While 24-year-old Sinovia Mayfield was taking classes at the University of Central Arkansas as a traditional four-year student, she dipped her toes in a few online classes. Sinovia later made the switch to an online degree program with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is pursuing a liberal arts degree with a focus in theater, psychology and sociology. The online program allows Sinovia to work full-time at the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock while working toward a bachelor’s degree.

How did you decide that an online degree program was right for you? It was a combination of personality and what fit my lifestyle. I like the flexibility of online degree programs, and being able to work full-time to support my education while it’s happening creates less of a financial strain.

What’s your favorite thing about the online degree program? My favorite thing is being able to get real-world experience in my field and studying in tandem. Once I finish my bachelor's, I hope to pursue a master's of public administration with an emphasis in nonprofit administration. Being able to work full-time for a nonprofit while pursuing my degree has been an amazing educational experience.
 
How are classes in an online degree program different from traditional college classes? There’s a huge misconception that taking an online class is always easier than the traditional version, and I just haven’t found that to be the case. You have to be even more self-motivated and disciplined in an online class where you have text readings, modules and online discussions. There’s a different level of accountability for your education when you don’t have a schedule telling you when you need to be in a specific room at a specific time. An online degree program encourages the idea that higher learning is a commitment you make even when you’re not sitting in a classroom.

What advice would you give high school students about choosing the right form of higher education? Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, both personally and financially. There’s this underlying social pressure for every high school senior that four years of undergrad straight out of high school is the absolute standard for success. I just don’t believe that’s true — especially in this financial climate. Do what works best for your individual goals and your individual situation.

ADVANTAGES
Online degree programs are more convenient, offering working students a flexible class schedule and the ability to work at their own pace.

COST
The cost of online programs is usually comparable to or less expensive than traditional programs. And while there are many credible institutions offering online degrees, be wary of unaccredited programs with claims that are too good to be true.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Just like a traditional one, online programs have certain requirements including a minimum high school GPA and test scores.

HOUSING
Since your schedule is more flexible, you might find more employment opportunities that allow you to get a place of your own if you’re living with the ‘rents.