The flexibility offered by online schools means that students often complete their coursework more quickly than if they were in traditional colleges. For example, many students earn bachelor's degrees within two years or less.

And keep in mind that the majority of online schools offer a variety of programs including certifications, associate degrees, bachelors and even masters and doctoral programs.

Certificate programs. Many certificate programs supply training for jobs in call centers or repair shops for cars, televisions, etc. Even if your certification cannot guarantee a job in a particular field, it can help you decide whether or not you enjoy that type of work and are suited for it.

Some employers will pay for certifications in order to have an employee's skills improved in just one small area, such as Six Sigma training for business. Certification programs are not the same as a college degree, but they can often count toward an associate degree. Certificate programs can be as short as one course, while others require several courses and hands-on training.

Associate Degrees. Associate degrees are typically awarded within the first year or so of enrolling in a bachelor degree program. Your associate degree may be in an area such as 'interdisciplinary studies,' which means you have completed coursework in English, Math, Science and other subjects required for your bachelor's degree.

On the other hand, some online colleges offer associate degrees in medical billing and coding, paralegal studies, architectural drafting, computer animation, digital photography fields, etc.

When you consider that high school graduates earn an average of $24,000 annually, and a Medical Coder averages $35,000 a year, the value of an associate degree (that you can earn in eight short months) becomes very clear! Likewise an associate degree in computer networking can open the door for a '$40,000 a year' career.

Bachelor Degrees. Online schools offer bachelor's degrees in every field you can imagine. Even for those in a discipline, such as nursing or teaching, which requires a period of apprenticeship, you can complete your coursework online and schedule your hospital or student teaching through your online college.