A college education is becoming increasingly helpful in our competitive economy to get ahead of the pack.
Most Jobs Require A College Degree
Americans without college degrees are getting left further and further behind in the workforce per the Washington Post, and their pay is abysmal. Additionally, the data shows that as economic recovery continues, those without a college degree are less likely to be rehired. Shockingly, in one month of 2021 when the US added 916,000 jobs, only 7,000 went to individuals with just a high school diploma.
Prestigious Degrees Now Available For Less
The New York Times reports good news for those seeking a cheap college education. The report says online degrees are cheaper than ever and here to stay thanks to technological advancements and the current challenges associated with mass-gatherings. Georgia Tech now has an online degree in Computer Science for just $7,000. That’s not per year, but for the entire program. The program is so popular that it has over 10,000 students and is currently the biggest online computer science program in the United States. Another top university, University of Illinois, launched an online M.B.A. for $22,000, a fraction of the traditional in-person cost.
Online Degrees Are Worth The Money
While college costs have increased at a rate higher than inflation, the important fact remains that many colleges are offering online classes at greatly reduced rates to meet revenue shortfalls, quotas, declining in-person enrollment or simply because the cost to administer such classes is much lower. There are dozens of affordable options, such as these 10 schools under $10K, or even these under $5K; your educational efforts can thus pay off very quickly.
Online learning is becoming the new normal. Now, over half of students are taking some of their classes online. The College Board, makers of the SAT test, outlined many benefits to obtaining a college degree in their recent 44-page report, “The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society”. They have shown:
- College graduates make more money ($400,000 more on average with a bachelor’s degree)
- College education increases the chance of moving up in society
- A college degree is associated with a healthier lifestyle and lower healthcare costs
- igheAdults with higher levels of education are more active in their communities
- The risk of unemployment is halved
- College graduates aid the public good by paying more taxes and relying less on the government
- College graduates have healthier habits and are more likely to be civilly engaged
Incredible Flexibility and Convenience at Any Age
Online degrees are flexible and convenient, enabling you to earn the same degree online as you could in-person. You can study whenever and wherever you want, creating your own schedule. Today’s online educational platforms allow students maximum work-life balance while progressing in their studies at their own pace. You get to decide when class begins and ends, and at what speed to get coursework done. By striking a healthy balance that suits you best, you’ll be more likely to finish your degree successfully.
High Levels of Student Satisfaction
Overall, 95% of students said they would recommend online or remote learning to others, while 74% said they thought online learning was equal or better than on-campus learning. Students are happy with the wide range of classes available today. Accredited and accelerated options allow you to earn a credential or finish a degree in as little as 6-12 months. With more classes going online, you’re sure to find the area of study that interests you most, whether it’s business, healthcare, arts, psychology, or computers and technology.
Where to Find the Best Online Degree Programs?
Flexible and inexpensive programs are becoming increasingly popular and easier to find. To find a program that meets your needs, we recommend reaching out to a few different online schools. There are many advantages to doing your proverbial homework; different institutions can have meaningful differences in the areas of study and certification or degree type. And in just a few years or less, you can be on the road to pursuing your goals.