Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Online Colleges - Frequently Asked Questions

The US Congress has given a new edge to education in the budget bill for the month of March. Unlike the case previously in the United States, even online colleges will be entitled to federal aid. Previously, the online education industry had a dubious reputation for its profit motive. However, the Congressional Republicans have become sympathetic to the entrepreneurial ethics of Internet-based colleges due to the convenience they offer to students.

With more and more students opting for online courses, there has been a steady increase in Internet colleges over the years. However, there are certain queries that are frequently asked regarding such institutions.

Online Colleges: FAQs

The following are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about online colleges and the courses they have to offer:

What are the main benefits of online institutions?

Flexibility is the main reason why students opt for e-learning. An online course can be pursued from the comfort of one's home, at one's own pace, while still qualifying for all the benefits of classroom learning, including interaction with instructors and peers. This is also a good option for professionals who can earn while pursuing a full-time or part-time course. Moreover, online colleges are comparatively cost-effective and have no locational bindings.

How do employers look upon an online institute?

As online education gains popularity, employers have begun recognizing Internet programs as a substantial addition to a résumé. A study conducted by the Distance Education and Training Council has proven that more than 70% of the corporate supervisors consider online programs equally or more valuable than classroom degrees.

What are the costs involved?

The overall cost of an online degree is lower than the usual college courses. However, the costs vary from institute to institute, depending on factors such as:

  1. type of degree
  2. prior course credits (from a different college)

A large number of students pursuing online courses qualify for financial aid, which helps them either completely or partially with their educational expenses. Online schools have financial advisors who help students choose their best financing option and also handhold them during the application process.

How to apply?

This is relatively simple. Students have to fill a web-based application form. Once this is done, the admissions representative will contact the student and fix a time to discuss course-related goals and interests. This is also a good time to ask any questions the student might have regarding the particular college or course.

You can search for renowned online colleges at the website of TopEducationGuide features a comprehensive list of training institutes in the US, which a potential student can search through alphabetically.

I hope you like this article. For more information on top online colleges, I invite you to visit my website http://www.topeducationguide.com