Modern learners are faced with unique challenges, with many trying to find ways to balance their education alongside other existing responsibilities that they may have. As a result, online college has become more appealing to many students today, whether they have recently earned their high school diploma or are considering a degree program later in life. Knowing the benefits of online college can help you decide if an online degree program is right for you.
Flexibility for Any Schedule
When you enroll in a traditional, on-campus degree program, you must commit a significant amount of time to attending classes and completing your coursework. Balancing work and other personal responsibilities can be incredibly difficult.
One of the biggest benefits of online learning is the ability to fit your education into your life. Some schools offer synchronous courses that require you to log in at specific times for live classes. Others use an asynchronous format that lets you study when it works best for you.
At Unity, every online course is fully asynchronous. You can review materials, join discussions, and complete assignments on your own schedule. Most classes follow a simple weekly rhythm with deadlines on Wednesdays and Sundays. This structure makes it easier to plan your week, stay engaged, and balance school with work or family responsibilities.
Accessibility From Anywhere
By its very nature, online education is more accessible than the traditional, in-person college experience. When you enroll in an online degree program, you are not required to relocate to a campus or commute to a nearby college or university. You can enjoy the same, high-quality educational experience in your own hometown, allowing you to eliminate the physical barriers that exist in education.
Accessible course design is essential in distance education programs. Accessible course design components include:
- Online learning platforms that are user-friendly and easy to navigate.
- Universal Design for Learning elements that accommodate a wide range of learning styles.
- Assistive technologies, such as speech-to-text tools and translators, can accommodate the needs of all students enrolled in an online degree program.
Online degree programs are far more accessible, making them the ideal option for rural or underserved communities.
Wide Range of Programs and Specializations
One of the benefits of online college that students often overlook is that these schools are able to offer a wider range of programs and specializations, because administrators and program coordinators are not limited by classroom space or the location of their instructors. Online colleges can hire professors and instructors from around the country, allowing students to enjoy a rigorous, relevant learning experience, regardless of their location.
Students will generally find more opportunities to pursue their interests or choose a degree program that aligns with their specific career goals. The online learning experience is more personalized when compared to the traditional, on-campus experience, which appeals to students of all backgrounds, abilities, and needs.
Skill Development for a Digital World
The fact of the matter is that the online learning experience is ideal for today’s modern learners. These learners will need to leverage the power of advanced technology throughout their careers, regardless of their chosen field of study. Through an online degree program, students will be exposed to digital tools and collaborative platforms, allowing them to become comfortable and familiar with these types of technology.
Some of the digital skills that are developed throughout the online learning experience include:
- Digital literacy skills. By completing asynchronous coursework, online students learn how to navigate online platforms, identify high-quality online resources, critically evaluate information available online, participate effectively in online environments, and improve their understanding of the best digital safety practices.
- Technological proficiency. Students will become comfortable and confident working with a wide range of digital tools and platforms, allowing them to effortlessly transition into new professional environments after earning their degree online.
- Self-discipline. Students enrolled in online degree programs must be self-motivated and able to manage their time effectively. The sense of self-discipline they develop throughout their degree program is a transferable skill that will be useful in whatever field they pursue.
Ultimately, online degree programs effectively prepare learners for remote and hybrid work environments, which will continue to be common in the years to come.
Cost Savings and Financial Accessibility
In many cases, online colleges can offer lower tuition, making them more accessible to a broader range of students. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost per credit hour at a four-year private college for an online bachelor’s degree program is about $519. At Unity, tuition is $470 per credit hour for a bachelor’s degree, providing students with a high-quality, flexible education at a competitive price.
The reason that online degree programs may be able to offer lower tuition rates is that there are no overhead costs associated with the programs, such as the cost of utilizing space for a traditional classroom or relocating a professor to the campus.
In addition, for students, there are fewer costs associated with online learning. While you will still have to pay tuition to earn your degree, you will not have to commute to campus or pay for campus housing. In addition, you will not be required to pay for expensive dining plans or activities fees, eliminating many of the supplemental costs of completing your degree program on campus.
Access to Course Materials
In a traditional classroom setting, students often have just one chance to absorb the material as it’s delivered. This often forces students to choose between actively participating in the discussion or focusing on taking detailed notes to review later. For many learners, this approach can make it harder to fully engage with the lecture. It also poses challenges for students with different learning styles or accessibility needs, making it more difficult to retain key information and participate meaningfully in class.
On the other hand, online learning courses allow students to access all of their course materials at any time, giving them more flexibility and autonomy. For example, synchronous video lectures are often recorded, allowing students to revisit the lecture and watch it again if needed. In addition, slideshows may be available on the learning management system. Students may be able to leave comments on the classroom page to follow up and ask further questions.
A Broader, Global Perspective
Because online degree programs are not limited by physical boundaries, students are often able to develop a broader, more global perspective. Their instructors may hail from countries around the world, giving them an ability to learn more about different cultures, traditions, and social norms. The online classroom is a melting pot, bringing together students from a variety of backgrounds and locations.
Through interactive activities and collaborative learning environments, students learn how to communicate more effectively and develop a deeper sense of cultural awareness that will benefit them for years to come. Not only do students graduate from their online degree programs with the advanced knowledge and skills required to enter their chosen field, but they also move forward with a better appreciation for the world around them.
Reap the Benefits of Online Learning at Unity Environmental University
By making higher education more affordable and accessible, online learning opens doors for students of all ages, backgrounds, and stages of life. At Unity Environmental University Distance Education, we offer a robust and supportive online learning program that includes career services support. Our online environmental degree programs are taught by industry experts and leading scientists, many of whom are currently working full-time in the field while also teaching and guiding the next generation.
Chat with Una about our online learning programs or apply today!
