### 1. Set Up Your Study Nook

First, create a cozy workspace where you can focus. Pick a spot that’s free from distractions, whether it’s your bedroom, a corner in the living room, or even a favorite café. Having a dedicated area helps signal to your brain that it’s time to hit the books!

### 2. Create a Routine that Works for You

Finding a structure that fits your lifestyle can make a world of difference! Make a daily or weekly schedule that includes study times, assignment due dates, and class sessions. Consistency is key! Remember to include breaks and self-care activities to keep yourself refreshed. Sticking to a routine can help you balance your online coursework with life outside of studying.

### 3. Keep a Calendar or Planner Handy

Using a digital calendar or a good old-fashioned planner will be super helpful for tracking important dates like assignments, projects, and exams. Set reminders for due dates, and try to plan study sessions ahead of time instead of leaving things to the last minute. This proactive approach helps reduce stress and keeps you ahead of the game!

### 4. Dive Into Your Coursework

Online learning often takes a bit more self-motivation than traditional classes. Make the most of your course materials! Take notes, ask questions, and jump into discussions. If you have concerns, feel free to reach out to your instructors—they’re there to help you out! Connecting with classmates can also give you different perspectives and resources.

### 5. Embrace Technology

Take full advantage of the tech tools your online classes offer. Explore discussion boards, video calls, and group projects to enhance your experience. Familiarize yourself with any extra resources, like apps or websites, that can make your studies easier, including study aids or wellness resources to keep you balanced.

### 6. Communicate Openly

Good communication is super important in online classes! Reach out to classmates and introduce yourself in forums. Building connections can give you support and motivation during your studies. Don’t hesitate to ask your instructors for feedback—creating those relationships can be really helpful!

### 7. Stay Organized

Keeping organized is crucial when taking online classes. Make folders on your computer for each course and keep your assignments, notes, and resources in one place. Tracking your progress makes it easier to stay focused on your studies instead of scrambling around looking for materials when a deadline approaches.

### 8. Explore Campus Resources

Many online students miss out on resources their colleges offer! From academic advising to tutoring, you can usually find support online. Don’t be shy about reaching out for help when you need it—these resources exist to help you tackle academic challenges or personal guidance.

### 9. Find Your Balance

While online education is flexible, it’s essential to create boundaries between school and personal life. Make sure to carve out time for fun activities alongside your studies. Spending time with family, engaging in hobbies, or taking breaks to recharge helps keep your mind sharp and motivated.

### 10. Prioritize Self-Care

In the midst of your studies, be sure to focus on your well-being! Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep are all important for staying alert and focused. Take short breaks during long study sessions to relax and consider practicing some mindfulness activities to reduce stress and boost your concentration.

### 11. Connect with Peers

Forming study groups or chatting with classmates can be incredibly helpful. It not only makes learning more enjoyable, but it can also help you better understand tough topics. Plus, having a support group can keep you motivated and accountable.

### 12. Stay Flexible

Flexibility is key! Online learning can change, and tech may update, but embracing these shifts can be a great chance for personal growth. Being open to change makes your education smoother and prepares you for future challenges in both your studies and career.

Online college can be an exciting and flexible path to education! By following these tips, you can create a productive and enjoyable learning environment. Embrace this unique journey, stay committed, and make the most out of your online experience! Happy studying!

Growing Acceptance Among Employers

One of the biggest concerns surrounding online degrees has been employer perception. Historically, some hiring managers questioned whether online programs offered the same rigor and outcomes as traditional campus-based education. However, because so many online colleges have turned out successful graduates, and because many highly selective colleges and universities now offer coursework and entire degree programs online, this stigma has largely faded. Today, even Harvard University and Stanford offer completely online degree programs in a variety of disciplines as well as a wide range of specialty certificate programs.

• Employer recognition: Surveys show that over 80% of employers view online degrees from accredited universities as fully equal to traditional programs. In fact, many companies now pay for the tuition and fees of employees enrolling in select programs.
• Credibility shift: According to the Online Learning Consortium, 83% of employers now consider online degrees credible.
• Skill emphasis: Employers increasingly value the transferable skills online learners develop, such as self-discipline, adaptability, and time management.

This shift reflects the broader acceptance of online education and digital learning in the workplace, where remote collaboration and online training have become standard.

