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Education News and Views
Posts Tagged ‘on line studies’
Friday, January 29th, 2010
The Congress coupled with the credit crunch have made it very difficult to secure finance for funding higher education but students can depend on filling the FAFSA to acquire scholarships and grants, Stafford loans, Federal PLUS loans and as a last resort
(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 29, 2010 ) Miami, FL – The current economic crunch and recent congressional action have caused lending institutions to shrivel up and meet their demise. Which viable options remain for students to get funding for college?
Tuition, room and board costs for the most expensive school in the US averages at $50,000 annually. When it comes to private colleges the same annual bill amounts to an average of $34,000 while for public universities the figure stands at $14,000 – these are no small sums for parents to come up with in a deep rooted recession. Accredited distance learning assumes the same tuition costs for the “brick and mortar” colleges but is a lot cheaper since students leave at home while undertaking on line studies disregarding cost for room and board. And that is just undergraduate studies.
Graduate school presents an even more difficult problem. A graduate degree is more and more important in this economy and it is harder and harder to get financial aid for those programs.
In the recent past, parents defrayed their children’s higher education by securing loans against their assets, for instance, home equity was the most common one but they have greatly been devalued. Reports by various college funding consultancy firms, especially those working with high income families claim that, “Even parents who thought they were fully funded for college are now trying to determine how to fill these gaps.”
Students are left with no other option but to borrow. The congressional action together with the credit crisis has led to the great imbalance in the lending industry over the past two years. Perhaps the biggest blow that hit the lending industry is when Congress froze subsidies to private lenders that issue government-supported loans through the Federal Family Education Loan Program.
The hard blow has seen to it that 45 creditors have stopped issuing private loans and over 160 creditors suspended (temporarily or otherwise indefinitely) their federal loan programs, according to Sheila Danzig, founder of Degree.com, http://www.degree.com, the premier internet portal for online study. She goes on to add that the key provision in the new budget by the Obama administration is bent on ensuring that students borrow from the government directly through their colleges hence eliminating the private organizations which also provide the service.
Borrowers will need to apply wits in securing finance for funding various degree programs. Firstly, they should fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) which opens a doorway to scholarships and grants. Many families complain that the form is too long, complicated and requires providence of sensitive (financial) information. Even if you don’t require the aid now, it is good insurance for the future in an uncertain economy such as this.
Secondly, consider the government-backed Stafford loan even if you don’t qualify for the subsidized version as this one is available to all, irrespective of family income or credit score. It also has a reasonable fixed interest rate of 6.8%.
The third option would be taking the Federal PLUS loan which allows students to borrow up to the full amount of tuition and board. It has minimal credit requirements and payment may be deferred until graduation, however interest would accrue.
The last resorts would be home-equity (even with the devaluation of real-estate) and private loans – as hard as they may be to find and secure.
For a FREE book on Scholarships and Financial Aid go to http://degree.com/free-downloads.htm
This book sells at Amazon for $19.95 so download it now. We do not know how long the free offer will last.
Tags: accredited distance learning, college students, degree programs, financial aid, higher education, on line studies, smart borrowing
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Thursday, January 28th, 2010
With an advanced degree in a particular field, women have the chance to rise up the socio-economic ladder and still maintain a stable home life.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 28, 2010 ) Washington, DC
Let’s be honest; a woman, no matter how advanced society proclaims to be, is still behind a man in Corporate America. We’ve had the ability to climb from destitution to the top of the ladder in some aspects; however, if it’s hard for anyone to get a strong foothold in the world market, it’s even more so for women, who always have the hardest time reaching the highest heights. As it is, there’s no way that one can differentiate herself from the established hierarchy unless she has an advanced degree in a particular specification.
Advancing your career is already an incredible task. When you have no advanced credentials with which to establish yourself to an employer, it’s hard to give yourself the chance you need to make your mark. As it is, more women are finding themselves placed at the top of the corporate hierarchy. How are they establishing themselves as such forces –with advanced degrees. There’s nothing more impressive than a degree from a university that’s both accredited and has some semblance of a recognizable name. Because the dynamics of the home structure has begun to change more and more, it’s important for women to feel as if their lives at home are perfect balance with their careers.
