THECOLLEGEDEGREES.COM BLOG

Would it surprise you to know that there are distance learning degree programs for children in elementary and secondary school? Or that these degree programs are becoming more popular each year? As society becomes increasingly mobile, more parents are finding it convenient to home school their children with the help of the resources available through the internet.

Likewise, the number of distance learning programs offered by both online degree universities and traditional universities is increasing each year. As these numbers continue to grow, the number of students enrolled in online degree courses also grows. Today, more than four million people worldwide are enrolled in accredited online university degree programs.

Students can choose from online certificate courses, distance associate degree programs, or they can earn a Bachelor Degree online. Many college graduates continue their education by choosing online graduate degree programs. Even online PhD programs are available.

No matter what kind of education you are looking for, whether it is a continuing education course or a PhD, you’re likely to find some version of it available as an online degree program. Before you enroll in an online university degree program, take time to make sure that it is accredited and has a good reputation. Don’t waste your money or your time on something that could hurt, rather than help, your career!

Let’s face it, both traditional college degree programs and online degree universities can be expensive.  Employer tuition reimbursement does help, and many employers are starting to offer identical reimbursement for conventional education and distance learning degree programs. While this can help to defray the cost, you’re still probably going to be left with a fairly sizable tuition bill.

How are you going to pay for it? Many people don’t realize that financial aid for online university degree programs does exist and can be very useful. How do you go about finding tuition assistance for your degree program? The answer is simple: The Internet.

First, you can file the Federal Financial Aid application online. There are many grants and loans offered by the government as well that can be used for online degree programs. If help from these sources isn’t forthcoming, check with individual distance learning universities and see if they have any scholarships for which you might be eligible.

Don’t forget to look on the Internet. Search for subjects like unusual scholarships, essay scholarships, scholarships contests, or even scholarships for certain academic specialties, such as teaching, engineering, or computer science.

Don’t give up - you deserve an education. There is plenty of college tuition money out there. You just have to find it - and put it to work for you!

Finding an appealing online degree program isn’t difficult. More colleges and universities are offering distance learning degrees in an ever-increasing variety of fields. Sometimes, though, knowing which programs offer the degree that will most benefit you can be difficult.

One of the issues concerning distance degree programs involves accreditation versus state licensure. Some online university degree programs seek regional accreditation from organizations that were established specifically to accredit institutions of higher learning. These agencies are ultimately administered by the U.S. Department of Education. A degree from a regionally accredited college holds the same validity anywhere in the U.S.

Some associations, however, have refused to recognize the degrees held by graduates from certain distance learning degree programs. For example, the American Bar Association refuses to recognize certain Juris Doctorate (J.D.) programs, and refuse to allow graduates to take state bar exams. In these cases, some states have stepped forward and offered licensure to these individuals.

The problem with state licensure, however, is that it’s only recognized by certain states. This doesn’t affect degree holders unless they decide to move to a state that does not recognize the education previously obtained. Then, graduates are left with a meaningless degree.

Ultimately the choice is yours. Stay informed, and decide what type of degree and program will best meet your needs. Then look for the university degree program that will meet these needs. Now good luck, and get back to school!

Have you been debating about whether you would rather earn a college degree at home or get a degree online? If you can’t make up your mind, read this and decide for yourself whether distance learning degree programs are right for you - or whether you want the traditional college campus experience. These top ten reasons for choosing to get a distance education degree can help you make up your mind quickly.

10. You have no interest in pledging to a sorority/fraternity, and could care less about playing college sports.

9. You prefer reading and answering emails to lengthy in-class discussion or hour-long waits outside a university professor’s office for course-related questions.

8.  You cannot imagine sitting in a lecture hall four to eight hours a day.

7. You’re computer-friendly and technologically savvy.

6. You learn best when studying by yourself, and have the discipline necessary to finish a college degree program without extensive peer support.

5. The price of gasoline gives you nightmares.

4. Your children have started calling your childcare providers “Mommy.”

3. You work 40 hours a week and don’t want to spend 20 more hours weekly on a college campus.

2. You can’t afford to stop working for four years and go back to school to earn a college degree. 

1. You are motivated and determined enough to earn a degree that offers convenience and flexibility.