When students returned to school in the fall of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, 97% more students were in online classes than just one year earlier. That's according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). 

The dramatic shift to online learning was possible because students, schools, and employers respect online degrees.

Even before the pandemic, online learning was on the rise because of its flexibility, accessibility, and convenience. 

Let's dive into why employers value online training and what students should look for. 

For extra insight, we spoke to Jeffrey Williams, senior director of career and student services at New Horizons Computer Learning Centers. Williams coaches students in using their education to reach their career goals. Responses were edited for length and clarity.

What do employers think of online degrees?

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Employers perceptions of online degrees are steadily improving as online learning has increased in popularity and effectiveness. A 2019 survey from Northeastern University found that more than 75% of employers valued online learning the same or more than five years prior. 

Online learning works better for some majors than others, which could impact perceptions in some fields.

Most of the surveyed employers believed that work-integrated learning