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By on February 2, 2018 in Programs

Photo by Juliette Leufke on Unsplash

Going back to school is a tough decision. It’s expensive and takes a lot of time. It’s also intimidating – but it’s so rewarding. You’ve always wanted that education, that degree hung on your wall. The satisfaction that you did it.

Maybe you’re still choosing between traditional or online schooling. Either route you take, you’re on the right track. In this article, we’ll cover some of the benefits of an online education specifically. This information will help lead you to whatever decision is right for you.

It’s Convenient

One of the main benefits that brings people to online education is the sheer convenience of it. When pursuing further education, some of the main struggles students deal with are:

  • Working your class schedule around work schedules, or vice versa
  • Finding a program that’s available in your location
  • Travelling to and from classes
  • Finding the time to attend class around family responsibilities and personal obligations

Online education eliminates all of these common issues. Sure, schooling of any kind will take a lot of your time. But instead of finding the time to travel to the physical location of your class, spending a few hours in class, and then traveling back to your home or work, you’re simply scheduling a few uninterrupted hours from your couch or kitchen table — whenever it works best for you. But the advantages of online learning go far beyond convenience.

It Provides the Freedom to Gain Work Experience

With online schooling, you can keep working in your profession and won’t have to deal with the stress of clashing schedules. When I was going to school and working, I was always forced to request a different shift than I had been given in order to accommodate classes. Or I was missing out on the classes I really wanted to take because they were only available during regular working hours.

Since online education provides the freedom to be able to work while you pursue your degree, you’re eliminating one common issue students struggle with: lacking work experience after graduation when they’re trying to enter the workforce. Some people say experience can be more beneficial to getting a job offer than education. I think we need a balance of both to be successful. It’s unfortunate that traditional schooling doesn’t provide this flexibility quite like online options do. But that’s just one of the many benefits of online education.

It’s Affordable

Tuition fees for online education can be considerably cheaper than attending a traditional brick and mortar establishment. You will also save money on a few things that might seem miniscule but will add up considerably over the course of a few years in college. Here are a few of the ways you’ll save:

  • Transportation: No more driving back and forth or paying for parking
  • Housing: You don’t have to live on campus to attend online schooling, and you’ll have the ability to live in areas with cheaper rent, or continue living at home
  • Food: No more spending on snacks in between classes or an expensive meal on campus
  • Books: Online courses can sometimes offer digital books cheaper than the same book in print

It’s Just as Good as a Traditional Education

Don’t let the stigmatization of online education deter you from pursuing your dreams. An education is an education, and while there are many benefits to attending classes in a traditional setting, it isn’t the right choice for everyone. As online education becomes more common, the stigma slowly dies, and the learning systems will keep getting better as our technology and tools become more advanced.

Even now, we have the amazing ability to offer simulation learning for jobs like nursing. When entering a field that can be as unpredictable as nursing, students need a way to develop crucial skills before they’re faced with an emergency. This branch of online education can look like a video game, computer program, or computerized mannequin.

If you want to go back to school and earn your degree, but you can’t leave the workforce or you have a family and other obligations to uphold, an online education might be the best idea for you.

This article was contributed by guest author Devin Morrissey.

By on March 22, 2017 in Colleges, Programs

Image by Dayne Topkin, unsplash.com

It used to be that an online education had a stigma attached to it, as if it wasn’t a valid way to receive a top notch education. Fortunately, that stigma was met head on and disproven by world renowned educational institutions, such as the Berklee College of Music and Boston University, as well as many other colleges and universities that recognize that a quality education should be made available to those who prefer (or need) to learn online.

With online education opportunities, it is now possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in music from a top tier college or university, no matter where it is in the world, without ever having to step foot on campus.

What is Online Music Education?

Online music education combines advancements in technology with the traditional structure of a bricks and mortar music education. By offering complete music degree programs online, colleges and universities have made it possible for those who are performing musicians, private tutors, or otherwise engaged with work or family, to advance their careers with minimal interference.

