Sure, you’ve been contemplating business classes. You know a business degree will improve your chances of getting hired, make you a more valuable employee and raise your earning potential.

But times are tight, and work and family commitments are already crowding your plate as it is. If life always seems to get in the way of furthering your education, then you may want to consider an online business degree?

Pursuing your degree online offers many advantages compared to brick-and-mortar institutions, ranging from saving some hard-earned cash to attending class in your pajamas. And frequently online classes offer the same curriculum as their offline counterparts.

So if you are looking for a way to head back to school – without breaking the bank or holing up in a dormitory – then consider the benefits of pursuing your business degree online.

1. You Can Save (Big) Money

You don’t need a degree in economics to know that college is expensive. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of college tuition has consistently increased faster than the nation’s overall inflation rate since 1981.

That is where online education really shines. There’s no expensive room and board to pay for, nor are you stuck with bills for meal plans, commuting and parking costs, airfare if your school is far from home (and you plan on coming home for the holidays), or any of the other myriad costs associated with attending a brick-and-mortar institution. Not to mention that online classes are often discounted, another big perk if you’re looking to save.

2. You Can Have a Life

So, your son was up all night with a fever and you haven’t slept a wink. Or maybe your boss scheduled an emergency 5 p.m. meeting. With an online program, you don’t have to worry about missing class and playing catch-up. Online programs offer maximum flexibility, so there is no need to quit your job or miss out on important family events. You work your education into your life, instead of the other way around.

3. You Can Get Your Business Degree Faster

Many online business programs allow you to earn your degree at an accelerated pace. Also, classes may be offered more frequently, such as every four to six weeks, meaning you don’t have to wait for the new semester to get started earning that degree.

4. Or You Can Get It Slower

On the other hand, you may be busy with work, life, travel – whatever. You may prefer to earn your degree at a slower pace, and an online program will allow for that.

5. You Can Open a World of Possibilities

With an online business program, you can learn from anywhere you have an Internet connection. If your job relocates you to a new city, you can take your degree program with you. If you want you can even attend class from the beach. And that same portability allows you to choose from a wide variety of schools and programs, regardless of their location. The sky – or your wireless connection – is the limit.

Your next step should probably be learning more about accredited online colleges, now that you know about pursing an online business degree. Post written by guest blogger James.