Before enrolling in an online school, or any university for that matter, you need to take the time to decide what you are aiming for. Most students attend a college to obtain their bachelor’s, however there is a variety of degrees offered in online schools.

High School Diploma or GED:

Depending on the survey, dropout rates in America range from 19% to a little over 35%. Earning the diploma or GED is very critical to enter the workforce. Many, if not most jobs that pay livable wage, require at bare minimum the diploma or equivalent. Statistics reveal high school drop outs earn about $800 less a month than someone with a diploma, and significantly less than anyone holding a collegiate degree.

You can obtain your diploma from a number of online institutions and it will drastically change your life and open up doors to help you become more successful down the road. Distance learning also works for those who are not comfortable earning your GED on a campus or have troubles learning in a classroom environment.

Associate’s Degree:

Normally an associate’s degree requires 2 years of study, yet through online schooling many obtain theirs in less time. There are many associate’s degrees, ranging from specialization in design and also science. Some associate’s degree allow the graduate to enter the work force immediately and others allow you to apply it towards a complete bachelor’s degree in the same subject.

One benefit of obtaining your associate’s online instead of at an on-campus location is the price difference. More often than not, an associate’s at an online school saves you thousands of dollars, even compared to an in-state college. However do some research and double check you are making the right choice for your bank account, as some community colleges are quite affordable.

Bachelor’s Degree:

The most frequent degree that college students earn is the bachelor’s degree. Traditionally it requires 4 years and 180 credits to earn. Earning your bachelor’s is a milestone in your life and gives you the ability to enter the workforce as competitive as everyone else. Going to school online also gives you the option of supplementing your education with an internship or job because you aren’t bound down by a strict class schedule.

Receiving your bachelor’s degree via distance learning is also more affordable than on-campus. There are a few schools that are cheaper than online, but more universities, and even private, will cost you a lot more for the same degree!

Master’s Degree:

You can earn your master’s online as well. This level of study requires a lot of research and you will become specialized in a remote area of your discipline. A few of the master’s you can earn online include Masters in Education, Masters in Business, Masters in Social Work, Master’s in Library Science and Masters in Fine Arts.

Less than 3 percent of Americans have a master’s and likewise it is a significant factor in one’s salary, as statistics reveal employees with master’s earn more than $200 a week over those with simply a bachelor’s.

Online master’s programs range in their duration. Some are a year if you take an accelerated path and others require a tad over 3 years. The good part is that you don’t have to wait for the new semester or school year, as online programs have many start times throughout the calendar year.

Ph.D Degree:

The doctorate degree is the highest form of education you can receive. It is a terminal degree, meaning there is no higher degree you can earn within a discipline. An individual with this degree usually earns $36,000 a year more than those with only a bachelor’s.

Since Ph.Ds require lots of hands on work and interaction with those in the field, you may be surprised you can earn it online. The options for this degree online are limited, but they still exist. They are designed for students who wish to extend the education and learn the field for the sake of learning and their job, not necessarily to end up becoming a full time professor at a university.

Certifications:

Don’t forget you can earn a number of certifications online. This is a fast way to become skilled in a field without earning a degree. Many certificates are designed for professionals already with a degree and also those without.

Some of the popular certificate programs offered online include business, finance, alternative health medicine, education, IT, and legal studies. You can earn many certificates in less than a year.