With the economy as sluggish as it is, and the scarcity of new job opportunities, there has never been a better time to go back to school. The more education you have under your belt, the more secure your job will be, and the greater your earning potential will be down the road. Thanks to new online universities, you can now earn a degree online without having to quit your day job or reshuffle your schedule. Online degree programs are both accredited and widely recognized, and you stand to gain a lot from enrolling. Don’t expect classes to be easier just because you don’t have to commute to campus though – the lectures and assignments are still highly interactive and earning a degree online is just as rigorous as a traditional undergraduate degree.
If you’re just toying with the idea of a web-based program, consider this list of reasons to earn a degree online:
1. Education is the Best Investment
Stocks and interest rates are down, so any money you have tucked away isn’t earning you much at the moment. Why not invest in yourself instead? To earn a degree online doesn’t have to be overly expensive, and the education you get is guaranteed to pay off in the future.
2. Job Protection
There are currently 10 or more applicants for every listed job opening. This means that there are numerous people who would love to take over your position. One way to make yourself invaluable to your company is to earn a degree online. The new skills you learn will make you even more qualified to do your job, so you can ward off any job-hungry applicants while demonstrating your commitment to professional success. Specific courses you should consider include web design, software certification, and business management.
3. Be Prepared for the Worst Case Scenario
During a recession, some downsizing is unavoidable. If you do find yourself without a job, taking online degree courses will make you a more competitive candidate for new jobs. Give yourself a leg up in the job market to get you back on your feet quickly.
4. Earn a Degree Online to Boost Your Salary
Promotions and salary hikes are most likely to go to employees with the most advanced degrees. Earn a degree online to move yourself up in the ranks. When the economy does recover, you will enjoy a new level of earning potential.
5. Be Prepared to Enter a New Job Field
Some business markets are impacted by the recession more heavily than others. If you are having trouble finding a job in your original field of training, you can earn a degree online to open doors in new job sectors. Online certification programs for general education, nursing, or law enforcement are all great options when looking for a secure job position.
6. Postponed Payments
Right now, there is an abundance of federal student loans, and online students are eligible. This means that you can earn a degree online now and pay for it after you graduate.
7. Let Your Employer Foot the Bill
Many companies offer tuition reimbursement incentives. Check with your HR department to find out what sort of financial support is available to you. You can bolster your resume while you earn a degree online and get partial or complete reimbursement for any enrollment fees!
8. Defer Outstanding Student Loans
Returning to school, either full or part-time, may give you the ability to defer payments you are currently making on student loans, interest free. Why continue making payments when you could earn a degree online and pay off your loan balance once the economy bounces back?
9. Save at the Pump
If you earn a degree online, you eliminate the need to commute to campus, thus reducing your monthly fuel budget. Oil prices can skyrocket, and you can continue your studies from home stress-free.
10. Study on Your Own Terms
Right now most of us can’t afford to quit our jobs to return to school. Luckily, to earn a degree online, you don’t have to. The incredible flexibility allows you to focus on school during your spare time, meaning that you can still balance a full-time job and family while completing your coursework.
