Alternate option: Six reasons why high school grads should consider online degrees

(ARA) - If you're a high school junior who's thinking ahead to senior year, you're probably starting to look into higher education options. You might be completely at a loss when it comes to choosing a major - or you might have a detailed five-year plan for starting out on the career path you've always dreamed of following. You might not have the first clue where you want to study - or you might already be prepared to attend your mom's alma mater. You might even be wondering if college is right for you at all.

Wherever you stand on your plans for life after high school, there's now an increasingly popular option to consider: an online degree. Online education is growing by leaps and bounds. One survey found that more than 25 percent of all college students were taking at least one course online during the 2008-2009 school year.

Don't be put off by the fact that the average student enrolled in online degree programs tends to be older than the traditional college student population (older than 25, as opposed to 18 to 24). The flexibility and convenience that attracts these working adults to online education can also offer new high school graduates benefits. Here are six reasons you might want to consider an online degree.

You need to work

College is expensive, and it's only getting more so as the years go by. If you've examined your financial situation and feel that you can't afford the program you want without continuing to earn an income - or if you like the idea of gaining some work experience while you study - enrolling in an online degree program, or a hybrid program that involves taking your courses partially online, could provide you the flexibility you need.

With online programs, you'll still have deadlines and lots of course work to tackle, but you can fit it around your workday rather than having to fit your workday to it.

You have family obligations

If you're a young parent or are responsible for caring for another family member, you already know that going away to college is probably not an option for you. Enrolling in an online program means you don't have to defer your own education.

You want to see the world

You know you should get an education, but you also know you want to travel while you're still young. Whether you are globetrotting purely for pleasure or as part of an international aid organization or religious obligation, go ahead and book your tickets. With careful planning and hard work, you can take online courses toward a degree from anywhere in the world.

You're planning to serve your country

If you're set on joining the armed services after high school, you can continue your education after basic training with online degree courses. Whether you are stationed on base or deployed in a combat zone, many colleges with online classes can meet the needs of military students and their family members, who often need to move, or stop and start a program at different times.

You can't find the program you want locally

If you know what career path you want to train for, but can't find a program to prepare you for it at a college nearby, online degree programs can help. Colleges all over the country are now offering enrollment online. Depending on the program you're after, this could put your education more conveniently within your reach.

You want a more diverse student experience

As mentioned above, the students in an online degree course tend to be older, working adults. You can learn just as much from your fellow students as you do from your professors. With classmates from all over the world and all walks of life to connect with, an online college degree program could enrich your student experience.

Information in this article was provided by American Intercontinental University - Online. Contact AIU Online today if you're interested in developing marketable knowledge and career-relevant skills with an industry-current degree program. (AIU Online does not guarantee employment or salary.)

Courtesy of ARAcontent