{"id":9926,"date":"2022-06-17T14:05:21","date_gmt":"2022-06-17T18:05:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=9926"},"modified":"2024-12-17T10:15:33","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T15:15:33","slug":"is-online-college-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/is-online-college-worth-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Online College Worth It for You?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When considering postsecondary options, many students find themselves asking the question: \u201cIs online college worth it?\u201d We are in the peak of a digital age, yet still students worry whether an online education is as credible (and valued by employers) as a traditional degree.<\/p>\n

From career certificates to graduate degrees, most online colleges award legitimate distinctions that are just as valid as traditional, on-campus institutions. Apart from scams and unlicensed credential mills, students can<\/em> earn official diplomas, certifications, and undergraduate and graduate degrees online<\/a>. This is all to say that, when you choose the right online college, the investment is well worth it.<\/p>\n

Although implemented nearly 150 years ago<\/a>, distance learning has become significantly more mainstream<\/a> in recent years. Especially since the start of the COVID-19- pandemic, remote knowledge, resources, and virtual learning experience has expanded, and the previous stigma attached to online degrees is lessening. Now, online classes<\/a> are more sought-after than ever.<\/p>\n

According to federal data<\/a>, in the 2019-2020 academic year, 52% of postsecondary students took at least one online course<\/strong> (not including remote classes due to COVID-19<\/em>). That same year, 23% of learners participated in entirely virtual programs.<\/p>\n

Online environments have become a new norm in the workforce, too. Today, remote employers seek to hire online degree holders, often due to their invaluable digital experience. In an article from Forbes<\/a>, a study found that high-paying remote opportunities increased from 4% to 9% by the end of 2020, with 15% of high-earning jobs being virtually available today. The study predicted that 25% of all professional positions in North America would be remote by the end of 2022, and it\u2019s expected that the climb in professional prospects will continue until 2023.<\/p>\n

The Credibility of Online Colleges<\/h2>\n

So, how do you choose the \u201cright\u201d online college? Which factors should you assess before deciding that an online school is worthwhile? Below are some considerations to keep top-of-mind when researching prospective colleges.<\/p>\n

Assessing Accreditation<\/h3>\n

Academic accreditation acknowledges that an educational institution meets the standards outlined by the Department of Education. To avoid schools making false accreditation claims, prospective students seeking online degrees should do their due diligence and research to ensure the U.S. Department of Education<\/a> approves the college\u2019s listed accrediting agency.<\/p>\n

A Curriculum that Counts<\/h3>\n

Potential students should also examine the online college’s program curriculum, keeping in mind questions like — Does the coursework align with my goals, and will this program adequately prepare me for my field?<\/em><\/p>\n

Analyzing Student Support Services<\/h3>\n

Students can still feel like part of their college community with an online-only education. By analyzing the online student support services, learners will better understand how the college they\u2019re considering will serve them for future success. These services may include:<\/p>\n