Online Degree Value Assessment Tool
Find Your Most Valuable Degree Path
Answer a few quick questions to discover which online degree offers the highest value based on current market trends, salary potential, and job growth.
Not all online degrees are created equal. Some open doors. Others collect dust on a resume. If you're asking which online degree has the most value right now, you're not just looking for a credential-you're looking for a return on your time, money, and effort. And the answer isn’t about prestige alone. It’s about demand, salary potential, flexibility, and how well the program actually prepares you for real work.
What "value" really means in an online degree
Value isn’t just about how much you earn after graduation. It’s also about how fast you can get there, how much debt you carry, and whether employers actually respect the degree. A degree from a top university sounds great, but if it takes five years and $50,000, and you still can’t land a job in your field, it’s not valuable. On the flip side, a $5,000 online degree that gets you hired in six months? That’s value.Employers today care less about the name on the diploma and more about what you can do. They’re hiring based on skills, certifications, portfolios, and proven results. That’s why some of the most valuable online degrees aren’t from Ivy League schools-they’re from programs that are tightly linked to industry needs.
The top three most valuable online degrees in 2026
Based on job growth, median salaries, hiring trends, and employer trust, these three online degrees consistently outperform others:
- Computer Science (with specializations in AI or Cybersecurity)
- Health Informatics
- Project Management (PMP-aligned)
Let’s break down why each one stands out.
1. Computer Science - The Unbeatable Workhorse
Every industry runs on software now. Healthcare, agriculture, finance, even art galleries need coders, data analysts, and AI specialists. An online Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science from an accredited school like Georgia Tech, University of Illinois, or Arizona State gives you access to the same curriculum as on-campus students-just without the commute.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 370,000 new software developer jobs by 2030. In New Zealand, the government lists software engineers as a long-term skill shortage. That means employers are actively recruiting, even for online graduates.
What makes this degree stand out? You can start with a coding bootcamp, then build up to a full degree. Many students land internships while still studying. By graduation, they already have a track record of real projects. Employers don’t ask where you got your degree-they ask what you built.
2. Health Informatics - The Hidden Gem
Healthcare is going digital. Patient records, telemedicine, AI diagnostics, insurance claims-all of it runs on data systems. That’s where health informatics comes in. It’s the blend of healthcare knowledge and IT skills. You learn how to manage electronic health records, design clinical dashboards, and ensure data privacy under HIPAA or New Zealand’s Privacy Act.
This field is exploding. In the U.S., health informatics jobs are growing at 13% per year-five times faster than average. In Australia and New Zealand, hospitals are scrambling to hire people who can bridge the gap between nurses and IT teams. An online degree here doesn’t require you to be a doctor. You just need to understand both systems and care.
Graduates end up as clinical analysts, health data managers, or implementation specialists at companies like Epic Systems, Cerner, or local health boards. Median salary in the U.S.? Around $85,000. In New Zealand? NZD $80,000-$110,000 depending on experience.
3. Project Management - The Universal Skill
Every company, from startups to global corporations, needs people who can get things done on time and on budget. That’s what project managers do. And you don’t need an engineering degree or an MBA to get there.
An online Project Management degree aligned with the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of the fastest paths to leadership roles. Programs from the University of Maryland Global Campus or Southern New Hampshire University include PMP exam prep as part of the curriculum.
According to the Project Management Institute, there will be 22 million new project management jobs globally by 2027. Companies don’t care if you studied online-they care if you can run a project, manage risks, and lead teams. Many online programs let you use real work experience as credit. If you’ve coordinated a team, handled a budget, or delivered a product-you’re already halfway there.
What online degrees to avoid
Not every online degree is worth the investment. Here are three that often disappoint:
- General Business Administration - Too broad. Employers want specialists, not jack-of-all-trades.
- Psychology (without clinical licensure) - You can’t practice therapy with just an online BA. Licensing requires in-person hours.
- Online degrees from diploma mills - If the school doesn’t appear on the U.S. Department of Education’s database or isn’t accredited by a recognized agency (like HLC, NECHE, or NZQA), walk away.
Always check accreditation. In New Zealand, look for NZQA approval. In the U.S., check for regional accreditation. No accreditation? No value.
Real-world proof: Who’s hiring online grads?
