As an adult with a full-time job, going back to school to earn your bachelor’s or master’s degree can be a daunting prospect. Juggling work responsibilities, family obligations, and a rigorous course load doesn’t leave much room for anything else.
Thankfully, there are now many accredited online degree programs that make getting your education much more manageable for working professionals.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the 5 best online degree programs for working adults based on factors like flexibility, reputation, career outcomes, and cost.
I researched over 100 programs to identify the top choices that offer maximum convenience without compromising on quality.
My goal is to give you actionable information to help you make an informed decision on furthering your education in a way that fits your busy lifestyle.
Section 1: Flexibility Is Key
As a working adult, one of the most important considerations when choosing an online program is flexibility. You need an education model that allows you to learn on your own schedule without disrupting your career or personal responsibilities.
The following programs offer high flexibility through various asynchronous and self-paced course options:
Arizona State University Online
ASU Online is an industry leader when it comes to flexible online degree programs. They have over 450 fully accredited online bachelor’s and master’s programs that you can complete completely online at your own pace.
Coursework is delivered asynchronously through ASU’s online learning platform so you can access lessons, videos, and assignments anytime, anywhere. There are no strict deadlines or live class meetings to contend with. You also have the option to take 1-3 accelerated courses at a time, allowing you to graduate faster.
Overall, ASU Online gives you maximum scheduling freedom while still providingstructure through personalized degree maps and academic advisors. This makes it one of the best fits for self-motivated working adults seeking higher education on their terms.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University takes flexibility one step further with their competency-based education model. Rather than focusing on credit hours and semesters, WGU assesses your skills and knowledge through projects and assessments.
You can continually work on courses and finish them as quickly as you’re able. Many students complete their bachelor’s degrees in under 2 years this way. WGU also offers 6-month terms with no rigid due dates within terms.
Programs like IT, business administration, and teaching are fully online and self-paced. This makes WGU ideal for working professionals who want to earn their degree without disrupting their work-life balance. The continual enrollment also allows starting immediately.
Section 2: Reputation & Career Outcomes
While flexibility is essential, you also want to choose a program that carries prestige and leads to meaningful outcomes. This section explores two of the best options in that regard:
University of Florida Online
The University of Florida is a top-ranked public research university with a globally recognized brand. Their online programs available through UF Online maintain the same high academic standards and are accredited by the same bodies.
With access to UF’s vast resources, faculty, and powerful alumni network, online students gain a high-quality education that translates well in their careers. This makes UF Online an excellent choice for advancing your career in fields like business, healthcare, and technology.
Several of their graduate programs rank in the top 25 nationally as well. Having the UF name on your resume virtually guarantees your qualifications will be respected by employers. This leads to greater career mobility and higher earnings over time.
Purdue University Global
Previously known as Kaplan University, Purdue University Global is one of the best online schools for career outcomes. Their academic programs have a strong professional focus tailored for working professionals.
Areas like information technology, criminal justice, and nursing allow graduates to gain skills and credentials directly applicable in their industries. Purdue Global also places importance on career services, helping students with resume building, interviews, and job placement.
Many prestigious employers actively recruit their alumni for mid to senior level positions. Combined with flexible online learning, this makes Purdue Global a top choice for advancing your existing career or transitioning to a new field.
Section 3: Cost-Effective Yet Rigorous Programs
While online convenience and career success are priorities, cost is also a major factor for many working adult learners. This section covers two programs with reasonable tuition and financial aid options:
Western Governors University
As mentioned earlier, WGU offers an exceptional flexible online learning experience through their competency-based model. However, what really sets them apart is affordability.
Their $6,000 annual tuition for most programs is among the lowest of any accredited and reputable online university. And since the competency-based model allows finishing quickly, total costs are minimized. WGU also provides information on dozens of scholarships.
With over 180 degrees and specializations at the bachelor’s and master’s level, WGU presents a cost-effective solution for adult learners seeking career-relevant education economically. The additional flexibility makes it an easy recommendation.
Southern New Hampshire University Online
SNHU is one of the largest not-for-profit online schools, enrolling over 50,000 digital learners annually. But what impressed me most is their commitment to accessibility and affordability.
Programs range from $10K-16K per year, much lower than traditional campus costs. SNHU allocates over $50 million yearly in scholarships ensuring education remains in budget. They also offer deferred payment plans and employer tuition reimbursement support.
Academically, SNHU is rigorously accredited and faculty hold terminal degrees. Programs span liberal arts, business, healthcare and more with over 200 options fully delivered online. Combined with their accessibility, SNHU provides working learners a quality and economical education.
Section 4: Balancing Academics with Work & Life
While the above programs are highly rated based on flexibility, reputation and cost. The key is finding one where you as a working adult can maximize your chances of success in balancing academics with your existing responsibilities.
Aspiring Adult Learners Consider Course Formats
Most programs will offer asynchronous, self-paced and even competency-based models to accommodate your work schedule. But not all students thrive without some structure or live interaction. Research course delivery formats in depth before committing.
For example, WGU may be too isolated for some personalities whereas SNHU’s mix of asynchronous, small cohort classes and community forums could provide needed support and accountability. Flexible does not necessarily mean unguided.
Use Program Tools Wisely
Look for online programs providing student supports like priority enrollment, early access to course materials, dedicated advisors experienced in adult learners’ needs and career centers.
Utilize tools that help manage your time across roles efficiently like semester planners, assignment calendars and program mentors. Ignoring supports leads to imbalance and potentially dropping out. Commit to using every available resource to succeed.
Set Realistic Work-Study-Life Expectations
Most working adults can expect a maximum 2-3 courses per semester to remain engaged without burning out. Speak honestly to your program about job demands upfront and adjust enrollment as needed each term.
Pursuing too heavy a workload for too long is unsustainable. Prioritize your health, relationships and career over short-term academic goals that risk these other important parts of your life. Small, steady progress is ideal here.
Section 5: Choosing the Best Fit Program
By now you should have a good idea of some top options that meet your key criteria among flexibility, reputation, outcomes, cost and supports. But finally, choosing the best online degree program for you means:
Career Goals and Program Alignment
Select programs and specific degrees directly tied to advancing your current job or transitioning to a new career path. Avoid selecting something solely due to other factors if it doesn’t serve your goals.
For example, aspiring nursing assistants would prioritize programs with clinical placement assistance versus business administration pupils desiring career services access. Ensure your choice is strategically aligned.
Transfer Credits and Life Experience Review
Contact potential schools about any past college courses or professional training credits eligible for transfer to save time/money. Quality programs value diverse learners’ experience including military, corporate training or volunteer work.
An honest evaluation of what’s transferable prevents repeating work already demonstrated as mastered and shortens your path to graduation. Flexible programs particularly favor this.
Consult Spouse/Partner, Manager and Close Friends
While the decision is personal, collaborating with supportive relationships in your life brings different insights. Discuss factors that matter most then choose an option aligning across inputs regarding your situation and needs.
Vetted opinions provide reassurance you considered this investment from multiple angles weighing flexibility, support, cost, outcomes and fit simultaneously towards graduating successfully.
In summary, the pursuit of an online degree as a working adult requires self-awareness, planning, utilization of supports and maintaining priorities beyond academics alone.
By focusing first on flexible course formats, affordable tuition, career impact and continued progress over time, you greatly increase your chances of achieving this important educational and life goal.