My husband is in the military and I was wondering, due to the fact that we are going to be moving around a lot, would it be smarter to go to an online college or a community college to get my associates degree in arts and sciences? We have a baby on the way and I have to work. The extra money is nice and I become moody and depressed if I don't work. I've heard that the University of Phoenix is over priced and that a lot of companies do not accept it as a legitimate degree. However, if I do go the community college I'd have to take night classes. Plus there is always a chance that we could get stationed somewhere else...if that happens will my student loan be transfered over to my new school? And will I still only have to start paying once I graduate? Any answers will be appreciated. Thank you!
2007-08-07 07:00:30 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
My experience - friends that did online degrees and also in-class participants in "colleges" like those online - is that they are way overpriced and like you said, aren't considered quite legitimate degrees.
To my knowledge, all colleges now offer online classes. Not all classes are offered online... but you'll be surprised at how many are. This option would get you out of taking night classes...
If you have an idea of where you might be transfered to next, I would suggest submitting your FAFSA information to colleges in that area as well as the one you want to attend where you are now. This will cover your butt when you have to transfer and relieve a lot of frustration dealing with financial aid tracking. (Keep in mind that if you stick to online classes and then move, you probably will be able to finish the semester online and not worry about it - do keep your school informed of any changes though.)
Generally, student loans become payable 60 days after a six month grace period, after you graduate, drop to less than half time status or withdraw from school.
Sit down with an adviser at your local community college and pose all of your questions to them. Then, while you are there, talk with a financial aid adviser as well.
Regardless, your first step is to fill out a FAFSA. You can do that here http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Good luck and congratulations on your decision to continue your education!
2007-08-07 07:15:20 · answer #1 · answered by kamcrash 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am going to Kaplan University and its 350 per credit hour. I like it better than community colleges. You will be working on your own time instead of a schedule and even if you have to move you can take it with you unlike the community college. So I would say in your situation I would go with the online college. I am looking into Peru state college too. Its alot cheaper than kaplan. Hope this helps
2007-08-07 07:18:29 · answer #2 · answered by jamieg_69_04 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The key is that the college or university is accredited by a regional accreditation body in the US. An example in the Southeast is SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). I would look for a good online program from a regionally accredited body as this is accepted by other colleges and universities as a legitimate degree.
2007-08-07 08:12:04 · answer #3 · answered by constructioneducation 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you have heard about the University of Phoenix is true -- it is overpriced and employers do not take it seriously. having a degree from the University of Phoenix is -- in my opinion -- worse than having no degree at all.
If your only other choice is to go to a community college -- do that.
2007-08-07 07:31:10 · answer #4 · answered by Ranto 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Whatever on-line college or university you choose, be VERY careful and do lots of research! Even if a program states that they are "accredited," you need to know WHO they are accredited by.
I previously had a roommate who was in the Coast Guard and had started going to school. During his semester the hurricanes around Florida hit and he was called away for "extra" duty. I know that b/c it was a military situation, the college allowed him to withdraw and get his money back. So, that could be a question that you ask any college you are interested in.
Good luck!
2007-08-07 08:02:45 · answer #5 · answered by Amy B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for an online course from a real university. It will be cheaper than UPhoenix and better respected.
2007-08-07 09:24:14 · answer #6 · answered by Thomas M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is a tricky question..
2016-08-24 11:19:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