The options for focus areas within the study of music are abundant and it’s possible to get a degree in any branch of music that is available at a traditional university. Some of these include:

● K-12 Music education
● Music performance
● Music industry such as marketing and promotions
● Mixing and engineering
● Music production, including for television and film
● Music psychology and music therapy
● Many more

The Benefits of Pursuing an Online Music Degree

You can save time. The most obvious benefit of pursuing a music education degree online is the convenience and flexibility of being able to learn from home, where students can literally earn a degree while wearing their pajamas. That’s a bit simplistic, but the convenience of not being tied to specific class times or having to navigate through the logistics of getting to campus is a huge draw for many people who choose to study online.

With online music courses, students log on when they’re able, and complete work at their own pace (though there are deadlines, just as with traditional education settings). Additionally, all class resources are easily accessible online whenever the student needs them.

You can (and will) devote more time to devote to learning. With many online courses and programs there is actually an increase in terms of the accountability one is held to in order to earn grades.

In traditional classes, a large percent of the course grade is weighted on class participation. What this often translates to is that as long as you are in your seat, you will get these points regardless of how much you actually engaged with the subject matter.

With online courses it is not possible to simply give points based on participation or attendance for obvious reasons. Instead, mandatory participation in chat rooms and forums is common. The end result is that more time is spent engaging in course material and increased mastery of the course content.

While this may sound more time consuming, the time saved commuting to and from campus sets this off ultimately increasing the overall time that is devoted to learning.

You can save money. Students can save money on transportation, not having to live on or near the university and pay the typically inflated housing costs associated with campus living and given the nature of the programs, textbooks and materials are often offered in digital format, thus reducing the insane costs of textbooks.

You are not limited by geography when selecting a program. Another advantage of choosing to attend school online is that the student can enroll in whatever school he or she wishes, because they’re not limited by location. For those seeking a quality music education, that’s a big perk, considering the best schools aren’t always nearby. In tandem with this benefit is the reduced cost associated with online education at a major university or college. Because the student isn’t paying for housing or travel, seeking an online education is infinitely more cost-effective, and earning a degree from a previously cost-prohibitive and distant university is now a legitimate possibility.

With online education it’s also easier to get into a quality school. There’s room for more students and less competition for spots, which is especially important for those seeking entry into an historically competitive university or college. With the logistics of a bricks and mortar school, there are only so many seats available per class. Online education, however, is only limited to the number of people a professor can handle.

Increased chance of getting an online career. For many, the notion of working from home or remotely is a necessity or a personal desire. Getting an online degree will better prepare you for this opportunity as you will become accustomed to the various technologies needed to be successful in an online work and collaboration environment. Many positions in the music industry, such as engineering or giving private lessons online are seeing major growth.

The Disadvantages of an Online Music Education

While there are very few disadvantages to pursuing an online music education, they do exist. For example, anyone who wants to take online music education courses must be self-motivated because it’s easy to procrastinate when the professor isn’t there to lead the way. In addition, online courses require good time management skills because there’s no set time or place to be in class. It’s up to the student to organize his or her schedule around making time for the courses. In short, online music education requires the student to be responsible for his or her own education. For those who can’t meet that criteria, online classes may not be the best choice.

The education received by online students is the same as the education received by those who attend school in person. The courses are taught by the same instructors using the same curriculum, and the degree earned is no different. For busy self-starters who are truly passionate about music and motivated to earn a degree, an online music education is a viable option.

This article was contributed by guest author Music Education Partners.

By on February 6, 2017 in Programs

Deciding on a career path or college major is one of the most important decisions a person can make in his or her lifetime and can become overwhelming very quickly. One field that is often overlooked is engineering. Engineering today not only presents benefits such as high average compensation and financial security, but also offers a wide variety of roles that cater to various interests.

RevPart has created an infographic that highlights the different types of engineering career paths including job outlooks, what these engineers do, salary information and more!

Image by Kevin Gutowsky

This article was contributed by guest author Matt Davis.

By on November 16, 2016 in Academic Life
Image by Jeremy Beadle, unsplash.com

Image by Jeremy Beadle, unsplash.com

Success isn’t something people stumble upon by chance. It’s an intersection of skill, knowledge, and willpower – an endless supply of it. How you go about building willpower is up to you, but in order to build a solid foundation of skill and knowledge, an MBA degree is unequivocally crucial.

