Why More Colleges Are Offering Online Degree Programs in 2021

Enrollment in online college courses has grown steadily in recent years. The number of online bachelor’s and graduate degree students increased by a 42 percent increase from 2-12 to 2017, and nationwide shelter-in-place orders accelerated that trend.

With the development of new technologies, online classes are becoming more collaborative, engaging, and accessible. As universities add a greater variety of online classes, they’re able to reach more students, including non-traditional students.

By taking classes online, you can earn a degrees while working a job, taking care of your family, or handling other responsibilities. Online classes also cut out some of the most significant expenses of postsecondary education, though you’ll need to research tuition costs carefully.

Benefits of Pursuing an Online Degree

Remote learning presents unique challenges — you won’t have face-to-face access to your professors and classmates, though you can still interact with them through your computer’s webcam — but it also offers significant advantages.

Some of the most notable benefits include:

• More Flexibility- Many classes offer archived videos of past lessons, so if you need to review a lecture, you can do so easily — and if you miss class due to other responsibilities, you won’t fall behind. Different professors have different policies for online attendance, so before taking a class, understand the instructor’s expectations.
• More Convenience- Remote learning allows you to continue education from virtually anywhere. As long as you have access to a computer, you can attend lectures and complete coursework. That might mean taking a test during your lunch break or working on a group project while you’re vacationing with your family; you’ll still have to put in the work, but you won’t be tied to a physical classroom.
• Options for Most Majors- The rapid growth of remote learning has opened up new possibilities for students. In the past, online degree programs were limited to a few majors. In 2021, you can find thousands of accredited programs from reputable institutions.

A growing number of students prefer online classes to in-person classes. That’s even true for traditional students; one fall 2020 survey found that only 17 percent of returning students wanted to take all of their classes in person.

In other words, you’re not missing out on the “college experience" by completing your degree online — you’re taking advantage of an incredible trend in education.

Online Resources for Online Degrees

To choose a degree program, you’ll need to do some research. This is particularly important if you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree — dozens of well-known colleges and universities began expanding their distance learning options in 2020, so plan on reviewing at least 3-4 schools before starting your applications.

Search for colleges with established online programs. If you’re pursuing a specific degree, make sure that each option provides full remote learning; some classes offer a mix of in-person and online classes, which can be difficult to manage if you’re not a traditional student.

Questions to ask when researching:

• Does the school have a good reputation?
• Does the faculty have experience with remote learning?
• What is the average class size for online courses?
• How many credit hours are required for graduation?
• Can credit hours be transferred from/to another school?
• What is the school’s application deadline?

Finally, keep notes about tuition fees, book rental fees, and any other expenses that could contribute to the cost of your education. While tuition isn’t the most important factor — your goal is to find a program that helps you develop your career — you’ll want to understand the true costs of each school.

Understanding Options When Researching Online Programs

If you’ve always wanted to finish your degree (or if you’ve never taken a college course, but you’re ready to challenge yourself), online degree programs can help you take the next steps. Remember to review every available option carefully to avoid “degree remorse.”

Fortunately, you can research schools easily with online resources. Find as many options as possible, comparing tuition expenses, school ranking, and other important factors. With the right approach, you can pursue your education with complete confidence — and enjoy the substantial benefits of remote learning.