Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration from ITT Technical Institute Online

The objectives of this business administration program are to establish a knowledge-and-skills foundation having a balance between marketing, finance, communication, and computer technology; implement that knowledge and those skills through critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork in order to address a variety of business issues on both organizational and global levels; and serve as a basis for ongoing education.
Areas of study include Accounting Principles, Business Management Principles, Computer Accounting, Finance, Financial Accounting Applications, Health Services Management, Information Systems, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Quantitative Analysis, and Statistics. The duration of sessions is 6-12 weeks. Courses presented through an asynchronous learning network, and are available online.
ITT Technical Institute Online:
At a Glance
Serves: USA
Accredited by: ACICS
Enrollment: Quarterly
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
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Earning a degree at ITT Technical Institute Online is similar to earning a degree in a traditional classroom setting. Students are expected to attend online discussion groups that will be monitored by the instructor. Assignments, readings, and other materials have specific due dates that will be given throughout the class. In many ways, ITT Tech online is not like traditional online learning colleges. There are more deadlines and group discussions than in other degree programs.
Students will have to work with other members in their class to complete online assignments. There are also message boards and private boards where students can talk with instructors. All instructors are trained to teach online classes and can offer real work insight where available. An online library is available for students to use at any time. The convenience of learning at one’s own pace is still present. Students will have a week or more to complete assignments and they can participate in a group discussion at any time. Posting responses that other students will be able to read later on is considered participating. Class participation will help students develop a firm grasp on what is being taught. Being able to talk about it with other students will reinforce the lessons.
All book and other materials will be sent to the student’s home once they have enrolled in a degree program. Other materials can be found on the class message board. Students will email assignments after they complete them. Online learning programs that are more structured help students who need more guidance than other students. Even though the program is based on individual study, students will still have to turn in weekly assignments when they are due. This will help students develop time management skills, and learn how to complete projects on time. These skills will be very valuable once a student enters the workforce.

Associate of Science in Business Administration from Everest University Online

The objectives of this business administration program are to gain a well-rounded background in management, finance, marketing, computer applications, and business. Students will learn how to apply classroom solutions to real-life business situations and employ decision-making and organizational skills to the corporate world.
Course subjects include Basic Accounting Principles, Corporate Accounting, Concepts of Finances, Principles of Management, and Speadsheets. A variety of career options are available, including such as accounting clerk, management trainee, and payroll supervisor.
Everest University Online:
At a Glance
Serves: USA
Accredited by: ACICS
Enrollment: Rolling
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Request information »
Everest University Online offers many degree programs for those who are interested in earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Programs include business management, law enforcement, and accounting. Some programs offer associate’s degrees. These programs are tailored to fit the needs of busy students. Students will be able to complete courses when they can and study any time of day. These programs are good for those who already have jobs, those who are looking for a new career, or for those who want to find a career. Being able to study at one’s own pace will take off some of the stress felt in traditional classrooms.
With an online library, counselors, free tutoring, and a dedicated teaching faculty, students will be able to complete required coursework and feel confident that they are gaining knowledge they can use in the workplace. Tuition assistance is available to those who need it. With campuses in Florida, students can also take courses in a traditional classroom setting. Everest University Online classes are conducted in the same manner as a traditional classroom. Students will be able to interact with other students and will be able to seek advice and answers from faculty.
Enrolling in a program is easy. There are admissions counselors who can help students with the application process. Class sizes are small which means that students will be able to ask questions and receive answers promptly. Career assistance is also available after graduation. Many students need some type of direction after graduation. Everest University Online can provide this service. Learning online will give students more time to learn, spend time with family, and still have time to work. Students with busy schedules will appreciate the time they will have by not having to go to class, find a parking space, or take classes that are later in the evening.

