Please use this comprehensive list of online colleges and universities to find the right school for you. For each college, we have provided a non-profit or for-profit status, annual tuition rate, and a student recommendation rate based on real reviews.
You may also use our left sidebar to filter this list of online colleges by 8 different criteria, including tuition, non-profit status, military benefits, graduate rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and more.
Academy of Art University Online For-Profit $18,050 44% (9 reviews)
Amberton University Non-Profit $7,050 Add Review
American InterContinental University For-Profit $15,465 70% (62 reviews)
American Sentinel University For-Profit $9,085 92% (14 reviews)
Anderson University Non-Profit $20,910 Add Review
Animal Behavior College For-Profit --- Add Review
Arizona State University Non-Profit $20,596 Add Review
Ashford University For-Profit $16,270 66% (334 reviews)
Ashworth College For-Profit --- 70% (60 reviews)
Azusa Pacific University Non-Profit $28,800 Add Review
B School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Baker College Online Non-Profit $7,380 56% (58 reviews)
Bay State College Online For-Profit $17,129 Add Review
Bismarck State College Non-Profit $7,829 Add Review
Boston University - Graduate Programs Non-Profit $39,864 100% (5 reviews)
Brandman University Online Non-Profit $9,611 Add Review
Brenau University Non-Profit $21,124 Add Review
Brookline College Online --- --- Add Review
Bryan College Online For-Profit $18,620 Add Review
Bryant & Stratton College Online For-Profit $15,120 84% (25 reviews)
C School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
California Baptist University Non-Profit $25,808 Add Review
California Coast University Online For-Profit $9,000 88% (25 reviews)
California Intercontinental University For-Profit --- Add Review
California Southern University For-Profit --- Add Review
California State University-East Bay Non-Profit $17,574 Add Review
Campbellsville University Non-Profit $20,740 Add Review
Capella University For-Profit $10,980 68% (45 reviews)
Capitol College Non-Profit $20,972 Add Review
Carrington College California Online For-Profit $40,956 Add Review
Central Christian College Non-Profit $18,000 Add Review
Central Washington University Non-Profit $18,597 Add Review
Chatham University Non-Profit $30,312 Add Review
Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online Non-Profit $21,366 Add Review
Clarion University Non-Profit $14,680 Add Review
College of Southern Nevada Non-Profit $9,008 Add Review
Colorado Christian University Online Non-Profit $22,040 Add Review
Colorado State University Online Plus Non-Profit $11,660 Add Review
Colorado State University-Global Non-Profit $23,095 Add Review
Colorado Technical University - Online For-Profit $11,660 66% (141 reviews)
Colorado Technical University - Online Grad For-Profit $10,665 66% (9 reviews)
Columbia College - Online Non-Profit $6,034 Add Review
Columbia International University Non-Profit $18,065 Add Review
Columbia Southern University For-Profit $4,895 100% (3 reviews)
Columbia University Graduate Engineering Non-Profit $17,395 Add Review
Concordia University Online --- --- Add Review
Court Reporting Institute of Dallas Online For-Profit --- 0% (1 review)
D School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Dakota State University Non-Profit $8,612 Add Review
Dawn Career Institute Online For-Profit $11,876 Add Review
Dominican University Non-Profit $25,710 Add Review
Drury University Non-Profit $21,043 Add Review
E School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
East Tennessee State University Non-Profit $19,831 Add Review
Eastern Kentucky University --- --- Add Review
Eastern Michigan University Non-Profit $23,096 Add Review
Eastern New Mexico University Non-Profit $9,432 Add Review
Eastern Washington University For-Profit $16,919 Add Review
Emporia State University Non-Profit $14,346 Add Review
Empowered UCLA Extension --- --- Add Review
Everest University Online For-Profit $14,328 40% (161 reviews)
Everglades University Online Non-Profit $13,720 83% (6 reviews)
F School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Florida Christian College LeadOn Non-Profit $9,070 Add Review
Florida Tech University Online For-Profit $14,279 60% (50 reviews)
Fordham University Non-Profit $38,602 Add Review
Fresno Pacific University Non-Profit $24,790 Add Review
Full Sail University For-Profit $21,560 Add Review
G School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Georgetown University Non-Profit $37,848 Add Review
Georgia Institute of Technology Non-Profit $26,926 Add Review