Flexibility and Accessibility

The primary appeal of online degrees lies in their flexibility. For working professionals, parents, or those with geographic limitations, online programs provide opportunities that traditional education cannot.

• Convenience: Students can study at their own pace, often balancing coursework with full-time jobs or family responsibilities.
• Cost savings: Online programs frequently reduce or eliminate expenses related to housing, commuting, and campus fees.
• Global reach: Learners can access programs from prestigious institutions worldwide without relocating. In fact, the University of London established the first external degree program in 1858 for just that reason and the University of Chicago followed before the turn of the century.

This accessibility makes higher education attainable for populations who might otherwise be excluded.

Quality Matters

Not all online degrees are created equal. The value of an online credential depends heavily on the institution and program chosen.

• Accreditation: Degrees from regionally accredited colleges and universities carry the most weight. Accreditation ensures that the program meets at least basic, traditional   academic standards.
• Reputation: Employers are more likely to respect degrees from well-known institutions with established online programs.
• Field of study: Some disciplines like computer science, business, healthcare administration, education, and the liberal arts translate well to online formats, other areas of study require hands-on training, making them at least somewhat more problematic. However, surprising as it may be, today you can even earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in seemingly unlikely subjects like engineering, chemistry, biology, and nursing.

Choosing a financially stable, reputable institution is critical to ensuring that the degree you earn holds long-term value.

Career Outcomes

Online degrees can open doors to career advancement, but their impact varies by industry.

• High-demand fields: Online degrees in areas such as information technology, business administration, and education are particularly valuable now because they align with current workforce needs. That could change in the future, but it’s not hard to track which fields need more workers and which specific skills are most needed by making a few simple Internet searches. In addition, the Department of Labor, among others, has an excellent record of predicting future hiring trends.
• Professional growth: Many students pursue online degrees to qualify for promotions or career changes. Employers often reward the initiative and persistence required to complete such programs and some will even offer employees financial support.
• Networking opportunities: While online learning may lack the traditional campus experience, many programs now integrate virtual networking, internships, and alumni connections.

Ultimately, the value of a degree is measured not only by the credential itself, but by how well graduates leverage it throughout the course of their careers.

Challenges and Misconceptions

Despite their many advantages, online degrees are not without challenges.

• Self-motivation required: Success in online learning demands good organizational skills and self-discipline.
• Limited hands-on experience: Some fields may require in-person labs or practicums that online programs cannot fully replicate. If you plan to study in one of those fields, you might consider some number of classes on-campus.
• Persistent myths: Some people still assume online degrees are “easier” or less rigorous, although evidence shows otherwise.

Students should be prepared to counter these misconceptions by demonstrating the skills and knowledge their degree programs provided them with.

The Future of Online Education

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning, normalizing it across industries and institutions. As technology advances, online education will likely become even more immersive, incorporating tools like virtual reality, AI-driven tutoring, and interactive simulations.

With these innovations, the line between online and traditional education will continue to blur, further enhancing the credibility of online degrees.

Conclusion

So, are online degrees valuable? The evidence says yes. When earned from accredited, reputable institutions, online degrees are respected by employers, provide flexibility for diverse learners, and foster critical workplace skills. Their ultimate value depends on the program’s quality and the student’s ability to apply what they’ve learned in real-world contexts.

For many, online degrees are not just valuable; they are transformative, offering access to education and career opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. If you want to maximize your career potential, it will serve you well to investigate your online college options at college-scholarships.com or one of the many similar sites.

The post Are Online Degrees Valuable? first appeared on ONLINE COLLEGES, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND DEGREE PROGRAMS.]]> https://www.college-scholarships.com/online-degrees-for-maximum-career-advancement/ Tue, 13 Jul 2021 03:10:27 +0000 https://www.college-scholarships.com/?p=2660 In the era of the internet, when most industries and services are actively migrating to the cloud, education is evolving as well. Online degrees have become quite popular and widespread, even more so since the pandemic started. They represent a safer, more accessible, and more affordable opportunity to get an education. Besides, online education allows you to Read more…

In a May 2020 online article, technology entrepreneur and Forbes magazine contributor Ilker Koksal noted that “Since the COVID-19 outbreak, online learning has become more centric in people’s lives. The pandemic has forced schools, universities, and companies to remote working and this booms the usage of online learning.”