Associate’s Degree in Business from Bryant and Stratton College

The associate’s degree in business is an accredited program that can be earned via distance education. Many people falsely believe that they have no time for academics or that an online degree isn’t as good as a campus earned degree. Bryant and Stratton offers accredited programs earned at your chosen pace.
This program will prepare you for a great career with courses such as IT, accounting, management, law, human relations, career management and more. People who achieve this degree can look forward to great employment opportunities in professional business roles.Bryant and Stratton College:
At a Glance
Serves: USA / Canada
Accredited by: MSCHE
Enrollment: 6 terms per year
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
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For those who want to earn a degree in business, accounting, or information technology, Bryant and Stratton College may be the answer. The college offers three online degree programs that can be completed in less than two years. This means that those who want to change careers or try for a promotion at their current job can do so faster than attending a traditional college. Classes are taught by instructors who have real life experience in their field and who enjoy teaching others in an online environment. They are available to answer questions every step of the way. This makes online classes a more comfortable and worthwhile pursuit.
The online programs can be completed around the student’s schedule. The college is accredited which means that credits can be transferred to another college or will be accepted by potential employers. Students will be able to participate in online discussions with other students and will be able to learn at their own pace. Lectures are posted online so that students can look at them whenever they want. Degree programs provide students with the latest information about their field and will prepare students for a variety of new job opportunities.
Online degree programs from Bryant and Stratton College give students a solid foundation so that they can pursue what the jobs that they feel will enrich their lives and make them financially secure. Business, accounting, and information technology are three fields that are in demand by most corporations and other businesses. Knowing how to manage a team, keep a company’s finances in order, and providing the best in technical communication are three skills people can use for the rest of their lives. An online degree will also teach students about time management and how to complete assignments on time. This is a skill they will be able to use in their jobs as well.

AA in Business Administration from Saint Leo University

The AA in business administration from Saint Leo University offers a broad-based education to existing and aspiring business professionals. In addition to a general curriculum, students may choose to focus their studies on management, accounting or health care management. Graduates may use this degree to advance within their careers or as a gateway to a more advanced, specialized business degree.
Full-time students can complete the AA in business administration in less than two years. Online courses are available seven days a week, day or night, which is convenient for those with outside commitments. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be poised for an entry-level position in business administration.Saint Leo University:
At a Glance
Serves: Worldwide
Accredited by: SACS-COC
Enrollment: Monthly
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Request information »
Saint Leo University has several affiliated campuses located across the southeastern United States, Texas, and California. The university has been enrolling students since 1889 and currently offers over 40 different degree programs, many which are available online. SLU is one of the 20 largest Catholic universities in the United States and has a growing number of alumni in leadership roles in business, management, and other economic sectors. Saint Leo University’s online programs are the sixth largest educator of personnel in the military, and the flexibility and unrestricted access of the online programs makes taking classes possible from anywhere in the world where Internet access is available.
SLU’s online programs are designed with the student in mind. All online courses at Saint Leo are taught by professors that have both practical experience as well as extensive knowledge of the subject areas that they teach. Online classes are kept to a small size to allow students maximum contact with each other as well as with teaching staff. The online programs use CD-ROMs, streaming video, chat rooms, and message boards to provide the same high quality education online as would be completed at any one of the physical campus locations.
The online programs at Saint Leo focus on providing both theoretical foundations and practical experiences in each subject area. The flexibility of the online programs make them perfect for professionals that want to continue working while earning their degree, or new students that prefer to work from home rather than commute to the campus. Technology is a focus in all the online courses and provides graduates with the understanding and knowledge of how to use technology in their area of study and interest.

Accredited Online Learning Programs

Accredited Online Learning Programs

The world is not slowing down anytime soon, and many universities are adapting to this increased pace of life by offering accredited online learning programs. Accredited Online learning programs allow people to earn a degree and advance their career even if they don’t have the time or money to attend a traditional college or university. Online learning programs can vary slightly depending on the field of study that a student chooses to pursue, but in general, it entails a series of learning tools offered over the Internet.

Online students who are old and young, single and married, working and unemployed, experienced and in-experienced, technology savvy and not-so-savvy can all participate in online learning programs. This type of learning has really opened the doors to education for many working adults who thought they would never have the time to earn a degree.

By participating in an accredited online learning program, instead of in a more traditional academic environment, students are free to set their own schedule. Students no longer need to be in a specific place at a specific time in order to learn. Classes can often be completed entirely over the Internet and at the time of day or week that best suits the needs of each individual student. The ability to work according to one’s own schedule and at any location with an internet connection means that accredited online learning programs often allow students more freedom.

How Does an Accredited Online Learning Program Work?

Compared to traditional education programs, an online learning program is a form of education that still has lots of room to grow and change. For that reason, accredited online learning programs can work in a number of different fashions. Generally speaking, online learning programs are organized so that the student can retrieve their learning material online, and communicate any assignments or questions over the internet, via email or message boards.

