Online Community College is a Great Option
It used to be that online community colleges or just community colleges were considered “subpar” by many university-bound students. However, that opinion has changed dramatically, as people began to realize the amazing opportunities and money-saving options afforded by the humble community college.
Especially in this digital age, online community college courses have skyrocketed in popularity. Whether it's the High School student opting for a dual degree program, or a person wanting to go back to school after years in the workforce, online community college is a fantastic way to work toward higher education goals. Here are 3 major benefits of online community college. (click NEXT for next page below)
1. Dual degree options
Graduating from High School with even a few college credits is a fantastic way for young adults to get a head-start on higher education. Although not all states offer online dual degree programs, there are many that do. Some states even offer free college programs for students who maintain a certain GPA. Students who take full advantage of such programs can earn an associates degree by the time they receive their High School diploma. This is a huge advantage for the next generation of opportunity minded kids.
2. Big money savings
Nearly every college degree requires the basic General Education classes such as English Comp, College Algebra, Psychology, and Communications. These courses are generally completed before taking classes specialized for a particular field of study. Completing these required classes through an online community college can save thousands of dollars in the long run. According to the Community College Review, the average cost of in-state tuition for the 2017-2018 school year was under $5,000.00. In comparison to the yearly tuition for a private college, which was around $15,000.00, the savings is quite remarkable.
However, be sure to check with a trusted college advisor about credit transfers for online community colleges. You'll want to make sure that classes taken through your online community college will transfer to other colleges and universities without a hitch.
3. Flexible schedule
Flexibility for online community colleges is probably the number one benefit to online learning. Being able to work full-time, while earning a degree, is desirable among people of all ages and stages. Online community colleges lend themselves to the stay-at-home parent, the person with limited mobility, and those who want to jump back into the college arena without going to a traditional classroom.
Especially if a person is self-motivated, the online community college option will most likely be a good fit. It does, however, require a certain amount of self-discipline to meet the instructor's expectations and deadlines. It may also require being proactive in getting assistance when needed. Without face-to-face interaction, some students may find it problematic to get the information they need in a timely manner.
The major benefits of online community college definitely outweigh any disadvantages, especially for those who want to maintain a flexible schedule, save money, and take advantage of dual degree programs. Gone are the days where community colleges were considered inferior. In fact, most people would now agree that they are a respectable and valuable option.
