Your children may be close to heading off to college.
Or maybe you’re considering continuing your education.
Enrolling in school – and finding money to pay for it – can be daunting. But resources online can help you achieve your goals.
Online education has really blossomed in the past several years.
Most universities offer online classes, but some may not offer complete degree programs online. Others won’t offer online degrees in your area of interest.
If you select a school carefully, the credits may be easily transferred.
This is particularly true for general-education credits, which are for classes required for a degree but not part of your major.
Look for local schools
Start by looking for local schools that offer online classes. With local schools, you can still meet with professors.
If local schools don’t suit your needs, look at other options. Try Degrees Online, eLearners and Directory of Schools. These sites will help you locate online programs.
You’ll find schools affiliated with established universities and colleges. You’ll also find online-only schools. Remember that some employers favor online degrees received from traditional schools.
Because of demand, most online schools focus on computers and business. It’s easy to find programs in computer science and management. It’s more difficult to find programs in the arts and other areas. But they’re there – if you look.
Online schools are a great way to continue your education. They also can give new students a head start. But research a school’s accreditation carefully.
Accreditation tells other schools and employers that your degree is backed with proper instruction. Without accreditation, credits may not transfer or employers may not consider your degree valid.
Beware diploma mills
Unfortunately, some “schools” sell degrees. These so-called diploma mills may say you’ve earned the degree through life experience. Employers won’t be fooled.
Ask the school what agency accredited it, but don’t stop there.
Double-check. Some fraudulent schools may set up a fake accrediting agency.
You can check accreditation with your state’s higher-education agency or go to the federal Department of Education, which maintains a list of legitimate accrediting agencies.
Local or state schools will be cheaper than private or out-of-state schools. But many online schools are private. You may pay a premium.
Whether you attend an online school or a traditional one, public or private, you can find financial assistance online.
First, check the Federal Student Aid Information Center. It lists grants and loans from the federal government. Most are based on need.
Other sites list private scholarships and loans. Check FastWeb.com, Scholarships.com and CollegeToolkit.com.
Contact Kim Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.
