STILL ON THE FENCE ?
So, you’re now contemplating whether or not you should attend an online college.
You’ve heard about all the great benefits that it has to offer but still on the fence.
But before you make up your mind, there are some questions to ask yourself. Will this be a higher education stepping stone, or will it be a waste of time and money?
Here’s some advice on how to make the best decision regarding whether or not to attend an online college:
Does your current job permit you to work at home while you complete an online college degree program? If so, then sign up for an online course. You’ll save a lot of money over the traditional school experience, plus you’ll have the flexibility to work at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home.
What are your major and minor requirements? Do you need a diploma? Do you just need an associate’s degree? You should consider the time commitment and the actual content of your course of study when determining whether it is worth your while to enroll in an online university or college.
You should know many programs offer certificate programs right now that can help you get a diploma or advance your education further. Others are primarily interested in advancing their career, so they may be worth the investment just to keep on top of your game.
Is your family or finances an issue?
If you have kids, are they going to fit into your online schedule full-time? Will they be able to handle the added responsibility as your child’s tutor? Will you be able to maintain your journey over the long run without losing control of the situation? There are a few that may require one on one tutoring or even online classes with their actual instructor.
PEACE OF MIND
A few online colleges provide a home base for your children, but they still must manage their own schedules and lives.
Is it necessary for you to have specialized skills?
You will find that the programs at most online schools are very similar now. Even if they are offered by completely different companies. If you want to take care of a particular project or piece of equipment yourself, that is okay. But you may not be qualified to do a job in the field that needs doing if you do not have experience with it.
Is your overall financial situation a good one to give up your full-time job for? This depends upon what your actual needs are and how much time you spend online. If you are looking for a quick way to earn extra income, then it may be possible. That being said, you can always use the internet as a supplementary means to your regular job to help you earn the extra money that you need. Are there other factors to consider as well? You might want to ask your parents or a close friend before you decide.
