Top 5 Cons of Online Education

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While distance education is very beneficial to many students there are some factors about online college that students may want to consider. With everything good come negative aspects as well. Many of the disadvantages of online colleges and universities are depleting some still remain. It is important to note however, that a lot of these factors are determined by the student.

Here are the top 5 cons of online education:

1. Diploma Mills

With the success of online colleges on the rise we have seen the uprising of diploma mills as well. A diploma mill is a place that will sell you a fake diploma. If the school offers a diploma for sale with little or no class participation required then it's a diploma mill. Make sure that the school that you choose is accredited, this type of problem can be avoided. And keep in mind that a phony diploma doesn't get you the job.

2. You are in charge of your success!

Being a student at home can be a huge benefit to someone with a busy schedule. It can also be a major distraction. Most times students who take online courses take them whenever it is convenient, at home, at work, at the middle of the night. Being a student on your own time and terms can make it hard to focus. Students that attend a traditional setting are basically forced to pay attention to the lecture when they are in the same room with their professor for an allotted amount of time. It can be hard to study when you are distracted by your kids, or your job, or whatever surrounds you. With online courses, your success depends totally on you and your ability to manage yourself and stay on task.

3. There is not much interaction with others

Some college courses require you to interact with other students on the internet, other than that the interaction that you have with other students is dramatically decreased. The whole college life experience is quite different when you are taking courses online. To some this can be detrimental. If you are looking for a whole college social experience, online courses may not be for you. While you may not have the same "experience" as someone who attends a traditional college, you will certainly gain the same education.

4. There can be technical problems

Online college courses are computer and internet based making them highly prone to technical glitches. It is important to have a computer that works well and a stable internet connection. Yet, even the most fool-proof systems can cause problems for teachers and students. These problems are on the decline but it is important to note that you may experience technical difficulties.

5. Standardization of coursework and materials has not yet been completed

Even though you may be going to an accredited school and earning a high quality education that does not mean that you are earning the same education as students in the same program at different schools. Schools use different class content and course materials. This problem is thought to soon be solved in the next few years however, because accreditation agencies are working on standardizing the coursework and materials.

What are the Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online?

What are the Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online?

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Online Education is still a pretty new concept. Many people feel like earning your degree online is less respectable and low quality compared to earning your degree traditionally. Well, I may be the first one to say it, I may not, but I'll say it anyway: Online College is AWESOME! Earning your degree online does not mean that the degree that you earn is low quality or that that degree wont get you a job. 

Degrees earned online and degrees earned in a traditional setting are the exact same thing. The only difference: you can earn your degree in your jamies with online degrees. 

If that isn't reason enough here are a few other reasons why earning your degree online is ace!

Earning your degree online

When researching your educational options it is nice to know that there are options outside of the traditional classroom. One of the most popular ways of learning is by participating in an accredited online degree program. Taking online degree courses can be beneficial to all types of learners. The information provided in this article is meant to help you weigh your options when it comes to education. If you feel like any of these benefits could improve your college experience then you should consider getting your degree online.

Convenience

The most obvious benefit of distance learning is flexibility. Accredited online degree programs make it possible for students to set their own schedule. You will be free to study on your own time! Online courses are convenient for everyone. Parents can study when their children are asleep. People with full time jobs can study when they aren't working. Military members can study anywhere they are posted. Course work and communication can be completed when, and where you want. If you have the will to get an education then why not make it a little simpler with the flexibility of the best online degrees. After all, the only difference between a traditional campus education and online education is the building.

Affordability

Unless you live in a big city or a college town, the cost of commute with fuel prices can be substantial. Not to mention the cost of tuition can be overwhelming. Luckily, most online institutions are highly affordable. There is likely some form of financial aid available to students that seek it, and if the school is accredited there will be more financial aid programs available. It can also be more cost effective to earn your degree online because there are less fees and permits that traditional schools charge. Most of the built in fees are for activities that you will never use online. If you are looking for affordable online degrees, the good news is most online degrees are more affordable.

Quality

You would be surprised to find that many celebrated colleges and universities have online degree courses available and the degree that you earn online is just as prestigious as it would be if you had earned it by sitting in the class. The accredited online degree that you earn will mean the same thing, the only difference is how you earned it. In a recent survey it was found that 4.6 million college students will take at least one course online. That means that 1 in 4 students will take an accredited online college course. With the fast growing popularity of online degrees they will not just be accepted, but expected in college education.

Why Should You Go To College?

Why Should You Go To College?

It’s time guys, summer is over. I know it is hard to come to terms with it but it’s time to go back to school. If you’re like me you’re in that back-to-school-phase where you have to really assess your priorities. Well, if you are looking for reasons why you should go to college here are 5 benefits of going to college to help you get motivated.

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1.      College Teaches You How To Be An Adult

Not only does a college education prepare you for the job market, it teaches you how to discipline yourself. We as college students must become reliable and learn to manage time wisely in order to complete a degree. It takes remarkable determination to finish a degree and stay with it. Having a degree shows employers that you have what it takes to complete large projects.