The new wave of online learning programs utilize a number of technologies’ educational tools. Some courses require students to spend a percentage of their time in live, online chat room discussions, while other courses require students to be in a real classroom for part of the course. An accredited online learning program can also contain original material, written by the instructor, or educational software materials with pre-packaged material. The way to find the highest quality online education is to look at the success rate of the school and the goals of the program.

In general, an accredited online learning program means that students will use a computer and the internet to connect to educational resources, their professors and other students. The Internet is a learning tool that is fast becoming a mainstream way to earn a degree and move ahead in the career world.

What Equipment is Needed for Accredited Online Learning Programs?

All accredited online learning programs are slightly different in both the way they work and in the type of equipment they require. Some courses are done completely over email, while others use more complex systems, such as video conferencing, voice conferencing and mobile devices. These are some of the most basic equipment pieces you may need to begin an online learning program:
Up-to-date computer (preferably made within the last three years)
High-speed internet (a computer with Wi-Fi is preferable)
TV and VCR or DVD player
CD player
Personal Email account

If you don’t have access to this type of technology, there are a number of alternative options. Public libraries usually provide access to computers and high-speed Internet. This is a great way for a student who doesn’t own a computer to earn an online degree. Another option to consider, if you don’t currently own a computer, is purchasing a used computer at a discounted price.

If you have a computer with Wi-Fi capability, technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless Internet connections, but no Internet connection in your home, there are still many ways of getting online. For example, there are many free and for-fee Internet networks offered through local businesses, such as coffee shops, that would be great for accesing accredited online learning programs.

How Common is Distance Learning?

Distance learning encompasses all forms of education that fall outside the traditional classroom-based site specific model. These types of courses include correspondence courses, online degrees, Telecourses (delivered via Radio or Television), and CD-Rom Based Learning. Some general facts and statistics regarding the prevalence of distance learning are as follows:
Today there are over 25,000 online courses offered in the United states alone, making up 76% of the world’s total online offerings.
Canada is the world’s leader, per capita, for the number of online courses offered.
Computer and business courses make up the mass majority of online courses offered world-wide.
Most online courses and programs are offered only at the undergraduate level.
Right now, there are approximately 3 million online students in the United States alone.
New technologies and increased access to technology have made online learning more practical and widespread. Some say online learning is the antithesis of traditional schooling - where students get up, travel to class, and participate in class for a required amount of hours. However, other people simply see online learning as a simple extension of traditional learning, which has resulted in a substantial number of distance learning converts. Students still interact with the teacher, other students and the course material, the difference is that they correspond using some form of technology.

Where to Start with Online College Degree Programs?

What are the different types of online college degrees?
The same degrees offered through traditional institutions are also offered through online college degree programs. Students in online programs have earned:
Certificates
Associate Degrees
Bachelor Degrees
Masters Degrees
Doctorates
This, however, does not necessarily mean that all disciplines are offered. There are still many subjects, such as medical training, and student-teacher training, that require a traditional institutional environment because of the nature of the work.
Due to the fact that many career paths require hands-on training, some online college degree programs can get around this hurtle by offering blended programs. These are online college degree programs that ask students to do a combination of work both online and in person.
If you are wondering whether an online degree program is the right option for pursuing your degree of interest, check out the program offerings on Guide To Online Schools.
Where to Start with Online College Degree Programs?
Like any journey, there are many different paths that will take students to their intended destination. The following steps are some general guidelines that should help aspiring students get a good start on their journey towards an online college degree.
Step 1: Figure out what online college degree you want to earn
Any type of higher level learning program requires a substantial commitment of money and time. To ensure that you maximize the value of your investments, it is essential to plan ahead, and select an area of study that is most pertinent to your interests and lifestyle.
Step 2: Find ACCREDITED schools offering your programs of interest
There are so many online college degree programs, offering so many different courses, that the first thing you can do to save yourself time is to look only at the schools that offer the programs you are interested in. To aid in the task of finding the most relevant schools for your future education, Guide To Online Schools has sorted each institution according to the programs that it offers. Once you do find an online degree program of interest, it is very important to find out if the institution is accredited. Accreditation guarantees that an online college degree program is offering a quality education that will be honored and respected by employers.
Step 3: Contact schools for information on eligibility
Having your heart set on a school does not necessarily guarantee you a spot on their roster. Many online college degree programs have requirements that must be met before they will accept a student. You can contact schools of interest by searching schools on Guide To Online Schools , clicking on a school’s icon, and sending a contact inquiry. Schools will send you a packet with all the information you need to sign up for particular programs.
Step 4: Compare the tuition costs for each program of interest
There are many online college degree programs offering degrees which look and sound very similar in length and nature. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they cost the same. Before making a decision about a school, shop around; it could save thousands of dollars in tuition bills.
What are the Requirements for Online College Degree Programs?
Online college degree programs, like traditional schools, often have specific requirements for entry into a degree program. Many of the requirements for online schools are related to a potential students’ educational background. Though many of the requirements for online college degree programs are similar to traditional schools, there are also some provisions that are unique to online education.
Student applicants must have the correct educational background for the degree that they are interested in pursuing. For example if you are interested in an upper level degree, like an Online Masters Program you must have already completed your bachelors. However, if you want to pursue a lower level degree, such as a certificate or associates degree, a high school diploma or GED is sufficient.
School specific requirements also apply. Each school has its own set of criteria for entry into an online degree program thus, if you are interested in a certain degree, it is important to request more program information from that specific school.
An up-to-date computer is important for the online learning experience because much of your school work will require a computer.
Internet Access is the primary method of connecting to online course material and other online students; therefore, it is a necessity for an online college degree program.