But with the rising costs of tuition and the extra two years of your time you cannot get back, it begs the question, “Should I spend more of my resources to get an MBA degree?” Below are five great reasons to pursue a Masters in Business Administration:

Salary Boost

There aren’t many options when you want to bump up your salary, but having an MBA under your belt is definitely one of them. Median salary for professionals with an MBA degree is notably higher compared to non-MBA professionals working with the same title and space. Professionals working for a government agency or a non-profit institution with an MBA degree can boost their respective salaries by up to 50 percent. Look at the mid-range salaries of possible careers you can enter with an MBA and you’ll see that there is actual financial merit to it. Increasing your salary from $35,000 per year to $70,000 can easily cover the initial investments you made in your MBA education. Currently, the estimated cost of an MBA degree at the best colleges in the country is around $110,000.

Better Professional Opportunities

This reason is obviously connected with the first one. While not always the case, MBA graduates are often able to apply and get hired for high level management titles, or are promoted to such high ranks after graduating from an MBA program. This leads to a higher salary, among other things. Approximately 70 percent of MBA graduates across the world are hired to become senior managers or a part of the company’s board of directors. Higher level management positions do make a lot of money, but remember, they’re also accompanied by a higher degree of responsibility.

New Knowledge and Skill Set

According to this blog post by AIB, for those less motivated by money and more intrigued by new branches of knowledge and skills, an MBA degree can absolutely live up to expectations. The coursework is designed to unlock a more profound level of understanding and skills related to business administration. Pursuing an MBA degree gets you out of your comfort zone and away from the repetition and stagnation that comes with working in an office. It exposes you to the latest management techniques and allows you to apply them in real-world settings.

Improved Business Connections

By attending an MBA program at an established university, you open the door to new networking opportunities. You get to know and converse with classmates and professors, many of whom will be holding future senior management positions. Maintaining good relations with them can put your name in the HR departments of other companies.

Holistic Business World View

By furthering your career in the business world through an MBA degree, you gain an expanded view of the industry’s various interwoven parts. Your problem-solving skills are honed as you continuously challenge yourself with real-world business problems. More knowledge also makes you more confident in and receptive of the continuously shifting environment. These skills of being able to view the “big picture” and remain calm during stressful moments not only come as an asset to you, but to any prospective company who hires you.

The cost and time requirements to earn credits for an MBA degree are minute compared to the many benefits the education and experience provides. If you are very serious about succeeding in your business career, a Masters in Business Administration is the gold standard to display your competence and value as a professional.

This article was contributed by guest author Jim Raychrudhury.

By on October 18, 2016 in Colleges, Programs
Image by Nick Karvounis, unsplash.com

Image by Nick Karvounis, unsplash.com

The federal government’s decision to increase sanctions on ITT Technical Institute reinforced how choosing the right college can affect a student’s current and future prospects. In the aftermath of the Department of Education’s decision to bar ITT Tech enrolling new students utilizing federal aid, the institute decided to close all campuses and discontinue educational services leaving tens of thousands of students in limbo.

Now former ITT Tech students who have not completed their degree are faced with a tough decision:
• Attempt to find an institution that will transfer their credits.
• Petition for their federal loans to be discharged.

Both choices are not ideal.

Here’s the thing: it’s easier than ever to vet colleges. The internet has made school stats, credentials, and various other factors about the institution easy to discover. College education is too important, time consuming, and expensive to be a blind gamble. And the rise of public college online programs, has eliminated the need to enroll in a risky program due to geographic limits. With a little detective work, you can save yourself a lot of trouble.

Below are four factors to keep in mind when vetting a school:

Graduation Statistics

Not all student dropouts are the fault of the college, but higher than average drop out rates can be a sign of fundamental flaws in the school’s education or student support efforts. Individuals should not walk into a college program without knowing what percentage of students leave the college without a degree.

While it’s a gamble to attend a college with low graduation, at least you know what you’re up against. You can take measures to ensure you don’t leave the program with student loans and no degree.

