Debunking 5 Common Myths About Online Universities

By Glenn Mueller, Contributing Writer

Updated: 1/7/2009

Getting an online degree can give you the skills you need to embark on an exciting new career path or to move ahead in your current job. In today’s busy world, attending an online university also provides an ideal way to complete your education while working or taking care of the family.

Though campus-based learning may be the more traditional route to go, online education is certainly on the rise these days. In fact, the research firm Eduventures reports that the number of students enrolled in online courses increased from 1.98 million in 2003 to 2.35 million the very next year. According to the latest estimates, at least seven percent of all college students are enrolled in online courses -- and this number is expected to grow to 10 percent by the year 2008.

The Sloan Consortium recently reported that one out of every three academic leaders in this country believes online education will be more effective than classroom learning within the next three years. The United States Congress also approved legislation that may soon increase the spread of online universities. Ever since 1992, colleges and universities were required to have at least 50 percent of their courses taught in a physical location in order to qualify for student aid from the federal government.

However, Congress recently removed this restriction, making federal aid possible for many online educational programs.

So, how do you decide if an online university is right for you? If you have been considering online educational programs, it is important to clear up some common misconceptions. Here are 5 of the most common myths that often prevent people from experiencing the benefits of an online education.

Myth #1: Online universities offer a limited number of degrees and courses.

While it is true that a few online educational programs are very specialized, many online universities offer a tremendous variety of courses and degree programs. It is often possible to get a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree in a wide range of subjects, including accounting, business, counseling, criminal justice, education, finance, health care, information systems, marketing and even nursing.

With online education programs, your choices aren’t limited by your geography. And, taking a class online doesn’t just mean reading a textbook and using a word processor, either. These days, many online universities really enhance the learning experience through the use of video teleconferencing and interactive multimedia presentations.

Myth # 2: Online universities are not accredited.

Just like other types of colleges and universities, the reputation of online educational programs may vary depending on the individual school and program. Though a few online colleges and universities may not be properly accredited, most of them are. Ideally, you should look for an institution that is approved by one of the six nationally recognized regional accrediting agencies. If you are in doubt about an institution’s credentials, you can always check with one of these agencies directly.

Myth #3: Online universities do not provide the opportunity for students to interact with faculty or the rest of the student population.

Contrary to what most people believe, online educational programs often require a greater degree of interaction between faculty and students than on-campus learning. Just think of an online university as a virtual community. While students and faculty may live in different time zones, most online educational programs provide tremendous resources for interaction and support.

Though they may not see each other face to face, students and faculty can interact through email, instant messaging, message boards and chat rooms. Some online classes even assign students required log-on times. Many online courses also require students to work on group projects together. Professors can even be reached by telephone, and most online faculty members keep virtual office hours.

Myth #4: Employers do not take online degrees seriously.

With increasing numbers of online students entering the workforce each year, employers now have no choice but to take online educational programs very seriously. Most companies these days have hired students with online degrees, who have been able to prove that they have the education and skills necessary to succeed.

"Our education is consistent whether taken in the classroom or online," Dennis Rodriguez tells America Online. Rodriguez is the assistant director of national marketing for Regis University's School for Professional Studies.

"Graduates fare just as well as those in classroom-based programs," he adds.

Myth #5: Online students can not get financial aid.

The cost of your online education depends on your individual degree program. However, financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships, loans and grants. Accredited online educational programs can also offer federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants and Stafford Loans. Remember that with an online university, you also save the cost of room and board.

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