This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Ian Ferdock. Find him on Instagram at @ianferdock. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
In today’s world just about anything can be done virtually. Education is no exception. Especially in the post-Covid era, educational opportunities online have become increasingly popular and accessible. However, there are important distinctions between a traditional college experience and an online learning environment. Depending on your personal preferences, financial situation, or desired degree program, either situation can be a smart choice. When contemplating any level of higher education, there are important questions to ask yourself before making consequential decisions. Many prospective college students find themselves asking, is an online degree worth it?
Not that long ago, there was a huge stigma around online education. After the whole world went virtual in the wake of a global pandemic, a lot of the negative connotations surrounding online programs fizzled out. According to Forbes, in 2012 three quarters of college students had no experience with online courses, but by 2020 that number fell to a mere 26.6%. Today, regardless of whether you are going to a traditional college or not, odds are you have some experience with online courses. By 2022, over half of college students were still taking at least some of their classes online. Furthermore, over a quarter of students in 2022 were fully online.
A College Checklist
My college journey was never straightforward. I went on the traditional route out of high school, then took two years off. In 2020 I had brilliant timing when I decided to restart my college education. As I enrolled in my local community college, online courses were my only option. The time came to transfer to a larger university to complete my degree, and I opted for the online program offered by Arizona State University instead of commuting locally. An online format was aligned with my needs, so it was the best option for me. Since my journey hasn’t followed the typical pathway and I have experience in-person and online, I can shed some light on the debate.
Instead of pandering to you and providing a long narrative about the key differences between online and in-person classes, I think it will be more effective to run through a checklist of the important questions you need to ask yourself. Most, if not all these questions, should come up during your thought process when it comes to selecting a college or even just deciding if higher education is the right path for you. As we go through the list, I’ll point out the differences between online and traditional colleges.
Are You Worried About The Stigma Of Online Degrees?
The past stigma surrounding online education is a pivotal concern for prospective students. There are certainly sketchy programs out there that aren’t worth your time and money. That said, there are a ton of genuine universities that provide students with the appropriate resources and support to succeed online. All that matters is that your selected destination, whether virtual or in-person, is properly accredited. There may be employers in certain fields who look down on online degrees, but that is not a common issue today. Some employers may like the self-discipline you demonstrate by completing a degree with less structure. Plus, most online programs offered by institutions with physical locations don’t mention on your degree that it was completed online. If an employer doesn’t ask how you’ve earned your degree, you’re not obligated to tell them.
What Degree Program Are You Interested In?
Another deciding factor on whether an online degree program is right for you is dependent on your selected major. For example, if you want to go into STEM, particularly a science degree, online may not be the best fit. If your major requires more hands-on learning like labs, there probably won’t be an equivalent experience offered online compared to in-person learning. There are some programs with hybrid options though, so you’ll have to do your research. Conversely, if you are more into business or the humanities, online courses will be sufficient. I decided to major in history, so being online didn’t affect the quality of my education or access to important resources.
Is Your Priority Career Growth, Or Do You Seek A More Immersive College Experience?
Many experiences intrinsic to college aren’t confined to the classroom. A lot of people desire a sense of community or want to build lasting friendships. College parties are legendary for a reason. If the social aspects of college are important to you, you’ll probably be unsatisfied with an online degree. You may enjoy taking some classes online, but to fulfill your expectations you’ll want to be on campus. However, if you’re introverted or seeking a degree is more of a business transaction from your perspective, online could be a better fit. I never cared about parties or clubs. College was just about investing in my education to pursue a specific career path. If those are your main concerns, online college may be right for you.
Are You Comfortable Working Independently And Have Great Time Management Skills?
