To Michelle, the young mother who wants to attend college: Although I think there's something to be said for the traditional college experience -- including all the hardships and inconveniences that go along with it -- any education is better than lack of education.

So I would say that pursuing a degree through an online university would be a worthwhile investment . . . as long as you chose a reputable school (such as the University of Phoenix, to name one example), and not a fly-by-night school that would be perceived by others, including future employers, as a "diploma mill."

It should be noted that even established colleges and universities with traditional campuses increasingly offer online degrees. For example, a quick check on the Internet shows that Penn State, the University of Illinois, and UCLA now offer courses via the Internet, and I'm sure there must be others. You might contact UL-Lafayette or LSU to inquire if they offer online degree programs.

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Remember, too, that no matter which online university you choose you might qualify for grants (such as a Pell Grant) or a low-interest loan (such as a Stafford Loan) that need not be paid back until graduation and which even then can be deferred until you find employment.

Shane K. Bernard, Ph.D.