5 Advantages of Online Universities vs. Traditional Universities
When you’re considering where and how to advance your education, there are two main choices: you can go to a traditional campus college, or you can opt to get your degree online. Some people still shy away from online universities, thinking that their degree will be less legitimate, or employers won’t consider them in today’s competitive job market. But this simply is not true.
Today’s online degree programs are a far cry from the somewhat lacking online classes of the past, and many students have actually reported that they feel their education is of a higher quality than it would have been at a traditional university. Still not convinced? Here are just five of the many advantages to online universities that you may have not considered:
1. The level of anonymity makes it easier to participate.
Many students feel shy when it comes to class participation, which is essential for a quality education. For some, it can be nerve-wracking to speak up in a class, especially if you’re giving your opinion, not just answering an objective question about the work. Online, there’s a certain level of anonymity, which can really help you come out of your shell. In an online classroom, it is much easier to ask questions as well, so you’ll get the answers you need to understand the material better.
2. You’ll have access to the best professors.
When you go to a campus college, you’re limited to working with professors who live in your area. While most colleges are home to amazing professors in at least a few fields, an online campus isn’t limited by location. So, if the best teacher for Introduction to Anatomy lives in New Mexico and the best teacher for Biology 101 lives in South Carolina, you can have access to them both. With every class, there’s the potential for the best professors.
3. You can work at your own pace.
Most schools advertise the fact that you can work on your own schedule, even in your pajamas, but it isn’t just about scheduling school before the kids wake up or after you come home from your day job. At an online university, you have more flexibility to work at your own pace. So, even if you can only devote a limited amount of time to your schoolwork, you can still get your degree.
4. Professors are easier to contact.
With a traditional college, most professors have office hours during which time they are available to answer your questions. If you aren’t available during those hours, you might be out of luck, since some professors don’t check their email often. Professors at online colleges will contact you almost exclusively via email, which means that you can ask your question any time day or night, and they’ll get back to you as soon as they can.
5. Online programs are often less expensive.
With a campus college, your tuition doesn’t just cover the expense of going to class. You’re also paying for access to classrooms, a library, and other facilities that aren’t a part of online universities. Server space costs a lot less than actual buildings, and that savings will be passed on to you, so saving for college is easier.
Top Online Universities
According to our user selection data, the universities listed below are those in which prospective students are most interested. You can click on each college's logo to request more information from that particular school.
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Kaplan University – Kaplan University is one of the largest accredited online colleges, with degree programs available in a wide range of subject fields. Enjoy a vast library of resources, dedicated advisors, and innovative learning techniques through Kaplan’s online programs. |
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University of Phoenix – Now the largest private university in North America, the University of Phoenix maintains over 200 convenient campus locations as well as one of the leading online learning formats to serve students anywhere at any time. The University of Phoenix degree programs are designed in collaboration with academic and industry professionals to ensure quality, relevance and rigor. |
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Ivy Bridge College – Ivy Bridge College offers online associate’s degree programs in accounting, business, computer technology, healthcare administration, criminal justice and general studies. The programs provide the flexibility and convenience of online learning while offering unparalleled mentoring and student support. For students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, Ivy Bridge provides streamlined admission to some of the best four-year colleges in the U.S. |
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Post University – Now dubbed the largest provider of online higher education in the state of Connecticut, Post University has been offering accredited, accelerated online degree programs for nearly 15 years. Post’s online programs are thriving today thanks to an effort to providing the detail of in-person learning to students needing the convenience and flexibility of online education. |
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Walden University – Founded in 1971 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Walden University’s motto states their mission: "A higher degree. A higher purpose." The coursework offered at this university is designed with working adults in mind. Those who previously may not have had the time to attend class can now earn a degree online from Walden in convenient and affordable style. |
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