Are you considering starting your education journey or continuing with higher education, but aren’t sure where to begin? With such strides made in the education industry over time, there are now many options for programs and learning methods- but how do you decide which one is right for you?
Online learning is now widely used in addition to or in place of on-campus learning. Students may find value in either method or both. Laying out the pros and cons and exploring the benefits of each can help you determine which education type is the best fit for you and your schedule.
Pros of campus programs
Studies show that students typically start college either right after high school or soon after, with an average age between 18-22 years old. The average age a person will graduate college is around 23 years old. However, there are no rules on starting college as late as you’d like. Younger college students right out of high school may want to attend on-campus for a variety of reasons:
-Socializing- Meeting new people and making friends can be exciting and part of a college experience
-Personalization- Being on-campus can help students receive extra help from professors
-Staying Active- Some students prefer to be active and on-the-go in their daily routine
-Resources- Students may want to take advantage of resources on school campuses, such as libraries, computer labs, bookstores, and more
Cons of campus programs
Studies show that the average age of active college students hovers in the mid-twenties. By then, you are likely to have a part-time or full-time job, possibly have kids, and maybe even be trying to maintain a house. The increase in responsibilities as you get older may take up too much personal time during the week and deter someone from getting their education on-campus.
Cost is another large factor- getting a degree on-campus can often add up in fees, including but not limited to:
-Computer labor lab equipment fees
-Health insurance fees
-Commuter parking passes
-Commuter expenses such as gas and car maintenance
-Room and board costs
-Food expenses
-Textbooks
-Financial aid loans
Did you know that studies show an annual estimated cost of over $11,000 for students at 4-year colleges for just room and board?
While attending college campuses can have its advantages, it can also leave students in debt and without much free time.
Why are so many people considering online learning?
Recent reports show that students who attend colleges online can save an average of over $10,000 annually. This may prevent individuals from getting an education. Online learning, however, is a great alternative- you will still receive a quality education but with less time and money invested.
Additionally, certificate programs are a great way to research different subjects that may help your career and are much cheaper options.
Focus EduSolutions is a higher education company, offering a variety of fully online programs. Find out which programs are available today and start exploring which options may be right for you.
References
Subramanian, P. (2023). What is the Average Age of College Graduates? Collegeonomic. Retrieved August 23, 2023, from https://collegeonomics.com/what-is-the-average-age-of-college-graduates/
Cooper, T. (2023, April 11). Cost of an Online Degree. Affordable Colleges. Retrieved August 23, 2023, from https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/financial-aid/online-college-degree-cost/#:~:text=Online%20college%20costs%20less%20than,%2C%20according%20to%20EducationData.org.
Hanson, M. (2023, August 23). Cost of Online Education vs. Traditional Education. Retrieved August 23, 2023, from https://educationdata.org/cost-of-online-education-vs-traditional-education
