Pros & Cons of Online College: Is It Worth It?

Online learning has become more common across all levels of education in recent years, especially at the collegiate level. Online degree programs provide modern learners with an opportunity to pursue their education while still balancing other aspects of their lives, such as professional responsibilities and personal obligations. Knowing the benefits and potential drawbacks of earning an online education can help you decide which path forward is right for you.

Benefits of Online College

From the time that the internet became mainstream, colleges and universities began working to offer programs online, recognizing that this technology could shape the landscape of modern education. For a while, distance learning was considered an alternative — and in those first tentative years, many mistook online learning as a less reputable option compared to in-person learning. However, in the throes of the digital revolution, it’s clear that online learning is here to stay.

For those interested in pursuing an online degree, below are some of the advantages you may enjoy:

Online College Comes to You

Online college welcomes students from all walks of life and locations, making it one of the most accessible educational experiences available. If you wish to attend a particular school but are not in a position to relocate, you may still earn a degree from that esteemed institution through online learning. The vast majority of colleges and universities offer online degree programs today, ensuring that a wider range of students have access to the learning experiences available at those institutions.

Attend Class Whenever You Want

According to an article published on the Open Education Database, one of the greatest advantages of choosing an online degree program is greater scheduling flexibility than those who enroll in a traditional degree program. While it may vary based on the particular online class in which you are enrolled, many enable students to complete work asynchronously — meaning they can watch video lectures, study and complete assignments remotely. This allows you to finish your work at your own pace, plus a greater ability to balance your education with your existing obligations.

Online Is Often Cheaper

Online degree programs still require students to pay tuition and fees in order to enroll, but generally speaking, online degree programs are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. Depending on the school you choose to attend, the tuition may be lower for online programs. However, even if the tuition rates are the same for online and on-campus programs, there will likely be fewer expenses when enrolled in an online degree program. You will not necessarily have to pay for room and board, dining plans or additional textbooks. Also, there are still financial aid options available if you choose an online degree program.

Online Degrees Can Be Faster

Some colleges and universities offer accelerated online degree programs, giving you an opportunity to streamline your education and earn your degree in a shorter amount of time. In addition, full-time online degree programs often are not limited by the same scheduling challenges as traditional, on-campus degree programs.

Students enrolled in an on-campus degree program may only be able to take certain required courses during specific semesters, based on the classroom space available at any given time and the schedule of the professors teaching the courses. In general, because online degree programs have fewer logistics to coordinate, colleges and universities can offer all required courses at any time throughout the degree program.

No Moving or Commuting

The typical campus experience often entails a student moving from their home to new housing near or on campus. Though this may be appealing to some types of learners, many modern students find that moving away from home to a dorm room or apartment near campus is inconvenient or cost prohibitive. With an online degree program, you will not be required to move closer to campus or commute to attend class. Instead, you can complete your degree program in a place where you are comfortable and confident, allowing you to save money while balancing your personal obligations.

All Materials in One Place

For students who might struggle to stay organized in the physical realm, the online learning experience can be ideal. When you enroll in an online degree program, you complete coursework through an online college portal. Within this portal, you have access to all your courses and required course components — such as homework assignments, virtual lectures, study materials and communication tools. With everything in one convenient location, it is much easier to manage your coursework, streamline your workflow and successfully complete your requirements.

In fact, according to research published in the CBE: Life Sciences Education journal, students enrolled in online courses actually report having a more positive experience, especially when managing complex scientific topics. The research notes that student perceptions of the material within science courses have a significant impact on their academic success, and online learners were more likely to feel positive about the topics than those in traditional educational settings.

Online Offers More Options

As you begin to consider options for college, you may feel limited by the offerings available at a traditional college or university near you. With online college, you can select a school from any location that offers the program you are most interested in, ultimately giving you more choices and flexibility. For example, if you are looking to pursue a business degree in organizational leadership, you can choose an online college that offers that specific program as opposed to being restricted by the options available in your local area.

Student-Life Balance

Many students report that one of the greatest benefits of online learning is the ability to achieve a greater sense of balance in their own lives. Because online coursework can be completed remotely, students may complete their course requirements at a time and place that is convenient for them. Online learning is often preferred by those who continue to work full-time while earning their degree or who are balancing family commitments alongside their education.

Potential Disadvantages of College Online

While online learning is considered a flexible and affordable option for modern learners, there are some drawbacks to consider before deciding if it is your optimal path forward.

No Physical Classroom

When enrolled in an online class, you will not spend any time in a physical classroom environment. For some learners, the lack of structure can make it more difficult to complete their coursework, and they may feel disconnected from the instructor and their classmates. As you consider the online degree programs available to you, it’s essential to reflect on the type of learner you are and the type of educational environment that best suits your needs.

Stigma or Credibility of Online Programs

In the early days of distance learning, some held the perception that online degree programs were less credible or valuable than degrees earned in a traditional learning environment. Fortunately, continued advancements in technology and ever-changing social norms have helped reduce the stigma associated with online education at the collegiate level. Many employers will not think less of a degree completed online versus in person — instead placing more weight on the school’s credibility and candidate’s skills than the type of learning experience. Ideally, they recognize that any professional who has earned a college degree holds a solid foundation in their chosen field.

Various Costs and Tech Requirements

Many consider online learning to be a more affordable and accessible option, yet there are still certain costs to consider before enrolling in an online degree program. For example, you will need reliable internet access, and you may need to invest in technology specific to your courses or pay technology fees. It is also important to be relatively proficient in technology and have digital literacy skills before you enroll, as you will be required to complete most of your work remotely.

Lack of ‘Campus Life’

Though it’s true that students enrolled in a traditional, on-campus degree program may have different opportunities to get involved, such as joining a club or sports team at school, there are still various ways online learners can connect with their campus community. Many colleges that offer both on-campus and online degree programs also offer in-person and virtual student organizations that allow all students to immerse themselves in campus life.

Lots of Screen Time

Distance learning does require students to spend more time in front of their screens than they would in person, which should be considered when enrolling in an online degree program. However, it’s worth noting that some online courses also require students to read from textbooks, complete assignments on paper and even complete hands-on learning activities that take them away from their screens for a while.

Some Programs Not Available Online

Despite the numerous available online degree options, some programs simply cannot be completed entirely online. For example, students interested in earning a nursing degree or a degree in occupational therapy assisting will have to complete in-person clinical components in order to graduate. However, they may have the opportunity to enjoy a hybrid learning experience in which they complete coursework online while still fulfilling their clinical requirements in person.

So, Are Online Colleges Good? Is It Worth It?

Online colleges are a worthwhile and valuable option, particularly for students needing to balance their education alongside full-time work or family responsibilities. As you consider your path forward and determine if online learning is ideal for you, be sure to reflect on your personal learning style and the type of program in which you are most interested.

Start Your College Journey Today — Online or On Campus!

Online learning opens a world of possibilities for all types of students. Whether you are working full-time or balancing your career alongside your family, you will find that pursuing an online education allows you to achieve balance while still working toward your goals.

At Bryant & Stratton College, we offer a wide range of online degree programs that accompany a rigorous and relevant curriculum allowing you to access your classes around the clock. With hybrid learning options as well as on-campus degree programs, we aim to ensure that every student has access to their optimal college experience. Request more information about our degree programs today.