How To Get A Degree Online (Step-By-Step Guide)
Updated: February 26, 2026
Getting a degree online is usually less about “can you do it?” and more about “how do you do it the right way?” If you pick an accredited school, choose a program that fits your schedule, and build a simple routine you can actually stick to, earning a degree online can be a realistic path, even if you’re working full-time or juggling family responsibilities.
This guide walks you through the exact steps, from choosing a program to enrolling and staying on track.
Key Takeaways
-
Start with your goal, then pick the degree type and program that matches it, not the other way around.
-
Always verify accreditation with official sources, such as the U.S. Department of Education’s database (DAPIP) or CHEA.
-
“Online” can mean fully online or partly in-person, so confirm delivery format and any in-person requirements before you apply.
-
Cost varies widely. Recent estimates put the average online bachelor’s credit hour at around $500, so it’s smart to compare total program costs, not just monthly payments.
What Is An Online Degree?
An online degree is a credential you earn through distance learning, where most or all of your coursework is completed using a digital learning platform. Depending on the school and program, you might watch recorded lectures, join live sessions, participate in discussion boards, submit assignments online, and take proctored exams.
The key detail is this: some programs are fully online, while others are “online” but still require occasional in-person labs, clinicals, internships, or exams. That’s why it’s important to verify the format on the specific program page before you commit.
Fully Online Vs Hybrid: What “Online” Can Actually Mean
An online degree isn’t always the same thing as a fully online degree. Some programs are truly 100% online, while others are hybrid or blended, meaning you complete most coursework online but still have to show up for certain requirements.
Before you apply, scan the program page for any mention of labs, clinicals, internships, intensives, or in-person exams. If flexibility is your main reason for studying online, this one check can save you a lot of frustration later.
Source: Pixabay
How to Get a Degree Online
So, how exactly do you earn a degree online?
Rather than trying to go about finding your school alone, check out these steps that will get you well on your way.
1. Choose Your Goal First
Before you look at schools, get clear on what you’re trying to achieve.
-
Are you aiming for a new career, a promotion, or a credential to qualify for graduate school?
-
Do you need a program that’s flexible and part-time friendly?
-
Are you trying to finish quickly, or do you need a slower pace?
If you define the outcome first, it becomes much easier to choose the right degree type and avoid wasting time and credits.
2. Pick The Right Degree Level
Most online degrees fall into a few common categories:
-
Associate degree: a practical option if you want a faster credential or plan to transfer later
-
Bachelor’s degree: the standard credential for many professional career paths
-
Master’s degree: often used to specialize, switch tracks, or qualify for senior roles
-
Certificates: shorter, skill-focused options that can support career change or advancement
Choose the level that aligns with your goal, your timeline, and what employers in your field typically expect.
3. Make Sure The School Is Accredited
Accreditation is one of the biggest quality checks you can do. In the U.S., the federal government does not directly accredit schools, but it recognizes accrediting agencies, and databases help you verify whether an institution is accredited.
Two reliable places to check:
-
U.S. Department of Education, Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP)
-
CHEA database and guidance on searching institutions
If a school is vague about accreditation, or only mentions “licensed” or “registered” without naming a recognized accreditor, treat that as a red flag.
4. Confirm The Program Is Truly Online
This is where a lot of people get surprised.
Before you apply, check the program page for:
-
Delivery format: fully online, hybrid, or blended
-
Any in-person requirements: labs, clinicals, internships, intensives, exams
-
Course schedule: self-paced, term-based, synchronous (live), asynchronous (on your time)
-
Start dates: monthly, quarterly, or fixed semesters
If you’re choosing online study for flexibility, asynchronous options and multiple start dates can make a big difference.
5. Compare Total Cost, Not Just Tuition Headlines
Online programs can save you money, but the pricing can still vary a lot by school.
A good way to compare is to estimate:
-
Cost per credit (or per course)
-
Total credits required
-
Fees (technology fees, proctoring, graduation fees, etc.)
-
Books and supplies
For context, some recent estimates place the average online bachelor’s credit hour around the $500 range, but your real cost depends heavily on whether the school charges in-state, out-of-state, flat online rates, or per-course pricing.
6. Check Credit Transfer And Support Services
If you’ve studied before, or you plan to transfer later, look for:
-
Transfer credit policies (how many credits they accept, and from where)
-
Whether they accept prior learning assessment
-
Academic advising availability
-
Tutoring and library support
-
Career services for online learners
Support matters more online, because you’re not walking into an office on campus when you get stuck.
7. Apply And Get Your Documents Ready
Most schools will ask for some combination of:
-
ID and basic personal information
-
High school transcripts or GED (for undergrad)
-
Previous college transcripts (if applicable)
-
Proof of English proficiency, if required
-
A resume or statement of purpose for some graduate programs
Your best move is to create a simple checklist and gather everything before you start the application, so you don’t stall halfway through.
8. Line Up Financial Aid Or Alternatives
If you’re eligible for federal aid, scholarships, employer tuition support, or payment plans, check what the school accepts before you enroll.
If affordability is your biggest barrier, you can also compare models that charge per course or assessment rather than traditional tuition, so you can plan your budget more predictably.
Source: Pexels
How To Succeed Once You Enroll
Build A Weekly Routine You Can Repeat
Online study gets much easier when you stop relying on motivation and start relying on structure.
A simple approach that works for most people:
-
Choose 4 to 6 study blocks per week
-
Set one day for catching up
-
Use a calendar reminder for deadlines
-
Submit assignments early when possible, so you have buffer time
Use Support Early, Not Just When You’re Behind
If your program offers tutoring, instructor office hours, or academic advising, use it early. Waiting until you’re already behind makes online learning feel much harder than it needs to.
Treat Tech Like Part of the Work
Make sure you have:
-
Reliable internet
-
A computer you can depend on
-
A backup plan for power or Wi-Fi issues
-
A quiet place to test and take exams when needed
Source: Pexels
Check Out University of The People
If you’re looking into how to get a degree online because cost or flexibility is a barrier, University of the People is a tuition-free, fully online option you can compare.
UoPeople lists a $60 application fee and per-course assessment fees instead of tuition, including $160 per undergraduate course, $400 per M.Ed. course, and $450 per MBA/MSIT course.
It also explains that scholarships are available for students who cannot afford the fees.
UoPeople is accredited by WSCUC.
FAQs
What is the fastest way to get a degree online?
The fastest path is usually choosing a program with frequent start dates, a clear course sequence, and transfer credit options. Your pace also depends on how many courses you can realistically handle each term.
Do employers respect online degrees?
In many cases, yes. What matters most is that the institution is accredited and the program is legitimate and aligned with the job you want.
How do I check if an online college is accredited?
Use official resources like the U.S. Department of Education’s DAPIP database and CHEA’s institution search guidance.
Is online college cheaper than in-person college?
It can be, especially when you factor in commuting, housing, and campus-related costs. But tuition rates vary widely, so compare the full cost of the program, not just a per-credit number.
Can you earn a degree online without ever going to campus?
Sometimes, yes, but not always. Some programs require in-person labs, clinicals, or proctored exams. Always confirm the delivery format on the specific program page before enrolling.