What Makes Online Colleges Popular?

Hello! I'm in the process of looking at colleges right now and with all the remote learning we've been doing, it got me thinking about online colleges. I was curious, what factors contribute to an online college being considered 'popular'? Do they have more resources, better faculty, accessibility or something else?

Popularity of online colleges is determined by several factors. Here's a rundown of some of the key elements considered:

1. Flexibility: One of the biggest draws of online colleges is the flexibility they offer. They allow students to work at their own pace and on their own schedule, which can be invaluable for students who are balancing other responsibilities like work or family obligations.

2. A wide range of programs: Online colleges often offer a broad selection of programs, which allows students to pursue a degree that directly aligns with their interests or career goals. The more diverse and comprehensive the program offerings, the more popular the online college tends to be.

3. Quality of Instruction: Just as with traditional colleges, the quality of the faculty can have a significant impact on the popularity of an online college. These institutions that consistently attract high-quality instructors, often from well-regarded traditional colleges, typically command more respect and therefore more popularity.

4. Affordability: Online colleges can often be more affordable than traditional colleges, thanks to their lower overhead costs. This financial accessibility can be a big draw for many students.

5. Student Support Services: With students distributed all over the place, it's crucial for online colleges to offer a strong suite of student support services. This could mean tutoring services, writing workshops, career counseling, and technological support. The strength of these services can often contribute to the popularity of an online college.

6. Ease of Online Learning Platform: The more user-friendly and engaging an online learning platform is, the more likely a student is to have a positive experience.

7. Accreditation: Accredited online colleges are much more reputable and trustworthy than those without accreditation status. It ensures that the institution meets certain standards of quality and that courses taken there can be transferred to other accredited institutions.

These are some of the main factors that shape popular opinion on online colleges. Just like traditional colleges, it's ultimately about finding the fit that meets your personal educational needs and goals the best.