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Archive for July, 2009
Friday, July 31st, 2009
If you want to earn a top salary learn which degree you should enroll in.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 31, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale Florida – For those people that are picturing pulling into the bank right after receiving their degree then you definitely need to know which degrees result in the highest starting salary. Sadly, it is only logical for the high earning college degrees to be the most difficult to attain and the most avoided by the college students since they are believed to ‘rob’ their social lives since they are too demanding.
Research conducted by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) has revealed the 15 highly paid college degrees in 2009 after conducting a survey in 200 college career centers. As it has been in recent years, math oriented majors have scooped the top positions. This years’ highest paying degree is Petroleum Engineering with an average starting salary of $83,121 per annum. This has been attributed to the scarcity of oil as well as the fact that petroleum is among the major sources of energy, not only in the US but in the world as a whole.
Ed Koc, NACE’s Director of Research states that, “Math is at the crux of who gets paid…” If you have those skills, you are an extremely valuable asset. We don’t generate enough people like that in this country.” From that statement it is evident that top students in math related fields shouldn’t have a problem securing jobs in the harshly competitive job market. However, the “average” graduates may not pocket fat paychecks in their first year out of college and landing a job may not be so easy. Nevertheless, Farnoosh Torabi, employment expert and Quicken blog editor, re-assures engineers and math majors by stating that, “It’s a tech-driven world, and demand [for engineers] is only going to grow… You can’t say that about many fields, especially in a recession.”
Engineering majors scoop the top earning slots and this is evident since only 3 out of the top 15 high earning majors as revealed by NACE report aren’t engineering majors. They include: Computer Science, Actuarial Science and Construction Management.
2009’s Top Earning College Degrees
• Petroleum Engineering – $ 83,121
• Chemical Engineering – $64,902
• Mining Engineering – $64,404
• Computer Engineering – $61,738
• Computer Science – $61,407
• Electrical Engineering – $60,125
• Mechanical Engineering – $58,766
• Industrial Engineering – $58,358
• Systems Engineering – $57,438
• Engineering Technology – $56,447
• Actuarial Science – $ 56,320
• Aeronautical Engineering – $56,311
• Agricultural Engineering – $54,352
• Biomedical Engineering – $54,158
• Construction Management – $53,199
The tech-related fields are very high earners compared to liberal-arts related fields which form majority of the job market earning as low as $29,000 per annum. The laws of Economics on supply and demand apply in this case since when supply is high and demand is low, prices (salaries) are low and when the supply is low and demand is high the prices (salaries) are high.
To keep ontop of the best degree programs visit www.degree.com the premier online degree program website. A recent study showed that online studies have proven to be superior to face to face.
Tags: college degrees, degree., online studies
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Friday, July 31st, 2009
The Department of Education is working with the Department of Veteran Affairs to maximize college tuition assistance to active duty military personnel and their dependents. Find out how the latest changes will affect your benefits.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 31, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale, FL July 31, 2009
The New Financial Aid Program: How does it Affect Military Education Benefits?
THIRD in a three-part series:
Officials in the U.S. Department of Education have announced plans to revise, repeal, and redesign many aspects of the current student federal financial aid program. In previous articles, Degree.com explored the effect of the newly enacted legislation on the federal student loan program and on the federal education grants program. This article will discuss the changes that will affect military personnel and their dependents with regard to military education benefits. Major changes include:
• Public Colleges and universities are expected to offer in-state tuition rates to military persons and to dependents of active duty personnel. Provided that the service person has been on active duty for more than 30 days, public institutions cannot charge out-of-state tuition rates to military service personnel or to their dependents. Furthermore, as long as that individual remains enrolled without interruption at that institution, he or she will be charged in-state tuition rates, even if the military person is moved to another duty station in another state.
• The Yellow Ribbon Program will become effective August 1, 2009. This program, also known as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, allows qualified service persons or their dependents to receive college funds towards a degree program. Institutions that participate in the program will offer funds to qualified service persons or military dependents, and the Department of Veterans Affairs will match these funds. These monies can be used toward degree tuition, books, fees, and housing.
• Veteran Education benefits will be excluded from financial aid calculations beginning July 1, 2009. Colleges and universities will calculate a student’s financial need and determine the financial aid package available to a student without considering his or her veteran education benefits. This will maximize the amount of financial aid for which an affected individual is eligible.
• Students whose military parents died during military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, will be eligible for the maximum Pell Grant award. Students who would be eligible to receive a Pell Grant award and had a parent die under these circumstances will receive the maximum possible award for their Pell Grant as long as they are eligible to receive this grant.
