In today’s competitive job market, employers put a higher value
on candidates with degrees. The majority of high-paying jobs
on the market require at least a Bachelors degree. On the average, college graduates have far more successful careers and earn more money over the course of their lifetime than non-college graduates.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has determined that people with Bachelors degrees earn an average of 98% more income in their lifetime than non-college graduates. People with Masters degrees earn 170% more.
What kinds of degrees are offered by online universities?
Online universities offer Associates, Bachelors, and Masters degrees; a few offer PhDs in areas such as Health Services, Education, and Psychology. In addition, most online universities offer numerous Certificate programs. The areas of study offered vary among online universities. In general, most online schools offer degrees and certificates in categories.
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36 users commented in " Online Education in USA "
Follow-up RSS Comments Feed or Leave a TrackbackMy wife just completed two years of course work at UOP to EARN her BS Nursing. The ability to “attend” classes any time of the day or night worked well for her. In fact she was often up and on-line when I woke up to go to work the next morning many times. The assignments for most classes were demanding in the amount of research required to provide an answer. Each assignment was then blogged by the other students in the class ( if I am using the word correctly). There were group projects for most classes that required a group of student to work together to complete a class project. My daughter also completed her MS in business and accounting recently at UOP. Her experiences were similar. One funny comment from her HR Director at her office was that on-line schools lacked interaction. In a traditional class I could sit in the back and never say a word the entire course. At UOP interaction is the way most classes are accomplished along with writing a paper a week. The instructors are able to evaluate the students on daily work and get a good feeling of who is doing what work.
Is the process infallible? No more than attending any brick and mortar program. This includes the quality of the instructors, their participation and grading. All in all my wife and daughter worked hard and learned as much as going to any other qualified school. They just saved a lot of time by not having to drive there.
In my opinion, the term ‘degree mill’ coupled with UOP is an oxymoron.
I am one third of the way through the MBA program and I would have to agree that the notion that online work lacks interaction is far from the truth. We interact all the time on a daily basis, partly because we work in groups. I interact more in these classes than I ever did in traditional classes. I think the instructors I’ve had so far are experienced in their fields, but sometimes wonder whether they read all the papers we write or not. However, the learning process has already taken place by the amount of effort you put into your work, not the grade you get. This is a situation where the more you put into it, the more you get out of it, and that work will show up in how you do your job and what you understand now that you wouldn’t have ever understood without course studies. UOP has worked well for me.
I am a student with UOP in my last class of my Masters degree. I finished my BS through UOP and was so happy with it that I continued on with my Masters. UOP is no diploma mill. There is a lot of work involved in getting your degree. I feel bad that one of the people making comments had a bad teacher, but I don’t think this is the case in most instances. I have definitely been challenged but have done my best work by going to school this way. I like that you have to apply what you learn to your job. I have nothing bad to say about UOP. I recommend it to everyone and always will.
I have been reading about what happened to a number of individuals dealing with Kaplan University and really wish I would have known about this website prior to enrolling last summer.
Although I haven’t been taken to collections yet, they have been sending letters, e-mails, and calling constantly to get in touch with me about my ‘past due account.’ First off, they are trying to charge me for two semesters (at $1600/semester). Thankfully, I wasn’t even able to complete my first semester because I lost my job working as a security officer in June of 2007. I quit attending school in the middle of July. My ‘financial advisor’ promised me the same things such as I would not be receiving a bill, and that everything was taken care of. So…it was very shocking to me when I received a bill in the amount of $1,987.00. After notifying Kaplan that I would have to discontinue my education at this school!!!