You can get a sense of college graduation rates utilizing either the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard website or by doing a Google search of the schools graduation rate.

Accreditation

Check accreditation. According to an interview with Dr. RuthAnn Althaus, Ohio University Online MHA program coordinator, accreditation “provides assurance to students, their employers, and the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) that institutions are meeting rigorous educational standards and are professionally sound.”

Enrolling in a program that is not accredited or has had their accreditation revoked for not meeting standards can have the following consequences:
• College’s ineligibility for federal funds (including federal student aid or tuition reimbursement programs.
• Inability to transfer college credits to other institutions.
• Not accepted as a degree by employers.
• Doesn’t grant entry into careers that require a degree (like nursing or engineering).

You can find accreditation info on the college’s website or utilizing this government database.

You also want to check if the college’s accreditation is in trouble. If a school fails to meet accreditation standards, it will be placed on probation. If the problems are not fixed, they might lose their accreditation.

You can check if a school is on probation by:
• Searching Google for a “Notice of Probation” for the school
• Searching for any articles about the potential loss of accreditation.

Credit Transfer

Switching schools can be a nightmare. The Department of Education analysis of college credit transfer rate revealed that around 40% of college students lost all of their earned credits when they transferred schools.

Students who start at one college and plan to transfer to another school should:
• Figure out if the college has a transfer agreement with any other universities. If they do, ask the college what you need to do to sign onto the transfer agreement.
• If you have a transfer college in mind, check the college website for a list of schools they have a partnership with. (Portland State University’s community college partnership page is a good example of what that page would look like.)
• Call the admissions office or transfer advisors at the school before you sign up for classes to sure your credits will transfer.
• Shop around to other colleges if your first choice won’t accept your credits.
• Check if the college is regionally accredited (most public universities) or nationally accredited (a lot of for-profits). Most regionally accredited universities won’t accept credits from nationally accredited programs.

Students who don’t plan to transfer schools, should still get a general sense of whether the credits will be transferable to a school you would reasonably want to attend just in case.

Financial Stability

If you’re in enrolled in a school that is in financial hot water, you’re placing yourself in a precarious position.

Schools that are not stable financially face:
• The potential to lose accreditation due to not meeting financial standards.
• A loss of quality offerings to students.
• Hikes in tuition in an effort to remain afloat.
• Possible school closure.

The last point, school closure, can be devastating to students if the closure happens in the middle of the semester. Their transcripts will be marred by a semester worth of ‘incomplete’ classes which looks bad and might prevent student athletes from participating in sports.

You can check the financial health of your potential university by searching for the financial information in Google or checking for the school in one of the following articles:
• Private College Financial Health Grades 2015: Is Your Alma Mater At Risk?
• 159 Private Colleges Fail Education Dept.’s Financial-Responsibility Test

The fall of ITT Technical Institute should be a wake-up call that individuals need to expand how potential schools are evaluated before enrolling. The ads, recruiters, and website might market the school as a stellar institution, but colleges are businesses who are reliant on recruiting students to remain lucrative. It’s the individual’s responsibility to do a thorough vetting before enrolling.

This article was contributed by guest author Samantha Stauf.

By on October 3, 2016 in Programs
Image by Claire Anderson, unsplash.com

Image by Claire Anderson, unsplash.com

If you’re seeking a new career in a field that is both rewarding and well-paying, you may want to ask yourself, “What is a paralegal degree for, and what kind of future can I get with one?” Being a paralegal can be a great career option that gets you started early, lets you continue your studies, and grants you entry into the field of law. Let’s look at four reasons why it makes sense to pursue a paralegal degree.

It Earns a Good Salary
As a paralegal, you have a chance to enter a profession where you can earn a good salary. Although pay depends on your experience, location and the kind of firm that employs you, the median pay for paralegals in 2015 was more than $48,000 per year or about $23 per hour. Experienced paralegals and those who work for large law firms can earn more than $70,000 per year.