Georgia Military College Non-Profit $5,172 Add Review
Georgia Southern University Non-Profit $15,240 Add Review
Golden Gate University Non-Profit $13,920 Add Review
Grace Bible College --- --- Add Review
Grand Canyon University For-Profit $16,500 50% (136 reviews)
Grantham University For-Profit $6,390 Add Review
Green Mountain College Non-Profit $29,316 Add Review
H School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Hawaii Pacific University --- --- Add Review
I School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Independence University For-Profit $12,565 Add Review
International Academy of Design and Technology Online For-Profit $19,890 66% (3 reviews)
Iowa Central College Non-Profit $5,790 100% (5 reviews)
Iowa State University Non-Profit $18,563 Add Review
Ivy Bridge College For-Profit --- Add Review
J School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Jack Welch Management Institute --- --- Add Review
Jones International University For-Profit $11,880 62% (32 reviews)
K School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Kaplan University For-Profit $15,372 33% (112 reviews)
Kaplan University - Business Programs For-Profit $15,372 50% (20 reviews)
Kaplan University - Criminal Justice Programs For-Profit $15,372 88% (17 reviews)
Kaplan University - Education Programs For-Profit $15,372 100% (1 review)
Kaplan University - Healthcare Programs For-Profit $15,372 0% (1 review)
Kaplan University - Information Technology Programs For-Profit $15,372 60% (5 reviews)
Kaplan University - Legal Programs For-Profit $15,372 60% (5 reviews)
Keiser University eCampus For-Profit $14,176 41% (41 reviews)
Keller Graduate School of Management Online For-Profit --- 33% (9 reviews)
Kendall College - ECE For-Profit $19,225 Add Review
L School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
La Sierra University Non-Profit $27,231 Add Review
Lake Forest Graduate School of Management Non-Profit --- Add Review
Lasell College Non-Profit $26,000 Add Review
Lawrence Tech --- --- Add Review
Liberty University Online Non-Profit $11,700 62% (61 reviews)
Louisiana Tech University Non-Profit $12,805 Add Review
Luther Rice Seminary & University Non-Profit $5,376 Add Review
Lynn University Non-Profit $31,700 Add Review
M School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Medaille College For-Profit --- Add Review
Medical Transcription Education Center For-Profit --- Add Review
Mercer University Non-Profit $31,548 Add Review
Mercy College - Online Non-Profit $17,360 Add Review
Michigan State University Non-Profit --- Add Review
Michigan Technological University Non-Profit $24,527 Add Review
Minnesota State University at Mankato Non-Profit $14,270 Add Review
Mississippi State University Non-Profit $13,801 Add Review
Montana State University Non-Profit $19,152 Add Review
N School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Nebraska Methodist College Non-Profit $12,000 Add Review
New England College Non-Profit $29,054 100% (2 reviews)
New Jersey Institute of Technology Non-Profit $25,334 Add Review
North Carolina A&T State University Non-Profit $13,858 Add Review
North Dakota State University Non-Profit $17,516 Add Review
North Park University-Chicago Non-Profit $21,050 Add Review
Northcentral University For-Profit $8,400 53% (47 reviews)
Northern Arizona University Non-Profit $20,072 Add Review
Northern Michigan University Non-Profit $13,142 Add Review
Northwest Nazarene University Non-Profit $24,030 Add Review
Northwestern State University of Louisiana Non-Profit $12,203 Add Review
Norwich University --- --- 100% (3 reviews)
O School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Oral Roberts University Non-Profit $20,054 Add Review
Ottawa University Online Non-Profit $9,960 Add Review
P School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Penn Foster Career School For-Profit --- 77% (22 reviews)
Penn Foster Career School - Business For-Profit --- 100% (4 reviews)
Penn Foster Career School - Design & Technology For-Profit --- 100% (1 review)
Penn Foster Career School - Healthcare For-Profit --- 85% (7 reviews)
Penn Foster Career School - High School Diploma For-Profit --- 85% (7 reviews)
Penn Foster Career School - Vocational Programs For-Profit --- 100% (1 review)
Penn Foster College For-Profit --- 65% (108 reviews)
Pennsylvania State University Non-Profit $28,066 Add Review
Pittsburgh Technical Institute Online For-Profit $15,055 Add Review
Potomac College Online --- --- Add Review
Purdue University Distance Learning Non-Profit $26,622 Add Review
Q School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Quinnipiac University Non-Profit $34,250 100% (1 review)
