An online degree can cost as little as $3,000 – or over $100,000. More than 12,000 online degrees and certificates – and no two charge the same tuition. Our affordability rankings reveal who offers the best – and worst – buys in online degrees.
Enrolled in an online degree program? Alumni of an online college? Visit your college or degree program in our directory and "grade" – rate and rank – its performance. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life ratings of thousands of online college programs.
Not all online colleges rate the same in the eyes of the public or potential employers. How does the public rate your online degree? Do they rank it high – or rate it low? Help rate and rank all the choices. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life reputation of thousands of online colleges.
"Anybody who's thinking of enrolling in an online degree ... take a good look at GetEducated.com . Go ... get a free download of a detailed guide ."
Searching for an Online MBA?: "Several websites can help .. first, GetEducated.com offers free rankings of distance-learning MBA programs."
"Beware diploma mills... Go to GetEducated.com and ask the Diploma Mill Police."
"For a distance MBA you can pay from $6,000 to $120,000. To get the most bang for your buck ... check out GetEducated.com"
GetEducated.com – "a great source for weeding out phonies" (among online colleges).
"Thanks much for your wonderful site! I've recommended it to my students and entered a program I found at GetEducated.com." --Charles Balch, MBA, Ph.D. --Professor, Arizona Western College
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Nicholas Zazal works at the University of Illinois campus in Urbana-Champaign, but is earning his master's degree from the school's online division—even though the same degree is offered on campus, minutes from his office.
The reason? As with many online college students, Zazal's work schedule doesn't allow him to attend classes on his school's timetable. Instead, he has opted for the flexibility offered by distance learning.
Zazal, 26, is GetEducated.com's latest $1,000 "Excellence in Online Education" scholarship winner.
By Vicky Phillips, Chief Education Analyst | October 13, 2009
Question:
I’m searching for an online bachelor’s in business or management. But no two online colleges charge the same amount for this degree. One college can charge $50,000 more for what looks like the very same online degree to me. Is a more expensive online degree better than a cheaper one?
—Rayette, Boise, Idaho Answer:
There is no relationship between cost and quality in online education. Paying more won’t get you “more” of an education, nor will it necessarily buy you an academically better degree. The cost—and therefore affordability—of any online degree is a function of four factors. It may surprise you to learn that none of these is correlated with educational quality.
By GetEducated Consumer Reporting Team | September 30, 2009
“Will the military pay for my online college education before I leave the service?”
The answer: Yes.
“The way things are set up, almost any serviceperson should be able to get at least an associate degree while on active duty, because of Tuition Assistance,” says Manfred F. Meine, professor of public administration at Troy University in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Tuition Assistance (TA) is a Department of Defense program for active-duty military personnel. While provisions differ between branches of service, in general TA provides benefits of up $250 per credit hour, with a maximum of $4,500 per year.
By GetEducated Consumer Reporting Team | September 29, 2009
You’re serving in the military, and you want to continue your education online.
Problem: You’re facing an unpredictable schedule, at best.
GetEducated surveyed military advisors at online colleges to put together these helpful tips showing you what to look for in an online school—before you enroll.
I’m looking for an online MBA. I’ve found several that fit my budget but none are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them?
—Roberta, Gary, IN
The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation. But not every student needs an AACSB-accredited MBA...
I was laid off from my job as a real estate agent and want to be a high school math teacher, but my bachelor’s degree is in psychology. Do I need a new degree in education? Will an online bachelor’s in education qualify me to become a licensed teacher?
—Willis, Houston, Texas
If you didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree in education years ago and you now want to teach in the public schools, don’t fret. Every state maintains what are termed “alternative teacher certification” programs...
I’m considering earning my MBA online because there are no colleges nearby. But I’m skeptical about online education. Can you cite any objective research that “proves” that online MBAs are as good as the old-fashioned classroom?
—Tammy, Wyoming
The answer: YES. Online education has been scientifically shown to be as effective—if not more so—than the old-time classroom lecture....
The University of South Dakota extends its world-class educational opportunities to students across the globe. Because of this, you have the opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills you need to meet your educational and professional goals – all from the comfort of your own home or office. Whether you enroll in our web conference, correspondence or online courses and programs, you can be confident you will receive a quality education from The U at a remarkable value.
Top-ranked by US News & World Report for transfer students, Excelsior College helps you complete your degree, start to finish. We accept most of your prior college credits, military and workplace training. Many affordable, flexible ways to complete your degree, including online courses and credit-bearing examinations. Choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate business programs. Important accreditations and comprehensive student support help ensure your success. Finish your degree. Advance your career. Enrich your life.
For active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and military families.
More than half of military students use online education. What do you need to know to find schools that best fit your needs? How can you find the best financial aid and scholarship package at your online school? Answers are here.
Job and Career Opportunities in Online and Distance Education
Online and distance schools need teachers.
The field of online education is growing and so is the need for teachers who can teach online. Check out our regularly updated list of online job opportunities, post your job availability, and visit our Online Resource Center, with tips, advice and free downloads for online educators.
Facts from GetEducated's National Survey of Online MBAs. Who offers the cheapest online MBA? Do you need an AACSB-accredited distance MBA? Online MBA rankings and ratings. Everything you need to know to compare 390 accredited online MBAs from 168 online business schools.
I’m looking for an online MBA. I’ve found several that fit my budget but none are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them?
—Roberta, Gary, IN 
The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation. But not every student needs an AACSB-accredited MBA... 
