8 Top Reasons People Are Choosing To Pursue Online College Degrees

Unlike a few years ago, online college degrees have now gone mainstream. Online college degrees have now earned the reputation of being a credible way to become educated as more and more employers are embracing online education in record numbers.

When getting an online college degree, most employers are not overly concerned about how a degree was earned. According to research, employers are more concerned about the overall school reputation and educational quality. (1)

These days, two types of universities issue online college degrees: those that are online only types of universities (such as the University of Phoenix) and those with traditional campuses that now also offer online degrees (such as the University of Massachusetts).

As a person researches their online college degree options, they have to make sure to also include well-regarded traditional universities in their region that also offer online college classes. Familiar names with close-to-home campuses tend to play best with potential employers.

As a person researches their online college degree options, they have to make sure to also include well-regarded traditional universities in their region that also offer online college classes. Familiar names with close-to-home campuses tend to play best with potential employers. (2)

The last Survey of Online Learning by the Babson Survey Research Group shows that nearly six million students take at least one course online. Just over 28% of students in higher education take at least one online course, with more and more students taking online courses at major, public non-profit universities. (3, 4)

According to a study, students attending online colleges report the highest level of satisfaction with their college education experience  — 21 percentage points higher than students who attend traditional colleges. (5)

Whether a student wants to take a few online college classes or finish a degree 100% online, there’s no shortage of reasons to choose an online college degree. Here are the 8 top reasons why people choose to pursue online college degrees.

8. Self-paced learning. Going at a person’s own pace is shown to be a more effective learning method for independent learners. With online classes, a student is in charge of when and how much to study within the course framework.

7. Availability of certain credentials. The explosive growth of online college degree programs means that it’s easier than ever to earn an online college degree through an accredited institution (one deemed by a third-party agency to have met established educational standards). So what does that mean? In the eyes of future employers, a person’s online degree from an accredited college or university is just as valuable as a traditional degree while being a much more flexible option for that person’s current lifestyle.

6. More choices. Yesterday’s online degree program option: basket weaving. Today’s options: wide open. From accounting to business administration to HR management to marketing, there’s virtually no limit to which college degree you can earn online.

5. Faster completion. Besides accelerated courses, some college degree programs are accelerated, too, helping fast-track a student to the finish.

4. Lower costs. Online college degree programs take advantage of online’s inherent ability for self-paced instruction, flexible adjunct faculty, and student mentors to help adult learners save on tuition, instruction or other costs.

3. Accelerated courses. Learn at a fast and convenient pace with accelerated online college classes. Some universities (for example Franklin University) offer 6-, 12- and 15-week courses.

2. Anytime, anywhere studying. One of the benefits of online study is that a student doesn’t have to get dressed, get in the car, fight traffic, commute to campus and attend class. Study in their pajamas on the couch. Nobody cares. Honestly.

1. More life balance. Online college degrees let a student fit classes into their crazy, jam-packed schedule, making it easier to keep up with work, family, social stuff, and school on their terms.

Thanks to the team at Franklin University for their excellent list.