Since the mid 20th century, American youth have grown up being constantly reminded of the importance of a college education; and not without good reason. College education statistics show that college graduates earn considerably more over their lifetimes than those with only high school diplomas.

According to a 2011 study conducted by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, college graduates earn 84 percent more than high school graduates during their lifetimes. What makes this statistic especially intriguing is the fact that it comes at a time when the increasingly ludicrous cost of college tuition has many Americans questioning the value and importance of a college education.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average cost of a four year public education was 15,918 dollar per year in 2011. The average cost at a four year private college was 32,617 dollars. Of course, this is tuition only, and adding room, board, books, supplies, and other fees can increase annual costs by an additional 6,000 to 12,000 dollars. This means that a public education can easily cost 20,000 a year, while the cost to attend private colleges can approach 60,000 per year!

Fortunately, computers and the internet have made it possible to earn an authentic university degree online. The fact that almost every college now offers a wide selection of online university programs have made them ideal for adult students with jobs and families.

One of the foremost advantages of online degrees is flexibility. Students can plan their studies around their jobs and family responsibilities, and end up with respected accredited online university degrees. Since all classes, exams, and assignments can be completed from home, earning university degrees online eliminates the costs of room and board, childcare, and travel expenses.

Perhaps the best news of all is the fact that the average cost for an online bachelor’s degree is around 15,000 dollars per year; and it is even possible to attain an accredited online degree for as little as 5,000 per year! While online degrees are still not cheap, they are far more affordable than brick and mortar degrees, especially when related expenses are factored in.

As the world continues to become increasingly technical, so does the importance of a college education. In order for a university college degree to be a worthy investment, students must enroll in programs that are relevant and affordable. Online degree programs are renowned for offering practical, professional degrees that will make their graduates valuable to employers.