What are Online Accrediting Agencies?

Similar to a principal’s job of overseeing the quality of their school’s educational standards, an accrediting agency is responsible for overseeing the quality of education available to the public. Traditional institutions, such as community colleges, vocational schools, 4-year universities and colleges, and graduate schools, usually have at least one accrediting agency that approves the quality of education they offer. Online schools and programs are no different. Specialized accrediting agencies exist to ensure that students are spending their hard earned money on schools that will be advantageous to their future careers.
In the United States, accrediting agencies can be known as national accreditors or regional accreditors. Regional accreditors are more highly respected, and they focus on a single section of the United States. National accreditors are also well respected, but their standards are more general; they oversee schools throughout the United States and in other countries. Below are a series of national accrediting agencies that help to monitor the different types of online schools available to students.

What are the Different Types of Distance Learning?

There are many different forms of distance learning, and many institutions use a combination of methods in order to teach their students. However, there are four common distance learning techniques: open schedule, blended learning, computer based learning and fixed time e-learning.
Open Schedule
An open schedule can be taken anywhere and gives students the most freedom possible. In this plan, students are given a set of deadlines that they must meet within a certain amount of time, but they can work anytime and anywhere to meet the course requirements. This program is ideal for independent workers and people who don’t struggle with procrastination.
Blended Learning
The second most common strategy used in distance learning is one that offers an open schedule, but requires students to communicate in an established location. This could mean that students are able to complete assignments on their own time, but they are required to meet in a classroom or computer chat room to touch base.
Computer Based Learning
Computer Based Learning is the strictest version of distance learning, requiring students to participate at designated times and places. This means that students must touch base at a designated computer lab, or even meet in an actual classroom at a pre-determined time.
Fixed Time E-Learning
The most common form of distance learning is a program that sets a pre-determined schedule that can be kept from any location. This could mean that students are able to work from home, school, or the office, as long as they log onto the online learning site at a designated time. These programs often include a live online forum.

What are the Pros & Cons of Online Schools?

There are many distinct differences between online education and traditional learning. For certain students, distance learning is a fitting option; for others, a campus-based school program is much more beneficial. By comparing the advantages and disadvantages of online learning you can decide if an online or campus program would be more helpful in achieving your goals.
Online Education Advantages:
Convenience - Students can take online courses whenever; students are not limited by a school’s annual/semester/quarter system.
Flexibility - Class times are not set, and the pacing of assignments and readings occurs at your own discretion. You can proceed through your degree program at your own rate.
Availability - Accredited, reputable, and educationally vigorous distance learning programs have increased in recent years.
Cost - Pricing for online degree programs is usually cheaper than traditional school programs.
Self-Direction - Students are able to control their learning environment, moving through courses at their own pace.
Classroom Time - Some distance learning programs have a classroom component, however most do not require attending a physical school. You can learn, study, and graduate from the comfort of any computer location.
Accessibility - Attending class can occur from any computer with network/Internet access.
Learning System - Distance learners tend to be people who learn visually and experientially, and also students who require more time to study, have language-issues, or are introverted.
Zero Travel Expenses - With online degree programs, there is no need to commute to school, all learning can take place from home.
No Interruptions - Since distance learning programs are based on the Internet, and accessed at the user’s discretion, learning takes place whenever you want it to; no need to take a leave of absence, stop working, etc.
Online Education Disadvantages:
Instructor Face-Time - Distance learners typically don’t have the face-to-face interaction that is important to some students.
Reputation & Perception - As distance learning becomes more widespread, more businesses and organizations are starting to recognize the value of an online degree or distance degree. However, there is still a social stigma attached to non-physical educational institutions.
Technology Requirements - Distance learning program requirements are usually modest: computer and an Internet connection. However, students must have some proficiency in using computers.
Social Interaction - Though online learning environments often have chat rooms and message boards they lack physical classroom interactions.
Limited Support - Students are required to take their own initiative in completing assignments, reports, and exams.
Campus Atmosphere - Distance education programs lack the physical value and attractiveness of attending a campus location.

