Are you Ready for Online Education?

While many traditional colleges are struggling to attract students in a stagnant economy, most online colleges are experiencing significant enrollment growth. In fact, one primarily online college, the University of Phoenix has now become the largest private university in the United States.

The high speed growth in online education should not be a big surprise to us. After all, online college programs are almost always cheaper than on-campus programs, and they allow busy working adults to make progress toward a degree on their own schedules, not somebody else’s. However, despite all of their perceived advantages, online education is not the right choice for everyone.

So, don’t decide your educational future on a whim. Do a bit of thinking and ask yourself five extremely important questions.

1. Will an online degree help you achieve the career and/or financial goals you have set for yourself?

2. Can you devote a minimum of eight hours a week…more would be better, to earning a degree? Until you have an affirmative answer, you’ll need to put your pursuit of a degree on hold.

3. Are you willing to make a financial investment in your education? Financial aid is available, but it is unlikely to cover all of your costs.

4. Do you have the discipline and motivation required to successfully complete an online degree? This is a very important question, so take as much time as needed to answer it correctly.

5. Have you got ready access to a computer and a proper study area? If you have a reliable PC or laptop, a quiet, comfortable, well lighted area, Internet access, a comfortable chair, and a writing surface, you should be good to go.

If you answered the preceeding questions affirmatively, you may be ready to begin an online certificate or degree program. Remember, tens of thousands of busy adults, some with a long list of responsibilities, have successfully earned degrees in many majors and at all levels, both undergraduate and graduate. Don’t jump in without careful consideration, but when you are ready, there is no reason for delay.

Freelance writer Jon Sherman is an expert on colleges and online degree programs.