In life, most things have ups and downs, pros and cons, and getting an online college education is no exception. Online college is not a miraculous solution to the cost of a college education and it is not the end of interacting face to face with other people. It’s actually somewhere in the middle.
Here you will find a list of pros and cons to help determine if an online college is a fit for you.
Pros of Online College:
Flexibility
The ability to attend college online has opened doors for many people who may not have had the opportunity to take college classes before. No matter where you live or what family or work responsibilities you have, as long as you have access to a computer and the internet, you can attend online classes.
You also have the convenience of deciding when you take your classes and where you will watch them. There will always be deadlines and exams, and you may have live lectures or group projects, but you can generally make your own schedule. The flexibility of accessing course work and lectures from wherever you are is a huge perk.
Options
There are numerous degrees you will have to choose from; associate, bachelor’s, master’s, certificates, and doctorates. Many college choices will offer an entirely online program or a hybrid (online and face-to-face) program. You will be able to conduct a search to determine which is best suited for your needs.
Lower Cost
Saving money on room, board, meals, and commuting costs adds up. It is definitely more economical to attend online than in person. There may be an occasional day or weekend where you will have an in-person requirement, which you will have expenses for.
Online programs do not have the expenses associated with brick and mortar colleges, therefore, it will save you money. However, there may be little or no difference in tuition costs. Online education is becoming more mainstream and may not be as cost-effective as it has once been with their tuition rates.
Faster
An online degree can be achieved at a faster rate than a traditional degree program. This is helpful when a student begins a degree program elsewhere and needs certain courses to graduate. It can also mean you enter the workforce much sooner, which is helpful.
Like-Minded Peers
The dedication and determination it takes to earn a college degree online is not something everyone has within them. The students who stick with the program are exactly the ones you want in your network moving forward. Although, it is harder to network with online peers and we will discuss that a little later.
Improved Writing Skills
With having to interact online, communicating well is a must! You will be viewed primarily on your writing skills, so you will need to produce your best work. You will become a better writer and communicator because of all the practice.
Easier Class Discussions
If you have a fear of public speaking, you will most likely appreciate the online discussions. Here, you will be able to type out responses and read them before sending them. You will also be able to read others’ responses before you post. There are times when you will be required to participate and most find online participation to be easier than in person.
Cons of Online College:
Highly Motivated and Responsible
Online courses are mainly self-directed so you will need a good amount of motivation and self-discipline. The freedom from online learning is a benefit for some but can be a downfall to others. If you typically procrastinate, have motivation issues, or trouble understanding material, you may find online learning to be an obstacle for you. You will need an extra dose of motivation and self-discipline to get through the workload on your own.
It takes a lot of self-motivation to schedule times to watch lectures, read the material, and work on projects, especially after a busy day. The more responsibilities you have in your life, the more difficult it is to balance life and school work,
Little Face To Face Interaction
Your professors may hold digital “office hours”, however, you may find it difficult to communicate with them digitally. Professors are more hands-off in teaching online classes than ones in person. If you need extra help or advice, it is not readily available. You can develop a network with them, it’s just harder to do so.
You should have chat rooms and online hangouts to be able to meet with your peers. Unfortunately, other opportunities to network or participate in study groups are just not there. It’s not completely out of the question, but it definitely takes more organizing to meet up in a central location.
No Campus Experience
There won’t be study sessions in the library or clubs to join. No computer lab with their up to date equipment or an academic center to go to for help. Where you reside is your campus and your house/room is the lecture hall. If you think you will miss these things, you may want to rethink online learning.
Latest Technology
Most online programs will let you know the technology recommended or required. It is necessary to comply with their recommendations. You will need an up to date computer and reliable internet access. It will depend on the school you choose as far as their IT support.
Lack of Communication
If the interaction you are receiving from your professors is not quite what you would like, be patient with them. They are perhaps learning how to navigate the online world as well. Let them know if you are not getting the communication you need and work together to achieve the desired results.
Beware of Online College Scams
As the saying goes,” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”. There are online degree scams that will offer a guaranteed degree, guaranteed scholarships, lack of accreditation, super-short programs, no admission requirements that you need to be aware of.
It is extremely important to do thorough research before committing to any online program. Know the reputation of the college and the students. Find out how they stand with job placement, graduation rate, student debt, and what their mission is. Make sure all of this aligns with what you are looking for.
Verify the Degree You Want
Determine what degree you are seeking and find out if the online college offers this particular degree. Not all degrees are offered online. Some degrees are better learned in people, such as healthcare and other hands-on programs.
Do your research and weigh the pros and cons. Every program is different and every person is different. Determine what works best for you and trust your instincts.