Traditional and Online Degree Programs: Is there a difference?
Posted by
patrick
There are many similarities between a traditional and an online college. No matter which you choose, higher education is always worthwhile. Earning a traditional or an online degree helps people get better jobs or get more promotions. But, before you pay your tuition or enroll, you should do a little research and a little soul searching. This article should help you do that.
What programs are you interested in? An online college may not offer programs that you find interesting, just as a community college might not offer a bachelor's degree. Decide what your goals are. That's the first step in choosing where to attend and what classes to take. If you're just not sure, choose a general field of study, such as Arts and Sciences. You can always specialize later on.
Will you need financial aid? At one time, financial aid was only available at traditional campuses. Today, you can qualify for financial aid, scholarships and student loans, even if you are hoping to earn an online degree.
The Federal Trade Commission has published warnings about deceptive lenders that charge high interest rates or have unreasonable terms for repayment. If you do not qualify for a student loan from your state or federal government, private lenders are an option. But, be sure to read the terms carefully before you apply.
Do you have the time that it takes to earn an online degree? Yes, you do. There is always a way to make time for education, it just takes planning. Don't be in too big of a rush.
There are scammers that will take advantage of your desire to advance quickly or earn credit for what you have already accomplished. An online college might offer some credit for work experience, but they will not promise a diploma for a flat fee in a very short period of time. They will charge by the credit hour and you will be required to do some work.
How much self-motivation do I have? You can work towards an online degree at your own pace, but there are typically deadlines for how quickly a course must be completed, before additional fees are required. If you're the type of person that puts everything off until the last minute, you may need to establish a clear routine for yourself.
Whether you decide to enroll in a traditional or an online college, you will need to make a schedule for yourself and stick with it. Remember your goals and you will be successful.
What programs are you interested in? An online college may not offer programs that you find interesting, just as a community college might not offer a bachelor's degree. Decide what your goals are. That's the first step in choosing where to attend and what classes to take. If you're just not sure, choose a general field of study, such as Arts and Sciences. You can always specialize later on.
Will you need financial aid? At one time, financial aid was only available at traditional campuses. Today, you can qualify for financial aid, scholarships and student loans, even if you are hoping to earn an online degree.
The Federal Trade Commission has published warnings about deceptive lenders that charge high interest rates or have unreasonable terms for repayment. If you do not qualify for a student loan from your state or federal government, private lenders are an option. But, be sure to read the terms carefully before you apply.
Do you have the time that it takes to earn an online degree? Yes, you do. There is always a way to make time for education, it just takes planning. Don't be in too big of a rush.
There are scammers that will take advantage of your desire to advance quickly or earn credit for what you have already accomplished. An online college might offer some credit for work experience, but they will not promise a diploma for a flat fee in a very short period of time. They will charge by the credit hour and you will be required to do some work.
How much self-motivation do I have? You can work towards an online degree at your own pace, but there are typically deadlines for how quickly a course must be completed, before additional fees are required. If you're the type of person that puts everything off until the last minute, you may need to establish a clear routine for yourself.
Whether you decide to enroll in a traditional or an online college, you will need to make a schedule for yourself and stick with it. Remember your goals and you will be successful.
About the Author:
Andrew Morgan is an adult college student whose interests include online colleges, adult education, and financial aid for online college students.
Posts
Post a Comment