Convenience
There are no gas bills, no hour-long commute after a hard workday, and no after-class drive home at 10 p.m. in a snowstorm or other poor weather. Instead, you can go home, enjoy dinner with your family, and then “attend” class on the couch in your PJs or sweatpants.
Choice—Because so many universities offer online classes, you aren’t confined to what’s in your neighborhood. You don’t have to uproot your life to attend a college across town, across the state, or even across the nation.
Cost
While this will vary by school, because online programs do not require actual classrooms and all related expenditures, tuition may be less than a traditional curriculum. (Of course, financial aid, grants, and scholarships are available to accelerate/adult students as well, but every little bit helps.)
Classes held in person
Structure
Once you receive your course syllabus, it is up to you to remember everything and keep on track. In-person sessions provide greater structure, physical cues, and reminders, which might be beneficial to a student balancing school, a job, and family duties.
If you thrive on the energy of a classroom—human connection with peers, the instructor at the front of the classroom where you can see and hear their body language, mannerisms, tone, and so on—a physical classroom may be your best bet.
Interaction
Having in-person classes, especially at a small college, means having more opportunity and time to engage with instructors, advisors, and everyone else on campus. Smaller colleges are also more likely to collaborate with you if something does not fit “between the lines.”
Community
Several smaller private universities have begun to offer accelerated degree programs. Not only does this keep you active in your neighborhood, but the smaller class sizes and lower student-to-instructor ratio create a “community-within-a-community,” sometimes with individuals you already know.
Accreditation
While this applies to all colleges, brick-and-mortar schools have a modest advantage. For instance, most scammers are unlikely to go to the trouble of establishing a full physical campus. In contrast, anyone can throw up an impressive-looking website that teaches you nothing and issues bogus degrees. So do your homework and ensure that the institution or program you’re interested in is accredited. The U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs is a great place to start.
TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP
You’re at a fork in the road, which, let’s face it, maybe frightening. But isn’t it also thrilling to know that just one step—the first one—will place you solidly on the path to the life you’ve imagined for yourself and your family?
Decisions of this magnitude require a sound plan, and perhaps what we’ve put out here will provide you with the beginnings of one. We also hope you’re reassured that if you decide to return to school for your degree, you’ll be in good company. The key is to remember that your learning style will heavily influence the type of accelerated program that works best for you. So, be truthful with yourself about what you want and need, and don’t be scared to go after it.
