Keeping your distance

On-line education provides millions of adults with the opportunity to earn a degree without sacrificing their careers or family. Follow Limestone College’s guide to choosing a programme that really works for you

When you’re 18, choosing a college can be like buying a car. You go to various dealers (visit campuses), take a few test drives (sit in on some classes, tour the campus), and meet with the sales rep (admissions rep). Unfortunately, you’re not 18 any more and life is a little too busy for a string of road trips, no matter how nice the car. Choosing a bachelor’s degree programme on-line is just as important now that you’re an adult, it just shouldn’t take as much time and effort.

While buying a car on-line may only be for the very rich or very risky, earning a degree on-line has become a sensible and necessary way to balance career, family and education. It’s the new frontier of higher education and the choices are growing by the minute. So, how do you know which one is the right one? Unfortunately, US News and World Report doesn’t rank top on-line colleges, so here are a few tips on finding that programme that’s going to work best for you.

Buyers Beware

There are a lot of on-line universities that are little more than degree stores, offering diplomas for a price without providing the knowledge. Although this can be tempting to some, it’s not going to do much toward improving your resumé or impressing your boss. Make sure that the programme you choose is not only accredited, but from a respected institution of higher education with classes and instructors that make you earn your credits and with content equivalent to a traditional course. It’s an added benefit if the college’s on-line programme is an extension of a traditional day programme.

Small = Big Attention

Class sizes are sometimes limitless at many on-line universities, which can be fine since finding a seat is rarely an issue in your own home. However, when it comes to the availability and attention of the instructors, quality often falls victim to quantity. Find a pro gramme where they know you by your given name, rather than your domain name or social security number. Small classes, around 30:1 student to teacher ratios or better, are ideal for getting optimum support from instructors and even fellow students. Also, make sure that instructors have “office hours,” when they will be available for discussion.

All or Nothing

Are you working towards a degree or just accumulating credit hours? Convenience is the major advantage to on-line education, but how convenient is having to take courses at the local college to supplement your degree programme. Make sure you can achieve all your credits on-line, if needed. Modern technology now provides ways to even take a speech class on-line. You should also be able to easily contact an advisor who can put you on the right path toward a degree.

Stop, Drop or Enroll

Careers and families are long-term commitments you’ve likely to have already made. Your education shouldn’t be another one. Courses that last longer than eight weeks can sometimes put you in a bind. So will programmes that require a minimum course load. Look for colleges that offer flexible schedules which allow you to start, stop and resume classes when it’s best for you.

The Bottom Line

Of course, the most important factor to most on-line students is the sticker price. Since those who pursue degrees are rarely in that top 1% earning category, many colleges provide special reduced tuition plans that make college costs reasonable and affordable. Federal and state financial aid is often available for qualified students. Veterans who are qualified may use their benefits, as well.

On-line education is providing millions of working adults the opportunity to earn a degree without sacrificing their careers or family. It’s a wonderful option for the nontraditional, or even traditional, student. Like buying a car, however, there are risks. It’s an investment in which you don’t always know when or where the benefits will be reaped. But kick the tyres and check under the bonnet and you may get the best deal on the lot.

Contact:
CR Horton
Extended Campus Internet Director;
Diana Bedenbaugh - Associate Director;
Donna Hudson - Extended Campus Internet Advisor

Limestone College
1115 College Drive
Gaffney, SC 29340
Tel: 1-866-654-2223
Website: www.limestone.edu/internet

Limestone College established 1845
Extended Campus established 1976
On-line since 1996

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