It is not just the prospect of earning recognition in the business world that has women marking their territory with great ferocity. It’s the idea of carving a more positive identity for themselves while still being able to keep their dominance in their own homes. It’s the positive reinforcement that they are their own women and have absolute control over their destinies, their own lives. Earning a college degree online may be one of the best ways that any woman (any person than that matter) to make sure that they’re ahead of the curve, at the top of the applicant’s pile. It is a fair assessment that any woman with a degree will make herself even more of a force to be reckoned with. The secret to getting ahead has always been the difference between those who have higher level credentials and those who have the basic credentials to perhaps eek by with an entry level position. An online graduate degree can be the answer for most women. On line studies allows women to earn that degree while taking care of a home and working. Online study gives flexibility that simply does not exist in the brick and mortar world. A masters degree gives women a step up on the competition.
When it comes to gathering the right information to make sure that you’re giving yourself the most opportunities, there’s nothing wrong with getting a little help from the professionals. Degree.com, http://www.degree.com/ the Premier Internet Portal for Online Study, has helped steer many people in the right direction as regards their careers and the scope of their future. As the Director of Degree.com, Professor Sheila Danzig has been a crucial part in making it easier for women (and men) to further their careers and give themselves the chance to make a stamp in the professional world.
Tags: degree, master's degree, on line studies, online graduate degree
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Monday, January 25th, 2010
Before you enter a Ph.D. program look at what you want and understand what direction it will take you.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 25, 2010 ) Fort Lauderdale, FL – A PhD has many benefits outside the confines of a career, doctoral research is a personal journey that changes all that undertake and complete it. Unless you are prepared for radical change then don’t get involved in a PhD.
Depending on one’s degree program, college or university, a PhD can be earned in 7 to 12 years after completion of high school. There is no clear-cut period after which individuals are awarded a PhD – it’s relative depending on the pace of study. For instance, on line studies are self paced depending on how busy someone is. For the busy students, an absolute minimum of four hours a day is recommended. In traditional colleges, flexibility of hours taken in lectures is reduced to some extent; hence a more defined period of attaining a PhD can be calculated. No matter which pace one decides on, earning a PhD is no simple feat and requires a lot of time, dedication and stress.
The question is: Is it really worth it in the long run?
Internationally, many colleges offer undergraduates with first degrees, who have excelled with first class honors, the privilege of registering for a Master of Philosophy (Mphil) program with the flexibility of transferring to doctoral study if he or she so pleases. Another avenue to doctoral studies is when someone is in possession of a second degree. In such a case, one is eligible to register for either a taught course or independent doctoral study.
“Taught PhDs are a new phenomenon in the international higher education system,” said Sheila Danzig, founder of Degree.com, http://www.degree.com, the premier internet portal for online study, “unlike the traditional PhDs, they may not be available in all countries,” she added. Traditional PhDs emanate from a scholar’s work on their second degree where they stumble upon a discovery which warrants further and in-depth investigation. Essentially, a person taking a PhD wants to make a contribution to a field of knowledge.
Usually, getting a doctorate results in several job offers – mostly research and at times, teaching. If research doesn’t interest you as an individual then it would be futile to pursue a doctorate.
From a study conducted on PhD holders, results showed that they face a lot of pressure to publish their works – in form of books or scholarly journals – otherwise they won’t progress very far. The study showed that this is more so in USA than in the UK particularly because the UK dropped tenure altogether for those joining the academic community after the late 1980s. In the States, after being awarded a PhD, the scholar requires to engage in further research and publish his findings otherwise he or she will obtain work as assistant Professor.
To attain the much coveted tenure of professorship is not easy and new researchers have found this out the hard way since those currently in the tenured position hardly retire and some have even maintained their positions well into their eighties.
