Is online instruction effective? Does it provide personalized attention? What about the cost? Let’s cut through the noise and take a closer look at five common misconceptions about online learning – and what’s really true.
Myth: Online learning isn’t as effective as in-person learning.
Fact: 82% of recent studies show online courses deliver equal or better outcomes than classroom learning.
It’s true that face-to-face learning has advantages – like nonverbal cues and hands-on activities. But distance education offers unique benefits, too: flexibility, self-paced progress, and space for deeper reflection through discussion boards.
Plus, not all online programs are created equal. The strongest outcomes come from courses designed specifically for online delivery – with active instructor support and opportunities for small-group collaboration. That’s exactly how Keuka College builds its programs: intentionally, interactively, and with your success in mind.
In the end, it’s about what fits your life and learning style. If you’re self-motivated and need flexibility, an online degree could be the perfect match.
"The program allowed me to balance work and school, was by far the most convenient, and had the most experienced instructors."
Myth: Employers don’t take online degrees seriously.
Fact: 92% of employers have a favorable view of online degrees from traditional campus-based colleges.
Studies show that most employers value college-educated candidates – and increasingly, they don’t mind whether that degree was earned online or on campus. One recent survey found that 83% of hiring managers agree higher education is preparing graduates to succeed in the workforce.
What those employers say they really want are grads who think critically, apply knowledge to real-world problems, and take initiative in their communities.
If that’s the experience you bring, instructional format simply isn’t a deciding factor – and when you earn your degree from a campus-based institution like Keuka College, your diploma is exactly the same as if you’d studied in person.
"My education at Keuka College has proven invaluable as I have focused on building a strong team and promoting growth and resilience in an evolving landscape."
Myth: I’ll have to pay more in tuition and fees if I study online.
Fact: Not at Keuka College – and with savings on commuting and other costs, online learning can be even more affordable.
A recent NPR headline asked: “As enrollment in online college grows, students wonder: Why does it cost more?” The article noted that 83% of online degree programs cost as much or more than their in-person counterparts – with some schools even adding “distance learning fees.”
At Keuka College, we don’t do that. Our online programs carry no hidden fees, and in some cases – like the MS in Leadership – the per-credit cost is actually slightly lower online. Plus, online learners save on indirect expenses. Skip the commute, and you could save more than $1,700 a year.
"I didn’t have the time or money to go to school full time. Keuka College fit the mold of my life."
Myth: Online students don’t get personalized attention.
Fact: Some online schools enroll 100,000-plus students – but Keuka College stays small on purpose.
A lot has changed since Keuka College opened in 1890. Back then, chalkboards were cutting-edge and “distance education” meant mailing papers back and forth. But one thing has stayed the same: our commitment to personal connection.
Keuka College’s online programs are intentionally small, with total enrollments in the hundreds – not hundreds of thousands. Most online classes have around 20 students, just like on campus. That means your professors will know your name and will be there to answer questions, offer feedback, and support your goals every step of the way.
Myth: Online programs have high dropout rates.
Fact: It depends on the school – and Keuka College’s online student success rates are way ahead of the pack.
That same NPR article noted: “Online students have generally poorer success rates …which further increases the cost.” But remember – not all online programs are built the same.
Keuka College is a small, private, nonprofit institution with more than 130 years of campus history. We don’t fit the profile of what the National Student Clearinghouse calls “primarily online institutions” (POIs), which tend to skew the statistics.
Retention – the percentage of students who return after their first year – is a key success metric. POIs average just 49%. Keuka College’s online retention rates are far higher – even outperforming the New York state average for non-POI college degree programs (73%).
Learn More
Explore Keuka College’s online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and connect with our Admissions team to get all your questions answered.
