President Obama’s Recovery Act in 2009, wasn’t only focused on jobs. The Commander in Chief realized one of the best ways to improve a citizen’s income is to advance the person’s education. As such, a major part of the Act, $225 billion of it, is dedicated to contracts, grants and loans, including college loans, and $500 million of that will have a direct impact on online colleges.
One of the more inspiring things the President has said is his acknowledgement that: “All along that education pipeline, too many people”, he said in a speech last year, “are slipping through the cracks. It’s not only heartbreaking for those students; it’s a loss for our economy and our country”. If you are interested in getting more information about online scholarships research the internet.
The stats truly are alarming. Only 29% of Americans have a college degree, where most other industrialized nations near 40%. Another statistic is that only approximately 40% of Americans who start a college program see it through to graduation. Compounding this, the price of getting a degree rises an average of 8% annually and this rising cost is a large reason for the high dropout rate of those who have started but cannot afford to continue.
One of the President’s solutions was to dedicate $500 million to colleges for new programs. He wants these courses to be available to students everywhere they can get online access, desktop to the Amazon Kindle. He is also advocating the establishment of twenty to twenty-five new course each year. For any additional information about money for college check the internet.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Board of Education estimates an online degree costs a little under 40% less than going to on-campus courses. USA Today reported last year that going on campus for a 4-year degree is $150,000, while the cost is $65,000 for a Bachelors degree at an online university.
Online classes from accredited colleges are the same as those who attend on campus schools. Taking a class this way absolutely does not mean one is taking anything easy or that passing grades are strewn about like confetti. These classes are as challenging as the top ivy league schools. In fact, some of them are offered by ivy league schools. Thanks to this and with the cost saving element, one easily sees why the President is for online education. Online school means more students for each government dollar spent, with each student getting the same competitive education.
Going online has other cost-saving benefits, too. They can include cutting commute time, possible baby sitter fees for working parents, and the wear and tear constant commuting does on vehicles, among others. Another incredible value is a student can take the course at a time that’s more convenient to his other needs, not when the course is offered on campus. This can also be of value to working parents, who need to be at home as much as possible for their children. For an abundance of information about student loans check out the web.
In all, if the program goes through the way President Obama wants to, it’s a win-win situation for both the U.S. and its citizens. College loans enable those who couldn’t on their own attend college. The country ends up with a better educated workforce at a much more cost-efficient price. Americans wind up with the ability to get into higher paying jobs and raise their standards of living. Besides loans, grants for online school may help those who have special circumstances. A better education for all – who can argue with that?
Getting in to college is one of the biggest turns in anyone’s life. College is known as the best time of everyone’s life. The experience of meeting new people nd adjusting oneself to the real world mechanisms help an individual mould his/her future up to a great extent. A college freshman is relatively scared and nervous when they first arrive at college. This is because they have never experienced such a life away from the comfort of their homes living with responsibilities.
For all those high school students that are waiting to go to college but doesn t know anything about it there are many places to find information and tips regarding college freshman years. Surviving your college freshman year is not as difficult as you think but the best tip to get over it with ease is to know what to expect during your college freshman year. If you were the prom queen at high school, you should probably leave your crown behind and walk the isles of college freshman year because the chances are you will not be as popular in college.
First you have to find out what is not allowed in college dorms and what they provide you with at your new college. Then you have to bring what you need accordingly. It is widely recommended that you bring such things as, pillows, rugs, extra sheets, a TV, Radio or even a computer. Also most colleges have bad water so it s better to bring a water filter along as well.
When it comes to being popular it is important to forget about your past when you re a college freshman. Your past life of being the most adored guy or girl in the high school or the nerd who was subjected to jokes, will not matter in your college freshman year. The most important thing to do the moment you step in to college is to start networking with everyone and anyone that you come across. Be interested in them or at least show that you are. Get involved with many activities and be a team player in whatever you do, be it a college activity or a simple drinking match.
The college freshman year is usually the most fabulous year of all in college life. So be open to embrace challenges and new ways of life. Be ready for your college freshman in the true spirit of it!
The difference between a scholarship and a grant is simple. Scholarships are primarily given based on academic excellence. Grants are given based on need. Yes, there's a lot of gray. There are exceptional students who have living in severe financial need and an academic minimum must be met to obtain grants. That's why online colleges have financial aid officers to help a student get as much of both as possible.
