Which degree would you respect more?

Which degree would you respect more or rather have, an online degree earned from a nationally ranked, respected brick and mortar non-profit university (e.g. US News top 100), which does not actually say "online" on transcript or diploma (and the degree is earned through the same college/campus that offers on-campus programs, not a Distance Education branch), or an on-campus degree from a non-profit school that lacks name recognition or is ranked very low.

 

I agree with Steve, it all boils down to cost. That is exactly what I did. I graduated from a small private Catholic university (Barry University). According to US News it is ranked second tier (national universities). Now, I had the chance to attend online programs at higher ranked universities, however, these programs did not offer scholarships or grant money; most grants and scholarship money is given to on-campus students. Barry offered me a very hefty aid package to go there, it was a no-brainier for me. So it all boils down to cost. Now, I agree that most want the flexibility of online degrees due to family or job obligations.

 

I agree with Steve that cost would be a major factor in the decision. However, I would also want to point out that this is an unrealistic hypothetical situation because the people on this board rarely have the opportunity to earn an on-campus degree. That is the main reason that they come to degreeinfo. They have jobs and family and can not simply drop them to attend classes on campus.

 

Ok, if cost wasn't a factor or pretty much the same and both were available options, would you still pick the convenience of a online degree from a brand name school (but have to admit that you earned it online), or do a on-campus degree from a second tier school that not many people have heard of?

 

If I was hiring the origin of the degree status would would be minor relative to the other capabilities of the job candidate.

 

if the capabilities and qualifications of two candidates are equal except one had a degree from a high ranked school but you know was earned online, and another one had an on-campus degree from a relatively unknown school with much lower standards which would you choose?

 

Your experience in the filed of study and your experience in teaching speaks much more loudly than the pedigree of the school you graduated from.

 

.................................................:haha:

 

If you are pursuing this degree to get a job, one thing to keep in mind is which school has the better local network. Penn State is a great school, with good online programs, but I can think of several lower ranked B&M schools in Chicago that have career centers and better job placement resources for the local area. Penn State is ranked #37 and DePaul University (local Chicago school) is ranked #121. However, I will bet that for many fields DePaul's career center has better job contacts in Chicago than Penn State.

Also, do not discount the networking potential of simply attending on-campus classes. I have gotten more connections in my final semester at HES, which is on-campus, than the entire program before. Face to face meetings with professors and other students is a powerful tool.

 

Since I hire faculty and staff at the university level, the candidate's experience, expertise and record of scholarship and accomplishments are more important than where or how the person earned the degree.

 

If all other things equal, such as cost I would prefer the option # 1.
Here were I reside sitting in traditional setting means driving to train station, taking train or driving in traffic long time, all kind of weather, not flexible, time consuming etc etc.

Studying in the comfort of my home, not worrying about traffic, parking and actually I listened and watched lectures wile exercising on a treadmill and at a local gym as well.
I also did some work during lunch break at work some times.

Depends on what one studies, at times there are labs, clinicals and assignments when team members are involved so its not always 100% isolation.

I a huge fan of DL.

Now if you are high school grad and want to experience the on campus living the whole
thing then, many do go to traditional schools, were some play college sports and enjoy sororities etc.

 

I think there are too many variables to make blanket statements, but my 9 year old's friends wear $23 Nike socks, branding is a strong factor in everything. Also, Koolcypher doesn't get nearly enough recognition. Love the memes.