5 Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, an increasing number of students have stumbled upon the advantages of attending college from home. While the reason for this influx is certainly not ideal, it’s also made many people realize that they don’t have to be in a classroom or live on campus to educate themselves and earn their degree.

If you’re still on the fence about online learning, take a look at these 5 fantastic benefits that may help you change your mind.

1. Lower tuition fees

Overall, you’ll find that online colleges and universities charge less for their tuition. This is mainly because they understand that in-person learning inevitably costs more than teaching curriculums online. Buildings, classrooms, libraries, parking lots, and other facilities don’t need to be owned, rented, or maintained — nor do desks, tables, chairs, and study spaces. Other class materials are often unnecessary as well.

Naturally, all of these features of in-person college can be beneficial, but many students find them to be unnecessary, especially when you factor in the cost savings of at-home learning.

2. Fewer costs on your end

In addition to saving money through cheaper tuition, distance-learning students will also save money on their own. For example, it’s not necessary to drive to school or take public transportation, which can save hundreds of dollars every year. Moreover, the time you would usually be spending on your commute can now be spent studying, working, or doing other things with your time.

3. A flexible schedule that caters to you

Many college students have jobs they simply can’t quit or even cut back on. Fortunately, online learning allows them to attend work while also attending school.

On the other hand, traditional college learning requires strict class and lab times, which makes attending work and school at the same time nearly possible. While there are some mandatory sessions that online learners must be present for, most students find the overall schedule of online college to be much more flexible.

4. Fewer childcare needs

Students with children know how hard it is to even go out for dinner with friends and find reliable, trustworthy childcare. Maintaining a regular college schedule while finding good childcare, therefore, is virtually impossible. Not only is it expensive, but it’s hard to be away from your children for that long.

When you attend college online, you can often look after your children and make sure they’re safe and occupied while studying or listening to lectures at the same time. This provides for a better home life for your kids and fewer expenses to worry about.

5. The ability to work from anywhere

One of the most amazing benefits of online learning is the ability to do it from anywhere. Take college courses online from the comfort of your own home or anywhere with an internet connection! Not only will you not need to move closer to your college’s campus in order to attend classes and study sessions, but you can even go on vacation or work trips and maintain your school schedule.

Key Tips for Successful Distance Learning

We’ve outlined the top benefits of earning your college degree online, but there are certain drawbacks associated with this style of learning as well. Most notably, it can be hard to motivate yourself when you have to do everything on your own.

Following through with assignments, making sure you’re in attendance during lectures — or at least that you consistently review lectures after they’ve been released — can be challenging for people who are used to following someone else’s agenda.

To help yourself navigate this new way of learning, try creating a schedule for yourself and really follow through. Additionally, even if you don’t have anywhere you have to go to study or attend class, try to keep your day on a traditional path.

Get up at a set time every day, have a few moments to yourself to drink some coffee and have a healthy breakfast, then take a shower, and get dressed for the day. Make it a point of sitting at a desk while you work and attend class. Avoid lounging in bed or on the couch.

Give yourself structure, and follow a routine. Doing so will help keep you on track during your studies.

Distance learning is certainly not for everyone. Some people say they need live lectures in order to concentrate. Others appreciate the in-person group work and closeness with their peers. Still, a great many students have found that attending college from home is exactly the way they want to earn their higher education degree and maintain a work schedule and social life.

If you’ve been considering earning your bachelor’s degree online — or even investing in one of the many prestigious online masters programs available, don’t wait. The upcoming semester is beginning soon, and now is the time to start registering for classes and planning your future!