Blog Post: Online or on campus higher education?

Three degrees that are offered online are masters degrees from Grand Canyon University.
GCU offers an Online Healthcare masters, an online MBA and online education masters.
More information about GCU can be found at their profile. These are three fields of study that are offered online.

2. What is my financial situation?  Am I willing to take out student loans?  How much can I/do I have to work while going to school? 

These may be the biggest questions of all right now.  If you are able to get suitable financial aid and/or student loans, you may find that you can afford to be a full-time student with part-time employment.  If your situation is different than that (i.e. if you are unable to find enough financial aid or you have additional financial responsibilities such as a house or dependents), you may find that part-time student status either in person or online is a better situation for you.  The best thing you can do for yourself is to draw up a budget and find out how you will afford your studies and your living expenses before you are committed.  It can be tempting to work long hours and let schoolwork suffer if you are financially strapped or focus solely on school and let your finances slide.  Knowing your full financial picture can save you future money headaches and scholastic failure. 

3.  Do I have the necessary tools for online learning? 

Check with the online degree provider to make sure you have or can afford the technical requirements necessary to complete the program (for example; adequate internet connection, operating system, software). 

4.  What type of learning environment do I want or need? 

If you are a self-directed learner and absorb information well by reading, completing interactive modules online, and watching video content - you have all the makings of a good online learner.  If you absolutely know you need a professor to question in "real-time" while you are learning and a classroom environment, then on campus learning may be your only option.  Most of us have experience with classroom learning and find it familiar and comfortable.  However, if you have never tried coursework online and would like a test-drive, there are many low cost options available to test e-learning out before you enroll in a full-time program.  Many recent innovations in online video and web-conferencing have minimized the differences between online and in-person learning, so test both environments before you make any conclusions about which is best for you. 

5. Who does this affect other than me?

Consult your family and those around you that would be affected by your decision.  If time spent on commuting, moving, or school work will have a significant impact on your family or your employer, discuss this with them while you are still making your decision.  Much like budgeting, having these sometimes difficult conversations early in the process can save you grief.  Everyone affected will appreciate that they were consulted before you made your final decision.

Online or on campus is a very important decision to make. Jobing.com has resources to help you identify a program that may fit your needs. Take a look at the JobingEducation or research schools that are specifically in your area at The Princeton Review.