These new programs and laws are designed to maximize the amount of college tuition assistance to military personnel and to their families. For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program or changes in the Pell Grant award, visit www.degree.com, or contact the Department of Veteran Affairs or the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
Tags: degree program, degree., financial aid, military college students
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Thursday, July 30th, 2009
On July 1st, 2009, the US Department of Education announced major changes concerning the Pell Grant program. How have these changes affected you? Read more…
(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 30, 2009 ) July 30, 2009 Fort Lauderdale, FL
Financial Aid Makeover: Changes in Federal Grants for College Students
SECOND in a three-part series:
In an effort to make financial aid more beneficial and accessible to a greater number of college students, the U.S. Department of Education has begun the process of making college more affordable. As of July 1st, the government enacted revisions to the federal education grant system. These revisions are summarized below:
• Pell Grants will now be available year-round. Previously, Pell Grants could only be used during the regular academic school year, rather than throughout the summer or short-term sessions offered by some colleges and universities. This restriction was lifted July 1st.
• The Minimum award amount for the Pell Grant has been changed. Before July 1st, the minimum amount that a student could receive for a Pell Grant was $400. Now, the minimum award amount will be set at ten percent of the annual maximum award. For example, the maximum award amount for the 2009-2010 academic year is $4,860. Normally, students who receive the minimum would receive a grant of $486. Students who are attending full-time, however, will benefit from the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) and receive an additional $490 for the upcoming school year.
• Sex offenders who have been incarcerated will no longer be eligible for Pell Grants. As of July 1st, anyone who is convicted of a sexual offense for which he or she serves a period of corrective confinement will no longer be permitted to take part in the Pell Grant Program.
• The maximum Pell Grant for the 2009-2010 school year will be $5,360. Because of the CCRAA, as well as the American Recovery and Investment Act (ARRA), the annual Pell Grant award maximum has been increased by just over $600 from the previous academic year.
• Children whose parents died while serving military duty in Afghanistan or Iraq after September 11, 2001 will be eligible to receive the maximum Pell Grant award each year. Certain conditions apply. First, the student must have been less than 24 years of age or already enrolled in college when the death occurred. In addition, the student may receive the Pell Grant only while working to earn his or her first Bachelor Degree. Students who think they may qualify should contact the Department of Veterans Affairs, as this department will be working with the Department of Education to identify those persons eligible for this status.
• Certain students who are not US citizens will be eligible to receive SMART Grants for their degree. To qualify, students must be at least half-time enrollees at accredited colleges or universities. Furthermore, grade level, rather than academic achievement, will determine whether or not a student is eligible for an award. On May 1, 2009, the U.S. Department of Education published the criteria by which a non-citizen may obtain a SMART Grant. For more information about this, contact the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NAFSA).
This huge overhaul of the financial aid process has resulted in a number of changes in federal loan processes, as well as military grant availability. For more information about this subject, visit www.degree.com the premier online degree internet portal and stay informed about any changes and updates.
Tags: college financial aid, degree., financial aid, online degrees, online studies, student laons
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Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
The Obama government has issued a plan designed to restructure the current Federal student loan system for college students. These changes became effective July 1st, and will have a significant impact on federal financial aid over the next few years.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 29, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale, Florida July 29, 2009
FIRST in a three-part series:
Since July 1st, college students have seen a few things changing with their financial aid packages. These changes are designed to make education more available and affordable to everyone. The Obama administration has announced several initiatives designed to accomplish this, including:
• Federal loans now feature lower reduced interest rates. As of July 1st, the interest rate on these loans dropped to 5.6 percent from 6.0 percent. The government has announced that interest rates will be reduced each year, ending at a final low of 3.4 percent in 2011. Furthermore, students who obtained Stafford loans before July 1, 2006 are eligible for an interested rate reduction of 1.7 percent.
• Student loan repayments will be based on income. Beginning July 1st, student loan repayment amounts will be revised. Eligible students whose current loan payments are more than 15 percent of their discretionary incomes may apply to have their payment reduced. (Discretionary income is calculated based on the poverty level and family size multiplied by 150 percent.) All types of federal student loans qualify, but parent-based (PARENT) federal loans do not. After making payments for 25 years, the debt will be forgiven whether or not it has been paid in full. Certain conditions apply; for more information contact the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NAFSA). This program is now known as the Income-Based Repayment Program (IBR).
• Origination fees on federal student loans will be decreased. Starting July 1st, the fees required to process Stafford loans will decrease from 1 percent of the loan amount to 0.5 percent. This reduction will remain in force until June 30, 2010. In some instances, students may be charged an additional upfront fee of 1 percent for loan insurance. In this case, the fee will be decreased by 1.5 percent.