The advantages of online earning in terms of time and money saved are apparent to students who may be juggling work and family in addition to classes. But what happens when the classes are finished and the degree is in hand?  Can an online degree lead to a great career?  The evidence says yes!

For all those students who are in search of an online degree but want confirmation that the upcoming years of juggling their job, their family and their schedules are going to be rewarded with a profitable career that will provide them with a good salary and a steady profession.

The most popular online college degree is business administration, both because there are so many directions in which to use it and because it’s a field that promises steady employment. In fact, business administration has more online students than any of the other degree programs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor’s degree, the minimum requirement to be a Chief Executive Officer, can expect to earn its owner over two million dollars during the course of a career.

If you do happen to become  a CEO, you can expect to earn approximately $193,850 a year.  So to answer the question of whether sacrificing now will lead to future financial rewards, just start thinking of those bonuses.  By investing 120 credit hours in an online business program, you’ll reap a job in a field that serves up success.

But maybe business isn’t your thing. Maybe you’re working as a server in a restaurant: you like people, you like the environment, but the pay leaves something to be desired. How can you capitalize on the experience you already have? You can consider pursuing a degree in hospitality management.

This is a program that’s ideal for people who are already working in the hospitality industry, perhaps in restaurants, but also in hotels, casinos, and cruise ships, because remote learning and a working schedule that’s not the traditional 9 to 5 shift lets students do their coursework on their own time frame.

Hospitality management graduates aren’t going to earn the kind of money that someone with a degree in business administration expects. But you might be quite happy with that because in exchange, you’re not confined to an office all day.  Salaries range in the mid $50,000 range for hospitality management graduates. Who may be earning those dollars working as spa directors, restaurant, or even managing travel for professional sports teams.

Online degrees offer the flexibility and versatility that today’s students, whether fresh out of high school or grads or adults who have been in the work force for some time, welcome.  The COVID19 pandemic has placed a renewed focus on health care workers, which is also a field that’s well suited for online learning.

Health care administration is a field that’s growing fast and pays a median income of $96,540; according to the BLS, this is considerably higher than the national average for all other occupations.  This profession brings together  business knowledge with medical practice, identifying the purpose of the health professions with the structure and savvy that’s needed to support the business aspect of the field.

There is an amazing variety in the range of occupations and salaries that can be found in health care. An online associate’s degree presents an opportunity to work with the data that is an inevitable part of the medical field.  Health information technicians and medical records clerks work  to update patient records, implement specialized equipment and programs, and place patients in the treatment program that’s suited to their particular conditions. The median income for someone in this position is $38,040.

Online degree programs have embraced newer professions which are increasing in popularity as our society  changes  For those people who are interested in working in a field where their concern for the environment is nurtured by obtaining an online degree in the field of environmental science or sustainable and renewable energy, a “green” job might be a smart choice.

With the ever-increasing need to conserve energy and protect the environment, this field is rapidly growing in demand. The quest to clean up pollution and conserve our natural resources involves legislators and businesses. which provides employment for biologists, geoscientists and foresters. Salaries in the sustainability and energy or environmental science fields can range from $46,540 for an associate’s degree to more than $70,000 for a bachelor’s degree, which expecting to see continued growth.

Another online program that enables students to pursue their personal ethics with a career is a degree in criminal justice, which can often take fewer than two years to complete. Your education will introduce you to the law enforcement skills that depend upon data analysis, research, reporting for employment in a law firm, the court room, and government agencies. The average salary for a police officer is $61,600; a probation officer can expect to earn $50,160 in a field that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is predicted to grow by 17%.

These are just a sample of the many great careers that can be obtained by pursuing an education. As you can see, there is no limit to the possibilities that await students who are looking for a way to have a great career while enrolling in an educational program that doesn’t confine them to a rigid  classroom schedule.  Your online degree is your route to a bright, more prosperous future.

Online Degree Programs List

It’s a good idea to know which programs can launch you into that better life by teaching highly-marketable skills.  Here are some of the best:

Business Programs

Marketing & Public Relations (PR)– This is a more diverse field than many people realize: it’s not just another way of saying “advertising.” Marketing is a career that involves an understanding of human psychology, the skill of conducting research, managing or working in teams, and thinking creatively.  A background in marketing can prove versatile in business careers, and in the future, knowing how to target customers is only going to become more complex and in higher demand.

