Posts Tagged ‘College Degree’

Useful Tips To Receive Your Degree Online

Mar 19, 2010 Accredited Degree

At one time, people who dropped out of college were the source of shame. That’s changed considerably these days. The U.S. Census reported last year that a full 37% of college students in the U.S. are considered “non-traditional,” i.e. they are holding down full time jobs and continuing their education on a part time basis or had dropped out their first time, and are now back at college with intentions an university degrees or more. Online colleges are going a long way towards helping both groups achieve this goal.

There are innumerable studies about why students drop out. Poor high school preparation, financial obstacles, unexpected disasters, health, immaturity, the reasons are many. What returning students should realize is the system is forgiving. Programs are actually being set up to get people back, but it will be tougher the second time around.

There are five things student should consider if they’re thinking going back. It involves self-evaluation and, to be honest, that’s something that many people lack. Here’s what they are:

Evaluate Why You Left – Colleges can be very forgiving about health, military service or personal disaster (such as death in the family). It’s more difficult, but not impossible, if poor grades, crimes or maturity issues are involved. If it’s the latter, it might be a good idea to go part time at first, if not to repair any poor grades you had previously, then at least to prove you really are serious this time. This is one area online colleges come in real handy, as you can improve your grade average from the comfort of home and still hold down a job.

Do You Want To Pursue Your Original Curriculum? – Many a high school senior thinks he/she is the next Einstein, Obama or Mozart, and then switch majors mid-stream. Be certain about your curriculum. If not, there are always needs for everything from engineers to tech writers. Don’t be surprised if you lose some credits because of this shift.

Choose Your Target Schools – This is where college degrees really do come in. They are very familiar with “non-traditional” students, by that it’s meant both students holding down fulltime jobs and going part time or dropping out and coming back in. Target schools that offer the curriculum you’re really interested in, and then don’t be shy about getting advice from those school.

Just because you dropped once, it doesn’t mean you can’t get financial aid. If you had college loans you had better either paid them off or been making payments. If not, get on the stick or forget about it. There are plenty of college grants, scholarships and loans for those who want to return. Check with your schools’ financial officers on that count.

From here, it’s now time to pull the trigger and matriculate. Don’t be surprised that the additional life experience gained while away from school will make getting an online degree easier, too. Remember that you’re not alone. 37% of 18.9 million is over seven million. That’s a lot of returning students to online universities.

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Earn Your Nursing Degree Online

Mar 17, 2010 University Degree

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division of the Department of Labor, states there will beone million new nursing job openings this year. That’s new positions needed to fill the ever growing health field. That’s not necessarily good news.

It’s stats like this that makes one understand why the U.S. government started as an online nursing job bank with a $10 million financial aid package attached to it. If that doesn’t imply now is a great time to start up an distance learning degree, nothing will.

Quite frankly, online nursing degrees are one of the fastest growing areas in the online college world. An incredible number of schools are offering a plethora of different degrees, as diverse as the alphabet soup of different types of nurses (RN, LPN, NP, etc.). A number of nursing and other medical societies are also putting up their own financial aid to the pot.

Nursing has come a long way from the days of Florence Nightingale. They work with far more than just a thermometer, lamp and a stoic attitude. Their work arenas have expanded way beyond the hospital and doctor’s office, too. These days, many work the field, providing long term and homebound care. The most ambitious have set up their own offices, providing lower cost alternatives as nurse practitioners.

The number of patients is growing at a rapid pace thanks to baby boomers now entering retirement age. This includes nurses themselves, and the numbers needed just to replace those who are now getting to old to work is also getting larger.

Online colleges have been moving rapidly to help fill this void. Degrees available generally come in four key categories: two-year Associate programs, four-year Bachelor of Science degrees, more general online degree program for physical therapists, medical billing and similar functions as well as accelerated nursing programs. From there, more ambitious nursing professionals can consider going on for a Masters of Science in Nursing, with an appropriate hike in pay.

No one denies that being a practicing nurse is an easy field. The incredible, and growing, shortage means working under a considerable amount of stress. Compounding this is many of the institutions that need nurses the most are not in the most choice locations, operating with the latest in medical technology or with the most desirable individuals, both patients or fellow professionals. At the same time, the ladder for rapid advancement is readily available to anyone who wants to climb it.

