Mar 01, 2017 11:03 AM EST By Adelene Kings, UniversityHerald Reporter

The 21st Century has become the most innovative era among others. The world has developed advancement in different industries. Now, when it comes to education, the adversity of high tuition or remarkable hike on the cost of education, especially to the world's leading universities, have become evident.

The Americans have changed their perception about online education for merely a decade now, Huffington Post has recently reported. Higher learning institutions such as Harvard University, Arizona State University, New York University and the likes have embraced the concept of online learning.

There some short course diplomas, certifications and undergraduate degrees that are now being offered to students online. Scrupulous coursework is also provided regardless if it is on campus or distant learning. This concept has gained a huge number of criticism over the past years.

Transcending and obtaining a degree using the most powerful tool of this era (computer/internet) has given Americans not just the youth and professional, but also the working adult as well. According to Stanford economist Caroline Hoxby, an online degree would cost a bit higher than an actual in campus degree program.

Based also on the data reported by Chron, a total of about 1.8 million students enrolled in an exclusively online degree program accredited have received financial aid. Another 192,594 students also enrolled in non-degree-seeking programs, which are respectively near 12% fo all students either non-degree or degree program.

It may sound pessimistic, however, researchers and critics would put it in a debate that the online education has given a lot of opportunities to many and has given every individual high hope to their careers and personal development.

Amidst all negative inputs, of course, students and parents have the same sentiments over traditional college educations which are expensive as well, especially for students who pay sticker price and pursue degrees that have to lead them to less lucrative fields. While arguments are still hanging on the ledge many are rejoicing with more and more universities being accredited.

Here are the list of credible online universities:

• edX

• Cousera

• MIT Open Courseware

• Open Yale Courses

• Stanford Online

• Harvard Extension School: Open Learning Initiative

• Open UW

• UC San Diego Podcast Lectures

• University of the People

• Khan Academy

Featured:

• Creighton University

• Ashford University

• Brandman University 

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