Human Resource Management- We’re increasingly living in a world in which CEOs of lean, dynamic companies are finely curating small cohorts of talented people who mesh into one great team.  That makes human resource managers valuable, sought-after, and possessed of a comfortable salary.

Healthcare Administration- While this is a highly-focused online bachelor’s degree, it is a business discipline.  And as we all know, everyone is scrambling to figure out how to offer efficient healthcare.

Supply Chain Management- Here’s another field that is complex and becoming more so with each passing year.  This career is all about sourcing raw materials or products, then figuring out how to get them from Point A to Point B.  You can expect a nice career with an annual salary in the $75,000 range.

Other online business programs that can help boost your salary and career options are Finance, Economics, and Accounting, as well as Business Administration.

Information Tech Programs

Cybersecurity- There’s no denying the seriousness of cyber threats that businesses, organizations, and individuals face.  No one can afford catastrophes that will result from hacking.  Therefore, computer experts who understand the language of hacking, protocols for identifying threats, and how to stop them, can market their skills at a high rate.  Your earnings should launch into the six figures with this specialty.

Software development- This field is continuing to grow, with no signs of slowing down.  Being able to code, envision, and engineer software for any variety of needs will be a very marketable skill for years to come.  Online degrees in this discipline will lead you toward a six-figure income.

Other IT online degrees to develop your career include Database Management and Game Design.

Other Valuable Programs

Statistician- This one isn’t obvious, but it’s reliable as a way to guarantee employment and a good salary.  A statistician develops the means of collecting and gathering data, and today, everyone is looking for data to run their organizations.  Many government jobs are available in this field.  A bachelor’s degree will be your gateway to a career, but a master’s degree will be very valuable too.

Sports Management- This widely-offered online degree allows more career options than you might think.  Sports management isn’t just being a player agent but can include the design of venues, event planning, and player development.  Job prospects and salary are both good.

Solar Technology Installation- This field is anything but a glorified roofer, and that’s why online programs teach the necessary skills.  Practitioners need to have a clear understanding of the principles behind and workings of solar tech and of electrical systems.  The entry level positions might not be high paying, but this field will give you a career and not just a job.

Anything health related- It will come as no surprise that if you enter into a health field, you’ll find yourself with great career prospects. Not only is this a field that is always perpetuated, but it is getting more specialized and in need of more hands on deck.  Here are some great online degrees in the health field:

• Physician’s Assistant
• X-ray Technician
• Home Healthcare Aide
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Genetic Counseling

Most of the degrees with highlighted are bachelor’s degrees, though some may have associate’s degrees, and some may be available on the master’s level.

Some associate’s degrees that can improve your career life are: web design, nursing, network technologies, Content writing and paralegal studies.  Master’s degrees available online include nurse anesthesia, data science, and economics.

Once you figure out your interests, research programs in depth and then find online colleges and online degrees that are worth the time and money.

As more employers happily embrace candidates with online degrees, online learning is full of potential with the right institution. While there is some debate about the value of online degree programs, these success stories speak for themselves.

Story 1: Online Business Degree Takes Mom from Assistant to Boss

Carlisha Moore, wife and mother of two from Dacula, Georgia, climbed the ladder of success recently with the help of an online college and online degree program. Climbing from administrative assistant to the management track, an online business management degree program paved the way for career advancement. Despite her busy work and family life, this hardworking mom set out to earn her bachelor’s degree while juggling full-time employment, family, and marriage.

Moore was recently spotted giving a speech at Western Governors University in their commencement ceremony. Thanks to her hard work and an online degree program, Moore spoke proudly about what it means to have earned her degree. When asked for advice to new students pursuing an online degree, Moore stated, “If you are self-motivated, go for it!”

Story 2: The Farmer with the Advanced Degree

Mr. Sudhakar of India worked in farming with his family, living well below the poverty level as a boy. After turning 18, he was able to use distance learning to earn an advanced degree online. Soon after, he became a well-respected journalist. Later, he completed his undergraduate program at Kakatiya University online and became a reporter with the Eanaadu daily newspaper.