R School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Regent University Non-Profit $12,330 Add Review
Regis University Online Non-Profit $30,598 83% (6 reviews)
Robert Morris University Non-Profit $21,550 Add Review
Roger Williams University - Online Non-Profit $30,908 Add Review
S School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Saint Francis University Non-Profit $26,534 Add Review
Saint Joseph College-Connecticut Non-Profit $30,310 Add Review
Saint Leo University Online Non-Profit $18,150 79% (24 reviews)
Saint Mary of the Woods College Non-Profit $24,500 Add Review
Salem International University For-Profit $12,690 Add Review
San Joaquin Valley College Online For-Profit $13,625 74% (35 reviews)
Savannah College of Art and Design Non-Profit $29,570 Add Review
Schiller International University Online --- --- Add Review
Seton Hall University - Online Non-Profit $33,490 Add Review
South Dakota State University Non-Profit $8,602 Add Review
Southern California Seminary Non-Profit $13,068 Add Review
Southern New Hampshire University Online Non-Profit $11,520 Add Review
Spartan College For-Profit $15,000 Add Review
Stark State College Non-Profit $5,172 Add Review
State University of New York Non-Profit $14,545 Add Review
Strayer University Online For-Profit $14,085 40% (35 reviews)
Sullivan University For-Profit $17,100 Add Review
SUNY Delhi Online Non-Profit $10,535 Add Review
SUNY-University at Albany Non-Profit $15,282 Add Review
T School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Tennessee Tech University Non-Profit $20,038 Add Review
Tennessee Temple University Non-Profit $20,038 Add Review
Texas Tech University-University College Non-Profit $14,892 Add Review
The George Washington University Non-Profit $42,905 100% (2 reviews)
The University of Scranton Non-Profit $34,536 0% (1 review)
The University of Toledo Non-Profit $17,908 Add Review
U School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Ultimate Medical Academy Online Learning For-Profit $13,725 Add Review
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Non-Profit $25,280 Add Review
University Canada West For-Profit --- Add Review
University of Advancing Technology Online For-Profit $19,500 Add Review
University of Bridgeport - Online Non-Profit $27,330 0% (1 review)
University of Colorado-Denver Non-Profit $29,493 Add Review
University of Florida - Online --- --- Add Review
University of Idaho - Online Non-Profit $16,994 Add Review
University of Illinois-Springfield Non-Profit $15,421 Add Review
University of La Verne - Online Non-Profit $31,300 Add Review
University of Massachusetts at Lowell Non-Profit $23,736 Add Review
University of Michigan - Dearborn Non-Profit $20,631 Add Review
University of Minnesota Non-Profit $11,532 Add Review
University of Mississippi Non-Profit $4,796 Add Review
University of Missouri Non-Profit $20,516 Add Review
University of Nebraska at Kearney - Online Non-Profit $11,676 Add Review
University of Nevada at Las Vegas Non-Profit $20,023 Add Review
University of New England - Online Non-Profit $30,500 Add Review
University of North Carolina at Greensboro - Online Non-Profit $26,834 Add Review
University of North Dakota Online Non-Profit $16,373 Add Review
University of Northwestern Ohio - Online Non-Profit $13,430 Add Review
University of Notre Dame Non-Profit $39,919 Add Review
University of Phoenix For-Profit $10,120 52% (460 reviews)
University of Phoenix - Business For-Profit $10,120 73% (42 reviews)
University of Phoenix - Criminal Justice For-Profit $10,120 72% (11 reviews)
University of Phoenix - Design For-Profit $11,880 Add Review
University of Phoenix - Education For-Profit $10,120 61% (18 reviews)
University of Phoenix - Healthcare For-Profit $10,120 53% (13 reviews)
University of Phoenix - Human Services For-Profit $10,120 44% (18 reviews)
University of Phoenix - IT and Computer Science For-Profit $10,120 76% (13 reviews)
University of Pittsburgh Non-Profit $22,688 Add Review
University of San Francisco Non-Profit $36,380 Add Review
University of South Florida Non-Profit $16,007 Add Review
University of Southern Mississippi - Online Non-Profit $13,790 Add Review
University of Tennessee Non-Profit $22,720 Add Review
University of the Rockies Online For-Profit $12,096 68% (16 reviews)
University of the Southwest Non-Profit $14,500 0% (1 review)
University of Vermont Non-Profit $34,424 Add Review
University of Washington Non-Profit $25,329 Add Review
University of West Florida Non-Profit $15,319 Add Review
USC Rossier School of Education Non-Profit $42,818 Add Review
