College Degrees

house asked:


I know that in order for me to even take the exam I need to be sponsored by a member firm. Does anyone know how a person can get the sponsorship without a college degree or know of any firms in the Bay Area that will sponsor?

Jeanne

Henry Gregory asked:


There are many reasons a person fails to get a college degree. However, lack of that piece of paper doesn’t necessarily have to derail your career.

One of the biggest reasons that a person might fail to get a college education after high school is simply that person’s age. While many young students make the decision in high school that they want to be an Orthodontist or a Nurse, the majority don’t really think about their careers until they have had a chance to operate in the work force for a few years and decide what they want their life path to take.

Others know what they want to do with their lives, but the reality of their financial situations make getting that degree difficult. These folks generally start school, but are forced to drop out at some point with the silent promise to self that the diploma will be earned at some indeterminate time in the future.

Many more people go into a field like many of the technology fields that have more specialized skills training and certification programs. These programs are the only thing needed to be competent to begin their careers. The lack of a degree doesn’t really affect them until they get to the point in their careers where Human Resources places an arbitrary diploma requirement on any further advancement.

Whichever of these situations someone finds themselves in, all too often the responsibilities of the real world intrude. The responsibilities of a family, or just getting caught on the merry-go-round of trying to keep ahead of bills usually cause people to give up the dream of ever getting far enough ahead to go back and finish school. This invariably puts a ceiling on not only their earnings, but on the kind of life they will be able to give the people they love.

Fortunately for those caught in this dilemma, colleges are aware that someone who is in the work force is growing and becoming more skilled through their experiences. There are programs available where people can get either a protracted program where they get partial credit or even total credit for their chosen area of study. In other words, you can shave years off the time needed to complete that degree program and get a stalled career restarted.

The benefits of getting your degree in this manner are saving years of your life, and the fact that participating in these programs tends to cost a tiny fraction of pursuing the same course of study in the traditional manner.



Elsie

Gerald Greene asked:


Studying for an online bachelors degree education is a cost effective means to get your college degree. With the ever soaring cost of a traditional college on campus degree continuing working for a degree online becomes an attractive alternative to those who simply can not afford to attend a traditional college.

Another attractive feature of an online bachelors degree education is that your study time is quite flexible. You can work in the time necessary to complete your course work even while holding down a full time job. Sure it may not be all that easy, for example you may have to study a lot on week ends and late at night . But when you consider the financial differences between paying for on campus study as well as the loss of income and compare that to the benefits of earning income while you complete your college degree requirements at your own pace earning your online college degree can make a lot of sense.

With the cost of a traditional college education going through the roof many college students are graduating with crushing levels of student loans hanging over their heads. Compare that unhappy situation with an online bachelors degree education obtained by students who graduate debt free and the contrast in financial position is remarkable.

There are online colleges who have an excellent reputation in the community of those firms who hire college graduates. Once hired the former students performance on the job means much more as to advancement than the name of the college on the employee’s college degree.

What this means for the former student and new employee is that at most firms a college degree earned from a well known accredited online college or university will open doors for them just as well as a degree earned from on campus study. In fact, some employers may favor those who have earned a degree online while working as it indicates that they are good managers of their time and can bring real world work experience with them to the job.

Earning an online bachelors degree education may well be the best option for many students who are willing to give up the social aspects of college life. Certainly for financially challenged students who are not at the top of their high school class and may find it difficult to obtain a college scholarship studying for an online bachelors degree education is an attractive option.



Lorraine

Andy West asked:


When it’s time to break into a new career or push things forward on the career path, an online college degree is often the first thing that comes to mind. It is now the mainstream approach for many working adults who want to reach their goals without putting themselves in a bind. Accepted by workers and employers alike, there is hardly anyone who can’t find some sort of online program to enhance their career.