Once an intermediate dropout, Sudhakar seized every opportunity he could. As a bounty of new opportunities arose, he furthered his education more, earning a bachelor’s in communication and journalism. According to Sudhakar himself, he never would have left the agricultural world without online degree programs.

Story 3: Finance Employee Advances Career Online

Dianna Searles was working in a successful finance position when she decided she wanted more for her career. Working at PNC Bank in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Because Searles would have to quit her job to attend traditional classes, Searles realized that online learning was the only way to attain her advancement goals. With her determination and the University of Phoenix human services management online degree program, she earned her degree at her pace.

The course and workload for Searles’ program were demanding; however, her courses’ flexibility allowed her success. With 17 years on the job, the University of Phoenix allowed Dianna to advance her career by studying from home on her schedule. While it took Searles a whole lot of self-discipline and determination, she found online learning to be a blessing.

Story 4: Changing the World One Degree at a Time

Russell Stokes was a fresh communication graduate from Arkansas State in the late ’90s. Quickly after graduation, Stokes got a job working with RadioShack. While advertising was fun, Stokes realized he had a greater purpose and decided to take on the world. With kids, a wife, and a career, online learning was the only way for Stokes to achieve his goals. In pursuance of a master’s degree in science, Russell returned to Arkansas State—however, this time, he did it online.

As an advanced placement coordinator and instructional specialist for the curriculum department at Jonesboro Public Schools, Stokes is now able to help students that have difficulty learning. While it took him a while to get comfortable teaching, he has now successfully fulfilled that role for over 20 years.

Story 5: Pennsylvania Native Goes from Serving the Country to Public Service

Isaac White was not motivated in high school, frequently hitting the snooze button in the morning. Eventually, oversleeping through his SATs, White was not thrilled about continuing his education and decided to join the army. Stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, he served a year in Iraq between 2004 and 2005, working as a medic. Being that White is colorblind, there were only two jobs he was allowed to do in the army. During this time, he ultimately learned how to save lives, which ultimately led him to realize his passion in life—helping people.

After serving in the Army, Isaac White decided to go on to public service. Realizing the problems we face as a nation, he shifted his focus toward our nation’s big problems. After four years of enlistment, White earned his bachelor’s in arts and political science from Edinboro University. Soon after, he realized the only way to advance in his desired field was to earn an MPA. With work and a family, the online degree program at A-State made it possible to reach new heights.

Online Degree Programs Prove Valuable for Many

In an everchanging world, new ways to work and attend school are gaining traction. While online learning is not a new concept, it has more potential than ever before. No matter the degree you wish to pursue, there are hundreds of reputable online colleges with top-notch degree programs. In the end, online learning allows you to be successful on your schedule.

Before you jump to enroll in online classes however, the real question is – are online degrees worth the time and money? In short, the answer is yes. While some areas of focus might be better on-campus, many degree programs are closely tailored for an online environment. Of course, there are benefits and drawbacks to every decision, including college. Let us begin with some of the many benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits of Online Degree Programs

• Flexibility in scheduling
• Comfortable learning environment
• Pacing options
• Geographic flexibility
• Career advancement
• More affordable programs
• Improve technical skills

Drawbacks to Online Degree Programs

• Online courses make it easy to procrastinate
• Online courses require exceptional time management skills
• You are responsible for your own learning
• Some require a more significant amount of time
• There is no one physically there to keep you on task

From recent high school graduates to busy, working parents, online degree programs make it possible to secure a degree through legitimate, accredited institutions from the comfort of your home. In today’s world, online learning opportunities are necessary for people moving forward despite the pandemic. Now that we touched on the top benefits of attending college online, let us move on to some common online learning concerns.

Are Online Degrees Easier than On-Campus Programs?

Contrary to popular belief, online classes are not necessarily easier than in-person sessions. Easier to access? Definitely. Access to programs that were otherwise unavailable to you in the past? Yes. However, the workload and effort required are equivalent to in-person education. Online programs offer flexibility and convenience but require the same time commitment to complete assignments and prep for various assessments.

Are Online Degrees More Affordable Than On-Campus Degrees?

The subject of affordability is a tricky one as both in-person and online learning typically have somewhat similar price tags. We do not want to say that there are no cheaper programs available online. There are programs online that are cheaper than those in-person programs. To be sure you are getting the best education at a price you can afford, research both on-campus and online learning before applying. In the end, due diligence on your behalf is imperative to getting the education you deserve.

