Online College Education for Divorced and Separated Parents
How online colleges work?
Online colleges allow students to earn online high school diplomas and non-degree certificate programs, and college degrees entirely on the internet, rather than attending college in a traditional campus setting. Students can earn an AA, BA, MA, and Ph.D. Online colleges can be a great option for divorced and separated parents who are also busy taking care of their children. Online degree programs allow them to get an advanced degree around their busy schedules.
Are Online Colleges Accredited
Most of the online colleges are accredited by one of the six regional accreditation boards. After the covid outbreak, several top-tier colleges have also started offering online degrees. Below is a list of the accreditation boards for private online colleges.
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
The Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) as the accrediting organization for distance learning institutions and education programs that offer online degrees.
Online or Distance Learning - Is it worth it?
The answer is yes. It is very well worth it, especially if you can get a degree from a reputed university. Education from online colleges can also help you get a high-paying job. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the job categories that are predicted to grow faster require a college diploma. Careers such as teaching, healthcare, and technology will account for 42 percent of the nation's projected job growth. The Department of Labor reports that employment for those with bachelor's degrees is growing exponentially compared to a loss of jobs for those with a high school diploma. With online and distance learning programs, it has become much easier to obtain a Bachelors's or Master's degree. Even if you are a working professional, a single parent, or cannot go to a regular campus program due to other obligations, you can still get your education. Most online colleges are usually cheaper than traditional colleges and the quality of education is the same. They also offer more flexibility in terms of schedule and the pace at which you would like to obtain your education.
How to Find an Online College?
To find an online college the obvious place is the internet where you can simply connect to various online colleges. All of these sites offer college information for free. You should request information from as many colleges as possible and compare them. If the colleges have a local branch in your city you should visit them and evaluate their offering before enrolling in an online program.
Criticism of Online Education
There is also a lot of criticism of online colleges. The biggest criticism is that most of the online colleges are degree mills that are producing college graduates just to make money for themselves. Students should thoroughly research their education options and the online colleges of their interest before joining one.
Things to Consider
- Cost of Education
- The jobseeker success rate after graduation
- Research employers in your area on LinkedIn to see if they hire graduates from the college you are interested in.
Warning: This post is neither financial, health, legal, or personal advice nor a substitute for the advice offered by a professional. These are serious matters, and the help of a professional is recommended as it can impact your future.