In today's technology-driven world, online education has become tremendously popular, and employers agree that online learning is a reputable alternative to campus-based classes. Online degrees have many advantages, including greater flexibility, convenience and affordability. The benefits of online learning, including self-paced learning, work-life balance, and eliminating geographical barriers, make it a worthwhile investment for busy adults.

Those with college degrees experience a lower unemployment rate and receive higher salaries than those who only have a high school education. In fact, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation states “Not Getting a College Degree Will Cost You $500,000.” UMass Lowell’s online degrees, which provide the same diploma online as on-campus graduates receive, are known for having one of the highest returns on a college investment in the United States.

Furthermore, online degree programs often come at a lower cost compared to many traditional on-campus programs. You can save on expenses such as room and board or commuting and parking costs. Additionally, many online programs offer financial aid options, including scholarships, loans and flexible payment plans, making higher education more affordable and accessible.

The time it takes to complete your bachelor’s degree depends on several factors, including whether you transfer in credits from other institutions, how many courses you choose to take each semester, and whether you attend in consecutive semesters or take one or more semesters off. UMass Lowell offers accelerated online courses that can be completed in 8 weeks, half the length of a typical semester. We also have a very generous transfer credit allowance, enabling you to count up to 90 college credits from other accredited institutions toward your bachelor's degree, which is 75% of the required credits. If you are a full-time student who chooses not to take breaks from your education and transfer in the maximum number of credits, you can complete a bachelor's degree program at UMass Lowell in as little as 12-18 months. However, you have as much time as you need to finish the bachelor's program.

According to bestcolleges.com, the cost of master’s degree programs range between $50,000 to $85,000 for two years. The majority of UMass Lowell’s online master’s degrees can be completed for just under $20,000 per year.

The cost of UMass Lowell’s online masters degrees is the same for all students, whether you live in the U.S. or abroad. However, the total cost may also be impacted by other factors, including whether you qualify for financial aid and if you have tuition assistance from your employer.

Many of UMass Lowell’s online certificate programs are eligible for financial aid. As a student pursuing either a graduate or undergraduate certificate, you should plan to complete the FAFSA to be considered for loans and scholarships. However, not every certificate is financial aid eligible, so if you require financial assistance, please contact The Solution Center to confirm that your program of interest qualifies.

Yes. Not only do community college credits transfer to universities, but community college students in Massachusetts who have completed an associates degree can take advantage of MassTransfer pathways and transfer into their junior year. Also, students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology may take advantage of articulation agreements and move into their junior year without losing any credits through the transfer process.