Online degree programs are more popular than ever, and it is easy to understand why. Avoiding lengthy commutes to campus and maintaining a self-directed schedule help those living in rural areas or those with strong family and work commitments still earn an accredited associate's, bachelor's, or graduate degree.

But what if going to school at home isn't the most ideal option? Not having a personal computer or having distractions in the home shouldn't dissuade anyone from pursuing an online degree if they are committed to going to school.

The Internet has made it possible for online classes to be taken almost anywhere. Students with notebook computers who want to work outside of the home can study at a coffee shop, the airport, even on a bench in New York City's Central Park.

Accessing a wireless network is often free of charge, such as in Central Park or at Panera Bread. Many libraries offer free wireless connections to card holders. Stores such as Staples, Office Depot, and Wegman's grocery stores also offer free wi-fi in most locations, though it's hard to imagine getting homework done in the produce department.

Having a subscription to a wireless plan helps open the door to many more options. More than 8,000 T-Mobile HotSpot locations in the United States are available to laptop users for a nominal fee. Such HotSpots are found at Borders Books and Music stores, Starbucks, and FedEx Kinko's. Wi-fi access is also offered in 8,500 hotels and 200 airports. Unlimited access is offered at $29.99 per month (as of March 2007).

Business travelers can use airport waiting time wisely to accomplish schoolwork. Airports around the world offer wireless Internet access. Wi-Fi Free Spot maintains a list of free airport connections, while Travel Post lists the fees of airports worldwide. Most hotels, as well, offer free or low-cost Internet kiosks and wireless access for guests.

WiFi 411 offers a searchable global directory of more than 41,000 wireless hotspots. Online students can search by country, state, and city to find free and commercial spots in bowling alleys, convention centers, medical clinics – almost any place one can imagine.

For those without a laptop computer, libraries are a great place to connect to the Internet. Most public libraries offer free Internet access to library card holders. Boston Public Library, for example, one of the country's largest library systems, offers public computers as well as wireless and hard connections for those who wish to use their own notebook computers. Studying at the library provides a quiet, academic-oriented atmosphere. Libraries also offer hundreds, if not thousands, of volumes of resource material that can be easily accessed to help with class projects. One drawback to studying at a library, however, is the hours a library is open. The flexibility an online class offers only goes so far when one is limited to a library's schedule.

The CyberCafe Search Engine offers a searchable directory of Internet cafes throughout the world. Additionally, many YMCAs offer free computer access to the public.

Studying online does not have to confine someone to a home PC. A motivated student can enjoy sunny days outdoors or travel the world and still accomplish their educational goals.