A Real Look at Finishing Your Bachelor's Degree Online
Finishing your bachelor’s degree can give you deeper knowledge in the field you’re already working in, open doors for you to change careers, or even help you get that promotion you’re aiming for.
Having your college degree significantly reduces your risk of unemployment and can set you up for more advanced roles – on average bachelor’s degree holders make $1.2 million more in lifetime earnings compared with those with only a high school education.
But you’re busy and spending hours commuting for in-person classes might not work for your schedule.
Fortunately, there’s another way — you can earn your bachelor’s degree online.
If you’re working full-time, taking care of your family, or balancing other priorities, an online bachelor’s degree program may be just the solution to fit your life and schedule. Plus, it can be more affordable, flexible and personalized – and just as valuable as an in-person degree.
What are online college courses like? What will I have to do?
Online courses typically include a combination of recorded lectures, online readings and assessments. These follow a similar structure to in-person courses, but are adapted to fit the online format. This means that the content of online courses shouldn’t be any more or less difficult than in-person courses.
In fact, most online courses are organized in an online learning management system to provide a rhythm similar to an in-person course. It’s common for courses to be presented in weekly modules with an area to upload the files for each assignment. These systems also allow professors to leave quick feedback on assignments through written comments and grades.
With online degree programs, you don’t have to stick to the same rigid schedule each week. While there is a rhythm to the deadlines, many courses are asynchronous, which means you can learn on your own schedule anytime during the week. This gives you flexibility to work on assignments and watch lecture videos when it’s convenient for you.
| Synchronous Online Classes All students learn at the same time. |
Both | Asynchronous Online Classes Individual students choose when to learn. |
|---|---|---|
|
Participate in real-time discussions during predetermined class times. Listen to your professor lecture in real time on Zoom or a similar platform. |
Attend class from anywhere. Communicate regularly with professors. |
Complete assignments on your schedule. Schedule group work when it’s most convenient for everyone. Submit videos or written responses to participate in class discussions virtually. |
| Synchronous Online Classes All students learn at the same time. |
|---|
|
Participate in real-time discussions during predetermined class times. Listen to your professor lecture in real time on Zoom or a similar platform. |
| Asynchronous Online Classes Individual students choose when to learn. |
|
Complete assignments on your schedule. Schedule group work when it’s most convenient for everyone. Submit videos or written responses to participate in class discussions virtually. |
| Both |
|
Attend class from anywhere. Communicate regularly with professors. |
While some online degree programs follow a semester-based schedule, others may divide that time into smaller sections. For example, some schools follow a traditional 15-17 week semester or 10-week quarter, while others have you take a single class for 6 or 8 weeks at a time. Since academic calendars will vary by school, it’s important to find out what system your college of choice follows and ensure that the schedule and format will work for you.
Ultimately, you’ll get out what you put into online learning. It requires dedication and discipline, just like earning a degree in-person. You’ll need to plan ahead, stay organized and work diligently. But unlike a traditional degree, online learning allows you to save time commuting, fit classes around your life, and work toward your degree from any location.
Can I get credit for college courses I’ve already taken? Can I transfer credits I’ve already earned?
In nearly all programs, you can transfer credit for the college courses you’ve already passed, so you don’t have to start over. Whether you’re currently attending a university, previously earned a handful of credits or already completed an associate’s degree, transferring your credits to an online degree program can save you time and money. During the admissions process, many universities will offer a transcript review to determine how many of your previously earned credits will be accepted at a new school.
Additionally, some schools offer credit for prior learning, where students can earn credits for skills they’ve learned outside of the traditional classroom. This may include experience in the workplace or military, licenses earned, training, or other life experiences that have significantly contributed to your growth.
Even if you dropped out of college in the past, it’s never too late to go back to school. Let your university help you by organizing ways to transfer any credits you did earn through your admissions counselor or advisor — by sharing your prior experiences, they can help you form a plan that works for you.
The important part is to communicate frequently with your advisors — both at the school you’re transferring the credits from and the school you’re transferring the credits to — so that all of your valuable time is accounted for.
How long will it take to finish my degree? How can I finish faster?
How long it will take to finish your degree online will depend on the program you choose, whether or not you’re transferring in credits, your prior work and life experience, and how much time you’re able to devote to your schoolwork alongside your other priorities. Because online degrees have more flexible scheduling, you could take anywhere from 16 months to six years to finish your online degree. Looking for a school that offers an accelerated degree can help expedite your college timelines.
Just like if you were studying on campus, you will complete roughly 120 semester-credit hours (including any credits you transferred in) to earn your bachelor’s degree. This includes general education requirements and requirements for your major. The exact number may vary depending on what major you choose and how many credits you bring in before starting your program.
To complete these credits faster, you could see if you’re able to test out of some of your required courses, choose to take more credit hours per term, transfer in credits, and more, depending on what your program offers.
How much will it cost to finish my degree online?
Online degrees are often more affordable than traditional on-campus experiences because most programs charge you for each credit you attempt rather than by the term (semester/quarter). Additionally, online students can avoid paying fees for parking, student housing, meal plans, mandatory student health insurance, and other campus-based services.
You can lower this cost by transferring in credits, earning scholarships and grants, and finding free or low-cost books and course materials. Financial aid is generally available to both online and in-person students. Make sure you check with your school’s financial aid office for any specific recommendations for online students, and don’t forget to fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) the spring before you want to enroll.
Are online degrees credible, and does it matter where I earn my degree?
Various online degree programs offer different majors, schedules and levels of flexibility, but wherever you choose to earn your degree, you should make sure it is from an accredited university to ensure that you are receiving a quality education, just as you would in person. Online degrees from reputable universities offer the same quality as on-campus offerings, and the degree and diploma you receive are the same as if you had been in person.
Tips for Choosing a Reputable University
- Make sure the school is regionally accredited — this is the baseline credential a school should have.
- Look for a school that has a long history of successful programs and graduates.
- Total costs (including fees) and graduation rates should be easy to find and understand.
- Ask about the school’s graduation rate. This will help you understand how many students are successful in earning their degree and is a good indicator of the support available.
- A school’s online presence should look professional and accommodating. If the site is too difficult to navigate, the courses might be equally as disorganized.
- Connect with admissions counselors to see if their program is a good fit for your goals.
- Talk to current students and graduates of the university to hear about their experiences.
- Trust your gut!
Would my credits from an online program transfer to a university if I changed my mind?
Most universities accept completed credits from a regionally accredited online program as long as you earned a C or higher in the course. For more specific details, it’s best to get in contact with your advisor or admissions counselor at the university where you’re hoping to transfer your credits.
Finishing your bachelor’s degree can set you up for stability and success by preparing you for long-term positions. At George Fox University, we offer seven online bachelor’s degrees – in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, data analytics and management – that are designed for working adults.
If you’re interested in a degree program that fits your life, learn more about George Fox’s accelerated online bachelor’s degrees.