Exploring the Growing Trend of Online Degrees

Summary

Online degrees are academic qualifications earned primarily or entirely through internet-based coursework rather than traditional in-person attendance at physical campuses. They encompass a broad range of programs, from high school diplomas and certificates to undergraduate and advanced graduate degrees, delivered through fully online or hybrid formats that combine remote and face-to-face learning. The growing availability and acceptance of online degrees have expanded educational access and flexibility for diverse learners, including working adults and students with disabilities, making them a significant trend in higher education globally.
The rise of online degrees has been driven by advancements in digital technologies, improved internet connectivity, and changing market demands for flexible, lifelong learning options. The COVID-19 pandemic notably accelerated their adoption as institutions rapidly transitioned to remote instruction, exposing both opportunities and challenges in online education delivery. Market data shows robust growth, with enrollment in online graduate programs increasing steadily and global online education projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue by the late 2020s.
Online degrees now enjoy greater legitimacy and recognition due in part to evolving accreditation standards and increasing employer acceptance, although some skepticism about academic rigor and student engagement persists. Institutions face ongoing challenges related to faculty preparation, curriculum design, technological infrastructure, and ensuring equitable access and support services for all students, including those with disabilities. Addressing these issues is essential to maintaining quality and fostering positive outcomes in the expanding online education landscape.
Looking forward, online education is expected to continue evolving with technological innovations such as artificial intelligence and mobile learning, further enhancing personalized and inclusive learning experiences. Significant investments by edtech companies and global initiatives supporting digital education underscore the growing importance of online degrees in shaping the future of higher education worldwide.

Definition and Scope

An online degree is an academic qualification that can be earned primarily or entirely through the use of an Internet-connected computer, rather than attending a traditional campus setting in person. While most online degrees correspond to college-level education, the term can also encompass high school diplomas and non-degree certificate programs delivered through online platforms. Online degrees maintain the same academic rigor, training, and support as traditional degrees, with the main difference lying in the mode of delivery. Traditional degrees typically require physical attendance in classrooms, whereas online degrees may be completed through synchronous or asynchronous classes from any location with internet access. Hybrid traditional degrees blend these formats, offering part of the coursework in-person and part online, thereby combining the benefits of face-to-face interaction with the flexibility of remote learning.
The scope of online degrees has expanded significantly, with various accredited institutions offering programs across numerous specialties. The legitimacy and credibility of online degrees have grown as employers increasingly recognize them as equivalent to traditional degrees in terms of academic quality, job preparation, and career opportunities. Programmatic accreditation at the national level also applies to specialized fields, ensuring that online programs meet rigorous standards comparable to their on-campus counterparts.

History

The evolution of online degrees is closely tied to broader trends in digital learning and technological integration within education. Early concerns about online education focused on regulatory and policy challenges, with lawmakers initially wary of students enrolling extensively in online courses. Over time, the increasing demand for accessible and flexible learning options prompted institutions to adopt digital platforms more widely.
A significant milestone occurred in February 2020 when the U.S. Department of Education eliminated the longstanding distinction between regional and national accrediting agencies, thereby unifying institutional accreditation standards. This change helped to legitimize online programs offered by various institutions, many of which had previously been viewed as less prestigious than traditional regional counterparts.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward online education dramatically. Educational institutions worldwide rapidly transitioned to remote teaching to maintain continuity of learning during lockdowns. This sudden move exposed multiple barriers to effective technology integration, including limited access to resources, insufficient training, and lack of institutional support. These obstacles align with the framework of first-order barriers outlined by Ertmer (1999), which encompass external factors that hinder technology adoption in classrooms.
Concurrently, the growing need for professional development and lifelong learning opportunities has bolstered the prominence of e-learning platforms. The online education market has attracted significant investment, exemplified by major corporate edtech providers such as Lepaya, which raised €36 million in 2023 to expand their offerings. This investment surge reflects the increasing recognition of online degrees as viable and valuable credentials within the global education landscape.

