Over the past decade or so online colleges have really changed. Nowadays, they offer more degrees, more majors, and more ways to transfer credits so you can graduate sooner. Some people question whether a degree from an online college can get your very far. But a degree from Excelsior College is just as valuable as the degree you’d get from traditional college. Here are answers to some questions you might have about online college.
Q. Are online colleges accredited like traditional colleges?
A. Excelsior College, for example, is accredited by the same organization that accredits four-year universities like Penn State University, Syracuse University, Georgetown University, University of Puerto Rico, and colleges in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s called the Middle States Association of Colleges and School.
Q. Can I transfer the credits I’ve earned from other schools or in my home country?
A. If the school you attended was accredited, most accredited online colleges would accept transfer credits from them, including colleges in Latin America. Excelsior College also allows you to take Excelsior College® Examinations to earn credits based on what you already know without having to take a course. And they give credit towards a degree for military and professional training.
Q. Can I find a professional job with an online degree?
A. Yes you can. Online graduates have become successful, well-paid professionals for years in business, technology, nursing, health sciences, and many other fields.
Q. Is an online degree as valuable as a traditional college degree?
A. During the past decade or so, degrees from accredited online colleges have become much more competitive with the degrees offered by other colleges and universities. Degrees earned online can help qualify you for promotions just like any other degree. Accredited online degree programs are widely accepted by employers today.
Q. Does my online degree have to be in technology?
A. Major online colleges like Excelsior College offer degrees across the arts and sciences, including degrees in General Business, Accounting, Marketing, Liberal Arts, Criminal Justice, Nursing, Health Sciences, and of course, degrees in areas like Information Technology and Electronic Engineering Technology, among others.
Q. Can I still attend classes if there are no classroom buildings to go to?
A. You don’t attend class physically. You can study the coursework on your computer, on your own schedule. In most cases, you can take your courses online or possibly use a CD-ROM with course content on it. There are also virtual classrooms where you can interact with classmates and professors, ask questions and discuss the coursework live online.
Q. Will I be accepted in school if I have loans with other schools?
A. Of course you can. Online colleges accept students who have loans with other schools. A school like Excelsior College offers grants, scholarships, student loans, and payment plans. Excelsior admissions counselors can also tell you about organizations that specialize in offering financial aid to Latinos.
Q. What if I have to work and my family obligations, and don’t have time for school?
A. Going to college online lets you study at home when it is convenient for you. You can study late at night, early in the morning, or whenever it won’t interfere with other work and family priorities. You have the power to control your schedule.
Q. How can I go to a college with courses in English if I don’t speak English very well?
A. You don’t have to speak English fluently to understand online college courses. With over 35% minority enrollment, Excelsior College has a diversified student body that represents a multi-cultural community. And while our course materials are offered in English, since you study when it is convenient for you, you can take the time you need to read and understand the information. Taking classes online is also less intimidating than in a traditional classroom, since there are no spoken language barriers to get in the way.
Q. Can I get accepted if I haven’t gone to school in years?
A. There are two ways to take classes online with Excelsior College—full-time or part-time. The best thing to do is contact a counselor in the admissions department. Excelsior’s admissions counselors can talk with you about your goals, discuss the best program for you, and find out if you have credits from another college you can transfer toward your degree.
Excelsior College is ranked in the top 100 colleges for enrolling the most Hispanics by Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine.
The author of these articles, Steve Hill, is a former college instructor, education advocate, and writes extensively for the Web on behalf of clients like Excelsior College.