It’s a Good Preparation for Law School
Law school is expensive and requires a great deal of time and study. Starting off as a paralegal gives you a good foundation in the subjects you’ll be studying in law school. This will give you an advantage over students with no background in law. As a paralegal, your income will make it easier to afford law school. Getting your paralegal degree is an excellent way to prepare for a career as a lawyer.

A Wide Choice of Degree Programs
There are now many different ways to earn a paralegal degree, and programs are offered by many colleges and universities. If you’re a busy professional, a good option is to earn your degree online. A master’s in paralegal studies online, for example, gives you more than enough qualifications to have a long and lucrative career. When studying for your degree, you can also choose whether to study part time or full time.

You Can Choose Your Work Environment
Paralegals, more than most professions, have a wide range of choices for employment. Law firms all over the country, both large and small, employ paralegals. You can also work for government agencies, banks, insurance companies and in the legal department of a corporation in almost any industry. Paralegals can even choose to be self-employed, which is good if you prefer to be a freelancer or work part time.

A paralegal degree makes it possible to pursue a new and rewarding career. Whether you study part or full time, online or offline, this is a career path worth considering if you have an interest in law. It’s best to research many paralegal degree programs and find one that matches your goals.

This article was contributed by guest author Anica Oaks.

By on September 26, 2016 in Programs
Image by Neslihan Gunaydin, unsplash.com

Image by Neslihan Gunaydin, unsplash.com

Education is important. However, simply being an educated person is not enough to succeed in today’s world. Most popular careers are over saturated, which makes it hard to land a secure job in those fields. To truly succeed, you need to think outside the box and choose a career path that is in demand, yet not very common. It starts with having the right education. Here are some non-traditional degrees that you may be interested in exploring.

Decision Sciences
If you enjoy problem solving and making decisions, decision sciences may be a degree worth pursuing. In this degree program, you will learn the process of decision making, problem solving, analytical techniques and data analysis. This business-oriented degree will teach you how to help companies solve a variety of problems. It’s definitely a degree that would be useful – every business has problems and every business needs help solving them.

Soil Conservation
If you have a passion for the outdoors and you don’t mind getting dirty, a degree in soil conservation will allow you to get up close and personal with dirt. Subjects covered in this degree program include erosion, types of soil, organisms that live in soil and regional soils. With a degree like this, you will be able to help farmers and others in the agriculture industry learn how to keep nutrients in the soil as well as make the most of their water usage. Possible career paths available can be found in government agencies, private farming companies, and public health and environmental agencies.

Environmental Law Degree
If getting dirty is not your thing, but you still want to help the environment, perhaps an environmental law degree is your calling. With this degree you will study the laws, rules and regulations associated with keeping the Earth healthy. This is definitely a great way to do your part in taking care of the planet and standing up for what you believe in. If you love watching out for our planet this is a degree you will want to look into.

Technical Writing
If you have a gift of communication and the ability to understand complex ideas, consider getting a degree in technical writing. It’s not just about technology; you will study math, science and communication. Once you graduate, work positions will be available at all sorts of companies. More information about this career path can be found here.

Yacht Operations
If you love being on the sea and need a way to get paid for it, a degree in yacht operations may be right for you. You’ll get a hands on lesson on boat management and navigation. You can even specialize in sailing or speed boat management. With a degree like this you will be able to live out your days on the water – and get paid to do it.

While you may have to search a little more to find institutions that offer these unusual degrees, the payoff will be worth it when you’re in a unique career that you really enjoy!

This article was contributed by guest author Kara Masterson.

By on September 21, 2016 in Programs
Image by Saulo Mohana, unsplash.com

Image by Saulo Mohana, unsplash.com

If you haven’t decided on a major, you’re not alone. At least half of college-bound students are undecided about their majors.

It’s a difficult choice to make, especially when it feels like you’re making a life-long commitment. With hundreds of options to choose from, it’s no wonder that making this decision can feel a little overwhelming.

Selecting a college major is a personal choice dictated by several factors, including your interests, strengths, attraction to a particular subject area, and your individual value system. Taking the time to research your options will make it much easier to make an informed decision that you are much more likely to be happy with.