Who Benefits from Online Schools?

Online schools are especially designed to meet the needs of people with lifestyles that just wouldn’t be able to manage attending class according to a traditional school schedule. That means that professionals with full time jobs, parents with the responsibility to take care of a family, and aspiring students who can’t afford to make the move to attend college classes are all able to earn a degree from the freedom of their own home. Online schools all offer different combinations of classes, and the programs all work in a slightly different fashion.
What differentiates online schools from traditional schools is the fact that the responsibility to learn is given almost completely to the student. Though some courses and programs may require students to attend classes on a minimal basis, most online classes are offered exclusively over the Internet. This gives much convenience, but it also requires students to take the initiative to study and achieve on their own.

Setting Up Home for Distance Learning

Explore the space—Partition a quiet space in your home to be used exclusively for school. If you only use this space for studying, it will help you maintain an academic mindset, and it will allow everyone else to understand that you are busy with school when you are occupying that space.
Keep it quiet—It’s easy to ignore background noise in daily life, but everything is amplified when you are trying to focus in a quiet study environment. Everything is considerably more noticeable when you need quiet; a bathroom fan, a washing machine, a faucet dripping, clocks ticking, and cupboards closing can be a major distraction.
Comfortable and attentive—You need to be comfortable enough to spend a significant portion of time studying, but not so comfortable that you feel drowsy or lethargic. An ergonomic desk chair, bright display, and well-lit desk are all standards, but if you can stay productive in a more eclectic environment, do it; just make sure you can stay productive.
Do Not Disturb—Create signs or some sort of signal to let significant others, children, or neighbors know that you should not be interrupted. If possible, establish a consistent study time so that the people you live with will adapt to a schedule.
Organize—Everyone has a different study method, but some form of organization is usually required in order to optimize learning. Messes and scattered material take time to sift through and are a distraction. You should keep all study material and learning aids in your designated study area and keep it organized for optimal efficiency and quick access.

Are there others ways to qualify for financial aid without FAFSA?

If a student wants to qualify for need-based financial aid in the United States, you almost certainly need to fill out a Free Assessment for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The Federal Government uses FAFSA to estimate how much a student’s family (or him-or-herself) should be expected to contribute to his or her college education. Pell Grants, and subsidized Stafford and Perkins loans are awarded to students whose FAFSA shows that they are deserving enough.
Universities and colleges around the country also rely on FAFSA for information about how much students and their families can be expected to pay for college, though they may also require current and future students to fill out additional paperwork. Most schools offer their own financial assistance to needy students, and FAFSA helps them determine who is the most deserving.
However, there are many types of non-need based financial aid available whether or not your FAFSA is filled out. Many Schools award merit-based scholarships without taking into account a student’s FAFSA. Other schools will offer scholarships to qualified students who agree to major in a specific subject such as biology. Some schools also offer scholarships to students who excel at sports and want the students to play for their teams.

