Evaluating the validity of online degrees key to successful tuition benefits

Employee Benefit News, June, 2007 by Janet Stern Solomon

As current and potential employees seek to set themselves apart from their peers, there has been an explosive growth recently in online education, particularly for business degrees, both at the undergraduate and MBA levels. About 5 million students are taking courses or entire degree programs online. It's easy to understand the programs' popularity. Online degrees provide convenience and flexibility don't require additional commuting. Online programs are often less expensive than traditional degrees, and online institutions may offer more specifically targeted programs than traditional colleges.

Online education appeals to employers for some of the same reasons. Distance education provides a more knowledgeable workforce that would otherwise not pursue higher education due...