Many people assume that online degree programs are more expensive than those offered at traditional schools. Performing a strict comparison on the cost per credit hour for each program can be a good basis for financial evaluation, but this should not be the only comparison made. In many cases, you might actually find that these costs are comparable with local campuses. I compared credit hour costs among eight different schools and the online campus that I had selected, and found that the costs were relatively similar.

Yet, there are additional costs that should be factored into the equation before making a final decision. Many traditional schools add additional fees for parking, medical services, and library and computing resources. Often, these fees are not necessary for online degree programs. Additionally, such “soft costs” such as gas and wasted travel time should be considered.

You should also consider books and course materials. Traditional schools typically have bookstores on campus to provide the required course materials. Sometimes, used books may be available, thereby reducing the overall expense, but in many cases, new books will be required, particularly for upper-level course work. Some campuses have begun offering downloadable electronic books (E-books) that can provide some cost savings. Online campuses will occasionally have book stores for specific course materials, requiring the student to order the required materials far enough ahead of time to enable the student to meet course deadlines. Many more online campuses have begun offering materials strictly via online delivery, often at a flat-fee per course (somewhere between $70-100 per course, depending on the course level and school). Naturally, such materials cannot be resold as hard-copy books can.

Financial aid resources can help many students meet these financial obligations once a program has been selected. Schools that offer federal financial resources are typically reputable; be wary of those schools that simply offer private financing options, as these schools may not be accredited. Many online campuses will also have a list of grant and scholarship opportunities available. Finally, if you have served in the military, a reputable school will allow you to use your veterans’ benefits; be warned, certain benefits do have an expiration date. Ask the school for a breakdown of costs over the course of your program if you have questions so that you can determine how much financial aid will cover and you can plan accordingly. In some cases, undergraduate studies may not be fully funded by these financial resources, though graduate programs may be fully (or over) funded.

Distance learning programs allow you to attend classes online at your convenience for a fraction of the cost of a regular school environment. Currently almost every university and college allow their programs of bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D.’s via distance learning at a very reasonable fee and financial aid is available.

When researching a distance learning college or university, it is important to be sure that the degree program you select is properly accredited. Accreditation means that the institution offering your degree meets academic and professional standards for the degree programs it offers.

Students or professionals pursuing this style of education may use former commuting time for active learning. Many accredited distance learning colleges understand that nontraditional students, especially adult students, have different learning styles and varying levels of technology experience from traditional college-aged students. These differences contribute to their learning choices and ability to complete distance learning programs.

Some online degree programs make it possible to earn your degree in as little as 12-18 months. Gone are the days where you physically have to go to school to get your degree.

Distance learning programs are designed to help adult learners with multiple responsibilities earn their degrees without being tied down to class times and without having to go to a campus center. Online degrees allow people to better balance the responsibilities in their life with their education. No teacher is going to look over your shoulder telling you to go to class or turn in an assignment. So you are going to have to seriously motivate and discipline yourself.

Primarily due to the availability of online programs, the range of obtainable disciplines has expanded so that most bachelor programs have a corresponding masters certification. With today’s online education opportunities, you can earn online Masters degrees in interesting areas such as computer science, education, or health care management.

Advantages of Masters Degrees

The advantages of online Masters degrees are abundant. There is no commuting, class times are flexible, materials are archived online, and over-enrollment is rarely an issue. Given these unique benefits, it’s worth considering your various masters degree options.

Different Kinds of Master’s Degrees

Master of Liberal Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) are the four most popular types of certification. You can also earn a Master in Library Science (M.L.S.), Social Work (M.S.W.), Public Health (M.P.H.), and Education (M.Ed.).

Job Opportunities with a Masters Degree

Because a bachelors degree has now become the standard for most industries, individuals who have earned online Masters degrees have a decisive advantage in the job market. Earning your masters degree demonstrates to employers an elevated level of dedication and competency in a given field because of the additional credentials.

According to the US Census Bureau, those with a master’s degree can expect to make more than twice as much as those with only a high school diploma and almost 20% more than those with only a bachelors degree. Considering this income boost, the time and money invested in a masters education is clearly worth it.

Nancy Lambert is an executive for Accredited-Online-Colleges.com Accredited-Online-Colleges.com provides information on hundreds of degrees offered online through accredited colleges and universities. From online certificates to Associates, Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees, Accredited-Online-Colleges.com helps students and adults discover the advantages of earning their master’s degrees online.