One of the reps that handles student accounts was very helpful to me….Mr. Wilkens Bruna sent me a breakdown of what my charges were and how much I payed each month. Now everyone remembers the $95 dollar entrance fee. Now charging $1,600/semester (which I’m only paying for the semester I attended)…that brings the price down to $1,505.00. I paid $50 June 20th 2007…which brings it down to $1,455.00. They charge you for technology fees (why I have no idea) and that amount is $100.00. Brings me back to $1,555. My student loans in the amount of $875 and $293 through Citi Bank gave me a total of $1,168.00. Now, subtract that from $1,555 and that brings the balance down to $387 I would have paid out of pocket!!! So, why the bill for the extra semester I withdrew from and didn’t even take? But, here’s the kicker. Before I found all of this out, I have been making $100 payments every month (with the exception of Jan) since Nov 2007. Kaplan owes me some money since this account was paid off as of March 2008.
I’m on the verge of my 24th birthday, and although I am young, I know the law which is why I’ve reported them to the Better Business Bureau, The Federal Trade Commission, The State Attorney General, and anyone else I can think of to get these bastards out of business!!! They are stealing money and dreams! Yes, the school is accredited, but most of the classes they offer don’t count for anything once you get out there in corporate america. I’m glad I was able to find a wonderful government job that allows me to live comfortably…but I wanted to further my education so I wouldn’t have to settle. If you all really want to take a stand, do what I did. Enough complaints and they will get SHUT DOWN!!!!
I took two classes from University of Phoenix and then found out that my employer would rather I had a degree from some other school. I went to a local University to enroll but I was short on Financial aid because the University (I use that term loosely) of Phoenix had not returned the money that was disbursed to them. They received financial aid money after I withdrew from the school. I keep calling my financial counselor at Phoenix. He just won’t answer his phone nor will he return my calls how convenient for them. Looking back the only time I actually talked with him was when my bill was coming due and he wanted to make sure they get paid. They also are charging me for a class and books after I withdrew from the school. They are a waste of time, MONEY! They are a joke!!!
i believe that if you work through your computer for school than i say go for it. I have five kids and this online schooling has helped me. I am sure that thier are some scamming schools but the AIU online University is legit and that is a fact. I did some serious checking before I decided to do this. Just becareful but, if flexibility is an issue check on it! I love it. the staff at aiu is great!
I am so proud to be a part of the educational community at Walden University. My master’s degree is from an ivy league institution and my undergrad. is from a very competitive NY institution. However, I am so pleased with the level of learning, the faculty commitment, and the interactions at Walden University. I had great doubts before I started; however, I learned that one cannot paint online learning with a broad brush. Take a look at Walden – of course, as with any course, it is what you make of it. Thanks!
My boyfriend John, goes to CTU online(Colorado Technical University). His first semester of school went well. His second term not so well, because he was problems and had to drop his two classes. Yesterday, he recieved a phone call from CTU and he asked them if he could just take a break until the next term and they told him that if he did not pass this certain class,he would have to start paying back the student loan money and that he would have to reapply all over again. They talked him into passing this class so that he will be able to continue to the next term. He is working towards an associates degree in computer technology. They charged him a fifty dollar entrance fee. I am a student myself and go to a Community College here in Albuquerque, NM. I am working towards my associates degree in Computer Animation. I prefer to be in the classrooms with other students and my teachers, because I feel that I learn more that way. To me online unviersities or colleges don’t carry the interaction with people that a college or university has. I prefer interacting with people face to face and that’s how I make my friends. In my opinion I wouldn’t recomend an online xchool. My community college does offer distance learning for classes and that is for people who don’t live really close to Albuquerque. Thank you for letting me post a comment.
A lot of you should be flipping burgers at McDonalds. As it doesn’t sound like you are mature enough to be in school. University of Phoenix is Great, Kaplan University is Great, Community College is great.
The thing about education is, you only get out what you put in.
So if you do the same thing over and over again, and expect a different result….you are insane.
Read the contract before signing. read the fine print. Education is only expensive if you do not take advantage of the opportunity when it is presented.
For all you that can’t put the effort out to finish what you started and are now resorting back to loser, high school antics, go flip burgers for the rest of your lives and good luck.
The economy will only support so many burger shops or broom pushers. And I hear those jobs are getting harder to find.
I plan on making 40% more money than a non college educated person, and I plan on being involved in life, not just watching it go by.
