FAQs for Students

 

1. Do I need a degree to compete in the job market today?

• Recent reports in magazines and journals show the benefit of a college degree on the earning potential of graduates.  Although there are many factors that improve a person’s chances to have career success, a college degree is certainly an important component of any successful career.

 

2. Is an associate degree marketable or should I be considering a bachelor’s degree?

• Studies show that any degree is helpful; however, for many entry or mid-level management jobs in business, the bachelor’s degree is important.  A person’s experience is usually the most important factor, but more and more non-degreed individuals are finding it tough to advance and compete in the job market without a bachelor’s degree.

 

3. Who needs a master’s degree and what advantage can I gain with it?

• Typically, those individuals who are seeking upper-level management find it advantageous to have a master’s degree.  It is also quite useful if the student is planning to open their own business as lenders like to see a new venture led by an MBA.

 

4. What is regional accreditation and why is it important?

• Regional accreditation is an independent assessment of the academic strength of an educational institution and creates a standard for various criteria (faculty credentials, academic rigor of the program, hours required to graduate, etc.).  Schools with regional accreditation are generally academic in nature. Schools with regional accreditation will transfer credit from one of their fellow institutions easily and at no additional cost.

 

5. Are there other types of accreditations?  How do they relate to institutions with regional accreditation?

• National accreditations are used by schools that are more vocational or technical in their orientation.  They also are primarily run by for-profit companies.  Credit earned at a nationally accredited school will often not transfer to a school with a regional accreditation.  In some cases, partial credit may transfer or a regionally accredited school may enter into a special articulation agreement with the nationally accredited school and award credit transfer. A prospective student should always check to determine how credit may transfer.

 

6. How am I going to pay for school?  Is there money available for adults?  What type?

Funds for adults to return to school include three types of Federal Aid (Pell Grant, Unsubsidized Direct Loan and Subsidized Direct Loan).  This money is available to everyone in varying degrees. The grant and subsidized loan are income based whereas the unsubsidized loan is for anyone who is attending a school of higher learning).  There are also individual scholarships available for some students from the school they will attend, as well as from national or local organizations).  Many students may also receive support from their employer through a tuition assistance program.

 

7. It has been a long time since I was in school; are there degree programs geared toward someone at my stage of life?

• Schools that educate adults often offer degrees in a variety of areas.  Business, nursing, counseling, criminal justice and education are just a few of the common majors available to working adults.  Degrees are also offered on many different levels including associate, bachelor, master and doctoral programs.  Often certificates are available as well.   Many schools have developed programs that deliver coursework in a way much more conducive and convenient for the adult learner than traditional education.

 

8. I am thinking of starting my own business.  Is a degree important?  Why?

• A business degree can be very helpful in formulating a business plan for any start up business.  Many lenders to small businesses also like to know that there is someone with business training who is guiding the venture.

 

9. I was in school a long time ago but I did not do very well.  Will it affect me now that I want to go back and complete a degree?

• Each school has its own admission and transfer credit policies. The best course of action would be to identify schools that offer a degree in which you are interested and then contact an admission counselor at that institution to discuss your options considering your previous attempt(s) at higher education. Some institutions offer placement testing, remedial courses, and tutoring services that will help to encourage your success.

 

10. I was in a major I no longer want to pursue.  Will any of my credit transfer?

• Most credit where a grade of C or better is achieved is transferable to a similarly accredited school.  However, the transferred credit may be deemed too old or not usable for a new degree.  Each school has a different policy about how credit can be applied toward a degree.

 

11. Will I get credit for military experience?

• All branches of the military can now assess credit for training received while in the service as college level equivalent credit.  It can then be used at many schools to help meet the requirements for a bachelor’s degree. 

 

12. What is the process for using my GI Bill Education Benefit?

• The first step is to contact the education office of your branch of service if you are active duty.  If you are a veteran a prospective student would contact the VA office for their region to begin the process of paperwork necessary to use the GI Bill.  In addition, many schools have staff dedicated to helping veterans re-enter school and complete degrees.

 

13. I have been working for the same company for 20 years and completed a lot of trainings. I understand that there is a way to use life experience towards college
      credits. Would you tell me more about that?

• Lifelong Learning can sometimes be assessed as equivalent to college level coursework.  When the proper procedures are completed (often includes a lengthy essay and proof of training to explain the experience) credit can be awarded.  In addition, much of the training that a prospective student has achieved in their career (licenses, certificates, etc.) can be awarded credit towards a degree.

 

14. My employer has tuition reimbursement; can I use it with your school?

• Each company establishes the rules governing tuition assistance.  Most schools will offer help in using this company assistance to pay for college.