So it looks like the demand for nurses of all stripes–candied or other–is not going to disappear anytime soon. That alone means there are more than a few online degree programs offering an equal number of nursing degrees. It sure does sound like a perfect opportunity to apply at the facility of your choice.

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Online Bachelor Degree Could Inspire Innovations In Higher Education

Mar 14, 2010 Accredited Degree

Adults who have been a part of the working world for decades, as well as young people looking to establish themselves in a career for the first time, are discovering the importance of continuing their education. The need for obtaining a degree in your field of choice becomes more vital as the job market continues to decline.

Economic downturn has forced so many adults to be employed at more than one job to make ends meet, sometimes working as many as 50-75 hours a week for a minimum wage. Tasking such a heavy workload makes it increasingly difficult to pursue an education and obtain a degree. Often, when thinking of a traditional education, one thinks of visiting a college or university’s campus and sitting in a physical classroom. This is often impossible to adjust to with a demanding daily schedule. Those with the desire to participate in College Degree programs, now will find the help to do so.

Additionally, many institutions and government officials are working to ensure the education sector is accessible to students of all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience. To address this issue, the TIAA-CREF Institute, an organization that supports developments in higher education and financial security, recently held its 2009 Higher Education Leadership Conference.

At the event, higher education professionals proposed solutions to the barriers facing individuals who wish to pursue post-secondary education in light of the current state of the economy. Madeleine D’Ambrosio, the organization’s vice president and executive director, said colleges and universities will need to focus on “enrollment, affordability and fund-raising” to cater to today’s busy students. This may also be the area where Online Bachelor Degree assistance comes to the forefront.

One idea included getting high school students prepared for college-level classes by introducing them to a program that would allow for their senior year to instead act as an introduction to college class content. This would better facilitate the students to transition to higher learning courses without as much of a program content gap.

Often, college students have a difficult time completing their degree programs and obtaining employment in a timely manner. Other responsibilities are shuffled to first priority, and education often gets swept aside or postponed for an indefinite period of time.

To contend with this happen so frequently, it was suggested that universities put more emphasis on summer courses, which will aid students in completing their degrees in three years, as opposed to four or five. This sort of continuous education program, free of several month break time periods, allows for a smoother course completion. Receiving your Bachelors Degree quicker means a faster start to your new career options.

During the conference, many education experts agreed that Online College Degree programs will play a large role in students starting their career. Schools online are more popular now, allowing individuals to achieve a Bachelor Degree or other accreditation and the demand for a convenient education with flexible timing is extremely high.

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Financial Aid Available From Employers

Mar 13, 2010 University Degree

It’s a very common story. A high school graduate wants to further his/her education, but times are tough. His grades might not have been the greatest, so getting that academic scholarship is more pipe dream than reality. They are more than willing to work their way to an online degree, but the prospects of earning the big bucks with only a high school diploma aren’t always the greatest.

What this student may not realize is one of their biggest sources of financial aid could very well be their employer. Many companies out there will gladly help pay the way for their personnel to advance their education, and pay a regular salary while they’re at it. It’s a good way for companies to promote from within while the employee, in turn, will see his/her job horizons expand in turn. For more informantion on college loans, check the web.

What a student/employee should first do is go to their human resources office and find out if their company does offer such programs. You’d be surprised at the range of companies that offer them. They include fast food operations like McDonald’s and Chick Fil-A, Humana, the Queens (NY) Public Library and pharmaceutical giant Glaxo SmithKline. Many a Wall Street bank or investment house also likes it if their employees go to online schools to get their MBA’s. If they do, the assistance primarily comes in four forms:

Direct pay tuition assistance – in this case, the employer pays for the course, certificate, or degree program up front. The employee doesn’t have to pay anything. In turn, the employee is required to fill a specified course load, usually with a short list of online schools, within a prerequisite amount of time.

Reimbursed tuition assistance – The employee must first complete the program, then the employer pays for the course, certificate, or degree program. The employer may pay after each course or only after the certificate or degree is completed. This method is a surefire way the company sees its personnel fulfill their course load before paying out.

Educational/Professional Development travel assistance: The employer may pay for travel expenses related to educational programs including courses at distant institutions or conferences/conventions. The medical, political and financial worlds are particularly known for these. If you are looking for more information on distance learning degrees, you can research the internet.