Good luck!
UOP placed a $987 ding on my otherwise good credit report for a class I did not take due to their technological error. They are also withholding my transcript so I can’t even take the credits I earned and paid for someplace else. Avoid UOP!!!
I have attend the brick wall schools and loved it, but i have found online education to be a plus.
I obtained my masters from AIU and I loved every minute of it. the interactiom from other students and the professors were just great. I loved it so much that I have begun my PHD degree at Walden university and it is wonderful.
Sure it is a lot of work,but it is what is required to complete this degree.
I would advise anyone who is sure that this is what they want to do to go for it If I can do it so can you.
I have attended both brick and mortar and online schools. I am a recent graduate from AIU online. I graduated with honors and was on the Dean’s list for the last year. My experience was not that bad. However, I am a non-traditional student (in my 30′s). I have also applied to law school. My advice to anyone considering online education is it may not be for you. If you are a fresh graduate of high school I would say stick to traditional brick and mortar. If you are non traditional I would suggest online simply because you are already in the workforce and this route may be condusive to your schedule. Also to be realistic technology is moving forward and online education will be a more common thing in the next several decades. This is just the way advancement happens. Eventually online education will garner the respect it deserves while traditional education will be more of a nostalgic thing. Nonetheless my education from AIU in Criminal Justice would have been no less intense than any other brick and mortar.
My mother-in-law and sister-in-law both graduated AIU with Masters degrees and both are in high six figure paying jobs because of the education. In fact my mother-in-law is attending CTU for her Ph.D and I am currently applying to AIU myself to finish my degree. Online schools are like regular universities except that you do all the work on your own pace at home. You still have the Professors, classroom interaction, group and solo reports and the ever dreaded final exams. I would put their online degrees up against any traditional College or university degree and see which holds more weight. In fact I think the online degree is better because you are forced to be more focused.
I was one of the first people I know to pursue a Masters On line with Capella University. I did alot of research into my program and was especially concerned with certification of the institution. I could not have been more pleased when all was said and done. I worked my tail off for my degree and it was not handed to me! Since my graduation in 2004 I have been able to secure adjunct faculty positions at two local universities. Both never flinched at where I got my education. They saw the results in it!
I’m looking for a degree in graphis arts but I don’t know much about computer. I was a printer on off set presses 40 inches 8 and 9 units. I got hurt and would like to try to go back to work one day but I can’t be around any type of chemicales including prefumes. I would like to be able to work from home cause it hard to find a chemical free place. Is there anything I can do or any opne that can help me out. I’ve been looking for an on-line school but there to many out there and wiht hardley any computer experance what or were should I start. Someone please help. chip 702-684-6623
I think University of Phoenix need to check out who they hire some of their instructor act like they care if you get the assignment.
I think University of Phoenix need to check out who they hire some of their instructor act like the do not care you get the assignment some time feel like make a mistake by going online to go to college.
I love online college. I just graduated from AIU with my Associates in Criminal Justice/Business Administration. I am starting at Kaplan University for my Forensic Accounting degree in a few days. Other than the misunderstanding with AIU staff not knowing what Forensic Accounting is I have had a great opportunity and was able to take my classes around my crazy work schedule.
I am attending Axia College U O P and doing great but have been hearing that employeers laugh at you when you tell them you graduated from U O P. Does anyone know for sure or where to find out about the college?
make sure the school you attend is accredited I signed up for walden , which used to be kennedy western , i said I would start in september , byut they insisted i pay everyhting , not knowing I did they have 5000 of my money and I did not attend one class there and they changed their name . They are accreditted . Most places want an accreditted degree before they will even look at you.
I am attending the U O P online and have not had any problems with being able to reach and discuss any problems with my consellors. I think that this is a good university and if it were not then why does it have over 350,000 students across the U. S. Employers who do not want to recognise this institution are just ignorant to the fact that U O P has just as much credibility as any other college or university.
