Qualified faculty is a massive part of earning a degree that is helpful for your future. However, so is affordability. The cost of higher education has increased significantly in the past ten years. Here’s a quick overview of tuition throughout the years:
- Between 1978 and 1979, attending a private college cost about $17,680 per year in today’s money, and public college costs about $8,250 per year.
- By 2008-2009, these costs rose to $38,720 for private colleges and $16,460 for public colleges.
- Currently, attending a private college costs around $48,510 per year, and a public college costs about $21,370 annually.
These data show a roughly 25.3% increase for private colleges and about 29.8% increase for public colleges compared to the 2008-2009 costs. However, a college degree remains a strong investment despite the increasing costs.
Fortunately, we’re living in the age of technological advancements. Today, you can pursue a college degree fully online. The majority of online degree programs are designed for working adult students.
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Online programs offer several benefits, such as:
- Affordable tuition fee (mostly per credit hour cost structure)
- Flexible class schedules
- Asynchronous learning formats
However, many wonder if online degrees hold the same value as traditional on-campus degrees. The answer is yes! Online learning is no longer doubted for its quality and rigor.
But how do you ensure the online college/program you’re about to pursue is worth it? The first step is to look at the school’s accreditation. Online colleges with proper accreditation have undergone rigorous evaluations of their academic offerings.
Furthermore, accreditation ensures that a qualified faculty member teaches the online courses. This ensures that students receive a high-quality education similar to their on-campus peers. A qualified faculty will also ensure its students are introduced to other esteemed professionals in their respective fields.
There are hundreds of affordable online colleges surfacing today. You need to be extra careful in choosing which university to enroll in.
In this post, we will discuss why adult learners should consider online learning and the importance of experienced faculty in ensuring a high-quality learning experience.
Why Choose Online Education as a Working Adult?
Many working adults are scared to continue their studies. Balancing studies and work is definitely a daunting task, but it’s really not that scary.
The Lumina Foundation found that 64% of college students work, and 40% work full-time. If others can do it, so can you.
Most of these working adult students, however, are not enrolled on campus. They’re mostly completing their studies online or a mix of online and on-campus (hybrid) courses. Online education for working adults has been mainstreamed to increase student enrollment.
Here are two good reasons why online education best serves the working adult population:
Flexibility in balancing work, life, and study
On-campus courses require students to attend lectures at a specific time. If you’re a working adult caring for a child or parent, the structured schedule of traditional classes can be extremely challenging to manage. Your schedule is likely unpredictable, and inconsistent classroom presence will ultimately lead to failure.
On the other hand, online programs are often unstructured. This means there are no login times, giving you maximum control over your schedules. It also allows you to have more time to relax and unwind.
College shouldn’t be all about attending classes. It should be a mixture of experiences. Although balancing work and studies with social life and rest is difficult, it is critical. Not having a healthy work, life, and study balance is a recipe for depressed burnout.
Accessibility and convenience of online programs
With access to the Internet, you can select from over a hundred online colleges. This accessibility allows you to choose and compare institutions conveniently. You’re no longer restricted to in-state schools.
However, you need to be cautious. Some online schools would still charge for out-of-state tuition, which is twice or thrice the amount of in-state tuition. Different tuition and fee payments are often applicable to public/government-owned institutions. On the other hand, because they are not funded by tax money, private colleges and universities often charge a flat tuition rate.
You also have the opportunity to compare financial aid packages. It allows you to choose the most cost-effective school that aligns with your academic goals.
The Importance of Experienced Faculty
Beyond looking at the school’s price tag and financial aid packages, you should also consider its faculty members. Does the online college offer expert faculty members? What are the academic and professional achievements of the said members? Can they connect you with other professionals in the field? Qualified faculty is a must when earning a degree.
You should not choose an online college solely based on its “affordability and flexibility.” Faculty members play a crucial role in the higher education system; they are the pillars of education. They teach students both life and professional skills.
Here are a few reasons why the best online colleges are those that prioritize experienced faculty:
Understanding of Industry Trends
The academic study aims to prepare young and adult learners for their careers. However, how things are taught in classrooms can be quite different from how things work in the workplace.
Qualified faculty members make all the difference.
Experienced instructors have lived through textbook materials. As a result, they can bring a strong understanding of industry trends. For example, a psychology professor who works and teaches must keep up with trends in their field.
