Online colleges are now encouraged to gain accreditation. Students who take and complete distance learning programs from accredited colleges are ensured their investment will provide similar opportunities and return as completing a degree from a brick and mortar college. With this concern eliminated, other challenges of attending college online, however, are still very real. Before pursuing higher education through a distance learning program, ask yourself the following five questions.
1. What are your goals for enrolling in and completing an online degree program?
The intentions behind why you are pursuing an online degree will help determine if you are setting yourself up for success. Are you looking to expand your personal knowledge, or will obtaining a degree help you move one step closer to a career goal? The more concrete the goal, the greater the likelihood you will complete the program and gain from it what you set out to gain. If all you are trying to do is expand your knowledge base, step back and ask if a college degree is the best decision, or if self-education through your local library or bookstore would help you achieve the same result. If you are going back to school to further your career, a distance learning program is an excellent choice.
2. Are you financially ready for your online education?
College is expensive, even an online degree program. Before jumping into an online program, make sure to evaluate the full costs which you will be required to cover. Do not approach your financial evaluation month-to-month or semester-to-semester. Also, if you are gainfully employed, look into getting continuing education financial support from your company. More than fifty percent of companies offer financial aid. The inability to cover the full costs associated with completing an online degree program is a leading factor for dropout.
3. Do you have the support of your employer and family?
Sit down with your supervisor and/or HR at your company and share with them your goals of completing an online degree. By making them aware of your aspirations, they will be more considerate of your time constraints while completing the program. Like any major decision affecting your family, make sure to sit down with them and share what impact your studies will have on them and your traditional family schedule and activities. Getting their buy-in well in advance will lower your stress and also help to build a tighter support network that will come in handy when you need it most.
4. Do you have the time available?
A three unit course, on average, takes between 10-12 hours a week to stay on track. The beauty of online learning is that with good time management you can tackle the workload when you can fit it into your already busy schedule. But unlike a brick and mortar program where there are set times where you are mandated to attend and learn, the onus is 100% on you to stay the course and complete the time requirements.
5. Do you know how to take hold of your future?
Online education takes fierce dedication. You will have to plan out your online degree's schedule and set time aside for forum discussions, homework assignments, and readings. Be prepared for some hobbies and leisure activities to be put on hold. The net result however is that you will gain knowledge that will hopefully provide you with greater personal and professional return in the future.