With all the information out there about online degrees, sometimes it’s hard to tell what is truth and what is a myth. Here are 10 myths and their truths that might surprise you:

Myth: Online courses must be finished within a semester.
Truth: One of the best things about online programs is that students set their own schedule and take as much or little time as they need to finish a course.

Myth: Online classes can only be taken by students who live close to that college or university.
Truth: Students can be miles away from the college or university that offers them, students can travel around the world for their current jobs, take vacations, all while working towards their online degree!

Myth: Online Degrees are “fake” degrees
Truth: If a degree is from a reputable, properly accredited school, most employers will find obtaining an online degree irrelevant; especially if the candidate balanced a career and going back to school at the same time.

Myth: Online degree cost less than on-campus programs.
Truth: Costs such as housing, learning materials, and computer costs vary depending on your circumstance but many online programs are affordable and have similar costs as traditional programs.

Myth: Online degrees take a long time to complete.
Truth: In reality, the flexibility of online degrees allows students to earn degrees in s similar amount of time it would take to complete a degree on campus.

Myth: Attending an online school means students need to quit their jobs.
Truth: With the ability to take courses at their own pace, students keep working while earning an online degree.

Myth: Online degree programs are only for working professionals.
Truth: People in nearly any situation, working professionals, busy parents, and those with many social obligations, can take courses online and earn their degree.

Myth: Online degrees require a high level of technical skill.
Truth: Most user interfaces for online degree programs are easy to learn and most schools offer technology assistance.

Myth: The options for online schools and programs are limited.
Truth: Most colleges and universities offer online courses and there is a wide variety of online degrees to choose from: criminal justice, massage and spa, education, health care, business, and even culinary arts.

Myth: Online degrees are harder to earn because of a lack of mentoring from the teacher and collaboration with students.
Truth: With cutting-edge technology students can get individual attention from teachers and discuss class topics and assignments with fellow students through online forums.

Find out more about online degrees and help in selecting a school and completing online degrees at My Colleges and Careers.