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Since the Covid-19 pandemic, online school has become more popular. Students all over the country and even the globe are earning their education online instead of in traditional brick-and-mortar environments. In fact, about 10 million college students are enrolled in distance education courses. But are online college degrees worth it?
For many online school students, the flexibility online schools provide is enough to make online learning worth it. Responsibilities such as families and jobs can be a heavy weight for those who want a college degree. In traditional college, schedules are set and attendance can impact your grade. When your life is packed with responsibilities outside of school, this doesn’t work as well and can be a major stressor in your life.
Earning your degree online means you likely don’t have to follow a set schedule, as many online degree programs are self-paced and void of deadlines. This enables those with other responsibilities to earn their degree without sacrificing other areas of their lives.
"I could do a certain amount of work this week and skip next week if I wanted to,” says Garrik Haynes, Ashworth College online school graduate and business owner. “That flexibility was perfect for my schedule."
Read more: 3 Reasons to Enroll in Online College
Higher education usually comes with high price tags, often so high the average person finds it out of reach. Furthering your education doesn’t have to feel unattainable, though. Online degree programs are often more affordable than traditional brick-and-mortar colleges and universities.
Lower cost per credit as well as available payment plans make earning an online degree a cost-effective option that works for people struggling to make ends meet in a less than stellar economy. Dana Perea, online school graduate, knows first-hand how helpful an online program can be to her finances.
“I can definitively say that because, you know, kids are expensive, life is expensive, things happen that you don't expect and without being able to do my studies with Ashworth and pay the way that I did, have the resources that I did to be able to help me if I didn't understand something, I would not be here. I would not have this career. I would not have this life.”
Read more: Does Ashworth College Have Financial Aid?
Accreditation is one of, if not the most important things to look for in a school, especially an online school. When an educational institution is accredited, it notifies the public that the institution meets the quality standards set by the accreditor. It’s what makes a school count, to put it simply. There are national and regional accreditations schools can have, and some schools have both.
Read more: Is Ashworth College Legit?
An online accredited institution is respected just the same as any other accredited school. Some schools are even accredited by multiple accrediting bodies. Look for accreditations by bodies like the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) when researching online degree programs.
As long as a school is accredited, employers often aren’t very caught up in whether the school is online or in-person. When discussing the job application process, Kristen Schenck, Talent Aquisition Associate at Penn Foster Group, says “The competition is fierce. It's all about skills and education and the skills come with the education. So if you have the opportunity to get that education, you should take advantage of it.”
An online degree could be perfect for someone who already works full time but is looking to ramp up their resume with more credentials. More credentials can mean more money in your paycheck or promotions. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers view online degrees as comparable to in-person degrees.
Dana Perea, online school grad, explains, "Sometimes people think online school is just a walk in the park... It does require a lot of discipline."
Employers appreciate self-disciplined employees who can keep themselves on track, making online college a great way to prepare for the workforce.
Read more: 8 Easiest Degrees You Can Earn in Two Years
The benefits of earning an online degree don’t end at academics and salaries. Continuing education can influence who you are, what you believe, and how you see yourself.
Construction Management graduate Jeremiah Williams puts into words how earning an online degree can help shape you: “It is tough, it's hard and it's not necessarily like the individual classes are hard. It's making that commitment that's hard. But you reap what you sow, and if you make that commitment and you tie into it, I mean, the sky's the limit. You know you can improve your life situation... You can change your situation. You have the power to change your situation. It's in your hands. You just gotta lock down and do it.”
Read more: How to Upskill Yourself: Earn More and Grow Your Career
Earning a degree is so often worth it, regardless of the way you earn it. If you’re interested in pursuing a college degree but don’t have the time or resources to attend in-person college, look into an online college degree program. Whether it’s an undergraduate certificate or associate degree, higher education can be attainable for everyone!
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