2. College Teaches You To Think Critically

In the democratic society that we live in; you cannot be ignorant and survive. That's why it is important to be able to think for yourself. Going to college teaches you that. Being educated and prepared for the job market is important of course, but learning how to solve problems and control your destiny can be more important. Earning your college degree teaches you to design, create, support, and contribute to society in a very effective way. If you have ever asked yourself "Should I go to college?" Consider the many things that you can do with a set of critical thinking skills.

3. College Teaches You How To Be A Responsible Citizen

When you have more knowledge about the world around you, you learn how to be a profitable contribution to society. In college the large span of information that you learn can help you to be a better person and ultimately make the world a better place.

4. College Opens Avenues Of Personal Discovery.

College prepares you for the things to come in life. You leave college with understanding, knowledge and critical thinking skills to meet the challenges of life. College can allow you to discover yourself and learn your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing more about yourself can better prepare you for things to come.

5. College Improves The Quality Of Your Life.

In college you learn the life skills you need that are important to having a positive lifestyle and an overall better quality of life. You learn to be conscious of the world around you and appreciative of the finer things in life, like art and music. You learn to solve problems and can contribute to society to make the world a better place.

Being educated can prepare you for and place you in a good job, which will make you more money throughout your life. It can open doors of opportunity for you throughout your life and be a major benefit to the overall quality of your life. But, perhaps more importantly when you are educated the world is opened up to you and you find that life becomes significantly more interesting. There are many benefits of going to college but making a better life for your self should be the main one.

The Ultimate Bachelor Degree Guide

 The Ultimate Bachelor Degree Guide

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What is a Bachelor's Degree?

A Bachelor's Degree is an undergraduate degree that is compiled of about 150 credit hours and usually can be completed in 4 years depending on the school and schedule. Individuals that earn bachelor degrees earn significantly more in salary than those who do not hold a degree. Having a bachelor's degree often leads to better and more stable jobs with opportunities for growth. You can earn and accredited bachelor's degree online and go at your own pace.

What types of Bachelor Degrees are there?

There are two types of bachelor degrees. First, is the bachelor's of arts or the BA. A majority of this degrees coursework is in the arts. Majors for a BA are social science, humanities, music and the fine arts. The second type of bachelor degree is the BS or bachelors of Science. This degree has an emphasis in the sciences like physical science, life science, and mathematical science. This degree is more based on numbers and reasoning then the arts sand creativity. Both types of bachelor's degrees are offered online and can be completed by taking online courses.

Why are bachelor's degrees worth it?

Over 33% of adults today have a bachelor's degree. That is a huge chunk of our population. Some employers will only hire candidates with a bachelor's degree. This means if you don't have one, you’re missing out on a lot of job opportunities out there, especially the jobs that pay the most. Employers use bachelor's degrees like a screening tool; if you don't have one then you are most often disregarded. Get the skills you need to get the good jobs by getting a bachelor's degree by taking online classes for college through an accredited online university. Don't get overlooked!

What does getting a bachelor's degree entail?

Bachelor degree requirements vary from school to school but all require you to choose one major, or specialized area of study along with a wide range of general education courses. Traditionally bachelor's degrees are meant to take 4 years, but it is possible to complete all required credits in less time and the best online universities have many online bachelors’ degree programs to choose from. Getting your degree in 4 years or less can be achieved if you take courses from an accredited online degree program, which will allow you to study at your own pace, as fast as you want. It is also possible for a bachelor's degree to take up to 6 years if you are studying on a part time basis. How fast you earn your degree can be entirely up to you.

What can a bachelor's degree do for you?

You can break into any career with a bachelor's degree and you can earn one through an online college or university. Earning a bachelor's degree online can be more convenient for students with families or full time jobs, and it can lead to better jobs. Most entry level positions require that you have one and you absolutely have to have one to move up from your entry level position. More importantly, those who have earned a bachelor's degree are known to earn more money overall. According to the U.S. Census bureau those that hold bachelor's degrees make $50,000+ a year. This is on average $20,000 more than individuals who only have a high school diploma. Individuals with bachelor's degrees earn more in salary, receive more raises and promotions, and are more likely to get jobs that have benefits. Perhaps a more important question would be "What can't a bachelor's degree do for you?"

Getting a bachelor's degree through online university courses can be the ticket to untold professional opportunities. Once you earn your bachelor's degree you may find that opportunities are endless.

Associate Degree Guide

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What is an Associate Degree? 

 An associate degree is awarded after the completion of 20 courses or the credit equivalent which is about 50 credit hours. An associate degree can be completed in about 2 years of schooling. More than half a million associate's degrees are awarded yearly in the U.S. alone and distance learning has made this possible. You can earn your associate's degree from the comfort of your own home by taking accredited online courses. Associate's degrees can be for a specific program, or applied to bachelor's degrees and graduate degrees.

What types of Associate degrees are there?

