Archive for October, 2008
Posted by Jen Zeman on October 11th, 2008
Unless you have been living under a rock or in the remote regions of the Appalachians, you realize the United States is in a serious credit crisis. This crisis is affecting all markets, including higher education. If you are contemplating going back to school, you may be worried with the economy in its current state it doesn’t make much fiscal sense to attempt financing college. While it’s true that because of the credit crisis the cost of student loans, especially private loans (i.e. loans by such companies as Sally Mae or your local bank), are more expensive because of an increase in interest charged, college still remains a sound investment in your future. Federal loans are still reasonable and are always an option. According to www.education.yahoo.net, those who obtain a bachelor’s degree earn an average of 88 percent more a year than high school graduates! It is true that there are infinitely more opportunities for individuals with a college degree than just a high school diploma, so invest in yourself. If you are still uncertain if you can afford to back to school, I strongly encourage you to make an appointment with a financial aid counselor at your school of choice. They will be more than willing to explain the financial aid process and how educational loans can fit into your budget.
Posted by admin on October 10th, 2008
The Bush administration said on Friday it would take further steps to support the student loan market for the 2009-2010 school year.
In a joint statement, U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Education Secretary Margaret Spellings said they would soon announce steps to address challenges hampering student lenders and borrowers.
“Using our newly extended authorities, the administration is moving aggressively to support the continued availability of funding for federal student loans in the next school year with the goal of restoring the government guaranteed student loan market to normal operations,” they said in a statement.
Posted by Sharon Cece on October 9th, 2008
Many students take the traditional approach of attending college during their late teens and early twenties. Some of us, however, begin our college career (or return to finish a degree) at a later time. Often, this means studying and completing schoolwork while at the same time caring for a family. There are a few tips that can help you transition through this challenging time.
Inarguably, online classes afford the most flexibility when you have children to care for since the instruction is done from the computer and you can study and test from home. The great thing about online classes is that you don’t have to scramble to find someone to watch children or worry about being late for classes due to a sleeping child or conflicting school schedules. Usually you can pick an optimal time (during child’s nap for instance) to log on and complete your work or take your tests.
Another helpful tip is to engage the children in your study habits. I had a very difficult course when I first returned back to college after a fourteen year hiatus, and I was nervous about studying and taking tests again. My husband and children often quizzed me in the living room and the kids enjoyed watching mom do course work for a change. We also had “homework hour” for all of us which encouraged them to do their homework while I was doing mine.
I discovered that I was most effective at both parenting and completing my course work when I took on no more than two classes per semester. This is particularly true if you are working as well. Naturally, everyone is different and some students flourish under massive amounts of work, but in speaking with other online participants who were parents as well, it was clear that the two-course workload was optimal for success in all areas.
College is challenging enough, and when you add kids and perhaps work also, it can be a daunting. By pacing yourself, including the kids in your study and taking advantage of online options you can “do it all”. Of course, never expect perfection in any area and factor in the occasional moment when the kids are running around screaming while you’re trying to study or take a quiz, or even missing a quiz here or there due to a sick child. We’ve all been there. It’s okay, and you’ll get through it and soon have that degree. And, when you walk across the stage after waiting so long and working so hard, your kids will be there to witness your moment. The moment will be yours, but your family will feel a great sense of pride over your achievement. It will be a great inspiration for them to pursue their degree, more than any words can say.
Posted by Dan on October 8th, 2008
As the nation continues to keep a strong eye on the Wall Street Market and its affect on the American Job Market, we will spotlight the top 2009 Hot Careers and Jobs that will continue to grow as we enter into the new year and beyond. Today we focus on a career and industry that despite economic hard times keeps increasing its overall profits and revenue year over year; the video game industry and a coveted position as a video game designer.
Job Description:
There are two main elements to the development of video games. One key division involves the development of the actual game from concept art, game design, and artificial intellegence programming. The other division involves marketing and publishing the title to the main stream audience. The role of Video game Designer is a key position in the overall development and success of a video game title. The game designer must work with all aspects of the development team to help realize the overall concept of the game. Game Designers work at effectively balancing all elements of the design from artwork to online programming. It is regarded as a leadership role which depends on strategic thinking and strong creative skills to create a successful product.
Job Salary:
A career in Video Game Design can be very rewarding from both a creative and monetary aspect. According to Indeed.com’s salary report, the average salary for a Video Game Designer in California is $84,000. This is almost double most salary averages in the gaming industry. Some of the top game designers continue to earn salaries in the six figure range and receive significant bonuses for the overall retail success of the game.
