Online Degrees Offer a Fast and Affordable Option for Students

The online learning industry is projected to reach $370 billion by 2026, and last year, many colleges introduced remote learning programs for the first time to maintain enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic. In other words, more institutions are offering online degrees and certifications than ever before - and the trend won’t end anytime soon. That’s great news for students. With a quick search, you can start earning your degree from the comfort of your home.

Benefits of Online Degrees: What Students Should Know

Remote learning isn’t perfect for every student, as in-person classrooms have some advantages. However, the benefits of online programs are substantial, particularly if your goal is to earn a degree while working or caring for your family. By taking coursework online, you can further your education on your own terms.

Reasons to consider online degree programs:

A Better School-Life Balance - Many classes allow students to attend lectures and complete coursework on a flexible schedule. With the right program, you can work towards your degree when you have the opportunity - that might mean taking a single class at a time or structuring your studies around your job.

A Supportive Learning Environment - If you feel uncomfortable in a traditional classroom, online courses can remove some of the stress while helping you stay focused. You’ll attend lectures from your home (or coffeeshop, or anywhere else with a decent internet connection), and you’ll still have access to your professors and fellow students.

Lower Tuition Costs - Not all online degree programs are less expensive than in-person classes; you’ll need to evaluate schools carefully to find options that fit your budget (we’ll address that more later in this article). However, online classes cut out some of the other costs of college. You won’t pay for parking, food, room & board, or certain administrative fees, and tuition costs can be considerably lower. If you’re hoping to finish a degree or earn a certification while maintaining your budget, online schools can be enormously helpful.

Of course, the main benefit to an online degree is simple: You’ll earn the same diploma as students who attend in-person classes.Whether you’re pursuing a certification course or graduate program, your credentials will be legitimate - and the right degree can open up exciting new career opportunities.

Types of Affordable Degrees Available Online

In the past, only a limited number of degrees were available online. That’s no longer the case; whether you’re looking for a certification for a particular career path or you’re simply trying to finish your degree, you’ll have hundreds of options from well-known colleges and universities.

To get started, you’ll need to compare at least 3-4 schools. If you’re not sure which program is right for you, consider looking at more options. Common types of online education programs include:

Certification Programs - Certification programs focus on developing knowledge and skills for a specific topic. These programs don’t take more than one or two years to complete and are often significantly less expensive than online graduate degrees. A certification can help you build your resume or find quick work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), medical coder, transcriptionist, or another high-paying job.

Associate Degree - This type of degree usually takes a minimum of two years to complete, but some schools offer accelerated programs.

An associate’s degree can allow you to pursue a lucrative career as a paralegal, computer programmer, personal care aide, web developer, or dental hygienist - and that’s not a comprehensive list.

Bachelor’s and Postgraduate Programs - By working remotely, students can now complete their baccalaureate degrees in dozens of different fields. Popular options include computer engineering, early childhood education, nursing, business administration, and psychology. If you’ve already earned your bachelor’s, online programs can help you earn a postgraduate degree like a master’s or doctorate.

With some quick research, you can take the first steps towards a new career. However, you’ll need to read carefully, considering factors like school reputation and tuition costs to find an online university that works for you.

Finding Online Resources for Online Degrees

Different online degree programs may offer different benefits for students. Some well-established remote learning courses provide a convenient, affordable path to a degree, while others offer limited flexibility and high tuition costs.

Before enrolling, you’ll want to compare programs carefully. Visit several colleges and universities, collecting information about their tuition costs, online capabilities, and the expected completion time for a degree in your field of interest. By using the resources on this page, you can make an informed decision about your educational career - and start working towards your goals.