The Top 10 Benefits of Online Education

Posted on 10.19.2016

One of the most common questions that come up for someone looking into online education is “what are the benefits?” Why do students choose to go to school online, and if they’re not thinking about it, why should they?

Well, we’ve put together our very own Top 10 list on the benefits of choosing an online program when you go back to school.

Ten reasons is a lot though, so in order to avoid making this single blog post a novel, we’re going to turn this into a series. Today’s post will provide you an overview of our top 10 reasons, and then over the next few months we’ll highlight a couple reasons in separate posts (which we’ll then link back to this post). Eventually, this post will provide you with all 10 reasons in one place as well as a convenient list of links to all of the other posts.

So, let’s get started!

CareerStep’s Top 10 Reasons to Choose Online Education

1. Choice
Picking up and moving to the college with the program of your dreams is rarely a possibility. Online education offers the chance to choose from great programs regardless of where the school is based.

2. Savings
It’s no secret that education can be EXPENSIVE. Online programs are often a fraction of the cost when compared to on-campus programs.

3. Flexibility
Fitting school in around work and family responsibilities can be a real challenge. Going back to school with an online program gives students the flexibility to study on the schedule that fits their lives.

4. Convenience
Online training makes education more convenient for students living in rural areas, those with disabilities, and those who frequently travel or move.

5. Instructor/student interaction
In a classroom setting, instructors must divide their time between all of their students. Good online programs give you one-on-one access to experienced instructors whenever you need help.

6. Networking opportunities
With online education, you get the opportunity to network with individuals all around the country—even around the world—whereas an on-campus program typically limits you to a small local area.

7. Accelerated graduation
Online programs often allow students to graduate sooner than they would have been able to otherwise because they can study and progress without the constraints of waiting on an instructor or classmates.

8. Effective learning
Students learn more effectively online. A 2009 study by the Department of Education found that, on average, students who took all or part of their instruction online performed better than peers who learned entirely through face-to-face instruction.

9. Unique learning environment
Online education has a certain degree of anonymity that can help ease student fears. Students can think about their responses longer, respond when they feel comfortable, and the content doesn’t progress until they’re ready.

10. New and exciting technology
It can cost a lot to update an entire college or university, but online institutions are built to incorporate the latest learning technologies, ensuring students learn with the most up-to-date information.

We’re really excited for our new series and hope you are too! In our next Benefits of Online Education post we’ll talk about the increased choices and big savings available with online training.