English 101 Multimodal Project

Is Your Online Degree Really Online?

What first-generation students and remote
adult learners should know before enrolling.

Student studying online at a desk lamp at night, representing remote learners

Undergraduate online learning nearly doubled over the last decade.
Online learning continues to grow.

Bar chart showing growth in undergraduate online learning enrollment from 2014 to 2023

Sources: NCES/IPEDS, cited in the EducationDynamics 2025

How Online Are SUNY Online Associate Degrees?

Out of 427 online associate programs in SUNY...

Donut chart showing 59.95% of SUNY associate degree programs are fully online and 40.05% are not fully online

Sources: SUNY Online (2026)

The Three Cs

Key points modern learners care about.

Student reviewing a tuition bill, representing the cost of online degrees
Cost

Hidden travel expenses
Financial aid gaps
Uncovered substitute courses

Student studying from home on a laptop, representing convenience
Convenience

Work and family commitments
Travel and scheduling challenges
One in-person course can disrupt an online degree

Student on a video call, representing career outcomes after an online degree
Career

Higher completion rates
Career-ready pathways
Better career opportunities

Sources: Education Dynamics (2025), Greg, C. (2026)

Did You Know?

Some college networks allow students to take required courses at another institution when a course is unavailable. However, those substitute courses may not be covered by financial aid, creating unexpected out-of-pocket costs — a hidden expense many students never see coming.

Hidden Costs

These examples highlight hidden realities of many online degree programs that I wish I had known before enrolling.

Comparison of what students expect from an online degree versus the reality: clear percentage of online courses, full financial aid coverage, and a flexible track to graduation expected, versus no clear percentage of online courses, pathway options not listed, and no mention of independent study or course substitution in reality

However, hybrid courses can create unexpected time and financial burdens.

Comparison showing what students expect versus the reality of a substitution course: students expect all required courses covered, financial aid coverage, and to stay on track to graduate, but the reality is a substitution course not covered by financial aid, with delayed graduation and extra costs

Furthermore, program descriptions do not always reflect students' actual experiences.

When "50% Online" or "Hybrid Program" doesn't tell the whole story: side-by-side comparison of the SUNY program page, which advertises the Marketing degree as 50% online, and the Finger Lakes Community College page, which lists it as Hybrid. The SUNY website says 50% online, but it's actually 95% online, and the student never applies.

"Image sources: https://explore.suny.edu/programs (2026), https://www.flcc.edu/academics/programs/marketing-aas/(2026)."

Before You Enroll, Ask These Questions

  • Is the degree fully online or hybrid?
  • Can every required course be taken online?
  • Are substitutions allowed?
  • Will financial aid cover outside courses?

The Solutions

Check for Transparency

Look for the percentage of online courses, required in-person classes, total costs, and graduation pathways before enrolling.

Ask About Alternatives

Ask whether substitutions, transfer credits, independent study, or equivalent online courses are available.

Plan Ahead

Some programs will always require in-person coursework. Knowing these requirements early helps students make informed decisions and avoid unexpected barriers.

Students Are Part of the Solution

Portrait of Michelle, a student who piloted an online course redesign

As part of an independent study, I collaborated with a professor to refine a pilot online course through weekly testing and feedback before it was offered to other students. The experience taught me that innovation in education doesn't always come from administrators or technology—it can also come from students. —Michelle

Student at Finger Lakes Community College

When institutions and students work together, online learning becomes stronger, more flexible, and more accessible for everyone.

Online education should work for everyone.

  • Transparency for degree requirements helps students understand program costs.
  • Adding more online courses increases convenience.
  • Higher completion rates improve students' career opportunities.

References