I am a doctoral learner with Capella University. I chose them after an extensive one-year search for an accredited program that offered the flexibility I needed to keep my job. After 4 years of demanding courses, a year-long residency, a year of practicum, and passing a difficult comprehensive examination, I am now writing my dissertation.
Several individuals have complained about universities processes here, and those issues may be valid. However, as someone who has worked for a University, most of the financial issues mentioned here are federally mandated (i.e. repayment of loans when you are inactive).
I applaud those of you who said “you get what you put in”. Education is an investment – it is a sacrifice and a committment of your time, resources, and money. If you invest in a home, you put the work in to improve it – why wouldn’t you do the same for yourself?
My undergrad and masters were from brick and mortar schools. I like this format much better and have never been so challenged academically! Capella demands a high level of autonomy, critical thinking, and development of strong writing skills. I love it, and will continue to recommend them!
I’ve taught hundreds of hours online through a public institution. So I am not hostile to it, I think it works–but only when you have a professor who is comfortable and willing to work hard in the online setting; online is harder than classroom.
Students need to consider finances. The private online schools that are accredited ought to meet minimum quality standards (tho’ one wonders about the quality when the entire faculty is part-time), so the real difference is cost. Take online courses through a state university or college, and you save thousands of dollars per semester–something a college-educated person ought to consider.
Finally, employers still question the quality of an online degree. If you attend Walden, Capella, or UOP, you will (unfairly I think) be rejected more often. If you get a diploma from a state institution, it will not say “online degree” to the employer.
Like everything else in life ” It is what you make of it” There is no exception when it comes to Online College. What you put in to your online education is what your gonna get out of it. I go to Kaplan University and I see no diffrence in education. I have just as much one – one time with my professors now as when I did in traditional school. I spend more time with my classmates online then I ever did at school. And the best part of it is that I can take my classes around my schedule.
I recently completed the Master of Arts, Liberal Studies program at Excelsior College. I found the quality of education to be on a par with traditional colleges.
NCU in Arizona is a diploma mill.
I live in India.I own a Bachelor Degree in English.I also own Diploma in Optometry,Contact Lens practice and credit in Low-vision with experience in Orthoptics.Presently I am working as a Practising Optometrist(Private),Orthoptist & LVA specialist(Eye-care foundation),Community Eyr-care provider(Lions Club International).I want to earn a Degree/Diploma in Health-related subjects.Please show the relevant path.
Thanks.
I attend Virginia College Online. I am more than two thirds away from earning my Associate of Science Human Resources Degree. The cost includes be books, tuition and graduate fees. I have applied to Baker College to earn my Undergrad in Business Administration hopefully on the Corporate Fast Track Program. Walden has also been strongly recommended by my professor.
I love it! I tried going back to a brick and monitor institution-not good for me. After research that included talking to professional people about their view of online degrees and checking out a lot of schools online, I made my choice very carefully.
The only challenge now is the catalog changed since I have started.I did not have any commnunication or reason to believe that I would not have the same elective choices and so forth since I started the program.
So now in these final classes I really want the accounting classes and they are not apart of my program. My advance is even though it is distant learning be proactive and treat your online attendance communication open with academic advisors. I will probably only have myself to blame for my situation.
I have requested to be “grandfathered” in to complete my degree based on my original program. That is my only disappointment so far. I would encourage non-traditional students to consider online classes a GIFT!
Most traditional universities are offering distant learning these days anyway. So the value is not a question anymore of the online degree-it is just a good choice for those who are up for the CHALLENGE!
All I can say is “don’t go to Grantham University if you’re looking for cake classes.” The demand of the course work is definitely college level and the instructors cut you no slack, and that’s a good thing. I agree with everyone who says “you get out of it what you put into it.” I spend about 20 hours a week doing course work, and I really like it. I’ll go back to a brick and mortar school only if I have to. Online is not for everyone though. You have to provide your own motivation and you must manage your time well. If you can do those things, then and only then will online work for you.