Although it has faced its critics, it has been found that online learning simply has too much to offer when it comes to convenience and cost effective learning options. Those making their way in the world on a daily basis are often maneuvering through unforgiving hectic schedules. When the need for extra education arises, rarely does that hectic schedule make room for a large number of options.

Likewise, the working adult is typically one who shies away from returning to school when faced with the cost factor. Not only must the cost of courses be considered, but traveling to classes and other related expenses come into play as well. Many working adults just feel intimidated by the overall picture.

However, with an online college degree, concerns having to do with these factors are addressed right away. Many are familiar with the fact that, depending on the course of study, online learning can require little or no class time. This fact often peaks the attention of those looking for options to further themselves.

Online learning also means paying only for the course and materials needed. The extra costs that come with attending an onsite college are a non-issue. This is the second thing that gives working adults the hope they are looking for.

A good number of companies are now changing their employment requirements to meet the needs of their target industry. In order to keep from losing their workforce, companies sometimes put education reimbursement programs in place for their employees. Knowing employees are already trying to juggle home and work, online learning programs have become the most recommended course of study by companies.

Those who take on this type of learning will need to be self-motivated. However, individuals who have spent their time in the workforce are generally used to taking on tasks that need to be done without being told. Students can take their course of study as fast or as slow as needed, studying the concepts that need the most attention.

Students of online learning must also be able to make time for their studies. More often than not, classes are set up on a syllabus that can be attended to at any time of the day or night. This means instead of working another activity into a set schedule, students can take on their education at a time that is best for them.

Working adults also like the idea of an education that focuses on getting the specific skills they need. These skills can be easily put to use in either their current position or it can even take them to the very next level. Either way, it is no secret that job skills can often mean greatly increasing one’s earning prestige and power.

Once an individual earns their college degree online, he or she will have a fully recognized and reputable degree to show for their hard work and dedication. This will also likely come with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction at completing such an important task. With a degree often paying for itself in the long run, rarely do individuals regret taking on such a life enhancing experience.



Cindy

Kimberly Diane asked:


There are hundreds of resources available to students who want to continue their education and receive an online college degree but are unable to pay for it up front. Whatever route you’re choosing for student financial aid - an unpaid monetary gift or re-paid financial assistance - funding your way through school is achievable. Money no longer needs to be a factor in your decision to return or even go to school the first time around!

To decide which type of student financial aid would suit your educational pursuits, the following information on loans and scholarships should come in handy. Before enrolling at any school to acquire your online college degree, however, you need to make sure that it’s accredited, the degree program you’re interested in is eligible for student financial aid, and you’ve discussed your situation with the college’s representatives in the financial aid office.

FAFSA: Student Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is an office of the U.S. Department of Education that provides student financial aid or monetary assistance to eligible individuals who wish to continue their educations well beyond high school and receive a traditional or online college degree. FAFSA strives to encourage all Americans to achieve a higher education and realize the power that it has within our society.

By partnering with a large number of postsecondary schools in the U.S., FAFSA is able to play a vital role in ensuring that interested individuals have ample student financial aid to continue their schooling and receive an online college degree. The program, which processes 14 million applications each year, distributes more than $80 billion per year in student financial aid to eligible applicants (1). To apply online or learn more, please visit www.FAFSA.ed.gov.

Students Loans

In essence, student loans are low-interest monetary assistance from the government to help cover the cost of education (tuition) as well as books, housing, and incidentals. However, upon graduation and receipt of your online college degree, the loan must be re-paid. There are three types of student loans: federal student loans doled out to the students themselves; federal student loans to parents, which are normally referred to as PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students); and private student loans, which are funded by banks and/or financial companies rather than the government.

Advocates for private student loans say that this type of student financial aid combines the best of the low-interest rates, but with a higher loan amount and a longer grace period. Private loans have two methods of disbursement of funds - school to channel (money is distributed to the school) and direct to consumer (money is given to the individual to use as he or she sees fit). Before deciding which type of loan is appropriate for your particular situation, do your homework! Federal student loans require that you are enrolled in college for a certain amount of hours each semester, while private student loans begin accruing interest rather quickly (2).