• The Department of Education announced the cancellation of the PLUS Loan Auction Pilot Program. This program, which was intended to be offered effective July 1st, 2010, did not receive interest from enough lenders to make offering the program feasible at this time.
• Students will no longer be able to obtain an economic hardship deferral of their federal loans under the 20/220 pathway. The government believes that students who would have previously qualified for a deferral based on this program will be adequately served by the IBR program. On July 1st, 2009, the 20/220 pathway ended as scheduled. Previously, loan recipients who worked full-time, whose monthly income was less than 220 percent of the poverty level or minimum wage after education loan payments were eligible for deferral.
New changes were also introduced for Federal student grants and military benefits as well. Look for these updates at www.degree.com the premier online degree program internet portal featuring the top degree programs for on line studies.
Tags: degree., online degree program, online studies
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Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
If your student loan was purchased by the federal gvt, certain changes concerning payment location and incentives may affect your federal college loan. Know how these changes can affect you and what you should do to avoid defaulting on your student loan.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 28, 2009 ) July 28, 2009
If you’re among the thousands of students whose student loans have been purchased by the U.S. government, you may have already gotten word. Starting July 1, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) began notifying borrowers and their parents of the federal government’s purchase of their loans.
If you’re among the thousands of students whose student loans have been purchased by the U.S. government, you may have already gotten word. Starting July 1, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) began notifying borrowers and their parents of the federal government’s purchase of their loans.
Currently, the federal government now owns nearly 60 percent of all student loans, and these numbers may continue to climb if the economic situation does not improve. The DOE began purchasing student loans during November 2008 in an effort to decrease the amount of private investments tied up in Stafford, GradPLUS and ParentPLUS loans made to college students. By freeing up these investments, the government hopes to be able to continue providing the same number and dollar amount that students can presently obtain.
This won’t have a huge effect on students whose loans have been purchased by the U.S. government. The main concerns borrowers will face are changes in loan incentives and the location to which loan payments should be made. Borrowers should ensure that they receive notification of changes in payment location by keeping lenders updated with their current addresses. Alternatively, borrowers can enroll in automatic payment programs that allow the loan payments to be deducted from bank accounts each month. This resolves the problem of keeping lenders updated with change of address forms.
Another possible concern is that some loans have been purchased by the federal government, while other loans may not have been purchased. In these cases, borrowers may owe payments to more than one loan servicing agency. Again, communication with the lender will help to resolve this problem.
Although many major banking institutions, such as JP MorganChase, KeyBank, and Wachovia, have arranged with the U.S. government to sell their loans, a few major lenders, including Wells Fargo, continue to service their own student loans. As a result, some borrowers will lose certain discounts, such as a decrease in the loan principle, which may have been applied after the student’s graduation. Other students may have obtained a reduced interest rate, which would no longer apply if the loan was consolidated.
Stay smart. Know the terms of your loan, and stay updated concerning how these terms will be affected by loan sales or purchases. Remain aware of who owns your loan and how this will affect loan terms and incentives. Keep your address updated with the loan servicing agency to avoid defaulting because you don’t get regular information about changes or payments due. Finally, stay tuned to http://www.degree.com the premier internet portal for online degree programs for the latest updates concerning changes in federal student loan procedures.
Tags: college students, financial aid, student loans
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Tuesday, July 21st, 2009
In early 2009, the U.S. government purchased billions of dollars in federal student loans to fill the gap now that banks and private investors are not lending as much. How will this affect the future of the U.S. federal student loan program in 2009-2010?
(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 21, 2009 ) July 21, 2009 New York, NY
Did you obtain a federal student loan during the 2007-2008 school year? If you did, chances are that the federal government now owns your loan. Starting in 2008, the federal government began purchasing as much as $500 million per week in federal college loans.
Why? Because, according to U.S. Secretary of Margaret Spellings, the United States government wants to insure that students continue to have access to federal loans. As a result of the credit crunch, numerous banks and lenders chose to stop handling federal student loans.
Fewer private investors have been available to guarantee these loans, which were previously marketed as security or investment packages. This is because the instability of the current economic market makes these loan packages much less attractive to private investors.
Because these private investors were no longer available, the U.S. government announced it had no choice except to step in and buy the loans. If the Department of Education is able to buy enough federal loans, the securities previously backing these loans can be made available to back federal student loans for other borrowers. The purchase, however, is designed to be only a short-term solution to the problem.
The anticipated long-term solution, according to Department of Education executives, is the implementation of a new program, designed as an improvement on the current federal loan system, is expected in the near future, according to the Department of Education. This program was announced in November 2008, but its effect on the current federal loan process remains to be seen.