USC School of Social Work Non-Profit $41,022 Add Review
Utah State University - Online Non-Profit $15,860 Add Review
V School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Valdosta State University Non-Profit $15,278 Add Review
Vaughn College Non-Profit $18,400 Add Review
Villanova University Online Non-Profit $39,930 100% (1 review)
Virginia College Online Programs For-Profit $12,916 40% (44 reviews)
W School Type Annual Tuition Recommend Rate
Walden University For-Profit $9,480 61% (78 reviews)
Webster University Non-Profit $22,400 Add Review
West Virginia University - Online Non-Profit $17,002 Add Review
Western Carolina University - Online Non-Profit $14,984 Add Review
Western Governors University Non-Profit $5,870 77% (80 reviews)
Western International University For-Profit $10,560 75% (8 reviews)
Western Kentucky University - Online Non-Profit $20,016 Add Review
Westwood College - Online Campus
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Benefits of Online Education
Students can "attend" a course at anytime, from anywhere. This means that parents can attend to their children, then sit down to class; working students can attend classes no matter what their work schedule might be, folks that travel for business or pleasure can attend class from anywhere in the world that has internet access.
Online learning enables student-centered teaching approaches. Every student has their own way of learning that works best for them. Some learn visually others do better when they "learn by doing."
Course material is accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Students have the ability to read and re read lectures, discussions, explanations and comments. Often spoken material in the classroom passes students by due to a number of distractions, missed classes, tiredness or boredom.
In an online environment, attendance to class is only evident if the student actually participates in classroom discussion. This increases student interaction and the diversity of opinion, because everyone gets a say, not just the most talkative.
Online instructors come with practical knowledge and may be from any location across the globe. This allows students to be exposed to knowledge that can't be learned in books and see how class concepts are applied in real business situations.
Using the internet to attend class, research information and communication with other students teaches skills in using technologies that will be critical to workers in the 21st century business community that works with colleagues globally and across time zones.
Participating online is much less intimidating than "in the classroom." Anonymity provides students a level playing field undisturbed by bias caused by seating arrangement, gender, race and age. Students can also think longer about what they want to say and add their comments when ready. In a traditional class room, the conversation could have gone way past the point where the student wants to comment.
Because online institutions often offer "chat rooms" for informal conversation between students, where student bios and non class discussions can take place, there appears to be a increased bonding and camaraderie over traditional class environments.
The online environment makes instructors more approachable. Students can talk openly with their teachers through online chats, email and in newsgroup discussions, without waiting for office hours that may not be convenient. This option for communication provides enhanced contact between instructors and students.
Online course development allows for a broad spectrum of content. Students can access the school's library from their PC's for research articles, ebook content and other material without worries that the material is already "checked out."
Students often feel that they can actually listen to the comments made by other students. Because everyone gets a chance to contribute, students are less irritated with those that "over contribute" and can ask for clarification of any comments that are unclear.
Over 75% of colleges and universities in the U.S. offer online degree programs, with online degrees as respected as "on the ground" degrees. (Lewis)
Online classrooms also facilitate team learning by providing chatrooms and newsgroups for meetings and joint work. This eliminates the problems of mismatched schedules, finding a meeting location and distributing work for review between meetings.
Students often comment that online learning lets them attend class when fully awake and attend in increments of convenient time block, rather than rigid 2 or 4 hour stretches once or twice a week.
