The concept of remote learning has made way for the emergence of online-only colleges. Certain educational fields such as software development, accounting, mass communication, digital marketing, and graphic design, are particularly well-suited for distant learning due to their nature of content and delivery. Online colleges curate their programs in a way that allows the students to meet their job commitments while advancing their careers and skills. The degrees earned through reputed online-only colleges are legitimate and valued worldwide. 78
Features of online-only colleges
Convenience for learners
This is arguably the most significant advantage that online-only colleges can offer to learners over their traditional counterparts. An online-only course enables students to continue their learning regardless of their geographical location. All they will need is a reliable and high-speed internet connection. The time and money saved on daily commutes by remote students can be redirected towards other valuable investments. This flexibility from zonal restrictions makes these courses incredibly convenient for potential students.
Flexible learning
Online colleges offer students with flexibility. For example, students can take care of their existing full-time jobs or significant family responsibility, like taking care of an ailing family member, while they are enrolled into an online-only college and course. That said, the level of flexibility may vary between online degrees. Some colleges may require students for viewing online lectures, completing assignments on scheduled time, and taking regular exams, while others may have more lenient deadlines.
Less expensive than traditional courses
Courses completed from online-only colleges are more cost-effective than corresponding degrees from traditional colleges. Traditional colleges spend a lot of money on their campus infrastructure, including classrooms, labs, and other amenities, which significantly contributes to the overall cost of the degree. On the other hand, online colleges eliminate the need for these physical structures, making education more accessible and affordable to students, especially those facing financial constraints. Despite the cost difference, online courses can offer a decent quality of education just as a traditional offline degree.
Boosts self-discipline
Unlike a traditional course, where professors, college timings, and the course schedule dictate study times, assignment deadlines, and constant alertness, remote learning makes it necessary for learners to develop self-discipline, create and rigorously follow a schedule and adhere to it in order to finish the given assignments in the quickest possible time.
Those who successfully bring this discipline within themselves find it easier in the long run to maintain self-control and ignore any kinds of distractions and achieve their career objectives and life goals.
Types of degrees that can be earned online
Specific types of courses and certifications are available through the medium of online-only colleges. Some of these degrees include –
- Associate degreeÂ
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Doctoral degree
- Law degree
Things to consider before choosing online-only colleges
Before selecting an online college to pursue a career, it is important to carefully evaluate and take into account several factors.
Choosing an accredited institution
The legitimacy of any institution is the most critical aspect of online-only colleges. The best place to start when going through a list of such colleges is accreditation. If a college has certifications from reputed independent accreditation organizations such as The Higher Learning Commission, it shows that it meets the rigorous quality standards of education.
Choosing programs according to one’s area of interest
Online-only colleges enable learners to choose subjects and courses that align with their interest and career aspirations. For those who are unsure about their preferences, opt for a college that offers a wide range of programs, allowing one to explore options. After picking a given program, students can look into the curriculum and gain deeper understanding.
Looking into the curriculum of the program
Students should review the curriculum of a specific degree program. This involves examining the content covered in each topic of every subject during each semester of the program, before making a decision.
Evaluating the costs of the course
Affordability is one of the main reasons why people opt for remote learning courses. Many remote students may not even have the financial means to afford expensive online colleges. To know the true price of the course, one must calculate the costs of books, classes, and fees needed for every semester of the program.
Choosing online-only colleges that offer scholarships, financial aid, and grants for adult as well as young students can be beneficial for potential applicants.
Checking the technologies offered by the college
Online-only colleges are heavily dependent on their technology and IT infrastructure to conduct courses for learners. The colleges must offer as many technological learning and communication points to learners as possible. This includes mobile app availability, video chatting platforms to connect with teachers and classmates, and other aids.
After paying for the course, students may not get the opportunity to withdraw or get their money refunded. This is why they must research well about the technological prowess of any online-only college before considering application.
Popular accredited online colleges
Some reputed and popular names that provide online programs include –
- North Carolina State University
- Oregon State University
- University of Florida
- University at Buffalo – SUNY
- University of Illinois – Chicago
- Ohio State Online
- Texas A&M University – College Station
- CUNY School of Professional Studies
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide
- University of Arizona
- University of Georgia
- George Washington University
