Are you looking to earn your degree online? These days, many schools offer degree and certificate programs that are 100% online, allowing students to complete coursework on their own time and at their own pace. However, not all online programs are created equal.
As you explore your options for fully online degrees, look for a program that offers personalized support, flexibility, and a career-focused curriculum. You might find that these important distinctions are hard to find in large, national online universities — but they’re all part of the package at Baker College.
The State of Online Education Today
In our increasingly tech-driven world, there’s a growing demand for fully online degree, diploma, and certificate options. In fact, studies have found that over two-thirds of colleges have recently re-examined their strategies “to adapt to growing demand for online learning.” In 2023 alone, 42% of colleges created online versions of in-demand on-campus programs.
Today, online degree programs are offered through both national online university models and regional models, like Baker College. When deciding between these two primary models, prospective students should consider costs, the level of support they’ll receive, accreditation information, and student outcomes.
Flexibility and Format: How Do Online Colleges Work?
Before we break down the benefits, it’s important to answer the question: What is online learning? And how do online colleges work? While the experience can vary greatly from one school to the next, online degree programs are generally self-paced in nature. This allows students to study and complete their coursework on their own time, from the convenience of a connected device. Thus, it’s possible to complete a degree program online without ever setting foot on a college campus.
So, what degrees can you get online? Nearly any degree imaginable can be found online, although some disciplines may require hands-on components in the form of clinical experience, practicums, and/or labs.
National Online Universities
Today, there are many fully online colleges and national universities that enable students to study virtually. Because these programs tend to attract a high number of students, they’re often offered asynchronously. This means that classes never meet in a “live” setting. Rather, students enjoy 100% self-paced learning — although these schools can vary greatly in terms of whether they follow rigid term schedules or open enrollment models.
Baker Online
At Baker Online, we set ourselves apart from the national online university model with significantly smaller class sizes that allow for more personalized attention. Classes may be asynchronous or include a synchronous component, in which students and instructors “meet” in real-time via scheduled video chats.
This type of format may be ideal for working adults, parents, or other nontraditional students who want more interaction than a larger online school is able to offer. Baker also provides accelerated programs, flexible year-round start dates, and other convenient features to make earning a college degree online more attainable for every type of learner.
Personalized Support for Online Students
Having access to tailored support while completing college online can make all the difference, especially if you’re struggling with certain concepts or need hands-on guidance.
National Online Universities
Many national online universities are so large that they simply cannot provide personalized student services. Instead, they rely on call centers and general advising models. Students may call in for assistance, only to be met with automated messaging and minimal faculty interaction — a format that may not be suitable for every learner.
Baker Online
What are some of the resources available for online learning at Baker? We’re proud to have a team of dedicated academic advisors and personalized career services, giving students direct access to faculty and smaller class sizes. This translates to an emphasis on one-on-one support and mentorship, allowing students to get the guidance they need when they need it. Furthermore, we offer plenty of online student resources (including virtual tutoring) to help you get the most out of your college experience.
Quality of Education and Faculty Engagement
Pursuing a college degree online shouldn’t mean compromising on quality. Online national universities can differ greatly in terms of how educational content is delivered, which can have a major impact on retention and understanding.
National Online Universities
Due to their sheer size and the number of students enrolled, many national online universities focus on large-scale course production that delivers uniform content from one class to the next. These programs may vary in their overall academic rigor, career-readiness, and faculty credentials.
Baker Online
When you enroll at Baker Online, you can rest assured that you’ve chosen an accredited program that’s taught by instructors who have real-world expertise in your chosen industry. All our programs are reviewed regularly to ensure a career-focused curriculum that’s crafted with input from employers and aligned with real workforce needs.
In addition, our online programs emphasize applied learning and real-world projects, allowing students to gain valuable experience that they can apply to their future work.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
When pursuing a degree program online, you should consider career support. The career services offered by your school of choice could impact your ability to find internships and even move into the job market, so it’s important to choose wisely.
