Tag: Online School
Common Cents: On-Campus vs Online
When it was time for me to choose a college, everyone – friends, family, the lady standing behind me in line at the grocery store – EVERYONE had to put in their own ‘two cents.’ They would ramble on about large student loan debt and the surge of unemployed graduates. It was enough to discourage anyone from applying to college at all… including myself. It was a few years – and a few minimum wage jobs later – before I realized I could achieve my dream of earning a college degree and I could do it debt-free.
It Came Down to Cents
My research showed that the cost of a two year degree at a state university would have cost me upwards of $12,000 and that did not include books and additional fees. But my Associate’s Degree earned online through Brighton College was a fraction of the cost — $3,900, which included all books and fees. It didn’t take a mathematician to figure out which option would be more cost effective!
It Came Down to Time
We all have busy schedules. I was working two part-time jobs and had a child and husband at home. My calendar was always full of appointments, extracurricular activities, and work functions. Finding time to attend classes at a physical university was nearly impossible. I needed to be able to make my own school schedule. While I will admit that the idea of sitting in a classroom surrounded by fellow students who were interested in the same course of study that I was sounded great, I just didn’t have the time. My accredited, online college offered quality education on my schedule. And as far as the student interaction went, I was surprised to find that it was easy to connect with my peers through Brighton College’s social media.
It Came Down to a Career
While trying to decide between an online university or a traditional university, I never forgot my end goal: to be employable. I quickly learned that with a traditional university, I would be held to their schedule — a long and drawn out schedule. But, Brighton College online offered flexibility which allowed me to earn my degree faster. Trust me: the faster you earn a degree or diploma the faster you will join the workforce.
It Came Down to Brighton College
If you are considering an online university, consider Brighton College. Brighton College offers associate degrees in high demand portable careers such as allied health, business administration, and criminal justice. The cost of credit hour for Brighton’s degree programs is $65.00 per credit hour. This means you can earn your degree for less than $4000.00 (and graduate debt free, like I did). This amount includes all tuition, books and fees. Brighton College also allows flexibility, work at your own pace courses which fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. An additional perk, Brighton College is includes an HP Notebook with tuition for all as part of all diploma programs. What a great way to begin your online college experience! Want more information about the benefits of Brighton College? Simply click here to send an email.
Written by Kellie G.
Evaluating A Course by Course Approach to College
Should You Finish Quickly or Efficiently?
As a teenager it was an overwhelming task when my mom would tell me I could hang out with my friends only after I would clean my room. If you were anything like me as a teen (or any other typical teen) then your room looked like it should be on the list of places a tornado devastatingly tore through. Trust me, I used that excuse for the state of my room to my mom and for some reason got no sympathy. She would tell me, “Cinch by the inch.” I would start in one corner and not move on until that corner was completely clean. This approach stayed with me in most things I have done in my life, including getting my college education.
Cinch by the inch.
I took one class at a time until my certification was complete. Now, I know what you’re thinking: Didn’t it take you forever?! I come across that question more than any other with this approach. My answer? No. Here are the reasons why a course by course approach can be extremely beneficial — And I’ll go ahead and add into the list why choosing an online school can benefit you as well, because my mom also taught me that the more you give the more you get in return! — If I give you more great advice I get more readers…no?
- Course by course allows you to focus on one class at a time. You get more out of that class because your mind isn’t crammed with two or three other subjects simultaneously. With all of your focus on that one class you are more likely to get a better grade. By making it an online course you can focus on this class when the time is convenient for you and your schedule.
- Most colleges set up their programs so that the second class you take is relevant to the first one you took, the third is relevant to the second you took, and so on. This can give you a better understanding of the class you are working on. Once you are done with each class, that previous class will benefit the following class.
- You can take the classes at your own pace. If you bang out a class a month then you will be done in no time! However, if you are working full time, a parent, a working parent, or even just work at a slower pace naturally then having one class to focus on will relieve some of the pressures of assignment deadlines. I reiterate that by doing this online will allow you to do these assignments when you are able to.
- Online benefit: There is no time limit to when you have to graduate! In high school it’s usually frowned upon if you don’t graduate in four years. However, in college no one cares how long it takes you! Your slow pace may be what works for you and an online school is very supportive of that. If you work at a quicker pace then an online school won’t withhold your next class until the next semester. You determine your graduation pace.
When I was asked did it take me forever to finish my certification with a course by course approach I didn’t just answer with a “no.” I would say that time spent on education is never a waste of time. Going to college is a big decision. Why would I want to rush through and not give it my all? If you put the time and quality into your education then you will come out with a better quality of job prospects. Most jobs won’t even glance at a low GPA resume. Don’t be that person that finished the fastest just to say you’re first. If we are talking about a hot dog eating contest then finishing fastest will get you the win. In school that’s not quite the case. Take your time and get it done right.
Cinch by the inch.
Rachel G.
Military Spouse Education Advocate