We all want to get ahead in life and furthering our education is among the most reliable ways to do so. However, college tuition has risen steadily over the years by about 3% annually or by anywhere from 20% to over 30% in the last decade alone, according to CNBC1.
It’s no wonder then that the average college student leaves school with a staggering debt of $37,172. Fortunately, many of the best higher learning institutions have high-quality online degree programs2.
Why Get an Online College Degree?
Due to the high fee of college tuition, students are required to sacrifice so much just so they can come to classes on campus. But now it is possible to get an online college degree that will look just as impressive to employers without forcing people to go through so much trouble.
By applying for an online college, people will:
– Attend the same classes as traditional students from the comfort of their own home.
– Benefit from a flexible schedule and do the work at their own pace without having to rush.
– Have more choice in courses and be able to finish programs and classes much faster.
– Most importantly, people will save a lot of money by studying online.
After all, who wants to start a new career swimming in debt? According to CNBC and the Department of Education, a loan of $20,000 to $40,000 takes as much as 20 years to pay off. When taking that into consideration, paying so much just to be able to sit in a classroom doesn’t sound as appealing3.
In contrast, online college degrees price is less than the common undergrad program and there’s always the possibility of getting a free college degree through special programs. Why should we throw away up to two years of salaries for a chance to share a room with other students?
It’s Never Too Late to Get an Online Degree
Distance learning through an online college course is the perfect solution for seniors who want to get a degree. There is the possibility to learn from the comfort of our own home, even if there are issues with hearing, mobility, or if it is not possible to drive and people don’t want to commute or worry about parking. The schedule can be flexible and course material is often available when needed, which lets people work at a pace that’s ideal for them.
Senior students can also count on getting help from advisors that explain how online degrees function through introductory classes. Those who are shy can expect a certain level of anonymity, and those who want to interact more will be able to talk to people with shared interests. Meeting new friends and colleagues is an excellent way to relieve loneliness, a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality among both women and men4.
The Best Online College Degrees
Associate’s Programs
A two-year associate’s degree that requires about 60 credit hours is probably the right way to start a new career or get promoted. This can also be an excellent stepping stone to a Bachelor’s degree. Here are some of the best fields to consider for people who want to get their associate degree online:
– Psychology and Counseling
– Tax preparation
– Real Estate
– Child Development
Bachelor’s Programs
A four-year bachelor’s degree requires some 120 credit hours, or less if it’s preceded by an associate’s degree. The flexible learning environment of online college courses let bachelor students work part or full-time while still making progress. When it comes to an online bachelor’s degree, people most often choose the following fields of study:
– Medical Billing
– Business & Entrepreneurship
– Computer Science and Engineering
– Veterinary Technician
Going Online Is the Right Way to Choose The Perfect Online Degree Program
Researching and finding more about all the different online college programs might seem daunting at first, but doing so online is usually the simplest and most effective way. Really, all is needed to do is type in a keyword or two, and a list featuring more than a few great options will show up.
This is your chance to get back on track…
There is a chance to lead a more fulfilling life and steer a career into a more lucrative direction. Start searching for online schools today and be amazed at how many high-quality and affordable online college degrees it is possible to find.
[1] Why college tuition keeps rising
[2] Students & Debt
[3] College grads expect to pay off student debt in 6 years—this is how long it will actually take
[4] Combating the Epidemic of Loneliness in Seniors