| Considering an online college degree? Many people are | | | | Convenience - Students can take online courses from |
| looking at what online colleges have to offer, and | | | | anywhere there is internet access, which can be an |
| potential students are weighing the pros and cons of | | | | ideal situation for working professionals, military |
| online vs. traditional education. | | | | personnel, and many others. |
| Attending college online should not be such a strange | | | | Quality - The selection of reputable and accredited |
| idea considering how connected the younger | | | | college degree programs have increased, and some |
| generation has become. Although, traditionalists may | | | | accredited online universities may be more up to date |
| say that the quality of education is not equivalent to | | | | than traditional schools. |
| conventional classroom participation and interaction. | | | | Pricing - Tuition for online universities can be cheaper |
| Online university classes can offer a practical | | | | than traditional schools, and there may not be any |
| alternative to students who are constrained by time, | | | | cost for textbooks, course materials, residency fees, |
| location, or mobility. It also seems like it could be a | | | | and no travel expense. |
| logical extension of academic curriculum in light of | | | | Opportunity - Online education presents a unique |
| recent budget and faculty reductions at many | | | | opportunity to students who have special |
| colleges. A substantial number of converts are | | | | circumstances such as, physical disabilities, |
| evidently moving toward online education, including | | | | language-issues, or other personal limitations. |
| some traditional brand-name universities who are | | | | Disadvantages of an Online College: |
| offering a selection of distance learning opportunities. | | | | Personal Instruction - Online college students do not |
| Comparing the pros and cons of online education may | | | | have personal face-to-face instruction like a traditional |
| help to clarify a decision. | | | | classroom setting, which may be necessary for some |
| Advantages of an Online College: | | | | students. |
| Flexibility - Class schedules are flexible and the pace | | | | Perception of Quality - Many companies recognize the |
| of coursework is at your discretion, which allows you | | | | value of an online degree, but for some, there may |
| to earn a degree with more self-direction and still | | | | be a perception of inequality regarding non-physical |
| have faculty support. | | | | institutions. |