Students who elect to complete their degree online, or at least partially online, have less face time with their professors. In addition, students in online courses rarely meet each other--a severe downside for people who enjoy human interaction.
Online courses generally require more study time than a campus-based class. Reading text takes more time than listening and speaking. In addition, online students will need to spend extra time to compose emails and messages to professors and other students.
Online classes require the students to create their own schedules to complete any necessary assignments, which can prove difficult with so many other distractions online, such as movies and chat-rooms.
Students tend to become more active in their learning because they do not feel controlled or manipulated by a professor who makes many demands. Online classes allow students, especially those just out of high school, the freedom they often desire.
People considering an online degree or some online courses should make certain that any future colleges or program they plan to attend will allow the student to transfer credits from online classes.