Because there are no geographic barriers to online learning, students can find a diversity of course material that may not be available to them where they live or work. This is especially true for professional training such as medical billing training or purchasing training and for students in remote rural areas that cannot support college or vocational training centers.
Online learning enables student-centered teaching approaches. Every student has their own way of learning that works best for them. Some learn visually others do better when they "learn by doing."
Course material is accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Students have the ability to read and re read lectures, discussions, explanations and comments. Often spoken material in the classroom passes students by due to a number of distractions, missed classes, tiredness or boredom.
In an online environment, attendance to class is only evident if the student actually participates in classroom discussion. This increases student interaction and the diversity of opinion, because everyone gets a say, not just the most talkative.
Online instructors come with practical knowledge and may be from any location across the globe. This allows students to be exposed to knowledge that can't be learned in books and see how class concepts are applied in real business situations.
Using the internet to attend class, research information and communication with other students teaches skills in using technologies that will be critical to workers in the 21st century business community that works with colleagues globally and across time zones.
Participating online is much less intimidating than "in the classroom." Anonymity provides students a level playing field undisturbed by bias caused by seating arrangement, gender, race and age. Students can also think longer about what they want to say and add their comments when ready. In a traditional class room, the conversation could have gone way past the point where the student wants to comment.
Because online institutions often offer "chat rooms" for informal conversation between students, where student bios and non class discussions can take place, there appears to be a increased bonding and camaraderie over traditional class environments.
The online environment makes instructors more approachable. Students can talk openly with their teachers through online chats, email and in newsgroup discussions, without waiting for office hours that may not be convenient. This option for communication provides enhanced contact between instructors and students.
Online course development allows for a broad spectrum of content. Students can access the school's library from their PC's for research articles, ebook content and other material without worries that the material is already "checked out."
Students often feel that they can actually listen to the comments made by other students. Because everyone gets a chance to contribute, students are less irritated with those that "over contribute" and can ask for clarification of any comments that are unclear.
Over 75% of colleges and universities in the U.S. offer online degree programs, with online degrees as respected as "on the ground" degrees. (Lewis)
Online classrooms also facilitate team learning by providing chatrooms and newsgroups for meetings and joint work. This eliminates the problems of mismatched schedules, finding a meeting location and distributing work for review between meetings.
Students often comment that online learning lets them attend class when fully awake and attend in increments of convenient time block, rather than rigid 2 or 4 hour stretches once or twice a week.
Because there are no geographic barriers to online learning, students can find a diversity of course material that may not be available to them where they live or work. This is especially true for professional training such as medical billing training or purchasing training and for students in remote rural areas that cannot support college or vocational training centers.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Why Online Degree ?
Why get a degree online?
Flexibility and lower costs are two of the main advantages to online learning. For more information, read our library article 10 Advantages to Taking Online Classes.
10 Advantages to Taking Online Classes
Taking classes online is a popular way for working professionals to have the chance to earn a degree at their own pace. People who take online classes usually are looking for career advancement, career changes, or just want to finish a degree program they started at another college. There are hundreds of online programs and online schools to choose from, making it easier than ever before for prospective students to find the right one.
Earning a degree from an online college can possibly lead to a promotion and/or salary increase, or prepare you for a new career. Even though classroom learning may be considered more traditional, online education is beneficial in its own right. Below are 10 advantages to online learning.
Degree Programs and Classes Offered
There are a variety of degree programs and single classes offered through online colleges. Being able to choose from many different programs allows prospective students to find a program that will suit their needs. These days, programs such as business management, nursing, computer programming, marketing, communications, and human resources management are just a few that are available online.
Additionally, students can also choose from various types of degrees depending on previous educational attainment. Associate, bachelor's, master's, MBA, J.D., and Ph.D. degrees can all be earned online.
Lower Costs
It is not uncommon for tuition at online schools to be lower than that of a traditional school, although this is certainly not true of all online programs. In addition, costs associated with things like commuting or typical classroom supplies are not relevant in an online learning environment, therefore, lowering overall costs. Furthermore, students might not have to worry about rising textbook prices as some programs may not require them or provide reading materials online. Commonly, students are able to download all materials needed for their classes, including lectures, assignments, additional notes, and other materials.
