Are Accelerated Online Degree Programs The Best Way To Obtain A Bachelors Degree?
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010The percentage of Americans over 25 years old who hold college degrees has risen to an all-time high of 28%, according to the U. S. Census Bureau. Going to college pays off financially. Holding a bachelor’s degree increases a person’s yearly earnings twofold compared to a person with a high school diploma. A master’s degree holder will make $1.3 million more than a person with a high school diploma over his or her entire career. Thanks to the Internet, location and responsibilities no longer stand in the way of anyone who wants to pursue a college degree. Students who want to finish college more quickly can do so by working on accelerated online degrees.
Non-traditional college students return to school for a host of reasons. Most of the time they want to upgrade and improve their skills so that they can get a better job with higher pay. Another reason sited for returning to school is that they are tired of their current job and want to train in another field. No matter what the reasons are for returning to school, the needs of the non-traditional adult college student are different from a high school graduate entering college at age 18. Some of these needs includeflexible degrees, flexible rate of progress toward earning the degree, an accredited program, financial assistance and choice of programs.
The characteristics of online college degree programs match the needs of the non-traditional student. Accredited colleges and universities offer associates, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in a wide variety of subjects. These include elementary education, library science, math, criminal justice, psychology and counseling, accounting, human resource management and many more.
Most students who return to college many years after high school graduation need a program that is able to fit in amongst their home and work obligations. Taking courses online is a perfect way to have the best of both worlds. Home and family obligations can be given the attention they require and students can work toward their degrees at the same time.
In addition to flexibility, non-traditional students also need flexibility in the speed at which they proceed through the program. Some students want to complete their programs as quickly as possible and are willing to take the maximum number of classes allowed per grading period. Other students may need to take more time to complete the entire program. Both can be accommodated by online colleges.
The average online bachelor’s degree can be completed in three to five years; however, online accelerated degree programs can often be completed in only two years. In order to complete a bachelor’s degree in two years, the student must usually take classes year round. The time necessary to work on classes will be greater and the student who is considering a two-year bachelor’s degree needs to be aware that completing a degree in half the usual time will take a dedicated and concerted effort on his or her part. If this type of effort cannot be achieved because of outside responsibilities, the student may want to enroll in a degree program that progresses at a more typical pace.
Non-traditional college students can fulfill their dreams of earning a college degree by going to school online. These are flexible education and usually cost less than on-campus colleges. If the degree is from a reputable, accredited college or university, the student should have no problem finding a job.
The most attractive feature of fast track online degrees is that the work can be completed anywhere there is an Internet connection. You can go to college in the pub, on the beach or in your living room. The old excuses that you have too many obligations or that no college is near you, are wiped away with online degree programs. You can now follow your heart and get the college degree you have always wanted.
Do you prefer a distance college education ? Get the inside scoop on accelerated online degrees in our online summary of the best fast track degrees online .
