According to a 2007 study by the National Center for Education Statistics, 66 percent of all 2- and 4-year postsecondary institutions offered some method and level of distance learning and online courses. This growth has increased options in the selection of schools and programs.
Many schools provide individual courses as well as entire accredited degrees. Once you have identified your particular goals, you can narrow your search to those institutions that are good matches.
Investigate the financial viability of those schools. While online education may appear more expensive at first glance, you must remember the savings simply by not having the expenses, such as transportation and on-campus living costs, of attending a conventional school.
Time and flexibility are without question top advantages of online schools. With many people managing work, education and family, flexibility can be the single benefit that leads them to online studies. It is a top contributing factor in the growth of distance learning.
A concern for some people is whether an online degree will carry the same significance in the job market. A 2- or 4-year degree from an online institution is just as relevant as any degree, provided you have carefully selected a school with full accreditation. Use the same care in selecting a school online as you would conventionally.
Additionally, online studies remove the issue of a large student-to-teacher ratio. Self-directed students may find the absence of the typical classroom setting to be an advantage.
Also, an online approach to a degree can improve your focus and organizational skills. Because you will have more control over your education, you will learn how to establish the most beneficial structure for your personal needs.
Online schools will not substitute for poor study habits or other self-discipline issues. To the contrary, you will need to improve these areas in order to gain the maximum benefits from online education. It is not a short cut for the undisciplined. Your success will be measured by your efforts.