Colorado Technical University

Question for HR Manager/Recruiter regarding education?

I asked this question before and got 1 answer... I'm hoping for a few more this time around: I hope since this is online and anonymous I can get better feedback. I quit college after 15 credits due to many family obligations. I am thinking of getting a BSIT degree. I would like to know what is your or the general perception of degrees for private schools and online schools specifically Devry, Kaplan, Colorado Technical University, and University of Phoenix? I don't have the convenience to go to a ground campus daily so I would much rather choose the online option, but at the same time I do not want to earn a degree which will not pay off. If you could include what position you hold in the HR field or if you are with a staffing agency, as well as how long have you been in that field along with the answer, I'd very much appreciate it. Thank you.

Public Comments

1. The most important thing is that the degree is nationally accredited. Regional accreditation is acceptable as long as you the job you are applying for is in that region. From an HR perspective: A degree from the University of Phoenix isn't well respected, same goes for Colorado Technical University, Devry and Keller are better, and Kaplan is not accredited. It also depends on the job you are applying for. For some jobs Where you got your degree matters, for some it does not, it only matters that you have one and that it is accredited. For IT where doesn't matter so much. For IT jobs a Degree isn't all that important. Experience matters more. Certifications are actually more attractive to hiring managers then a degree.
2. If you don't have the time and are not willing to make an effort to finish college, what makes the employers think you are going to do that for them?
3. The school being accredited is the main issue. If the school is not recognized nationally or regionally, you are pretty much out of luck. Additionally, many traditional universities now offer on-line and evening classes to allow "non-traditional" students the opportunity to pursue higher education. As for how it looks, it depends on the hiring manager. Often, being able to show that you have completed a course of study is going to open up a door. However, what it really will come down to is what your ultimate expectations will be for being hired... are you expecting to get hired into an extremely competitive field, or are you looking into a field that has alot of openings? Just somethings to consider...