Online Degrees VS Traditional Degrees

Sloan Consortium, a group of organizations dedicated to quality online education, said in the seventh edition of its annual report on the state of online learning in the U.S. that online enrollments, which have been growing at a faster rate than the total higher education student population, are showing no signs of slowing.

The report stated that over 4.6 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall term of 2008 - an increase of 17 percent over the previous year and far exceeding the 1.2 percent growth in the overall higher education student population.

It is clear that online education is emerging as a popular choice for the new-age student. However, a debate is still raging over which is better - online degree programs or on-campus degrees. While there is no easy answer to this because which of the two alternatives work better for you depends to a large degree on your circumstances, let`s compare the two modes of education on some important parameters to get a clearer picture.

Accessibility

Online: One of the greatest breakthroughs of online education has been that it has made higher education accessible to many people, who are unable to attend a bricks and mortar school for a variety of reasons. Moreover, online students are not bound by any geographical limits. They can apply to any school of their choice as they are free to pursue an online program from anywhere.

Campus: Campus-based education still works within a fairly rigid structure. From location to lodging, everything needs to fall in place if you are considering traditional, classroom-based degree programs.

Validity

Online: "Diploma mills" are the biggest bane of online education. Diploma mills are fraudulent institutions that sell unaccredited degrees, which involve no serious academic study. It is, therefore, imperative that students check the credentials of a university offering online programs. Accredited online degrees are accepted as valid degrees by academicians as well as employers. There is no greater indicator of its validity than the availability of federal student aid to those enrolled in an eligible online degree program at an accredited Title IV-eligible institution.

Campus: Although there may be some fraudulent bricks and mortar schools, the prevalence of such schools is comparatively less than substandard or unaccredited online schools. However, even if you are attending campus-based programs, it`s good to have your tracks covered by checking the reputation and accreditation status of the school.

Acceptance

Online: Various research organizations have statistics to prove the growing acceptability of online degrees. Academic leaders as well as employers now acknowledge the legitimacy of online programs and most treat them at par with traditional degrees.

Campus: According to some experts, certain programs are less suited for online only schools. Campus-based learning is generally advisable for disciplines like engineering. Programs that require extensive practical and hands on training or involve great deal of laboratory work are better pursed at a bricks and mortar institute.

Quality

Online: This again ties back to the question of validity and acceptability of online degrees. There has been a greater acceptability of online degrees because of the perceived improvement in the quality of education disbursed through these programs. In fact, many universities have started offering online programs to capture the growing market. According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, 66 percent of 2-year and 4-year Title IV degree-granting postsecondary institutions reported offering online, hybrid/blended, or other distance education courses during the 2006-07 academic year.

Campus: The quality of education offered by reputed campus-based programs is most often top-notch. The faculty members are trained and the programs, designed by experts, adhere to strict quality criteria. However, there is a rising trend wherein online degrees offered by an institute are exactly the same in content as its on campus degrees.

Flexibility

Online: This is where online education wins hands down. The flexibility offered to online students is unparalleled - whether it`s in terms of the pace of learning or setting your own schedule. Online degree programs are ideally suited for working professionals or those who have other responsibilities. Online programs allow them to draw a better balance between work, home, and education.

Campus: Campus-based programs are pretty structured and still operate within rigid schedules. There are set timetables that need to be followed and a minimum attendance requirement for most on campus degrees. It is often difficult for people to manage full-time jobs while they are attending a bricks and mortar college.

Cost

Online: Online degree programs are more economical than traditional degrees. If you pursue a degree online, you also benefit from saving costs associated with commuting, housing, food, and textbooks (as the study material is available online and costs considerably less).

Campus: The spiraling cost of college has been an area of concern for a long time now. However, given the state of the economy, the sky-rocketing tuition fee for campus-based programs is discouraging many from pursuing higher education altogether.

Evidently, degree programs, both online and traditional have their pros and cons. That`s probably why many colleges have now started looking towards hybrid education, which combines the best of both worlds. A generous use of technology and liberal amount of flexibility coupled with world-class practical training and invigorating social interactions - that`s where the future of education lies!

Stevens-Henager College was established in 1891 and is distinguished as one of the oldest colleges in Utah. It has trained generations of nurses through its FastFlex online nursing degree programs such as its online RN to BSN Completion, BSN in Nursing Administration, Online MSN in Nursing Administration, and Online MSN in Nursing Education programs. Stevens-Henager?s nursing degree programs help enhance your career and your qualifications, while placement staff helps to find exciting job openings and even setting up interviews as well.

