A college education is a sure shot way to achieve your dreams. The future of America depends on the quality of education its youth has access to.
Did you know that almost 70% Americans above the age of 25 don’t have a bachelor’s degree? Our governments have been working on strategies to make quality education affordable to more American students. Not only are there various education grants and student loan reforms available – many respectable universities and colleges now offer online programs too!
There may be many reasons why a traditional 4-year campus education may not be viable for you, including financial constraints or simply the choice of courses available. Pursuing online education is not only cost-effective, but it also offers a diverse selection of courses.
Online education is a great way to acquire a college degree for adults who left their education incomplete. Individuals who need to work full-time jobs due to financial obligations also stand a chance to receive quality education online.
Reputed universities like Penn State with their pioneering initiatives like the Penn State World Campus are attracting a vast majority of students to go pursue their education online. MIT’s open course-ware is another great example of ground-breaking innovation in education.
Online courses provide utilities like online forums and email groups that make interaction between students easily possible. Working in teams for group projects also helps in the overall academic development of a student. With advancement technology in place, inter-personal correspondence is not an issue.
Affordability and flexibility are two factors that make online learning programs viable.
But there’s one thing to consider before enrolling in an online course – and that is your drive to remain self-motivated. In the absence of direct interference of teachers, it will be your responsibility to complete your assignments and submit them on time. However, the fact that you’ve paid for the learning program should be motivation enough to make you feel committed.
Make sure you go through the financial aid section before deciding on a course. There are grants available for most colleges barring a few big ones. In case you’re awarded financial aid and are still unable to afford the course fee – a ‘financial appeal’ lets you contact the school’s financial aid officer to explain your situation better. You will then have to convince them of your commitment to work hard and also help them understand your financial limitations. This will help you negotiate your financial award better.
Some online courses offer special scholarships for adult students – do your research, be sincere with your applications and you are sure to receive the education you deserve. Remember, online degree courses require the same amount of dedication and hard work as traditional ones. The benefits are equally great too!
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