Undeclared or undecided major

While many students feel stressed about not knowing what they want to study, this is quite a normal feeling. Choosing an undecided major could turn out to be a blessing in disguise since it will give you the opportunity to explore different ideas, discover your interests, and find your strengths before you settle on something.

You will have the chance to explore different classes, and you may even find that the one that peaks your interest is something entirely different than what you would have imagined. You will gain exposure to various teaching styles, some of which may work better for you than others. Be sure to work closely with an academic advisor to get the best out of the experience.

For many students, the added benefit is that they end up meeting and socializing with many different people. Rather than just heading to events focused on a single major, you end up attending various on-campus happenings and get to know more people.

Double major or major/minor programs

When you choose a double major, you receive one degree with two majors that are typically related and integrate with each other. You would need to complete the requirements for both majors, as well as the general education requirements and those of your home school. Concentrating in a secondary area can be extremely valuable and marketable, which many employers look for these days. It also shows you are willing to take on challenging tasks.

Since earning a double major takes more time and commitment, you should carefully weigh your time, finances, interests, and patience when deciding what makes sense for you. Speak with faculty in your major and advisors at the Career Center about the benefits and drawbacks.

Choosing a combination of majors and minors can increase your marketability and better prepare you for the career you want while being less demanding than a double major. Think about minors that would complement your major, such as a subject from the liberal arts if you are studying a major in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM). You gain valuable skills that can be of benefit in any career, such as effective communication and problem solving.

This option tends to suit students with a variety of interests, who wish to incorporate these into their studies. Of course, there are other ways to gain experience, such as completing internships, taking part in research opportunities, studying abroad, taking more classes than required, or joining clubs.

Research the prospects

When it comes to making a decision, research is your best friend. Take time to study and analyze your interests, values and skills. Speak to students studying majors you are interested in and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out if they have student organizations and set up a meeting or ask about attending an event.

Also, speak to faculty that teaches in that area – most professors will even allow you to listen in on a class, so make the most of the opportunity. Find out which textbooks are required, visit a bookstore, and give the books a browse.

You may find that an industry professional in your chosen field earns much more in a different country, so it may be worth spending time studying abroad. Especially if your chosen field requires a thorough understanding of local legislation, such as a health and safety manager. The more information you gather, the easier it will be to make an informed decision.

Pursue your passion

Choosing a major in a subject matter you love or feel passionate about can make a big difference to your level of engagement, and ultimately, your grades. If you loved math at school and excelled at it, then why not pick a major in science?

You may think that the wiser choice would be to select a major based on those careers demonstrating the most rapid growth. After all, you want to increase your chances of securing a well-paying job after you graduate.

The reality is that job markets can change very quickly, so while a career may be in high demand today, that might not still be true in four to five years’ time. Furthermore, 65% of students will end up in jobs that haven’t even been created yet. If you choose something you are passionate in, then everything else will fall into place.

Get hands-on experience

If you think you may be interested in pursuing a particular career, but aren’t sure about what it would entail on a daily basis, then why not intern or volunteer? Gaining work experience in your preferred field of study will give you valuable insight that you just wouldn’t get from a textbook.

If you’re thinking of building a career in social work, ask if you can volunteer at the local shelter. You gain hands-on experience and get a real taste of what the job is like – the good and the bad.

If you find it’s not the job for you, then give something else a go. Exploring a variety of pursuits will help you discover which career path is right for you. It also offers you the chance to connect with professionals in your field, which can help with employment opportunities down the line.

This article was contributed by guest author Mackenzie Fox.

By on September 12, 2016 in Programs
Image by Sean McAuliffe, unsplash.com

Image by Sean McAuliffe, unsplash.com

Most young people today want to change the world either single-handedly or have a hand in it – it’s one of the defining traits of millennials. There are any number of avenues to take on your quest to make the world a better place, so read on to discover the best degrees to help prepare you to serve your country and make a difference.

1. Environmental Science
The magnitude of environmental issues facing the United States and the world is staggering. Everything from environmental destruction and species extinction to the application of renewable energy solutions are real problems that need to be addressed. With an environmental studies degree, you will be equipped with knowledge of how the environment works and how it is affected by humans, so you can ask the right questions and come up with new technologies, approaches, and answers to some of the biggest problems plaguing the world today.