College is a big step up from high school, and that isn’t just because of increased academic rigor. Many of the hurdles associated with college life are related to time management. In a traditional on-campus program, you will likely have scheduled classes that provide structure throughout your week. But with online programs, there aren’t usually assigned meeting times. Instead, you must take the time to create a schedule from scratch to keep up with lectures, readings, and assignments. Any college degree requires effective time management, but online classes magnify that need. If you are doubtful about your ability to keep yourself on task, you may want to reconsider an online program. It’s okay to need more structure, that’s why in-person classes exist. If you do have great time management and self-discipline, then online courses will be less intimidating.
Do You Require Guided Instruction Or Seek A Collaborative Environment?
The level of interaction with professors can vary widely in online courses. I had some classes where instructors were heavily engaged, and others that pretty much didn’t want to be contacted unless you were actively dying. Aside from managing your time, in an online format, you will have to be able to teach yourself. You must be prepared for the possibility that your professors may be hard to reach and the level of support they can provide will be limited. If you know you need more face-to-face interactions to learn successfully, online programs may limit your education.
Additionally, you will have fewer opportunities to be collaborative with other students. Personally, I dread group projects. The few times I had to do them in an online course can best be described as a shit show. However, for certain degree programs, they are necessary. Furthermore, some students enjoy working with others. As you contemplate online and in-person programs, you’ll have to consider the level and ease of collaboration you desire.
What Level Of Accessibility Do You Require?
A massive benefit of online programs is their enhanced accessibility. If you have a disability that may prevent you from having a traditional college experience, online degree programs can be life changing. Not everyone is physically able to show up to classes regularly or may deal with other challenges. I suffer from severe chronic migraines, so this was a huge factor in my decision-making process. I knew it would be hard to commute to class and I would probably often miss out on instruction. Being able to complete my degree online met my needs more effectively than an in-person program could.
What Level Of Flexibility Do You Need?
These next two questions go hand in hand, so you’ll have to pardon me if it sounds a bit repetitive. Many adults, whether they’re fresh out of high school or well into their thirties, have competing responsibilities. If you’ve decided to pursue a degree, you might have kids or need to support yourself or your family financially. In the absence of set class times, online programs offer significantly more flexibility. Therefore, online programs can meet a wider range of individual needs. If you want a more traditional experience and can cope with a more chaotic schedule, then in-person classes may still be a possibility. However, you should also consider how your circumstances may change throughout the course of your education.
What Is Your Budget And Financial Situation?
Any degree should be looked at for what it is. Ultimately, they’re an investment. In a perfect world, we would all get to learn about our interests and passions and that would always translate to career success. However, in a shocking turn of events, the world isn’t perfect. It’s your job to determine if you will get a reasonable return on your investment.
Furthermore, the costs associated with college aren’t confined to tuition. You must factor in the associated cost of living. That can include moving costs, housing, or commuting. When comparing online and traditional programs, those costs will vary. Even if the tuition for an online program is higher you may save on housing and commuting costs. The cost of living surely isn’t cheap these days so it can be a great way to save money. Plus, you will have more flexibility to find work. Another possibility to consider is that some employers will sponsor the cost of your undergraduate degree. For example, Starbucks will pay for your degree through the ASU online program SCAP.
I hate it when things come down to money, but if you decide to seek a degree then the first thing you need to evaluate is your financial situation. There are too many variables between individual circumstances and different university programs, so there isn’t a straight answer I can give you about the comparable cost. Therefore, you must thoroughly investigate the associated costs of pursuing a degree with your specific financial constraints.
Is An Online Degree Worth It?
At the end of the day, it depends on your specific circumstances whether an online degree is worth it. From an academic perspective, there isn’t a substantive difference in the quality of education. Every program is different, but the deciding factor in the education you receive is you. You get out what you put in. If you work hard and strive to get the most out of the content provided, you’ll come out of college more educated and equipped with skills for your desired career path.
The real question isn’t just whether an online degree is worth it, but whether it’s the right fit for you. You must ask yourself the questions I posed, and your answers will guide your path.
What do you think? Is an online degree worth it? Let us know in the comments below!
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