4 Key Reasons to Take Online Courses This Semester

Graduate of Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ's health services admin degree program smiles while working on a computer. He is wearing a red Ragin' Cajuns quarter-zip.

Managing school, home, work, and a social life is big feat. But there are ways to ease the pressure.

Online courses are just as demanding as face-to-face classes, but they give you more control over when and where you learn. That flexibility can be valuable whether you’re fully online or adding to your on-campus schedule.

At the Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ, by 329 percent in the last four years. Nearly 74 percent of its more than 19,000 students take at least one online course. 

Here are four key reasons to earn your degree through Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ:

1. Flexibility and convenience

Online courses give you more control over when you study. Without needing to be in a classroom at a set time, you can work when your energy is highest and you’re most effective.

Student Zoe Maroulis chose the online Health Promotion & Wellness degree program specifically for its 100-percent online curriculum.

“I fit ‘going to class’ between everything. Before work, on breaks, between jobs, and after I’ve packed it in for the day,� she says.

2. Build self-motivation and direction

Nearly every job ad looks for a self-starter.

Online classes can help you build time management skills for online learning. They can also make you more organized and efficient.

When your schedule and courses fit your interests and life, you're more likely to stay motivated and do your best. You can focus on your studies during the time you have set aside.

3. Find your work-life balance

Online classes for working adults can make it easier to stay employed while you study after work or on weekends. 

Parents returning to school can be there for their children by building schedules around family commitments. People who travel often or move often, such as military families, can pursue higher education wherever life takes them.

Sarah Butler stayed present for her family while earning her M.Ed. through Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ’s Educational Leadership program. 

“I still have time to go to T-ball games; I still have time to go on vacation,� she says.

4. Affordable advancement

Online courses and degree programs at Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ qualify for financial aid.

Whether you take one course or commit fully, you can apply for financial aid for online courses just as you would in-person.

Online learning at Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ also lets students keep living and working where they are. In-state tuition can mean less student debt and less stress from moving or commuting. You can still earn a respected degree that can help your career.

With many accredited online degree and certificate programs to choose from, there’s sure to be one that fits your career goals.

Q&A

Question: Are online courses at Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ easier than face-to-face classes?

Short answer: No. Online courses are just as rigorous as face-to-face classes. The big difference is flexibility. That flexibility can help you fit school around work, family, and other commitments.

Question: Who can benefit from taking online courses?

Short answer: Many students can benefit, including working adults, parents, military families, and people who travel or move often. The flexibility can help you keep school going without putting the rest of your life on hold.

Question: How can online classes help students build career-ready skills?

Short answer: Online classes can help students build self-motivation, time management skills, organization, and independent work habits. These skills matter in the workplace, especially because many employers want self-starters.

Question: Can students receive financial aid for online courses at Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ?

Short answer: Yes. Online courses and degree programs at Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ qualify for financial aid. Students can apply through FAFSA whether they take one online course or enroll full time in an online degree program.

Question: Why might online programs help reduce student debt or logistical challenges?

Short answer: Online learning lets you keep living and working where you are, while benefiting from in-state tuition at Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ. This can cut moving costs, commuting challenges, and other expenses while earning a respected, career-advancing degree.


Learn more about Âé¶¹Ò¹ÊÐ's online degree and certificate programs.

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About this Author
Hope has worked with online students for more than five years, telling their stories and sharing tips for succeeding as an online student.

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