Oct 16, 2014 2 min read

For-profit colleges, many of which offer all their classes online, enroll about 12 percent of the nation’s college students. But federal data shows these institutions account for four times that percentage of student-loan defaults.

The most common explanation for the high default rate is few students actually graduate and earn degrees, and, as a result, can’t find the jobs that would help them pay off their loans.

It’s becoming clear, however, the few students who do graduate are having trouble finding jobs, too. Employers, apparently, are not impressed, and that should not come as a great surprise.

Employers may require applicants to have earned a college degree, but most are just as interested in what a job candidate did while earning that degree. Leadership potential and the ability to work well with others are primary concerns of employers, and a résumé that offers evidence of these qualities will move to the top of the stack. Someone who was president of a club, a cast member in a theater production or a member of student council is likely to be someone who works well with other people. Interaction with other living, breathing human beings is, therefore, important in preparation for the workplace.

One who takes online classes in his pajamas is probably not a person who developed the social skills that help businesses run smoothly and prosper.

The strides we made in communication technology are truly amazing and beneficial, but it is important to remember not all that is new is better.