I have been to more than 20 schools in my life. Traditional and online. Military and civilian. I teach online. I even earned an unnacredited doctorate from Kennedy Western which i now regret. I am suing them with others to get my $6000 dollars back since the degree is worthless. I just finished a second online bachelors at Ashford University and it has been excellent. You have to judge the software they use and the methods of teaching which is hard before you pay. Blackboard seems to be the best. Then WebCT and WebTycho. If you are just using a book and proctored exam method then you miss out on loads of class interaction. This method is harder because you may cover the whole book in one test instead of modules. You have to be an adult learner and committed to online education to make it work. But recognize it’s limitations. Physics can not be taught online. Other lab courses can not be taught online. Math would also be hard if you had questions. Social Science courses are easy online. I predict the costs will come down in the future for online courses as they should. But we need to make sure as cosumers we hold them accountable. The brick and motor school tuitions is out of sight of the normal American. They have risen 4000 percent since 1979 when i graduated from Univ of Maryland with annual tuition at $3000.
It is not funny and someone is benefiting from this scam in education. Mainly university staff and faculty and the states coffers. They take money from the poorest with a promise of a better job future. This is highway robbery of the highest sort. I think it is time the government sent the best students to school for free in a national program that lands them in government civil service or military jobs. This was how i got started at USAFA for free. So buyer beware. They know you will pay for degrees and it is not as regulated as you might think with political payoffs in states like Wyoming and Alabama. (Kennedy Western and Preston University) These are truly cheating schools or diploma mills. Take it from one who knows and trusted them.
I just finished two classes online through a local community college. 6 credits felt like full time.
I don’t expect it to be a bed of roses, but it there were some pitfalls.
It was a lot of digging to find where assignments are actually posted. I felt like I was on a hunt most of the time and it was easy to miss something crucial.
I got behind in one subject–some new and difficult concepts–, and I had trouble for the balance of the semester, which was very frustrating. Others in the class shared my issues, so it could not just be me. It’s partly because by the time I got an answer to a previous question, we were onto the next thing.
There sure are drawbacks, pitfalls and issues, but overall I felt I got a good grounding in the subjects I was taking even though the information overload felt like a freight train. I still have some remedial work I need to do with the material, since I’d like to continue.
Thanks for the insights. I am looking into other online education, and it’s good to know that some are just to be avoided!
Has anyone had any complaints about Virginia College online?
In reference to your comments on the online education, and that getting an online education does not mean you have less than quality education, it is not a fly bye night education, it is real. It is like going to any university that is out there, the instructors hound just like they do at a regular university, and they expect you to do your work in a timely fashion just the same as a university instructor might. As far as them being part time, there are instuctors with experience in these jobs that employers are looking for. The cost is expensive, but you get what you pay for. If you pay for garbage than you get garbage. So getting an on-line education is not all bad. it gives single parents a chance to get an education which is so much needed espiecally in these days of economic uncertainity. It pays to have some education and it does not matter where you get it from, but what does matter is the fact that you have one. If an employer finds out that you have one than O.k, But you can’t make someone hire you wheather you have a degree or not. If they don’t want to than they won’t. With an On-line education, you still have to check for accrediation , but I would do that even for a university. I finished my degree with American Intercontinental University in March 2009, and I must say it was not easy , but I got through it, and i was not at a four year college. Sometimes a four year instiution is not for every body.
Another thing that I like is with On-line education is that it is convient , and I don’t have to spend twenty minutes looking for a parking spot, when i could have been in the class room, and i also don’t have to worry about the instructor talking so fast that i can’t keep up. Or he or she is lecturing, and it is boring, So there is alot of postivies with getting an Online Education.
My third week at Kaplan University and my dream is to complete the Law Program. I hope that I will be sucessful in completing the programs that they offer. I still have alot to learn and I hope that I will become an Injury Attorney.
i am a high school graduate willing to further my education into the university.please l have read the comments of some students you helped.l will be thankful to you if you help out most importantly a degree in architecture. GHANA.
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