I realize that it is never too late but the problem is that I can't afford to quit my job to go to a brick and motar school so are online university's fully accredited and fully accepted by most companys across the U.S. and if so which are the best ones and what could I expect to pay for a B.S. degree?
2007-07-19 10:33:35 · 11 answers · asked by rollmanjmg 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Online programs can be really great -- I took part of my masters with online classes. And if the classes are offered through an accredited university as a part of one of their programs (the way that schools like U. Massachusetts and California Coast University do), then the classes, and your degree will be accredited as well.
Another way to make sure is to check out any potential programs with the Distance Education and Training Council, which accredits distance learning programs. Sometimes specialty bodies will also accredit certain programs (like the American Library Association does the accreditation for library programs, and the American Bar Association accredits law schools), so if you don't see a school listed with the DETC, you might also want to check with any specialized associations that might accredit your program.
Cost will vary depending if the school is public or private, and if you will pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. But my experience with distance learning form a big state university is that their financial aid office will help you no matter what kind of program (distance or traditional) you are enrolled in
As for employers, the only thing they are really concerned about is that you have an accredited degree. IMHO, a degree from a school that is known as a for-profit institution (like the U. of Phoenix or ITT Tech) will probably carry less weight with an employer than a distance degree from a more traditional university, but I really couldn't say how valid that perception is, or even if I am right.
2007-07-19 12:20:30 · answer #1 · answered by sweet byrd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Go back now, while you are still interested and motivated to do so. Start at your local community college where the classes will be much, much cheaper and many of them will be offered during the evening - or possibly online. Talk with the counselors to map out a part-time plan that will work around your job as much as possible. When that fails, work with your boss on the possibility of a swing schedule for the semester when evening/online doesn't work out. Many of my students do this quite successfully. It will take a little longer to complete the degree this way, but it will allow you to continue working and still support your family.
Many colleges and universities are now offering online bachelor's degrees. They will accept your community college credits just like any other college. The problem with online schools is accreditation. Make sure that the online college with whom you choose to complete your degree has national accreditation (Higher Learning Commission). If not, your degree will be worthless.
The ones that I know are fully accredited include University of Phoenix and DeVry University. Basically, if the college has a traditional campus and also offers online degrees, there should not be a problem with accreditation.
Good luck!
2007-07-19 10:52:15 · answer #2 · answered by JM 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off...congratulations for even thinking about taking on college courses. I am 46 and I will be graduating with my BS in mathematics in August. YES...YOU CAN do it!!
Believe it or not, the most accredited online university is Phoenix. They have ads all over the internet. BUT...you can still check out your local university for their distance learning courses. More and more schools are using this option for almost all of their classes. IF you check out a community college first...take your basics there (MUCH cheaper and JUST as good for your early credits). Using these options and depending on which colleges you choose...your costs could be anywhere from $15000 to $100,000 for a four year degree. PLEASE look into scholarship opportunities for the non traditional student. You can get some really good info at fastweb.com ALSO, you can get some really good stafford loans that will help with your finances. The info is out there...google it...and good luck.
2007-07-19 10:47:45 · answer #3 · answered by sewshawn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congrats to you!
Online schools are great for people in your situation and hundreds of thousands of people are currently enrolled.
They are great... if they are regionally accredited. Some are not and are academically meaningless such as Almeda, Kennedy Western, Warren National.
To gain regional accreditation, these programs have to have "highly qualified" faculty, primarilly with doctorates, which they do. There degrees will qualify you for employment for any organization with a competent HR department.
You can verify the accreditation here: http://www.chea.org/search/
Like the cotton gin in the 1800's, you'll still find people (not good hiring managers) who are biased against the way you earned your degree, but they are becoming fewer every .day.
2007-07-19 16:41:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is no, if you go to an online university. If you do an online degree at a traditional university, it will be treated exactly as a degree taken at the brick and mortar campus of that same university (although it is usually somewhat more expensive).
2007-07-19 10:37:53 · answer #5 · answered by neniaf 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there are plenty of sites on the web that will help you find the right schools and there are usually ways to find out if they are accredited i think livecareers is one of them but I'm not for sure try browsing and I'm sure you will find something that suits you best and to answer your question if 46 is to old no way my mother in law just started school again and she seems to be a lot happier now!! good luck!
2007-07-19 10:42:47 · answer #6 · answered by slim 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure about the online universities. Maybe you can call some of the Colleges that you might attend and ask them how the online credits, etc. are looked at.
2007-07-19 10:41:48 · answer #7 · answered by Renka 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my mom is in her fifties and is going back to school. you can take online courses to fit your schedule but they also offer night classes. you don't have to quit your job. you could even start of with some classes at a community college. its cheaper. and then transfer to a state university.
2007-07-19 10:42:47 · answer #8 · answered by Amy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No way honey....go and enjoy yourself!! I did it and it was amazing all the things I learned from the "kids" I was going to school with. Plus I got an amazing education and an amazing job!!! Go, do it, and have lots of fun!!!
2007-07-19 10:41:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i recently read a story about an 70 something year YOUNG lady whom went to college and the day after her graduation she passed away with many admiriers. She simply stated that she wasnt dead yet and she never wanted to stop learning!!!
YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!! geaux TO lsu TIGERS BABY!!!
2007-07-19 10:45:55 · answer #10 · answered by kristy M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