Learning is a lifelong endeavor directly related to career competence and personal fulfillment. Whether you’re considering an online or traditional university experience, selecting the best school and degree for you can be daunting. Compounding the issue are cost and time considerations. This is especially true in this day and age of hectic schedules, jobs, and family commitments. When it comes to selecting a university, be well-informed and ask—Is an online university right for me?

Modern students and working professionals seek a well-rounded education that also incorporates the powerful and flexible benefits of online technology. They want to learn while also working or raising a family, and they demand 24-hour access to an accredited institution and the best faculty. Today’s students need educational solutions that fit into their lives—not the other way around. Consider these benefits that online learning provides.

Anytime, Anywhere

Online learning can be accessed 24-7 from anywhere in the world, making it the ideal choice for students with varying schedules or time constraints. The convenience is unmatched compared to classroom learning. If you’re a working professional, a parent, or if you have an inconsistent schedule, online education is available when you’re available. Perhaps you’re someone who learns and retains information better in the morning or late at night? With online learning, you choose when and how long you want to go to class. For some, this flexibility can actually improve educational performance.

Set Your Own Pace

At an online university, you learn at your own pace. With self-paced learning, you have the freedom to balance your course load with other work-life obligations. Many online universities offer sessions that start monthly, which allows you to plan your own schedule, versus having to be tied to a traditional semester.

Affordability

Online learning can often be an affordable option. In addition to competitive tuition rates, online students aren’t burdened with overhead costs like room and board, books and materials, meal plans, and travel, just to name a few. This can translate into significant savings.

[Read, “Get On the Couch and Earn Your Degree,” for more insight into the affordability of online learning.]

Community of Learners

Students in an online setting collaborate with a culturally and geographically diverse group of peers. Much like in a traditional university setting, you build relationships with your peers—only they’re online. Since many working professionals choose online learning, there tends to be increased opportunity to network with established experts who are working in the field. This unique advantage can actually enhance the quality of the course discussion and improve collaboration. It also helps students develop a global mindset by working with other online students around the world.

No Classroom Barriers

With online learning, everyone is given equal advantage to participate. In fact, many students report that they are more comfortable learning in the virtual classroom, because they know the focus is on the subject material—not based on physical appearance or how comfortable one is with speaking in public.

Train and Learn Simultaneously

Some online students may not realize it at first, but they are actually learning valuable communication and technology skills while working toward their diplomas. Online learning fosters confidence in using tools, navigating Internet resources efficiently, building a social network, and bolstering writing and communication skills. Technology and communications skills perfected in the online learning environment are highly valued in nearly every professional organization. And it takes no extra effort; it’s a natural part of the online learning experience. But, don’t worry; you’re not required to be a computer whiz. Most online universities provide resources and orientation classes that help students become comfortable with learning online.

Experienced Instructors

Online universities draw faculty from a highly talented pool of established professionals holding top academic credentials. As a result, online students have access to “on the ground” instructors. These instructors practice what they teach and provide unparalleled insight into how academics are being implemented in the field. As a bonus, online students aren’t limited to preset office hours. Students can send questions to instructors and access existing help material. Online students often say their instructors are “practitioners,” and that the relevant curriculum being taught gives them a competitive advantage.

By Online Learning Tips Staff

With tuition hikes abound at numerous schools throughout the country, many parents and students are finding the cost to attend school a little hard to swallow. Florida college students are looking at possible 15% annual increases to attend school. On the other coast, California college students are already looking at a 30% increase for tuition rates.

According to this Associated Press article, students are dropping out of school to pay off student loans just a few semesters away from graduation. Those that do graduate are facing an enormous debt burden.  It’s a hard hitting reality; and because of this economic climate, many students are seriously rethinking their education options.

However, there are other ways to attend school without sacrificing your bank account or credit rating. Online learning is one great alternative option for those who want a quality education that’s still affordable. Some degrees offered through online schooling, at American Public University (APU) for example, are:

• Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Development
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health
• Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies

There are over 100 certificate and degree programs offered at APU, which has an affordable undergraduate and graduate-level tuition that compares favorably to most state schools. If a degree online wasn’t something you first considered, take a second look at what these schools have to offer. With the rate of tuition steadily increasing, the online environment may be a better option.

For more information on going to school online, or to learn more about programs at APU, e-mail info@apus.edu.

Like many of us, you have considered returning to school many times – and then life got in the way. You have weighed the sacrifices of time and money and couldn’t think of a way to make it all work. And you have new reason to worry about cost, in particular, given the down economy. Heck, with your household budget shrinking before your eyes, how can you consider shelling out the money that it will take to earn a degree, despite the wisdom that future opportunities will make that investment worthwhile? So, you’ve set that goal aside yet again. It may sound ridiculous, but current economic conditions actually indicate that this is an ideal time to go back to school. Consider the following:

A tight economy means you must find a competitive edge.

With gas prices at the current levels, you also have to consider how much money it will take to commute to and from school. If you choose to go to school online, you won’t have to factor the cost into the equation!

When it comes to cost, also be sure to look into the tuition dollars and reimbursement programs available through your employer. Programs will vary, and you will want an understanding of what is covered in terms of curriculum as it relates to your job responsibilities as well as caps on costs, the payout timeline and any payback responsibilities you may have upon termination of the employment relationship.

Ultimately, you want to make a smart – not a cheap – decision. It won’t make sense for you to pay less for your degree if the quality of the education is not good. At the end of the day, you are investing time and money to gain knowledge that will help you advance in your career. When it comes to assessing quality, you have help. Regional accrediting bodies assess and monitor the quality of education provided at higher education institutions, so make sure your chosen school meets their criterion and is accredited. You will also want to ask students and alumni about their experiences with the reputation of the degree among employers. (If you don’t know any personally, visit online forums on school groups within social networking communities and/or ask the school’s admissions counselors to speak with someone directly.)

The bottom line is that, in this economy, you need to keep your skills and knowledge current to advance – much less maintain – your career opportunities. Perhaps the greatest cost that you can’t afford is to be left behind while your peers enhance their skills. With today’s affordable and convenient online education options, you can make it work! So, what are you waiting for? Get on the couch, power up your laptop, and take the first step.

By Online Learning Tips Staff