The Advantages of Online Colleges
Thanks to advancing technology, online education is more interactive and social than ever. Not only that but today online learning has opened the doors to a variety of degree programs and alternatives to traditional higher education. And it’s only getting better.
Here’s the thing—if you’re looking into online programs, there’s more to it than merely considering online college vs traditional college. Online learning can mean associate, bachelor, or master’s degree programs. Or it can mean getting a certificate to upgrade your skills.
Regardless, it’s essential to check school rankings among other things when you’re deciding where to get your online degree.
Whether you’re just starting your college journey or looking to further your education, it’s time to explore everything you need to know about attending an online college.
What Are the Best Online Colleges?
There are hundreds of excellent online colleges to choose from today. A school search results for “best colleges online for a business degree” will yield results for a variety of university programs. In fact, your state university is likely to have an online program.
Take a look at all that Purdue University Global has to offer, for example. The online degree programs that this online university offers range from online bachelor’s programs in science, business, and information technology to nursing, as well as bachelor’s degrees in social sciences.
Nowadays, there’s a strong focus on online education due to modern-day challenges. Yet, online learning has always been a popular choice for many students around the world.
For starters, it’s often a much cheaper alternative to attending a traditional university. An online Bachelor’s degree costs as little as $38,000 compared to the $60,000 dollars per year you could expect to pay at a private college.
Apart from costs, many students find that online learning fits in better with their daily schedules. Plus, they have the opportunity to get out into the job market at the same time.
Find out more about the pros and cons of online schools if you’re keen to further your education and grow your career.
Ohio State University, Columbus
This university holds the number one spot for bachelor’s program distance learning according to US News Best Online Programs Rankings. They’ve been offering the option for online study since 2008. There are currently over 40-degree programs available from Ohio state.
The most popular ones are:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
- Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program
The university offers rolling application dates, so spots fill up closer to the deadline. There is no time restriction for completing your degree, and most students graduate within 6 years. Ohio State offers both institutional and federal aid for students. This university only accepts applications from US citizens. There aren’t any high school GPA criteria for admission.
The University of Florida, Gainesville
The University of Florida is well-established and added online education to its portfolio in 2014. UF is also one of the most affordable online colleges available to undergraduate students. Learners have the option to study full time or part-time and can choose from over 25 majors as well as minors and certificate courses.
In total, the university offers over 200 programs for students to choose from. The University of Florida offers a wide range of courses for distance learning students.
The most popular ones are:
- Business administration and management
- Computer science
- Fire and emergency services
- Psychology
- Communication sciences
The university is open to students from anywhere in the world and offers financial aid packages to assist US students.
Peirce College, Philadelphia
Peirce College is Pennsylvania’s only non-traditional higher learning institution. It offers over 25 programs and 11 online bachelor’s degrees. Online students pay the same rates for tuition as on-campus students. You can also apply for scholarships, grants, loans, and federal aid programs when you study with Peirce.
Students may also receive credit for previous experience, prior training, or military service. You’ll need a high school diploma with a 2.0 GPA in college-level English and mathematics to enroll with Peirce. Otherwise, you can complete a placement exam.
Some of the most popular courses include BSC degrees in criminal justice, technology management, and healthcare administration.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Saint Mary of the Woods
Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods opened its doors in 1840 as a Catholic college for women only. It was one of the first universities worldwide to implement distance learning when it introduced the Women’s External Degree Program in 1973.
During 2005, SMWC started offering online classes and simultaneously opened its doors to men for the first time. Saint Mary’s is also one of only 20 colleges in the US to offer a Bachelor of Science in equine studies.
SMWC offers 25 bachelor’s programs online, including majors in nursing, business administration, information technology, and healthcare administration.
All online students pay the same tuition fees regardless of where they live. International students are welcome to apply to this university. Saint Mary’s offers financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits.
The University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield
UIS offers over 50 online degree programs, including 14 bachelor’s degrees.
These include:
- Mathematical sciences
- Management information systems
- Health care informatics
- Teacher education
- Business administration
Online students may apply on multiple start dates, and classes run for both full and half semesters. That is another affordable option for distance learning, and you pay less for online tuition than for on-campus programs. Unfortunately, this university doesn’t offer financial aid for online students.
The school’s career development center offers resume critiques, career counseling appointments, and test preparation, among other valuable services. You’ll need a high school diploma or a GED credential to apply for this university.
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
Oklahoma State University has been up and running since 1890 and currently runs more than 200 programs for its on-campus students. The university also offers over 20 online degrees to accommodate working professionals and those who prefer distance learning.
