Finding out what online
college costs may sound like a simple question, but with the rapidly growing multiplicity of options now available, there is no simple answer. Each program differs in cost and value. Here are some tips to navigating the many choices in online college courses and how to be smart about financing your education.
Cost Versus Value First
Let’s not forget that “cost” and “value” are not one and the same. Indeed, one question you may be asking yourself is “can I afford to go to college?” Yet, a better question might be “can I afford NOT to go to college”? You likely know the value of college – and since you are reading this article, you presumably are aware that it is one of the strongest tools that will enable you to progress in your career, gain stable employment, and increase your earning potential. Now that you know that college is your ticket to a successful and lucrative career, let’s speak about various factors to consider when looking for courses.
Numerous Factors to Consider When Comparing College Costs
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding where to attend school. 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 know which is indeed the right fit for you. In recent years, online education programs have been increasing across a number of fields, as well as gaining complexity, availability and recognition. There are numerous online college programs offering a wide range of academic and professional training programs, which can serve as the next step in your path to a career.
What to Look for in Online Education
One of the most significant advantages of pursuing your education online is the flexibility that it offers in terms of schedules and deadlines. In addition, sometimes there are cost benefits to be had, or more flexible payment options. When you are at the stage of deciding between online degree programs and schools, you need to ask the right questions and do a little research beforehand.
Here are a few key questions to ask:• What credentials does the school offer? • Is the school accredited? • What programs are available, and is there flexibility to change courses if I decide to do so?• 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 are all questions that should be asked prior to starting a degree program. Having this important background knowledge will enable you to make an informed decision about what programs could be best for you in the short, medium, and long term, and what the cost of the education will really get you in terms of value for money.
What Degrees Do I Need to Work in My Chosen Field?
Not all professions are the same. Some fields require only a training certificate in order to hire inexperienced works, while others will ask for an Associates degree, Bachelors, or even a Masters degree. If you have decided on the field you want to work in or the job you want to have, 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.
What are the associated fees, or associated savings, involved in online courses?
It is important to keep in mind that while tuition itself often represents a significant chunk of college costs, it is not the whole package. There are also administrative fees, admissions fees, and other associated costs that must 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 remember that online courses may save you time and money because you do not need to commute to a physical campus to attend class.
Don’t underestimate the importance of this when comparing costs.
For example, if you are planning to work part-time while you attend college, this may enable you to have several more hours in the week that you can be working and earning money. Or, 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. Consider these factors in your cost comparisons as well. Financial Aid: How to Find Ways to Cover Costs For many people, it’s a big challenge to figure out how they can afford a higher education or how they can manage to go back to school after already being in the job market. Before choosing an online education program, remember to speak to the financial aid department of the various schools you are considering.
Here are some important questions to ask in order to ascertain what the best option is for you:
• Does the school offer any scholarships that would be relevant to me? • Are there loans available for me? • What kind of loans are they – public or private? Subsidized or unsubsidized? • What is the rate of interest on the loans? • What are the repayment terms and conditions? • How soon do I have to begin repaying the loans once I have graduated or leave the school? • What happens just in case I do not have a job or income immediately after graduation? • How flexible are the repayment options? Are there possibilities for flexible repayment plans depending on income, unemployment, disability, military service, continuing education, or other factors? • Do I need someone to cosign my loans? What responsibilities does this person have?
Many online colleges and universities also have specially designed payment plans and course scheduling intended to help students pay as they go in order to avoid going into debt. Check into all these options. An education is an investment. Choose the school that will bring you the best returns possible on that worthwhile investment.
What does FNU cost? FNU offers five different types of online degree programs:
Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Business Administration. Detailed information concerning financial aid, tuition, and fees for the various programs offered at FNU is available through the Consumer Information section of the website. Don’t forget that our Financial Aid Officers are here to help you. Our mission at the Financial Aid Office is to provide a financial package to cover the difference between the student’s budget and the amount revealed by his or her official need analysis. Contact us today and let us help you pave the way toward your future!