Enrollment and Market Growth

Enrollment in online graduate programs, including both master’s and professional doctoral degrees, has experienced significant growth over recent years. From 2013 to 2018, online graduate program enrollment increased at an average annual rate of 6.6%, contrasting with a 1.8% yearly decline in face-to-face graduate enrollment during the same period. This upward trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as 62% of surveyed enrollment leaders reported expanding fully online courses and programs in response to the crisis, with 47% planning further expansion in the future.
The overall online education market is witnessing robust growth globally. Customer preferences have shifted markedly toward the convenience and flexibility offered by online learning, driving market development and innovation. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.20% between 2025 and 2029, reaching an estimated volume of US$279.30 billion by 2029. Specifically, the Online University Education segment is expected to attain a market volume of US$136.80 billion by 2025, with the United States generating the largest share of revenue at approximately US$99.84 billion that year.
In terms of enrollment numbers, data from the Fall 2021 National Center for Higher Education Statistics reported that over 19 million students were enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions. Among these, approximately 1.1 million students (6.1% of all college students) were enrolled in online colleges during the same period. Demographically, a significant proportion of online learners balance education with other responsibilities: 68% of current online students hold full-time or part-time employment, and 95% have children under 18 living in their household.
The U.S. online learning market alone is forecasted to generate revenues of approximately $74.8 billion in 2023, outpacing other countries worldwide. Despite these gains, institutions developing online programs face a variety of internal and external challenges, including the need to adapt curricula, ensure quality, and meet diverse learner needs. Nonetheless, the overall trajectory of enrollment and market growth in online degrees remains strongly positive.

Types of Online Degrees

Online degree programs encompass a variety of educational formats designed to meet the diverse needs of students. These programs utilize Internet technologies to deliver coursework for associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and advanced graduate degrees without requiring students to attend physical campuses.
One common format is fully online degrees, where all coursework and instruction are completed remotely. This approach offers maximum flexibility, enabling students to study from any location and often at their own pace. High school students can also benefit from online dual enrollment courses and summer programs that allow them to earn college credits before graduation.
Another popular format is the hybrid or blended degree program, which combines in-person and online instruction. In these programs, students attend some classes on campus while completing other components remotely. This dual-learning system provides the advantage of face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers alongside the independence and convenience of online study. Hybrid degrees are particularly beneficial for students who desire a balance between traditional classroom experiences and the flexibility offered by online learning.
Regardless of the format, online degree programs maintain academic rigor comparable to traditional face-to-face education. Institutions are required to provide equivalent access to academic support, including executive function coaching and educational technology assistance, ensuring that online learners receive comprehensive guidance throughout their studies. Faculty development focused on online teaching methodologies further enhances student success and retention in these programs.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

Accreditation serves as a key indicator of legitimacy and quality in higher education, including online degree programs. It is an evaluative process conducted by an outside authority to ensure that institutions and their specific degree programs meet established standards of quality, accountability, and student outcomes. Although accreditation is typically voluntary, it plays a crucial role in validating programs to other colleges, universities, and employers, and it is often required for students to be eligible for federal financial aid in the United States.
There are two primary types of accreditation that online learners should consider: institutional and programmatic (or specialized) accreditation. Institutional accreditation applies to the entire university, assessing the overall quality and integrity of the institution. Programmatic accreditation focuses on particular degrees, departments, or schools within the institution, including those offered online. Not all programs within a university may hold programmatic accreditation, as it depends on the school and the industry standards for that discipline.
In the U.S., regional accreditation is generally regarded as the most prestigious and widely recognized form of accreditation. It is granted by one of the seven regional accrediting bodies and is commonly associated with traditional colleges and universities offering a broad range of academic degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. For online programs, this type of accreditation can enhance credibility and acceptance among employers and academic institutions.
Despite growing acceptance of online degrees, some challenges persist. Surveys indicate that many employers still exhibit a preference for traditional on-campus degrees and may harbor concerns about the quality of online programs, especially due to perceived limitations in student-faculty interaction and academic integrity. However, increasing numbers of employers recognize the value and credibility of accredited online degrees, with some surveys showing that graduates of distance education programs perform better on the job compared to their previous performance.
Ensuring accreditation integrity is important, and many institutions participate actively in the accreditation process themselves rather than relying solely on external monitoring. Moreover, the development and launch of new online programs require tailored policies and approaches distinct from those used for traditional face-to-face programs to maintain quality and relevance. Ultimately, prospective online learners should carefully assess accreditation status alongside other criteria, such as program offerings and convenience, to make informed decisions about their education.

