Why Study Online?
Many in-demand fields require at least a bachelor's degree, including careers in business, education, and the government. Earning a bachelor's degree online helps professionals increase their earning potential in a flexible learning format.
Choosing an online program can also help students save money. Many schools offer tuition discounts for fully online students, including in-state tuition rates for out-of-state learners. Online students also save on housing, transportation, and childcare costs.
The flexibility of an online format helps working professionals maintain their careers while earning a bachelor's degree. Many online colleges in New York design their programs for working students with external obligations.
For example, some colleges in New York online offer asynchronous learning, which lets students complete coursework around their schedules by eliminating required meeting times. Many schools also offer accelerated options and self-paced study.
During an online bachelor's degree, students access coursework through a learning management system such as Blackboard or Canvas. Depending on the program, learners may watch recorded or streamed lectures, read from online textbooks, and participate in discussion boards.
Online learners can often complete internship, practicum, and clinical requirements in their local area.
FAQ
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Does it matter where I live if I go to an online school? | Online students can attend college in any state. However, some online schools limit attendance to certain states. |
| Do I get in-state tuition if I go to an online school? | Some online colleges in New York offer in-state tuition rates to fully online students. In addition, schools may offer a lower flat rate for online learners. |
| Does an online degree take the same amount of time as an on-campus one? | Earning an online bachelor's degree typically takes the same amount of time as an on-campus degree. However, some online programs offer accelerated or self-paced enrollment options to shorten the length of the degree. |
| Can I get financial aid for online school? | Yes. Students attending an accredited online college in New York qualify for federal financial aid and other forms of financial aid. |
Accreditation for Online Programs
Prospective online students should always check a school's accreditation status before applying. Accreditation benefits online learners in several ways. Students at an accredited online college in New York qualify for federal financial aid, and an accredited degree meets more licensure and certification requirements. In many fields, employers prefer candidates with an accredited degree.
Colleges must undergo a rigorous inspection that reviews their student learning outcomes, graduation requirements, and faculty qualifications to earn accreditation. Regional accreditation remains the highest standard. In New York, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education grants regional accreditation to public and private colleges and universities.
In addition to regional accreditation, prospective students can also look for programmatic accreditation. In some fields, like social work, education, and business, students benefit from attending an accredited program. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission also grants accreditation to online schools in New York.
Learn more about why accreditation matters.
Best Value Online Schools in New York
This list ranks the best colleges in New York that offer online degrees. By choosing an affordable online program, professionals can increase their earning potential in a flexible learning environment. Prospective students can research these best value online schools to find the right fit for their career goals and budget.
See our rankings methodology page.
Career and Salary Outlook for Graduates
Earning a bachelor's degree improves career and salary prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals with a bachelor's degree earn higher salaries and benefit from lower unemployment rates than professionals with an associate degree or high school diploma.
BLS data shows that professionals with a bachelor's degree earn nearly $1,250 per week, while those with an associate degree earn under $900 per week. Professionals with a high school diploma earn around $750 per week.
As such, each year, professionals with a bachelor's degree earn over $18,500 more than those with an associate degree and more than $26,000 more than those with a high school diploma. In addition, professionals with a bachelor's degree faced a 2.2% unemployment rate, compared with a 2.7% unemployment rate for people with an associate degree and a 3.7% unemployment rate for high school graduates.
Financial Aid for New York Students
New York students qualify for several forms of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Learners attending an accredited online college in New York can apply for the federal student aid program.
To qualify for federal financial aid, students must submit the FAFSA every year. The FAFSA asks for financial information to determine the student's educational expenses, their expected contribution, and their financial need.
The federal student aid program grants subsidized and unsubsidized loans to college students. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while recipients attend college. Students who receive an unsubsidized loan must pay back interest accrued during their degree.
In addition to federal financial aid, students can also apply for private loans through banks and other lending institutions. Many colleges offer financial aid packages, including grants and fellowships that students do not need to pay back. Working students may also qualify for employer tuition reimbursement programs through their workplace.
Scholarships for New York Students
Students attending an online college in New York qualify for multiple scholarship opportunities to cover the cost of their degree. In addition to the following scholarships, online learners can also research scholarships within their major and financial support offered by their institution.
AEF Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Ascend Educational Fund grants scholarships to immigrant students and the children of immigrants who graduate from a New York City high school. Applicants submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, two letters of recommendation, and two essays.Amount: Up to $20,000
Bentley-Faucette-Miles Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Awarded by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, this scholarship prefers applicants from New York. Recipients must demonstrate direct descendance from a Confederate soldier.Amount: $1,000
New York State Tuition Assistance Program
Who Can Apply: Legal residents of New York can receive tuition assistance when attending an approved New York college or university. The grant includes income limits.Amount: Up to $5,165
Vincent Bennett, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Incoming freshmen with a parent in law enforcement or firefighting who lost their life or experienced a permanent disability in the line of duty qualify for this award. The scholarship considers financial need, academic achievement, and community service.Amount: $20,000
Joseph H. and Mildred C. McManus Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Graduating seniors or recent graduates from high schools in Dutchess County qualify for this award. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.Amount: $1,500
Tuition
Tuition is often the largest cost when earning a bachelor's degree online. However, tuition costs can vary widely depending on the school and program.
In general, in-state public schools charge the lowest tuition rates, followed by out-of-state public schools and private schools. To receive in-state tuition rates in New York, students must demonstrate at least 12 months of residency in the state. Learners must also demonstrate financial independence from parents living in another state.
Online tuition often differs from on-campus tuition rates. Many colleges in New York with online programs charge online learners a flat rate regardless of residency.
When comparing costs at online colleges in New York, prospective students should research tuition and any additional fees. Some online colleges charge a distance learning fee or additional expenses that can add up.
