Many online universities populate the Web, each offering a smorgasbord of degrees you can earn either in person or via the Internet. Many online universities exist out there in cyberspace, each offering a veritable smorgasbord of online degrees.

With so many online universities and online degrees to choose from, you might find your head reeling. Your options far exceed your resources, and, being the prudent sort, you want to get the most for your tuition dollar.

Finding which online university offers the best online degree for your intended career path is no small task, and the results can be severe and far-reaching. Select the wrong online university, and you may find yourself falling by the wayside, your online degree remaining forever unobtainable. Choose the right online university but the wrong online degree program, and you might find yourself foundering after you graduate, the market for your major considerably less robust than you expected it to be.

Of course, that which makes the right online university or online degree a proper fit depends on a whole host of considerations. One individual may choose an online university because it offers greater convenience and flexibility than its competitors. Another might choose an online university because it offers terrific education options, whether that means a greater number of degree programs or levels of degree - associate's, bachelor's master's, doctorate's.

Resources exist to simplify the decision of choosing an online university and online degree program. (This site is one such resource). With any decision of a higher-educational sort, a good rule of thumb is to first consider leaders in the industry. Online universities that claim a large share of the market generally do so because they excel in some area. Perhaps they offer a slew of high-quality online degrees; maybe they do exceptionally well in placing graduates in careers. Giants in a crowded market command attention for no other reason than their size, which suggests that they deliver the sort of value that has allowed them to grow to such proportions.

One giant in the online-university/online-degree industry is Strayer University. Strayer University began life as Strayer College back in 1892 as Strayer Business College. In 1969 it was re-christened Strayer College, and in 1998 acquired the name by which it's known today.

Throughout its history and through all of its name changes, Strayer University has remained committed to contributing to the financial success of its graduates. "I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Strayer University in 2004," writes one fond alum. "Prior to completing my degree, my salary was about $60K. Since graduating from Strayer, I have received 3 promotions and recently passed the $100K/year salary mark." These numbers speak for themselves.

And they also speak to the caliber of coursework and instruction Strayer provides its students. Another proud alum give the details on the Strayer University educational experience. "Strayer University is the perfect place for working adults," he or she writes.

The work is challenging and the professors are brilliant. The credits are also transferrable to other universities. I know for a fact that this includes UMass-Amherst and Mississippi State University (which both have online programs and are AACSB accredited).... [Strayer] is regionally accredited, which means that I would qualify for the CPA exam with my accounting degree. It's not a 'joke' school, it's the real deal.

The high praise Strayer wins from its happy graduates is sometimes tempered by an acknowledgement that occasionally new students enter into their matriculation with expectations that do not match the school's own. "Strayer is an amazing school for me," a current Strayer student writes. "I understand that some students have had bad experiences, whether it be just taking the online courses, on campus, or both. I am 100% online.... Though sometimes I feel I am paying too much for an online degree, most of the time I am happy to be in a school that works for me and is challenging. My husband felt the campus professors were not intelligent and were rather closed-minded."

Opinions abound and are as various as the people holding them. This applies not only to Strayer, but to just about everything under the sun about which a person can have an opinion. One thing that is not a matter of opinion is that Strayer University offers two truly standout online programs - eBusiness, and project management. Here's the low-down on each one:

1. eBusiness - A certificate program in e-business introduces you to e-commerce, particularly its methods and practices. This certificate falls under the general program heading of business administration.

2. Project management - An online degree program in business administration with an emphasis in project management prepares you for a career in government, business and non-profit organizations. Your strengths will lie in the ability to do business, to make sharp decisions, and to nimbly solve problems. At Strayer, you may earn a bachelor's or a master's degree.

Though they are standout programs, the two listed above represent only the tip of the higher-educational iceberg; Strayer University offers many online degrees at the level of associate's, bachelor's, and master's - and offers many fine diplomas and certificates, as well. If you're looking for an online university that can make a true impact on your career and earning prospects, you really should give Strayer University a look. As far as online universities and online degrees go, Strayer layers on the excellence!