Education Requirements
Ok, so you beat Halo on Legendary, and you think, “I can make a game like this!” The road to becoming a leading video game designer is not for the weak minded. Almost 99% of any video game design jobs available require the individual to earn their Bachelors Degree. Over the past few years several higher education institutions have begun offering degree completion programs in targeted studies such as Game Development and Game Art and Design. In addition to earning a degree, several developers will seek individuals who have worked within the game industry for a period of time before elevating them to a Game Designer status. So how can one afford to work and earn a degree? Just as Xbox Live let gamers go online and play against anyone in the world, an online education now allows several working adults to continue their pursuit of a degree and keep working full time. Schools such as Westwood College Online and the The Art Institute of Pittsburgh are well known for their demanding online programs dedicated to learning the necessary skills to become a game designer.
With expected sales of over 10 billion dollars in the US alone for 2008, the video game industry continues to grow with rapid rate and despite economic hard times. As the success of video games continues, more projects and developers will look to expand their teams. The future is bright for those individuals who decide that video game design is their career of choice.
Posted by Benae Lambright on October 8th, 2008
While attending class online there are a few proactive approaches that can be taken to make your experience more effective. These approaches can range from meeting deadlines to having adequate computer skills and tools to developing relationships with your classmates.
With more opportunities available for people to attend school in the comfort of their home, some students may feel that their learning experience is lacking something. Usually it’s the one-on-one interaction that makes distance learning challenging. From Kindergarten to Twelfth grade, you were always exposed to a group of students, teachers and administrators. Now your only physical interaction is between you and your computer. But this does not mean you have to feel isolated. Creating a learning environment that is engaging will help you to benefit from this non-traditional learning experience.
Before making the decision to attend an online college or university, or even to just take a class online ensure that you have the proper equipment. Having a computer is not enough to enable you to be a successful student. Check with the admissions department to see what software will be required. You may also want to confirm that you have an up-to-date operating system on your computer and Internet speed that will not allow you to get frustrated because the many images, sounds and papers take forever to load on your computer.
Once you are enrolled in class, find out the best ways to communicate with your classmates and instructor. Most schools will utilize discussion boards to share ideas, thoughts and the material learned but another resource usually available is the Student Lounge. Not all schools call it the same thing but the majority of online courses will have an area that allows students to communicate or “chat” about topics that might not be class related but helps you to get to know your classmates better. You may find that you have a study partner that lives not to far from you. You can also develop friendships with people from all over the world.
There are many benefits to online learning. Some of the biggest include time and convenience, but it is up to you as a student to make it a positive learning opportunity. So begin by establishing an environment that is conducive to learning and then respect the deadlines given by your instructor. Keep the lines of communication open with your instructor and classmates, but most of all enjoy learning.
Posted by admin on October 7th, 2008
Sen. Charles Schumer is calling on the federal government to protect college students and their families from the credit crunch by expanding the economic bailout to include student loans.
“We have to build a wall around the student loan market to protect our kids from the credit crisis,” Schumer said at a news conference yesterday in Massapequa outside Plainedge High School, where students from a senior government class peppered him with questions about college costs and loan availability.
“My parents tell me I have to be realistic about where I want to go, and money is nearly as important as how good my grades are,” said Marianne Kennedy, 17, of Seaford, who is applying to both public and private schools. “They don’t want me having huge debt when I graduate.”
The Wall Street bailout legislation passed by Congress last week gives the federal government authority to buy up bad student loan debt as well as bad mortgage debt.
In a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke yesterday, Schumer (D-N.Y.) asked that they “pay special attention to the student loan market” as they carry out the bailout plan. He also wrote to every college and university in New York State, asking those that do not participate in the federal Department of Education Direct Loan student aid program to reconsider. Nationwide, 1,369 of more than 4,000 colleges and universities participate, according to a Schumer spokesman.
Schumer also is proposing that a commission be established to determine whether the federal loan program has enough resources if private loan programs dry up.
In recent months, more than 50 lenders have either suspended new government-backed student loans, left the program altogether or begun raising interest rates for private loans - in some instances, Schumer said, to as high as 19 percent.
“Lots and lots of the banks that are doing the lending are pulling back,” he said. “This wouldn’t be just a two-year economic crisis, it would be a generation crisis.”
Posted by admin on October 7th, 2008
In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Chamberlain College of Nursing in Addison, Ill., invites RNs to enter their scholarship essay contest, called “Take a Step. Go the Distance.”
Chamberlain is offering 12 Bachelor of Science in Nursing scholarships — two $4,000, four $2,500, and six $1,000 awards. Thirteen fast-track RN-to-BSN online degree completion program scholarships also are available — one $5,000, two $2,500, and 10 $1,000 awards.
Scholarship entrants must include a 500-word essay addressing two questions: What factors in relation to breast cancer and its awareness have influenced your decision to become a nurse? From a financial standpoint, what impact would this scholarship have on your nursing education?
Also included with each submission must be an application and contest registration form. All three pieces must be submitted online and will go before a panel of judges for review.
