5 Advantages of Enrolling in an Online College while Still Working

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Before we get into it, let’s put some hard statistics out there:

Benefits of Online College while at Work

  • Online enrollments grew at a rate of 9.3% in 2012 according to an annual Sloan report
  • An additional 570,000 students enrolled in at least one online course in 2012
  • That brought the total number of online students to 6.7 million or 32% of the country’s total higher education enrollments
  • Working professionals form a significant part of the online student community

Every year more and more people decide to juggle a full-time job and school at the same time. And every year more and more people are going with an accredited online degree program. When you think about it, why wouldn’t you with these clear-cut advantages:

1. Opportunity to Leverage Your Work Experience:

Students have an edge in a competitive job market when real-world experience is combined with a formal education. So while many think that online programs are difficult, the experience you have already gained through your work experience makes it easier for you to keep up with the class.

2. A Chance to Step into a New Career:

You could be in your 30s, 40s or even 50s and still be in the wrong job. Many people go through the drudgery of daily work with a career choice they are unhappy with because they’re afraid to take a chance, or simply don’t have the financial resources or the time to make that change happen.  Online education makes it possible for you to make a smooth transition into a new career without having to leave your current job.

3. Easier Work-Study-Life Balance: 

Online degree programs offer you the flexibility to study from anywhere and at anytime. They’re designed for your convenience. Colleges try to make courses as convenient and flexible as possible so that you can study at your own pace. At Concordia, we even offer free online tutoring, 24×7 along with resources like study tools, test prep materials and instructional videos.

4. It’s a Risk You Can Take:Working Professional Pursuing Online Degree

Online degree programs require a smaller commitment. It’s less time consuming and because you still have a job, you don’t lose anything. Instead, you have everything to gain!  Even though there are initial investments towards your online education, you still walk away with a feather in your cap!  The cost can even be minimized if you qualify for financial aid.

5. Satisfying Investment:

Up to 70% of the students graduating from an online degree program are fully satisfied with their investment of time and money. According to a study of online students from Learning House, “40 percent report improvement in their employment status, typically a raise or promotion.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median weekly earnings of those who have a high school diploma were $651 in 2013 as opposed to $1,108 made by those who have a bachelor’s degree and $1,329 earned by those with a Master’s degree.

Take a look at the affordable online degree programs offered at Concordia University Online. Request for more information on any of the programs we offer. We’d be happy to assist you on your way towards a successful career.