Advantages to choosing a local university's online program?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by freddyboy, Jun 5, 2021.

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  1. freddyboy

    freddyboy Member

    Do employers prefer a candidate that graduated from the local/state B/M university's online program to one that graduated from a out of state/country B/M program?
    Assume RA status and similar school ranking.

    How important is the proximity factor to employers? Do National/International companies care more, or less than local/regional businesses? I don't have any proof, but instinctively I guess that employers may give the nod to a name they recognize, which in most cases will be the local school.

    Any thoughts? I am having to make a final decision on an MBA program and find myself in the scenario.
     
  2. Rachel83az

    Rachel83az Well-Known Member

    In 99% of cases, I don't think it matters at all. The difference would be how reputable (or not) the local school is in comparison to a distance program. For instance, I think that Rio Salado has a local reputation for being an "easy" school - even though it is not. In Phoenix, an AA from Rio Salado would probably be seen as slightly lesser than an AA from a relatively unknown school like COSC or TESU. The same holds true of higher degrees. Is the local school well-liked or is it infamous like University of Phoenix?
     
  3. Vonnegut

    Vonnegut Well-Known Member

    The advantage of local b&m is in the relationships, reputation, and connections that even modestly decent programs can develop.
     
  4. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    It depends on your goals and plans. As for me, distance learning/online program with top reputation better than local because I like to move around and opportunities anywhere in the world. While if I decide to stay in one place, I rather choose a local/regional school with a good reputation. For example, if you are in Texas; it is good to choose Rice University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M University at College Station, Texas Chrisitan University. As far as International presence, especially in EMEA and ASPAC; top US, UK, EU, and AU schools would be the best.
     
    Rachel83az and sideman like this.
  5. sideman

    sideman Well Known Member

    I would also add Baylor to the Texas list.
     
  6. Vicki

    Vicki Well-Known Member

    It could matter slightly. If the hiring manager is an alumni of the same school, it could give you “brownie points”
     
  7. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Your response reminds of the University of Phoenix commercial. :D
     
  8. Vicki

    Vicki Well-Known Member

    LOL. I haven’t seen that before. Well, I’m hoping it works in my favor. I just applied to a job where my potential boss is an alumni of the same school I went to. :)
     
    TEKMAN likes this.
  9. JoshD

    JoshD Well-Known Member

    I will reiterate another posters comment that if the hiring manager is an alumni of that school/program, it could help a little bit. Other than that, choose the program/school you would be proud to earn a degree from regardless of its geographical location to you.
     
    Dustin likes this.
  10. freddyboy

    freddyboy Member

    Thank you all. Very interesting. Obviously each market is different, but the responses make sense even though they were not what I was expecting. Glad I asked.
    It's ironic because I am a hiring manager. For me, the online local graduate is on same standing as the one with the out of area/state distance degree. At the end of the day, while I would love to promote my school, I am more interested in finding the best overall candidate.
     
    innen_oda likes this.
  11. skirtlet

    skirtlet Member

    If a random out-of-state school was the same price for the same degree as a local (but online) program, I would choose the local one.

    Local colleges would have more local name recognition, possible alumni groups or connections nearby, possible employer connections, etc. It would also be nice to be able to visit campus if desired for things like the library or for special events.

    But if a candidate was applying for a job with a local random private college vs. a top 10 national degree, the national prestigious degree might win- depending on the hiring manager and other applicant traits/experience. I could see a local alumni possibly choosing to interview a candidate from a nearby school instead of a random out-of-state college candidate. Or a top tier national college over a random school. It's all speculation, but local name recognition/alumni connections and national brand/prestige recognition couldn't hurt.
     
    Dustin likes this.

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