**This is a sponsored post, but as you’ll see, I am 100% onboard with online education – it definitely saved me a ton of money.**

Whenever the discussion turns to taking online courses, it generally focuses on the convenience of learning via the Internet. In addition, it’s hard to argue against that point: For many people, being able to study on their own schedules allows them the flexibility to manage careers, families, and other responsibilities.

With so much attention on the convenience of online courses, though, an important benefit is often overlooked. Online classes generally cost the same per credit as in person classes, but they can save you money in a number of other important ways that traditional courses can’t.

1. Reduced Transportation Costs

Not everyone is lucky enough to live within walking distance of a college campus. Most people need to travel to get to campus — and in some cases that could mean spending extra on gas or public transportation. Even if you take classes just 20 miles from home, and drive a fuel-efficient vehicle, with the current gas prices the trip can cost anywhere from $4 to $8 per class. If you take multiple classes and have to get to campus several times a week, the costs go up. That’s not even taking into account parking fees or wear and tear on your car. Public transportation might be cheaper, but it still represents a cost — one you don’t have to worry about if you log on from home.

2. Less Time Off from Work and Lower Childcare Costs

The flexibility offered by online classes is ideal for those who have to work or raise children, since they can fit in studies when they have time. However, that flexibility can also put more cash in your pocket too — especially if you are paid hourly. Instead of arranging your shifts (and possibly taking lower paying ones) to make it to class, you can work when you need to. Even if that’s not an issue, taking courses online allows you to work your whole shift or workday, without having to leave early to get to class or take time off for projects or meetings with classmates. And if you have kids, you won’t have to pay a babysitter to care for them while you’re in class; you can log in during nap times or after they go to bed, allowing you to keep you cash in your pocket.

I know as an undergrad AND a grad student, I took online classes every summer so I could work full time and get ahead with my classes. I loved the flexibility to be able to do classwork whenever I had time, around my work schedule.

3. Lower Textbook and Material Costs

According to the College Board, the average college student spends about $1,200 per year on textbooks and supplies for class. Often, those expensive books are never opened again once the class is over. Many online instructors, though, are embracing the digital spirit of the medium and forgoing pricey textbooks in favor of digital materials that students can access and download online. That’s not to say you’ll never have to purchase a textbook (and you can always save money by renting or borrowing books), but you’re more likely to see “No textbook required” on online course listings than in person courses. Also? You won’t have to shell out pricey “lab fees” for online courses, since you won’t be accessing the labs to complete your assignments.

4. Accelerated Programs

One often overlooked benefit of taking online courses is that the flexible scheduling usually allows you to take more classes at once than you otherwise would have been able to, if you had to attend class in person. This allows you to complete your degree in less time, which while not necessarily saving you money in the short term, will put you on the path to higher earnings much faster. Given that most colleges will also grant credit for courses you’ve already completed, when you earn your degree online you can often complete your program in a fraction of the time it would take a “traditional” student.

I can attest to this statement! It is absolutely how I graduated with a double major in 3 years. There’s no way it would’ve happened without online classes. It’s also how I finished my graduate program on time with three specializations instead of one.

5. Tax Benefits

Taking classes at an accredited university makes you eligible for the same tax credit and deduction programs as traditional students. However, online classes save you money on a larger scale, even if you don’t see the immediate impact on your bank account. Many colleges are using online classes to increase student enrollments; when instructors and students aren’t confined to a specific time and place, colleges can serve more students — and more students means more money for the college. How does this benefit you? When college and universities, especially public institutions, have enough money coming in from tuition, they are less reliant on federal and state funds to operate — meaning that your tax and tuition bills don’t increase significantly every year.

Choosing a degree program based on how much it costs isn’t always the best idea, but it’s important to consider all of the factors when making your decision. Going with an online program that keeps money in your pocket might be your best option, though