Modern technology and increased globalization have brought many benefits to the new generation. One of these benefits is online education. And while online education has been around for a while, its popularity surged after the COVID pandemic in 2020.
Since then, people have realized how important online education is in keeping students academically proficient in a cost and time-effective manner from the comfort of their homes.
In this article, let us look at some of the reasons why online degrees are favorable choices for your education and career plans and why you must seriously consider pursuing one.
So, without further ado, let us get straight to the topic.
- The future is remote
Current data suggests that at least 22% of Americans will work remotely by 2025. This is great news for people with online education, as it makes them attuned to the ins and outs of distance learning and working. It means that if you pursue an online degree now, you’ll have better chances of adjusting than your peers in a remote work setting.
It may come as a surprise, but even the healthcare sector value remote workers, so people pursuing this field shouldn’t hesitate to opt for an online degree.
15% of healthcare employees are already part of the remote workforce. These numbers are only expected to increase over the next couple of years. If you want to join the healthcare sector, jump on the bandwagon and consider attending an online public health degree.
- Have the freedom to work part-time
Everyone knows how important it is to gain work experience to climb the career ladder. Good companies often look for candidates who have polished their knowledge and skills learned in college beforehand and are adept professionals who know how to apply them on the job. This means that graduates often have a tough choice: pursuing higher education OR gaining relevant work experience. Sailing on both these boats isn’t possible.
With online education, the good news is that you don’t have to worry about dividing your time between a job and your degree and can conveniently pursue both simultaneously. This is because an online degree allows you the flexibility to choose your schedule and the place you can take these classes from. Now you don’t have to worry about unruly commuting and clashing timetables and boost your CV with a qualified degree and work experience.
- Do more with fewer resources
Not everyone has the resources to travel to a different city or country for higher education. And by resources, we don’t just mean money. Other priorities such as family responsibilities, medical ailments, and caregiving obligations may restrict them to their homes, but they should still pursue quality and affordable education.
This is exactly the benefit that online education offers. With it, you can do more with fewer resources and attend your lectures and exams at a pace and schedule that suits your other commitments. It saves you the hassle of leaving your loved ones behind and spending a hefty amount on daily commutes, flight tickets, and hostel accommodations charges.
- The tuition cost is marginally less
Student loans are an anathema to every graduate. They are like leeches that suck your hard-earned money and can severely disturb your social relationships and work life if not repaid in time.
Student loans are more often associated with traditional on-campus education since such a mode of learning needs greater resources. If students do not have sufficient funds for their education, they have no choice but to turn to a student loan, unaware of the long-term repercussions.
Be smart with your money, and spend it wisely. An online degree can save you from dreadful student debt so that after graduating, you can work towards your career goals without unnecessary worry and financial stress.
- Have time for social commitments
Granted that work and education are extremely important for an individual to prosper, they aren’t the only things that matter in life. Family, friends, and our relationships also hold great value, and adequate time and attention must be given to nurture and maintain them.
Usually, in the quest to attain a degree, students cannot give adequate time to their loved ones and end up neglecting them. This could lead to strained relationships and end up causing greater stress, anxiety, and loneliness for the student, inadvertently affecting their academic performance.
Students who are parents or have caregiving responsibilities find themselves in an even tighter spot, as they don’t feel like leaving their duties behind unattended for long periods while attending college miles away. Online education, therefore, is a huge relief for them, as they can now manage both social commitments and academic pursuits wisely.
Making time for social commitments is essential and recommended, as it will help you in your academic journey and improve your overall health.
- Less stressful environment
Traditional classroom learning can be a source of great stress for many students. Especially if a student is suffering from a mental health disorder or a learning disability, managing these conditions in a physical classroom can feel more suffocating and disruptive.
In an online degree, since classes are remotely held, they can attend these from the comforts of their home or whichever place makes them feel at ease.
With familiar surroundings, they feel more grounded and less pressurized while continuing their studies at the pace they want. They can also easily communicate their concerns to their teachers in private, and online teachers are more likely to make time for them, considering the smaller number of students per class.
Conclusion
From lower tuition costs and sustainable resource expenditure to time effectiveness, an online degree offers a plethora of benefits. We now live in an age where the quality of distance learning is on par with the traditional on-campus system, so if you find yourself wanting to work part-time or enjoy other social commitments side by side, an online degree is the best decision you can make.
