Online degrees pay off: Survey shows flexibility and affordability drive success

Rising Demand for Online Education

This year, several universities have introduced new online programs to meet the growing demand for flexible and accessible education. Shenandoah University launched new online MBA programs in cybersecurity and public health. The University of Illinois Springfield began offering master’s certificates in business administration. Meanwhile, Benedictine University expanded its online bachelor’s degree programs in psychology and computer science. These developments are not isolated; they share a common element — all have partnered with Risepoint, a for-profit company that supports universities in launching and maintaining online degree programs.

Risepoint's Role in Expanding Online Education

Risepoint specializes in helping universities develop, launch, and grow online programs in high-demand fields such as nursing, teaching, and business. Since its formation in 2007, the company has launched over 25,000 courses. Throughout 2025, Risepoint continued to expand its partnerships as higher education shifts toward more mobile, agile, and technology-driven learning models.

A recent survey commissioned by Risepoint highlights the success of these programs. According to the findings, 86 percent of Risepoint graduates said their degree was worth the investment. Additionally, 53 percent completed their education without taking on loans, and the average payback period for tuition was just 18 months.

Positive Outcomes from Risepoint Programs

Katelynn Dugan, Risepoint’s spokeswoman, emphasized the benefits of the programs. “Graduates of Risepoint-supported programs benefited from low total tuition, significant salary increases one year after graduation, and a short tuition payback period,” she said in an interview.

The survey, conducted by IPSOS, included data from 4,470 working adults who completed their degrees in the past four years. Among them, 19 percent reported a salary increase within a year of graduation, allowing most to pay off their tuition in a year and a half. The average total tuition cost was around $19,800, and 53 percent of students graduated debt-free. Furthermore, 92 percent of graduates credited the online format with enabling them to stay local while balancing work and family life.

Dugan pointed out that the results reflect a larger trend. “One of the biggest shifts we continue to see is the evolving expectations of what we call the ‘modern learner,’” she said. “These students are asking for different things from their programs, like flexibility and real-world relevance.”

Public Perception of Higher Education

The Risepoint study comes at a time when many voters are questioning the value of traditional brick-and-mortar degrees. A November Overton Insights poll of 1,200 registered voters found that only 14 percent believed a bachelor’s degree was unequivocally worth its current cost. Similarly, a poll by NBC News revealed that 63 percent of voters thought degrees were not worth the cost.

Despite these concerns, the Risepoint survey showed that 86 percent of respondents called their degree “worth the investment,” and 80 percent would recommend the program to a friend.

The Future of Online Learning

Online and flexible formats, with occasional on-campus touchpoints, are becoming increasingly essential for modern learners. Dugan explained that Risepoint helps university partners adapt their offerings through student-centered design and scalable academic support.

“Online education can be an excellent choice when the program is affordable, high-quality, and aligned with a student’s goals,” she said. “This study shows that when those pieces are in place, learners see real, measurable returns.”

Free market proponents argue against legislative efforts that aim to restrict online for-profit programs like those offered by Risepoint. Adam Kissel, a center-right higher education expert, stated that online program managers are a huge benefit to public and private colleges because they help institutions innovate and reach students globally at a low cost. He added that these programs should be treated as valuable resources rather than obstacles.

Conclusion

As online education continues to evolve, programs like those supported by Risepoint are proving to be effective solutions for students seeking flexibility, affordability, and real-world relevance. With rising costs and student debt concerns, these programs offer a promising alternative that aligns with the needs of today’s learners.