Is online education the miraculous solution to expensive college costs and scheduling problems? Is it the end of face-to-face discussions and scenic campuses that define the college experience? Spoiler alert: It’s neither. Like most things in life, there are both benefits and drawbacks to getting an online college education, and the truth is somewhere in the middle—especially since online programs vary a lot in what they offer students. Consider these major aspects of pursuing a college degree online to see if it might work for you.
There are a lot of program options
You'll find practically any type of degree you’d want offered online: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, certificates, and even doctorates. Though there aren't as many online college choices as there are brick-and-mortar schools, more and more colleges and universities are offering online versions of programs they also offer on campus, or programs entirely unique to the online format. Even among programs that are available online, some work better in a virtual setting than others. If you’re interested in a more hands-on major, like those in health care, you may be better served by an in-person degree program. Conduct a college search to find the online program that fits your needs, including whether you want a hybrid (online and in-person) or an entirely online program.
Related: Top Pros and Cons of Pursuing an Online Degree Program
You'll have tons of flexibility
Online learning has opened up educational opportunities for people who might not have had them before, whether due to where they live, work or family responsibilities, and even being differently abled. With online education, no matter where you live, as long as you have a computer and Internet connection, you have options.
Not only that but you also have the convenience of deciding when and where to take your online classes. Though there will likely be deadlines for assignments and exams, and you may encounter some live lectures and group discussions, with online education, you can generally work through the course at your leisure. You can also log in and access coursework and lectures at any time, which helps with reviewing the material for exams.
You need to be highly motivated and self-directed
The freedom that makes online education such a blessing for some can be a curse for others. If you struggle with procrastination, understanding the material, or time management—like many students do—it can be hard to get through your online college coursework. Sure, traditional college programs require a hefty dose of self-discipline and time-management skills too, but because online courses are primarily self-directed, you need even more self motivation.
It takes a lot of energy to carve out time to watch lectures and work on projects, particularly if you’re fitting them into a busy work week. Obviously, the more responsibilities you have to juggle, the harder you'll have to try to maintain the balancing act. Also, because it takes a lot of dedication, determination, and drive to earn a college degree online, your peers who pursue a degree alongside are the kind of people you want in your professional network.
Related: How to Take Charge of Your Education in Online Classes
The cost is generally lower
No matter what online college program you attend, you will almost certainly save money on room, board, or commuting costs—and you can apply for financial aid and scholarships just like an on-campus student. Online programs tend to be cheaper than their in-person counterparts since colleges can save money on overhead costs. However, this isn’t always the case. You may find little or no difference in tuition costs between a college’s online and in-person programs. Just keep in mind that if your online program does have an in-person component, such as one weekend on campus a month, it may mean you need to pay for travel and lodging.
You lose the campus experience
No study sessions in the library. No joining campus clubs and extracurriculars. No running to the academic or career center for help. No college computer labs with all their fancy (and expensive) software. No hitting up parties on the weekend. Your house is your lecture hall, and your neighborhood is your campus. As for your peers, forget about old-fashioned socializing. You’ll have chat rooms and online hangouts, but other opportunities for study groups and networking after class are hard to come by.
This might be part of the appeal of earning your degree online. But if you think you’ll regret missing the on-campus experience, especially if you’re coming straight from high school, you may want to reconsider attending an online program. It’s not impossible to still get some interaction with your peers, but it takes extra effort, like organizing a meet-up in a central location.
Related: 4 Easy Networking Strategies for Online Students
Program completion time can be faster
You may be able to finish an online college degree more quickly than a traditional four-year degree program on campus. This can be especially helpful to students who want to use online programs to complete a degree they started elsewhere, since they may be able to take only the classes they need for their major to graduate, rather than gen eds. This is also helpful if you work a full-time job or are trying to get into the workforce that much sooner.
You’ll have limited face time with professors
Even though your online college professors might hold virtual “office hours,” you may find it difficult to engage with them when it comes to questions about the material or professional advice and mentoring. Professors are also much more hands-off in teaching online classes, so if you’re looking for extra help or one-on-one time with them, you’re likely to get little (if any) of it. This isn’t to say you can’t develop mentoring and networking relationships with your online professors, but it’s harder.
Online class discussions are a unique communication experience
In an online class, you will almost certainly have to participate in discussions—often for credit. So if a fear of public speaking has held you back, you may enjoy the ability to type out your responses and review them before you post. And when everyone is required to participate, you can read and learn from all of your classmates’ thoughts. It’s harder for one or a few people to dominate the conversation when everyone is required to speak. However, when most or all of your interactions are online, it’s key to communicate well. You will be judged primarily on your writing abilities, so you’ll learn to put forth your best work and clearly articulate yourself.
Related: How You Can Benefit From Massive Open Online Courses
You need to have the right technology
You need a fast, reliable, and up-to-date computer and Internet connection to be successful in online classes. Most online schools will post the technology recommended—or required—to take their courses. If you don’t have it, you’ll need to get it, which can be an extra financial burden. And depending on the online school and its IT services, you may not have much support.
There are misconceptions about online education
The reputation of online education has been steadily improving. Still, a lot of people view online education as easier and less reputable than in-person education. That’s simply not the case. To be sure, there are some lower-caliber online degree programs out there, but online education programs vary in their selectivity and rigor just like brick-and-mortar schools do. Their coursework is just as challenging as it would be in person, if not more so, given the self-discipline required to complete an online degree.
Some online programs are scams
Although the government and law enforcement have cracked down on diploma mills and other online degree scams over the years, they’re still out there preying on students. Red flags include a guaranteed degree, guaranteed scholarships, lack of accreditation, super-short programs (we’re talking a couple of months or even weeks), and virtually nonexistent admission requirements. Basically, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Learn how to recognize the red-flags of diploma mills as you begin your search.
Related: How to Make Online Learning Work Better for You
It’s so important to conduct a thorough college search, regardless of whether you want to get an online or in-person college education. This means you should know the overall reputation of the school and your intended major; its student outcomes like job placement, student debt, and graduation rate; and how its mission and values jibe with your own. The online program search isn't so different from the traditional college search, so with this advice in mind, go forth and find the academic path that works best for you.
Whether you plan on attending school virtually or on campus, The CollegeXpress Ultimate Guide to the College Search can help you narrow down your academic options!
