This article will discuss the features of distance learning. The article will emphasize the affordability of distance learning programs due to various reasons such as the ability to keep a full-time job while you earn your degree, save on commuting etc. It will also discuss the benefits and opportunities it provides to those who have familial or work related restraints and responsibilities. It will also highlight the validity and legitimacy of distance learning degrees offered by accredited institutions.

1. Distance Learning Programs: An Affordable Way to Achieve a College Degree
Of all the benefits of distance learning programs, perhaps the biggest and the one that has the most impact is their
affordability.
Different people enroll for distance learning programs for different reasons, but the end goal is the same—to earn an
advanced degree to help enrich their professional and personal life. And if it comes at a lower overall price, compared
to a classroom degree, then who can complain?
The actual tuition and fees for distance learning courses may not be much less expensive than conventional college
programs. Though schools may charge a little less for their online or distance learning degrees, the difference may
not be significant. This is especially true of schools that have already established themselves in the online education
space.
However, the burgeoning competition among universities and colleges to attract the growing community of online
students to the fold could drive the price of distance learning courses down, making them even more affordable for
students.
Earn & Learn
The biggest reason why online or distance learning programs are usually less expensive is because they allow
students to keep a job and attend school at the same time. Many online students are full-time professionals with
serious careers.
Juggling school with a full-time job is a lot easier with distance learning degrees, as they provide the flexibility to study
from anywhere, follow your own schedule, and work at your own pace. This is a far cry from the watertight schedules
that classroom-based programs follow.
This means online students can continue working at their full-time jobs and bringing back home the same paycheck
that they were before starting their distance education, ensuring that their education does not cause any major
financial upheavals in their life.
Another advantage of being employed while attending school is that you may be able to get financial assistance from
your employers. Many companies are willing to invest in their bright and promising employees.
If you are able to convince your employers that the skills and training you receive from your distance learning degree
can benefit them, then they may agree to fund part or even all of your education.
Additional Costs
Traditionally, college can mean credit card bills running into obscene amounts. A pizza here, some books there, a
new outfit for a cool party you’ve been invited to, an extra-long conversation on your cell phone with folks back home,
a fun road trip with friend, and bam! You end up with a credit card bill that makes your eyeballs pop.
If you think this is an exaggeration, here’s an interesting statistic. According to Collegeboard, students of four-year
colleges who lived on campus spent an average of $2,066 in personal expenses in 2011-12*. And this is just one of
the associated costs of attending college.
In addition to personal expenditure, students who attend a brick and mortar school are also required to pay for room
and board, books and supplies, and transportation.
You can cut down on a lot of these expenses if you enroll for distance learning programs. Since it’s likely that you are
going to stay at home, you will not have to pay for room and board. In distance education programs, the learning
material can usually be downloaded onto your computer or mobile device, or is available on CD-ROMs, saving you
the money needed for books.
Another area where you can save is transportation. Since there is no travel involved as far as distance learning is
concerned, you don’t have to worry about squeezing fuel and parking costs into your budget!
Sources:
*collegeboard.com/student/pay/add-it-up/482.html