“Students must learn the total tuition cost of their degree before they enroll,” said Sheila Danzig director of Degree.com a premier internet portal for online degrees and online learning. “Studies have found that students who inquire at three or more school end up paying less in tuition and getting more in aid than those that enroll in the first school they look at. We at Degree.com suggest students gather as much information before they start and welcome them to visit www.degree.com to get free information about the programs that are of interest to them.
The number of students obtaining federal education loans has not yet been affected by the economy. At present, officials believe that the present buy-up of federal student loans will be enough to offset any present hardship that the education loan process may face. If the economic crisis continues, however, the number of federal loans available could be significantly reduced by the unavailability of private investors and lenders.
Certainly, the United States treasury does not have limitless resources to purchase these loans. If the economic crisis continues into the 2009 school year, as seems likely at this point, the Department of Education will may have to request that Congress allot additional funds to guarantee 2008-2009 federal student loans. Depending on the extent of the crisis, this could also mean that, in future, fewer student loans may be available to borrowers.
For more information about federal financial aid, or to stay up to date on the latest government policies affecting education and financial resources, visit http://www.degree.com/financial-aid/
Tags: college financial aid, degree., federal loans, financial aid, online learning
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Monday, July 20th, 2009
Obama administration to streamline college loan application process to make it easier for people to get a degree to improve their financial situation.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 20, 2009 ) Bewildered and frustrated by all the paperwork required to get a student loan? You aren’t alone, and the federal government has taken notice. Beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year, the United States Department of Education will be introducing a process to help simplify the student loan application procedure.
The Obama administration plans to request that Congress enact legislation to delete more than half of the questions presently listed on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition, the streamlined form will not require students to answer questions that do not apply to them. Currently, the FAFSA requires applications to answer more than 153 questions, and many people require at least several hours to complete the form.
The number of FAFSA applications increased by 13 percent over the last year, and these figures are expected to continue to rise as the recession continues. The demand for financial aid is highest among low- and middle-income students. Many of these students are eligible for Pell grants, as well.
Pell Grants are monies directly awarded to students who demonstrated significant financial need but have not yet completed their first Bachelor Degree program. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for the Pell Grant, but because of the complexity and length of the form, many students don’t even bother to apply.
Sheila Danzig, director of the online portal www.degree.com states that the U.S. Department of Education estimates that as many as 1.5 million students would be eligible to receive a Pell Grant each year if they completed the FAFSA. Instead, overwhelmed by the difficulty of completing the forms, students instead opt for private loans with higher interest rates.
The Obama administration is working to decrease this process by simplifying the FAFSA, which hopefully will encourage more students to complete the applications. Unfortunately, the new online forms won’t be available for several months, but the administration hopes to have the online site fully functional by fall 2009. Students planning to enroll in college in the 2010 school year will hopefully be able to complete the streamlined form online in late fall 2009 or early spring 2010.
For more information about the FAFSA and other federal financial aid visit http://www.degree.com/financial-aid/ Degree.com will continue to update readers about the changes to the online FAFSA as more information becomes available.
Tags: college education, college financial aid, degree.
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Friday, July 10th, 2009
Going to college is an investment in you, in your future and in your career. It is the best investment you will find.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 10, 2009 ) New York NY July 10, 2009
Never look at seeking financial aid for college as a trap to become indebted. In fact, it is better than any other investment that you will make in life – stocks, real-estate – you name it! You invest in YOURSELF and nothing can beat such an investment!
On the other hand, you’ll be able to get your college degree and payback the aid (if need be). Consider the following statistics. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, people with a bachelor’s degree earn over 60 percent more on average than those with only a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, the gap in earning potential between a high school diploma and a B.A. (or higher) is more than $1,000,000.00 – yes, ONE MILLION DOLLARS.
If you get that degree online you won’t have to hire babysitters or leave your day job. To find the best distance learning degree programs go to www.degree.com the premier internet portal for your online degree.
There are various kinds of financial aid available for almost every student. There are those that will need you to repay and those that you won’t. Apply for any provided you get your college education. It is advisable though to check out all your available options for scholarships, grants and others which you wouldn’t be expected to service and only after exhausting them with no luck – move to other broader category!
Most people are discouraged to apply simply because they believe that they will not qualify. More often than not, once you even think that you NEED financial aid, that is a criterion on its own – Financial aid based on NEED! There are other variables involved in determining eligibility for financial aid e.g. based on academic qualifications, unique talents and abilities, achievements etc.
There is financial aid for everyone going back to school and all you need to do is apply. That is the bold step that will see your foot into college once again and take you closer to achieving vocational success.
