Archive for the ‘College Scholarship and Loans’ Category
Posted by Dan on September 25th, 2008
The cost of higher education has skyrocketed in the last 10 years. More and more students are finding themselves entering college and leaving with almost unmanageable debt. In a society that dictates that going to college is a guaranteed part of life, many students have started to question the worth of a college degree.
In a new report published by PayScale.com, a leading salary comparison website, they list the top Undergraduate Degree Programs that end up paying the student back throughout their career. The top of the list is heavily populated by Engineering Degree Programs and Mathematics. However, some career education degrees that might help pay the bills include, Healthcare, Philosophy, and International Relations. We have included the graph and complete degree listing below
| Best Undergrad College Degrees By Salary |
Starting Median Salary |
Mid-Career Median Salary |
| |
| Chemical Engineering |
$63,200 |
$107,000 |
| |
| Computer Engineering |
$61,400 |
$105,000 |
| |
| Electrical Engineering |
$60,900 |
$103,000 |
| |
| Aerospace Engineering |
$57,700 |
$101,000 |
| |
| Economics |
$50,100 |
$98,600 |
| |
| Physics |
$50,300 |
$97,300 |
| |
| Computer Science |
$55,900 |
$95,500 |
| |
| Industrial Engineering |
$57,700 |
$94,700 |
| |
| Mechanical Engineering |
$57,900 |
$93,600 |
| |
| Math |
$45,400 |
$92,400 |
| |
| Physician Assistant |
$74,300 |
$91,700 |
| |
| Civil Engineering |
$53,900 |
$90,500 |
| |
| Construction |
$53,700 |
$88,900 |
| |
| Finance |
$47,900 |
$88,300 |
| |
| Management Information Systems (MIS) |
$49,200 |
$82,300 |
| |
| Philosophy |
$39,900 |
$81,200 |
| |
| International Relations |
$40,900 |
$80,900 |
| |
| Chemistry |
$42,600 |
$79,900 |
| |
| Marketing |
$40,800 |
$79,600 |
| |
| Geology |
$43,500 |
$79,500 |
| |
| Political Science |
$40,800 |
$78,200 |
| |
| Accounting |
$46,000 |
$77,100 |
| |
| Architecture |
$41,600 |
$76,800 |
| |
| Information Technology (IT) |
$49,100 |
$74,800 |
| |
| Business Management |
$43,000 |
$72,100 |
| |
| Agriculture |
$42,600 |
$71,900 |
| |
| History |
$39,200 |
$71,000 |
| |
| Communications |
$38,100 |
$70,000 |
| |
| Film |
$37,900 |
$68,500 |
| |
| Nursing |
$54,200 |
$67,000 |
| |
| Journalism |
$35,600 |
$66,700 |
| |
| Geography |
$41,200 |
$65,500 |
| |
| Art History |
$35,800 |
$64,900 |
| |
| Biology |
$38,800 |
$64,800 |
| |
| English |
$38,000 |
$64,700 |
| |
| Forestry |
$39,100 |
$62,600 |
| |
| Anthropology |
$36,800 |
$61,500 |
| |
| Health Care Administration |
$38,800 |
$60,600 |
| |
| Psychology |
$35,900 |
$60,400 |
| |
| Graphic Design |
$35,700 |
$59,800 |
| |
| Sociology |
$36,500 |
$58,200 |
| |
| Hospitality & Tourism |
$37,800 |
$57,500 |
| |
| Drama |
$35,900 |
$56,900 |
| |
| Criminal Justice |
$35,000 |
$56,300 |
| |
| Nutrition |
$39,900 |
$55,300 |
| |
| Music |
$35,900 |
$55,000 |
| |
| Interior Design |
$36,100 |
$53,200 |
| |
| Spanish |
$34,000 |
$53,100 |
| |
| Education |
$34,900 |
$52,000 |
| |
| Religion |
$34,100 |
$52,000 |
Posted by Jonah Mytro on September 19th, 2008
Legislation that seeks to protect college students from lending abuses while boosting student aid was approved by Congress on Thursday.
The bill, which would require lenders and colleges to adopt strict codes of conduct, passed the Senate 83-8 after the House voted 380-49 for the measure.
Once signed into law by President George W. Bush, the bill would ban lenders and colleges from offering or accepting payments or gifts in exchange for making loans, a response to scandals uncovered last year involving kickback schemes and conflicts of interest between lenders and school officials.
“We got rid of cronyism, kick backs and sweetheart deals,” said Sen. Barbara Mikulski, a Maryland Democrat who took over leadership on the bill after education committee chairman Sen. Edward Kennedy was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Other features of the bill include increased funding for graduate study at institutions that primarily serve minorities and new scholarship programs and support centers for military veterans.
Pell grants that go to low-income students, would increase to $6,000 from $4,800 for 2009, and to $8,000 for 2014.
The bill follows other legislation passed during the last 10 months aimed at overhauling the student loan industry.
