The Economic Return on Online Degrees: Why Affordable, Accredited Institutions Outperform Traditional Universities

Authors

  • Prof. Dr. Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul (Sr.) Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Dr. Justin Joseph Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul (Jr.) Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Coretta McDonald Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Orande Kenneatior Solomon Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Shenelle Rambhajan Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYAN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.5.4.33

Keywords:

Online degrees, economic return, affordable education, accredited institutions, student debt, workforce entry, labour-market competitiveness, social mobility, Guyana, higher education

Abstract

Demand for affordable, flexible, high-quality higher education has increased globally as students confront rising tuition costs, labour-market uncertainty, and access limitations inherent in traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. Online universities, particularly those offering accredited and low-cost programmes, have strengthened their position as viable alternatives capable of delivering substantial economic return on investment. This article examines the comparative economic benefits of online degrees through a synthesis of international research, labour-market analyses, and higher-education economic models. Evidence demonstrates that affordable online degrees significantly reduce educational debt, accelerate workforce entry, enhance lifelong earnings potential, and expand access for underserved populations. The discussion highlights implications for developing states such as Guyana and the wider Caribbean, where flexible and cost-effective higher education can strengthen human-capital development and economic competitiveness.

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References

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Published

2025-07-31

How to Cite

Paul (Sr.), S. A. V., Joseph, J., Paul (Jr.), S. A. V., McDonald, C., Solomon, O. K., & Rambhajan, S. (2025). The Economic Return on Online Degrees: Why Affordable, Accredited Institutions Outperform Traditional Universities. Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities, 5(4), 206–208. https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.5.4.33

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 4 (2025): July Issue

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Prof. Dr. Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul (Sr.), Prof. Dr. Justin Joseph, Prof. Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul (Jr.), Prof. Coretta McDonald, Prof. Orande Kenneatior Solomon, Prof. Shenelle Rambhajan

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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