Now that gasoline is costing nearly $4 a gallon at the majority of U.S. stations, those who are working toward their diplomas are particularly feeling the effects. Given the technology explosion in general in recent years and high-speed internet connections specifically, they can now economize by avoiding a commute and enrolling in distance learning programs instead so that they can study for a degree online.

Earning an online degree from a number of accredited institutions is easy nowadays. Many colleges have programs that enable students to earn their diplomas in a host of fields relatively easily and quickly. Some programs are able to award degrees to well qualified students in under the normal amount of time it would take to earn the same degree at another school.

An online degree program offers the additional flexibility for people to schedule classes that fit into their own schedules. For example, many people work during the day and are available to take classes in the evenings. Some classes that are conducted via Internet permit students to work at their own pace through a list of assignments. That way even if a student only has odd hours to do the required assignments, they will still be able to take advantage of the program. Frequently, exams are available online too, eliminating the need for students to come to school to take tests.

Distance education has become enormously convenient now that there is high speed internet connectivity. Also, since connections cost so much less now than they used to, degree classes can be given online in real time, complete with sound and video for those who want the full on-campus experience from the comfort of their own homes or offices. Lectures and tutorials can be transmitted via streaming, which was not even imaginable as little as ten years back.

There are now several highly reputable schools currently offering online degree programs. Various institutes of higher learning, including many major state colleges are creating what's referred to as "online commuter" programs which allow students to take the same classes that are offered on campus as online courses for the same credit and at a lower cost. Now students who aren't able to make it to campus every day can still get the same quality education!

It stands to reason that if gas prices continue to rise and tuition also continues rising at most colleges and universities, online degree programs will become more popular and expand. It has become more common for recent high school graduates to forego the whole college selection process, including applying, waiting on pins and needles to find out if they will be accepted and then moving to a different area to attend college. Instead, many opt for the comfort and convenience of attending college from home via their computers. It may be that in the future, most higher education will take place online.