How to Make Friends in Online Classes

One of the most common misconceptions about online education is that classes are less social than they would be on campus. However, many online classes demand a great deal of interaction from students. After all, if you are already on Facebook or MySpace, or if you have a blog that a lot of people read, then you know that the online world can be just as social as the offline one.
In contrast, many on-campus university classes are large, anonymous lecture classes with three hundred students. It is about as interactive as watching TV.
Here are six tips for making sure that your online classes are as social as you want them to be.
1. Choose Wisely
If you are considering a class that requires participation as a major component of the course, you are in luck. Nothing helps you get to know your fellow students better than lively online dialogue via chat, forums, or group blogs. Try to select classes for their interactive potential, and you will have better luck getting to know your peers—and probably a more valuable educational experience as well, depending on the course.
2. Take the Lead
Your classmates might be shy so you should always initiate conversations. Ask questions, make jokes, and above all, share ideas. Start conversations. Be interested in your fellow students and in what they have to say. If you are the one to start the conversation, your classmates will look to you as a leader and want to get to know you better as well.
3. Pay Attention
Of course you will pay attention to the course material but pay attention to your peers as well. Remember what their interests are, remember what they have to say and repeat it back to them with additional commentary. They will feel valued because you remembered what they said.
4. Imagine
If your course is set up so that your classmates have avatars, it can be easier to remember who is who. If not, you will have to improvise. Make up a mental picture of your peers—it can be easier to relate to someone who has a face in your mind. Later, if you ever meet in real life, you can laugh about how off base you were.
5. Go the Extra Mile
Try your best to be helpful to your fellow students. Answer questions, post related links, or draw the professor’s attention to areas of confusion. Your classmates will thank you.
6. Look to the Future
Be a professional in all of your dealings with classmates; they are part of the network of your future career. It goes without saying, but at all times be courteous, no matter how much you may disagree with someone.
With any educational pursuit, you get out what you put in; the same can be said of the social aspect of online courses. With the right choices, your online class can be dynamic, challenging and socially interactive. It is up to you.

Are there others ways to qualify for financial aid without FAFSA?

If a student wants to qualify for need-based financial aid in the United States, you almost certainly need to fill out a Free Assessment for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The Federal Government uses FAFSA to estimate how much a student’s family (or him-or-herself) should be expected to contribute to his or her college education. Pell Grants, and subsidized Stafford and Perkins loans are awarded to students whose FAFSA shows that they are deserving enough.
Universities and colleges around the country also rely on FAFSA for information about how much students and their families can be expected to pay for college, though they may also require current and future students to fill out additional paperwork. Most schools offer their own financial assistance to needy students, and FAFSA helps them determine who is the most deserving.
However, there are many types of non-need based financial aid available whether or not your FAFSA is filled out. Many Schools award merit-based scholarships without taking into account a student’s FAFSA. Other schools will offer scholarships to qualified students who agree to major in a specific subject such as biology. Some schools also offer scholarships to students who excel at sports and want the students to play for their teams.

Seeking School-Sponsored Loans

Colleges and universities may charge students for education, but they are also one of the biggest contributors to student financial aid. In fact, grants awarded by colleges and universities are the second most common type of aid available to students. Educational institutions give out an estimated 17 billion dollars a year to help students succeed in their academic pursuits.
Usually when a student is granted admission to a college or university, the acceptance letter comes with an offer for financial aid. The document will list the amount of government loans and grants the institution is willing to lend a student, and the money the school itself will pay to have a student attend. Usually schools decide how much money to give based off of a student’s academic and extracurricular potential, and by the income of a student’s family. Some institutional aid will provide a full ride scholarship, while others will offer school loans and grants. Each aid package is calculated on an individual basis.

Financing School Through Private Loans

Private loans are the most generic form of financial aid because they are available to just about anyone with a decent credit record. Students apply for these loans through private loan providers, such as banks, credit unions, and independent businesses. Another name for these types of loans is Alternative Education Loans because they are not the first type of aid used by students. Since the Federal Government limits the amount of money a student can borrow to fund their education, private loans can be a real asset for students who can’t quite meet their tuition bills. Private loans, however, usually come with a higher interest rate than those of government or institutional loans. As a result, students end up paying more in the repayment process.
There are many different types of private loans designed to cater to a student’s level of study. Whether a student is in the undergraduate years or doing graduate studies, private loans will often fill in the gaps to finance an education. One type in particular is the GATES loan. This program is provided by a private non-profit group, which offers a loan in any amount to students with a minimum credit check. GATES loans also offer a very low interest rate for repayment. The loan program is offered through 4-year schools, but not all schools participate. Check with your college financial counselor for more details on the GATES loan.

Cost of Public Four-Year Colleges for State Residents

A four-year institution within your state of residence is probably one of the best bargains you can get for an undergraduate education. Public universities are often funded through both federal and state governments. This state funding is provided so that students within that particular state can take advantage of lower college tuition. These colleges and universities set state resident tuition rates, on average, between $5,000 and $10,000 a year. At these rates, many students are able to put themselves through school without collecting huge amounts of student debt.
The cost of living depends on how and where someone chooses to live. There are many different kinds of living situations available to students; some of these include room and board exchange or house-sharing. Also, the area in which you choose to attend college will greatly affect the cost of living. Living in a city is, obviously, more expensive than living near a school in a smaller town. Depending on your living situation, you can expect to pay between $10,000 and $15,000 above the cost of tuition.

