Traditional classes tend to offer more course selections than alternative programs, but at the same time, traditional classes don't offer much flexibility. When an individual has a family to take care of, works a full-time job and has other responsibilities, traditional course schedules may not be an option. Online degree programs and universities offer more schedule flexibility than traditional class schedules.
With traditional college courses, schedules are set and students are unable to choose when they go to school. For those who work third shifts and can't be up at 8 a.m. to take a traditional class, for example, this can be quite problematic. Fortunately, alternative degree programs such as online courses allow the student to create his own schedule and go to school when he sees fit as long as he submits assignments by their due dates.
In traditional college courses, a student often receives a certain number of points off for missing a class. Grades often reflect attendance, as well as work completed. For individuals who can't make their classes on time, this can put a damper on receiving their degree and be discouraging. The student also has to catch up on all of the work missed during class, which is also stressful, especially if other responsibilities are present.
Tuition for traditional college courses tends to cost more than alternative degree programs or online universities. Because students aren't driving to school, they're also saving on gas. Another bonus is that the student doesn't have to live on campus, which saves on housing and food costs. Textbooks are another expense that tends to break the budget of those attending traditional college classes. Online courses often use PDFs and other documents for the materials students need to complete assignments, as opposed to often-costly textbooks.