Loan Forgiveness Programs

While loan forgiveness is not necessarily a way to fund your way through school, it is an excellent way to eliminate your loan debt quickly once you’ve received your traditional or online college degree. The government has devised a way to purge most (and sometimes all) debt for students who involve themselves in community or military service or work for AmeriCorps, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), Teach for America, Peace Corps, National Health Service Corps, or teach students in a low-income area (3).

Most of these programs, which serve underprivileged families and individuals, will forgive a large portion of your loan debt if you work full-time upon graduation. The National Health Service Corps, for instance, pays up to $25,000 per year towards your debt. To learn more, visit the Sallie Mae website.

Scholarships

Attend the college of your choice and acquire your online college degree - for free! How is that possible? Student financial aid in the form of scholarships from organizations, clubs, and fund programs all over the United States offer billions of dollars to students around the nation to help them realize their dreams. Scholarships recognize scholastic achievements or merits, while some focus on personal interests, community involvement, and/or financial need. You may be required to write at length on a topic or simply submit some detailed information on your educational interests.

Best of all, scholarships are free money in your pocket - you do not have to re-pay this gift! To learn more about scholarships or to find a few that may be of interest to you, please visit www.fastweb.com.

Realize Your Dreams with an Online College Degree

If you receive a loan, the important thing to keep in mind is that you’ve been given more money than needed. Try not to spend it all; tuck some away and save it for when you must begin re-paying the loan. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a large loan bill each month (with all the interest to boot). If you’ve received a few scholarships or other type of student financial aid, congratulations! This money is yours and you can do what you wish with it. You are off the hook and are released from re-paying these generous contributions to your educational pursuits to receive an online college degree.

Regardless which student financial aid route you decide to take, enrolling in college, learning all you can, and acquiring your online college degree are things to be proud of!

Sources

1. http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/about/index.html

2. http://www.finaid.org/loans/

3. http://www.collegeanswer.com/paying/content/pay_loan_forgive.jsp



Brittany

Deanna Mascle asked:


Deciding to go to college and finish a degree is a life-defining move. You must agree that the choices you make in this stage of your life will most definitely affect your career path and your future in general.

Since this is so, be sure to read these tips in choosing the best college degree:

1. First, you must know what your skills are, academically speaking, that is. Are you mathematically-inclined? Or are you much better in the languages and science? You see, it would be a nightmare for you to take up law when you are much more interested in, say, writing.

2. If you can, sign up for internships so that you can get a ‘feel’ of the work environment in each college major option that you have.

3. Aside from your skills, choose a course that offers flexibility when you start job-hunting. Is this course that you’re deciding to take up gonna require more training before you are hired?

Now that you have some degrees in mind, the next level is to choose the college that you will attend. Here are, again, some tips in choosing the best colleges that would offer your chosen field:

1. First, be certain if you would rather attend a college near your home or one that would take you miles away from family.

2. Consider if you would want a big and famous university or a small and private campus. Your personality would dictate this. If you are the type that likes crowds, then go for the university that offers it all. If you are more of an introvert, then, by all means, go for the college with less population.

3. If you are sports-oriented, be sure to check out campuses that offer gyms or outdoor fields that can support sports of your choice. If you are more of a computer geek, there are colleges that offer a much subdued environment that is conducive to learning.

4. If you belong to a different denomination, as much as you can , look for a university that supports your belief or, at least, respects it. For example, Mormons have the Brigham Young University which was founded by people that share their belief.

5. The next thing to consider is your budget. There are several public and private colleges in the country. By rule, private colleges are much more expensive than the public ones but that doesn’t mean that they provide a less quality in education. Just be able to scout for the right public school.

These tips are just here as guidelines. What matters most is still YOU. What does your heart dictate and crave?



