It’s the question every prospective online student asks: will employers actually respect my degree? If you’re considering an online program — especially an affordable one — you want to know that your investment will pay off in the job market.
The short answer: yes, accredited online degrees are widely respected by employers. But the full picture is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Here’s what the research says, what hiring managers actually look for, and how to make sure your online degree works for you.
What Employers Actually Think About Online Degrees
Attitudes toward online education have shifted dramatically over the past decade. Multiple surveys of hiring managers and HR professionals paint a clear picture:
- A majority of employers now view online degrees as equal to or comparable with campus-based degrees, according to surveys conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated acceptance of online learning. After 2020, most universities — including Ivy League schools — delivered courses online, normalizing the format entirely.
- Hiring managers consistently say that accreditation matters more than delivery format. A degree from an accredited online program is treated the same as one earned on campus.
The key differentiator is not online vs. in-person — it’s accredited vs. unaccredited.
The One Thing That Matters: Accreditation
Accreditation is the single most important factor in whether your degree will be respected. When a program is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, it means the curriculum, faculty, and outcomes have been independently evaluated and meet established quality standards.
Employers, graduate schools, and professional licensing boards all check for accreditation — not whether you attended classes in a building or on a laptop. If your program is accredited, your degree carries weight.
Newlane University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This means Newlane degrees meet the same quality benchmarks employers expect. Learn more about how to verify an online degree is credible.
Do Online Degrees Show Up Differently on a Resume?
No. Your diploma and transcripts from an accredited online program look the same as those from a traditional program. Most accredited universities — including those with both online and campus options — issue the same degree regardless of delivery format. There’s no asterisk, no “online” label.
On your resume, you simply list your degree, institution, and graduation year. Hiring managers have no way to tell whether you earned it online or on campus — and research suggests most don’t care either way.
When Online Degrees Can Be an Advantage
Online degrees don’t just meet the bar — they can actually signal positive qualities to employers:
- Self-discipline and motivation: Completing a degree online requires strong time management and self-direction — traits employers value.
- Digital fluency: Online students are comfortable with technology, remote collaboration tools, and virtual communication — essential skills in today’s workplace.
- Work experience alongside education: Many online students work full-time while earning their degree, which means they enter the job market with both credentials and practical experience.
Industries Where Online Degrees Are Fully Accepted
Virtually every industry now accepts accredited online degrees, but some have been especially welcoming:
- Business and management — Online MBAs and business degrees are mainstream.
- Information technology — Skills and certifications often matter more than how you learned them.
- Healthcare administration — Online programs are common and well-regarded.
- Education — Many teachers and administrators earn degrees and certifications online.
- Government and nonprofit — Federal agencies have long accepted online degrees from accredited institutions.
How to Maximize the Value of Your Online Degree
- Choose an accredited program. This is non-negotiable. Accreditation from a recognized agency is what separates a respected degree from a questionable one.
- Build skills alongside your degree. Supplement your coursework with practical projects, certifications, or volunteer work that demonstrates applied knowledge.
- Network while you study. Connect with classmates, join professional associations, and attend virtual events. Your degree opens doors, but your network keeps them open.
- Highlight your accomplishments, not just your degree. On your resume and in interviews, focus on what you achieved — projects completed, skills gained, problems solved.
The Bottom Line
An accredited online degree is respected by employers across industries. The stigma that existed a decade ago has largely disappeared — replaced by recognition that online learners are self-motivated, tech-savvy, and capable of balancing education with real-world responsibilities.
What matters isn’t where you sat in class. It’s that your degree is from an accredited institution and that you can demonstrate what you learned. If you’re ready to earn a respected, affordable degree on your own schedule, explore Newlane University’s accredited programs.