America that offer the doctorate degree in conjunction with and giving credit for work you are currently doing. For more information contact centralamericaneducation@gmail.com
Whether a PhD is important, in a nutshell, all depends on what you want from it. If it is a means to an end – like unfathomable riches – it might not be worth undertaking, as such ends can be arrived at by using easier means. Those who view being awarded a PhD as an end in itself take pride in the act itself, owing to the time and energy spent in working towards getting one, get full gratification of getting tenured into the academic community.
On the horizon we are seeing alternative programs in Central America that offer the doctorate degree in conjunction with and giving credit for work you are currently doing. This is NOT credit for life experience and is fully accredited. For more information contact centralamericaneducation@gmail.com
Tags: degree, degrees, master of philosophy, on line studies, www.degree.com
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Monday, January 11th, 2010
The Congress coupled with the credit crunch have made it very difficult to secure finance for funding higher education but students can depend on filling the FAFSA to acquire scholarships and grants, Stafford loans, Federal PLUS loans and as a last resort
(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 11, 2010 ) Fort Lauderdale, FL
The current economic crunch and recent congressional action have caused lending institutions to shrivel up and meet their demise. Which viable options remain for students to get funding for college?
Tuition, room and board costs for the most expensive school in the US averages at $50,000 annually. When it comes to private colleges the same annual bill amounts to an average of $34,000 while for public universities the figure stands at $14,000 – these are no small sums for parents to come up with in a deep rooted recession. Accredited distance learning assumes the same tuition costs for the “brick and mortar” colleges but is a lot cheaper since students leave at home while undertaking on line studies disregarding cost for room and board.
In the recent past, parents defrayed their children’s higher education by securing loans against their assets, for instance, home equity was the most common one but they have greatly been devalued.
Reports by various college funding consultancy firms, especially those working with high income families claim that, “Even parents who thought they were fully funded for college are now trying to determine how to fill these gaps.”
Students are left with no other option but to borrow. The congressional action together with the credit crisis has led to the great imbalance in the lending industry over the past two years. Perhaps the biggest blow that hit the lending industry is when Congress froze subsidies to private lenders that issue government-supported loans through the Federal Family Education Loan Program.
The hard blow has seen to it that 45 creditors have stopped issuing private loans and over 160 creditors suspended (temporarily or otherwise indefinitely) their federal loan programs, according to Sheila Danzig, founder of Degree.com, http://www.degree.com, the premier internet portal for online study. She goes on to add that the key provision in the new budget by the Obama administration is bent on ensuring that students borrow from the government directly through their colleges hence eliminating the private organizations which also provide the service.
Borrowers will need to apply wits in securing finance for funding various Degree programs. Firstly, they should fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) which opens a doorway to scholarships and grants. Many families complain that the form is too long, complicated and requires providence of sensitive (financial) information. Even if you don’t require the aid now, it is good insurance for the future in an uncertain economy such as this.
Secondly, consider the government-backed Stafford loan even if you don’t qualify for the subsidized version as this one is available to all, irrespective of family income or credit score. It also has a reasonable fixed interest rate of 6.8%.
The third option would be taking the Federal PLUS loan which allows students to borrow up to the full amount of tuition and board. It has minimal credit requirements and payment may be deferred until graduation, however interest would accrue.
Another option would be home-equity (even with the devaluation of real-estate) and private loans – as hard as they may be to find and secure.
The good news is that a FREE copy of THE BIG BOOK OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID is available for a limited time for download at http://degree.com/free-downloads.htm
The offer maybe withdrawn at any time so download it today.
Tags: accredited distance learning, degree, financial aid, free downloads, on line studies, scholarips, www.degree.com
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Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
Online Study is cheaper and faster than brick and mortar college but how do they stack up otherwise?
