Accredited online colleges are becoming a more and more popular choice for students across the world. Institutions like the University of Phoenix and Cappella University are wildly popular, and hundreds of thousands of online degrees are awarded every calendar year.

Despite that, there are many myths surrounding the online education process. These myths spread on the Internet and through word of mouth. Essentially, they are nothing more than rumors. But the negative propaganda damages the reputations of accredited online colleges, and discourages potential students from applying.

The top 3 most popular myths about accredited online colleges will be outlined and discussed below:

1) Accredited Online Colleges Are Expensive

Many applicants are scared away by the price of earning a degree at popular online schools. Perhaps this is for good reason – BAs from these institutions can cost upwards of $60,000. However, as far as higher education is concerned, these costs are extremely reasonable. Traditional colleges and universities cost approximately four times that.

Interestingly, the price for one credit at an online school is comparable to a credit at a traditional school. This is what gives potential students the impression that accredited online colleges are not cost-effective. But online students do not incur expenses for room and board. This is where the real money is saved. By skipping the price tag on day-to-day living, online students earn accredited degrees for one quarter of the price.

Plus, some online schools cost far less than the $60,000 cited above. Grantham University, for instance, only charges around $30,000, or around $300 per credit.

2) Accredited Online College Degrees Are Less Valuable In the Job Market

Many students assume that a degree earned online is inherently less valuable than one earned at a traditional school. But this is simply not true.

In today’s climate, online degrees are more and more common. Employers in most fields are familiar with a wide array of online schools, and respect online degrees. In fact, with alumni databases growing exponentially, many employers are online graduates themselves.

That’s not to say, however, that degrees from the top online schools aren’t looked upon more favorably than their more obscure competitors. Just like with degrees from brick and mortar institution, reputation goes a long way. That’s well-known schools like University of Phoenix are more costly than smaller institutions.

3) Professors at Accredited Online Colleges are Inaccessible

Often, it is assumed that because classes at online schools take place ‘virtually’, contact with professors is difficult and limited. But online colleges and universities have done quite a bit to combat this perception, and the vast majority offers easy access to all faculty and staff.

Again, the University of Phoenix is a great example. Here, if you email a professor or teacher, you are guaranteed a response within 24 hours. Oddly enough, brick and mortar institutions don’t offer guarantees of this nature, and professor inaccessibility is infamous at many of these schools as well. Further, many schools conduct class seminars and discussions in ‘virtual classrooms.’ Professors are accessible here, as well as via class discussion boards and message boards.

It is integral that future students consider the full spectrum of myths about accredited online colleges. Choosing a college or university, online or on-campus, is an important decision, and although there are many rumors concerning online schools, the one fact is that they are a less expensive, more flexible option for students with budgetary or time concerns.