Online Universities

Thinking of giving up your day job to go to college? Choose an online university, and you probably won’t have to. American humorist and author Mark Twain once said, “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” It was a satirical comment on the state of education in the late 1800s. Even so, it’s a remark that many people who didn’t go straight into college, who dropped out and now wish to finish, or who are considering a career change, can identify with.

Mark Twain would probably be fascinated by the flexibility and opportunity that online colleges offer in the 21st Century. Going to an online school is more likely to enhance than to interfere with real-life education.

Why You Should Consider Online Universities

Statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor show how deep a no-degree rut is, and it is surprisingly deep. Nearly all of the careers with the largest projected job growth for the next five years—jobs in teaching, healthcare and technology, require college degrees. A bachelor’s degree will typically add $2 million to personal income over 40 years of employment.

Online bachelors degrees, with their flexible scheduling and reduced transportation and living costs, are a practical way to learn new skills or sharpen rusty ones.

Perks of Online Universities

Online universities may have a reputation of being easier to get into, but the course work still has to meet strict educational standards. As their graduates succeed, more employers are realizing that, with very few exceptions, the programs at online universities are just as rich and wide and the career training has the same breadth and depth as those typically found at brick and mortar schools.

The best place to find an online school is online. First, search for programs that match your interests. Then research and compare programs at several schools. Determine what they cover and how long it takes. Contact the ones that interest you most, and ask about job placement rates for graduates and financial aid.