When students decide on enrolling in an online degree program, their options are limitless. There’s no need to worry about relocating or fitting a commute into their schedule. So where do most people look when choosing an online school? Try nearby.

More than 85 percent of all online students come from within 50 miles of an institution or from within the state or surrounding states, according to the 2008 Staying the Course report by the Babson Survey Research Group and the Sloan Consortium.

It might be surprising, especially because distance doesn’t usually seem like an issue when you’re taking courses online, but there are certain benefits to choosing a local institution, and online students are taking advantage of them.

Choosing a local online degree program means that the school and your professors are more likely to be available when you have questions. If your school is in the same time zone, their hours are more likely to line up with yours, making them more accessible, either in person or over the phone.

Additionally, local online schools may also offer cost benefits. Choosing a state school, even though you are taking your courses online, means that you can pay in-state tuition, which can be significantly cheaper than paying out-of-state tuition or tuition at a major online university.

Choosing a local online college also gives you the choice of a smooth transition to on-campus learning, if you decide to keep that option open. Your institution remains the same so credit transferring is not an issue, and you still don’t need to worry about getting to your classes.

Finally, for some students, it helps to have a physical school nearby. If they want to, they can go visit the campus, speak to professors and school representatives, or make use of the benefits of being a student such as access to library and tutoring services.