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Ways to Compare Online Colleges

March 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Comparing online colleges can be a difficult task. Many students know what type of program they wish to pursue, but often times there are numerous online institutions that offer similar programs. Some ways can help individuals compare and contrast online institutions based on the aspects of each school.

1. Evaluate Online College Accreditation

Accreditation is the primary aspect to assess when comparing online institutions.  Students that graduate from an online college with regional accreditation will be able to find a job easier, transfer course credits to other institutions, and have a better chance of acceptance into advanced degree programs.

2. Compare Online College Residency Conditions

Some online institutions require students to spend many semesters attending courses on a physical campus and others require weekend seminar classes or summer meetings. Some programs enable students to earn their degrees completely online without ever having to attend a physical class. Students should consider online colleges that meet their needs and fit their specific way of life.

3. Assess Online Course Schedules

When comparing online institutions, students must consider course schedules.  Some colleges allow students to complete courses at their own pace and others require students to adhere to specific deadlines or certain online meeting times.

4. Compare Online College Testing

Nearly all online institutions require students to complete course examinations, but every program has its own requirements. Some require students to complete examinations at proctored testing locations and others enable students to take tests online using books and notes.

5. Evaluate Online College Admissions Requirements

Admission requirements vary greatly for online institutions and some require an extensive application process such as essays and interviews. Others accept all applicants and enable students to begin completing courses shortly after acceptance.

Filed Under: Higher Education, Online Learning Tagged With: , ,

Online College Stress

February 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

You have a term paper due in the morning, you are working hard to get things typed out, and you are ready to submit. The next thing you know is the portal for your online school is shut down and you cannot get in to turn in your work. Your professor made it clear that there were no exceptions, and now you are stressed. If you have ever found yourself in this situation, you understand what it is like to have online college stress. Much of the stress from online college comes in two forms, the assignments and not feeling like there is help available, and then technical difficulties. The technical difficulties can the be the most stressful because there is a sense of feeling absolutely helpless with the situation. If you have technical difficulties, then you need to submit a tech ticket, only you cannot even get your computer to turn on, hence the stress.

As far as assignment stress this can be a frustrating yet reconcilable event. If you are engaged in a the middle of an assignment and find that you need help, if this is not quickly accessible, then your blood pressure rises, and you will begin to wonder if you can do this. The benefit to online schooling is that chat rooms and message boards are provided so that students can receive help when they need it, and in a timely manner. For many this is the difference between a brick and mortar school and an online school as many brick and mortar schools would not offer this kind of expedited help.

The other type of stress that is much less of a threat than the other two is the threat of becoming a procrastinator. It is easy to forget about assignments and to get caught up in turning things in late. This is not a beneficial habit to get into, and for some this can take some time to get used to.

Filed Under: Higher Education, Online Learning Tagged With: , ,

Getting a Degree Online

February 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Education is important in our society. The more you know, the further ahead you will be able to get in life. It’s almost essential to have a college degree. So, it’s no wonder that there have been a swarm of new online colleges appear almost overnight. Below are just a few of the benefits to choosing an online college over a traditional college.

Easy to Choose a Major

Choosing a major is a huge part of the college journey. It can be very difficult deciding which program the college offers fits you and your needs. One of the great things about getting an online college degree is that there are so many different programs to choose from. From botany and biology to accounting and business administration, there’s bound to be something up your alley.

Scheduling is a Breeze

With an online college, you get to do your work at your own pace. That means, you can go to class whenever it’s convenient for you. If you have a hectic work schedule, a family to care for, or any other sort of life outside of class, you can easily work your studying and classwork into your life. For example, you may only have time to get online after your children go to bed. That would be out of the question with a traditional college, but with an online degree program, it’s the norm.

Work Anywhere

Unless you live on campus, you will have to commute to a traditional college. That tends to take a lot of your precious time out of your day. Instead, if you decide to attend an online college, you can basically go to class wherever you have access to a computer and the internet. You can log in and get your work done from just about anywhere. This sort of access will really help a lot of people, who normally wouldn’t be able to receive a quality education.

Filed Under: Higher Education, Online Learning Tagged With: ,

Going back to College

January 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

So you made it through college and with much success entered the workforce only to find that that extra minor or major or even a masters or some sort of higher education would have gotten you that much farther in your career.

Your toying with the idea to go back and get that extra something you need to be able to move up the corporate ladder quicker. What should you do? The answer could be as simple as you think. There are so many choices in this day and age. the days of driving to campus on their schedule is a thing of the past.

Here might be a few helpful hints to get you up at that ladder that you desire or even make it to the top.

  • Online classes are growing leaps and bounds these days. You are hard pressed to find a course that is offered in the classroom that is not offered online. These classes provide you with the same knowledge and credits you need for that extra push or degree you are looking for.
  • Online Universities are now growing as well. These are credited schools that offer degrees in just about any higher education field and don’t have one sit in classroom.
  • Then there is always the traditional approach if you are a visual person and need that extra attention. Many major Universities offer night classes for returning students and usually at a discounted price than the average traditional student would pay to take the same course during the day.

No matter what you are going back for the options are limitless and there is no reason why you can’t find a way to fit these classes into today’s busy schedule.

Remember higher education is just that. Whether it be a course or a major, higher education is higher education, and with that comes higher positions and higher pay. Isn’t that what we are all looking for?

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Earn More With a Degree

January 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment

The job market is more competitive everyday and getting a good job has rarely been more difficult. With bills going up and work going down, you need to take the next step toward getting a good job by getting a college degree. There are so many people without degrees that employers –now able to be as choosy as they like–are starting to list having a degree as a job requirement. A degree can put you ahead of the job-searching crowd and move you closer to a better paying job with better benefits.There are two popular ways you can get a degree:

  • You can attend a college or university in person, but you might have to take time away from your job and family to do so. If you’re like most Americans, you barely get to see your family as it is.
  • If you decide to pursue your degree online, you’ll have more flexibility than with an in-person college. Taking online classes lets you choose your own schedule and time frame, which means you can work in that important family time.

Non-degree workers earn an average of $23,000 a year, while someone with a basic Associates Degree earns around $38,000. That’s almost a two-fold difference in earnings. It’s something to think about.Online degrees can be completed much faster than in-person degrees, so you can start looking for that higher paying job even sooner.

Tuition can be paid in part by financial aid, so not being able to afford college is less of a concern. If you really want to go to college and aren’t sure of the costs, apply for financial aid first. Even if you end up having to pay for your degree on your own, remember that itwill pay for itself within a few years after you wow those potential employers and land that better paying job.

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