No Sitting in a Classroom
Since all classes are online, students will not have to attend classes. Lectures and other materials are electronically sent to the student who will then read them, prepare to take quizzes, and complete assignments. Students will never have to visit a classroom. For those working full time, this will save time, simplify studying, and make scheduling events in their lives much easier. Students will also not have to find parking spaces, leave work early to go to class, or miss important family time.
Choosing Study Times
Students will be able to plan their study time around the rest of their day instead of the other way around. It is the student's choice whether or not studying at nighttime or in the morning is best for them. It is recommended that students try to develop a study routine if they can. Having to work and attend classes at the same time can be very stressful. Online classes remove the stress by allowing students to learn when it is convenient for them.
Flexibility in Completing Assignments
Schedules may not be as strict when taking classes online. Students can work on and complete assignments when they are ready and at their own pace. As long as they complete the assignments required by the deadline, they will be fine. In addition, students usually are not penalized for turning in assignments early if they wish to work ahead to accommodate a business trip or family vacation.
Tests and quizzes will likely have to be taken within a week after they are announced, but students will still be able to choose when they would like to take them. Unlike traditional students who have set class times, online students are able to review materials until they feel they are ready to complete assignments or take tests and quizzes.
Options When Returning to the Workplace
For parents who have children, but plan on returning to the workplace in the near future, earning a degree while taking care of children will help them stay informed about changes in their former career. If they are trying a new career, they will be able to perform the job requirements of the related position.
Many times, parents who choose to stay home with their children until they are of age to attend school lose touch with the workplace. Earning a degree can show prospective employers that the parent wants to remain informed and be prepared for the new challenges that may await them once they return to their career.
Balance a Job and Class
Even though someone desires to go back to school, it doesn't mean that they want to leave their current job. Online degree programs make it so that they don't have to. Students will be able to go to work during the day and study at nighttime. Many people go to night school after work to participate in evening classes and are exhausted by the time they get home each night. Online classes provide the same instruction without the exhaustion, commute, or unnecessary hassle.
Avoid Adverse Weather Conditions
During snowstorms and thunderstorms, colleges may cancel classes. When colleges cancel classes, those classes sometimes have to be made up. This may cause the semester to run longer or the class may run longer in some cases. This can hurt students who are on a tight schedule and can't afford delays in their schooling. For those who work and have families, every second counts. People who learn online do not have to worry about cancelled classes. Even if their Internet service shuts down for the evening, they will still be able to complete their assignments on time and not have to extend their studies.
Specialized Degree Programs
In many online degree programs, students are not required to take elective classes unless required by their major. This allows students to focus on and study specifically what they need to learn for their job. For many students who want to just learn information relevant to their major, online degree programs work best, as this approach will save time and help students earn their degree faster.
Transfer Credits
Students can also choose to earn some of their college credits online and some in a traditional college setting. For college students who want to attend summer classes, but who live too far from their colleges or have to work summer jobs, taking online classes from an accredited college and transferring the credits to their primary college is a good idea. Students will be able to earn college credit while still enjoying their summer vacation or fulfilling the responsibilities of their seasonal jobs.
These are just a few of the many advantages of taking online classes. People who enroll in online degree programs are able to manage their time, learn the materials that are presented, and complete assignments on their own schedules. While it might not be for everyone, this type of learning helps many people learn faster, retain more information, and earn a degree which otherwise would not be possible.
Flexibility and lower costs are two of the main advantages to online learning. For more information, read our library article 10 Advantages to Taking Online Classes.
10 Advantages to Taking Online Classes
Taking classes online is a popular way for working professionals to have the chance to earn a degree at their own pace. People who take online classes usually are looking for career advancement, career changes, or just want to finish a degree program they started at another college. There are hundreds of online programs and online schools to choose from, making it easier than ever before for prospective students to find the right one.
Earning a degree from an online college can possibly lead to a promotion and/or salary increase, or prepare you for a new career. Even though classroom learning may be considered more traditional, online education is beneficial in its own right. Below are 10 advantages to online learning.
