Online vs. In-Person Classes: Which Is Right for You?
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that 84% of college students were taking at least one online class.
By 2023, policies barring in-person studies had been lifted, but about 53% of college students were still choosing to take online classes.
This trend indicates that even though online education isn’t a necessity anymore, it is still an invaluable option for many of today’s students.
To help students decide between online vs. in-person classes, here’s what to know about these two learning environments, along with the unique benefits of online learning.
Online vs. In-Person Classes: Similarities
In general, there are two main similarities between online and in-person learning. The first similarity is the content of the curriculum. Schools that maintain online and on-campus degree programs strive to give students in both domains the same education. This is especially important for students seeking careers in fields requiring licenses, such as classroom education and counseling.
The second similarity is available career outcomes and employer perception. In the past, there’s been a stigma about online degree programs; now, advances in distance learning technology and online programs at leading universities all over the world have put in-person and online classes on equal footing.
According to a 2024 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), about 87% of employers hired new employees with online degrees. Additionally, 100% of employers reported that there was no variance in pay between employees who earned their degrees in person and those who earned them online.
Online vs. In-Person Classes: Differences
The major difference between online and in-person classes is the format. While this may seem obvious, it’s important for students to understand how these different formats may impact their learning experience and academic success.
Lectures and question-and-answer interactions between students and instructors tend to drive in-person classes. Many students prefer and feel more engaged by this structured, routinized format. In-person classes may also be preferable for students who prioritize immersing themselves in campus culture and events.
Alternatively, online courses can be delivered in multiple formats, including the following:
- Asynchronous Classes: Prerecorded lectures, classes, and demonstrations that students can view at their convenience
- Synchronous Classes: Live classes in which students and instructors log in to a virtual classroom at the same time, facilitating immediate interaction between students and instructors
Together, these two formats mimic the in-person experience, especially when institutions use message boards, collaborative projects, and hands-on, interactive software. However, to get the most out of these opportunities, students must often have a suitable place to work and the self-management skills to establish their own routines.
5 Benefits of Earning a Degree Online
For many students, choosing between in-person and online degree programs is a matter of preference and availability. However, students who are considering both types of programs should factor in the unique advantages of online learning.
1. Flexible Scheduling
Students taking classes online don’t have to commute and often have at least a few asynchronous classes in their schedules. While this flexibility benefits all students, it’s especially helpful for students with families, active careers, and other responsibilities that may have otherwise prevented them from enrolling in graduate school and advancing their careers.
To help students balance flexibility with their educational goals, Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) offers hybrid programming in addition to 100% online and in-person programs. This allows students who prefer face-to-face interaction and instruction to continue their careers while preparing for the next step.
2. Self-Paced Learning
Asynchronous classes allow students to listen to, pause, and review lectures when needed. In classes that use message boards and similar software, students have time to absorb and reflect on the discussions before joining in themselves. This is beneficial to individual students, but it can also allow for more productive, informative, and collaborative discussions.
3. More Class Variety
Because online students have less rigid schedules than their on-campus peers, they don’t have to worry as much about conflicting class times when choosing electives. They can tailor their schedules to fit their individual career goals.
Similarly, schools with online programming can often offer more classes per semester due to the flexibility that asynchronous classes provide. Online students at NDNU can personalize their education. This is available in the School of Business and Management, the School of Education, and the School of Psychology.
For example, those in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program can choose from concentrations in areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Business Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Public Administration and Nonprofit Management
In the Education program, students can earn their degrees while also earning teaching credentials. Also, in every program, students have enough room in their schedules to take electives that support their long-term career goals.
4. Faculty Variety
While flexible scheduling and no commute make higher education more accessible to more students, these benefits extend to faculty members, too. Without geographical restrictions, colleges and universities have a much bigger pool of instructors to choose from.
This can result in schools being able to employ a diverse staff of experts and offer a rich, in-depth, and comprehensive learning experience. With this mentorship and education, students pursuing graduate degrees to advance their careers can build unique skill sets that add immeasurable value to their education.
5. Reduced Costs
The price difference of online vs. in-person classes and programs can vary between schools, but online students can save money on housing, transportation, and campus resource fees. Additionally, many online degree programs use online textbooks and resources that are often less expensive than physical materials.
Explore Online Graduate Degree Programs at Notre Dame de Namur University
Backed by 175 years of educational excellence, NDNU is committed to empowering students to grow in every direction. By offering both in-person and 100% online degree programs, more students than ever can be a part of that mission.
Whether you’re looking to advance your career in business, education, clinical psychology, or leadership, NDNU centers its curriculum around skill development and integrity. With multiple degree options available through each of our schools, students get the flexibility and expert guidance they need to follow their individual callings.
To learn more about NDNU, please fill out the form below to contact our admissions team.
Recommended Readings
How Hard Is It to Get Into Grad School?
Master of Arts vs. Master of Science: What’s the Difference?
Sources:
Indeed, A Guide to Virtual Learning: What It Is, Benefits and Tips
Indeed, Distance Learning: Definition and Benefits (With Tips)
National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated PostSecondary Education Data System
National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Education in the Time of COVID