A classic Staples commercial said it best—“it’s the most wonderful time of the year”. Yes, we’re talking about back to school time. In just a couple of days, college students will be packing their bags and heading back to school.

Unfortunately, excuses for not attending class have gotten a lot more complex than claiming that a dog ate your homework. Many people state that they just don’t have time to go back to school, and for many would-be students, this seems true. With jobs, kids, and the prospect of tuition bills, college life might not seem like such a good idea. But if you’re one of those people who say that they’re too busy for school, we would have to say—think again!

Millions of college students across the country can proudly say that they attend class during their lunch hour and do not have to worry about making it to the lecture hall on time. How is this possible? In today’s virtual world, it is very possible to get your college degree without having to make big life changes and time commitments. When students opt to attend an online trade school, college, or university, the world of continuing education becomes much more realistic.

Is online college a good choice for today’s busy student? If you are an online student, you can:

• Set your own schedule
• Avoid driving to class in bad weather
• Attend lectures in your underwear while lying on your couch

The real difference between an online college and a more “traditional” college class is the degree of conversation that can occur. While many people argue that there’s a lot more interaction between students and teachers at a ground campus, that’s not necessarily the case. Do you remember that smart, quiet guy in your high school, who was never able to speak up in class, but always received the best grades on assignments and tests? That type of student has a lot to contribute to a discussion, and would probably flourish in an online format.

Think about it: these days, EVERYTHING is online. You can read the newspaper on the Internet, watch movies online, and go shopping with a click of a button. So, why not pursue an online education? The best part of online learning is that distance education is a wonderful option for adults who feel like they don’t have time to back to school.

With the end of summer looming on the horizon, it’s definitely time to start thinking about your future. By signing up for an online class (or two!), you will be ending the summer with a bang—and a big boost for your resume!