Self-Paced Online College Courses

Studying and Attending College at Your Own Pace

College students benefit from a variety of learning options. Besides on-campus courses, they can also enroll in online classes. Many schools offer self-paced online college courses. These classes give students the most flexibility possible while earning a college degree.

Self-paced online college degrees let learners make their schedule, without required meeting times or due dates. The self-paced learning format appeals to busy students and those with prior knowledge. Motivated learners complete self-paced online courses faster than a typical term. This guide lists the top self-paced online college degrees, helping prospective students find the best fit for them.

Questions About Self-paced College Degrees and Courses

Can I Do College at My Own Pace?

Yes. Students can complete college courses at their own pace. In self-paced online college courses, learners do coursework around other obligations. They do not need to follow set meeting times or due dates. Some students complete an entire program through self-paced classes. The format appeals to working professionals and busy students.

How Much Do Self-paced Courses Cost?

The cost of self-paced online courses vary by school and degree level. Students should expect to spend $300-$1,100 per credit for undergraduate classes at four-year institutions. Community colleges often charge lower rates. For example, Waubonsee Community College offers self-paced classes and charges $132 per credit.

Do Self-paced Courses Have Completion Timelines?

Yes. Self-paced online courses set a maximum time to complete the class. Many programs give learners up to six months to complete self-paced classes. Students must meet all requirements within that time, but move through the coursework at their own pace. Enrollees with prior knowledge in the topic often complete self-paced courses sooner.

What is the Difference Between Self-paced and Instructor Led?

An instructor-led class uses a set schedule, with regular assignments and exams throughout the term. In-person and online courses use the instructor-led format. For example, classes with a syllabus detailing weekly expectations use the instructor-led format. In contrast, self-paced online courses let learners complete material on their schedule, without set deadliness.

What is Self-Paced Learning?

Self-paced learning lets students complete coursework and assignments at their own pace. Unlike the traditional format, where classes happen at set times, self-paced online courses prioritize flexibility. Learners often watch recorded lectures and videos instead of attending live class sessions. They do reading assignments, projects, and tests as they finish course materials.

Without set deadlines, students in self-paced classes complete requirements when they feel confident about the material. Like other distance learning programs, self-paced online courses occur in a virtual learning environment. Designed for maximum flexibility, self-paced online college courses help learners arrange coursework around their other responsibilities.

While many classes follow a semester, self-paced online courses give students a window of time to finish the class. Many programs allow up to six months per class. Learners set their own schedule to complete the requirements within that time frame.

Top Self-paced Online College Programs

Many two-year and four-year schools offer self-paced online college degrees. Learners can earn an associate or bachelor's through these programs. Prospective students choose from public and private institutions, including religiously affiliated schools. Many of the top-ranked programs charge very low tuition rates, some under $200 per credit.

The list below introduces schools offering self-paced programs. Prospective students should check with potential schools to learn more about their program offerings.

Five Tips for Self-paced Program Success

Students used to a more structured learning environment may struggle with a self-paced learning format. Succeeding in self-paced online college degrees requires a different skill set. By planning ahead, creating good study habits, and getting support, learners can do well in self-paced programs.

What's the Difference Between Self-paced Programs and Other Online Programs?

How do self-paced online courses differ from other online classes? Most online programs offer coursework either synchronously or asynchronously. Students attend class on the semester system, with many programs offering accelerated online terms.

In contrast, self-paced online courses give learners the freedom to set their schedule. Without live class meetings or assignment deadlines, students do coursework at their own pace. Each learning format appeals to different students.

Interview With a College Expert

Q: What are the main benefits of self-paced programs and courses?

With synchronous and asynchronous learning formats, students typically can't work ahead and finish the class faster. That constraint can hamper students who enroll with a wealth of knowledge. With self-paced learning, students with a high degree of competency in a given subject can quickly test out of the class.

You can finish the material as fast as you want. It's a growing trend in online education, and by far, that's the biggest advantage. You can adjust your learning to the pace that's needed and take either more time or less time. It's all about what you know as opposed to how much work you have done. You are not tied down to the pace of a class or the Carnegie Unit system of credit hours, where professors are required to teach a certain number of classroom hours.

Q: What's the main counsel you provide to students interested in self-guided programs?

Adapt your plan of attack for the level of the class. Education is centered around high school graduates who don't know much coming into college. In a typical program, you start off with easier classes, such as core general education, and then take core courses in your degree path, followed by upper-level classes specific to your degree.

When you get to your junior and senior years, the key to success is pacing correctly, because those are the classes that mean the most toward your degree and your career — and they also are the most difficult. You can't have the same pace with those classes as you do with the easier work. Set goals accordingly based on your path through the degree, and you will be much better off.

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