Pros? Cons? What You Need to Know About Earning a Degree Online

The pandemic in the early 2020s re-popularized earning a degree online, but it’s hardly a new idea. Many students—including parents, working professionals, and people who live far from schools that offer high-quality educational opportunities—have benefited from online education programs for years. 

Although there are definite advantages to taking courses in person, there are also distinct benefits to online degree programs. Whether you’re interested in furthering your education while fulfilling job responsibilities or simply seeking the flexibility and convenience of virtual learning, there’s something here for you. 

Are you wondering whether earning a degree online is the best choice for you? To help you navigate that tough decision, we’ll outline some of the top benefits of online degree programs.

Why Students Choose to Earn a Degree Online

Getting a degree online might be easier than you think. But first, let’s establish something a bit more fundamental.

Why would you earn an online degree instead of attending a brick-and-mortar college? 

We can think of several reasons:

1. Earning a degree online is cost-effective. 

When students think about higher education, one of the primary factors they consider tends to be cost. Online education usually costs less than traditional in-person coursework because you don’t need to pay for housing, meals, or commuting. (Some online degree programs may offer lower tuition than the average traditional college too.)

2. Earning a degree online is convenient. 

If you enroll in a traditional degree program, you need to be available to attend classes on specific days and at specific times. If you can’t fit a class into your schedule, you can’t take it!

Online degree programs circumvent this inconvenience by allowing you to attend classes on your schedule. This also makes higher education more accessible if you have other full-time responsibilities. 

3. Earning a degree online is more accessible. 

To earn a degree through an on-campus program, you usually need to be physically present to receive credit.

This can make higher education challenging if you live far away from campus or have obstacles such as disabilities, behavioral challenges, or tough family situations that could make it difficult to participate in on-location classes regularly.

In an online degree program, you can complete coursework anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. 

4. Earning a degree online can connect you with enhanced learning opportunities. 

In an online degree program, you work at your own pace, making it easier to engage with the content and truly understand the material.

Because of their flexibility, online degree programs can make it easier to pursue internships or career opportunities while you are learning. That way, you can learn and earn simultaneously (whether you are earning money, experience, or both). 

5. Earning a degree online can help students develop executive functioning skills.

Executive functioning skills, such as self-discipline, time management, communication, and (to a certain extent) digital literacy, are highly sought-after skills in the workforce.

Conveniently, in an online degree program, those are the precise skills you need to build to manage your education. 

6. Earning a degree online can result in built-in networking. 

Once you enter the workforce, your degree and experience won’t be the only factors determining if you can get that all-important first job; often, who you know is just as important.

By earning your degree through an online program, you’ll be in close contact with people across the country. You’ll develop connections with people from unique backgrounds and other working professionals who may have experience in fields that interest you. 

These benefits are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other potential benefits to earning a degree online, from tackling advanced coursework from the comfort of your chosen learning environment to having access to continuous support and interactive resources.

Are There Cons to Online Degree Programs?

Although there are many benefits to online degree programs, there may also be other factors to consider. For example, when considering whether earning a degree online is right for you, it may be worth thinking about: 

Whether self-directed learning will work well for you. 

Online learning programs pose an excellent opportunity to develop self-discipline and time management skills, but that isn’t for everyone. Some students benefit from in-person accountability to pursue their studies. 

Whether you can build connections through remote interaction. 

Virtual learning environments generally offer less face-to-face interaction than in-person programs. As the world moves toward more digital and remote workspaces, being able to invest in digital communication skills and networking abilities will be helpful—but, again, it’s not for everyone. 

Whether an education that depends on technology is a good fit for you! 

Online learning relies on technology. You’ll need to have an internet connection, digital literacy, and some light tech troubleshooting skills to ensure you can always access and navigate your way through online learning platforms. Of course, this is another skill set that will be highly valued once you’re in the workforce.

Things to Consider as You Select the Perfect Online Degree Program

Do you think earning a degree online sounds like a practical solution? There are just a few more things to consider. For example, consider the factors that make an online degree program a good one.

We would look out for: 

• Accreditation, because whether an online program is accredited or not affects the validity of your degree.
• Program flexibility, or programs that offer varying start dates, deadlines, coursework, or access to learning resources.
• Cost, as you’ll want to make sure you understand the full cost of your new program and explore any available aid.
• Faculty qualifications to ensure that the educators teaching you have the experience to do their job well.

Curriculum or specializations to ensure the program aligns with your career goals.

Ready to Enroll in an Online Degree Program from MVNU Online?

Online degrees are convenient, accessible, and flexible—often, exactly what adult learners pursuing higher education need. If you’re seeking a high-quality, affordable online degree program, MVNU Online is here to help. 

We actively encourage and support working adults as they continue their education by providing flexible online courses that fit nicely around career and family responsibilities. We also offer a unique variety of programs at our accredited liberal arts university, including business administration, Christian ministry, education, nursing, and social work. 

If you’re interested in learning more, contact our team today to request information or start exploring your options.