By: Jane Harris

What prevents most people from going back to college to complete their studies? Well, for starters, a busy person might have family commitments. They may have children at home (especially small children) who need constant care. Or they may have older parents who need looking after.

Still other adults would no doubt cite present job or career responsibilities as a big hindrance to getting further schooling. Most working adults are working because they have financial responsibilities - those bills roll in every month, and they have to be paid! These people (perhaps most of us) simply cannot AFFORD to take time off from their present job, let alone quit to pursue full-time school attendance.

You're probably thinking that leaves you between a rock and a hard place: you need to work - but you also need to get a better job for the better life that it would bring you and your family. But don't you see it? That better life will not ever become a reality if you don't have that diploma to hang on the wall. So what can you do? Attending daily classes on a traditional campus simply will not work for you. And that's where online college degree programs come in.

When you enroll in an online college degree program your entire educational experience is funneled through your PC at home. Via the Internet you can attend all your classes. Communication with your instructors and fellow students is handled either through e-mails or class forums. Through these methods, you can exchange information, collaborate on assignments and class projects - everything necessary complete your coursework.

I know your next question: "Are these schools for real?" And the short answer is yes. And the reputable schools are always accredited. This will protect you from the scammers out there. You will be able to transfer your credits to another school, and future employers will recognize the validity of your degree as long as you go to an accredited school.

What kinds of degree programs are currently available, and what courses of study are available online? Most schools offering online programs of study are either trade schools (such as Culinary Arts schools), business schools (specializing in courses in Accounting, Management, Finance), as well as colleges and universities (one of the most well-known being the University of Phoenix). You will find schools offering programs in IT (Information Technology), Medical Careers (Medical Assisting, Radiology), and even Engineering.

And here's some good news: the same kinds of financial aid that would be available to those attending a traditional campus (such as various types of student loans) are available to you as well. As long as your school and program of study are properly accredited, you will have financial aid options.

I hope that by now you are asking: "How do I get started?" Well, the best place to research information on online college degrees is ONLINE. So start there - locate some schools offering the kinds of degrees in the subjects that you are interested in. Make sure, of course, that they are properly accredited and approved. Compare costs - all the costs - for class attendance. You might even want to ask the a person already employed in that field for their opinion on a prospective school. When you have narrowed the field down to 3 or 4 choices, then contact them and tell them that you are interested attending. You will have a chance to ask any questions that you might still have, get additional information to help you make your final decision, ask about financial aid, etc. When you are ready, make your choice. Congratulations -- and welcome to the world of online college students!


Author: Jane Harris Writes about Distance Education and University of Phoenix. Learn more about obtaining your college degree at www.university-phoenix.com
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