About 20 million students were expected to enroll in college in America in 2020.[1] About six million, or more than 35 percent, will take at least some of their classes online.[2] Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Every year, more and more people discover the advantages of learning and earning a degree on their own time and on their own terms. Here are some other facts about online degree programs—and Tiffin University’s (TU)—in particular, that may surprise you.
- Surprise #1: They’re affordable. Online programs put higher education within reach for a lot of people. More than 80 percent of TU students receive some form of financial aid, like a grant, or loan. TU also offers scholarships and discounts to help lighten the load.
- Surprise #2: Age doesn’t matter. Online students are all over the board in terms of age, proving it’s never too late or too early to get a great education. One study shows about 39 percent of online students are 18-29 years old, 39 percent are 30-44, and 22 percent are 45+.[3]
- Surprise #3: The salary potential is big. A lot of people go after a degree to make more money. Smart move. Nearly 30 percent of online graduates earn $85,000 to $150,000+ per year.[4]
- Surprise #4: You can work while you go to school. One great thing about getting a degree online is the flexibility, which means you can fit school into your life. Sixty percent of online students have full-time jobs and 20 percent work part-time.
- Surprise #5: You might get a degree faster. Research shows people can learn a subject online in 40 to 60 percent less time than in a traditional classroom.[5] TU takes degree acceleration a step further with sessions beginning in January, March, May, July, August and October, allowing you to stay on pace to your goal year ‘round.
- Surprise #6: They’re environmentally responsible. This isn’t really a surprise, but not everyone thinks about how online classes use less paper and energy and require no travel. TU’s technology gives students easy access to assignments, discussion forums, professors and classmates.
- Surprise #7: Transfer credits are super common. More than 80 percent of undergrads have college credits they can apply to an online degree. The TU admissions team knows the drill and will guide you through the process to make sure you get the credits you worked so hard to get.
- Surprise #8: Many are top quality. Online degree programs have come a long way since going mainstream in the 1980s. Today, accrediting agencies hold online programs to the same quality standards as those on campus. The Ohio Department of Higher Education, for example, authorizes TU’s seated and online programs. TU’s programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accreditation bodies recognized by all major public and private colleges and universities in America, and the School of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Six million people can’t be wrong about the benefits of online learning. Contact TU today to find out how easy it is to get started. You might be surprised.
[1] U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Higher Education General Information Survey (HEGIS), “Fall Enrollment in Colleges and Universities” surveys
[2] U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS, Spring 2019, Fall Enrollment component
[3] CollegeAtlas.org. “41 Facts About Online Students,” July 28, 2017
[4] CollegeAtlas.org. “41 Facts About Online Students,” July 28, 2017
[5] Vedamo. “Did You Know That? Surprising Facts About Online Education,” July 5, 2018