Curriculum Design and Development

The design and development of online curricula require a fundamentally different approach compared to traditional on-ground instruction. Many institutions initially overlook the importance of creating curricula specifically tailored for the online environment and the need for qualified professionals to develop these programs. Successful online curricula emphasize dialog among students through written communication, active group participation, and collaborative learning, moving away from traditional lecture-based methods that are ineffective in virtual settings.
In the semi-autonomous and self-directed context of virtual classrooms, innovative and creative instructional strategies become crucial. Facilitators and students engage collaboratively to foster dynamic learning experiences, necessitating educators to reflect on and adapt their course objectives and teaching styles to leverage the unique advantages of the online format.
Once the course design phase is complete, the delivery and implementation of the program must support principles of online engagement. Faculty preparation plays a critical role in student success, yet professional development opportunities vary widely across institutions. While some universities provide comprehensive faculty training and development programs focused on online teaching methodologies, others offer limited or inadequate preparation, highlighting a persistent challenge in ensuring instructional quality in online education.
The online teaching format demands that faculty acquire technological and pedagogical skills specific to digital platforms, including effective use of multimedia tools, chat rooms, discussion boards, and file-sharing systems. Many instructors entering online teaching have limited personal experience as online learners, which increases the need for targeted professional development to build effective online teaching competencies.
Moreover, interdisciplinary teams of instructional designers, educational technologists, and specialists play a pivotal role in assisting faculty with course development. These teams help overcome resistance to online learning, correct misperceptions, and facilitate the creation of engaging, high-quality online learning experiences. They serve as a bridge connecting traditional face-to-face instruction with innovative flipped, blended, or fully online models tailored to the diverse and geographically dispersed student populations characteristic of higher education today.
To ensure equitable access and quality, institutions must also address technological infrastructure and accessibility issues. Investment in digital resources, improved internet connectivity, and educator training are necessary to support the design and delivery of effective online curricula, particularly for underserved or remote student populations.
Ultimately, the shift toward online learning environments demands intentional curriculum design that fosters community, interaction, and active engagement, thereby creating a vibrant “community of inquiry” where students learn collaboratively despite physical separation. This approach democratizes education by accommodating diverse learning needs and lifestyles, expanding access to high-quality educational opportunities worldwide.

Faculty Preparation and Challenges

Faculty preparation is a crucial element in the successful implementation and delivery of online degree programs. Effective preparation involves both technical training in the use of course management systems (CMS) and pedagogical training tailored to online instruction. Many institutions require faculty to undergo professional development that combines these aspects to ensure they are equipped to create engaging and effective online learning environments. For example, a majority of California community colleges mandate faculty training for online teaching, often blending technical CMS skills with strategies for online pedagogy. This is vital because online teaching requires distinct approaches that differ significantly from traditional face-to-face instruction, including the use of multimedia, discussion boards, chat rooms, and other collaborative technologies.
Despite the growing acceptance of online education, faculty buy-in remains a challenge. Resistance and apprehension persist among some instructors, often stemming from concerns about workload, time commitment, reduced social interaction with students, academic integrity issues, and intellectual property rights. These concerns were identified in studies applying frameworks of faculty barriers, highlighting that institutional size, program complexity, and online education policies influence faculty perceptions. Institutional maturity and investment in addressing these challenges have been shown to mitigate initial barriers; however, ongoing challenges require sustained support and resources.
To foster greater faculty engagement and overcome resistance, institutions have employed strategies such as involving faculty early in online program development, maintaining transparent communication, emphasizing program quality over rapid growth, and prioritizing faculty interests and concerns throughout the process. For instance, creating advisory groups that include faculty representatives helps provide a “seat at the table” and encourages ownership and leadership in online initiatives. Faculty often originate ideas for new online degrees and navigate them through complex governance approval processes, further illustrating the importance of their involvement.

