Category: CJ

How to Choose an Online School

Today, with the advancement in technology and the rising costs of education, more and more people seek to earn a degree online. We understand that traditional education may not be for everyone. 

People have families, jobs, or obligations that keep them busy throughout the day, so earning a degree online is another way to achieve their educational goals without ever stepping onto campus. If you think you are one of these people, selecting an online college or university to earn your degree can be stressful and challenging for some to navigate. 

There can be many different things to consider when choosing the best online school for you, so we’ve put together a list of 3 helpful and quick tips for choosing an online university or college.

 

Tip #1: Choose an Accredited School

Earning a degree from an accredited school is essential because it helps determine if a college or university meets or exceeds minimum quality standards and maintains specific educational standards. It would be best if you took the time to research accredited colleges and universities that offer online degrees, which could impact your future career. An excellent place to start your research is on the U.S. Department of Education website https://www.ed.gov/accreditation. If researching is not something you have the time for, some online education providers customize paths to earning a degree online from an accredited school. 

Tip #2: Make Sure its 100% Online

Deciding on your major is an important decision, along with the school you choose, and not every university or college makes all of their majors available online. This can make it tricky for those who want to earn a degree online for the career they want to pursue. Some degree programs can be hybrid, a mix of online and on-campus courses, and not 100% online. If you know the degree you want, you will want to verify that your degree and classes are all online. If you are unsure of your major, there are online education providers that offer Gen Ed and General Elective courses that you can earn college credits and transfer those credits towards hundreds of different degree programs.

Tip #3: Research Costs and Admission Requirements

The cost of education and the admission requirements can be a big hurdle to clear. Investing in your education is an investment in yourself and your future. Still, you’ll want to start by comparing tuition costs, other fees, financial aid, and checking admission requirements. Also, ensure you don’t miss additional expenses such as course fees, textbook fees, course materials, labs, and technology fees. If evaluating the costs and admission requirements becomes too confusing or daunting, there are online education providers that will help you better understand the cost and admission requirements for obtaining your degree from an online school.

 

 Following these tips will equip you with the information you need to find the best online college or university or choose help from an online education provider. Distance Learning Systems is one online education provider that helps students enroll in some of the nation’s top online colleges and universities. Also known as DLSI, Distance Learning Systems is a premier provider of coursework that satisfies degree requirements for regionally accredited university partners. 

 

Written by Justin Hart

Choices Matter in Higher Education!

I would like to tell you a short story that I feel you might find helpful. If you’ve been out of school for several years, or if you’ve just finished high school and considering college; it’s important to understand you have options that frankly didn’t exist just a few years ago. These changes translate to the possibility of reduced tuition in a world that has seen the cost of a college degree skyrocket year after year.

Practically a generation ago I had just left the military and knew that I needed additional education if I was to build a suitable life for myself and my family. I chose industrial engineering and started my journey. At that time the word “options” didn’t exist in higher ed. Our schedule was set, books were purchased (ouch), my parking permit for Parking Lot G was issued and my journey began. While many of my classes were interesting and some inspiring, nothing was simple. Frankly, the discipline required to navigate school at that time seemed very similar to my life in the military, but of course without the threat of death. There were days I felt that my life was not my own. I know we’ve all felt that way at one point or another. The rigors of that program I will never forget, but at the same time, I am so thankful I had that opportunity.

Some years later I married a nursing student at a local university. Her experience was not so different from my own. The school of nursing told her where to go, how long she would be there, what to wear, and even how to cut her hair. The challenges of a traditional RN program are well known, but she graduated, got her RN, and has had a great career for many years.

As I look back on our personal experiences in contrast to what you as a student might experience today, I realize this is a different world. A better world in terms of choices you have available to you we never imagined.

While a global pandemic certainly expanded the availability of online learning, online classes have been around for several years now. My own son completed his master’s degree online and has only his thesis yet to do for his Doctor of Education, also online. He married his wife who also completed her master’s degree online and took a job with the university. The beauty of earning a degree online can be summed up in one word, convenience. While completing his graduate studies he was able to maintain a full-time job and even buy a home. I’m a firm believer in online education. It works if the student will.

So, what about choices in higher education? What about the cost and delivery of classes. How can you save time and money and make the completion of your degree less stressful and more affordable? That’s where Distance Learning Systems might make a huge difference in your life just as they have in the lives of over 20,000 other students.

By contacting DLSI first, you will have a choice of over 450 online degrees awarded by their 30 university partners. But it doesn’t stop there. DLSI is part of your academic journey. Students will complete most general education and general elective courses completely online, on their own schedule, at about half the average tuition charged nationwide and in about half the time with DLSI. Most DLSI students then transfer their courses to their choice of a DLSI university partner and begin the second phase of their program as a sophomore. It’s important to note that most DLSI partner universities will also provide a tuition discount to DLSI transfer students.

Considering the stress involved in beginning a university education in this modern world, it’s good to know there is someone who understands you and is here to help. To learn more visit www.dlsii.com or call 888-955-3276.

Written by Dave Christy