On-Campus vs. Online Degrees: Which One is Better?
By Amelia Gray
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?
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?
| Online Degrees | On-Campus 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. | 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. |
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?
| Online Degrees | On-Campus 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. | 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. |
3. What Types of Degrees are Available?
The degree program you want may make the choice for you -- not all degrees are available online.
| Online Degrees | On-Campus 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. | 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. |
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.
| Online Degrees | On-Campus 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. | 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. |
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.
Featured Schools
At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.
Visit www.phoenix.edu- Online
- Graduate Project Management Certificate
- M.S. in Administration of Justice and security/Global Homeland Security
Online Programs That Build Leaders. Credentials That Build Careers.
One of the largest and most respected universities in the nation, the University of Florida (UF) has furthered the personal and professional growth of thousands. Founded in 1853 and ranked among America's top 20 best public universities by U.S. News & World Report, the university's role as a technological and economic force can be felt around the globe. UF Executive Education now delivers high-impact business solutions to individuals and groups, 100% online, through its Essentials of Business executive certificate program. Each business certificate online offers the prestige of UF while preparing professionals for career growth in tactical areas of management.
- Online
- Tactical IT Management
- Tactical Marketing Management
AIU’s real-world focus and in-depth specializations can help you stand out in the industry.
Visit www.aiuonline.edu- Online
- MBA - Finance
- Bachelor's (BBA) - Entrepreneurship
Your creativity is a big part of who you are and where you’re going. To take it, and your future, as far as you want, you need an education that’s focused on developing your talents and putting you on the path toward the creative career that stirs your imagination. A collaborative education at The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, is all about the work, the students who create it, and the instructors who guide them.
The first step is to explore these areas of study, and think about where you fit in an industry that runs on ideas.
- Online
- Diploma of Residential Planning (C)
- 3D Animation (C)
Learning at Full Sail University has always centered around interaction and the exchange of ideas. Our online curriculum fully embraces this philosophy.
Visit www.fulllsail.edu- Online
- Creative Writing, Master of Fine Arts (Online)
- Entertainment Business, Master of Science (Online)
Earn a respected bachelor's degree, master's degree, or Ph.D. online at Walden University.
- Online
- M.S. in Management - Global Management
- M.B.A. in Risk Management
Welcome to Argosy University
Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its
seven colleges: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences,
Undergraduate Studies, The Art Institute of California and Western State College of Law as well as
certificate programs in many areas.
- Online
- Psychology (BA) (Online)
- Teaching and Learning (EdD) (Online)
