On-Campus vs. Online Degrees: Which One is Better?
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Distance learning has grown tremendously over the past decade. According to research company Eduventures, one out of every ten college students will be enrolled in an online degree program by early 2008. But until recently, online degrees have suffered poor reputations, due to the proliferation of diploma mills and unaccredited schools.
Who's right? Is online education, as critics claim, a cop-out alternative to a real degree? Or is it, as students argue, a flexible way to provide educational access to non-traditional student populations?
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1. The Question of Access
When it comes to your education, access is a high priority. Can you get to a campus? Can you get to the one you want?
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Online Degrees
A report by the Sloan Consortium found that
improved student access is the top reason why
schools create online courses and programs. For
students looking at a long commute, online
education may be a better option.
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On-Campus Degrees
Large, traditional campuses may offer more internships
and work opportunities connected to the college or
university. If you're considering a nearby school, in-state
tuition may offer further incentive to spring for a
campus-based education.
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2. Learning Styles
Think back to learning situations you've experienced at work, in high school, or in other educational programs. How do you process information-and how good are your study habits?
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Online Degrees
The ability to think independently is an asset to the
online campus. You should also be able to budget
your time and prioritize your education with existing
commitments. Visual learners may find the most
benefit here.
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On-Campus Degrees
Academic leaders cite the need for discipline as the
most critical barrier to online learning. If you thrive in
environments with group learning and teacher
attention, on-campus college degrees may benefit
you the most.
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3. What Types of Degrees are Available?
The degree program you want may make the choice for you–not all degrees are available online.
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Online Degrees
Programs in business, information technology, and
healthcare management are popular choices for
online degrees. Most course material translates well
to the Web, and physical lab work is not necessary.
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On-Campus Degrees
Fields needing physical resources are typically best
suited for campus-based education. Degrees in hard
sciences, engineering and healthcare, for example,
include labs and other hands-on activities.
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Will Employers Accept Your Degree?
If you have a potential field or employer in mind, a little research may tell you how education has affected previous job applicants.
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Online Degrees
A 2005 report by Eduventures notes that half of
the participants they studied regarded online
education as "equally valuable," and ten percent
saw it as "more valuable" than on-campus
education.
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On-Campus Degrees
A recent survey of 270 small and medium-sized
companies seeking managers or entry-level employees
in accounting, engineering, business, and information
technology found that a majority preferred on-campus
degrees.
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Want a compromise? Hybrid degree programs from traditional colleges and universities offer a mix of online and on-campus courses.
So which one is better? The short answer is: it depends on you. Whether you decide on campus-based education or pursue a degree online, you should choose the medium that fits both your learning style and your career goals.
By Amelia Gray
Sources:
- The New York Times, "Degrees of Acceptance"
- Eduventures
- Sloan Consortium Publications
About the Author
Amelia Gray is a teacher and freelance writer in San Marcos, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University.
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