The digital age has changed the face of many fields, and education is no different. In recent years, more and more colleges and universities have started to offer online education through distance learning.
Today, you can get any qualification, from a certified course to an entire graduate degree, without stepping into a college/university building.
While certain groups argue online education robs students of the chance to live through the college experience, which is considered essential for character-building and networking, there is no doubt that online education is a blessing for many students who do not have the means or opportunities to go to college full-time.
If we weigh the pros and cons of online education on a scale, it becomes clear that the positives outweigh the negatives by a considerable margin.
If you’re wondering whether pursuing an online degree is worth it, let us explain why we believe it is.
- It’s Affordable
The very first reason on our list in favor of online education is that distance learning is affordability. College tuition by itself is financially draining, and the associated costs that come with going to college, such as housing and living expenses, only add to that burden.
With online education, students who have trouble paying for these expenses can continue to live at home while studying.
For many students, tuition fees are all they can manage to pay, and distance learning allows them the opportunity to afford a college degree.
- You Get the Same Qualification
You might be thinking that there must be a catch. If distance learning allows you to save money, there must be an edge that full-time students have over those enrolled in online degree programs.
Well, you can put all such worries to rest right away because the majority of universities that offer distance learning award online and full-time students with the same degree.
That means there would be no difference between your qualification and the qualification of a peer that attended college full-time.
- It offers Flexible Learning.
College is stressful, as is the start of adulthood, both of which quite inconveniently coincide. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with all the deadlines and responsibilities suddenly thrown your way.
Online learning offers flexibility in timings and deadlines, meaning you can at least relax on one front. If you’re struggling to keep up with classes, online education allows you to learn at alternative times and complete your coursework and assignments at your own pace.
- You can Study Anything.
A common misconception people hold is that distance learning is only available for a select few courses. Today, you can find distance learning options for any subject under the sky. As the world realizes that the future is tech-driven, educational institutions are keen to keep up with changing trends and use the best the digital age offers.
From liberal arts and linguistics to theoretical science and mathematics, you can obtain a qualification in any field from the comfort of your own home.
- You can get a Headstart in your Professional Career.
One of the most common problems that fresh graduates face when they enter the professional field is that they find themselves unprepared and overwhelmed.
Students who opt for online education can bypass this by starting their careers while studying. By opting for internships and junior clerical positions in their free time, students can gain valuable experience that equips them with the skills and perspective needed to survive in the corporate world.
- It Allows Students to Continue Working
One of the most unfortunate reasons why wonderful, high-achieving students cannot attend college is their inability to commit to full-time studies.
Many high school graduates have no option but to start working immediately to survive, while for another group of students, affording college tuition without a job is not possible.
With online education, such students can keep their full-time job and study part-time to complete their degrees.
- It is a Great Tool for Career Advancement
We tend to forget that it is not just fresh high school graduates that can benefit from online education but seasoned professionals also who are looking to move up in their fields. Many professions require specific educational criteria for senior roles.
With online education, professionals seeking such a promotion can fulfill the said criteria and advance in their professional careers without neglecting the responsibilities of their existing roles.
- It offers a Unique Networking Opportunity.
While full-time college is a great avenue for networking, online education is no less. Online classes work similarly to regular classrooms, however, with much more diversity in terms of age, professional background, and geographical location.
Unlike a traditional college class, an online class is not primarily composed of fresh high school graduates who have yet to pick a major. Instead, online classes consist of a unique mix of people, most already working in their respective fields.
Studying with such a diverse group offers an unmatched opportunity for networking and connecting with individuals from around the world.
- It Allows Students to Become Tech-Savvy
Considering the pace at which technological advancements are taking place, acquiring new tech skills is certainly beneficial. Students who opt for online education can delve deep into the many tools and technologies available for working digitally.
Distance learning requires students to learn how to use various software and hardware that on-campus students do not need. These skills can be of great use to students in their professional lives, especially with the rising popularity of remote work.
Final Words
Online education is a fantastic option; for many students, it is the only way to obtain higher education. If you have the means and wish to live on campus and enjoy the “best four years of your life” in the traditional way, there’s nothing wrong with that.
However, if online education better suits you and your situation, we hope we’ve put your mind at ease regarding the advantages of online education.