Will a college degree really help me in meeting my career goals?
Yes, absolutely. In today's competitive job market, employers put a higher value on candidates with college degrees. The majority of high-paying, in-demand jobs on the market require at least a Bachelor's degree. On the average, college graduates have far more successful careers and earn more money over the course of their lifetime than non-college graduates. The U.S. Department of Commerce has determined that people with Bachelor's degrees earn an average of 98% more income in their lifetime than non-college graduates. People with Master's degrees earn 170% more.
What kinds of degrees are offered by online universities?
Online universities offer Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees; a few offer PhDs in areas such as Health Services, Education, and Psychology. In addition, most online universities offer numerous Certificate programs. The areas of study offered vary among online universities.
Do online college degree programs provide the same quality of education that is found in traditional college degree programs?
All evidence seems to indicate that the answer is "Yes." In terms of educational quality, most accredited online universities offer courses and degree programs that are equal to those offered by four-year universities and colleges. Studies show that for most students, distance learning is just as effective as traditional in-class learning. Over 300 research reports found no significant difference between in-class and distance learning.
Do online universities accept transfer credits?
Most online universities will accept transfer credits from regionally and nationally accredited institutions of higher learning, if those credits will apply to your degree program of choice.
How fast can I earn an online degree?
The time needed to complete a degree varies among online universities and degree programs, but in general, an online degree can be earned much faster. Students at traditional colleges usually take four years to earn their Bachelors degree, but online university students can complete the same degree in an average of 2-3 years. This is possible because, unlike students at four-year colleges, most online students typically take only one course at a time. By taking a course online, the student can receive assignments and complete the work faster than they would be able to with a traditional in-class course.
Can I spend my days working, and still earn my online degree at night?
In general, you will have to devote the same number of hours (i.e. 10-20 hours per week, including virtual class time and time needed to complete assignments) to your online education as you would if you were going to school part-time at a regular four-year college. You will have to do the same academic level of coursework. And you will have to complete your online assignments with the same academic effort, intellectual investment, and attention to detail that you would apply to college-level assignments given in a classroom setting.
Do I need any special equipment or software in order to pursue an online degree?
In general, all you need is a computer, an Internet connection, and a phone to consult with your instructor if necessary. If any other software is required, typically you will download it off the university's web site before you begin your online classes.
How much does it cost to earn an online degree?
The tuition and fees vary among online universities and courses of study. In general, however, earning an online degree is far less expensive than earning a traditional college degree. A four-year college degree can cost tens of thousands of dollars; an online degree, with the same quality of education, usually costs much less.
Is financial aid available?
Most of the financial aid options available to students of traditional universities are also available to students of online universities. See the Financial Aid page at any online college website for more information about financial aid options.
Is a degree from an online university given the same credibility by potential employers as a degree from a four-year college?
Most employers will now consider a degree from an accredited online university with the credibility that they give to four-year college degrees. Some bias against online degrees still exists, but it is rapidly disappearing. Many companies are now encouraging their current employees to continue their education through online study, and some companies will even help to finance an employee's online education.