Many potential distance learners are concerned about the cost / benefit ratio of online degrees. Online students regularly save money and time. But, are the costs worth it? Does earning an online degree make it difficult to get a raise or be hired to certain jobs?

A writer from Summit Learning decided to put online degrees to the test. He explains:

"Aren't online degrees a joke and, more importantly, even if they aren't do employers really even consider candidates with online degrees? This was the question I was presented with: How much do I lose by getting an online degree versus one at a brick-and-mortar institution. Not one to just 'guess,' I decided to put it to the test."

The writer sent 51 fake resumes to employers, each claiming education from either a brick-and-mortar state school, a brick-and-mortar Private school, or an online school.

The result? Resumes that listed a degree from an online school were only slightly less effective than other degrees. The writer was invited to interview with companies only one time less when he listed the degree from an online school.

This isn't a scientific survey and, of course, an invitation to interview does not mean that he would have been offered a job. However, this one writer's experience is a good sign for distance learners wondering whether an online degree is worth it.

For more information see: Online Degrees vs. Brick-and-Mortar.