On-line Degree vs. "Traditional" Method for Obtaining Bachelor's Degree?

Question

I have completed one year of college at a traditional four-year university. I am contemplating finishing my degree online. With the cost of "room and board" at the university in which I am currently enrolled, (correct me if I am wrong) it appears as though an online degree is more cost efficient.

What are the pros and cons of an online degree? Would an online degree hinder my ability to get a job compared to an individual that graduated from a traditional four-year college? Please offer your insight as it is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

You may wish to check with your current university and see if they have a distance learning center. A great deal of colleges, that is traditional four-year, you are physically in class, are now offering on-line classes to their students. For example, I had to take history this past summer for a humanities credit. My college offered a completely on-line class. It was actually really cool while I paid Villa Julie, it was actually through a university in Colorado, who in turn had a contract with the University of Dublin, Ireland. My class was Irish History. There were several students from my home school, as well as students from Colorado and my professor was at the University of Dublin in Ireland. It was absolutely fabulous to have so many different backgrounds, education and life experiences while taking a class.

To answer your question about cost efficiency, the answer is "yes." However, I found that the books that I had to purchase for the on-line classes were much more expensive. It seems as though there are always three or four books that are required and some colleges charge "technology" fees for on-line classes in order to continually update their computer systems.

My degree is no less different than the other students at my college; they are exactly the same. Again, it depends on how you do this.

Another recommendation is that on-line classes provide a great deal of flexibility. Some times for some students, there is too much flexibility and not enough structure. You have to be seriously committed to doing the work. First off, it seems as though there is slightly more work in on-line classes and, secondly, there is no one there reminding you that something is due. You have to be very organized and time efficient.

I hope this information helps you. Good Luck

Answer 2

Hi

I took my BA the traditional way and enjoyed it very much. Being with other students and hearing their insights and ideas plus being tutored face to face was very valuable. As a mature student, I wasn't resident on the campus or in halls of residence so i can't comment on that side of things but nevertheless I enjoyed being there and meeting and learning with students of all ages.

However, I took my Masters degree with the Open University. Though I missed the company of other students and being on a campus, because I was so well supported by my Tutor and by the OU I found that distance learning was no real problem.

What I would say to you is that, if you are a young person, I would advise you study by attending a university because there is more to being there than studying--it's a whole life experience.

Studying at the OU would definitely not hinder your prospects on the contrary you, would be admired because they have very high standards and require more from their students than other universities.

Answer 3

It looks like an online degree is more cost efficient if you are only looking at expenses -- but when you look at expected income after getting the degree and realize that your starting salary from an online college will be $20K a year or more less than the job you get from a real college, it doesn't make economic sense any more.

Most online colleges are For Profit corporations tha accept nearly everyone who applies. The lack of screening means that employers have no clue how smart you are -- so they will hire from real colleges instead.

Many online colleges have regional accreditation -- but lack the more prestigious national accreditation's that real colleges have.

Recent problems at University of Phoenix illustrate the problems of getting an online degree. They were recently fined a record $9.8MM for sleazy recruiting practices. They are currently being investigated for inflating their placement numbers. In addition, many companies -- like Intel -- have announced that they will no longer pay for employees to take classes at the U of P because they are not rigorous enough.

My advice is to avoid online colleges like the plague.

Answer 4

While an online degree would make sense economically, it really can't compare to an in-person degree. The college environment lends so much to rounding out a person that it creates better people, IMHO.