Are you contemplating earning your degree on your couch over in-person learning on campus? The benefits of online degree programs have proven successful in our technologically based world, but they don’t guarantee success for every student. Evaluating the pros and cons of earning your degree online is the first step toward shaping your ideal college experience.
Pro: Reduced college tuition
Online programs are usually less costly per credit hour and can provide an overall reduction in tuition and fees, which is one of the biggest reasons many students choose this learning format. Online students are waived from certain campus-based fees like activity and services, transportation and access, etc. These are typically expected of on-campus students to cover comprehensive services offered to aid students living there full-time.
Related: 5 College Tuition Tips for a Lower Bill
Con: A non-traditional college experience
Being a student in an online program is a very different experience than being on campus for myriad reasons. Whether or not this is a con depends entirely on personal preference. Online students usually miss more traditional college student experiences like living in a dorm, participating in live lectures, socializing on campus, etc. When deciding between on-campus and online degrees, be sure to evaluate which factors will shape the best college experience for you in the long run. If you're not much of a people person, this could actually be a pro.
Pro: Flexible and lenient schedules
Many individuals attending college are more than just students in their day-to-day lives. Online programs provide a flexible schedule to accommodate outside obligations such as work and family care. The leniency of the schedule allows you to conduct your studies at your own pace—there isn’t a required time to show up nor a time frame to stay in class. Online programs allow you to customize your academic schedule without compromising other priorities.
Related: How to Find Balance as a Working Student
Con: Service restrictions
In conjunction with being exempt from campus-based fees (a pro), there’s the con of being restricted from accessing certain services provided by your school. For instance, the majority of online programs don’t require you to show proof of immunizations or pay a health fee for the medical services provided on campus. The downside of this is you’re ineligible to use Student Health Services or qualify for student health insurance. Before opting for a fully online program, be sure to thoroughly investigate the restrictions of being an online student at your college. This information will allow you to determine whether a lack of access to those services will affect you.
Pro: Guaranteed small class sizes
The capacity for online courses is substantially smaller than the traditional 100+ student seating of college lectures. This minimized class size simplifies the interaction between you, your classmates, and the instructor. Being able to network with a smaller group of students can also help you engage with the course material in a more focused manner, all while sparing you of the concern of finding a seat.
Related: 4 Ways to Avoid Isolation as an Online Student
Con: Technological malfunctions
There’s a major disadvantage to the convenience of having all of your classes on your computer: If your computer malfunctions, there’s no way to get a hold of your work unless you back it up religiously on an external hard drive or can access the internet elsewhere. It’s not uncommon for a glitch as minor as a power outage to cause a timed test to be stalled or a deadline to be missed on an assignment that locks at midnight. This is a reality that carries a lot of weight for students who have no on-campus alternatives to make up or turn in course material.
Pro: Choosing your preferred classroom
Depending on your learning style, a traditional classroom setting may fail to keep you engaged. In an online program, you’re able to choose the setting in which you learn. You can choose to complete courses on the go, at your preferred coffee shop, or from the comfort of your home. More importantly, you’re able to privately focus on course material while still being able to communicate with your professor and peers online.
Related: What You Need to Know About Getting an Online College Education
As an online student, you accept the responsibility of staying on top of your course load and timelines independently. This is another potential con that weighs on personal preference and circumstance. Self-motivation is mandatory to succeed as a fully online student, given you won’t have face-to-face reminders about deadlines, course changes, specific instructions, etc. It’ll be up to you to be self-sufficient as a student about what’s happening in each course.
Ready to search for your online (or on-campus) degree program? Start finding great colleges and universities with online degree options with our College Search tool!
