The 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 US that online enrollment, which is growing at a faster rate than the overall higher education student population. , Showing no signs of slowing down.

The report noted that more than 4.6 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall of 2008 – a 17 percent increase from the previous year and more than a 1.2 percent increase in the overall higher education student population.

It is clear that online education is emerging as a popular option for the new-age student. However, a debate still prevails over which is better – online degree programs or on-campus degrees. While there is no simple answer as to which two options work best for you, it depends to a large extent on your circumstances, let’s compare the two methods of education on some important parameters to get a clear picture.

Accessibility

Online: One of the biggest successes of online education is that it has made higher education accessible to many people, who are unable to attend a brick and mortar school for various reasons. In addition, online students are not bound by any geographical boundaries. They can apply to any school of their choice as they are free to do online programs from anywhere.

Campus: Campus-based education still operates within a fairly rigid structure. If you are considering traditional, classroom-based degree programs, everything is required to fall, from location to accommodation.

Validity

Online: “Diploma Mills” is the biggest restriction of online education. Diploma mills are fake institutions that sell degrees without accreditation, which does not involve any serious academic study. Therefore, it is necessary that students check the credibility of the university offering online programs. Accredited online degrees are accepted as valid degrees by academics as well as employers. There is no indicator of its validity beyond the availability of federal student aid to those enrolled in eligible online degree programs at a recognized Title IV-eligible institution.

Campus: While there may be some fake brick-and-mortar schools, the prevalence of such schools is low compared to inferior or unaccredited online schools. However, even if you are participating in campus-based programs, it is good to cover your track by checking the status of the school’s reputation and accreditation.

Acceptance

Online: Various research organizations have data to prove the increasing acceptability of online degrees. Academic leaders as well as employers now accept the legitimacy of online programs and treat them equally with traditional degrees.

Campus: According to some experts, some programs are less suited for online schools. Campus-based education is generally advisable for subjects such as engineering. Programs that require extensive practical and hands-on training or contribute much to laboratory work are better purified at a brick and mortar institution.

Quality

Online: This again relates to the question of the validity and acceptability of online degrees. There has been greater acceptance of online degrees due to perceived improvement in the quality of education delivered 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, during 2006–07, 2-year and 4-year Title IV degree-funded post-secondary institutions received 66 percent of online, hybrid/mixed, or other distance learning courses. Was offered the academic year.

Campus: The quality of education offered by prestigious campus-based programs is at the topmost often. Faculty members are trained and programs designed by experts follow strict quality norms. However, there is a growing trend in which the online degree offered by an institution is exactly the same on campus as the content.

Flexibility

Online: This is where online education goes hands down. The flexibility offered to online students is unique – whether in terms of learning speed 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 strike a better balance between work, home, and education.

Campus: Campus-based programs are very structured and still operate within rigid schedules. Campus degrees require a set amount of time and then minimum attendance. It is often difficult for people to manage full-time jobs while attending a brick-and-mortar college.

Cost

Online: Online degree programs are more affordable than traditional degrees. If you pursue an online degree, you also benefit from saving costs associated with commuting, accommodation, meals, and textbooks (as study material is available online and costs are significantly lower).

Campus: The spiral cost of college has been a concern for a long time now. However, given the state of the economy, sky-rocking tuition fees for campus-based programs are discouraging many from pursuing higher education altogether.

Degree programs, both online and traditional, have their pros and cons, obviously. Perhaps that’s why many colleges have now started looking towards hybrid education, which combines the best of both worlds. Liberal use of technology and a generous amount of flexibility combined with world-class practical training and strengthening social relationships – this is where the future of education lies.