National Online Universities
With larger online universities, career services are often generalized or even outsourced. As a result, there may be less emphasis on regional job market connections, which could affect opportunities for graduates.
Baker Online
At Baker Online, we offer integrated Career Services support for all students (both online and on campus). Through our Career Services, students can explore resume assistance, mock interview preparation, and job placement tools with services tailored specifically to Michigan and Midwest employers.
Baker College takes a lot of pride in the strong regional employer relationships we’ve cultivated over the years, fostering stronger connections and exciting opportunities for students.
Moreover, all Baker students enjoy free access to the Handshake platform, which can connect them with internships and job opportunities in their respective fields. Personalized career counseling/advising is also available through our dedicated advisors, all of whom truly understand the ins and outs of local job markets.
Cost and Value Comparison
From a cost and overall value standpoint, online colleges can differ greatly in their offerings and return on investment (ROI).
National Online Universities
You’ve probably noticed that many national online universities advertise low tuition. However, fees and hidden costs can add up quickly. To meet these cost demands, students may have to rely more heavily on federal financial aid, such as student loans.
Baker College
Baker College strives to keep online education affordable with competitive tuition costs and plenty of need- and merit-based scholarship offerings for students along with additional non-traditional scholarships. We also offer robust financial aid, including grants. This helps take the burden off paying for school while giving students an incredible value per credit and long-term return on investment.
Online Learning Experience
We’ve covered the numerous benefits of an online college education. Now, it’s time to consider: What type of experience can you expect?
Technology and Course Design
Not all online programs offer the same technology, course design, and delivery. So, keep this in mind as you explore your online degree options.
National Online Universities
Many larger online universities use standardized learning platforms specifically designed for large-scale use. In these programs, course content is delivered largely through pre-recorded lectures with static resources and automated assessments. Interaction with other students and instructors may be limited to basic discussion forums, which minimizes personal engagement.
Baker Online
At Baker Online, we use an intuitive, user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) that’s tailored specifically to our student population. This LMS incorporates rich multimedia to supplement learning in the form of videos, real-world simulations, and dynamic virtual labs. Students also enjoy ongoing opportunities for engagement through live discussions, real-time faculty feedback, and practical exercises that improve learning comprehension.
Community and Engagement
Looking for an online college that comes with a close-knit community feel? You might not find that in a large online university, but you can find it at Baker.
National Online Universities
In larger fully online colleges, student interactions tend to be dispersed across nationwide cohorts, which may limit opportunities for meaningful connection. Direct engagement with faculty and mentors can also be restricted by the sheer size of classes — and while alumni networks may exist, they tend to be large and impersonal.
Baker Online
At Baker College, our online community consists of smaller, regionally focused cohorts that emphasize collaborative learning, group projects, peer-to-peer discussions, and consistent mentorship from faculty members. Furthermore, our strong alumni community fosters long-term professional relationships and valuable networking opportunities for graduates.
Baker’s Commitment to Student Success
When you take the time to compare larger online universities to Baker Online, there’s no question about our unrivaled commitment to student success. With dedicated learning support through online library resources and virtual tutoring, as well as our one-on-one advising model, attending an online program at Baker is about so much more than earning a degree. It’s about building a community and setting yourself up for long-term professional success.
How to Choose Between Baker and a National Online University
Still not sure which type of online college education is right for you? Ultimately, the choice boils down to factors like your budget, how much personal support you need, and your career goals. However, if you’re serious about earning your degree from a smaller college that offers small class sizes and dedicated, one-on-one support every step of the way, Baker College has you covered. Our programs are led by experienced faculty who regularly review curricula to ensure coursework aligns with the latest industry trends and demands — so you can earn your degree online and enter the workforce with confidence.Get in touch to learn more about the 100+ programs Baker College has to offer. Eager to take the next step? Complete your online application today!