Degree Programs and Classes Offered
There are a variety of degree programs and single classes offered through online colleges. Being able to choose from many different programs allows prospective students to find a program that will suit their needs. These days, programs such as business management, nursing, computer programming, marketing, communications, and human resources management are just a few that are available online.
Additionally, students can also choose from various types of degrees depending on previous educational attainment. Associate, bachelor's, master's, MBA, J.D., and Ph.D. degrees can all be earned online.
Lower Costs
It is not uncommon for tuition at online schools to be lower than that of a traditional school, although this is certainly not true of all online programs. In addition, costs associated with things like commuting or typical classroom supplies are not relevant in an online learning environment, therefore, lowering overall costs. Furthermore, students might not have to worry about rising textbook prices as some programs may not require them or provide reading materials online. Commonly, students are able to download all materials needed for their classes, including lectures, assignments, additional notes, and other materials.
No Sitting in a Classroom
Since all classes are online, students will not have to attend classes. Lectures and other materials are electronically sent to the student who will then read them, prepare to take quizzes, and complete assignments. Students will never have to visit a classroom. For those working full time, this will save time, simplify studying, and make scheduling events in their lives much easier. Students will also not have to find parking spaces, leave work early to go to class, or miss important family time.
Choosing Study Times
Students will be able to plan their study time around the rest of their day instead of the other way around. It is the student's choice whether or not studying at nighttime or in the morning is best for them. It is recommended that students try to develop a study routine if they can. Having to work and attend classes at the same time can be very stressful. Online classes remove the stress by allowing students to learn when it is convenient for them.
Flexibility in Completing Assignments
Schedules may not be as strict when taking classes online. Students can work on and complete assignments when they are ready and at their own pace. As long as they complete the assignments required by the deadline, they will be fine. In addition, students usually are not penalized for turning in assignments early if they wish to work ahead to accommodate a business trip or family vacation.
Tests and quizzes will likely have to be taken within a week after they are announced, but students will still be able to choose when they would like to take them. Unlike traditional students who have set class times, online students are able to review materials until they feel they are ready to complete assignments or take tests and quizzes.
Options When Returning to the Workplace
For parents who have children, but plan on returning to the workplace in the near future, earning a degree while taking care of children will help them stay informed about changes in their former career. If they are trying a new career, they will be able to perform the job requirements of the related position.
Many times, parents who choose to stay home with their children until they are of age to attend school lose touch with the workplace. Earning a degree can show prospective employers that the parent wants to remain informed and be prepared for the new challenges that may await them once they return to their career.
Balance a Job and Class
Even though someone desires to go back to school, it doesn't mean that they want to leave their current job. Online degree programs make it so that they don't have to. Students will be able to go to work during the day and study at nighttime. Many people go to night school after work to participate in evening classes and are exhausted by the time they get home each night. Online classes provide the same instruction without the exhaustion, commute, or unnecessary hassle.
Avoid Adverse Weather Conditions
During snowstorms and thunderstorms, colleges may cancel classes. When colleges cancel classes, those classes sometimes have to be made up. This may cause the semester to run longer or the class may run longer in some cases. This can hurt students who are on a tight schedule and can't afford delays in their schooling. For those who work and have families, every second counts. People who learn online do not have to worry about cancelled classes. Even if their Internet service shuts down for the evening, they will still be able to complete their assignments on time and not have to extend their studies.
Specialized Degree Programs
In many online degree programs, students are not required to take elective classes unless required by their major. This allows students to focus on and study specifically what they need to learn for their job. For many students who want to just learn information relevant to their major, online degree programs work best, as this approach will save time and help students earn their degree faster.
Transfer Credits
Students can also choose to earn some of their college credits online and some in a traditional college setting. For college students who want to attend summer classes, but who live too far from their colleges or have to work summer jobs, taking online classes from an accredited college and transferring the credits to their primary college is a good idea. Students will be able to earn college credit while still enjoying their summer vacation or fulfilling the responsibilities of their seasonal jobs.
These are just a few of the many advantages of taking online classes. People who enroll in online degree programs are able to manage their time, learn the materials that are presented, and complete assignments on their own schedules. While it might not be for everyone, this type of learning helps many people learn faster, retain more information, and earn a degree which otherwise would not be possible.
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