Applications are due Oct. 19, and winners will be announced Nov. 22. To receive a list of the winners, mail a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Corinne Kaehr, c/o Chamberlain College of Nursing, 1221 North Swift Road, Addison, IL 60101. Requests must be received by March 27, 2009.
For information, visit www.chamberlain.edu/scholarship.
Find other nursing programs at nursing degrees online.
Posted by admin on October 6th, 2008
The Online Education Database released its second annual Online College Rankings of the top 41 undergraduate online degree programs in the country. The OEDb rated online programs in eight categories, including acceptance rate, student-faculty ratio, and availability of financial aid.
Upper Iowa University ranked number one on the OEDb’s list, followed by LeTourneau University at number two and Liberty University at number three.
Best Online Colleges for Availability of Financial Aid
In addition to its overall rankings, the OEDb provided rankings in each of the eight individual categories that make up the overall rankings. In the financial aid category, the OEDb ranked schools based on the percentage of the schools’ students who receive financial aid.
Of the top ten schools in the financial aid availability category, nine schools offer financial aid to at least 95 percent of their students, with three schools offering financial aid to a full 100 percent:
1.?? Salem International University 100%
2. Upper Iowa University 100%
3. Westwood College 100%
4. Fisher College 99%
5. LeTourneau University 99%
6. Liberty University 99%
7. Post University 97%
8. Tiffin University 96%
9. Florida National College 95%
10. Nova Southeastern University 94%
Posted by admin on October 6th, 2008
Many people fear the GMAT. Another test that has to be taken in order to get into graduate school. But did you know this isn’t necessarily the case? That’s right. There are online schools that do not require the GMAT at all. The University of Phoenix is one such school.
The application process is seamless. First fill out a short questionnaire and almost immediately you get a call from an enrollment counselor. They ask more questions to make sure that you enroll in the right program. Make no bones about it, deciding to go to an online school is not a piece of cake. You still have to work. Some might say even harder because you determine when you will log on each day and when you do your assignments. There are deadlines that have o be made. It is not do what you want, when you want it. You are constantly writing papers, answer discussion questions and replying to other school mates’ answers. If you have a hard time with deadlines and creating a workable schedule, his might not be the right thing for you.
The University of Phoenix (UOP) prides themselves on hiring quality teachers. Every teacher has a mountain of experience and is willing to help you in your professional endeavors. They provide wisdom for the teachers-to-be, business professionals, and others. No matter what the major, you are assured of receiving a wealth of knowledge.
UOP uses the most technologically advanced platform. It is easy to maneuver in the online classroom and learning how to use it is simple. UOP also has IT help 24/7 for the students.
The financial aid department is fantastic. They are friendly and very helpful. There are two applications that have to be completed. The university has their own application which can be accessed online. Also, the federal financial aid application must also be completed on the FAFSA website. For both applications all you need is your latest completed federal tax form and you are ready to go. Nothing could be simpler.
The advisors are also fantastic. every student is assigned to an academic advisor. If the student should have any questions regarding their classes, major, changing of a major, or taking some time off, the academic advisor is the person to contact. They are a great source of information during the entire school enrollment.
Finally, UOP is well-known. They run television commercials and are all over the Internet. Receiving a degree from UOP is prestigious. If they have been surfing the net, chances are they have heard of the school.
So, what do you have to lose? If you really want to try out an online school, why not go with a school that has been doing it since 1976? Check out the University of Phoenix. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Posted by admin on October 2nd, 2008
The credit crunch has banks tightening lending and making it tougher for some college students to get loans.
Getting private student loans is becoming more challenging. The Consumer Bankers Association says, because of the credit crunch, some banks are not offering any more private loans and most of the ones that are, are upping their qualification criteria.
Andrea Payne is a finance major, but now the numbers she’s most worried about are the ones need to pay for her senior year of college. “I need to get a really good waitress job now,” the University of North Texas student said.
For the past three years Andrea has received private student loans from Bank of America. This year both Bank of America and Wachovia stopped offering private student loans.
UNT Financial Aid Counselor Carolyn Cunningham says, “The credit crunch could have further ramifications. We’re not sure of that now.”
In reaction to the economic crisis, the federal government upped the amount they are loaning students, but for students like Andrea it’s still not enough.
The average private college tuition costs more than $23,000 a year. The average public college tuition runs just under $9,000 a year.
The federal unsubsidized Stafford Loan is the one most available to students and offers just $5,500 for a freshman and $7,500 for a senior.
Andrea says she hasn’t given up on getting a private loan and is trying other banks. She’s also moved into her grandmother’s home, farther away from campus, to save money.
Some North Texas banks that are still offering private student loans have upped the criteria for approval, including requiring a co-signer in many cases.
Concerned students should talk to a financial aid advisor at their school. While getting funds may be a longer process, help is still available.
Provided by DENTON (CBS 11 News)
