Will getting a college degree be worth the cost?
This depends on your personal career goals, but in general the higher the education, the higher the salary, and the better your future career options will be. According to a recent report from the U.S.Census Bureau, the median annual income for employees with a high school diploma was only $27,915; for employees with a bachelor’s degree it’s $51,206. Individuals with only a high school diploma were twice as likely to be unemployed as those holding bachelor’s degrees. Individuals who earn a master’s or doctoral degree received an annual average salary of $74,602 or more. Further, according to The College Board, over a lifetime the gap in earning potential between a high school graduate and those holding a bachelor’s degree or higher exceeds $1 million. Since more and more jobs are going to require at least a Bachelor’s degree moving forward, it does pay to get a degree. There are many sources online for free salary comparison and career information to help you make your decision.
How long will it take me to complete my degree?
This question depends on the program you’re planning on entering. A certificate program for a specialized field or career generally takes one year. An associate’s degree usually takes two years for full-time students to complete and a bachelor’s degree generally takes four years, but can sometimes be completed quicker. Online schools generally follow the same schedule as traditional schools but accelerated degree programs are available as well. Accelerated degree programs allow students to take a larger than usual course load per semester to complete their degree faster. The student earns more credits per semester than a student in a standard program and so can finish in a shorter amount of time. Bear in mind, this also involves more work per semester than a standard program as you’ll be actually taking more classes.
What is college accreditation?
Accreditation means that an institution has been evaluated and meets set standards of quality determined by an accrediting organization. Accredited colleges are more sought after than non-accredited colleges as they carry a legitimacy and respectability as higher learning institutions. A college’s accreditation is maintained by constantly meeting the set criterion. Regional accreditation is the most recognized type of accreditation in the United States. A school is accredited by one of six geographically dispersed agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
How do online programs work?
Although individual programs differ, each employs some kind of Internet technology to deliver instructional material. Your class may rely on email, message boards, chat rooms, and desktop video or computer conferencing. Some courses are synchronous, requiring learners and teachers to participate at the same time and interact in “real time.” Chat rooms, interactive TV and videoconferencing are examples of synchronous delivery methods.
Most courses are asynchronous, meaning students and teachers do not have to participate at the same time. This results in increased access for students by allowing them to control the time and place of their participation. Email, the web, and streaming video lectures are asynchronous delivery methods. Some courses will incorporate both synchronous and asynchronous components into their curriculum. For more information on onlineprograms, visit our Online Programs FAQ.
Can I handle an online program?
Online programs offer much of the same chances for interaction with a professor as do normal colleges, however this interaction will be done over email or on the phone as opposed to in person. Professors are still available to work with you and help you as they would be at a traditional “on-campus” college. However, with an online program, you’ll have to be self motivated to get your work done. With online schooling, some benefits are the same as the drawbacks. Though you can take classes in your pajamas, it will take more self-motivation to get up and get things done when you only have yourself to motivate you. If you can commit enough time during the week to adequately get your work done and understand the subject matter, you can handle an online program.
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