Busting 5 myths on common barriers to higher education

January 15, 2025 at 10:01 AM EST

(BPT) - The high cost of tuition in traditional higher education settings leads many potential students to question the value of that investment. Whether you've just graduated high school or you're a working adult aiming to enhance your career, you may be wondering what you can expect if you decide to advance your education with an undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate.

The good news is, there are more opportunities than ever before to help you get a degree online around your schedule - or start by taking individual courses designed to help you upskill in a variety of fields. For example, through Colorado State University Global (CSU Global), you can access dynamic, flexible and affordable career-relevant bachelor's, master's and certificate programs in a wide range of fields, designed for working adults and post-traditional learners.

As the first 100% online, institutionally accredited public university in the U.S., CSU Global is focused on student success as their top priority. As part of the Colorado State University System, CSU Global sets the standard for quality and innovation in higher education through expert faculty recognized as industry leaders and trained in working with adults in an online learning environment.

CSU Global offers information about its programs to help combat 5 common myths that could be holding you back from achieving your educational and career aspirations.

Myth no. 1: A degree isn't worth the money

This myth is pervasive; Pew Research recently found that almost one-third (29%) of adults said the cost of a four-year college degree is not worth it. While it's understandable that rising tuition costs at many schools can cause concern, the truth is that for many careers today, some level of higher education gets you a great return on investment (ROI). According to the CSU Global 2024 ROI Survey of 1,185 undergraduate and graduate students, a significant increase in income was achieved by students after completing their programs, among other benefits.

For example, undergraduate alumni self-reported that:

Over 92% of them are currently employed.
77% hold a position in their field or a related field of study.
Their median income increased by 4% to 58%, depending on the program.

Graduate alumni self-reported that:

94% are currently employed.
83% hold a position in their field or a related field of study.
Their median income increased from 30% to 83%, depending on the program.

As a bonus, for those who decide to go to CSU Global, there are no fees, and their tuition lock guarantee means what you pay on day one will be the same for your final course.

Myth no. 2: I don't have time to go back to school

A four-year degree can seem like a huge investment in time, especially for traditional programs that require putting your life on hold to attend school in person full-time. In fact, a study by the Strada Education Foundation revealed that over half of prospective students of all ages (56%) would be more likely to enroll in a degree program if the school offered flexible scheduling.

To make school possible for working adults and those with family obligations, CSU Global provides the flexibility busy working students need to complete their degrees. Students can complete their classwork at their own pace, on their own time and from the comfort of their own homes - or wherever they have access to an internet connection. The CSU Global online format allows students to balance education with both their work and family commitments. In addition, CSU Global's programs include accelerated 8-week courses that start every four weeks, and students can start and stop as they choose. In fact, a CSU Global student can take up to 12 months off and retain their student status with no penalty, which is ideal for working adults and parents who may have conflicting seasonal commitments.

Myth no. 3: I can't work and pursue a degree at the same time

The truth is a majority of students are also currently working, whether full or part-time. According to the Lumina Foundation, 64% of college students work and about 40% of them work full time, somehow managing to juggle all the demands on their time.

Because of the flexibility of 100% online degree and certificate programs, online institutions like CSU Global offer a variety of avenues to achieve your educational goals, even while you're working. In addition, many businesses today encourage their employees to pursue upskilling opportunities to keep themselves and their companies competitive, so it's worth asking your supervisor or HR department about incentives, accommodations or tuition assistance benefits available from your workplace. This could help you save money and get the approval to maximize flexible scheduling when needed. For those who are worried about work deadlines conflicting with coursework deadlines, CSU Global students enjoy a generous late policy that allows assignments to be completed a week late with no grade penalty.

Myth no. 4: Online degree programs aren't as good or as relevant as in-person programs

In fact, students are increasingly attending online degree programs, leading them to be more widely accepted everywhere. The most recent available data from the National Center for Data Statistics reveals that 26% of students in 2022 were studying exclusively online, and that number has only increased. Global Market Insights estimates that e-learning will grow by 14% between 2023 and 2032, and Upskillwise claims enrollment in online programs has risen every year over the last decade.

The key to identifying the most relevant, high-quality online program is finding an accredited institution that addresses the skills and knowledge you're looking for, and researching their instructors, majors and certification programs. You can confirm whether any institution is accredited through the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

If you're looking to learn and develop the most up-to-date, in-demand skills for your field, it's important to know that CSU Global degree programs are designed in collaboration with industry experts, and use job data to determine the knowledge and capabilities those industries and fields require. The courses offer career-relevant coursework and assignments that can be shared with colleagues and supervisors in the workplace.

Learners also gain experience using the tools they need to be successful in their new positions. CSU Global offers program pathways that include embedded internship opportunities, to allow learners to gain work experience while earning collegiate credit. And if you're interested in pursuing industry certification exams to further your career, CSU Global helps prepare students to take third-party exams, leading to certifications and licensures valued by employers.

Myth no. 5: I won't get to interact with experienced instructors in an online program

If you're concerned about the actual college experience during a fully online program, you may be interested to hear that 81% of student respondents report online learning is better than or equal to on-campus learning, according to BestColleges.com. To ensure that your experience is equally positive, research the instructors in your field at any program you're interested in, and ask about opportunities you'll have to interact with them throughout your education. You'll want a program that encourages student-instructor interactions via individual virtual meetings plus email, phone and other platforms so all your questions are answered, and that you'll get the most out of each class.

Courses at CSU Global are taught by qualified instructors with academic credentials and industry experience in their areas of expertise who provide workplace insights. In addition to serving as subject matter experts and industry leaders, they're also trained to understand and meet the needs of online students. Faculty are available to students via email, phone or virtual meetings to answer questions, and they have a 24-hour response time. Faculty also post messages to the class via the online portal and interact with students weekly in Discussion Boards and through feedback on Critical Thinking Assignments.

In addition to the valuable interaction students will have with their skilled and knowledgeable instructors, CSU Global provides fully online, comprehensive academic and career services including tutoring, writing consultations, career counseling, resume and cover letter assistance, and support from a dedicated financial aid advisor.

No need to hold back on your professional aspirations: These common myths about higher education are officially busted. Learn how you can reach your educational and career goals at CSUGlobal.edu.

This inforgraphic is called Busting Myths About Higher Education. It discusses the 5 myths surrounding higher education including: A degree isn't worth the money, no time for school, can't work while studying, online degrees aren't relevant, and no instructor interaction. The infographic has a link to additional information https://csuglobal.edu/

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