Student Support Services

Student support services in online degree programs play a crucial role in promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and academic success for all students, particularly those with disabilities. These services vary widely by institution, requiring prospective students to research available disability support offices, campus resources, and online accessibility features before enrollment. Financial aid options, such as federal grants and state vocational rehabilitation programs, are often available to students with disabilities and may include additional assistance to cover disability-related expenses.
Accessibility in online education means ensuring that students with disabilities can access information, participate in interactions, and engage in programs with substantially equivalent ease as their non-disabled peers. Online learning platforms should be compatible with common assistive technologies to accommodate a variety of disabilities. Colleges and universities are generally obligated to provide “reasonable” accommodations, so long as they do not fundamentally alter the nature of academic programs or impose significant difficulty or expense.
In the context of remote learning, adaptations of accommodations previously provided in traditional settings may be necessary. For instance, students may require extended test times or specific technologies to complete online assessments effectively. Disability services offices can collaborate with instructors to tailor these accommodations, including adjustments to online proctoring or assessment time limits. Personalized accommodations that respond to individual student needs, such as allowing multiple attempts on assignments followed by feedback, can enhance learning outcomes and more accurately reflect student understanding in virtual environments.
Many programs also incorporate additional support mechanisms, such as assigning peer mentors and offering Certificates in Service Learning upon course completion, with the overarching goals of fostering student independence and preparing them for career readiness. Research continues to emphasize the importance of timely and effectively communicated support services to improve retention and graduation rates among students with disabilities. Proactive outreach to students, faculty, and staff helps facilitate the academic integration of diverse student populations, contributing to a more inclusive educational

Impact of Support Services on Student Success

Support services have been identified as a crucial factor influencing student success and retention in online degree programs within higher education. Institutional support is widely recognized by administrators and faculty as one of the primary contributors to higher retention rates among online learners. These services encompass a variety of strategies designed to address academic, behavioral, and personal challenges faced by students.
Key factors revealed in research include the provision of early interventions, continuous support throughout the learning process, effective communication channels, and high-quality instructional feedback. Additionally, support aimed at fostering positive student behavioral characteristics and collaboration among various stakeholders has been shown to enhance student persistence in online programs. Faculty support is also emphasized as essential to equip instructors with the necessary tools and methods for effective online teaching.
Programs that assign peer mentors to students and incorporate service learning certificates have demonstrated positive outcomes in fostering student independence and career readiness. Such initiatives are particularly impactful for students with mobility impairments, assisting them in gaining academic qualifications and managing their lives independently. Beyond formal academic achievement, success in online learning also relates to students’ adjustment to the institution and overall satisfaction, which are influenced by support services and accommodations provided.

Technological Innovations in Online Education

Technological advancements have played a crucial role in the significant growth and accessibility of online education. Improvements in internet connectivity, including the widespread adoption of 4G, 5G, and broadband infrastructure, have enabled learners even in remote locations to access instructional content more easily and quickly. This enhanced connectivity has not only expanded access but also helped bridge the digital divide by promoting inclusive learning experiences. For instance, mobile-first online courses and lightweight applications optimized for smartphones and tablets have made education more accessible to students who may lack high-end devices, while features such as offline access accommodate those with inconsistent internet connections.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of online education, compelling many educational institutions to shift rapidly to digital learning environments. In response, higher education institutions have increasingly recognized the importance of robust learning management systems (LMS) that support a variety of learning modalities, including onsite, hybrid, and fully online formats. These systems help reduce geographic barriers and provide students with flexible learning options through online and mobile platforms.
Ongoing faculty development and training are critical components in leveraging technological innovations effectively. Institutions such as Fanshawe College, Babson College, and Florida International University have implemented regular workshops, refresher courses, and conferences to equip educators with skills necessary for designing and delivering engaging online courses. This professional development is essential for fostering innovative instructional approaches within virtual classrooms, where facilitators and students collaborate dynamically to enhance the learning experience.
Technological innovations also enable more engaging and varied multimedia content, creating dynamic classes that transcend traditional geographic constraints and offer learners the opportunity to earn degrees from distant institutions. Moreover, partnerships between educational organizations, technology companies, and governments have led to the development of user-friendly e-learning solutions, including apps and SMS-based tools that target students in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Looking ahead, institutions are urged to develop comprehensive strategies for integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) into online education. Proactive planning involves establishing governance structures for AI, investing in faculty development, and designing student success metrics tailored to AI-enhanced learning environments. Additionally, addressing infrastructural challenges requires sustained investments in technology upgrades and digital device provision, alongside educator training programs that promote effective online course design and delivery.

