Three Ways to Know if You Should Seek Your College Degree Online or in the Classroom

While correspondence courses have been a legitimate way to earn a degree without attending classes for some time now, online learning options have made college a viable option for more people than ever before. In many cases, the traditional classroom approach is still the best fit though. Here are two ways to determine which method – online or classroom – would be best for you.

One of the first considerations made by many students when thinking about a college education is cost. Not only in terms of tuition, but also when it comes to cost-of-living and opportunity cost (for example, can someone with a full-time job afford to stop working and become a full-time student). As a rule, obtaining a degree online will be less expensive overall, since students will only have to pay for credit hours and books. Traditional students pay tuition, room and board, and a host of other fees as well. On the other hand, there are many social benefits that come from attending a brick-and-mortar school such as friendships and study groups, plus access to exercise facilities, eateries, and other amenities.

Students should also consider how flexible they can be when it comes to their studies. Online students have the advantage here, as they can work whenever their schedule allows, and at the times and places that appeal most to them. Compare this to attending night classes after a long day of work or being a night owl that has to take morning classes because of their major. With this flexibility comes a greater amount of responsibility though; the onus is on the student to make time for their studies, not the professors.

Another factor to consider is whether the method of learning works with your personal learning style. Verbal learners are uniquely suited to online degrees, and many times a professor might record a lecture and post it online, making the lesson both verbal and aural. Physical and social learners might fare better in a traditional educational environment though, where they can interact with learning materials and fellow students.

No matter which method you choose, earning a degree is the right choice. By considering these and other factors though, you improve the quality of your learning experience. Good luck!