| It's always admirable when an adult decides to better | | | | have been the main beneficiary of these advances. |
| him or herself by taking the first step in returning to | | | | Online schools give individuals the opportunity to learn |
| school and complete a bachelor degree program. | | | | independently via a computer. They are no longer |
| Now, new research indicates that women and men | | | | restricted to going on-campus in order to take |
| are equally obtaining advanced degrees thanks in part | | | | classes. They can do it from the comfort of their |
| to so many options at schools online and through | | | | home at what ever hour is most convenient to their |
| on-campus programs. It's making many experts think | | | | schedule. For those less knowledgeable about |
| it can be the perfect time for anyone to go back to | | | | information technology, choosing this manner to |
| school. | | | | achieve a bachelor degree can give them skills above |
| A recently released report from the Census Bureau | | | | and beyond the degree itself. |
| reveals that the overall number of U.S. residents who | | | | Another side benefit is that going for an online |
| hold bachelors degrees increased by 34% between | | | | bachelor degree encourages students to use social |
| 1999 and 2009. In other words, more Americans are | | | | networks and web-based video conferencing. When |
| taking steps to start - or complete - their education. | | | | it comes to applying for careers, it's getting to the |
| This can open up more job opportunities once they | | | | point where understanding these tools give some |
| have completed their studies. | | | | individuals a competitive edge over others who |
| Women in their mid-20s are becoming more likely to | | | | learned only through conventional, campus-based |
| have a bachelor degree. The Census report states | | | | programs. |
| that 35 percent of women and 27 percent of men | | | | Online degree programs may have also helped more |
| aged 25 to 29 held bachelors degrees or higher in | | | | women achieve their bachelors. They can still go to |
| 2009. The Census also reports that if this trend | | | | work, put the necessary time towards their children |
| continues women will hold 60% of all bachelor's | | | | and themselves, then get to studying when and |
| degrees by 2016-17. | | | | where it is the most convenient for their schedule |
| As more individuals make the commitment to their | | | | and their lives. In addition, there is the emergence of |
| education, new ways of learning are opening up. | | | | single mothers' grants. It has helped many women |
| Some new teaching and studying methods involve | | | | who were previously financially unable to enroll in a |
| modern technology. This can help students learn | | | | bachelor degree program. Some of these grants |
| about computer systems and how to use tools such | | | | have even helped single parents with such necessities |
| as the iPad or the Kindle, and these skills can be | | | | as rent, food and utilities money. |
| excellent resume-boosters. In turn, online schools | | | | |