At the same time, when it comes to need, nursing is a situation where the industry has its own incredible need, not just the students. You've probably heard how there's an incredible shortage of nurses in the work force. It's true, and just about everyone in the public and private sectors are doing whatever they can to get qualified students to school. When compared to many other occupations, one could say it goes way beyond the norm.
A good place to start finding out about these programs is to get on a site. Their Financial Aid and Scholarship page lists over 30 different organizations right on its front page. From there, a potential student or parent can click on the various entries on their list, fill out the forms, and very likely pay for the bulk of an online degree. These organizations can basically be broken down into four primary groups. They are:
The Government – Most students won't think twice about going to the Dept. of Education for a Pell Grant. What they often forget is their local state probably has its own school grants ready to be tapped. Another good place to consider is Sallie Mae, which not only provides grants, but low-interest loans and financial advice for prospective nurses.
Professional organizations – The American Nursing Association, one of the largest organizations, gives out nearly $2 million in grants and scholarships every year. The Florence Nightingale Foundation is specifically set up to provide grants for college for more nurses. If anyone has self-interest in seeing more nurses in the work force, it's the professional organizations. Their assistance can go from a basic baccalaureate to advanced and specialized degrees.
Private Corporations – Another organization with a heavy stake in medical professionals are corporate health/ medical corporations. Major pharmaceuticals such as Johnson & Johnson provide annual grants. The makers of Tylenol had out ten scholarships of $10,000 each and an additional 150 grants of $1,000 each. It's in a student's best interest to make a list of major health corporations and find out what they have.
Minority Organizations – Among these august organizations are the United Negro College Fund as well as organizations for any sort of American from Aleuts to Polynesians, Latinos to single mothers. A good way to start sourcing this money out is to approach local clubs and see what they have, either in information or in out-and-out money. One would be surprised what they have.
The important point is to get on a site like Medi-Smart and get to work immediately. The site actually advises students to start the financial aid applications at the same time as applying to the school itself. There is help on pell grants for college available.
Asian Americans make up only 5% of the U.S. population, but that does not mean this group should be considered one universal ethnic group. Asian American students looking for financial aid to online schools should keep very aware of this.
As the largest continent in the world, Asia contains countries as diverse as China (which actually has a number of other ethnic groups inside its borders, such as), India, Viet Nam, Singapore and even Pakistan. Polynesians are also lumped into this group, even if places like Hawaii are thousands of miles away from Tokyo. If you need more information about grant online it is available on the internet.
According to the U.S. Census, the overall national average of Americans who obtain Bachelors or higher is 27%. Asian Americans average 48%. On the other hand, nationality does come into play here. For example, Indians have the highest graduation rate with just short of 68%. Chinese (of all ethnic groups) round out the middle with 50%. Laotians and Cambodians tie for the bottom at 5%.
What is universal is Asian Americans should fill out their FASFA form and apply for a Pell grant. This is available for all Americans. Serious consideration should also be given to various corporate and other institutional scholarships, which tend to only look at grades and outside achievements. Any good online college has financial aid officer can be of great service here. For varied information on money for college, go to the web.
Where an Asian American’s specific ethnicity really comes into play is through financial aid from private and corporate institutions. Asian Americans have set up many funds for their specific nationality. For instance, the Korean American Scholarship Fund awarded 59 scholarships in 2009 alone, in majors ranging from music to psychology. Their website,
also includes a page with other such organizations offering more financial aid and grants. Not to be outdone, the Indian American Scholarship Fund awarded 25 one, two and four-year grants…just in the state of Georgia.
So what do all these factors have to do with getting financial aid to go to an online college? Actually quite a lot. An Asian American’s nationality can play heavily for grants and scholarships outside the usual federal and state routes
From there, start applying. Don’t be surprised if you will have to do some sort of essay proving your qualifications, have to shake hands and play a little politics (community service is a good thing). Wash, rinse and repeat for each organization you go after. Then don’t be surprised if you get more than just the Pell, either. For an abundance of information about student loans, check out the web.
A free ride to college is quite a thank you. But well deserved if you’ve served in the U-S armed forces. The U-S government provides millions of dollars for military service people, veterans and their dependents. The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are just two places to learn more about student loans and grants and the GI Bill. It’s like using your years of service to pay for college.
