Key Takeaways
Online bachelor's degrees offer the same quality and rigor as on-campus programs with added flexibility for working students and other remote learners.
Common majors include business, healthcare, education, and computer science, with programs typically requiring 120 credits over four years.
Choosing an accredited school ensures degree credibility, financial aid eligibility, and better job prospects after graduation.
Online bachelor's degrees are undergraduate programs offered by colleges and universities that can be completed entirely online. They provide the same education and qualifications as on-campus degrees but offer greater flexibility and convenience.
When pursuing higher education, choosing the right online bachelor's degree is crucial to your academic and career success.
Learn more about the various online bachelor's degrees available and get tips on how to choose a program that best aligns with your interests and career goals.
Featured Online Bachelor's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees by State
Learn more about the best online bachelor's degrees you can get in each state.
Idaho
Is an Online Bachelor's Degree Worth It?
Many jobs, including careers in business, education, science, and healthcare, require a bachelor's degree or higher to enter the workforce. A bachelor's degree can lead to more career opportunities, a higher median salary, and greater lifetime earnings.
According to a 2021 report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, adults with a bachelor's degree earn about $2.8 million over the course of their careers. In contrast, workers who hold only a high school diploma earn about $1.6 million. This means a bachelor's degree could increase your lifetime earnings by 75% — or more.
The overall cost of a degree and the educational requirements needed to enter an industry are important considerations when deciding whether to pursue a bachelor's degree.
How to Choose Your Online Bachelor's Degree: 4 Tips
With so many online bachelor's degree options available today, choosing a major can feel overwhelming. Evaluate each school's cost, reputation, and academic quality while you explore your online college options.
1. Determine Your Priorities
Everyone pursues higher education for different reasons.
Determine your priorities by identifying your "why" when choosing a major. Are you seeking a degree to learn a new skill, start a new career, or increase your earning potential? Identifying your motivations can bring clarity and help you make the right choice.
2. Consider Your Interests
Considering your interests before committing to a major can help you home in on the right major. Aligning your interests with a college major may not always be feasible, but exploring fields related to your interests remains crucial.
Choosing a major you're passionate about can lead to a more enjoyable college experience and a far more fulfilling career in the long run.
3. Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses
An awareness of your top skills and abilities is vital when choosing a major. College is an excellent time to acquire new skills, but if you hate math, you might want to avoid a major with a heavy focus on this coursework.
Leveraging your strengths can lead to better learning experiences, better grades, and increased confidence.
4. Research Career Opportunities
Research careers before deciding on a major to learn about salary potential and job demand. You can get info on industries that are growing — or shrinking — to position yourself for greater stability and financial security.
You can also learn about careers that require advanced degrees to plan your academic journey accordingly.
Why Accreditation Matters for Online Bachelor's Degrees
Accreditation matters when selecting a school or program — and it holds equal significance for online colleges as it does for brick-and-mortar schools.
The credibility of an online degree depends on factors like school reputation and program quality. Choosing an accredited online college ensures you receive a high-quality education, which can ultimately increase your chances of success after earning your degree.
Attending a school without accreditation can impact your eligibility for financial aid, credit transfers, and job prospects. Although more employers recognize online degrees, most only accept online degrees from accredited institutions.
You can check whether a school or program is accredited by visiting the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites.
The accreditation process ensures colleges and universities meet high-quality education standards. Although geographic regions have their own accrediting bodies, legitimate accreditors will always be recognized by CHEA and/or the ED.
What Are the Highest-Paying Bachelor's Degrees?
According to Payscale's 2023 College Salary Report, engineering, computer science, actuarial math, and applied economics make up some of the highest-paying bachelor's degrees.
While physician assistant studies majors earn the highest median entry-level salaries at $109,600, petroleum engineers earn the highest median mid-career salaries at over $210,000.
The table below shows the five highest-paying bachelor's degrees, according to Payscale.
| Degree | Median Early-Career Salary | Median Mid-Career Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering | $97,500 | $212,500 |
| Operations Research and Industrial Engineering | $98,300 | $191,800 |
| Interaction Design | $74,700 | $173,600 |
| Applied Economics and Management | $76,500 | $164,400 |
| Building Science | $69,000 | $163,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor's Degrees
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students pursuing a bachelor's degree at a public four-year school paid an average in-state tuition of $9,596 in 2021-2022. Out-of-state students paid around $27,500, while students at private colleges paid an average of $34,041.
The total cost of college varies by institution, so it's important to speak with schools' financial aid offices to determine the cost of your online bachelor's degree.
The true cost of an online bachelor's degree will depend on factors such as whether you:
Attend an online or on-campus program
Attend a public or private college
Receive scholarships, grants, or other financial aid
Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges.