Posted by Jonah Mytro on September 17th, 2008
Western Governors University has announced that it will offer the WGU Recognition for Military Sacrifice Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to help severely injured service members, their spouses, and the spouses of service members killed in action (KIA) to earn their
degree online to improve their education and their employability.
The WGU Recognition for
Military Sacrifice Scholarship is valued up to a maximum value of $2,000. The scholarship will be credited at the rate of $500 per six- month term, renewable up to 4 terms.
This new expansion of scholarships will allow applicants to earn a degree online in any discipline offered by WGU in its Colleges of Business, Education, Information Technology or Health Professions. These new scholarships are made available through funds from Western Governors University. Over the past 12 months, WGU has awarded over 170 scholarships to veterans, military, and military spouses.
WGU’s online degree programs are focused on adult learning through flexible, technology-based instruction. WGU’s competency-based education approach makes it possible for students to complete the requirements for their degree at a quicker pace and accelerate their program based on their prior experience, academic background and time commitment to study.
The WGU Recognition for Military Sacrifice Scholarship is a competitive program so applications should be submitted as soon as possible. To view eligibility requirements and to learn more about the WGU Recognition for Military Sacrifice Scholarship, please visit
www.wgu.edu/militarysacrifice.
About Western Governors University (WGU)
WGU is the only accredited online university in the U.S. offering competency-based degree programs. The private non-profit university has been a leader in online education for more than 10 years. WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of WGU’s success in expanding access to higher education.
Posted by Jonah Mytro on September 4th, 2008
Looking for financial aid to earn your college degree online, all you need to do is apply for federal aid. For 2008, University of Phoenix ranked as the top college to receive federal student aid from the US Government. In addition to UOP, 9 other online colleges ranked in the top 100. The US Government is providing financial aid for people to go to school online and earn the degree they need to succeed. You can find out more information on these online colleges today and speak to an admissions representative about applying and enrolling for the upcoming term.
Top Online Colleges Accepting Federal Tuition Assistance
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX INC
STRAYER UNIVERSITY INC
DEVRY UNIVERSITY INC
AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIV
CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY INC
ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES INC
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
ARGOSY EDUCATION GROUP INC
STRAYER UNIVERSITY, INC
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY INC
Posted by J.M. Striegel on August 16th, 2008
Lifetime Television and the University of Phoenix have teamed up to bring you an amazing opportunity to win a full scholarship to the University of Phoenix. Fire up the webcam and enter the contest via an online video submission where you have two minutes to convince the panel of judges “how a scholarship from the University of Phoenix will help make your dreams come true.” Three finalists will be chosen from the eligible videos and will be asked to complete a University of Phoenix application. A Grand Prize winner will be selected from the three finalists, with the winner announced on September 15, 2008.
The contest, running August 1, 2008 until August 27, 2008, will award the winner with “a non-cash, non-transferable credit of fifty five thousand dollars ($55,000) to be used solely for tuition and fees for courses in a University of Phoenix degree program of Grand Prize winner’s choice.” Check out the rules and regulations and then get thee to the application where you can enter for a chance to make your dreams come true. What are you waiting for?
Hurry! Contest ends: August 27, 2008
J.M. Striegel
Many of us remember preparing to return to school for the New Year. You were excited about the new supplies and clothes, and who would be in your class or your teacher. The only difference between beginning school then and now is your age and you won’t need those new clothes. But you do need the required supplies to make your college experience as successful as possible.
Most online schools will have particular requirements beyond the Internet that you will need to complete your assignments. Before enrolling in an online program you should find out what software, textbooks and time will be required. Some online courses are now integrating CD and DVDs into the curriculum, so a membership to your local library or video store might come in helpful.
The common thread that all online schools have as mentioned earlier in the article is the need for a reliable internet service. Some people may feel that if they have access to the internet by either going to the library, a relative’s house or having a laptop and hanging out in a nearby hot spot this will be acceptable to complete their degree; this may not be the best idea. With technology there can always be the possibilities of your computer or internet access being “down”. Secure an online connection offered by an experienced Internet Service Provider. The likelihood of your connection be unavailable is minimal. Depending on a family member to home and allow you to use their computer can be more problematic than an advantage while relying on public connectivity at your local library or coffee house with Wi-Fi can conflict with your schedule and posed other problems. With the current weather trends and gas prices being able to commute to various places for internet services may be more of a detriment that a benefit.
You should also have a clear understanding of what software is being used to complete assignments. Most school requires the use of Microsoft Office applications. This software package will include Word for completing your essays and other written assignments. It also includes Excel and PowerPoint, two applications that are being used more widely in the education world to display student assignments. Confirm what software is needed and what version you are using. If you do not have the appropriate software; check with your academic advisor before purchasing it. Many schools offer the software at a discounted price.