(EMAILWIRE.COM, November 25, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale, FL – “How competitive is an online degree in the job market compared to the traditional degrees?” This debate has been going on for far too long and that is why the United States Department of Education conducted a study to put to rest the curious minds of many. Results from the 12-year study revealed that online degrees which are as a result of online classes and examinations are somewhat more effective than the traditional degrees which are as a result of face-to-face tuition. Online classes are convenient, interactive, interesting (due to the audio, video etc materials used in teaching) and the fact that one has direct access to an assigned professor or lecturer makes it far much more effective than traditional face-to-face classes.
Sheila Danzig, founder of Degree.com, http://www.Degree.com, the Internet’s premier online study portal states that many people have been skeptical as to why it is cheaper yet more convenient to get an online degree than traditional ones; the answer is simple — all you have to pay for is tuition and study two hours a day when you are free. Other implicit costs such as accommodation which take the largest share under ‘fees’ are scraped off the total you are supposed to pay because you operate from the comfort of your home.
Other advantages of on line studies (and classes include):
- Students can work from any location and at convenient time – this is commonly referred to as the JIT (Just-In-Time) benefit.
- Easily updated – The sessions are especially easy to maintain as relevant and up-to-date material are just uploaded onto the server.
- It is self paced – The e-learner is able to read a certain topic several times so as to grasp the concept before moving on to the next.
- Lead to better grasp of subject area – Due to the various content of e-sessions like; video, charts, graphs, one is able to commit to memory better and recall with ease.
The truth is that online degrees are not considered lesser degrees in the job market compared to traditional degrees. In some fields, e.g. IT degree, online degrees are considered as having much more value. Studies have shown that they are being accepted world wide as comparable to brick and mortar programs as long as they are fully accredited.
Tags: college, degree, education, IT degree, on line studies, online degree, online study, Sheila Danzig
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Thursday, September 24th, 2009
Getting the best job means getting the right education. Here are the most important things you should look for when choosing on line studies.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, September 24, 2009 ) Prospective students wishing to begin or advance their college education online all have one goal: to get the best college degree, from the best online college so that they can get the highest paying job available to them. The key is to get a degree that will be widely accepted in any job market. The important question therefore is, “What characterizes the best online colleges and universities?” It is very vital for every prospective student to know the answer to this question.
www.Degree.com the premier Internet online degree portal recently had an informal survey of graduates to learn what they recommend in order to find the best job.
According to the Degree.com executive director Sheila Danzig, the result is a brief list of the general characteristics the prospective online student should look out for when you decide to choose an online college:
• Accreditation
The student should ensure that the university is accredited by any one of the six regional accreditation associates. Accreditation from any one of the six associates (Western, Southern, Northwest, North Central, New England, Middle States) is proof of quality education provided by the institution as well as the degree itself which will be accepted anywhere in the job market.
• Proven Online Success
Many online universities are sprouting from every ‘corner of the globe’ but very few have been able to survive the competition and are successful. This is particularly so because of glitches in their systems, for instance: difficulty in downloading learning materials and uploading assignments, very limited technical support in installing and using the institution’s programs. All these can be avoided if the university provides a demo version of the program to prospective students to act as a sign of their confidence in their learning program.
• Certified Online Faculty
Before enrolling in any online higher learning institution you MUST ensure that the tutors from the institution are adequately trained and qualified to teach in an online environment as well as having appropriate credentials making them able to transmit their knowledge and expertise to you, the student. This should be a great determining factor since some colleges and universities (online ones), may employ classroom teachers who do not suffice in the online education environment.
• Financial Aid Option
Securing a degree is a heavy financial burden, therefore if one is in a position of getting financial aid to finance higher learning – it is welcomed relief. Although online education has very limited options, you should ensure that you apply for all available options that suit your needs from the prospective university you wish to enroll in. Scholarships offered by your university would be an ideal option but if you are unable to secure one, low interest student loans would be the next best alternative.
• Satisfied graduates
All universities are very good in advertising their education programs and thus it is not very advisable to believe what they publish on their websites e.g. “THE BEST ONLINE UNIVERSITY”, “QUALITY AT ITS BEST” etc. A sure way to believe that they are as good as they claim, is by getting testimonials from current students in that particular online university or its alumni. Should you not personally know any student currently or previously enrolled in the university, the university should be more than glad to offer you some contacts.
