Now is the Time for an Online Degree
Now is the Time for an Online Degree
If you have ever been on the fence about earning your degree, there is no better time to find your ideal online program. Earn a valuable online degree to enhance your knowledge, advance your career, or even change careers altogether.
Even though online programs have been around for decades, have a proven track record of successful education, and are just as rigorous as campus-based learning, there is still a lingering stereotype that most employers would prefer a degree from a brick-and-mortar university.
Read next: Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
Why Choose an Online Degree?
Convenience
The convenience of learning from home can be a deciding factor in going to school to earn your degree. Commuting time and the availability of necessary classes can often impact the ability to earn a much-desired degree and make or break one’s educational career. Distance learning helps students achieve their educational goals by mitigating factors that may hinder success.
Cost
Online classes are less expensive than traditional brick-and-mortar classes. This should come as no surprise, as universities will save money maintaining buildings, accommodating student parking, and other expenses associated with increased foot traffic on campus.
A student may save a significant amount of money with an online degree yet still have access to most if not all, on-campus student services. In addition, classes should still be taught by the same highly qualified professionals as the campus-based classes.
Pro tip: An online class should be taught by the same or similarly qualified educator as the on-campus class. If not, it is time to find a new class and program.
Choices
Distance education has advanced dramatically over the past decade and will continue to do so. The abundance of online degrees is now comparable to what is found for traditional in-person learning at brick-and-mortar schools.
A few exceptions exist for degree programs where students have to perform in-person tasks such as lab hours, clinical rotations, student teaching, etc. With these programs, many will be offered as hybrid learning opportunities so students can still reap the benefits of distance learning with limited, required in-person hours.
With distance learning, students can choose their ideal program of study at their favorite university, even if they are thousands of miles away! This is especially noteworthy for students who are part of an active-duty family, including active-duty service members, spouses, and other dependents who wish to pursue an education from afar.
Read next: Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
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- Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
- Online Colleges for Military
- Getting Your Master’s Degree Online
- Get A SMART Start On Your Education
- Why Going To College After Military Service Is A Smart Choice
- 4 Top Online Schools for Active Duty Military
About the author
Terry Howell is a retired Coast Guard veteran, where he served for 20 years.
He is currently the Executive Director for Veterans' Legacies, a non-profit that works to preserve veterans personal stories to help educate our youth.
Terry is also the author of The Military Advantage, an annually updated guide to military and veteran benefits.