Has anyone actually gone through an Online College?

Question

If so, was it worth it? I want to go back to school, but I just had a baby. I was thinking of going the online route to make things easier, but I am terrified that I will be wasting my time. Anyone have any experience in Online Schooling and if it worked out for you? Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Congratulations on considering to further your education.

Online is gradually becoming more accepted. Many people who want to change careers or further their education while working find it easier to take online courses.

I do urge you to avoid the for-profit schools though. University of Phoenix, Kaplan, DeVry, and Strayer are examples of for-profit schools. It is not because I believe they give a sub-par education. I'm sure many people have furthered their careers by attending these schools. I disagree with the cost.

Many state universities and other public post-secondary institutions already have some online programs. These can be much less expensive than UoP. Also, some of the options will have program accreditations on top of their regional accreditations whereas UoP only has regional accreditation.

For example, University of Phoenix charges close to $700 per semester credit hour for their MBA program. University of Wisconsin only charges $548 per semester credit hour and their program is AACSB accredited. AACSB accreditation is widely considered to be the best accreditation possible for a business program.

Here are some schools for you to consider.
Fort Hays State University – http://www.fhsu.edu/virtualcollege/
Peru State University - http://www.peru.edu/offuttafb/degreeprograms/onlinelearning.htm
University of Wyoming – http://outreach.uwyo.edu/ocp/
Mississippi State University - http://www.distance.msstate.edu
American Public University – http://www.apu.apus.edu/index.htm

All of the above are less than $250 per semester credit hour for undergraduate degrees. Master's degrees are $275 to $550 per semester credit hour. Mississippi State and University of Wyoming are both AACSB accredited. Mississippi State is cheaper at $444 per semester credit hour.

Finally, while you are searching for an online school, always check the accreditation before applying. You can check accreditation on any school in the U.S. at the USDE website at http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.asp

Good luck

Answer 2

Depends on the school. Like most people have answered you need to be sure it's accredited and not just another diploma mill. It also depends on the employer you're applying to. Most employers (I live in NC) around here view it as the same. Also employers often look for diversity so having someone who went to college online adds diversity. It helps if you go to a college with an actual campus. Like the University of NC offers degrees online so when you graduate you can just put UNC on your resume and don't have to specify you went online (unless they ask you). So just make sure it's accredited and check who it's accreditted by. Some places even have fake accreditting places. Nowadays a lot of people can't stop thier lives and go to an actual college for 4 years. Most employers can understand that and honor online colleges. Who wouldn't want to hire someone who worked full time and got a bachelor's degree from an accredited school at the same time? That takes hard work, brains, and mad time managing skills. Don't be afraid to get your degree online.

Answer 3

I am currently going through an online college and I love it. I actually think it is a bit harder. The only difference is that you aren't face to face with your instructor. I do the same amount of work as a regular college(I've been to a traditional college). I did some research and read some news articles and some experts say that online college is the way of the future.
On the other hand it's a little expensive, but, they are great about helping with financial aid and the like.

Answer 4

I finished college in February 2005, getting my MBA from University of Phoenix online.

I loved it, and would highly reccommend it. You have to be an independant learner though, one who can read and work out problems independantly. You don't get face time with professors, and it can be tough to get one on one help from them. I attended a traditional private college for my undergrad and i think it is a bit harder going the online route. I did a lot of papers...meaning a lot of research needed to be done.

It was so convenient being able to do my schoolwork from home, and having the flexibility of not having set class times to work around.

My degree has been well received too. Some have said they are not seen as equal to a degree from a traditional college but I have not found that to be the case at all. My most recent postion of director of finance....I was hired from 20 applicants and was one of ten people who had MBAs.

Answer 5

Yes...I went to NTU (national technological university), which recently merged with Walden University. I dont' have a ton of time right now (about to go out the door), but wanted to pass that along in case you were doing research on what school to attend. It is accredited - I first got hooked up because my Fortune 300 company employer at the time was affiliated with them.

Anyway...I got my Master's in Engineering Management in 2003. It took me the full 7 years....one major reason was a pregnancy/baby in the middle. It makes it so worth it to have that flexibility.

My #1 piece of advice? Make sure it is legit. Make sure it is accredited.

Answer 6

The above is great advice.

Online courses are more convenient, not easier in workload.
If you could add what your intended major is, or repost with a new question, I am sure we could narrow the field down for you.

Answer 7

I did. I liked it! As long as you are taking like some basic classes like math, english, or accounting. Well something of the sort, you should do great. Just dont take any sciences where they require online lab, that is really hard!