Cost of Public Four-Year Colleges for Non-Residents

Four-year college and university tuition rates for non-residents are usually comparable to those of private universities. For out-of-state students, the state funding of public universities is not used to help lessen their tuition costs. This is why many students stay closer to home when they complete their undergraduate degree. The tuition rates of public universities for non-resident students, range, on average, between $15,000 and $25,000 a year. Some institutions have even higher rates.
Living expenses are not included in the price of tuition. Typically, a student can expect average costs between $12,000 and $17,000 to pay for annual books, rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. Books alone can cost as much at $2,000 a year, depending on the discipline of study. Out-of-state students also tend to pay more for their cost of living because they live farther from home and traveling expenses are higher.

Did you choose a degree to change/move-up in your career?

I haven’t always had the best jobs. At age sixteen I was working in a restaurant with my Aunt for a little over minimum wage. I was the grunt and was often called in on short notice to cover for whoever and whatever their job was. After I graduated high school, I went to work for the local cable company which lent a little more to my wallet but not much more in dignity. I had nosy co-workers and a boss who didn’t know the meaning of being tactful. Unfortunately, this stint in the cable business would lead me down an eight year road of customer service H-E-Double Hockey Sticks.
After three years in yet another customer service position for a local bank’s call center, I decided I needed more in life and it should involve doing what I’m good at and making more money wouldn’t be a bad thing either. So that’s when I looked into online courses for a graphic design degree. This would give me the opportunity to break out of the customer service rut I was in and place me in high demand for a career anywhere from web design to fashion merchandising.
Ultimately, I chose a degree because I needed a change. Just the idea of knowing that I could someday enjoy heading off to the “daily grind” was all the push I needed to pursue a new career.
Heather Tietjen

Types of Accredited Colleges & Accredited Degrees

What types of accreditation are there? This is a bigger question than it sounds. To begin, there must be an explanation of the layers within the accreditation system. First, there are the agencies that govern the accrediting associations. The U.S. Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Association (CHEA) and the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA) are all agencies that grant the power to smaller associations that oversee accreditation at the school or program level. Among these many specific accrediting agencies, there are also a number of layers of accrediting types. A breakdown is as follows:
Institutional Accreditation: This is a type of accreditation that looks at a school or university as a whole, rather than the specific programs within an institution. The two different types of institutional accreditation include regional and national. These are explained in more detail below.
Regional Accreditation: The most esteemed and the most prevalently found in the United States is regional accreditation. There are a total of eight regional accrediting associations throughout the United States that govern the six regions of the country. These associations use a broad scope to accredit entire colleges or universities. Regional accreditation also usually targets schools that offer a more general, well-rounded education, such as a liberal arts school, rather than a career training school.
National Accreditation: This type, like regional accreditation, gives the quality stamp of approval for entire educational institutions, rather than the individual programs in the school. National accreditors focus in on more specialized programs, such as vocational schools. Though a national accreditation is not at the caliber as a regional accreditation, there are still very strict guidelines that schools must meet in order to be deem a �Nationally Accredited School�. There are also a number of smaller categories of national accreditation associations, which include Specialized, Faith-Based and Private Career accreditation associations. Refer to the list of accreditations below to find out more about these more specific categories.
Specialized Accreditation: These can also be called programmatic or professional accreditations. They focus in on making sure specific programs are meeting national standards in their scope and quality of education. There are hundreds of specialized accreditation bodies reigning over different types of programs, which (very opposite from a liberal arts education) gear students toward a vocation goal, rather than a focus on a scholarly path. Specialized accreditors usually cover programs that train professionals in very narrow fields, such as radiology technology, or ESL teaching. Accrediting organizations that fit into this category approve of programs that you could call �single purpose�. The Council for Interior Design Accreditation and the National Association of Schools of Theater are two examples of the very specific targets of specialized accrediting associations. Students should note that even if specialized accreditation is required for a licensing or certificate program, accreditation guarantees the staff is qualified to train in that field.
Faith-Based Accreditation: This is a specialized group of national accreditation associations that specialize in faith-based, religiously affiliated colleges and universities. Faith-based accreditations usually govern over an entire institution, rather than a specific program.
Private-Career Accreditation: These accrediting associations focus in on private schools that offer specialized vocational training.