5 Signs an Online School Might be a Better Fit than a Physical University

When it comes to your schooling, who wants to cut corners? You want a quality education to prepare you for the road ahead— but it’s rarely that simple. You might also want a workload that’s flexible with your personal or professional commitments, tailored to your learning style and, of course, affordable.

When weighing the pros and cons of enrolling in an online versus a physical college or university, there’s a lot to consider. Some people simply perform better in one situation over the other, and we’re here to help you make the right choice for you.

Here’s five signs you might benefit from taking online classes as opposed to enrolling in a brick and mortar school:

1. Online may be best if… your schedule isn’t very flexible.

For those who have consistent time commitments with family and work, online education could mesh better with your schedule than a physical university or college curriculum. For busy part-time students especially, not having to commute to and from school is a win in and of itself.

While a brick and mortar class schedule requires you to come in during designated time slots, often recurring in two or three day patterns each week, many online classes don’t follow that format. Most online courses require students to log in, read materials, contribute to online class discussions, and complete assignments prior to a set date, without scheduled lectures. (Although, live online lectures are an option, many schools, including ABTU, offer).

Let’s not forget that online learners have the extra convenience of logging in whenever they want, wherever they are. Those who work best late nights or early mornings, or have to squeeze and in an hour on-the-go have more options for fitting work in around their additional commitments.

2. Online may be best if… you prefer to learn individually.

Some people simply work and learn best removed from all distractions. These are often the people who solve problems by giving themselves time to think in private or consider themselves to be more introverted by nature. Does this describe you at all?

If so, online courses can help you promote a less disruptive lifestyle, hunkering down and focusing fully when the time is right. For students who don’t enjoy forced group interactions or being singled out in class, online courses could remove extra anxiety— and with individual attention only a video call, instant message chat, or email away, you receive the one-on-one attention with a teacher outside of the traditional classroom setting. (Although, live online lectures provide the community and shared learning of a traditional classroom).

3. Online schooling may be best if… you can be disciplined and self motivated.

Do you have one of the seven habits of a highly motivated person? If you like controlling your own schedule and working at your own pace, for example, online education might be the right fit. Those who develop strategies for setting time aside and reaching small goals often excel and enjoy the perks of learning from the comfort of their home.

But, with the added flexibility of online courses comes more self-obligation and less peer pressure. It might feel easier to lax on your workload if there aren’t others physically there to see you missing class or slacking. If you like face-to-face interactions or procrastinate on work, think twice before enrolling in an online curriculum.

Don’t be afraid to test the waters by taking one course and seeing if the structure is a good fit. For those who can adopt consistency and still enjoy the freedom of planning, online courses can be the perfect mix of convenience and self-satisfied accomplishment.

4. Online education may be best if… your desired career already involves computers.

In today’s growing digital world, many industries require the use of computers on a daily basis. If you’ll be using a computer every day once you land a career, why not use one to further your education?

Marketers, business or sales persons, engineers, tech professionals, and more work behind a screen. For roles like these, students can learn and develop their skills online more easily, as well as gain practical experience using the software and programs they’ll engage with after graduation, through online courses.

Individuals pursuing clinical or physical roles, however, may struggle to perfect their trade if their only means of education and experience is online. A brick and mortar teaching position, which requires daily face-to-face interactions with students, might not fully prepare you with practical experience. Be sure to consider your industry before enrolling in an online course.

5. Online may be best if… you want to save money!

You might be surprised to learn that online courses are generally less expensive than other forms of education, oftentimes costing less than traditional brick and mortar schools. In fact, here at ABTU, we often maintain tuition rates roughly half of the national average.

With the greater flexibility of only taking the courses you need, and not having to pay for a full semester with set credit requirements per cost, online education is great for part-time for full-time students. Plus, online learners save on the costs of commuting or campus housing and meal plans. In many cases, online students maintain full or part-time jobs, earning an income along the way.

Was the Online Experience Your Clear Winner?

If several of these signs apply to you, online education might be the better fit.

Why not see for yourself? Here at American Business & Technology University (ABTU), we offer Associates, Bachelors, and Masters’ degrees in a number of industries, including information technology, healthcare, and business administration— to name a few. Check to see if we offer your program or desired courses or request some additional information today.

The first step in advancing your career is enrolling, and we’re happy to help you plan your future, one course at a time.