Education is the key to jumpstarting your career. No matter what your situation, you CAN get your degree.
Once you have taken the important step of deciding to get your degree, it is time to choose the right program, degree, and field of study. In addition, it is equally important to decide whether a traditional or an online education is optimal for you. You might want to consider an online education – because for many people, distance learning is the flexible route towards a rewarding, lucrative and promising career.
Factors to Consider When Comparing College Programs
There are many different issues to consider when deciding where to pursue your higher education. Even before comparing the details of tuition, fees, and any other associated costs, it is important to assess the pros and cons of traditional and online degree programs to determine which is the right fit for you. Distance learning programs have recently grown across a number of fields and industries. In addition, such online-based programs are gaining complexity, availability, and recognition. Numerous online college programs offer a wide range of academic and professional training. Studying at a distance with an online educational program can be a great way to get your degree, while still leading your life, working a job, or raising a family.
Distance Education Programs – An Ideal Path for Professionals
If you are a busy professional with a full schedule, it can be difficult to carve out the time for studying. A degree program requires time, commitment, and effort, therefore, distance learning might be the best option. Distance learning provides online classes that allows you to advance in your career without having to quit your job.
Since you have work responsibilities, your ideal educational program would offer considerable flexibility, without the strict schedules associated with traditional campus-based classes. With an online education, you can study any time you have a computer and internet access. Of course, studying requires effort and commitment – but with an online degree, you have the choice of when, how, and where you study.
What to Look For in Online Education
One of the biggest advantages of pursuing an online education is the flexibility it offers in terms of schedules and deadlines. In addition, sometimes the cost of education is significantly different, or there may be more flexible payment options. Yet, like with any decision, when you are choosing between online degree programs and schools, you need to do your homework. Here are a few key questions to ask while investigating your options:
- What credentials does the school offer?
- Is the school accredited? By whom?
- What programs are available, and is there flexibility to change courses if I decide to?
- Are the faculty-members recognized professionals, experienced teachers or academically advanced in their fields?
- Does this program grant me a recognized qualification in the job market?
- Does the school offer post-graduation resources such as career counseling, job placement or other alumni services?
- What are the payment options?
- Are there scholarships, grants or loans available for students with limited financial means?
These questions should be asked and addressed so you can make an informed decision between colleges and degree programs. When you have this knowledge, you will be able to decide what is best for you in the short and long-term. You will also be in a better position to gauge if the education will provide enough value for money it costs.
Cost and Value of Online Education
While college tuition itself often represents a significant chunk of educational costs, it is not all there is to consider. There are also administrative fees, admissions fees, and other associated costs that may be factored into the equation. Some schools have resource fees, as well as the cost of materials and textbooks, which are not included in the tuition. Select schools may cost slightly more, but textbooks and other materials are included in the price of tuition. There are also numerous forms of financial aid, including Pell grants, loans, veterans’ benefits, and scholarships.
It is also important to keep in mind that online courses may save you time and money, since you do not need to commute to a physical campus to attend class. Do not underestimate the importance of these timesaving’s when comparing costs. For example, if you are planning to work part-time while you attend college, remember that this may enable you to have several more hours in the week that you can be working and earning money. In addition, if you are a holding a full-time job and plan to take online courses on the side, not having a lengthy commute may make a big difference in your success as it allows you extra time to study and attend to other responsibilities. These are some factors that should be taken into consideration when making comparisons to the costs.
How to Decide on What Degree or Certification to Pursue
If you know what field you are interested in working in, it is useful to speak with a career counselor to help you figure out which program of study can give you the appropriate qualifications. Keep in mind that not all professions require the same level of educational attainment, official certifications, or degrees. Some fields may only require a training certificate for entry-level workers, while others will ask for an associate degree, a bachelors or even a master’s degree. Make sure you know what the industry requires you to have in terms of education and training, so you can confidently and efficiently obtain that professional qualification. This will save you time and money in the long run.
Get your Degree at Florida National University
Of course, if you know you are interested in getting a degree but are not yet sure which field is right for you, contact us! Founded in 1982, Florida National University’s goal has always been to open doors to the future. Contact us today at 305-821-3333 or get in touch with one of our admissions advisors who can help you map your way to a successful future.
