College Is Within Your Reach

Ten reasons to choose distance learning in a time of economic worries.

By Aaron Dodson

you can When the economy is shaky and fear of financial loss hangs in the air, it may be tempting to dismiss education as a waste of time and money. This is actually a mistake that could make a bad situation even worse.

I would challenge you to think outside the classroom and look at the distinct advantages of doing college through distance learning. In case you are still skeptical, here are ten reasons why distance learning will save you money and lessen your financial stress.

1. Invest in Yourself.

When stocks are down and savings accounts aren’t offering much, it’s a good time to invest in yourself. Putting money towards an online degree now will yield rewards for years to come.

2. Protect Your Job.

Improving your skills and broadening your experience will help make you invaluable to your company. Distance learning offers the possibility to take many courses that prepare employees to succeed in the workplace. In just a few weeks, you may be able to improve your management style, learn basic web design, or become certified in a software program.

3. Prepare for the Worst.

Unfortunately, some people do lose their jobs through layoffs and downsizing during a recession period. If this happens to you, your online studies will make you more attractive in a competitive job market.

4. Increase Your Earning Potential.

Once you earn an online degree, you may become eligible for promotions and salary increases. When the economy rebounds, you may find that your earning potential follows suit. Check out this link for a graph on how your income could increase due to a bachelor's degree.

5. Prepare for a Profession Change.

Some jobs are more "recession proof" than others. If you’re suffering from unemployment and few job prospects in your field, now may be a good time to reconsider your options. An online degree in a field such as education, nursing, or criminal justice may help you land a more secure position.

6. Pay Less, Learn more.

It is undeniable that a college degree will make you more valuable to your employer, but it could take years to pay back those student loans. That is where the cost efficient distance learning techniques come in. When you are counting dollars, it makes sense to pick a $20,000 degree over one with the same exact major that costs $100,000 or more.

7. Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Reimbursement.

If you’re working for a company offering a tuition reimbursement program, now is the perfect time to take advantage. Improve your resume by earning an online degree on your employer’s dime. Double check to see if you qualify – even Starbucks offers tuition reimbursement payments to hourly workers.

8. Defer Your Current Student Loans.

If you’re making monthly payments on a federal student loan now, you may be able to defer the loan by enrolling in an online college. This could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. Further your education now and resume payments when the economy recovers.

9. Save on Gas.

Enrolling in an online college will help you save at the pump. Forget commuting to a brick-and-mortar school; earn a degree without fretting about rising gas prices.

10. Study in Your Spare Time.

In a troubled economy, few professionals are able to forgo employment to return to school. With online learning, you don’t have to. Many students are even able to balance a full-time job while taking a full load of online classes.

So there you are friends! Even if the stocks are falling, (or rising, or staying the same) there is no better time than now to get your accredited bachelor's degree.

Aaron Dodson is a communications major and intern with CollegePlus!. He has a passion for young people, radical living, missions, and media. He spends hours on Photoshop, but is far from your average geek.

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