Why Pick an Online College?
Long before the internet was invented, people have been looking for ways to attend college from home. Indeed, distance learning has been around since the 1700s, becoming more common in the late 1800s with the growth of the postal service. Today, students can choose from a wide variety of online colleges and programs. As high school graduates and those returning to college consider their options, many wonder if online college is right for them.
While traditional schools are still more popular, the covid-19 pandemic pushed more students into the virtual sphere where they choose to remain. Many enrolled in schools far away from home and many universities chose to keep virtual options open to reach more students. Others recognized the convenience of online colleges and opted to stay home.
Ultimately, there are many reasons today’s students are more likely to attend online universities over traditional ones. They recognize the lessened stigma of virtual classes, feel more comfortable with the internet, and worry about the spread of illnesses on campus.
How to Decide if Online College is for You
Online college isn’t for everyone. Many still prefer going to classes, staying on campus, and the traditional college experience. But both modern traditional and non-traditional students have different needs and wants compared to the students of the past.
There has been a huge shift in student preference, which grew more dramatic after the covid-19 lockdown. While there used to be several misconceptions about online college, a 2022 survey revealed that 76% of surveyed students wanted the option to take more fully online courses. This statistic was a notable jump up from 68% just one semester prior.
However, taking one or two online courses is different from attending a fully online program. Keep reading to figure out if online college is right for you.
1. You Have Other Responsibilities
Many online students choose to study virtually as they have families or careers that they’re responsible for. If you have kids, a partner, or other family members that you take care of, you obviously can’t leave them behind for school. And, even if you commute, you’ll still need to ensure that your schedule accounts for school, appointments, and other events. You’ll have to decide if you have enough backup babysitters or caretakers in case your dependent needs to be watched and you can’t skip class.
Similarly, if you have a job, you’ll need to figure out if every course in your program is offered online or at a time you’re sure you can attend. Thankfully, many schools offer night classes to account for working adults. But what if you have kids and a job? You probably don’t want to spend every night and day away from your family.
That’s where online colleges come in. Accredited institutions provide the same level of education and allow you to spend class time with your family. Some students even opt to do schoolwork on their lunch break or listen to their textbooks during their daily commute.
Thus, online college might be right for you if you’re already working or are taking care of your family.
2. Local Colleges are Too Far of a Commute
Some people have their choice of colleges when they’re looking to enroll locally. Highly populated states like New York and California have hundreds of higher education options, giving their citizens ample opportunities to choose from. If one college doesn’t offer your desired program, you don’t have to look out of state. In some cases, you may only need to look down the street.
On the other hand, sparsely populated states like Alaska, Delaware, and Wyoming have the lowest amount of schools. Prospective students may live hours away from a college or university. And the closest school may not even offer the program that they want. You have to choose between living on-campus, leaving the state, settling for another major, or not attending at all.
Today, students who don’t wish to live on-campus or look out of state may turn to an online college. You can now find hundreds of programs online, meaning you can find the degree you’re after in-state. By choosing online, you avoid additional tuition and housing and commuting costs. Obviously, some majors are not yet offered virtually, but virtual colleges are increasing their offerings yearly.
3. You’re an Introvert
Notably, some students may be worried about the on-campus living situation or dealing with hundreds of students every day. Not everyone is a social butterfly nor do they do well in crowds. Those who want to avoid 300-student lecture halls may consider a smaller school. But small colleges still have group projects, presentations, and similar assignments. Basically, you can’t avoid interacting with other students.
Truly, it’s good to break out of your shell and learn to talk to your peers. You may end up making a friend. College is a time of self-discovery and exploration. However, not everyone flourishes in the same situations.
One shy student may fit right into campus culture, while another will feel truly alone. For that second person, it becomes a fight to make it through college. Higher education is stressful enough on its own. You might lose motivation to make it through your degree if you feel isolated. Many students report feeling stressed, anxious, and even depressed as they adjust to college. Truly, many are thrown into a completely new and unknown environment with no allies and a whole bunch of work to get through.
Online options allow students to stay close to familiar people and places. They get to avoid that extra stress that might have driven them over the line. And they get to socialize on their own terms.
It’s important to note that you’re not alone in an online college. Just like in a traditional classroom, you can speak to other students about assignments, create study groups, and make new friends. Most virtual programs provide forums or messaging functions and encourage students to get to know each other. Ultimately, it helps introverts interact in a more comfortable environment.
4. Online Classes Fit Your Preferences
Notably, some students may be worried about the on-campus living situation or dealing with hundreds of students every day. Not everyone is a social butterfly nor do they do well in crowds. Those who want to avoid 300-student lecture halls may consider a smaller school. But small colleges still have group projects, presentations, and similar assignments. Basically, you can’t avoid interacting with other students.
Truly, it’s good to break out of your shell and learn to talk to your peers. You may end up making a friend. College is a time of self-discovery and exploration. However, not everyone flourishes in the same situations.
One shy student may fit right into campus culture, while another will feel truly alone. For that second person, it becomes a fight to make it through college. Higher education is stressful enough on its own. You might lose motivation to make it through your degree if you feel isolated. Many students report feeling stressed, anxious, and even depressed as they adjust to college. Truly, many are thrown into a completely new and unknown environment with no allies and a whole bunch of work to get through.
Online options allow students to stay close to familiar people and places. They get to avoid that extra stress that might have driven them over the line. And they get to socialize on their own terms.
It’s important to note that you’re not alone in an online college. Just like in a traditional classroom, you can speak to other students about assignments, create study groups, and make new friends. Most virtual programs provide forums or messaging functions and encourage students to get to know each other. Ultimately, it helps introverts interact in a more comfortable environment.
Final Thoughts
Lakewood University is an accredited online school that offers a variety of degree and certificate programs. We have rolling enrollments and asynchronous courses. In other words, you don’t have to worry about missing a lecture or running late to class. If you plan on enrolling in college while working, Lakewood University offers the flexibility you need to earn your degree.
Don’t hesitate – reach out to our admissions department today to learn more!