Companies like Amazon, Google, Apple, and IBM now hire online degree holders at the same rate as traditional grads. In fact, a 2025 LinkedIn report showed that 68% of hiring managers in tech say they’ve hired someone with an online degree in the past year.
Even conservative industries are changing. Banks like ANZ and Westpac in New Zealand now list "online degrees accepted" in job postings for IT and operations roles. The University of the People, Southern New Hampshire, and Western Governors University have partnerships with Fortune 500 companies for direct hiring pipelines.
How to pick the right program
Not all accredited programs are equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Accreditation - Regional or national accreditation (not just "national certification").
- Industry partnerships - Does the school work with companies like Microsoft, Oracle, or local health boards?
- Internship support - Can you get real work experience while studying?
- Graduate outcomes - Does the school publish job placement rates and average salaries?
- Flexibility - Can you study while working? Are there asynchronous options?
Don’t just pick the cheapest. Pick the one that connects you to a career.
What about cost? Is online really cheaper?
Yes-but only if you avoid the traps. A full online bachelor’s from a public university in the U.S. can cost $30,000-$50,000. That’s still less than $100,000 for a traditional campus degree. In New Zealand, online degrees from institutions like AUT or Unitec cost between NZD $15,000-$25,000 total.
Some programs even let you pay per course. Western Governors University, for example, charges a flat fee per six-month term-no matter how many courses you take. That means if you’re fast, you can finish a bachelor’s in 12-18 months for under $10,000.
And here’s the kicker: many online students keep working full-time. That means no lost income. No student housing. No commuting costs. That’s where the real savings add up.
Bottom line: Value isn’t about the degree-it’s about the outcome
The most valuable online degree isn’t the one with the fanciest logo. It’s the one that gets you hired, pays you well, and grows with your career. In 2026, that’s computer science, health informatics, and project management.
Start with your goals. Do you want to build software? Go CS. Do you want to work in hospitals? Go health informatics. Do you want to lead teams? Go project management.
And remember: employers aren’t looking at your transcript. They’re looking at your skills. Your projects. Your ability to solve problems. That’s what turns an online degree into real value.
Are online degrees respected by employers?
Yes-especially in tech, healthcare, and business. A 2025 LinkedIn survey found that 68% of hiring managers in tech have hired someone with an online degree in the past year. Companies like Amazon, IBM, and ANZ Bank now treat online and on-campus degrees equally. What matters most is accreditation, skills, and proof of ability-not where you studied.
Can I get a good job with just an online bachelor’s?
Absolutely. Many entry-level tech jobs, like junior developer, data analyst, or IT support, only require a bachelor’s degree. In fact, some employers prefer online grads because they’ve proven they can manage time, work independently, and balance responsibilities-all skills needed in remote roles. You don’t need a master’s to land a solid job.
Do online degrees cost less than traditional ones?
Generally, yes. Online degrees from public universities often cost 30-50% less than on-campus equivalents. Plus, you save on housing, commuting, and meals. Some programs, like Western Governors University, charge a flat fee per term, letting you finish faster and pay less. In New Zealand, online degrees from institutions like AUT or Unitec cost between NZD $15,000-$25,000 total-far below the $35,000+ average for on-campus degrees.
What’s the fastest way to get a valuable online degree?
Start with a skills-based program that lets you earn credits for prior experience. Programs like those from Southern New Hampshire University or Arizona State Online allow you to test out of courses or use work experience as credit. If you’re disciplined, you can complete a bachelor’s in 18-24 months instead of four. Combine that with certifications (like PMP or AWS), and you’ll be job-ready faster than most traditional students.
Is it worth getting a master’s online?
Only if it aligns with your career goals. For fields like computer science, health informatics, or data analytics, a master’s can boost salary by 20-40%. But for project management or entry-level IT roles, a bachelor’s plus certifications is often enough. Don’t chase a master’s just because it sounds impressive. Ask: Will this get me a promotion, a raise, or a new job? If yes, go for it. If not, focus on skills.
Next steps: What to do now
Here’s your action plan:
- Identify which field excites you most-tech, healthcare, or leadership.
- Research three accredited online programs in that field. Check their job placement stats.
- See if they offer internships, industry certifications, or employer partnerships.
- Apply to the one that fits your budget and schedule.
- Start building a portfolio-even one small project can change your career.
Value isn’t given. It’s built. And the best online degrees are the ones that help you build it.