Jane

Bryan Burbank asked:


If you are looking for a new job then there are a lot of choices for you to look at. Maybe you do not make enough money and you want to find a job that you can make more money and have a better life. There are a lot of people that think that you need a college degree to get a good job and without one you will be only able to get a burger flipping job and this is not true.

Learn How To: Get the Perfect Job

There are many great high paying jobs that are available for you even if you do not have a college degree. You can find many of these jobs if you want to be in sales because it is not a requirement to have a degree yet you can be very good with people and can be a successful salesperson that makes a 6 figure salary. Also many people will get jobs in casinos because they also have many opportunities to move up and make a great salary even if you are not college educated.

Learn About: Positive Work Habits

Many of us grew up and were told you have to have a college degree or you will not amount to anything but is not true. There are also many professions such as a plummer where you can make a lot of money but you can learn to do this without a degree.

Do not worry if you feel like there is no options for you because you can make a lot of money and have a great working career you just have to search and find the best choice for your lifestyle.



Marcus

emily asked:


hey,

my friend is interested in making films. she’s currently enrolled in a 4-year art school in vancouver (emily carr), where she will receive a bachelor’s degree in media studies. however, she really loves living in seattle and is considering coming to seattle and attending seattle central community college to get an associates degree in film & video communications.

i know that in general a bachelor’s degree is more appealing to employers than an associates, but is there any reason to believe that this concept holds true in the film industry?

Leon

Peapod asked:


I am considering the Navy as a career option after college and would like to know what type of degree would benefit me most in a combat type field. I would like to go into BUDs training after entering into the Navy to become a SEAL. If I did make it through BUDs which degree would help me most in that field.
Would Spanish be another foreign language to consider or is it not as valuable in the state we are in.

Martin

Ted Huffman asked:


Distance education usually rises to the occasion above most typical universities offering this type of international education

Distant learning classes are available to many sections of the world and a wide course is offered for many who strive for a high quality upper education. Distance education lets you to prepare for university admissions and also offers many other degree courses that can assist people in attaining degrees for upcoming employment.

Climbing the ladder of success from having low quality careers to the white collared work assignments needs distance education and this can be quickly done on your own time, without any deadlines to meet.

The choice is yours and can be fitted within a convenient education period so that the training is well imbibed and you gain the most learning for that future career path. Even if you have very little time on your hands, it will be beneficial to take a couple of minutes and follow the classes to get desired results that will lead to a better job in the future.

Enrolling in a distant learning college is the way you can acquire university degrees by studying for a bachelor, masters, fellowship or associate degrees and you don’t even need to move from your home Distance education makes all this very easy for you since one does not have to spend waste time in going to a school complaining about the normal day routine required for full time courses. Neither is it necessary to work for your education or make too many changes in the usual life pattern. Tutorials are available online making the entire education process very convenient

The best feature of distance education is the time span that suits your convenience. One can begin the process without many complications, form filling or other details generally required for obtaining admission. The cost of distant learning is just as good as conventional schools except when makes it easy with their pay as you go plans. Distance education is the doorway to success and a bright career where Distance education excels in providing many courses of interest to the students who can choose their package and complete the studies in comfortable and convenient way.

General Information about Distance education:

Distance education, or distance learning, is a field of education that focuses on the technology, and instructional systems design that aim to deliver education to students who are not physically “on site”. Rather than attending courses in person, teachers and students may communicate at times of their own choosing by exchanging printed or electronic media, or through technology that allows them to communicate in real time. Distance education courses that require a physical on-site presence for any reason including the taking of examinations is considered to be a hybrid or blended course or program.

More about the types of Distant Education: Communication is usually conducted via regular mail. Internet conducted either synchronously or asynchronously. Courses are delivered through audio, television or the internet. CD-ROM where the student interacts with computer content stored on a CD-ROM. PocketPC/Mobile Learning where the student accesses course content stored on a mobile device or through a wireless server



Cody