Rise of Online Education

Years ago, the majority of employers considered a degree earned in a ground school superior to one earned online. The rising popularity of online education, though, has persuaded such employers to think otherwise. The Internet presents a new option for people hoping to earn a degree, and with an increased demand for online education, traditional colleges have begun offering online courses and even full online degree programs.


A survey conducted by the 2002 U.S. Census Bureau detailed that about half of Americans had some form of higher education. But just 27.2 percent of the population had completed enough course work to earn a degree. Often, students begin working toward a degree but are unable to complete it for a number of reasons, including financial, family, or work issues. Unfortunately, many students also lack the motivation necessary to complete a degree.

But one of the main benefits of online education is working to solve this problem: convenience.

Online courses have become so popular because they allow students to work at their own pace from any location with Internet access. Nontraditional students who have jobs and families can earn a degree around their full-time work schedule or after their kids have gone to sleep.


The material covered in an online course is the same as what would be taught in a classroom at a ground school. One of the most prominent differences is that students either read the course material themselves or watch video lectures as opposed to receiving the information in person. Certified college professors oversee the classes and assign work.

Some online programs that are offered at ground schools even give students the option of taking their exams at the school, and allow students to receive personalized comments from professors on written assignments via email.