Experts can debate whether the economy is getting better or worse. While they’re talking, you can be doing – preparing yourself to earn a good position in any economy. One of the best ways to do that? Earn your college degree. How to make it work financially and fit it into your busy schedule? Choose online learning.
Here are 10 good reasons (there are lots more) why earning your degree online is the best decision now.
1. Online universities offer you many choices.
Many online universities offer a full complement of degrees, everything from business administration to emergency and disaster management to space studies. American Public University, for instance, offers more than 100 online degrees and certificates, taught by professors who are experienced in their fields.
2. The online format makes it easy to go to school while staying employed.
Choose an online format that is “asynchronous.” This means you study when and where you want, doing your studies around your job and other responsibilities. No more worries that you’ll miss class if you need to travel for work.
3. A degree translates into job choices.
Higher education helps you develop critical thinking skills — the skills for real-world decision-making. This means you can translate the knowledge gained in a single degree program into a variety of career fields.
For instance, a degree in information technology could help earn work as a web developer, programmer analyst, database designer, project manager and more. In other words, you’re more employable in a time when good jobs may be scarce.
4. A degree translates into more money.
Recent figures from the Census Bureau show the median annual salary for a high school graduate is about $31,000. Those with some college experience earn only slightly more, about $33,000. Those who finished their bachelor’s degree jumped to about $57,000. Those with a master’s degree earned significantly more, about $70,000.
5. A degree offers more options for advancement if you want to stay put.
Earning your degree can offer you new options for advancement in your current job. In fact, you can begin showing off your new skills right away.
6. A good education is always a good idea.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says this regarding degrees and employment:
“Business cycles run their course and the economy goes from expansion to recession – but regardless of whether the economy is booming or contracting, an inverse relationship exists between education and unemployment: more education is associated with less unemployment.”
7. Online learning reduces stress, saves money.
You choose when and where to study. No wasted time and money from commuting. And tuition may be more affordable, depending on the school — and without certain fees some traditional universities charge.
8. Online degrees from accredited universities are respected.
Over three-quarters of academic leaders at public institutions report that online is as good as or better than face-to-face instruction, according to the 2010 Sloan Survey of Online Learning.
9. Your competition is studying online.
More and more students are choosing online learning. The Sloan survey shows a 21 percent growth rate for online enrollments compared with 2 percent growth in the overall higher education student population.
10. The economy will always have its ups and downs. Your degree is here to stay.
Your education is an investment in yourself. The economy will change — and so may your career goals. However, the knowledge gained from an online degree is a lifelong benefit.
[Related Posts: Insight Into the Life of an Online Student]
– By Online Learning Tips Staff
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