Are Online Degrees Respected in the World?

Absolutely. No matter the source of your degree, whether it be online or on-campus, most hiring managers see your degree’s value. While some employers prefer the traditional degree, the times are undoubtedly changing. With an increase in the demand for online learning opportunities, many of these programs are spawned directly from famous institutions – working to provide nearly identical instruction online. While it depends on the hiring manager in question, online degrees are valuable and widely respected.

Can an Online Degree Get Me a Job?

As we mentioned prior, online degrees do not get accepted by EVERY employer—it all depends on the manager. However, even on-campus degrees get rejected from time to time. From employer partnerships to a growth in the need for online education, many industries lead toward accepting online degrees from now on. Check out some of the stats below.

• Willingness to Endorse

In all, 89% of online learners stated they would recommend online education to others. Last year, this percentage increased among recent graduates.

• Perception of Quality

When polled, 77% of online learners found their education to be “better than” or “equal” to on-campus learning. Also, the majority find their current and future employers to share in this opinion.

• Return on Investment

85% of online learners feel their online degree has or will produce a full return on their investment. Amid this majority group, the shared consensus is that online education IS worth it.

Get Started on Your Online Degree Today

Online learning provides a link to accessible college-level courses that are otherwise unavailable to everyone. From friends and family to work, life can get pretty busy. Online degree programs through some of the top institutions in the world help unlock new life potential despite your busy schedule. While there are some drawbacks to online learning—such as employers that prefer traditional degrees, online degree programs are highly worth it in the end.

In its infancy, the world of online colleges and online degree programs was like the old U.S. wild west. Initially, only a few, mostly highly suspicious, “online colleges” popped up. Most had no campus; some operated out of a single office, and others were nothing more than degree mills with P.O. boxes where scammers exchanged worthless degrees and fraudulent transcripts in exchange for hefty sums. Their “catalogues” generally contained little or no academic information. Instead, they were packed with essentially dishonest, self-promoting advertising copy and a short list of “professors”, many of whom had degrees from the institution itself or similarly fraudulent entities. Often, operators of these degree mills owned and promoted several, and the cleverest among them created their own bogus accrediting agencies. In some states, particularly those in which there was limited consumer protection legislation and equally little regulatory interest in institutions which claimed to be schools or colleges, these fraudsters raked in millions of dollars and remained untouched by the authorities. In worst case scenarios, degree mills could claim “licensure” in a few states after going through the same process, and paying the same fees, as any other business entity.

After years of ignoring the fraudsters, the more progressive states tightened up their regulatory legislation and enforcement, but in some conservative states there remained strong resistance against any regulation, especially regulation against the institutions which claimed religious affiliation. Not surprisingly, some of the bogus institutions incorporated to protect their owners against personal liability. A few established themselves as (usually religious-affiliated) non-profits and claimed exemption from taxes. Not surprisingly, many online college degree mills popped up in the states with the least regulation, and established degree mills “moved” to them.

Eventually, the FBI stepped in, there were inquiries and hearings, and some of the most egregious degree mill operators were fined and/or imprisoned. At the same time, and for many subsequent years, holders of the bogus degrees they bought were exposed, with many losing their jobs and a few suffering relatively small criminal penalties.      Soon, most of the bad guys were sidelined and legitimate educators and institutions established control of the industry. While a few predatory, for-profit institutions remained, (and a few still do) they became the exception, and online education gained the acceptance it merited.

The Growth of Online Education

With that greater acceptance, and genuine accreditation, came growth.

Then, several years before the COVID pandemic, when online student growth exploded, online college programs experienced dramatic increases in enrollment, and a university offering mostly online degrees (University of Phoenix) became the largest private university in the United States. Just twenty years ago, many organizations were reluctant to seriously consider hiring men and women who had earned online degrees or certificate programs. Now, it is extremely hard to find an organization of significant size, a business, government agency, school, or college which does not include employees who have earned at least one educational or professional credential online. In fact, many such people are in positions of leadership.

It is the success of so many people who studied online that initially elevated the worth of online degrees and professional credentials. And, as perceptions of online and other distance education delivery systems improved, the major accreditation agencies…those approved by the United States Department of Education…began to accredit many more institutions and degree programs. With full accreditation, students studying online became eligible for veteran’s benefits and federal financial aid programs. Obviously, the ability to obtain grants and loans greatly increased the number of people…especially working adults…who could access higher education while meeting their professional and family responsibilities.

