Is an Online Degree Worth It? Exploring the Costs and Benefits

Explore the value of online degrees, their flexibility, accessibility, and career benefits. Despite challenges like distractions online learning offers unique advantages for modern students.

Over the years, online education has become increasingly popular. Over 50% of degree-seeking students took online courses in 2021, and the number is expected to increase in the coming years.

Despite their popularity, online degrees seem to have an aura of uncertainty tied to them. Many students wonder whether online courses are as effective as in-person courses. There are countless myths surrounding the debate, but the facts ring true. Let’s dive into why an online degree could be right for you.  

Understanding Online Education

The ins and outs of postsecondary education can be confusing. Between scheduling courses, maintaining minimum standing GPAs, and learning how to juggle the balance of digital academic life, the intricacies of online education are abundant. Despite these challenges, it can be the most effective way to earn your degree.

How Does Online School Work?

Online learning platforms are hosted on web spaces or in password-coded portals where students can access course content, lectures, and resources provided by educational institutions and professors for their enrolled courses. Students can chat with other students in these virtual spaces. Plus, it’s a great way for educators to monitor student progress. 

There are two key reasons why online learning platforms are so effective:

1. Flexibility and convenience

Over 42% of students report enrolling in online education due to existing commitments to things like work and family. Online degree programs offer various flexible learning format options in which students can enroll. Some programs utilize platforms such as Zoom to provide a recorded lecture for virtual learners in asynchronous courses, which can be completed based on your schedule and availability. 

2. Interactive features and resources

Online learning platforms also host many interactive features that are conducive to fostering community building and collaboration, despite remote learning. Discussion boards are a resource some platforms use to provide students with an opportunity to complete assignments by commenting on and interacting with other students’ thoughts on lecture material. Not only does this resource allow online students to interact with peers in similar learning environments, but it also allows students to learn from one another as they would in an in-person setting.

Benefits of Online Learning

Where the benefits of online learning might not seem as apparent as those of in-person learning, completing an online degree makes being a student more accessible. Here’s how:

• Access to various programs and courses: Enrolling in an online university means you can partake in courses you might not have had access to in an in-person school setting. Due to their virtual nature, online schools offer more program selections and course topics since scheduling rooms or auditoriums for a large number of students isn’t necessary.
• The ability to study from anywhere: Maybe the most obvious benefit of online degree programs is the ability to take your courses from anywhere in the world. As long as you have a way to access your course portal and have internet access, you’re golden.
• Career advancement opportunities while working: Due to the vast flexibility of online degrees, students can work while going to school. The asynchronous format of some online degree programs allows you to complete courses on your own time, leaving room in your schedule to work a part-time or full-time job—which can help you pay for the degree you’re seeking.

Comparing Online vs. In-Person Education

The major debate—and possible deterrent—for some people enrolling in online degree programs is the perceived disadvantages of online education.

Is Online School Better Than In-Person?

It’s impossible to say whether online education is better than in-person schooling since every student’s needs and experiences are different. Some students need a flexible schedule that in-person schooling can’t provide while others require students to sit in a physical classroom to complete their work.

Despite the vast differences between online and in-person education, they both offer different forms of social interaction and networking opportunities that are valuable to students. Where online social interaction is secluded to virtual meetings and digital conversations, in-person learning provides the opportunity to speak face-to-face, which can be an advantage for some students. At the end of the day, choose the learning option that will allow you to learn better.

Challenges of Online Learning

Despite the benefits, online learning also comes with some challenges of its own. It all comes down to your personality type and learning style.

• No face-to-face interactions: There is a sort of power that comes with direct human connection in school settings. A lack of participation is often said to be a chronic issue with online learning, whereas with in-person courses students are more likely to participate in active learning.
• Potential for distractions: Many in-person schools have designated quiet spaces like libraries for you to complete your work in settings with limited distractions. With the benefit of doing schoolwork from anywhere, you have the added cost of getting easily distracted, which isn’t always conducive to learning.
• Self-discipline and time management: To complete an online degree, you must have a strong internal drive. Creating a set routine for yourself can help you complete your school work effectively and on time.

Financial Considerations

A major determinant in whether students go to university or opt for an online degree program is the cost of education.

Are Online College Classes Cheaper?

Online Degree Programs	Traditional Degree Programs
$ by credit hour	$ by term
Baseline fee regardless of location	Cost based on in-state or out-of-state
Student Distance Learning Fee	Student Event Campus Fee
Flexible with  transfer credits	Accept limited transfer credits
Student Aid (i.e. FAFSA)	Student Aid (i.e. FAFSA applications)

Long-Term ROI of an Online Degree

• Career advancement opportunities: Over 71% of job seekers with online degrees are hired by employers. Despite the stereotype that employers don’t place the same value on online degrees as they do on degrees from traditional educational institutions, this shows employers respect online education.
• Potential salary increase: Regardless of whether your degree is from a postsecondary online or traditional education program, college-educated workers are more likely to earn a higher salary than those with less education.
• Value of education beyond monetary gains: Similar to a traditional degree program, postsecondary online degree holders have a better opportunity to work in their desired living location, have a higher standard of living, and have more time for recreational activities.

Affordable Online Learning at Peru State College

If you’re looking to continue to grow your skills and knowledge, pursuing a master's degree in education or certification program could be the perfect choice. At Peru State College, we are committed to providing you with the support, guidance, and resources essential for advancing in your career, regardless of the educational path you select. With our renowned faculty, affordable tuition, and flexible scheduling options, we're here to empower you to succeed in your academic and professional goals.

Beyond our master’s program, we also offer bachelor's degree programs for educators who are just starting out.  

If you’re interested in our master’s in education program, reach out to learn more or apply today.