I’m looking into online adult learning programs to get my Bachelor’s degree and I don’t know where to start. Here are some details:
I live in Chicago and attended DePaul University for over three years. Due to sudden changes in my life, I’ve had to get a full-time job and support myself. However, I do have 144 quarter hours worth of credits. I know DePaul has it’s own adult learning program but I was hoping for something less costly.
So basically, I’m looking for a reputable online program that will be seen as legitimate by employers, is not too pricey, but also will qualify for federal financial aid. Also, obviously, somewhere that will accept a least some of my credits from DePaul.
My DIL got her Bachelor’s from Ashford University online and is currently in a Master’s program online with the same university. I know she submitted her transcripts from the various colleges she had attended (she’s a military wife who gets moved around a lot) the various online colleges analyzed them and told her what classes she needed to get a degree in X. This varied from school to school. I don’t think application fees were involved in this step.
Last spring I had to write a rather big technical report on the pros and cons of online education. Since you have already decided to get a degree online (which is good), here’s my 2 cents:
the most important thing is to find a shool that is accredited be either the U.S. dept. of ed. Or CHEA, a private bit highly respected accreditation agency. Federal and state financial aid often will not be granted if you do not attend an accredited university. Also, since accreditation status is available online, any employer can verify it.
for-profit online schools such as Phoenix or DeVry cost more on average than their public counterparts. So choosing the distance-education arm of a respected, public university is usually a good choice, cost wise.
online-only schools still have a reputation among many employers as being sub-par. This is especially true if the requirements of your degree includes practicum or lab classes.
Best of luck, keep us up to date with your progress.
Thanks, I will definitely check out Ashford University’s programs and see what they have to offer.
I am aware that most people view online education as sub par and that bums me out because I am so close to graduating from a “regular” university but I just can’t finish at that school. I thought about transferring to University of Illinois Chicago, but after talking to a few people, I learned that most of my credits wouldn’t transfer because DePaul is on quarters and UIC is on semesters. But I will most certainly make sure any online school I’m considering is accredited. And I will check out state schools also. Thanks.
ETA: Keep forgetting to mention my major which is Political Science. So no labs or anything like that.
Check out Park University. (I’m an alum of Park College, its former identity.) They’ve been a trendsetter in accommodating non-traditional students. I think you’ll find they offer a good education at a reasonable price.