Between advancements in technology and the new normal of everything going virtual, there has never been a better time to earn a degree online. Online learning and internet courses have been gaining traction for the past decade. However, the last two years have seen significant increases in people continuing their education online.

Weather it’s acquiring new skills, certificates, a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree, people from all walks of life are turning to online courses for several reasons:

• Reduced Costs

One of the most popular reasons for the increased interest in online classes is that they are usually more cost-effective than traditional campus courses. Online courses are typically a fraction of the tuition fees of mainstream colleges. Beyond the cost savings associated with the curriculum itself, earning a college degree online eliminates additional costs such as housing, meals, parking and commuting.

• Flexible Schedules

Traditional degree programs pursued on a university campus tend to be rigid with fewer options when it comes to scheduling. Students are forced to pick specific days and times for classes based on availability. Online courses have much more freedom when it comes to watching lectures and completing class work. Students can select degree programs that work around their lifestyle and commitments.

• Work Life Balance

In today’s stressful times, people have more responsibly and less time. Think of the time you could save by simply logging on from home rather than commuting to school, finding parking, walking to class, wasting time between classes etc. Compounding the additional hours each day adds up to a significant amount of time. This time could be better spent with family, friends, work or maybe time for yourself. If you’re a parent with children at home, online learning is a perfect option for balancing your life with pursuing higher education.

• Career Advancement

Another popular reason to choose online learning is that it is easier to juggle working while obtaining skills and/or a degree to help you get ahead in your career. For many people, quitting their current job to go to school full time is not an option. Or having to put your career on hold to attend a university can set you back from both a time and money standpoint. The most effective way to advance or change your career is through the more efficient online route.

While there are some challenges with online learning such as the need to manage your time and be more self-disciplined, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Pursuing a degree online can save money, save money and help you find balance.