At that point, the for-profit institutions that had dominated online education could not adequately serve the entire market, and many well-established public and private institutions, including many that had questioned the rigor and value of online education, realized that their resources could allow them to serve many more students, and generate tremendous revenue via online programs. At the other end of the higher education pecking order, several relatively anonymous small colleges, especially those located in rural areas, literally saved themselves from extinction by adding online career-oriented programs in business, computer science and other high demand areas.

Today, almost every college and university in the United States, from community colleges to Ivy League schools, offer online degree programs of some kind, making it possible for students to earn degrees up to and including PhD’s, EdD’s, and JD’s with little or no time in a traditional classroom.

Online Colleges Today

Here is where we are today; online courses and degree programs are widely (though not universally) respected, nearly every major program of study can be completed online (or with very-limited time on campus), and financial aid…grants and loans…are available to most students. Yes, students may have to take out loans, but flexible online scheduling allows them to work and earn while they learn.

In fact, many employers will finance the educations of those they employ, especially if they select coursework that will create or enhance a skillset valued by the employer. In some instances, companies will fully pay an employee’s tuition, fees, and textbooks for as long as he or she is employed by them. There are many happy stories about workers who influenced their organizations to create tuition assistance programs which became a win-win for all.

Equally encouraging are the tales of people who received raises and/or promotions immediately upon beginning online educational programs. And, happily, it is extremely common to hear of people who are awarded significant promotions and increases in income soon after their degree is conferred. Others, even older workers, have been able to enter entirely new professions after completion of their online studies.

Now that we have delved into a bit of the history and evolution of online colleges/universities and taken a quick look at what an online degree can do for someone, let us consider finances. As noted earlier, students in pursuit of an online degree at any level may qualify for federal financial aid including grants and loans, some of which may be subsidized by the government to ensure lower than normal interest rates. In addition to those offerings are scholarships, sometimes referred to as gift aid because they need not ever be repaid. To get more details about Online Colleges visit: https://www.college-scholarships.com/colleges/online-colleges/

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Online Study

Although online colleges and universities, for obvious reasons, do not award athletic scholarships, dance team scholarships, band scholarships, journalism scholarships, etc. to their students, many do offer a variety of scholarships, like those at residential colleges, that are designed at least in part to try to be competitively priced in what is a highly competitive market. A competitive higher education market, by the way, can be a student’s best friend. First, competition forces colleges and universities of every kind to invest in their programs, from academic offerings and student support services to faculty compensation packages and job placement services (an increasingly high focus area for both prospective students and accreditors). Competition may also help hold down tuition and make admissions requirements less stringent. We will talk about admissions in a moment, but first let us further explore scholarships.

In this discussion, the word “scholarship” will mean only funds awarded to a student by the institution in which he/she is enrolled or an organization other than state or federal government. In several surveys over the years, it has been determined that most people overestimate the cost of college and underestimate the availability of scholarships and financial aid. Before ruling out an online degree program, confirm the cost of tuition, fees, books, and other necessities, and determine what scholarships (and need-based aid) might be available to you. A quick and easy way to do that is to use the “Quick Degree Finder” tool at the top right of virtually every page on this website.

Our Quick Degree Finder Can be a Big Help

In fewer than 5 minutes the “Quick Degree Finder” will match you to colleges and programs meeting your needs and enable you to request information from them in a single click of your mouse. There is no upper limit on the number of colleges from which you can request information, but we recommend you contact three to five initially.