Their current offering includes human sciences, nursing, and business administration, among others. Students may commence their studies in the fall, spring, and summer with the option of eight-week or full-semester courses. For admission to this university, you need a high school diploma and a minimum GPA of 3.0 and influential ACT and SAT scores.
Trine University, Fort Wayne
Trine University offers a range of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in four academic areas.
These are:
- Communication, Justice, and Psychology
- Engineering and Technology
- Leadership and Healthcare
- Business Administration
The university offers many advantages for online students, including an academic advisor and custom online software. You’ll also get free access to Microsoft Office. The university also provides some financial aid awards to online students, which you can spend covering hardware and software if desired.
The university doesn’t offer institutional aid for tuition fees. However, there are financial aid counselors to hand to help you apply for federal and private financial assistance. You need a high school diploma or GED certificate to qualify for admission.
Colorado State University, Global Campus
Colorado State University offers convenient monthly start dates. That means they’re an appealing choice for those who are keen to start their online learning journey as soon as possible. The university offers master’s degrees in professional accounting and finance. You can study towards a bachelor’s degree in accounting and criminal justice via online learning too.
Online students benefit from several unique resource guides at Colorado State. These include writing assistance, tech support, and tutoring. Each student can also access career navigation services. These assist them in creating a persuasive and compelling job profile. The university offers several scholarship opportunities for online students too.
To qualify for study at this university, you need high school transcripts or GED scores.
Arizona State University, Scottsdale
With ASU Online, you can choose from dozens of undergraduate and graduate programs. That is one of the top accredited universities offering seven programs for those wanting to study medicine. It’s also the right choice for those interested in business studies.
According to the university, 87% of recent graduates had job offers within 90 days of graduating. Some of the perks of studying with ASU Online include an app to stay in touch with professors and advisors, as well as virtual career workshops.
Tuition varies according to the degree you’re studying, and fees are higher per semester for out-of-state students. ASU offers institutional and departmental scholarships for all new students. The university accepts GED scores but prefers students to have a high school GPA of at least 3.0.
Northeastern University, Boston
You’ll find over 80 fully online programs up for grabs at Northeastern Online. If you already have an associate degree, you can complete your bachelor’s in several fields of study. These include digital communication and media, health management, analytics, and more.
The university offers specialized resources for veterans, such as the Yellow Ribbon Program. It also provides a virtual tutoring center and a virtual writing center for online students.
You won’t need to submit ACT or SAT scores when you apply at Northeastern, but you do need a GED certificate or high school diploma. All students pay the same tuition fees and may apply for renewable institutional scholarships up to $10,000.
Texas Tech University, Lubbock
Online degrees and coursework from TTU include the option to study online full time or spend some of your time on campus. Texas Tech offers a wide range of non-traditional degrees.
Some of the more unusual things you can study at TTU is a BSC in wind energy or an associate degree in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management. Some of the student resources available at TTU include information on useful topics. These include financial aid, IT troubleshooting, and other issues to help you thrive. You can get in touch with a student advisor at any time during business hours.
When you apply for your first year at Texas Tech, you’ll need high school transcripts, a GED certificate, and ACT or SAT scores. Some of the scholarships available include the Presidential Merit Scholarship. This scholarship covers your full tuition and depends on the merit of your standardized test scores.
LeTourneau University, Longview, TX
LETU offers over two dozen online programs for both undergraduate and graduate studies. The Bachelor of Business Administration degree alone offers four different areas of specialization. You can also study towards degrees in healthcare management and engineering here. Career-orientated associate degrees are another option when you consider online with LeTourneau.
This online school offers intensive support for students. You can take advantage of online citation guides and online tutoring. There are also great resources available to help you cope with stress and time-management. LETU offers three different types of scholarships for online learners.
Other Online Study Options
If you’re interested in coursework and more practical areas of study, you have options. Many reputable online platforms are offering informative and useful certificates and diplomas. These are great tools if you’re already employed and looking for ways to improve your knowledge and skills during your spare time. Adding extra courses to your resume will impress future employers and could even lead to a promotion at work.
Some of the most useful courses to study online include:
- Information Technology
- Digital Marketing
- Teaching
You can also use online courses to hone your existing skills, such as writing. This can lead to an income-generating side gig like blogging or affiliate marketing.
Deal with the Present and Focus on the Future
Online schools may seem like a huge expense right now, but your efforts will pay off over time. Don’t let your current situation get you down. Keep browsing our site for more information on how to lower your bills and save money.