There is good news for students who want to earn their college degree, but don’t have the time to attend a traditional campus. Many colleges today are offering online degrees that are of the same high quality as their campus programs. Some of these courses are even taught by campus faculty. The evolution of the online degree has made education accessible to everyone who wants to earn a degree or graduate degree on his or her own time.

Burks Oakley, associate vice president for academic affairs at the University of Illinois, says U of I offers more than 60 online certificate and degree programs, with more on the way. The school is creating what it calls a “fourth campus” or “global campus” to bring even more of its academic programs to the world.

“The key word to me has always been access,” he says. “We call it anytime, anyplace learning.” Oakley notes the increase in so-called “non-traditional” students — those beyond the 18-22-age bracket with jobs, families, and commitments — drives the trend.

Before deciding on an online degree program, you should first find out if the program is accredited. This is one of the most important factors in the selection of your online degree program. Make sure to look at all programs details such as the length of the course, the cost, and what materials will be needed. Students can be successful earning their degree online when they find the online degree program that is best suited to their needs.