Learning More: Finding the Information you Need

Once you hear from the colleges from which you requested information, it is likely that costs and scholarship/financial aid will be presented to you clearly. If not, or if you have further questions, respond to your admissions counselor…by email, telephone, or messenger…with your questions. Do not be shy; it is the job of your admissions adviser to answer questions, help you navigate the admissions and financial aid processes, and make certain you overcome any obstacles to enrolling in the online degree program of your choice. Your admissions advisor, however, is far from your only source of scholarship and financial aid information. If you look at the index in the right margin of this page, you will find a link to approximately 70 free scholarship search websites. Once there you can choose to visit as many of the sites as you wish. Although a few sites share data bases, most build and maintain their own, so try searching at least a few different sites if you want to maximize your chances to come away with a list of scholarships for which you can be competitive (or even some for which you automatically qualify). If you are asked to write and submit an essay or a “brag sheet”, be sure to save it. For the most part, submitting something you have used to compete for a scholarship elsewhere is allowed, and it is often faster and easier to adapt something you have already created than to start from scratch. Be aware that many scholarship search engines support themselves by selling your information, so if you do not want to be contacted by military recruiters, folks who sell class rings, agencies which offer college tours, stores which rent or sell clothing for formal events, agencies which provide student health insurance packages, or those who offer SAT prep courses or textbook rentals, you might want to create and use a new email address.

Even if you have not been in a high school for years, it would be a mistake to overlook the possibility that your local school counselors, especially those who specialize in college and financial assistance, might help you track down scholarships you would be unlikely to discover on your own. In fact, many school guidance offices maintain a list of so-called “local” scholarships…scholarships awarded by local businesses and organizations to local students. Remember, it takes almost no time to find the phone numbers and/or email addresses of counselors on the websites of their high schools, so you can quickly and easily reach out to counselors…much like earning an online degree… without leaving home.

Finally, make sure you spend time looking for “affinity” scholarships, scholarships for which you may qualify as a function of you or someone in your (mostly) immediate family being affiliated with a company or group of some kind. In some cases, scholarships are available to everyone in the group, in others you would compete only with those in the group, greatly increasing your chances of winning. Probably the best approach is to make a list of the groups to which you, your immediate family members or your grandparents belong and visit their websites looking for scholarships. Finally, try a few searches, like “scholarships for accounting majors”, “scholarships for children of veterans killed in action”, or other groups which include you.

Admissions: Easier and Quicker than you Think

Now, as promised, let us talk about admissions. Much as there is a lot of erroneous information out there about the cost of online degree programs and the difficulty of college-level work online, there is a good deal of misinformation about admission. Many colleges and universities welcome every applicant with a high school diploma or GED with open arms, without regard to their secondary level academic achievement, grades, coursework, or standardized test scores. In fact, even at the graduate degree level, standardized test scores are almost never required. Bottom line: you can pretty much totally forget about standardized testing unless you choose to sit for (as you should) CLEP (College Life Experience Program) exams to “test out” of courses for which your experience may earn you equivalent college credit. Generally, colleges will limit the number of courses for which you can earn CLEP credit to a maximum of five or six, but there is some variability in that number, so consider that in selecting your college and your major field of study. Although most colleges will charge a fee of some kind to accept CLEP credits, that fee is generally far lower than tuition costs. In other words, your life experience can save you both substantial time and money. The same is true of prior undergraduate college coursework. Not all colleges and universities have the same transfer acceptance policy, but most will accept the equivalent of up to three years of fulltime study in which a student has earned a grade of at least a “C”.  In addition, many colleges require no additional general education courses from undergraduate degree seekers who have earned a two-year degree. In general, graduate programs will accept up to twelve graduate credits.

Earlier, we recommended that you use our “Quick Degree Finder” to request information from 3-5 online schools. However, once you receive that information, review it carefully (taking notes as you go), and speak with admissions counselors, you need apply only to your first-choice college, as there is little chance you will be denied admission. If you are not admitted, or if you are unhappy with the financial aid, CLEP hours, or transfer credit you are awarded, you can always move on and apply to your next choice. However, if you want to compare multiple offers before making a final college selection, you can apply to several institutions. There is no reason not to do so except for the time and effort required to fill out multiple applications and send in supporting documents. Many online programs, by the way, will gladly waive application fees, so money should never be a deterrent to you applying to a degree program of possible interest to you.

After you Get Admitted: What Comes Next?

The day you receive your letter or email of acceptance, you will get the answer to the question most prospective students have asked themselves, often more than once: Am I really prepared to do this?

In fact, that sometimes nagging, often-difficult question will be answered easily and definitively. By then, you will know exactly what will be expected of you to successfully complete your program and how badly you want your degree. If you are jumping with joy, just go for it.

Conversely, if your feet feel cemented to the floor…if you have serious reservations about your preparation or commitment, it is probably not a good time for you to begin a new degree program online or otherwise. You can always revisit your decision.