Is An Online Degree Program Right For You?

Posted by
Jeff Black On Aug 21 , 2013

Choosing to further your education is a huge decision that requires a lot of thoughtful consideration. Assess the pros and cons of online schooling before taking the leap to better your future. Here is a brief rundown of the benefits and drawbacks of getting your degree online.

Benefits of Online Degree Programs
  1. One major plus to online schooling is flexibility. This is especially important to people working full-time jobs who want to better their future. If you work during the day or have unpredictable work hours, an online school may be your best bet for a high GPA.
  2. No reliable means of transportation or decent school local to you? Earning a degree from the comfort of your home is a convenient option. You can log in whenever it is convenient for you and not worry about battling rush hour traffic traveling to and from classes, or worse, the expense of living on-campus.
  3. If you are more of an independent worker, one huge benefit of online schooling is the lack of group projects. Instead of worrying about a group of students potentially pulling your grade down, you can complete most assignments on your own terms, in the privacy of your home.
Drawbacks of Taking Online Classes
  1. If you are looking for personalized, one-on-one interaction with your professors, online college may not be right for you. Professors are always available to interact via email, but usually, do not meet with students who are enrolled in online classes in person.
  2. Online schools do not offer extracurricular activities or organizations to join outside of school, so if you want to meet new people and expand your social circle or explore new hobbies, a more traditional route may be your best bet.
  3. If you do not have easy access to your own computer, an online school may be a bit more difficult for you. Of course, you can always visit your local library or borrow a computer from a friend, but the convenience of having your own computer is a huge plus when enrolled in an online degree program.

Before enrolling in an online university or distance learning program, be sure to consider all the pros and cons of this life-changing decision.