Virtual vs. In-Person Learning: What’s Best?

These days, online learning can be a viable alternative to an in-person college experience. Virtual learning offers a wide range of students the flexibility to advance their education. For those working jobs, taking care of family, returning to school after years away, or for those already in the workforce who want to advance their careers, virtual classes are more easily integrated into a demanding schedule. Online education makes college accessible to those who might not otherwise have had the opportunity.

When comparing in-person and online study, there’s plenty of research that shows that academic performance is largely comparable. However, some studies show that students taking online classes, as opposed to attending in person, had lower GPAs and were more likely to withdraw from classes and even drop out of school entirely. The less academically prepared a student is, the more likely they are to suffer in online studies.

So virtual learning isn’t for everyone. Success in online college requires strong motivation, self-discipline, and the ability to manage your time. Without scheduled in-person classes and face-to-face accountability, some students find it harder to stay engaged. Still others enjoy working independently and can schedule their studies to integrate well with other obligations.

But college is about more than earning a degree. It can be a time to form friendships, develop interpersonal skills, and build professional networks. A traditional college campus experience creates opportunities for socializing, where students discover spontaneous connections in their classes, in residence and dining halls, through clubs and sports, and in countless day-to-day interactions with others.

We’re sharing the stories of three students, each of whom took a different path to graduation. Chelsea, Sofia, and Aaliyah thoughtfully weighed the options and chose the course that allowed them to stay in school and successfully earn their degrees.

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Online College Was the Right Fit
Chelsea, age 24
Major: Business Administration

Chelsea planned to be the first in her family to attend a four-year university after high school. But her mother became ill, and she took a full-time customer service job to help support the family. Between work and helping care for her younger brother, Chelsea knew a traditional on-campus university experience was not in the cards.

She researched accredited online college options and found a program for business administration that appealed to her. She enrolled, kept her job, and completed her coursework at night and on weekends. The flexibility made it possible for her to continue earning an income and study without the additional stress of commuting.

Chelsea says there are times when she felt she was missing out on socializing with other students. On the other hand, she made several good friends at her workplace. What’s more, she discovered she could directly apply some of what she was learning at school to her job. She used a class project to improve processes at work and was moved into a supervisory role. By the time she graduated, Chelsea had already earned several years of professional experience.

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In-Person Education Was Transformative
Sofia, age 20
Major: Mechanical Engineering

Sofia did exceptionally well in her small-town high school and aspired to a career as an engineer, without ever having met one. When she arrived at a big state university, she was overwhelmed and intimidated. Now, she thinks that living on campus, despite the costs, was one of the most important aspects of her education. She credits campus life for helping her become more self-confident and independent.

Sofia participated in study groups and found that working with classmates towards similar goals motivated her to push through difficult courses. She joined an engineering club. She pushed herself to take advantage of faculty office hours and, during her sophomore year, secured a research position with one of her professors. It was through a campus career fair that she landed an internship with an engineering firm. That same firm offered her a full-time position once she graduated.

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Switching Midway Was the Best Decision
Aaliyah, age 22
Major: Psychology

Aaliyah started college online during a period when she wanted to save money and stay close to home. She appreciated the flexibility of online classes and was able to complete her first two years with a solid GPA while working part-time. During these two years, she developed an interest in the mental health professions, particularly counseling, and felt that in-person learning would better suit her career direction. She wanted to gain experience working directly with people and to participate in research projects on campus. It also occurred to her that building relationships with faculty might be helpful if she needed letters of recommendation.

Once Aaliyah earned enough online credits, she transferred to a state college with a strong program in psychology and completed the final two years of her bachelor’s degree in person. She worked in a psychology research lab, became a peer mentor, and volunteered at a community mental health organization. These experiences helped confirm her interest in clinical psychology and gave her the confidence of a strong portfolio as she applies to graduate schools.

College, online or in-person, doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition. Both virtual and on-campus higher education can offer tremendous value in terms of academic experience and positive life outcomes. But the quality of the program is important. Courses should be well-designed, and individualized student support must be accessible. But most important, in all cases, is a student’s will to learn. No matter your circumstances, a strong commitment to learning will help you discern the optimal path through virtual or in-person study. If you take the time to look into it, you’re sure to find the right course of study for your personal goals, and you’ll have the solid footing you need to propel you forward.

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