While earning a degree online originally had a negative connotation, the tide has begun to turn and many reputable online colleges are offering first-rate education to students who may may only be on campus for graduation. Not only has public opinion shifted with respect to online education, but more importantly, so has the perception among educators making decisions about providing online education. A 2006 study by the Sloan Consortium indicates that 62% of chief academic officers at schools already engaged in online education believe that "the quality of online instruction is no more difficult than for face-to-face, and an increasing majority view the quality of online education as the same or better than face-to-face instruction." Additionally, a report issued by the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that in 2006-07, 32% of all 2-year and 4-year institutions had degree or certificate programs that were intended to be completed solely through distance learning.

The advantages of going to college online are many. Online schools provide flexible scheduling and, frequently, accelerated programs that allow students to do more studying in a shorter time frame, thereby allowing students to complete their studies more quickly. While some say that online programs rob students of the opportunity to participate in face-to-face discussions, the reality is that online classes do not allow students to sit quietly without participating as actually happens quite often in traditional classrooms. Not having to drive to and from a campus, working in the comfort of your own home, and the reduced cost of book expenses that may be eliminated due to online access to these same materials are other important benefits to attending an online college.

Of course, there are a few opportunities available with traditional colleges that online colleges do not have. Some people find that keeping motivated and on-task is difficult when they do not have the structure of a specific class time. Getting to know the faculty in person can sometimes produce a more intimate connection that some feel will add to the learning experience. Additionally, sometimes people enjoy the camaraderie that occurs when living on campus together when friendships can develop in class as well as outside of class.

When thinking about attending an online college, it is important to take all of these factors into consideration. Many of the old reasons for not getting a degree online have been eliminated and the decision about going to an online college should be about what works best for you and your situation. Going to college online is a practical and obtainable endeavor that works well for many students with more potential being created every year.

Top Online Colleges

	University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Degrees. University of Phoenix is one of the world's most respected online universities with a large number of upper level degree plans to choose from. University of Phoenix has classroom classes available as well as being able to take classes from the comfort of your home.
	Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University offers college degrees in many of the fastest growing industries in the United States today. With accredited degrees at affordable prices, Kaplan makes it easy to get a college degree in just over two years.
	Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University prepares students for high profile careers with a well diversified curriculum in a number of fields. Ashford University is available for students seeking to obtain a college degree at an affordable price and completely from home.
	American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Students seeking to complete a secondary or uncompleted degree can easily get that degree at American InterContinental University. AIU has a variety of course offerings that can be taken from your home computer or in a classroom after you get off from work.
	Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. As a well-known, online university, Saint Leo University has educated students with their various degree programs for over 25 years. The university is mostly ideal for students who have other time constraints because they give students the opportunity to learn from home, without ever having to commute to a traditional campus.
	Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Each student attending Everest University receives personalized attention from faculty, and administrative staff. Everest University is an accredited university with a plethora of degree plans available to most students.
	Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Colorado Technical University provides working individuals with the opportunity to earn a reputable degree that fits within their own schedule. Their online portals are available to students at any time of day, allowing students to access their course materials, lectures, and discussions at a time convenient for them.
	Grand Canyon University - Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Offering over 45 degree programs, Grand Canyon University not only provides career-focused curriculum, but has a wide range of subjects that students can choose from. Their online courses allow students with time contraints the opportunity to receive a higher education.
	DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. DeVry University educational programs are flexible, affordable, and convenient for students interested in learning at their own pace. DeVry University provides students a stable educational foundation that is a perfect starting place for students looking to launch a new career.
	Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Liberty University is regarded as one the most well known online colleges in the world. Students receive personal attention from an acclaimed faculty, and have the ability to take classes from home.
	Strayer University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At Strayer University, students could receive quality education anytime, anyplace with the university's easy-to-use online portal. This gives busy individuals the opportunity to work or take care of their families while still being able to obtain that degree they've been yearning for.
	Penn Foster Career School - Certificates. From business management to criminal justice degrees, Penn Foster Career School offers exceptional, quality education at an affordable rate. Their courses are flexible, allowing students with time constraints the opportunity to advance in their career.