This is a tricky question because nowadays, students are not just looking for credits or a degree that takes them through a “regular” program. Students are individuals looking for something more, for an opportunity to develop their best, knowing that physical presence is not a must anymore. They are looking for purpose, meaning, and the fulfillment of being part of the solution to problems facing our community, countries, and the planet.
Knowing this, how can we define what is the “Best University”?
The best university is the one that gives students academic freedom and free rein to define and work towards achieving their dreams. It’s a university that does not pigeonhole you into a standardized one-fits-all program and instead lets people’s history and aspirations be part of the evolution and design of their academic program.
It’s a fact, technology enables everyone to reach unexpected places and opportunities. Having an internet connection, from anywhere, you can work, buy things, study, and much more. University faculty can be available on demand as are millions of scholarly articles and hundreds of thousands of books, webinars, and video conferences. Truly asynchronous learning is here, yet few universities integrate these into their degree program offerings.
So, the Best University will be THE ONE that allows you to accomplish your goals, at your pace, having your professional background and unique aspirations form a part of your program design, integrating technologies to facilitate your advancement, and offering a unique andragogic self-education model. That it seems would define The Best University, the University of the Future.
With that being said, you can find many options today, but you need to be wise and find a university or college that makes you feel as special and unique as you’re. One that gives you the opportunity to achieve your best self without sacrificing your personal and professional life balance.
Currently, there are several universities that resonate with this style of University, where the student has the power to choose what is best for their future and who accompanies them during this journey.
Among the most outstanding Universities, with programs focused on distance learning for adults, we could highlight:
Atlantic International University has more than 25 years of history in the field of adult education, AIU offers a 100% Holistic and Personalized Online education, with real tutors, mentors, and academic advisors supporting the student each step of the way. Technology-wise over 25 tools and academic resources merge to provide a community experience despite being online and remove the barriers of distance. The Virtual Campus offers a social media platform AIULink, Media Center, Virtual Reality Rooms, AIU Games adding a gamification to the campus, AIUTV/Radio Webinars & Conferences allowing students to present their expertise to the world and share knowledge. The Virtual Labs, Language Center, WebSite Builder, Curriculum Builder, Mobile Campus APP bring to the table features and services that are typically found in on-campus programs to its online course offerings.
University of The People under the statement “A University that works for you, no matter who you are”, The University of The People, it’s a non-profit, tuition-free, American-accredited, online university. They offer a range of options that allow you to develop your knowledge and skills, whatever your study goals like Master’s, Bachelor’s, Associate’s, and Non-Degree Programs.
UoP offers the student to benefit from innovative teaching and qualifications respected by employers; all with flexibility and value are not always available at classroom-based universities.
The Open University is a global leader in higher education able to reach every adult in the United Kingdom – and many others across the world, offering Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Undergraduate, and Associate’s Degree programs.
The OU teaches through its own unique method of distance learning, called ‘supported open learning, which is: Flexible, All-inclusive, Supportive, and Social.
Knowing their statements, and promises, we found a truly unique and refreshing option in AIU’s proposal, an institution whose main objective is to seek the evolution of each student, putting at their disposal a Holistic Academic Program, which allows them to create their own curriculum, reach their maximum potential, manage to break paradigms, and seeks to solve the problems of today’s world through student engagement and participation.
We can see that all the universities offer a very wide range of distance programs for adult education. The common programs are Doctorate, Post Doctorate, Master, and Bachelor’s degrees.
The online University has pretty nice areas of study, but again, we found a singularity with AIU offers, because there is no standardized one-fits-all curriculum. Their asynchronous, andragogic open learning playground enables the students to become their optimal selves by tapping into what makes them unique and unrepeatable.
All disciplines, majors, and areas of study can find a home in one or more of the 17 UNESCO sustainable development goals, joining this critical mission synchronizes you with a strong current of global efforts underway and in need of participants to succeed.
AIU’s proposal for its students is to become a University of One and take a leading role in the determination of the content of the program to generate deep learning, emotional involvement, and a real desire to learn. The AIU Virtual Campus and its more than 25 tools to facilitate student advancement and engagement are one of the four pillars supporting your optimal development.
With the opportunities that we enjoy nowadays thanks to the internet service, the online university represents a very affordable option for those who are willing to grow professionally.
Knowing that online classes are much more accessible, money does not have to be an issue. Go deeper and find that Institution that feels your soul. The recommended Universities that we shared have excellent options for grants, financial plans, and tuition.
Today, with all the options available, the key component needed is the power to pursue your dreams during your university journey.
It is vital that one chooses an educational Institution that grants you the academic freedom and opportunity to get the best of your degree program. Empowers you by utilizing your unique talents, history, background, strengths to discover and pursue your passion in life while finding your purpose.