Institutional Challenges

Institutions offering online degrees face several significant challenges that require strategic and operational adaptations. One key issue is maintaining the integrity of accreditation processes. It is crucial that accreditation remains under the control of educational institutions themselves rather than external agencies. This involves ensuring both institutional accreditation, which applies to the entire university, and programmatic accreditation, which focuses on specific degrees or departments, including online programs. Institutions must standardize curriculum design, assessment, and faculty evaluation processes, and designate staff to monitor updates from accrediting bodies to maintain consistent quality across all units.
Another major challenge is addressing technological infrastructure deficiencies. Many students lack reliable internet access or the necessary digital devices, which limits their ability to participate fully in online learning. Educational institutions and policymakers need to proactively invest in upgrading connectivity and providing devices to underserved populations. In addition, professional development for educators is essential to equip them with the skills and tools required for designing and delivering effective online courses.
The rapid emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies also presents both opportunities and challenges. Colleges and universities are encouraged to develop comprehensive AI strategies that integrate governance structures, faculty development programs, and student success metrics tailored to AI-enhanced learning environments. Proactive AI planning is necessary to prevent crisis-driven responses and to harness AI’s potential in improving educational outcomes.
Financial considerations also pose institutional challenges. Federal financial aid eligibility depends on attending institutions that hold recognized regional or national accreditation and are Title IV-eligible. Institutions must therefore maintain their accreditation status to ensure students can access federal aid, which is a critical component of higher education financing in many countries.

Advantages of Online Degrees

Online degrees offer several significant advantages that contribute to their growing popularity and acceptance. One of the primary benefits is the increased accessibility they provide to a diverse range of students. Online programs make education more convenient and affordable, particularly for individuals who are balancing full-time work or family responsibilities, allowing them to attend classes and earn degrees without the constraints of traditional scheduling. Furthermore, hybrid learning models—which combine in-person and online instruction—offer students the opportunity to experience the benefits of both formats, fostering flexibility while maintaining personal interaction.
Another notable advantage of online degrees is their recognition and credibility among employers. Despite initial skepticism about the quality and academic integrity of online education, an increasing number of employers acknowledge the value of online credentials, reinforcing their legitimacy in the job market. This shift has encouraged the expansion and continuous adaptation of online programs to meet diverse educational and professional needs.
Online learning also enhances educational opportunities for students with disabilities by offering flexible learning environments and accommodating various assistive technologies. Institutions are generally required to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure these students have equal access to educational content and interactions without fundamentally altering program requirements. The flexibility of remote and hybrid learning has been particularly beneficial in supporting the academic success and personal adjustment of students with disabilities.
Moreover, the growing demand for professional development and lifelong learning through e-learning platforms is driving investments in cutting-edge educational technologies and solutions, further improving the quality and reach of online education. However, to fully realize these advantages, educational institutions and policymakers must address challenges related to technology infrastructure and educator training to ensure all students have equitable access to high-quality online learning experiences.

