As technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, it opens up an opportunity for students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, college became unviable for millions of students as attending face-to face classes was no longer an option. This helped to accelerate the popularity of online college, which many students attend today. In fact, data shows that in fall 2021, over half of all college students in the United States were enrolled in at least one online class.
While online college is a different method of learning, the quality of education online learners receive is equal to the education they would receive if they were attending traditional college. However, there are some fundamental differences between online college and traditional college.
What is online college?
Online college is college that is delivered online through the internet, using various tools and technology to communicate with students, whereas traditional college is delivered through in-person instruction. Although online college is different from traditional college in a handful of ways, the end result of graduating with a degree is the same.
Advantages of online college
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Flexibility
When you attend college virtually, you’ll be given a level of flexibility that traditional college cannot offer. You’ll often be able to make your own schedule and decide when you complete assignments, working around a family life or work schedule. Likewise, because you won’t be required to attend class at a specific time, you’ll be able to access your education online at any time.
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Lower tuition costs
Attending online college typically costs less than traditional college. This is because you will not be required to pay for things such as a meal plan, room and board, and transportation costs. You can even save money on textbooks if you’re able to digitally rent them through your school.
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Pacing
Online college allows you to not only attend classes at your own schedule, but you will be able to complete your work at your own pace as well.
Disadvantages of online college
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Self-motivation
Because you won’t be attending classes in-person everyday, you won’t always be reminded of when assignments are due. So, you’ll have to be self-motivated in order to succeed in online college. Additionally, because you’ll be able to make your own schedule, you will have to motivate yourself to stick to it and get your assignments done on time.
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Technology-dependent
Online college, because it is dependent on specific online tools, requires some level of understanding of technology. It also requires a stable internet connection and access, which not everyone has.
Advantages of traditional college
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Social experience
Traditional college allows you to engage with other students on campus through social experiences such as clubs and study groups. This is an important part of many people’s college experience.
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Hands-on opportunities
Attending traditional college provides students with real-life, hand-on experiences that cannot always be offered for students attending online college.
Disadvantages of traditional college
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Commute time
Students who attend traditional college typically have to commute to campus everyday, which can take up a lot of valuable time and add up in costs. Many students consider their commute a disadvantage of traditional college.
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Little to no flexibility
With traditional college, you will be required to attend an in-person class everyday at a specific time. This means you will likely have to adjust your personal and work schedule to work around these classes.
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Higher tuition costs
Typically, traditional college is going to cost more in tuition than online college would cost.
Online college vs. traditional college: Which is better?
When you’re considering which kind of college to attend, always do your research to see which one is right for you. Going to college is a big commitment in both your time and money, so it’s important to make informed decisions.
There are a handful of fundamental differences between online college and traditional college, so it’s always best to weigh your options and take everything listed above into consideration.
