Are you considering earning an online degree but need more clarity due to misconceptions? Don't let myths discourage you from pursuing education online. WGU offers a quality online learning experience with dedicated resources and support to help you achieve your goals. Here are five common misconceptions about WGU's online degree programs.
Myth 1: Employers don't value the online degree
Fortunately, this is a misconception that's becoming less common. As the number of online learners continues to grow (over 5 million and counting), employers increasingly recognize that online learning is a legitimate way to earn a degree. Accredited institutions have also helped to diminish the stigma around online programs. Many employers value online learning as it equips students with computer skills they can use in the workplace. The flexibility of online education also allows students to explore alternative learning methods that can help them thrive in their future careers.
Myth 2: Online students lack resources and social interaction
WGU understands that learning is more than just studying and passing exams. This is why they offer many resources to help you, including an online bookstore and an online student center, which provide social opportunities to enhance your experience. WGU's online libraries offer a wealth of resources for writing papers and researching, just like a traditional library. You can access journals, e-books, magazines, and journals 24/7 and chat with a librarian for help.
# Myth 3: Online programs are too expensive
Not all online colleges are unreasonably expensive. Some for-profit online colleges can charge high fees and tuition, with additional costs for books, software, and career-focused classes. However, WGU is a nonprofit online university, which means we offer a high-quality education at an affordable cost. We are committed to keeping our tuition and fees low, and we offer a range of financial aid options to make higher education accessible to all. With scholarships and government grants, many students can attend college virtually, tuition-free. At WGU, you can focus on your education without worrying about hidden fees or high costs. Everyone should have access to quality education, which is why we offer the best value for your investment.
Myth 4: All online degree programs are the same
Like on-campus programs, [online degree programs](https://wguonlinedegree.us) come in many shapes and sizes. It's important to do your research and find a school that is the best fit for you. Some online programs offer more flexibility to explore your interests, while others are designed to help you prepare for a specific career. At WGU, we want to help you reach your goals, so choosing an online program and career path is important before beginning.
It's also important to consider factors like mission, tuition, and accreditation when selecting an online school. You want to ensure a quality education without breaking the bank. At WGU, we are proud to have a unique history and a mission to expand access to higher education. We are the only online university competency-based and accredited regionally and by NCATE. Our tuition costs less than half of what other online institutions and traditional universities charge.
Myth 5: Online courses are too easy
This common misconception arises from the flexibility of online courses that allow students to accelerate their time to graduation through competency-based education. However, online courses can be just as rigorous as traditional programs, especially if you enroll in an accredited online university with a well-designed and respected curriculum. Both students and employers agree that online education delivers comparable, if not better, learning outcomes than in-person courses.
At WGU, students benefit from being the only university accredited by four regional accrediting commissions. Additionally, the courses in their degree programs are developed by industry professionals who provide practical and relevant knowledge to help students succeed in their chosen careers. Rest assured that earning a degree at WGU is challenging, but the flexibility of online learning allows students to study whenever and wherever they want. Competency-based education enables students to quickly complete coursework in areas they excel in while focusing on areas that require more attention.
