Posted by Jeff Davis on March 25th, 2009
When I first began my search into selecting an online school and furthering my education, it was important to me that the college I chose have a strong internet presence as well as a local presence. You can call it personal preference or what have you, but I just preferred a more locally recognized school over one that wasn’t. Why? I guess I believed that an online school without a local campus presence wouldn’t offer me quite the same opportunities or that potential employers wouldn’t take me as serious. Boy was I wrong! What I found out after graduation was that the same opportunities existed for students regardless of whether the program had a local campus or was strictly online and that employers were more concerned with what I learned rather than the name of the institution on my degree.
So, although I attended an online program with a local campus, it didn’t really make a difference. In fact, I never once even visited the institution’s local campus facility or ever had the need to. Everything I ever needed for my online classes was always available online. Now that I look back on my own experience, I believe all that matters is for students to attend an accredited and respected school and one of their own choosing. As long as you are happy with your final decision, then that is all that matters. I don’t believe that it’s necessary for the chosen school to have a local campus presence in order to be advantageous to the learning environment.
This has been my personal experience and I found a wealth of resources and information available online in helping me make my final decision for finding the right online program. I found my personal experience to be educational and rewarding and would highly recommend an online college to anyone who is thinking of returning to school.
Tags: advantageous, advantages, local campus, local presence, online school, personal preference, strong internet presence, University of Phoenix, university of phoenix online, UoP, uop online
Categories: Local vs. National Online Programs
Posted by Jeff Davis on December 12th, 2008
Since I worked full-time and have a family, I really did not have the free time available that I would have liked to have had in order to pursue the various avenues regarding financing options for school. Therefore, for my financial aid options, I chose to go the route of student loans and to pay any out of pocket expenses that the student loans would not cover. This worked well for me but may not be the right fit for everyone. Overall, I think it really depends on each individual’s needs for financial aid and how that person wants to address them.
There are many ways to obtain financing for college and an online school is no different. Among these are: student loans, private loans, employer tuition assistance, and scholarships. From what I discovered, there are more financial aid options available than ever for students pursuing online programs. If you are unsure of how to get started with obtaining the correct information, then consider your university’s financial aid department. They will have plenty of information on the university’s financial aid policies.
However, one advantage that online schools have over more traditional schools is that they can save you money. If you attend college on a traditional campus, you will have more expenses involved than you originally anticipated. Think about it. You will have to pay for not only tuition, but also you may have housing, food, books, supplies, and gas for commuting. With an online school, these costs are greatly reduced because you are attending class from home. Therefore, your only costs should be tuition and books. You also have no commuting costs since you do not have to drive to class.
Overall, you need to understand all of your options when it comes to paying for college. I would recommend that you take the time to do some careful research and be sure to apply for everything you can including federal and state aid as well as private scholarships.
Posted by Dan on September 23rd, 2008
Let’s face it, finding the right job that offers enough financial reward with the comfort of benefits and job stability is as difficult as winning the state lottery. The problem that faces many people is the ability to find a career path that provides a bright future and that is why we have identified several top careers and jobs for 2009 to help you in your search for a perfect career.
No two industries are created equal and therefore there are always going to be selected careers that will remain in demand despite the economic status of the United States. One of these high demand careers is within the HealthCare Industry as a Registered Nurse. Hospitals around the country continue to seek motivated employees that wish to assist in the caring and rehabilitation of patients as a registered nurse.
Average salary ranges for a Registered Nurse according to Indeed.com’s Salary Report, is around $70,000 dollars a year. Becoming a Registered Nurse can be a daunting task, but with the introduction of several adult learning programs offered by online schools, the opportunity to go back to school and earn a degree focused on nursing could not be easier.
Several notable schools such as the University of Phoenix and National American University Online offer students the ability to earn a Bachelors in Science to become a Registered Nurse. If you are interested in a rewarding career that continues to offer career advancement and strong benefits, then you should look into becoming a Registered Nurse and earn your degree today.
Posted by Nicole Acosta on July 22nd, 2008
Recent events has caused me to blog about being ‘On Time’ with registration or be extra early. This July I went to register for classes for this upcoming Fall. It was a mad house; students trying to register for Summer II and Fall 2008. The adviser’s are not the friendliest of people; think about it, there they are sitting there listening to unprepared people that have no idea what courses they are wanting to take or are eligible.
I have one complaint about the way Adviser’s work. I know your tired and stressed by the over abundence of students signing up for classes, checking on test scores and asking for directions. You chose this job, and we come to YOU for aid and understanding of the program YOUR college has to offer. Don’t expect most students to know what it going on. Most students that are signing up for classes are high school graduates and have no idea what is going on; so in a way we are like toddlers learning how to walk and we are trying to get fimiliar with our steps. Don’t expect us to just get up and walk with confidence.
I find a great source of information is to ask friends who already attend the college. Go to your counselor; email your questions to the school. I receive better responses from emails, then having to deal with the staff in person. Emails are quick and to the point.
If you are applying for financial aid be sure to be at least 30-60 days out before payment is due for your classes. I’m currently battling with this at the moment. Payment IS due and my funds have not been processed through the financial aid department at the college. I applied 30 days out on the internet. Be sure that all information is correct, so as soon as you get an email from FAFSA print your documents and head to your college or phone them immediately if its a Online Only University. All corrections that need to be done, should be done immediately to avoid paying out of pocket for classes, because you do not have your funds yet.
So, work on trying to be the early bird when it comes to college. Be Prepared and Ask for Help.
Posted by Nicole Acosta on July 9th, 2008
I’ve always had a great fear in online schooling. I’m a single mother of one, with only 3 credit hours of college and 6 lined up for the Fall 2008 Semester. I did a lot of research in looking for the best online program any school had to offer. I was bombarded with someone many phone calls from different online Univeristies I was automatically turned off. I felt safe by enrolling in my local community college that offered online teaching. I looked into other schools but just didn’t feel the connection I was looking for that made me feel that if I do receive a degree from here; would an employer accept my degree?
After I enrolled in my online classes I checked out more things from a friend of mine who is enrolled in night school.  A site is called ratemyprofessor.com this gave me detials, remarks and scores of teachers from students who have taken the classes I’m enrolled. I felt more confident and safe to know that my teachers have great scores, including know more about the way the class worked. Research your school, ask questions and always make sure you feel comfortable with your choice before accepting.
