Go Back to School Online and Unlock New Opportunities

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Posted Nov 6, 2024

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Going back to school online can be a game-changer for your career and personal growth. With the flexibility to learn at your own pace, you can unlock new opportunities and achieve your goals.

You can earn a degree or certification from a reputable online institution, such as Western Governors University, which offers over 60 online degree and certification programs. Online courses can be completed in as little as 12 months.

By going back to school online, you can save time and money on commuting, childcare, and other expenses associated with traditional schooling. In fact, online students can save up to $10,000 per year on average.

Choosing a College

You're considering going back to school online, but where do you start? It's essential to choose a college that meets you where you are. ASU Online, for example, offers over 175 bachelor's programs and more than 125 master's programs, plus about 50 graduate certificates.

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Before picking a program, take some time to reflect on why you're returning to school. Are you looking to gain competitive skills, start a new career, or finish a degree? All of these are valid motivators.

Your current field of work and future goals are crucial factors to consider when choosing a college. ASU Online's enrollment coaches can help you discern the best degree for you. They can answer your questions and provide personalized support.

A good college should have support for adult learners. At ASU Online, your online support team provides the guidance you need to achieve your goals. Your success coach will help you set goals, create a success plan, and ensure you have all the resources you need to start strong.

Older students like you are in a different period of their lives. They are more structured and focused, and they have a set routine already developed. This can make it easier to add college into the mix.

Public and private online schools have similar distinctions to their traditional counterparts. Public online colleges, for instance, are usually funded by the state and state residents' taxes. If you qualify, you may be eligible for lowered tuition.

Applying to College

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Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can make it a smooth process. Working with an enrollment coach is often the first step, as they can help you explore programs, answer application questions, and send in your transcripts.

You'll also want to get an estimate of the total cost of your education, which can be done using the ASU Online tuition calculator. Simply enter your residency, student status, and academic program to receive an estimate.

To apply for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can help you cover tuition, books, course fees, and other school-related expenses. Many employers also offer tuition benefits, such as Starbucks, Uber, and Amazon, so be sure to check with your company's human resource department to see what assistance they might offer.

College Application and Payment Guide

Working with an enrollment coach can be a great first step in applying for college, as they can help you explore programs, answer your application questions, and send in your transcripts.

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The ASU Online tuition calculator is a useful tool to get an estimate of the total cost of your education. Simply enter your residency, student status, and academic program to receive an estimate.

You'll want to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid, which can help you cover tuition, books, course fees, and other school-related expenses.

Many employers offer tuition benefits, such as Starbucks, Uber, and Amazon, so be sure to check with your company's human resource department to see what assistance they might offer.

You can expect a 65% acceptance rate when applying to four-year colleges, but actual admission rates vary depending on the types of schools you apply to.

It's a good idea to apply to a mix of reach schools, schools you're sure to get into, and schools where admission could swing either way, to give yourself the best chance of getting accepted.

If you're applying to graduate school, your enrollment coach can also help you find and request references.

Additional reading: School Computer

Applying to Programs

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You're likely to be accepted into at least one college - 65% of students applying to four-year colleges are accepted.

The admissions process can feel intimidating, but understanding admission rates can help. For example, Brown University admits only 8.7% of applicants, while Oklahoma State University admits 75%.

To increase your chances of getting accepted, consider applying to a mix of reach schools, schools you're sure to get into, and schools where admission could go either way.

Your online support team can help you navigate the application process and create a success plan to ensure you have all the resources you need to start strong.

College Life

College life can be a challenge, but with the flexibility of online learning, it's easier to balance academics with other responsibilities.

With the rise of online education, students can now access a wide range of courses and programs from top universities around the world.

Online courses can be completed on a student's own schedule, allowing for more flexibility and autonomy in their learning experience.

This flexibility is especially helpful for students who have to work or care for family members while pursuing their education.

Many online programs are designed to be completed in a shorter amount of time than traditional on-campus programs, with some programs taking as little as 12-18 months to complete.

Academics

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Academics are a crucial part of college life, and it's essential to choose an online college that offers high-level academic programs and support systems.

To ensure academic excellence, look for online schools that distinguish academic standards within your chosen field. This means going beyond reputation and researching the school's academic offerings and support services.

A quality online school will provide resources remotely to help students succeed. This includes career services, which can help students land a job before graduation.

Advisors are a vital part of academic success in online colleges. You can expect to encounter several types of advisors, including:

  • Admissions advisors who answer questions about the school and application process.
  • Finance advisors who explain costs, payment plans, and financial aid opportunities.
  • Academic advisors who help with course selection and daily schedule management.
  • Career advisors who assist with resume and interview skills, job searching, and career expectations.

By choosing an online college that offers these resources and support services, you can set yourself up for academic success and a bright future.

Student Satisfaction and Retention Levels

Student satisfaction and retention levels are crucial indicators of a college's academic quality and student life. Your college's retention rate can be a strong indicator of how well the school is preparing students for success.

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The retention rate is a percentage of students who return to the college for their sophomore year. This rate can be found on the Department of Education's College Scorecard.

A high retention rate suggests that the college is providing a supportive environment for students to succeed. On the other hand, a low retention rate may indicate that the college is not meeting students' needs.

You can track this information down yourself with the help of the Department of Education's College Scorecard, which lists the graduation rate along with borrowing and loan data for several schools.