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The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN
• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)

University of Southern Nevada

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)

Campus Locations:

Online
Plantation
Arlington
Clinton Township
Phoenix
Saint Louis
Livonia
Hollywood
Daytona Beach
Woodland Hills
Oakland
Ann Arbor
Gardena
Clearwater
Jacksonville
Lathrop
Sarasota
Los Angeles
Ontario
San Antonio
Tucson
Miami
Lone Tree
Westlake
Grand Rapids
Livermore
Rancho Cordova
Temple Terrace
Pasadena
Spring
Houston
Las Vegas
Murrieta
Salida
Hurst
Sacramento
Independence
Lancaster
St Louis Park
Beachwood
Bakersfield
Troy
Orlando
Manassas
Chandler
Henderson
St. Louis
Nashville
Littleton
Costa Mesa
Irving
Dallas
Fairfield
Saint Paul
Sugar Land
Diamond Bar
East Lansing
Flint
Roseville
Aurora
Killeen
Southfield
Reston
Tampa
San Jose
Palm Beach Gardens
San Francisco
San Diego
Fort Lauderdale
Fresno
Maitland
Mesa
Elk Grove
Fairfax
Westminster
Baton Rouge
Portage
Palm Desert

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Keiser University Campus

Campus

Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.

Programs:

• Nursing, BS (Online Only)
• Nursing, AS
• Nursing, MS (Online Only)

Campus Locations:

Melbourne
Orlando
Fort Lauderdale
Tallahassee
Tampa
Port Saint Lucie
Sarasota
Jacksonville
Lakeland
Fort Myers
Hollywood
Daytona Beach
West Palm Beach

Sanford-Brown Institute

Campus

Get everything you need for the medical career you want. Sanford-Brown Institute's advanced programs allow you to complete your certificate or degree program in as little as 9 months. Learn more today.

Programs:

• Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Medical Assistant Specialist

Campus Locations:

Melville
Austin
Monroeville
Orlando

CollegeAmerica

Campus

Finally, a college that delivers. CollegeAmerica is truly unique in that their curriculum is designed for one purpose and one purpose only: to prepare students for success.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Associate Degree in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration (Online)

Campus Locations:

Colorado Springs
Cheyenne
Flagstaff
Fort Collins
Phoenix
Denver

Dover Business College

Campus

Launch a business, healthcare, or technology career with Dover Business College. Train with the most current technology programs at one of our two (Dover and Paramus, New Jersey) campuses.

Programs:

• LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
• Patient Care Technician
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Dover
Clifton

Charter College

Campus

Prepare for a better career and a brighter future with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. Our small class sizes and dedicated instructors ensure a personalized education experience. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find the job that's right for you after graduation.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Canyon Country
Oxnard
Wasilla
Anchorage
Lancaster
Vancouver
Bellingham

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• AS in Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Antioch
Emeryville
San Leandro
San Jose
Stockton
Citrus Heights
Pomona
Sacramento
Pleasant Hill

Stevens-Henager

Campus

For more than 119 years, Stevens-Henager College has worked to train generations of graduates for new careers. Stevens-Henager College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Our degree programs, designed to help graduates compete in the ever-evolving employment market, include Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Surgical Technology, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, Computer Science, and Graphic Arts*. Online programs are offered via Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray. Stevens-Henager College Idaho Falls is a branch campus of the CollegeAmerica, Flagstaff, AZ, main campus.

*Check each campus for program availability.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing
• Associate Degree in Nursing Education
• Master of Science in Nursing Administration

Campus Locations:

Layton
Ogden
Boise
Orem
Murray
Idaho Falls
Nampa
Logan
Saint George
Lehi

Florida Career College

Campus

Train for the real-world skills that help you launch a successful technology or healthcare career with a degree, or diploma from Florida Career College.

Programs:

• Associate's Degree - Nursing RN
• Diploma - Patient Care Technician
• Diploma - Medical Assistant Technician

Campus Locations:

Boynton Beach
Clearwater
Pompano Beach
West Palm Beach
Miami
Hollywood

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Associate of Science: Nursing
• Diploma: Practical Nursing
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician

Campus Locations:

Las Vegas
Indianapolis
San Antonio
Corpus Christi
Beaumont
Bakersfield
Arlington
Laredo
Columbus
Dayton
Midland
Stockton
Fort Worth
Mcallen
Lubbock
Charlotte
Phoenix
Clovis

Harrison College

Campus

Get started on your career with an education from Harrison College. We offer more than 30 degree, certificate, and diploma programs in the fields of health sciences, veterinary technology, information technology, criminal justice, and business, in addition to our culinary arts academy.

Programs:

• Nursing - Associate of Science
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Indianapolis
Fort Wayne
Muncie
Terre Haute
Anderson
Elkhart
Grove City
Evansville
Lafayette
Columbus

Medtech

Campus

Start your career with an education from Medtech. We offer programs in biotechnology, health care management, medical assisting, medical billing and coding, medical lab technology, and nursing, plus several short-term career courses.

Programs:

• School of Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Fort Wayne