For many, the thought of obtaining a college degree feels out of reach. Between work and family commitments, who has the time to spend hours on campus?
Thanks to technology, that’s no longer an issue. With just an internet connection, you can attend class from anywhere in the world. It’s never been easier to get your degree.
Enjoy the flexibility only an online college can offer. Study when it’s convenient for you. Work on assignments in a comfortable setting. And don’t worry about looking into amenities and geographical locations. The best education is all from the comfort of your own home.
Your only step now is to find a top online college. Who do you trust? Where should you go?
U.S. News and World Report is the only organization to evaluate schools for online programs, not just at the overall school level. They rank based on factors that specifically impact online students, such as student engagement and services. This year, the top online schools are:
- The University of Florida for its online Bachelor’s Degrees and Master’s Degrees in Education
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide for its online Bachelor’s Programs
- The University of Illinois-Chicago for its online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Indiana University-Bloomington for its online MBA and Business Master’s Program
- Columbia University for its online Master’s Program in Computer Information Technology
- The University of California-Los Angeles for its online Master’s Degree in Engineering
Why should you consider an online school?
While some may doubt the integrity of an online school, innovation has made it possible to receive a world-class education using technology as a guide. Online degrees are real degrees and are recognized by the world’s leading employers.
Of course, there are things to watch for when selecting a school to attend. It is important to do your due diligence to ensure a school provides you with a meaningful educational experience.
Pay attention to accreditation. In the early days of online education, online colleges became revenue generators more than educators. Not so anymore. You’ll find reputable, accredited colleges and universities offering programs that parallel course offerings found on their campuses. Professors are excited to teach these courses. And students are eager to take them.
Online schools may require you to be a bit more self-motivated. Credit won’t be given just for showing up. Professors have well-established guidelines when offering online courses and will require you to do just as much work as your fellow students on campus. They follow your attendance, demand rigorous coursework to ensure you learn the subject matter, and offer social learning opportunities to become a part of the team. Some students find they have better access to professors because of online learning – no more chasing them down during office hours.
And at the end of the program, you may find yourself more in tune with what the real world wants from its employees. Almost every higher education organization now offers an online program. Thanks to the pandemic, they’ve learned to make the most out of online training. Thus, you will be well prepared for whatever employment you seek after graduation.
Online college may be for you if …
You’ll need to be self-motivated and disciplined to get an online degree. While online school acceptance is growing, some employees still favor on-campus learning. For this reason, it is essential to seek out an accredited institution that offers full support throughout your degree program and long after with its alum resources.
But the benefits are hard to ignore.
One of the most significant benefits is affordability. Online programs can focus on learning without the high costs of housing, meals, and other campus services. You’ll know most of your fees go straight to the learning process, not for a new recreational facility or organized after-school activities.
They are also convenient and work with your lifestyle in mind. You work for a living. You have a life outside of school. And an online education assures you to keep your priorities straight and learn when it’s convenient for you. Have a business trip? No problem. Your training will be there when you have the time.
In fact, online training may offer an even better learning experience. If you’ve ever sat through a class where you “get” it and others in the classroom don’t, you know what a waste of time it can be sitting there listening to introductory lectures. With online learning, you can repeat what you need help with and fast forward through the information you’ve already processed. This means you can ensure you’re actually learning and not just knowing enough to pass the test.
Are you ready to earn your degree?
Whether you’re working towards your Bachelor’s degree or looking for advancement with a Master’s, it’s never been easier to move your skills forward than by finding a program for you.
All you’ll need is a reliable computer. You’ll need it to log on to the internet to attend classes regularly. You’ll also need it for note-taking and for completing assignments. If you’re unsure of what software programs and tools you’ll be using as you work through your coursework, speak to the college you’re attending. Because it’s online, they’ll have a lot of tech support to ensure you have the proper tools for the program.
You may need a microphone, webcam, and headphones. They may be necessary for interacting as well as listening to the classes. A strong internet connection will ensure you can communicate during the courses.
Then find a quiet place to study. No more heading to the library at the end of a long day. You may even prefer your living room in your comfy pajamas.
Whatever works for you, it’s nice knowing your dreams can come true. Thanks to the advancement of online colleges, now is the perfect time to make this dream a reality.