According to a survey conducted by the Babson Survey Research Group (2013) and based on responses from 2,800 Chief Academic Officers and academic leaders, total enrollment in online courses has consistently increased since 2002. Growth did decline over the past two years, but the proportion of students taking at least one class online continued to rise to 32.1 percent in 2011. Accredited online degree programs allow students to work towards a college degree without committing to on-campus study. This option is beneficial to working adults as they may be struggling to go back to school while trying to keep a job. For them, the idea of a traditional campus, even community college is out of the question. Students can fit learning into their individual schedules since most online programs don't have standard meeting times. Instructional material is delivered online, and coursework can be completed and submitted online as well.
While there is no physical interaction, there is online interaction. Even though students in online degree programs do not attend classes an actual campus, they are afforded the opportunity to interact extensively with fellow students and faculty via chat rooms, video conferencing, discussion boards etc. They also receive one-on-one assistance from instructors. This interaction allows online students to feel less disconnected and more involved in the class. In some classes, students may even complete group projects online.
Students who earn credit through an accredited online degree program can often transfer that credit to another school. This ability allows students the freedom to begin working on online with the knowledge that they can to to a traditional campus if they desire. For instance, some students may complete an associate's degree online and enroll in an traditional bachelor's degree program at a later date.
An accredited online university can provide its students with a quality education and a degree program that may open doors of opportunity. Degree programs ranging from associate's to master's degrees are now offered online.
Accredited schools are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and may offer Financial Aid to qualified students.