Challenges and Criticisms

Online degrees face several challenges and criticisms despite their growing popularity. One common concern is the perceived lack of academic rigor compared to traditional in-person education. Critics argue that online learning can be less challenging, which prompts institutions to invest heavily in developing robust and rigorous curricula that ensure equal access and maintain high academic standards. Whitney Kilgore, chief academic officer at iDesign, highlights a shift in focus from merely providing access to online education toward leveraging technology to enhance educational quality and integrity.
Another significant challenge is the reduced face-to-face interaction inherent in online learning environments. The absence of physical presence can cause students to feel disconnected from peers and instructors, leading to lower engagement and satisfaction levels. This disconnection also hampers the ability to form study groups and collaborate effectively on projects, which are critical for developing teamwork skills and shared learning experiences.
Accreditation remains a key factor in establishing the legitimacy of online degree programs. Although voluntary, accreditation ensures that schools and their programs meet established quality standards. It also plays a vital role in validating online degrees to other institutions and employers and is necessary for students to qualify for federal financial aid. However, achieving and maintaining accreditation can be a complex and demanding process, requiring continuous program evaluation and improvement.
Digital accessibility presents another layer of challenges. The transition to online learning has exposed significant barriers for students with disabilities. Many institutions were unprepared to provide accessible digital resources, leading to legal challenges under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ensuring that online content and platforms are accessible remains a pressing issue that universities must address to foster inclusive education environments.
Furthermore, online education must also navigate issues related to diversity and inclusion beyond disabilities, considering various identity groups to support the academic integration of all students. Addressing these challenges is critical as online degrees continue to expand and evolve in higher education.

Impact on Traditional Education

The rise of online degrees has significantly influenced traditional education, prompting a reevaluation of long-established teaching methods. Traditional education, often characterized by classroom-based learning and face-to-face interaction, has been the primary mode of instruction for centuries, valued particularly for its direct communication between instructors and students. However, over the last two decades, the components of computer-assisted learning have challenged the dominance of traditional lectures, revealing that e-learning can offer distinct advantages in learning outcomes.
The shift towards online education encourages innovative and creative instructional approaches. In virtual classrooms, instructors and students engage collaboratively to create dynamic learning experiences that differ fundamentally from traditional settings. This transformation compels educators to reflect on and adapt their course objectives and teaching styles to leverage the benefits of online formats fully.
While traditional education emphasizes in-person interaction, online learning can sometimes lead to feelings of disconnection from peers and instructors, which may negatively affect student engagement and satisfaction. Challenges such as forming study groups or collaborating on projects can hinder the development of teamwork skills and shared learning experiences in an online environment. Despite these challenges, many higher education institutions have embraced robust learning management systems (LMS) that support various learning modalities, including on-site, hybrid, and fully online formats, thereby enhancing flexibility and accessibility for students across geographic boundaries.
Moreover, the integration of instructional technology specialists and designers into universities has become vital in bridging traditional and online education. These professionals assist faculty in overcoming resistance to online learning and in developing high-quality courses that address the needs of a diverse and geographically dispersed student population. Institutions that adapt quickly to these changes and implement strategic online program offerings tend to capitalize better on emerging market opportunities, whereas those with prolonged approval processes for new online degrees may experience limited enrollment and revenue growth.

Future Trends

The future of online education is set to be shaped by continued technological advancements and a growing demand for flexible, student-centered learning options. With improved internet connectivity, including the expansion of 4G, 5G, and broadband infrastructure, access to online educational content is becoming increasingly available even in remote and underserved regions worldwide. This broadening accessibility is anticipated to drive a significant influx of learners seeking convenient and personalized educational experiences.
Innovations in educational technology will play a pivotal role in this transformation. Leading edtech companies are investing heavily in developing inclusive learning platforms that leverage artificial intelligence and mobile learning technologies to enhance engagement and accommodate diverse learner needs. Institutions are also adopting robust learning management systems that support multiple modalities, such as on-site, hybrid, and fully online formats, thereby increasing flexibility and reducing geographic barriers for students.
Moreover, online education is expected to contribute substantially to lifelong learning and career development, responding to the growing need for continuous professional growth. The market outlook is bolstered by substantial financial investments, exemplified by Lepaya’s recent €36 million funding round aimed at expanding corporate e-learning solutions in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Inclusion remains a critical focus, as the benefits of hybrid and online learning modalities have been shown to particularly support students with disabilities by offering greater flexibility and accessibility. Additionally, global initiatives, such as UNESCO’s efforts to utilize digital technologies for cultural sustainability and educational access, highlight the potential of online education to address systemic inequities across diverse populations.

The content is provided by Blake Sterling, Scopewires