Colleges Online

Initially on the fringes of formal education, colleges online, courses and degree programs have quickly become mainstream. Even traditional campus-based institutions have incorporated online learning into their curricula. In 2013, seven million college students — nearly 50 percent of all those enrolled — took at least one online class, with an estimated 20 percent earning an entire degree program remotely. The Sloan Consortium reports that 74 percent of today’s academic leaders rate the educational outcomes of online learning as equal to or superior to those of face-to-face systems. More recruiters than ever before are embracing online credentials.

Find Colleges Online by State

Many of America's top colleges have launched online degree programs. Investments in technology have allowed colleges to create affordable and flexible programs for students. Online classes have significantly improved over the past 10 years and are more respected and accepted by top academics. Universities such as MIT and UC Berkeley now offer a wide variety of classes online.

Colleges Online by State

Search Colleges Online by Subject

Although many colleges online provide learning options in a variety of disciplines, some excel in a certain area or have special resources to facilitate the educational process. For example, institutions with strong art programs often have custom tools designed to organize, send and receive multiple types of digital media. Furthermore, colleges online that concentrate on healthcare and nursing establish strong relationships with hospitals and other medical facilities to ensure that students get the on-site, hands-on training they need to successfully transition from college to career.
When searching for online learning options, doing so by subject helps students more easily find opportunities in line with their career goals and within the fields that interest them.

Colleges Online by Subject

The Benefits of Colleges Online

Distance learning has a wide appeal to a diverse population of Americans. It offers students a number of advantages, many of which dovetail with other social or lifestyle needs. Online courses and degree programs suit working professionals who are looking to move up to management roles, often with their employers paying part or all of their tuition. It’s a powerful option for stay-at-home parents who are preparing for a new or re-entry career when they head back to work. Pearson Learning Solutions Senior VP Todd Hitchcock reports:
“Learning is no longer limited to four walls – learning can happen anywhere – and it already is happening everywhere, everyday. The growth of online learning underscores this need for quality, flexible education programs that meet the demands of our 21st-century workforce.”
Flexibility frequently leads the list of online education benefits cited by students and educators. A list of top-five online degree benefits includes:

Flexibility

Time and location are factors that can limit education for students with family/work commitments. Colleges online and their programs break down time and distance barriers, providing classes, course materials and discussions with 24/7 accessibility.

Access

No matter where they live, students can participate in an online degree program tailored to meet their professional goals. Students have access to subject-matter experts and many top-notch professors. The development of massive open online courses, known as MOOCs, has introduced students to world-renowned scholars from top-tier universities.

Affordability

According to Wired Magazine, The Federal Reserve Bank of New York tallies the nationwide student loan debt at $902 billion. After factoring in lack of commute time, parking and related fees, the cost of online classes stack up to those taken in-person. Furthermore, many traditional campus-based colleges that have established online degree components are able to provide digital course materials, cutting textbook sticker-shock to students.

Who is Best Suited for Colleges Online Learning?

Any learning experience should be enjoyable and enriching. The question to ask is not, "Can I learn online," but "Should I learn online?" Prospective online students need to consider how they like to learn, because a thoughtful assessment of priorities, strengths, and goals will lead to the best decision.
Online learning benefits each student differently. Some students may need the time flexibility, where they can hop online and submit materials after hours or early in the morning before work. Others gravitate toward the location flexibility, being able to work from home, a coffee shop or anywhere else that fits into their lifestyle. And for those who need a hands-on element to their education, many online programs have the best of both worlds, allowing for remote coursework but including campus-based or other on-site laboratory experiences.
Like classroom learners, online students need to be motivated. Beyond the desire to learn you need to be self-disciplined, have good time management skills, and be comfortable in an environment where it's just you and your computer. You need to be proactive and access the course frequently so you stay on top of the work. You’ll also need to be at ease communicating and interacting with other people without face-to-face contact.