8 Things You Didn’t Know About Online Degree

Despite the various advertisement pitches thrown by online colleges, there are still many myths and in some cases lack of knowledge about the concept of online education. This has resulted in many students making incorrect decisions when it comes to online degree and become trapped in the fangs of diploma mills that have contributed significantly to many of these myths.

Some of the things you probably did not know about online education include:

1. The concept of Distance Learning is not new:

Although the concept of online education has cemented itself in the education industry in the past ten years, the concept has actually existed for almost a century. Back in the days of old America, when there was only one school in the center of the community, many individuals resorted to learning through the mail. This concept continued until the internet revolutionized how we communicate with each other.

2. Not all Online Colleges are purely Online Only:

Competition has forced many traditional colleges to enter the fray of online education. Actually, some are now professing that their online education department is more profitable than their campus based operation.

3. Not all Online Programs are 100% Online:

Though most online degree programs are theoretically based, some do require students to attend classes and labs on campus. This is because there are some subjects that just do not lend themselves to the online education format.

4. Online Education cost less:

Though many online colleges may add on a technology fee for an online version of their courses, the overall cost of the course is still cheaper than doing your degree online. With online education, the costs associated with commute to and from school and campus social life are eliminated. Some colleges also reduce the fees for online version of their course to less physical drag placed on the institution by online students.

5. Online Students can finish their degree in shorter times:

Online students are given the opportunity of choosing accelerated version of their degree program. This because their learning curve is not affected by the achievements of other students. Once an online student is finished with a module, they simply progress to the next step.

6. Online Students have access to Student Loans:

Once an online college has received accreditation from the Department of Education, all their students are able to earn government funded student loans. These may come in the form of Stafford, Perkin and Plus loans. They can also qualify for one of the many scholarships and grants offered by various organizations.

7. Online Degrees are available at all levels:

In its infancy, online education was focused on diploma programs. However, with the entry of major universities in the industry, online students can now access online degree programs at associate, bachelors, masters and PhD levels.

8. Not all Online Colleges are accredited:

Unfortunately, not all online colleges confirm to regulations that ensure that their college receives accreditation from US Department of Education. However, they continue to register students who then have to deal with the subsequent difficulties that arise after graduation because their degree is not recognized.

Source: About Online Degrees