Before online learning was commonplace, it was difficult for people to return to school once they began working. Financial constraints, as well as the need to relocate, rearrange schedules, and quit working, limited people’s ability to pursue their education. Fortunately, online learning has changed that.

DOES SLOW AND STEADY LEARNING WIN THE RACE?

Technology today allows universities to bring their degrees online, exposing them to an entirely new and potentially limitless group of students. No longer confined to traditional brick-and-mortar schools, students can receive a quality education online through interactive courses that match and expand on the classroom experience. There are numerous benefits to pursuing an online education, a great one being flexibility. You no longer have to rearrange your life to get a degree. This is a common reason people choose online learning. US News interviewed six students who chose online education. And while each student’s experience was vastly different—different ages, backgrounds, careers—a common thread was that their decision was based on flexibility. These are degrees that can work with you so they can work for you.

LEARN ANYTHING FROM ANYWHERE

There’s a reason online education is called “distance learning.” You can receive a degree from any school of your choice regardless of where you’re located. All you need is an Internet connection. Many people go this route because they are already established in their careers. They have jobs and families and those jobs are often needed to pay for school and contribute to their families. What if your dream school or the university with the best program for you, is far away? Going to school on-campus requires staying local or relocating. While that may work for some people, for those who can’t, online education is a viable option. Also consider that much of the cost associated with a traditional campus experience goes towards living expenses. The cost can be substantial but with an online degree those additional expenses are eliminated.

YOUR EDUCATION ON YOUR TIME

Your education should never be rushed, especially if you have chosen an online degree to accommodate your busy schedule. A 2012 U.S. Census Report on the findings of a 2011 American Community Survey shows that students at every level of education are working while in school—in fact, nearly 82% of all graduate students attend school part time so they can work. While it may take longer to complete your degree, it also ensures that you are not overwhelmed. There’s nothing wrong with taking fewer credits each semester and sometimes it’s the best way to complete your degree requirements successfully. Oftentimes, if you have returned to school while you’re working, it’s so that you can attain skills necessary to grow in your industry. In this case, going to school part-time can be beneficial for your employer as well as for you, according to Idealist.org. Not only do you earn a living while earning an education, you’re able to work efficiently without stretching yourself too thin. And for your employer, the skills you’re learning can be applied to your work and contribute to the success of the company. The beauty of online degrees is that you can access course content at your convenience. Flexible class schedules allow you to choose a time that works best for you and since the course content is available online as long as you’re participating actively and submitting assignments on time, you can review materials when your schedule allows. Online education has revolutionized how we learn by helping students who previously did not have the time or the means go to school. The ability to work classes into your own schedule and complete the degree on your time eliminates having to put your life on hold and ensures that online learning, the slow and steady standard, always wins the race.