in at least one distance education courses at degree-granting postsecondary institutions, and 7 million were enrolled exclusively in online classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Compare that with the 73% employment rate for those with only a high school diploma.

with a bachelor's degree or higher was at 87% in 2022. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the employment rate among 25- to 34-year-olds in the U.S.

Earning a bachelor's degree – in person or online – can open doors to employment opportunities.