A significant trend is definitely happening in higher education: the growth of online college degrees and their increasing popularity.
There are colleges that offer online-only degree programs and there are traditional campus universities that also offer online college degree programs (or hybrid programs).
Online colleges are a non-traditional avenue of education and something that is still relatively new to employers.
When someone considers the option of earning an online college degree, one of the questions that follow is: “Is it worth it?” The short answer to the question is “Yes,” and below are several reasons why an online college degree is worth it.
Table of Contents
The Cost Advantage
One of the leading factors for students who are considering obtaining their online college degree is the cost of the program as compared to both traditional programs and other online college degree programs. Tuition includes the course, additional course fees, and any supplies needed for the degree.
Traditional college programs require additional costs such as housing, meal plans, and transportation costs for students.
While the tuition for online colleges may be competitively similar to that of a physical campus program, the additional costs associated physically attending on-campus classes increases the overall cost of a traditional degree program.
While the tuition for online colleges may be competitively similar to that of a physical campus program, the additional costs associated physically attending on-campus classes increases the overall cost of a traditional degree program.
Unmatched Convenience And Flexibility
The convenience of an online college degree is unmatched by any other educational avenue. With the ability to essentially complete assignments at any point of the day and from any location, students are able to take on experiences and continue to work at a schedule that works for them while obtaining their degree.
For those seeking to further their current career with an online degree, the convenience of simultaneously gaining experience while getting an education provides an opportunity that many traditionally earned degrees may not offer.
Accreditation Makes Degree Legit
Like traditional degrees, online college degree programs also require institutional and specialized accreditations. Institutional accreditations are focused on the institution as a whole. Those that are specialized are subjected to the subject matter of each program. These specialized accreditations can be found across the nation for programs that are similar in content degree requirements.
These accreditations are used as official recognition of the program a student is seeking. Because many of these programs receive equal accreditation to their physical program competitors, this is another reason as to why an online college degree is worth it.
Expanding Personal Skill Set
When a student takes on an online college degree program, they are enhancing their technological skill set. Interaction with the school’s portal will give that student experience with that program.
Also, electronic communication is taught and mastered due to the weekly discussion forums and emails that students utilize as primary communication. With technology taking a lead in most industries, this is essential in skill building, as employers will view an online college degree as mastery in terms of communication and standard level office programs.
Current and future employers also consider the ability of students to successfully achieve online college degree programs while continuing to work successfully. This shows hard work and determination on the part of the student, which tend to impress employers across various industries.
The opportunity of an online college degree has provided numerous employees the opportunity to receive promotions or successful career changes that otherwise were not available due to a lack of program offerings within a locale.
Choosing The Right Program Is Critical
Online college degree programs are absolutely worth earning in today’s society. The need for convenience, affordability, college accreditation, and personal development are essential for students today.
Students are also gaining access to programs through an online college degree that may not be available in their local area, thus making them more marketable to employers …
Students are also gaining access to programs through an online college degree that may not be available in their local area, thus making them more marketable to employers and providing them an opportunity that would not have been available without online instruction.
Because of the need for diversity in the workforce and the growing respect for online college degree programs, students should no longer be concerned if the degree is worth it. Instead, they should be more focused on which program is right for them and their career goals.