There are only two different types of associate degrees: transferrable or occupational. Occupational associate degrees prepare students to work in a particular field. The Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Applied Arts, Associate of Applied Technology, and Associate of Occupational Studies are all occupational associate's degrees. Students that complete occupational associate degrees will be prepared to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. Occupational associate degrees can also be transferred towards a bachelor degree.

Transferrable associate's degrees allow students to enter into a bachelor's program with about half the credits that have already been earned. Transferrable associate's degrees are usually made up of general education classes that are required for the degree.

Common Associate Degrees

• AA - Associate of Arts
• AE - Associate of Engineering or Associate in Electronics Engineering Technology
• AN - Associate of Nursing
• AS - Associate of Science
• AF - Associate of Forestry
• AT - Associate of Technology
• AAA - Associate of Applied Arts
• AAB - Associate of Applied Business
• AAS - Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Arts and Sciences
• AAT - Associate of Arts in Teaching
• ABA - Associate of Business Administration
• ABS - Associate of Baccalaureate Studies
• AND - Associate Degree in Nursing
• AES - Associate of Engineering Science
• AET - Associate in Engineering Technology
• AFA - Associate of Fine Arts
• AGS - Associate of General Studies
• AIT - Associate of Industrial Technology
• AOS - Associate of Occupational Studies
• APE - Associate of Pre-Engineering
• APS - Associate of Political Science or Associate of Public Service
• ASPT-APT - Associate in Physical Therapy

Associate's degrees are available in many different fields and most are offered online.

10 Tips for Getting Financial Aid

College is expensive. There is no question about it and most people can’t just cough up the dough for tuition. More and more students are relying on financial aid to pay for tuition, especially in this economy. If you are a student that needs financial aid, this article is for you. Pay attention to these ten tips to get the aid that you need.

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1. Do Your Research

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Financial aid is confusing.  There are so many types of aid out there. My first word of advice is to devote a few hours to financial aid research. Read up about the different types of aid available and search for some scholarships that you may be applicable for. Familiarize yourself with the financial aid world so that you'll better understand how to get that aid. I once read that you can make a full time job out of searching and applying for scholarships because of all the information that is out there. All I’m asking is a few hours just to get educated about the types of aid that are out there.

2. EFC. What is it and what does it do for you?

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EFC stands for Expected Family Contribution. Your EFC score determines your level of need. You will be awarded need based aid such as grants, subsidized student loans, and work study if your EFC is lower than the estimated cost of attendance. If you fill out a free financial aid application at the FAFSA website, they will tell you whether or not you are eligible for need based aid. Knowing your EFC will help you determine what aid you can expect and apply for.

3. How do I find my EFC?

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There are many EFC calculators out there online just do a search. Finding your EFC is very important and will help you in determining what aid you are eligible for.

4. You can't win them all

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Money is awarded on a need basis. You should have a plan B in place in case you aren't awarded any aid. Don't let this discourage you however; money is out there for undergraduate students. Just don't expect full financial aid, keep your options open. Most of the time students will receive aid for most of the price of tuition not all. So you may want to have several methods of aid in place or some money saved. Bottom line: Do not expect to get your tuition paid in full, and keep your options open.

 5. Make friends with your college financial aid advisor

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While your EFC is a good way to judge what type of aid you will get it is not necessarily set in stone. Your financial aid advisor can change your EFC to your favor based on your needs. It is in your best interest to sit down with your advisor and have a meeting. Your advisor can give you tips to getting more aid and help you along the way. They can explain the best way to apply for aid and scholarships while helping you with aid that the school has available as well.

6. Try! Try! And Then Try Again!

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Don't count yourself out. It is a common misconception that there is an income cutoff for financial aid. Sometimes people think they will not qualify for aid because they make too much or their parents make too much but this is not the case. Your EFC is determined by several different factors. The best thing to do is try to apply for aid and see if you qualify, don't just assume that you won't qualify.

7. Just expect it to be complicated

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There's just no getting around it you will have to fill out at least one complicated financial aid application. The FAFSA application takes a while and can be a little complicated but it's worth it. FAFSA will provide you with useful information to help you along your financial aid path. They will also show you what aid you qualify for and how much. It's worth it!

8. Don't get paranoid

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People get nervous about sending important information over the internet for their aid application. The aid sites are absolutely safe and secure and your information will be safe. Don't let this fear keep you from getting the aid that you deserve. Send your application in!

9. If you do get aid, don't expect to get all that you need

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If you do receive aid from your college most financial of it comes in packages of grants and unsubsidized loans. Very rarely does the amount of aid you receive meet your EFC. Often times the aid you receive will cover most of the expenses but some of it you will have to come up with yourself. Be prepared to have to pay for some of your tuition even if you get aid.

10. Follow the deadlines!

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When it comes to aid colleges operate on a type of first come first serve basis. Aid is only awarded to those who need it yes, but money can run out colleges only have so much in their budget for aid. Make sure you turn your application in on time or early if possible to get the best chance of getting aid. Even if you are eligible for aid, but you turn in your application late when the money is gone you won't get any help.