529 College Savings Program – One could call this a kind of savings program. As part of an employee benefits package, the employer may match contributions made by the employee into the program. It’s a good way to insure employee loyalty and longevity.

The one important tip is the online school itself might not be aware of the company’s program, so it’s up to the prospective student to do that bit of homework. This financial aid can range anywhere from $500 to full tuition and fees.

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Is Online College Right For You?

Mar 10, 2010 College Degree

If you prefer staying at home in your pajamas, relaxing in on your couch with your laptop to commuting to campus several times a week, circling the parking lot looking for a space, then rushing up to your class five minutes late, then online college may be the way to go. You can set your own pace, take as many classes as you’d like, any time of day you’d like.

The best way to determine if online college is right for you is to start by taking just one course. Sign up for one before you enroll in an online degree program, and become comfortable and familiar with the process. For more informantion on distance learning program, check the web.

Once you’ve gotten used to online learning, decide what type of degree program you’d like to enroll in. Does the career you’re interested in pursuing require a Bachelor’s degree? Or will you be able to gain employment in your field of choice with just an Associate’s degree?

Create a plan of action based on your goals and interests. By determining what your most important goals are, you can decide what program will fit you the best. Prepare yourself to enroll in an online degree program by outlining your goals and executing a plan to achieve them. By having clear-cut goals, you will be able to discover the ideal program.

Know what type of online degree program works for you. Research the difference between text only and video added courses. The level of interactivity you need in your classes to complete them effectively will directly affect which type of program you will be most comfortable with, thereby giving you the answer. If you are looking for more information on distance learning course, you can research the internet.

Some colleges are known for a specific degree program specialty. If a school is known for it’s law program or journalism courses, you will want to choose accordingly. Create a list of schools and narrow it down to the ones that will best fit you, based on your needs and interests.

Once you’ve determined the college that best suits you, find out everything you can about how to enroll. Do you need to take an entrance exam or placement test? If you’ve already attended another school prior to this, will your credits transfer over? Make sure you have everything you need to apply, and keep a checklist of each college you apply to, marking off each one as you complete it.

Furthering your education via an online college allows you to keep your current schedule. You can continue to work full or part time as you study and take courses from home. Just remember, every online degree program is different, and the one that best suits you should not be ruled out just because it doesn’t work for someone else.

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More Than $100 Billion To Help Students Pay For Higher Education Is A Few Taps Of The Computer Keyboard Away

Mar 9, 2010 Uncategorized

The U.S. Department of Education’s FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), online in digital format, is considered a requirement for students who want money to help pay for college costs. For the 2009-2010 academic year, students must complete applications by deadlines that, depending upon the source, extend into September.

FAFSA features federal and state loans, grants and work study programs through which students pay for a portion of their accredited degree costs by working part-time jobs. Grants, on the other hand, don’t require work or repayment. The federal government’s Pell grant, one of the most widely known, awards as much as $5,000 to qualifying undergraduate students.

Students who receive grants or scholarships or who participate in work study programs can pay for the rest of their education with loans. Although loans have to be repaid, the federal government makes some available at low interest rates. Low- and no-interest loans are referred to as “subsidized.”

The U.S. Congress each year sets aside billions of dollars to help students attend college. Federal assistance has been a tradition since at least 1965, when then-U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Higher Education Act into law to improve colleges and universities and make them more accessible. The Pell grant, born the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant in 1972, was later named for Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI), for his help in initiating it. In 2007, a law known as the College Cost Reduction and Access Act increased Pell grant money and reduced subsidized loan interest rates.

Those who complete the online FAFSA form must be American citizens and eligible non-citizens with high school diplomas or General Educational Development (GED) certificates working toward specific online bachelor and certificate programs at colleges, universities and trade and technical schools. After the forms are submitted, applicants are provided Student Aid Reports that typically detail how much money they’ll have to pitch in themselves for their education. Applicants may then get in touch with the financial aid offices of schools they’re interested in attending.

Many colleges offer their own financial aid programs, and financial aid offices provide students with award letters that detail the amounts and types of money they can expect to receive from different sources. The U.S. Department of Education recommends that students decide upon a school by considering how well the institution meets their needs and the affordability of their education after financial aid is taken into account. Those interested in obtaining money for the 2009-2010 academic year have until midnight Central Daylight time on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010 to complete FAFSA forms, while application deadlines for state financial aid depend upon the locale.

