Quite simply, online courses are more popular than ever. With online college programs, not only can you increase your career prospects or start a whole new professional path, you can also do so from the comfort of your own home, on your own time, and at your own pace.

And don’t underestimate the actual monetary value of continuing your education. A college graduate earns, on average, nearly $1 million more over a lifetime than a high school graduate. Someone with a master’s degree earns another $400,000 more over a lifetime.

Read on to find out more about how online college programs can help you achieve your career and personal goals.

Why study in online college programs?

Online college degree programs have many benefits and advantages, including the following:

• Earning a degree when and where you choose to study.
• Increasing your earning potential, job responsibilities, and career advancement opportunities.
• Saving money on tuition, course materials, fees, and travel expenses.
• Continuing to work while earning your degree.
• Entering a new career without having to leave your current profession.
• Being in contact with instructors and students around the world.
• Improving your time management skills and self-worth.

What kinds of schools offer online college programs?

A 2005 Vault.com survey found that 90.6% of public learning institutions offer online courses, while 46.1% of public post secondary schools offered full online degree programs. More specifically, however, you will find online college programs at:

• Career, trade, and vocational schools
• Two-year colleges, community colleges, and junior colleges
• Four-year colleges and universities

Within those groups, schools may offer partial or entire programs online, so be sure to read descriptions carefully to pinpoint the best online university for you.

What kinds of degrees are offered in online college programs?

At the types of schools listed above, you will find all levels of degrees offered, including the following:

• Diploma
• Certificate
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree (including Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Nursing (MSN))
• Doctorate Degree (including Juris Doctor (JD or law degree) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD))

In what subjects are courses offered in online college programs?
The variety of online courses available seems to grow every day, with both individual and degree programs offered in the following disciplines:

• Business & Marketing
• Career & Vocational
• Information Technology (IT) & Technology
• Languages
• Legal & Criminal Justice
• Medical, Nursing & Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Teaching & Education

How popular are online college programs?
If you’re considering pursuing a degree through online colleges and universities, you’re far from alone. Distance learning or distance education continues to grow in popularity with each passing year. Indeed, from 2003 to 2007, the number of students taking online courses doubled to 3.9 million, which outpaced growth in traditional universities by 12%.

Are online college programs accepted by employers?

When online degrees were first introduced to the marketplace, employers may have been skeptical, but those attitudes are changing a big way. Employers are increasingly understanding, appreciating, and respecting the value of online degrees, particularly that they allow employees to enhance credentials while still working. A 2005 Vault.com survey found that 85% of responding employers found that online degrees were more accepted than several years before; in fact, 34% of employers had interviewed job applicants who had online degrees.

How do online college programs work?
Online college programs share many characteristics with traditional college programs in that there are usually readings, assignments, tests, and papers to be completed by a certain time. The big difference between them, of course, is that online programs use email and online forums, discussions, and chats to communicate; course materials may also be located entirely online as well.

Some online college programs do require practical, hands-on experience, sometimes through an internship, so read program details carefully.

What should I consider when choosing between online college programs?
Some of the most important aspects to consider when choosing the best online college for you include the following:

• Courses and degree programs offered
• Tuition, fees, and cost of course materials, and other assorted expenses associated with the program
• Accreditation of schools, particularly if licensing requirements apply to your profession
• Faculty reputation, publications, experience, etc.
• How much interaction instructors have with students (especially compared to how much you would prefer)
• Student evaluations of programs
• Comparisons with other online programs and traditional university programs

Now that you know all about online college programs, it’s time to choose the right program for you. OnlineCollegePrograms.org can help, so be sure to have a good look around!