There are currently more working adults enrolled in online degree programs than ever before. With the competitive job market in which we find ourselves, that may not surprise you.
What might not be as obvious to some, however, are the reasons for the tremendous spike in recent high school graduates enrolling in online education programs. What or this trend?
Why have so many 18-24 year old students decided to pursue an online degree instead of choosing the more traditional alternative?
The primary reason, it seems, is that many 18-24 year olds need a full time job to support themselves and others in their families. As you are probably aware, it is extremely hard to work full time and attend traditional on-campus classes. Enrolling in an online college eliminates potential scheduling problems because distance education students can complete their coursework anytime they wish, including evenings and weekends.
Next, there is the issue of flexibility. Traditional college programs rarely allow students to accelerate the pace at which they can earn a degree. Conversely, online colleges frequently offer accelerated degree options. Some enable students to earn a bachelors degree in as little as two years.
Also, online degree programs are generally cheaper than traditional college and university programs. And, many online institutions of higher education offer tuition installment plans.
A final factor that has influenced more young people to turn to education online is the fact that most employers now value an online degree as much as they do a traditional one. That was not always the case. In fact, some employers prefer to hire folks with the ambition to earn a degree while working full time.
While it's true that students pursuing higher education online miss out on campus life, more and more 18-22 year olds are willing to trade it for the flexibility, and low cost online degree programs offer.
In fact, they choose online education for the same reasons as their older counterparts. Watch for the trend to continue.
What might not be as obvious to some, however, are the reasons for the tremendous spike in recent high school graduates enrolling in online education programs. What or this trend?
Why have so many 18-24 year old students decided to pursue an online degree instead of choosing the more traditional alternative?
The primary reason, it seems, is that many 18-24 year olds need a full time job to support themselves and others in their families. As you are probably aware, it is extremely hard to work full time and attend traditional on-campus classes. Enrolling in an online college eliminates potential scheduling problems because distance education students can complete their coursework anytime they wish, including evenings and weekends.
Next, there is the issue of flexibility. Traditional college programs rarely allow students to accelerate the pace at which they can earn a degree. Conversely, online colleges frequently offer accelerated degree options. Some enable students to earn a bachelors degree in as little as two years.
Also, online degree programs are generally cheaper than traditional college and university programs. And, many online institutions of higher education offer tuition installment plans.
A final factor that has influenced more young people to turn to education online is the fact that most employers now value an online degree as much as they do a traditional one. That was not always the case. In fact, some employers prefer to hire folks with the ambition to earn a degree while working full time.
While it's true that students pursuing higher education online miss out on campus life, more and more 18-22 year olds are willing to trade it for the flexibility, and low cost online degree programs offer.
In fact, they choose online education for the same reasons as their older counterparts. Watch for the trend to continue.
About the Author:
Jon Baskin is a newspaper editorial writer who also contributes to "the Internet's smartest directory and a website on online degrees and financial aid.
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