Did you know that there were more than 21 million students enrolled in college from 2018 to 2019? In the fall semester of 2019, there were about 18.2 million enrolled students.
The majority of students, 7.9 million, enrolled in public universities. 3.8 million students enrolled in private universities.
Students at U.S. colleges represent 7% of the population. Interest in higher education continues to increase, student enrollment increased by more than 39% in the last two decades. Enrollment in universities and colleges is expected to increase to 3.1 million by the year 2028.
Attending college is an important decision for everyone. Online college might be the better choice, especially with the social distancing protocols put in place to keep people safe this year. Keep reading to learn all the reasons why going to school online might be the best choice.
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You’ll Have Plenty of Choices
If you’re just beginning your college career or going back to get your master’s, the options of degrees online continue to expand each day. Most universities and colleges offer many of their on-campus programs online nowadays. You’ll also be surprised to find out that there are degree programs that are only offered online.
The way technology continues to evolve, you’ll likely see the choices continue to multiple. The great thing about online school is that it also offers more specialized options. You might be interested in business school but instead of opting for a generalized degree, you have the option of choosing a program that specializes in the food or hospitality industry.
You’re Not Limited by Location
One of the best reasons to go to college online is that you won’t be limited by your location. If you’re interested in a school that’s across the country, you can still attend it by choosing one of their online programs. You’ll get a high-quality education without having to move to a new city and without the stress of having to find a new place to live.
Another great thing about online school is that you won’t have to worry about traveling. This is especially important for students who are used to commuting. Think about all the money wasted on gas and the traffic jams when you have to drive to class every day, it’ll feel so much better to just hop out of bed and start class without even having to change out of your pajamas.
If you’re naturally an introvert, an online university probably sounds like heaven. You’ll feel more comfortable learning because you get to choose the environment in which you study and complete your assignments. You can choose to work on your classwork in the comfort of your own room, at your favorite coffee shop, or at the local library.
It’s More Flexible
The great thing about taking classes online is the flexibility and convenience of your school schedule. Most online classes don’t have a specific hour you have to attend the class as on-campus courses do. This means that if you have a hectic work schedule, you can still manage to do school work on your own time.
If you lead a busy life, whether you travel for work or have children, an online school offers the flexibility you need to get your education without skipping out on other important areas of your life.
Online College Is Cheaper
Getting an education is a financial commitment that many people struggle with. The rising costs of classes, housing, books, and other student fees can become a burden for students.
You’ll be relieved to find out that attending an online college is much lighter on your bank account than enrolling in a program at a traditional university campus. While tuition for online classes might be the same price or a bit higher than on-campus classes, you’ll save in other areas. When you calculate the difference, you’ll see that online school is the cheapest option.
You’ll get to skip on paying for housing, meal plans, and parking fees. Online versions of textbooks are almost always cheaper than textbooks you have to buy at campus bookstores. There are also plenty of options when it comes to scholarships, financial aid, and loans available to online learners that’ll make school online much more affordable.
Makes Getting a Degree More Accessible
The importance of getting a degree cannot be underestimated in today’s constantly changing job market. There was a time when going to college was a luxury only available to the most privileged. Today things are different as there are more options in how you get your education.
Online college makes education more accessible and therefore gives everyone the same opportunity to earn a degree that can better their future.
Some people don’t have the option to move to another city or state to attend the program of their dreams or they might have physical challenges that online school would simply make easier. Having the option of going to college online makes learning accessible to people who wouldn’t be able to attend a traditional campus.
You Can Learn at Your Own Pace
Many people don’t learn well in a traditional classroom setting. Whether you feel distracted and left behind by the rapid pace of the class or social anxiety keeps you from fully engaging and learning the material, an online school can prevent these issues from becoming a roadblock in your education.
An online class can make you feel more comfortable and will help you retain information with more ease. You’ll also be able to work at the pace that works best for you without worrying that the professor is going through concepts too quickly. If you feel more productive at night, you have the option to work on your classes when the rest of the world is sleeping.
You’ll Earn Your Degree Faster
One of the best things about becoming a student online is that you’re more likely to finish your degree faster. If you’re transferring from another university, chances are you’ll be able to transfer the credits from previous coursework to your online degree.
This will cut down on the time needed to finish your degree. Since you’ll be working at your own pace, you can focus on completing your coursework and learning what’s important without the distraction of living on a college campus.
You’ll Become More Tech Savvy
If technology doesn’t come as easily to you as it does to others, you might think online college isn’t for you. You should give it a chance, however. Deciding to pursue a degree online won’t only teach you what you need to advance in your field of study but you’ll become much more technologically advanced than you were before starting school.
Technology will only continue to evolve and become a bigger part of every aspect of our lives and careers. It’s important to know the basics of using a computer but your tech knowledge has to grow with the times too. Enrolling in school online is the perfect opportunity to learn how to better use the technology around you.
It Can Help Advance Your Career
Most people decide to earn their degree online when they’re going back to school. Whether you’re going back to receive your master’s degree, a certification, or looking to study something completely new, deciding to enroll in an online school is a great step toward advancing your career.
If you already have a job that you love, getting a certification online can help you improve your resume and put you on top of the list for a promotion or raise. If you’re going back to earn a higher degree, your career options will expand and you’ll only continue to climb up the ladder of success.
You’ll Receive the Same Level of Support
Some students worry that attending college online will be an isolating experience where they won’t experience many of the great benefits of attending class face to face with their professors and peers. You’ll be surprised to hear that online learning offers all of the same resources that traditional students receive.
Online instructors still offer office hours. You can also connect with them through email and set up individualized appointments with them when you need further explanation on the coursework.
You can connect with your classmates through group chats. In these chat, you’ll receive the same support you’d get from classmates you meet in person. Full Sail University is a great example of an online college that offers quality education with all the same resources as a traditional university.
The Benefits of Online College Explained
There are many benefits to choosing an online college. You’ll have the flexibility of working at your own pace and completing your schoolwork from any place and at any time.
There are many additional benefits, some of them are listed above. Make sure you check out our other blogs to learn more.