2. Social Work
While social workers don’t tend to affect earthshaking change on a national level, most people who go into social work do it because they want to help people, and make a difference one person at a time. Social workers not only need boundless compassion and patience, but also the knowledge of legal, political, and psychological aspects of their work, which a quality program will teach. The best programs will also afford students hands-on experience and request or require the completion of an internship so students can put knowledge gained to a practical use.

3. Political Science or Public Administration
Political science or public administration programs provide students with a solid foundation on which to begin a life of public service. In an online master’s of public administration program, for example, students are prepared to address public issues such as budgeting with increasingly smaller funds, leadership and crisis management, and dealing with a variety of special interest groups. Obtaining a graduate degree from an accredited university will further your education and strengthen your skills and experience, leaving you better equipped to take on the challenge of keeping our country running.

4. Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts majors are in the perfect position to pursue careers at non-profit organizations. A liberal arts education teaches students important well-rounded skills, such as writing, communication, diplomacy, and critical thinking. Writers and filmmakers expose issues to the general public that truly have the potential to make a lasting impact.

There are many different avenues of service, and creative students can make a difference in the world with just about any college degree. But the four listed above will give you a good start. Get out there and change the world!

This article was contributed by guest author Anica Oaks.

By on June 8, 2016 in Colleges
Image by NEC Corporation of America, Flickr

Image by NEC Corporation of America, Flickr

Getting into a college of your choice can be difficult. Even more difficult is staying in college and achieving great scores. The trials and tribulations of today’s students are evident in every aspect of schooling. Students think about a lot of things, such as student debt, the difficulty of classes, socialization, etc. Due to these issues, students may choose to skip college, thus making their lives more difficult in the long term. Here are some solutions and tips on how to choose a great college where you will feel relaxed.

Inclusiveness: Feel Comfortable on Campus

Not all people are the same. Therefore, some students might be more laid back than others. These students cannot control how they act around other people, even if they want to be included in groups or friend circles. Unfortunately, issues like social anxiety may present a difficult task to overcome on their own. Because of this, make sure you choose a college where you will feel relaxed and accepted, no matter who you are. It will be easier for you to make friends and you’ll also feel excited about going to college and classes!

Quality and Support: How to succeed at school academically

When you’re choosing a college, you need to think about the quality of the classes and the academic support professors and teachers offer. You don’t want to end up in a college where you won’t be able to learn because the quality of classes is low. Be thoughtful about this!

Affordability: Net Cost

Can you afford the college you want? If there’s one thing killing student morale for studying – it’s debt. Constantly thinking about the huge amount of money you’ll need to pay back is not healthy. Make sure you choose a college you can afford, even if at the cost of loans. If you are unable to pay back the loan, it might be better to choose a college that is cheaper, but where you’ll be able to finish with less worry about loans.

Alumni Success

Ask former students about their lives after college. Did the college they went to pay off? If not, maybe you want to expand your search. Of course, you shouldn’t give up instantly – some students simply don’t want to work after college, so make sure you look into the reasoning behind their disappointment. With a big enough sample size and the right questions, you’ll be sure about your choice. If students can easily find jobs that pay well after they finish the college – it’s definitely a step in the right direction!

Aim For Variety

Find a college with a wide variety of courses and callings so you have options every year. The more, the merrier!

Read Faculty Evaluations

When searching for a decent college, read up on faculty evaluations. These offer insight on the quality of classes and the effectiveness of transferring knowledge to the students. Try to find as much information as possible and if you are happy with what you found, it’s a good sign about the quality of the college.

Consider Auditing Colleges

Before you make a decision regarding which college to go to, it might be a smart idea to consider auditing them before your final decision. Get as much information as you can so you know what’s up!

Conclusion

There are numerous ways you can help yourself reach a decision regarding choosing a college. These are just some tips and steps you can take on your journey to a great college, so be sure to follow them; they will help!

This article was contributed by guest author Andy Bell.