This article looks at the current level of acceptance of online degrees by employers, and advises prospective students on comparing those available from the traditional institutions with those from the newer providers who offer only online degrees.

There are a wide range of benefits to be gained from undertaking online degrees. Because of this, the number of students enrolling in courses leading to online degrees has risen tremendously since the mid-1990s. The make-up of the student groups is as diverse and varied as for any site-based degree program you could wish to name.

Considering the traditional learning institutions, over two-thirds of them now offer online degrees, at either bachelor or master's level. So, how do employers' view those who have gained online degrees, whether at a graduate or a post-graduate level? And which type of institution is best suited to provide your qualification?

Realistically, the fundamental response to these questions is actually rather simple: in order to ensure that prospective employers take their online degrees seriously, those looking to enrol in them do need to carefully research their chosen field of study, and the institutions offering them, before starting on the lengthy (and, in some cases, costly) process of completing online degrees.

Sadly, this preliminary step of researching the institutions offering online degrees needs to be done because, though some of them do offer valuable accredited online degrees, others merely provide a poor substitute for more traditional study programs.

Studies reveal that three-quarters of employers' today view online degrees gained from established universities as being more valuable than those from universities that cater only for online degrees. Whether or not it is fair for them to make such sweeping judgements is debatable but is nevertheless a fact that has to be faced. Whether we care for it or not, employers are far more likely to know the name of an existing, traditional learning institute than that of a new learning institute established to provide only for online degrees.

The good news is that employers' recognition of online degrees obtained from the newer learning institutes is increasing as the profiles of these learning centers - and the online degrees they offer - rises.

Further evidence of this fact can be seen in the number of companies who are now offering their employees incentive schemes to undertake post-graduate online degrees. This may take the form of paying for their tuition fees and providing time-off for study, in much the same manner as has previously been provided for more traditional types of post-graduate programs.

The best news of all is that a recent survey shows 85% of employers saying that they would be willing to employ someone with an online degree. With this high level of acceptance the way is clear to making an online degree your next move.