What To Look for in an Online Degree Program Before Using Your Union Benefit

Choosing an online degree program is an important step for union members who want to make the most of their education benefit. The right program should fit a member’s career goals, schedule, budget and learning needs.

Online programs for union members are a strong option because they allow working adults to continue their education while staying employed. But not every program is the same. Before using a union education benefit, members should take time to compare schools, ask practical questions and understand the full commitment.

A starting point is to ensure that the program is accredited, flexible, affordable and clear about student support. It also can help union members understand how previous credits may transfer and how the program connects to their long-term goals.

What Should You Look for in Online Programs for Union Members?

Working adults should look for a program that fits their schedule, supports their goals and makes financial sense before they enroll. The right online programs for union members should be realistic to complete while balancing work, family and other responsibilities.

Key things to look for include:

• Accreditation: Make sure the school is properly accredited and recognized by reliable sources such as the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database.
• Flexible learning options: Look for online, part-time or asynchronous courses that fit around work schedules, shift work and family responsibilities.
• Clear program requirements: Understand how many credits are required, how long the program may take and whether there are live classes, internships, clinical hours or in-person requirements.
• Transfer credit policies: Ask whether previous college credits, military training, professional certifications or prior learning may count toward the program.
• Total cost: Look beyond tuition. Review fees, books, technology costs and any remaining balance after scholarships, financial aid or union education benefits.
• Student support: Check whether online students have access to academic advising, tutoring, writing help, technical support, financial aid guidance and career services.
• Career relevance: Choose a program that connects to a real goal, whether that means advancement, a career change, stronger skills or personal growth.
• Pace and workload: Ask how many hours students typically spend on coursework each week and whether the program can be completed part time.
• Employer or industry recognition: For some fields, confirm that the degree or certificate is recognized by employers, licensing boards or professional organizations.
• A clear path to completion: Look for a school that explains what happens from enrollment through graduation so there are fewer surprises along the way.

Online learning has become a normal part of higher education. In fall 2021, 61% of undergraduate students were enrolled in at least one distance education course, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. About 28% were enrolled exclusively in distance education courses.

That growth gives students more options. It also makes comparison more important. A union education benefit can help make college more accessible, but members still need to choose a program that fits their lives.

Why Does Education Matter for Career Growth?

Education can help workers qualify for roles that require more training, stronger communication skills, leadership ability or specialized knowledge.

Workers age 25 and older with higher levels of education generally have higher median weekly earnings and lower unemployment rates, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2024, workers with a bachelor’s degree had median weekly earnings of $1,543. Workers whose highest level of education was a high school diploma had median weekly earnings of $930.

Those numbers do not mean every union member needs a four-year degree. They do show why education can be valuable. A certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree or graduate degree may help members prepare for different types of career growth.

For some members, that could mean moving into supervision or management. For others, it could mean building skills in healthcare, business, technology, education, human resources, communication, public service or another field.

What Kinds of Career Growth Can Education Support for Union Members?

Education supports many areas of career growth for union members. For example, a union member might use education to:

• Prepare for a supervisory or leadership role
• Move into training, safety or operations
• Build business, technology or communication skills
• Qualify for roles in healthcare, education or public service
• Finish a degree started earlier in life
• Prepare for a less physically demanding career path
• Build confidence for long-term advancement

Career growth for union members can look different from person to person. Some members want to advance in their current field. Others want to prepare for a new field. Some want a degree for personal growth as well as professional growth. The value of education benefits is that they give members more options.

How Does Edvance Help Union Members Explore Online Degree Programs?

Edvance helps union members and their families explore education options that may fit their goals, schedules and budgets.

Through Union College Benefit powered by Edvance, eligible members can connect with schools that offer online degree and certificate programs, tuition savings and student support. Members can explore programs, compare options and better understand what steps to take before enrolling.

Using a union education benefit is a meaningful opportunity. Choosing the right program helps members make that opportunity count.