How to Get a Degree Online? Top Tips!
Updated: June 20, 2024
Published: January 4, 2019
We’re living in incredible times where the benefits of the digital age are expanding rapidly, faster than previous generations could have ever imagined. Due to this, we are granted numerous opportunities that weren’t possible before, such as being able to educate ourselves completely online. If the idea of learning from the comfort of your home with a flexible schedule appeals to you, it’s a great idea to look further into how to get a degree online.
It’s important to note that because there are so many options for online learning it can get overwhelming when you’re trying to find the perfect school. But have no fear, because with the right guide you’ll be sure to find an online college or university that best suits your goals.
What is An Online Degree?
Online education, commonly referred to as virtual or distance learning, refers to learning or teaching through technology. Not bound by your computer, you can even study on your phone or tablet! E-learning allows you to earn a degree online without even having to step outside of your front door. Don’t worry, you won’t lose out academically for choosing to get an online degree. Online universities offer the same high-level courses and degree programs as top-notch in-person institutions. The difference is that you will be able to watch pre-recorded lectures rather than having to attend classes on campus.
Schoolwork and studying are still crucial aspects of online degree programs. Students will be expected to complete assignments that have a specific deadline which allows for the perfect amount of accountability to keep students on their toes despite having a more relaxed schedule.
How to Get a Degree Online
So, how exactly do you earn a degree online?
Rather than try to go about finding your school alone, check out these steps that will get you well on your way.
1. Find a School
In order to choose the proper school for you, it’s imperative to self-reflect and examine your goals. This process includes examining what projects give you energy, the talents you possess that would be great assets to a particular field, and what field would practically suit your lifestyle and ambitions. Once you know that information, you can research what degree programs are necessary to complete in order for you to pursue your goal. Then you can begin the process of finding a top-rated school that has your degree program.
2. Check Accreditation Status
Hold your horses, not all online learning institutions are incredible as they may present themselves to be. In order to make sure that you receive a valuable education and useful degree, you first have to check the school’s accreditation status. The easiest way of doing so is by looking up the accrediting organization that’s on the school’s website and finding out if it’s recognized by the Department of Education.
You may be thinking, is it really worth the trouble of all this research? The answer is a confident yes! If you get a degree from a school that is not accredited, it’s as if you spent your time and money for nothing. Employers and graduate schools look for students that have gone to accredited universities. As it’s said, haste makes waste, so take your time as you search for the best school for you.
3. Narrow Your Options
Once you have a list of accredited schools that offer your dream online degree program, it’s time to narrow your options. This goes back to the first step, for you must have a strong idea of your goals and interests before you are ready to pinpoint the schools that are your best match. Why not make a pros and cons list? Write down the positives of each program, and be sure to take note of the cost of each program as well. Other things to think about are the quality of the classes, how easy it is to transfer your credits, and the overall experience of past students. With all that information put down on paper, it’s much easier to choose the best school in which you can earn an online degree.
4. Apply for School and Financial Aid
Now that you’ve weaved your way through the tricky process of finding the right program and school, it’s time to apply to your top choices and look into financial aid options. First, fill out the institution’s enrollment application. The form typically requests your academic transcripts, job history, and general personal information. Don’t rush while filling out this application because you want to present the best version of yourself so that you will be readily accepted into the program.
If you have financial concerns that may prevent you from getting a degree online, rest assured. There are many financial aid options out there, including federal financial aid and scholarships to help you lighten your tuition load. It’s smart to look into which financial aid options your choice school accepts before you apply.
5. Enroll in Classes
Whew! You’ve made it through the stress of applying to your school so you can get a degree online. It’s now time to sign up for the courses that are needed in order to finish your degree. A huge benefit of online universities is that there is usually not a limited number of students accepted in a class so you won’t have to worry about there not being enough space. Be sure to only sign up for as many classes as you’ll be able to handle in order to make your college experience manageable and enjoyable.
Benefits of an Online Degree
Are you considering learning at an online university but aren’t sold yet? Here are the top reasons you should enroll in an online learning program.
Affordable
With college expenses rising, it’s difficult for most prospective college students to picture themselves attending in-person classes while simultaneously being able to pay their bills and tuition. Not only do students have to take room and board expenses into consideration, but the cost of textbooks and supplies alone can also cost hundreds of dollars.
Enter online degree programs. Students who join online university programs have the ability to save money as they study because the average cost of tuition is much cheaper than in-person universities. Not only is the typical cost per credit around $316, but financial aid and scholarships are also offered to students as well which lowers the total tuition cost tremendously.
Accessible
With online learning, you can forget the intense and draining competition of applying to a university and trying to get a spot in your quickly filling classes. Students who earn a degree online are not burdened by commonplace in-person university struggles. With an emphasis on accessibility, whether it be through the application process or through affordable tuition, online colleges are there to ensure that you succeed and can speedily move forward toward a fantastic future.
Flexible
One of the most common complaints of students who learn on-campus is that they don’t have enough time to enjoy themselves because when they don’t have a class they have coursework obligations. With online learning programs, students can take their classes whenever they choose, no matter the place or time. This allows students to learn from exotic places, all around the country, and not have limitations for how to spend their day. Having a flexible schedule also allows students to work as they study which allows them to save money.
Check out University of the People
Now that you have the top info on how to get a degree online, it’s time to tell you about the best online university out there. University of the People is a highly acclaimed online university that offers a wide variety of degrees and courses. By being tuition-free, UoPeople is even more accessible than the average online university. With relevant degrees and incredible professors, UoPeople attracts a diverse student body who live all around the globe.
Bon Voyage!
With your brain full to the brim with information about how to get a degree online, now is the best time to start researching the best online degree programs for your goals. The journey through the online higher education system is an incredibly rewarding one when done correctly and with thought. Cheers to a successful future accomplished through online learning and your hard work!