The above is the criteria any prospective online student should be on the lookout. Should the university they wish to enroll in fall short of the above, they should refine their search until they locate one that combines all the above options.
Tags: on line studies, online college, online degree, online degree programs, Sheila Danzig, www.degree.com
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Thursday, June 11th, 2009
A degree will get a higher paying job. Why not get the fastest cheapest degree you can? Because it can cost you everything.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 10, 2009 )
June 11, 2009. Los Angeles, CA
The value of a degree on which you are spending your money can only be determined if you know that the institute from which you are going to obtain a degree is accredited or not. A degree obtained by an institute that is not accredited can result in the destruction of your career as employers do not recognize a degree that has been achieved from an institute that is not accredited. So, it is very important for you to understand the accreditation of the institute because an unaccredited institute provides degrees to individuals without confirming their qualifications.
When deciding to obtain a degree from an institute, you should always check for the accreditation of the institute before signing in. Online information about different institutes can help you find an accredited institute for yourself. While investigating about the accreditation of the institutes, you should first look at the words used. Some unaccredited institutes use words like chartered, licensed, authorized, pursuing accreditation, recognized or registered. But you should always search for the word “accredited” in the documentations and if this word is not present, you need to investigate further.
It does not matter if you chose to do online studies or attend a physical campus. The accreditation must be checked out. Then, after investigating the accreditation of the institute, it is your duty to inspect the qualifications of the accrediting agency that has approved the institute. Several years back an institute known as American Association of Accredited Colleges and Universities was founded in the US. This institute may look like an accredited institute to you but was actually a fake organization. The US government via the Department of Education is responsible for the evaluation of the accrediting agencies, but there are some institutions that still operate although they aren’t approved. So, it is up to you to choose the right institute for yourself.
There are a few webites that only promote fully accredited degree such as www.Degree.com Every program on that page is regionally accredited. You don’t have to worry if you chose one of those programs. Don’t be afraid of distance learning programs, or on line studies opportunities as long as the programs have the proper accreditation.
Tags: degree, distance learning, on line studies, online studies
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Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009
$5500.00 in Federal Pell Grants are being made available as Obama works to make a college degree available to anyone who wants one.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 02, 2009 ) (June 2, 2009 ) Chicago IL
President Obama asked all Americans to go back to school and get the college degrees they need to move up and build a better life. He is asking millions of Americans, including the minimum wage employees to get that college degree… now.
To make that education available President Obama pushed our Congress to to provide those students with the financial aid they need.
Federal Pell grants are government funds given to students meeting income guidelines to help pay college expenses. More often than not, people working full-time earning minimum wage can qualify for Pell grants. Pell grants also allow single moms and anyone else in difficult circumstances to go back to school and earn a degree without leaving their jobs or having to raise their children on public assistance funds. In addition there are tax credits for those attending colleges and universities.
If people don’t have the time to go back to school Pell grants can be used to pay for online studies programs. On line studies allow people work on their degree at home on their own schedule.
To find out which grants and financial aid you qualify for start by making a list of the schools you are interested in applying to. A list of top accredited online degree programs is available at www.degree.com Send for information about as many programs that you have an interest in learn as much as you can. Often there is a different program out there with a lower tuition. Before you enroll check with the financial aid office and compare tuition costs. Be certain you get the best deal you can. A recent study found that students who investigate more than two schools end up getting more aid and enrolling in programs with lower tuition than those who simply decide on a particular school and apply.
An online degree program can be especially helpful for single moms and all parents with small children because the parents will not have to place the children in daycare or get babysitters. Instead the on line distant learning programs allow people to study at home while their children play or after the children have gone to bed.
