Shockingly, the percentage of Americans over 25 years old who hold college degrees has risen to an all-time high of 28%, according to the U. S. Census Bureau. Going to college pays off financially. Holding a bachelor’s degree increases a person’s yearly earnings twofold compared to a person with a high school diploma. A master’s degree holder will make $1.3 million more than a person with a high school diploma over his or her entire career. Thanks to the Internet, location and responsibilities no longer stand in the way of anyone who wants to pursue a college degree. Students who want to finish college more quickly can do so by working on accelerated online degrees.
Many adults who went to work straight out of high school contemplate returning to school to earn a college degree. Why is this? For some, they want a career change. For others, they see a college degree as a way to update their skills and earn more money. Non-traditional college students have different needs than students entering college directly after high school. The non-traditional students need flexible education programs that they can work at their own paces. They need to be able to fit classes into an already busy schedule. And, like traditional college students, they often need financial assistance, a choice of majors and a college that is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization.
Going to school online is a perfect way for non-traditional students to earn their degrees. Online schools offer many associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. The choice of majors includes accounting, criminal justice, psychology, nursing, elementary education, early childhood education, library science and others.
Flexibility is also very important to students returning to school. College classes must mesh with already established outside obligations with family and work. This flexibility is built in to online learning. Using a variety of media, online studies can be conducted at the convenience of the student. Some classes do require “class time, ” but not necessarily for every class session.
The ability to work through the program at his or her own pace is also essential to the non-traditional student. A student might want to complete his or her degree as quickly as he or she can. For other students, an accelerated program is out of the question. Online college degree programs easily accommodate both of these needs.
Most online bachelor’s degrees take about 3-5 years to complete. For students wanting to speed up the process, accelerated online degrees can be finished in just two years. To accomplish this requires taking classes year round. The student who decides to take this route must be aware that it will take more time and effort than completing a degree in the regular 3-5 year time table. If a student has other obligations, he or she needs to be realistic about whether or not an accelerated program would work well in his or her individual circumstances.
Non-traditional college students can fulfill their dreams of earning a college degree by going to school online. These are flexible degrees and usually cost less than on-campus colleges. If the degree is from a reputable, accredited college or university, the student should have no problem finding a job.
Accelerated college degrees can be worked on from anywhere in the world that has access to the Internet. It does not matter if you live in a rural area without access to a traditional college or if you have outside responsibilities that prevent you from attending classes. The Internet erases all of these barriers. Now you can fulfill a lifelong dream of earning a college degree by going to school online.
