Viable opportunities abound today to obtain a college degree through online degree programs. There are more institutions of higher education than ever before offering Internet based study programs in literally hundreds of different disciplines. Today accredited distance learning programs offering associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and even doctorates exist. A degree is fast becoming a more critical component of success than ever. Yet according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey: 2008, Annual Social and Economic Supplement released April 2009, only 29% of Americans, age 25 and older, hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. It is virtually impossible for many people to attend college in the traditional way because they must work full-time to earn a living. Attending college in residency is time consuming and expensive. Thankfully, online degree programs are available to bridge the gap for those who understand the real advantages available from having a college education.

There are many good reasons for earning your degree, but none more compelling than data released by the U.S. Census Bureau that underscores the financial value of a college education. According to their latest Current Population Survey results, released October 26, 2006, adults age 18 and older with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $51,554 in 2004, while those with a high school diploma earned only $28,645. Not only can a degree bring individuals a chance for more lucrative positions in the job market, even in jobs where a degree is not a requirement, having one provides a competitive advantage that open doors to better opportunities.

Financial considerations aside, there are a host of other good reasons that a college education is of great value. College educated people benefit from exposure to a wide variety of people and opinions. Such exposure leads to greater understanding and open-mindedness. The college experience can produce a more educated and well-rounded person which is a benefit to both the person and society in general. College represents an unparalleled opportunity to explore one’s possibilities and to discover one’s full potential. Statistically, people who have completed college are more concerned with things like wellness, preventative health care, and diet which results in them enjoying a higher quality of life than many of their peers.

Online Degree Programs are Convenient

Earning a degree online requires study and discipline but the universities who offer distance learning programs recognize that most adults don’t have the luxury to be full-time students and need a flexible study schedule in order to advance through the required curriculum and earn their degree. Convenience is one of the most attractive aspects of online learning. With this format, you attend class online when and where you choose. Everything from registration, ordering books, posting assignments to interacting with and receiving feedback from instructors are conducted online. Whether employed full-time or a stay at home parent, you can find a distance education program to fit your own unique schedule.

Online Degree Programs are Affordable

For many people who chose not to attend college surveys show that financial concerns were among the most significant barriers. A wide variety of financial options are available including traditional financial aid for those who choose to pursue higher education through distance degree programs. In addition to scholarships, grants, and educational loans available to those who qualify, many institutions offer you the option of paying for one course at a time, rather than an entire semester or year at once. This can help you manage to work towards your degree but stay within your budget. College education is an investment in that a degree yields more financially than what you must pay to obtain one. In “Education Pays,” a 2007 study released by Collegeboard.com, the authors state that the increased earnings realized by a typical college graduate means that higher salaries more than compensate them for the expense of paying college tuition. Also, by attending college online, students avoid many of the extra fees assessed to resident students, another cost savings.

There is an ever growing gap with fewer and fewer jobs that are available to those without a college degree. More education and training means higher earnings. It is really that simple. It is up to the individual to harness the power of a college education and only you can make this important decision for yourself. If you haven’t yet obtained your degree, you should seriously consider distance education. At the very least it can't hurt to learn more about your options in furthering your education through online degree programs.