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By Varonika Ware Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles. Learn about oureditorial policies
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Updated: March 13th, 2023
As a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic, more people decided to attend college online instead of in person. Post-pandemic, online higher education continues to grow. You might be wondering what the difference is between online vs in person classes, and luckily, we outline some of the pros and cons to each below.
Be sure to continue doing your research on your options, so you can make the best decision for your needs and goals. No matter the type of college experience that you choose, you’re still moving toward earning a worthwhile education. Keep reading to learn more about online vs in-person college below!
Benefits of online college
Ability to pace yourself
Online college can be a great option for people with demanding schedules and hectic lifestyles. Depending on the major, students are able to set the pace for their education. Some people might need more time to go over a specific subject while others might be able to finish several assignments for their classes at once. Keep in mind that some online classes, such as those in healthcare related fields, may require students to be online at certain times.
Either way, online classes aren’t necessarily forced to adhere to a semester-long curriculum like in-person colleges. This can also be a lot less stressful for students who want freedom to choose when to study and for how long.
Learning anywhere
Going virtual with education means that students have the freedom to learn when and where they want. Students can pursue their education in bed, at their local library, or even while on vacation. Students can even study in the comfort of their pajamas, which can save time and money that might’ve been spent on the commute to classes. This form of learning can also provide people with disabilities or illnesses a chance to get an education, even if they aren’t currently able to attend an in person school.
Benefits of in-person college
Structured education
While you’re attending college in person, your schedule can be a lot more structured than an online format. Classes are usually at specific times throughout the week, and assignment deadlines can be less flexible than in an online atmosphere. Students will also have more opportunities to speak directly with professors in class or during office hours. This can be especially helpful if you are struggling with a specific topic, or you want to go over previous exams or assignments.
On-campus atmosphere
University campuses can be your new home away from home! Living in dorms or apartments near your college can allow you to experience some of the biggest parts of campus life. There are events to meet other students or become friends with your roommates or floormates.
College campuses also offer students the chance to get involved in clubs or sports. Participating in some of these activities can even offer a way to help pay for college with specialized scholarships like ones for student-athletes or students involved in STEM activities.
Related: How to get involved on campus
Networking opportunities
Being on campus offers students access to networking events and allows them to foster connections in and outside of the classroom. These opportunities can be between peers, professors, and other professionals. Getting to know people in a learning environment can help you secure internships as well as positions in your desired field upon graduation. It can also help build up your profile on networking sites like LinkedIn, Handshake, and Indeed.
Related: Top online colleges that accept the FAFSA
Drawbacks of online college
Limited engagement
Being in a non-traditional environment for learning can be a lot different from what students are used to. As a result, online classes might seem limited in comparison to in-person engagement between students as well as with professors. However, you can be more engaged in classes by turning on your camera during Zoom meetings or actively participating in class discussion posts.
In this format, getting in touch with professors can be a little different as well. Classes might be asynchronous with limited meetings with teachers, or you might have a scheduled Zoom class. Either way, the class website and emails are a great way to reach out to your professors to get answers to any of the questions you might have.
Keeping up with deadlines
Since online learning has less structure, it’s important to set up a schedule for assignments and exams in order to stay on track. It can be easy to start procrastinating on work in the online atmosphere since you might not have to attend in-person classes. Staying on top of deadlines can also be difficult if you have other commitments like work or children. Students need to utilize available support systems to empower themselves and be successful students.
It’s also important to be self-motivating in order to stay on top of homework, projects, and tests. Setting up positive habits of studying can be especially helpful to make sure you get everything done, so you won’t have to stress later down the road when deadlines are approaching.
Also see:Synchronous vs. asynchronous learning: What’s the difference?
Drawbacks of in-person college
Potentially high-priced education
Generally, in-person colleges are more expensive than online alternatives because of additional fees and on-campus housing. Students also tend to take out student loans in order to afford their education, which can be a hefty price tag upon graduation.
Fortunately, there is federal student aid, in-state options as well as scholarships and grants that students can apply for to cut costs. In-person colleges also offer work-study and internship opportunities, which can help with everyday expenses while providing real-world experience before pursuing your career.
Key Takeaways
Don’t miss: Top online scholarships
Final tips for applicants
After evaluating online or in-person college formats, the price tag might still play a factor in deciding to attend either of them. Fortunately, there are a lot of options to help make college affordable such as tuition reimbursem*nt, FAFSA, and the CSS Profile. By using these resources, it’s possible to attend college for free or at a discounted rate.
Applicants should also keep in mind that some colleges require one or more supplemental essay responses as part of the admissions process. In preparation, try to speak with advisors, teachers, or family members about your essay draft and ways to improve your chances of getting into the college of your choice.
Also see: How to choose a college