Academic Support

Academic Support is a crucial aspect of college life, and it's great to know that many online colleges provide these resources remotely. You can expect to encounter various specialists who will help you succeed in your online program.

Admissions advisors will answer your questions about the school and the application process, and they'll also counsel you on your workload and course selection once you're accepted. Finance advisors will take you through the costs of your education, your payment plan, and the financial aid opportunities specifically appropriate for you.

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Academic advisors will help you adjust to the digital learning environment once enrolled, including how your daily schedule and the school's interface work. They'll also direct you to tutoring services and ensure you're on track for graduation.

Career advisors will help you look ahead to life after college, working with you on your resume and interview skills, potential jobs, and career expectations.

Here are the types of advisors you can expect to encounter in a quality online school:

  • Admissions advisors
  • Finance advisors
  • Academic advisors
  • Career advisors

These advisors will work with you to create a personalized plan to help you achieve your goals and succeed in your online program. By taking advantage of these resources, you'll be more likely to land a job before you graduate or once you complete college.

Returning to College

Going back to school can be a daunting experience, especially for adults who may feel like they're starting from scratch. However, with the right support and resources, it's definitely possible.

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Your online support team can provide the guidance you need to achieve your goals, including a success coach who will help you set goals, create a success plan, and ensure you have all the resources you need to start strong.

Older students are often more structured and focused, and they have a set routine already developed, making it easier to fit college into their lives. They're also better situated to satisfy personal goals or career advancement, and they have more access to on-demand virtual options that allow them to earn a degree from home.

Returning to the classroom after a long hiatus can prompt imposter syndrome and uncertainty, but by adopting a growth mindset and utilizing the academic resources provided for extra support, students can overcome challenges and become more confident in their abilities.

Challenges of Returning

Returning to college can be a daunting experience, especially when you're juggling multiple responsibilities. Going back to school as an adult can be challenging, and it's essential to understand these common challenges to better prepare yourself for success.

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Balancing multiple responsibilities is a significant challenge for many adult learners. Juggling full-time jobs, family commitments, and studies can be overwhelming, making time management skills a necessary part of your journey. Creating a structured schedule with time-blocking techniques can help you find balance and productivity.

The cost of education can also give pause to adult learners. The financial burden of tuition, textbooks, and additional expenses can be significant, but there are options available, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. You can also apply for FAFSA even when you're getting your degree online.

Returning to the classroom after a long hiatus can prompt imposter syndrome and uncertainty. Adult learners may feel like they can't keep up with the work or connect with people in their new community, but adopting a growth mindset and utilizing academic resources can help you overcome these challenges and become more confident in your abilities.

Fully online programs can offer the flexibility and convenience you need to balance your responsibilities. With online learning, you can structure your coursework around your schedule, and many programs offer support teams to help you achieve your goals.

Degree Programs for Military Personnel

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Military personnel can face unique challenges when pursuing higher education, but online degree programs can provide flexibility and understanding.

Active-duty service members can balance military life with college coursework, as seen in Wyatt Martensen's experience earning an online bachelor's in geosciences at Southern New Hampshire University.

Online classes gave Martensen the flexibility to work on assignments when it made sense for him, even while deployed in Afghanistan.

Instructors at SNHU worked with Martensen when he didn't have access to a computer or the internet, demonstrating a commitment to supporting military students.

Latisha Aguilar's experience highlights the importance of career exploration and finding a field that aligns with one's passions and skills.

By pursuing an online degree, military personnel can set themselves up for success in a variety of careers, including roles like middle school guidance counselor, which Aguilar aims to pursue.

How Public Works

Returning to college can be a daunting task, but it's definitely achievable. You can pursue your degree online, which is a flexible, accessible, and cost-effective option.

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Online public school is also an option for students, and it's free. You can attend classes from the comfort of your own home and work at your own pace for a more flexible schedule.

Teachers at K12-powered schools, which offer online public school, are state-certified and trained in online learning. They're available to support students through phone calls or emails.

The curriculum at K12-powered schools is top-tier, blending live classes, engaging videos, hands-on activities, and more to accommodate all learning styles and encourage exploration.

Here are some benefits of online public school:

  • State-certified teachers who understand your unique needs
  • Flexible curriculum that accommodates different learning styles
  • Opportunities to socialize and have fun, both online and offline
  • K12 is accredited and has received various awards and recognitions

You can start a baking club, join a basketball team, or dance with friends while attending an online public middle school. This unique educational experience combines teacher-led classes with self-guided learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest degree to get online?

Business administration and management degrees are often the fastest to complete online, typically taking 1-2 years to finish, depending on the program and institution

Can I do online school instead of going to school?

Yes, you can attend online school in California with K12's interactive platform, offering flexibility and personalized learning. Explore our online school options for a non-traditional education experience.

Can you do 100% online college?

Yes, you can pursue 100% online college degrees through institutions like SUNY, which offers online bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs. Many online programs, including those at SUNY, are designed for flexibility and convenience.

Gilbert Deckow

Senior Writer

Gilbert Deckow is a seasoned writer with a knack for breaking down complex technical topics into engaging and accessible content. With a focus on the ever-evolving world of cloud computing, Gilbert has established himself as a go-to expert on Azure Storage Options and related topics. Gilbert's writing style is characterized by clarity, precision, and a dash of humor, making even the most intricate concepts feel approachable and enjoyable to read.

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