| Today, traditional students and adults have more | | | | whenever is good for you. |
| choices than ever when enrolling in college or career | | | | - You save money. No costs for commuting or eating |
| school. The Internet has created a revolution in higher | | | | the lousy college cafeteria food. You probably already |
| education, and most major colleges and | | | | own a computer and have Internet service (which is |
| universities-even Ivy League schools-are offering | | | | how you are able to read this article!). Except for |
| courses and degree programs online. This means that | | | | your books or other course material, that's all you |
| a working mom in Alaska can earn her degree from a | | | | need. |
| college in New York, or a dad in Florida can earn his | | | | - College instructors spend time online with students. |
| MBA from a university in California-all without ever | | | | Chances are good that you will have as much |
| leaving home! | | | | personal interaction with your online instructor as you |
| But how can you choose an online college? If you are | | | | would in one of those big lecture halls on campus. |
| considering a traditional bricks-and-mortar college you | | | | - Financial aid and other college services are generally |
| can drive to the college campus and see the college | | | | available to qualified online students. You may qualify |
| buildings and meet with the admissions staff. You | | | | for the same grants, loans, or scholarships that |
| might even get to see some classes or meet some | | | | traditional students receive. |
| instructors. It's possible, when you visit a college | | | | Choosing an Online College |
| campus, to imagine yourself walking along under the | | | | The biggest fear people have about online degrees is |
| big oak trees or spending time in the student union | | | | that they come from "degree factories" and will not |
| or in the library. You have a sense of being part of a | | | | be respected by employers. Yes, there are plenty of |
| class with other students. | | | | unscrupulous quickie degree mills where you can buy |
| The downside to a traditional campus experience is | | | | a degree. This is why you need to find a challenging |
| that it can be expensive. If you are a working adult | | | | program at an accredited college, career school, or |
| you probably cannot afford to quit your job or pay | | | | university. |
| the expense of commuting to a distant college | | | | The best way to see your choices? Click onto a |
| campus. Plus, you are compelled to attend class | | | | reputable college directory service like the one below. |
| according to the class schedule. If Tuesday night at | | | | The directory features only accredited and quality |
| 7:00 pm is impossible for you, then tough luck: you'll | | | | career schools, colleges, and universities. Most of the |
| have to take some other class or skip the whole idea | | | | colleges on the site have traditional bricks-and-mortar |
| of going back to college. | | | | campuses. None are located on obscure Caribbean |
| Online programs offer tremendous benefits for | | | | islands. |
| working adults. | | | | Here's how to get started. It's easy to get free |
| - You have a wide range of choices of programs and | | | | information. Simply enter your search terms (such as |
| degrees. Looking for a master's degree program in | | | | "online MBA" or "online radiology degree") and you'll |
| pastoral counseling? Chances are your local college | | | | see a selection of schools that meet your criteria. |
| doesn't offer it, but it's available online from a | | | | Choose a few and contact the schools. They will |
| prestigious university. | | | | send you free information about their online |
| - Online programs offer flexible schedules. Generally, | | | | programs, financial aid, career services, and much |
| you need to meet certain milestones as your | | | | more. There is no obligation. Once you have made |
| program progresses. It doesn't matter what time of | | | | your comparisons and narrowed down your choices, |
| day you do your work. Does your work shift end at | | | | you're ready to contact the admissions department. |
| 9:00 pm? No problem! You can complete your | | | | In less time than you think, you could be earning your |
| assignments on weekends or in the morning or | | | | college degree! |