Are Online Degrees Worth the Cost?

Are online degrees as valuable as those earned via traditional on-campus study? More and more people are asking that question every year.

It is possible to point to research indicating that students earn equally well in online and in classroom-based instruction, there is research indicating that traditional programs result in better learning outcomes, and there is data which suggests that online learners take more away from their experience than students in traditional campus-based programs.

Therefore, it is difficult to make sweeping generalities about whether an online or traditional college education will be of higher quality or will be received with greater acceptance. A better idea for folks considering their options would be to consider their individual situations and goals. But, the one constant is that students should consider only fully accredited colleges and universities.

The process of choosing your best educational options should always begin with questions. What are youir personal goals? Career goals? How strong is your commitment? How much time do you have to devote to your education? Will your goals require licensure or certification of any kind? As you answer these questions, your options will become clearer.

Convenience, especially for working adults, tends to be a primary consideration. Of course, if you will have trouble finding time to commute to a college in your area, or if family and/or other responsibilities make it difficult for you to attend classes offered at fixed times, an online degree may be your only option. And, because online degree programs are designed to accommodate adults, they often are more willing to allow credit for life experience, shortening your "time to degree".

Most students also have to consider finances. Years ago, that consideration favored traditional degree programs, because few colleges offered aid to their online students. Today, however, most colleges and university award financial aid to qualified students, and some offer academic scholarships as well.

There is no question that online degree programs offer optimal convenience, and most now also offer tuition installment programs, grants, loans and tuition costs which make them within the reach of the vast majority of working adults. And, in almost every career and profession, you can find people who have moved up the ladder after completing an online degree program. Are online degrees well regarded by employers? That's the million dollar question.

Perhaps your best bet is to do some informal research. You can call or email people in charge of hiring in the professions and or individual organizations of interest to you and ask them if they differentiate between candidates with classroom-based and online degrees. And, ask the admissions representatives at the colleges you are considering to provide you with a list of the organizations in which they have placed graduates (and the titles of the positions in which they were placed). Of course, if certification or licensure is an issue for you, be certain the program you choose meets all the requirements for the credential you seek.

Don't forget to consider your learning style, academic skill levels, and motivation when deciding if enrolling in an online degree program would be a good step for you. A great way to be sure is to take a single course online before seeing if online education is your best choice.

Article Source: http://mylilpeanut.com

Daniel Z. Kane has worked at schools and colleges for 30+ years. He has created nearly a dozen educational websites on online college degrees and online colleges to assist students, counselors, and parents.
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