Will an Online Degree Help My Career?
More adults than ever are now enrolled in online degree programs. And, they represent great diversity in age, race, and socioeconomic status.
Part of the increased popularity of online education is the easy availability of significant financial aid, both state and federal. In some instances, online colleges even offer institutional financial aid.
Of course, affordability alone cannot account for the large growth in online education. There are other factors, most importantly the flexibility online study offers. “Study anytime, study anywhere” is the mantra of online learners.
Yes, they are affordable. Yes, they are convenient. But an online degree is not earned without a significant investment of money, time, and energy. That’s why nobody earns an online degree just for the fun of it.
Education is a terrific thing, but you need to know what you are getting into before enrolling in any degree program, online or otherwise. What will it cost? Am I properly motivated? Do I have the time? These are just some of the questions students need to ask themselves.
The biggest and most important question of all for an adult considering enrollment in a degree program is, “Will an online degree help me advance in my job or profession”?
It is a tough question to answer with absolute certainty, as we all know of highly educated people who have struggled in the world of work. Most of us also know successful people who have not had the benefit of higher education. However, numerous longitudinal studies have confirmed that, without question, professional success and earning power are closely tied to educational attainment.
Ellen James writes regular columns on online colleges and online education for working adults.