Online study is more popular than it’s ever been. There are lots of reasons that a person might choose an online program. They could be contemplating a career change, returning to education to complete an unfinished degree or simply hoping to broaden their knowledge. Whatever the motivation, here are the top reasons to choose online study over a bricks-and-mortar college.
Benefits of studying online
#1 It’s more flexible
Perhaps the biggest advantage of online study is its sheer flexibility. Attending a college means adhering to a strict timetable, commuting there and back, and attending lectures. For many, this simply isn’t compatible with their life. If you work a full-time job, for example, it might be impossible to attend, and family commitments make it just as difficult. An online HR Degree in Pennsylvania, for example, takes all of this out of the equation. You can work from home on your own schedule, deciding where and when to study. You won’t have to commute, and it’s easy to fit both work and family around your education. This flexibility makes online programs more accessible and accounts for their ever-growing popularity.
#2 It’s cheaper
The upfront cost of an online degree is often substantially cheaper than in-person teaching, but that’s far from the only saving. Commuting to the college costs money, and depending on how much teaching time you have per week, those costs can add up fast. Campus food is notoriously expensive, as is buying books and all the equipment required to study in person. An online degree means staying at home and studying from your desktop or laptop computer. There are no additional fees and no further overheads. The low cost of these degrees makes them more open to everyone and has tempted many people into education over the years.
#3 There’s more choice
There are two reasons for this. Studying for a college degree comes with geographical constraints. Unless you want to make the big (not to mention costly) commitment of moving to a new city, you’re bound by the degrees offered at your local college. Moreover, colleges are limited by physical space; they can’t possibly offer the same range as an online program. Studying online brings nearly unlimited choice into your front room. Online textbooks, video lectures, and support give virtual institutions all the tools they need to offer an unprecedented range of programs.
#4 It comes with a thriving community
Many people falsely assume that studying online means sacrificing the lively intellectual environment of campus life. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Not only will you be able to reach out to tutors via email and on video conference, but your fellow students form vibrant online communities. You’ll have access to study groups, round-the-clock support and friendship groups from around the world. Rather than cutting students off from the educational community, online degrees actually immerse them in a global academic society. Discussions are lively and you’ll always be able to easily access help when you need it.