The government’s foundation for educating veterans is the Montgomery GI bill, or MGIB. President Roosevelt signed the bill into law in 1944 after World War II. Since then, it’s estimated the GI Bill has helped educate more than two million veterans. The plan gives veterans a monthly stipend for 36 months toward higher education. To qualify you must have served at least two years on active duty and have your high school diploma or equivalent.
If you get money through the GI Bill, you can still apply for student loans, scholarships or grants. The tax-free money is not considered financial aid since it is sent directly to the veteran or service person. However,since it counts as income, GI Bill payments can reduce your eligibility for need-based financial aid. GI Bill money can be used for tuition, as well as fees, books and living expenses. Once you leave the military you have ten years to use your GI benefits. That means even after earning a degree, a veteran can put the GI Bill money toward independent study programs, continuing education classes, an apprenticeship of even to get a license or certificate in a particular field.
In August 2009 a new GI Bill went into effect. The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides education benefits for service members who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001. The new bill covers 100% of tuition, provides money for housing and up to $1000 a year for books and supplies. Unfortunately, the Post 9/11 GI Bill cannot be applied to courses finished before July 2009.
Armed Forces Tuition Assistance, TA, is a benefit for eligible members of all the armed services. Each division can pay up to 100% of tuition expenses of its members. TA is not a loan, it’s like money a veteran has earned. Each arm of the military has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process. Unlike money from the GI Bill, tuition assistance is paid directly to the school.
In addition to federal and state aid, there are over $300 million in grants for college for members of the military, veterans and their families. To name a few categories, there are scholarships for disabled veterans, veterans of foreign wars, veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom. Even if your tuition is fully covered by the GI Bill, it’s a good idea to pursue private scholarships. The money can be used to cover the cost of books, fees, and living expenses.
Many colleges and universities are also willing to count your years in the service as class credit. The American Council on Education, ACE, can help you and your school figure out how many credit hours you earned while on duty. You may alread be ahead of the game.
There are millions of dollars available for veterans and their families to use for higher education. The U-S government provides non-taxable money through the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance. But there are also grants for college. Through these programs you can exchange your years of service for a fully paid college education. Take advantage of them, you’ve earned it.
It’s now time to hit the books and get to work. If you thought getting student loans, registering and setting your course load was tough, think again. Now it’s time to actually get your online degree. That can be as much as a four-year long grind, and approaching it without a touch of internal discipline is a sure way to failure. Oh yes, this discipline applies outside the online arena as well.
One could say going to school while holding down a job and in living in the offline world is similar. What one has to do is strike a balance, both online and off, and going to college online won’t seem anywhere as difficult. Here are five tips to help you get started.
Become Adept at Time Management – Set a schedule for yourself, and stick to it. Tell the kids not to bother you between the hours of 8:00 to 11:00 pm unless it’s an absolute emergency, your spouse too. Also, sticking to that kind of schedule will develop the regularity you need to do this over the long haul. Developing that kind of discipline at home will carry into your study.
Manage Your Time Online, Too – The backbone of an college degree is its syllabus and its schedule. The syllabus explains what you are going to learn. The schedule sets the pace for how fast you are going to learn it. Used properly, the schedule is your friend. It’s been used on hundreds of students before you ever knew it existed. It helps you plan your time, both on and offline.
Have Backup; Offline – Make sure to have a member of your household, extended family, or just a good friend to run interference for you while you study. If that person keeps the distractions to a minimum, it will help your studies exponentially.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Help; Online & Offline – Online conferencing with your teacher and fellow students is an absolutely invaluable tool. So is making friends with your local librarian or someone who has already where you want to be. You can get incredible information from your colleagues, both inside and outside your school of choice. So don’t be afraid to involve yourself. The payoff could be invaluable.
If You’re Having A Problem, Say So! – No professor expects his students to absorb his/her information at the same pace. Said teacher would much prefer that if the student has some kind of issue, that they speak up and as quickly as possible. S/he who hesitates to speak up, Fails, plain and simple. Those who do so as quickly as possible will find guidance easily available.
Upon reading this these tips seem so obvious, don’t they? Yet you’d be surprised how quickly common sense goes jumping out the window when a person pursues their online degree. Using these simple rules will clear many a problem before they even start.
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