Industries and trends change, and they are often not immediately reflected in textbooks. The teacher must impart new knowledge not found in textbooks of accredited online programs.
Industry Preparedness
If you find studying for your career challenging, just wait until you start working in your field. Workplace life is not all glamorous presentations and casual Fridays. There will be more hectic and depressing days than you might expect.
The beauty of having authentic and qualified faculty members with flexible online degrees is they will tell students all about it. They’ll teach you how to compete, cope, and stand out. They won’t be passing down theories; instead, they’ll be teaching authentic industry experiences.
Networking
Many jobs are not posted and advertised; they’re mostly filled through networking. You can be at the top of your class but still end up in a lousy job if you don’t have a network.
Experienced faculty members typically keep in touch with their professional connections. They can often connect you with job opportunities, research collaborations, or industry insights invaluable for advancing your career. Their networks are vast and diverse, spanning across academia, research institutions, and industry sectors.
Here are a few things to look for in faculty members depending on the field:
- Business and Finance: Faculty members should have close ties with local and national businesses and a good track record of business consulting.
- Science and Engineering: It’s preferred that faculty members have published a book or are actively contributing to current research.
- Technology: The faculty should be proficient in trending topics like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or data science.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Some of the best teachers in these fields have conducted humanitarian missions in different parts of the world.
- Medicine and Healthcare: These are vastly evolving fields. Those teaching medicine and healthcare must be actively practicing clinicians.
- Education, Counseling, and Social Work: Learning from licensed professionals in these fields is important. Some may have yet to gain years of work experience, but they should demonstrate a deep commitment to the practical application of their knowledge.
- Law and Criminal Justice: Consider faculty who have practiced law careers.
Ensuring a High-Quality Learning Experience
Adult learners make up nearly half of all college students in the United States and play a vital role in the education system. However, they often face distinct challenges that lead to higher dropout rates. Despite the availability of hundreds of affordable education options, many adult learners still struggle.
Thankfully, colleges are increasingly responding to the needs of adult learners by establishing more tailored support for them.
Streamlined Application Process
Colleges are streamlining their application processes to cater to adult learners’ unique needs. Recognizing that many adults have busy schedules, institutions are simplifying and expediting the steps required to apply for admission.
More Financial Aid Packages
Without a doubt, online learning programs are highly desirable to adult learners. These programs are often cheaper and have financial aid opportunities similar to traditional ones. Here are some of the most popular financial aid for adult learners:
- Scholarships
- Promise programs (typically statewide)
- Completion grants or targeted assistance
- Emergency grants
- Financial literacy and wellness programs
Support Services
Adult learners require different levels of needs. Some of the most needed support services include:
- Shortened program timeline
- Wrap-around services
- Career and academic advising
- Financial advising
- Prior learning assessment
- Technology support
Success is not mainly reliant on the university’s efforts to help adult learners. As an adult student, you’re capable of making the right decisions for your future.
Nevertheless, here are some tips to help you navigate the intricacies of online learning:
Tip #1: Be organized.
College or not, being organized is essential for success. Online degrees are unstructured, making it easy for many students to lose track of deadlines and assignments. Establish a system that works for you, whether using a digital calendar, a physical planner, or both. Keep track of important dates, set reminders, and break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Tip #2: Develop healthy study habits.
A clean environment helps your mental health and allow you to focus on your studies. It’s important to have a clean study or workspace.
One crucial tip is to keep your workspace separate from your bed. Even if you’re living in a small apartment, try to avoid working on your bed. This separation helps in maintaining a clear boundary between relaxation and work, which is essential for a disciplined and focused study routine.
This environment supports a healthier study habit, ensuring you can concentrate effectively and achieve your academic goals in the online learning environment.
Tip #3: Develop a healthy work-life balance.
College is a mix of events. It shouldn’t revolve around the stress and anxiety of coursework. Give yourself a break every time you finish a big task or exam. Talk to a friend, grab a coffee, go to the gym, or whatever works best for you. Maintaining a work-life balance prevents a depressed burnout state, which significantly hinders your concentration.
Conclusion
When choosing an online school, it’s important to consider factors beyond tuition and fees. You should also consider the college’s faculty experts. Evaluate them and see if they’re capable of helping you with your academic and career goals.
Having mentors and instructors who are experts in their fields is invaluable. They offer insights that go beyond textbooks and help you build a professional network, a key factor in your future success.