Because of President Obama’s legislation, over seven million people will qualify for Pell grants to earn a degree online or through at a local college or university. Grants of up to $5,500 are being offered to people who meet certain income guidelines. For an overview of federal financial aid be sure to visit http://www.degree.com/federal-student-aid.htm
Tags: accredited online degree programs, on line studies, online studies
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Saturday, May 30th, 2009
The money you’ll earn and the opportunities you’ll gain are well worth the cost of a college education. Learn how to maximize your investment while you’re working in a field that you enjoy.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 30, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale, May 30, 2009
If you’re thinking about going back to school to finish a college degree, you aren’t alone. More than four million Americans are currently enrolled in online degree programs. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted at www.degree.com by the director, Sheila Danzig, the percentage of people enrolled in distance learning programs continues to increase by double digits each year. As interest continues to skyrocket, the waiting list for students interested in enrolling in on line studies continues to grow.
Despite increased enrollment figures, however, the percentage of people who complete their online degree and graduate is much lower than those who enroll. Less than one-third of the students who enroll in distance learning programs will complete their degree within five years. While this figure is higher than the dropout rate for traditional college degree programs, keep in mind that most people enrolled in online degree programs are already working adults with full-time jobs and families.
A number of factors may keep people from earning their degree. For example, a job or career change may make completing the degree less important. Many people go back to school to earn a degree when they become dissatisfied with their present position. If they make a career move, or get a promotion, often the problem is resolved before they graduate.
Sometimes, however, people do not stop to consider that, even if the problem is resolved for the time being, job satisfaction may again become an issue at a later date. Similarly, workforce reductions may cause even the best workers to lose their jobs. The rapidly changing face of today’s economy can cause even the best employees to worry about the security of their paychecks.
Financial and family issues often compel people to quit their education and concentrate on other, more pressing matters. Likewise, health issues often require attention, and education takes a lower priority. Job stressors may also make finishing a degree more difficult.
Because of this, no one can be too sure that his or her job is safe. While even distance learning programs may require some sacrifice of time and money, a college education is well worth the investment of time and money that is required.
You never know when you will need the degree to find a new job or apply for a promotion, and an employer isn’t going to wait two or three years for you to finish your degree. Make the commitment to finish the program, so that when the time comes and you need it the most, you’ll have your degree!
Tags: distance learning, earn a degree, on line studies, online degree programs, Sheila Danzig
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Wednesday, May 27th, 2009
$5500.00 in Federal Pell Grants are being made available as Obama makes good on his promise to make college education accessible to anyone who wants one.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 27, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale, Florida May 27, 2009
President Obama wants American Moms to get the college degrees they have always wanted and need to get ahead. He is urging millions of Americans, including the single mothers and the employees earning minimum wage, to get that college degree… now.
Unfortunately many people do not have the money to go back to school, so President Obama has urged our Congress to aid those prospective students.
Federal Pell grants are government monies given to students meeting certain income guidelines to help them earn a college degree. Often, people working full-time who earn minimum wage can qualify for these grants. Pell grants also allow single moms to go back to school and earn a degree without quitting their jobs and raising their children on public assistance funds.
For those people who don’t have the time to go back to school these Pell grants can be used to pay for online studies programs. On line studies allow people to do their school work at home on their own schedule.
How do you find out what grants are available for you? First make a list of the schools you are interested in attending. For a list of top accredited online degree programs go to sites like www.degree.com Send for information about as many programs as interest you and learn as much as you can. Before you enroll check with the financial aid office and compare tuition costs. Be certain you get the best deal you can. A recent study found that students who investigate several schools get more aid and pay lower tuition than those who simply decide on a particular school.
An online degree program is particularly helpful for single moms and parents with young children because they will not have to place them in daycare of get babysitters. Instead the distant learning programs allow people to study at while their children play or after the children are in bed.
Because of President Obama’s legislation, over seven million people will qualify for Pell grants to earn a degree online or through at a local college or university. Grants of up to $5,500 are being offered to people who meet certain income guidelines. Are you one of these people?
Tags: degree online, degrees, distant learning, on line studies, online degree program
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