Textbooks are usually not the concern. Within your tuition, books are usually included and will be mailed directly to you. Ensure that your mailing address is correct. This will help you to receive your books in a timely fashion. Once you receive your books, check the syllabus to confirm that you received the correct book and edition. If you do not receive your books by the start of the course inform your instructor and academic advisor immediately. They may be able to assist in the process and expedite the delivery.
You may not feel that time is a supply, but it is a commodity that you use up and never get back. Although the school can not mandate the time needed to complete your task for class you can schedule out your time to allow you the appropriate amount needed for YOU as a student. You should try to schedule between 5-10 hours per week for your classes. This should be sufficient in helping you to cover your reading, discussion, real-time discussions and additional research that might be required.
Prepare for school in the beginning and you will have less confusion and set backs later on. Once your class begins, your focus should be on content and not how to execute it. Proper planning has always been valuable.
Posted by Jonah Mytro on August 4th, 2008
Online Colleges are now jumping on the Youtube and web 2.0 (user generated content) phenomenon and with the launch of the Western Governor Universities Video Contest and Scholarship. Build and publish a video on “why you deserve a scholarship to WGU Online” and you could win a scholarship or an amazon gift card.
Details:
All contest submissions are due by August 11, 2008. The top five finalists will be posted August 15, 2008. Winners will be announced on September 3, 2008.
Tell us how a degree from WGU could improve your life or the life of someone you know. Whether you make us laugh or make us cry, that’s up to you.
Prizes:
Grand Prize: $7,500 scholarship and $500 cash
Second Place: $3,000 scholarship and $500 cash
Third Place: $2,000 scholarship or $500 cash
Two Runner-up Prizes: $100 Amazon.com* gift certificates
Contest Submission:
WGU Scholarship Video Contest
Find out more about Online College Degree Programs
Posted by alex on July 31st, 2008
One of the greatest myths that surrounds online education and adult education is that as you get older it becomes impossible to get financial air or student loans in order to help you afford rising school costs. While it is true that more scholarship are available for younger students, this does not make it impossible for returning students to get funds. Especially in today’s age when having a college degree is becoming more and more essential to embarking on a successful career, the fact is that you simply can’t afford not to earn a college degree, no matter the cost.
Fortunately there are a number of potential options that could help you to get started, because—let’s face it—college is expensive and most people just don’t have the money to get the ball rolling. Many financial aid and scholarship programs available to returning students through various organizations such as AIE and the Federal Government. But the real key is knowing about all of the different avenues that can be taken in order to receive educational funding.
In addition to scholarships and loans it is important to keep in mind the fact that there are State Education Grants, which most states have set aside for returning students over the age of 25. Also there are the often-overlooked work-study programs that many returning students don’t even realize that they are eligible for, and can often be an indispensable source of financial aid that generally isn’t too difficult to come by.
These are just a few general ideas, but there will be more in the future. In the meantime have a look at the info on this page, which is a government education site that outlines a number of different ways that returning students can get money towards college.
<a href=”http://technorati.com/claim/d4b7bxqb78″ rel=”me”>Technorati Profile</a>
Posted by Jonah Mytro on July 30th, 2008
The State of Massachusetts announced yesterday that they will not be guaranteeing 40,000 college students with federally backed college loans this coming fall semester due to their inability to raise the necessary funds through MEFA, the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority. The state recommends that nearly 40,000 students and their families seek alternate arrangements, through federal plans.
There are a number of loan packages available for college students including private college student loans from Nextstudent.com and Sallie Mae and students can find college scholarship opportunities at sites like Fastweb.com, collegeboard.com and through corporations like Coca Cola, and Apple.
Posted by shonjohns on July 28th, 2008
Each year, thousands of high school graduates aspire to continue their education at the college level. There are a number of students who have clear goals as to what their studies will be at their upcoming universities. Most of those who’ve acheived academic prominance and extra curricular activities will receive large sums of money to attend the college of their choice. Although this free education seems wonderful, sadly this is not the case for most college wanna b’s.
Fear not young ones, there is money out there, you just have to know how to dig for it. None of the generous companies that give away money, advertise it. The one with the biggest shovel wins the free money game. Finding your money needs to be like another part time job (1-2 hours week). There are other tactics as well to shorten the college price tag:
* Always show them you have less money than they thought. They need to know about shorter work hours, or the need to care for a sick relative.
* Take the loans. Most of them don’t charge until months after graduation, and the Grandmothers of college funding already expect a nice long relationship with each and every lendee.
*Get a four year deal from your school. Some schools will boost prices after Freshman year once you’ve already committed mind, body, and soul.
For every ten students who can’t get a penny for school, there’s one student out there putting time in EVERY week taking here and there until it all adds up. There are hundreds of companies who want to give money away. So get your road maps, and shovels and start looking. If you make finding the money a priority over everything else, you will find it!
Two hours on the computer, can turn into a $3,000 education loan……….just for asking.
Apply for a College Student Loan Today! - Free to Apply