To obtain financial aid via FAFSA for the 2009-2010 academic year, students must meet a deadline of midnight Central Daylight time on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010, though deadlines for state assistance through the site could be earlier. Financial aid obtained through FAFSA, or online FAFSA grant money as some call it, requires that beneficiaries meet specific academic goals.

Applicants can complete an online FAFSA worksheet in determining their eligibility for assistance and can click on the Web site’s links to review financial aid available from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs that allots college degree and online bachelor degree cost credits in exchange for community service.

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Different Spots To Earn A Education Degree

Mar 6, 2010 Uncategorized

In the past, there weren’t tons of chances for obtaining college degrees. There may have been lots of colleges and universities; however, these locations were not very accommodating. These days, though, anyone can gain a college degree because there are new opportunities available and its easier for most to be able to attend either a college or university courses at a campus location or via online classes.

Traditional school campuses today offer courses at a various times. There are traditional daytime courses, of course. But, there are also night college courses available for people who may work full-time or who have young children at home. The night college alternative is one that is helpful for people who have to work in order to be able to pay for their education.

Many campus colleges also offer online classes. Sometimes these courses may be part of a degree program in which other classes are taken on campus; whereas with other online courses, the entire degree may be earned online. Online education is a good way for someone to earn a degree from a campus college without having to attend classes at that location.

Currently there are quite a lot of other online universities from which college degrees can be earned. Despite what some people may think, online schools can be just as learning-oriented and comprehensive as campus schools. The degrees earned from online schools are also just as worthwhile as those from campus colleges, as long as the online school has accreditation.

Post-Graduate degree programs for earning Master’s Degrees or Doctoral Degrees at many campus colleges now have courses on weekends and in the evenings. This accommodates the students who might already have full-time careers in their related fields and who are working towards additional degrees.

Having choices like night classes, online degree programs, and flexible schedules makes searching for the right school to earn a college degree much easier now than it was even a decade ago. Selecting and getting accepted into an accredited college or university will be the next step for a person who wants to earn a degree and the best task to do is research on the industry of choice and find out what schools provide the best job assistance or have a reliable reputation in the industry of study for placing graduates.

Obtaining a degree has lots of advantages, and there are many reasons why is college education so important. For college search resources and info about various types of college degrees visit DotSchools.com.

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Entering the New Year With New Education Goals

Mar 3, 2010 Education Degree

The point when a year ends and another year begins is often looked at as a time of renewal. Many people see the beginning of the New Year as a time for new hopes and dreams, or even as a time for a new start. Resolutions for the New Year are almost similar. Some people believe that the approaching of a brand new year is the ideal time to make a pledge to quit smoking. Others decide to begin strenuous exercise routines or strict diet plans. Unfortunately, reports have shown that these types of severe resolutions are difficult – if not impossible – for most people to stick with for more than a few weeks.

For this New Year, though, there is a very meaningful resolution which anyone can make – earning a college degree. Unlike the other types of resolutions written about, this goal does not involve harsh and demanding physical adjustments. Instead, it encompasses moving toward beginning an fulfilling and successful career. Taking the initial steps toward obtaining a college degree might just be the wisest resolution anyone can make for the New Year!

Finding Careers in your New Industry

When thinking about today’s economy and earning a college degree in order to increase job opportunities, it is smart to bear in mind that not all school degrees are equal. In other terms, earning a degree in certain fields can certainly make finding a worthwhile job in a rewarding career much simpler, while degrees from other industries of education may not provide as many employment opportunities.

So, the initial advice in finding jobs is to choose your industry of study with care. This doesn’t mean that you must get a degree in a industry in which you lack desire; rather, it means that it is smart to do a bit of investigating to see which types of jobs are in high demand.

Some employment positions at certain companies may employ people to work and then pay for their school education. A variation on this is common in nursing; where some hospitals and clinics will “forgive” or pay for their newly-hired worker student loans when they begin performing. Either of these types of arrangements can be beneficial for both employee and employer. It may be worthwhile to check for similar job opportunities in your desired industry of study.

As you start your job search in earnest after you graduate, it can be helpful to look toward your school’s associations and networks. Most colleges – including online schools – offer job placement assistance. Use any types of assistance that are provided.