Tags: college degree, degree., degree.com, financial aid
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Thursday, July 9th, 2009
In informal online survey conducted at www.Degree.com collected all of the students issues and revamped the website to answer these needs.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 09, 2009 ) Los Angeles, CA July 9, 2009
In an online degree survey students shared their concerns and www.Degree.com hears them.
The voices are loud and the message is clear: education is important, especially in these trying economic times, so Degree.com opened their ears and paid attention to what the online degree seekers and Degree.com users and followers are saying.
Everyone wants more information. More information about degrees. More information about financial aid. More information about scholarships. More information about the schools. In response to this clamor for more information on education through online degree programs, Degree.com is expanding the web site to include a greater range of resources that would help you gain access to the kind of information you need to pursue the degree that would unlock a world of knowledge and riches on your way to a better and brighter future
.
The expansion will include more resources on schools focusing on colleges, universities, vocational and technical schools as well as community colleges. The pre-existing section of the website will be bolstered with new data and a more comprehensive list of institutions to choose from in your search for the perfect school to obtain your degree from.
Degree.com will also include in depth information on financial aid opportunities. This is a crucial aspect of attaining an educational degree especially in this bleak economic landscape. The recession and lack of job opportunities are prompting more and more of us to turn to alternative means of funding our education. This is one of the reasons why degree.com is reinforcing its database of scholarships, grants, fellowships and student loan package programs that are available through different institutions and organizations. Degree.com is expanding this section of the site to include a guide to help students choose the right financial aid package for their funding needs.
Finally, degree.com is also proud to announce that they have added more information on accreditation, which is important for potential students to understand which institutions have the endorsement of different educational monitoring agencies and thus meet the standards set for providing competent education to students. With the advent of modern technology, many online universities have been sprouting over the web like electronic mushrooms, and the need for a governing body’s seal of approval is more apparent now than ever. Students need to know that the online school they are getting their degree from is accredited and that the degree they are getting is therefore recognized as legitimate.
Sheila Danzig, executive director of www.Degree.com said, “We will leave no rock untouched, no stone unturned as we continue to grow bigger and better at providing you with the tools you need to make that educational dream come true.” Degree.com has what students need and Degree.com is proud to deliver the results to the students. Feel free to browse through site and click away at the links to connect you to a world of educational resources that would take you a step closer to that sought-after degree. Several informal online studies show that the more you know the lower your tuition will be and the more financial aid you will get. Knowledge is power even when you are selecting the right program. For an overview of financial aid and more go to http://degree.com/financial-aid-information.htm
Tags: degrees, financial aid, Online Degree Programs, online degrees, Scholarships
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Wednesday, July 8th, 2009
A college degree is an investment in yourself, in your future and in your career. Now there is enough money for everyone to get that degree they dreamed of and need for a secure future.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 08, 2009 ) Miami Florida, July 8, 2009
Never look at seeking financial aid for college as a trap to become indebted! In fact, it is better than any other investment that you will make in life – stocks, real-estate – you name it. You invest in YOURSELF and nothing can beat such an investment.
On the other hand, you’ll be able to get your college degree and payback the aid (if need be). Consider the following statistics. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, people with a bachelor’s degree earn over 60 percent more on average than those with only a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, the gap in earning potential between a high school diploma and a B.A. (or higher) is more than $1,000,000.00 – yes, ONE MILLION DOLLARS.
“If you earn that degree online,” said Sheila Danzig, online education expert and director of www.degree.com a premier distance learning internet portal, “You won’t have to put your children in day care or give up your day job.” In other words the online degree gives you flexibility to get that degree without changing your lifestyle.
There are various kinds of financial aid available for just about every student. There are those that will need you to repay and those that you won’t. Apply for any provided you get your college education. It is advisable though to check out all your available options for scholarships, grants and others which you wouldn’t be expected to service and only after exhausting them with no luck – move to other broader category.
Most people are discouraged to apply simply because they believe that they will not qualify. More often than not, once you even think that you NEED financial aid, that is a criterion on its own – Financial aid based on NEED! There are other variables involved in determining eligibility for financial aid e.g. based on academic qualifications, unique talents and abilities, achievements etc.
There is financial aid for everyone going back to school and all you need to do is apply. That is the bold step that will see your foot into college once again and take you closer to achieving financial success and personal success. Remember the more you know the better off you will be. Informal online studies conducted at www.degree.com found that students who investigate three universities end up with more aid and lower tuition than students who enroll in the first college they look into. As one student said “Not all financial aid offices are alike.”
For a good overview of available aid see http://degree.com/financial-aid/
Tags: college degree, degree., financial aid, online studies
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