Is A Non-profit Online College Right For Me?
Attending a for-profit versus a non-profit online college is a hotly debated subject. Both have their advantages. While a for-profit college is easier to find and apply for, a non-profit online college may hold more credibility with some employers. Non-profit online colleges typically have traditional campuses as well, and a potential employer will not know a graduate received her degree online.
Student Tuition Pricing
Non-profit schools earn money through government funding in addition to student tuition and may offer cheaper prices than for-profit institutions. The price of the school plays a major role in helping a student determine if the online degree is the best option for him. Both public and private schools can offer non-profit online degrees. Private universities charge the highest tuition but award the most financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships. Public schools offer lower tuition pricing with federal financial aid, grants, and school scholarships available for students who qualify. In addition, online degree programs at non-profit schools may be cheaper than their on-campus alternatives since online students do not need to pay extra fees to use the schools resources or live on campus.
Program Availability
Online degree programs range from a year of classes to earn a certificate to two to four years to earn a masters degree. Depending on the degree youre seeking and your previous experience level, you may qualify for an accelerated online course in which you earn your degree faster by substituting work experience or previous classes in exchange for class credits. Students who need to develop a specific skill, such as leadership, may opt for a certificate while those seeking a full degree can earn associate, bachelors, or masters degrees in their chosen field. Popular online degree options include nursing, management, leadership, engineering, computer science, criminal justice, and liberal arts.
Quality of Courses
The quality of courses depends more on the school and on your professors than on whether or not the school is for-profit or non-profit. To ensure you get the most for your money, check the schools accreditation and research the faculty before applying. Your professors should have several years of experience in their fields and hold bachelors, and preferably masters, degrees. Research student reviews online to find unbiased opinions of what others think of the classes offered and the interactive learning environment. Whatever non-profit online colleges you consider, dont be afraid to ask questions and apply for all available financial aid to help pay for your continuing education.
Student Tuition Pricing
Non-profit schools earn money through government funding in addition to student tuition and may offer cheaper prices than for-profit institutions. The price of the school plays a major role in helping a student determine if the online degree is the best option for him. Both public and private schools can offer non-profit online degrees. Private universities charge the highest tuition but award the most financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships. Public schools offer lower tuition pricing with federal financial aid, grants, and school scholarships available for students who qualify. In addition, online degree programs at non-profit schools may be cheaper than their on-campus alternatives since online students do not need to pay extra fees to use the schools resources or live on campus.
Program Availability
Online degree programs range from a year of classes to earn a certificate to two to four years to earn a masters degree. Depending on the degree youre seeking and your previous experience level, you may qualify for an accelerated online course in which you earn your degree faster by substituting work experience or previous classes in exchange for class credits. Students who need to develop a specific skill, such as leadership, may opt for a certificate while those seeking a full degree can earn associate, bachelors, or masters degrees in their chosen field. Popular online degree options include nursing, management, leadership, engineering, computer science, criminal justice, and liberal arts.
Quality of Courses
The quality of courses depends more on the school and on your professors than on whether or not the school is for-profit or non-profit. To ensure you get the most for your money, check the schools accreditation and research the faculty before applying. Your professors should have several years of experience in their fields and hold bachelors, and preferably masters, degrees. Research student reviews online to find unbiased opinions of what others think of the classes offered and the interactive learning environment. Whatever non-profit online colleges you consider, dont be afraid to ask questions and apply for all available financial aid to help pay for your continuing education.
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