Earning a higher education is an important part of succeeding in today’s world. There are a couple types of college degree programs for people to start working now and DotSchools is proud to be apart of the college search experience.

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Earning A Fellowship To Fund Schooling

Mar 2, 2010 Bachelors Degree

Enrolling in online college will reduce or remove some costs associated with continuing education. You can also save on your by obtaining a fellowship, one of the best financial aid options to receive, as it does not require it be paid back.

Though difficult to be awarded, fellowships often include everything from completely free tuition to a reduced monthly tuition fee. When you’re trying to work and go to school to further your education, you should explore all of your financial aid options, including a fellowship. You can maximize your chances of receiving one by following some easy steps outlined in this article and receive your degree programs online.

Composing an essay that is thorough and well thought out will appeal to fellowship committee members. Using an original essay that explains why you should be considered will go a long way to aiding you in the application process, as it is often the first thing examined.

Highlighting your talents and strengths in a letter written by one of your current or former instructors can also aid in the selection process. A letter of recommendation will show that you are worthy of this very competitive award.

When applying for a fellowship, the prospect is often so exciting that sometimes applicants miss something in the instructions, and end up sending their packages in for one they are not even eligible for. Be sure to carefully examine all application paperwork, to ensure eligibility prior to applying.

Earn good grades. Though this seems like a given, it is important to have at least a 3.0 grade point average. Fellowships are most frequently based on students’ academic achievements, not their financial needs. The higher your GPA, and the more academic activities you are involved with, the better your chances of financial aid for your bachelor of science.

Participate in a research project. Aside from grade point average, research experience is factored in heavily in making an awarding decision. Joining an research project at your university will reflect well with a fellowship committee. Starting a project of your own will give your educational experience and background more credibility.

Create the perfect package. Fellowships are highly competitive. Students should bear this in mind when applying for them. When completing your application, think like a member of the selection committee. If you were choosing a candidate, what qualities would you look for? What would make you really stand out?

A nomination from a professor or former instructor may seal the deal for being awarded a more difficult to obtain fellowship. Meet with your academic advisor about a letter of recommendation, making sure the person that writes it for you knows you personally, and what your strengths are.

Online college attendees need the same financial support that students going to a traditional college would. Earning a fellowship is a challenging, but extremely rewarding way to pay for your online degree. Earn your online bachelors degree today, and make a difference toward your future.

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Financial Aid Opportunities Grow For Students Pursuing Degrees In Science, Technology

Mar 1, 2010 Bachelors Degree

Steps are being taken to improve educational programs across the nation in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math; or STEM fields. American students are scoring poorly on standardized tests, and the government is taking notice. There are organizations and government-run programs that are increasing efforts to promote education on these important subjects.

Fortunately for students, many of these initiatives include financial incentives to help them complete campus-based or accredited degree in these fields. Texas Governor Rick Perry recently announced his support of a $100 million program to help students pursuing STEM-related degrees or certificates.

Scholarships have also been established in an effort to distribute financial aid for interested students looking to expand their education with a degree program and work toward a career in the areas of science and technology. These awards are designed to attract students into pursuing a career in these fields.

The current administration hopes that these financial aid and university degrees programs will encourage students to enroll in STEM programs and boost their related fields. These large-scale financial aid programs are intended to boost the amount of fresh college graduates entering the engineering and mathematics fields in the near future.

Students interested in pursuing technology related fields will be delighted to hear that many states are empowering universities and colleges with millions of dollars toward their career placement and assistance programs. Assisting students in finding and building careers in STEM related fields is one of the primary goals of the local efforts made toward STEM degree growth.

A total of five scholarships worth $7,000 are available through three different awards. The Lighthouse Computer Services/Tech Collective scholarship will provide two $1,000 awards to high school or college students who are working pursuing careers in the IT industry and have some affiliation with the U.S. military.

The company will partner with Fibertech Networks to award a $3,000 scholarship to a female high school student planning to enroll in a online university degree program in information systems, computer systems or another IT-related field. Female and minority students who demonstrate commitment, dedication, academic excellence, leadership and determination are eligible to apply for the $1,000 Doug Schwinn/Tech Collective Scholarship.

Students who wish to take advantage of the growing opportunities in STEM-related industries may consider applying for similar awards that can help them finance an accredited degree online or an bachelors degree.

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