I was thinking about an online degree in Nursing(practictioner). Is there any “small print” I should look for? How is financial aid processed when its on-line?
5 Comments Already
May 18th, 2010 @1:36 am
Check with the Dept. of Education to see if this school is accredited. If so, then you’re good. If not, then I wouldn’t waste my time.
May 18th, 2010 @2:12 am
The validity of the degree rests almost entirely on the reputation of the college awarding the degree. In some cases, an online degree rates higher than a tradition in-the-seat degree. (example: a master’s from Stanford online vs a master’s from Eastern Yourstate State University traditionally).
The key is the reputation of the college awarding the degree and not whether it was completed online or traditionally. Nursing will only be partially online – there will be clinical components you have to work out for that one.
The ’small print’ isn’t printed: Quality/legitimate online programs are very hard. These courses require a lot of independent reading and very much writing. I’ve been in classes that wanted 5 page papers 3 times a week. Tossing out a 30 page academic paper as a final exam isn’t uncommon. This isn’t the easy way. And, you have to be very self-motivated; there is no lecture instructor reminding you to read chapter 8 or to start your paper.
Financial Aid; same as on campus. The financial aid office processes the paperwork and then applies your financial aid to your bill. At my school we get a debit card and free bank account, financial aid excess is deposited there after the drop period is over.
note: there are fewer scholarships and no assistantships for online programs. You can get fed/state grants and loans but for the most part, that’s it.
Be sure to explore all of the options and then pick the best school you can get into. If you don’t already understand accreditation, learn. Regional accreditation is essential. In nursing you will need additional accreditation and state approvals.
May 18th, 2010 @2:58 am
For the small print: Make sure any program you enter is regionally accredited. Regional accreditation shows that the school has passed a review process that will help ensure that your credits will transfer to other schools and that you are eligible to sit for licensing exams.
Check here before you enroll: http://www.chea.org/search/
Some are not accredited and should be avoided at all costs such as Almeda, Kennedy Western (Part of a Senate investigation), Warren National University, Rochville University, Trinity Southern (awarded a degree to a cat), etc.
Finanical aid it available for all regionally accredited colleges, regardless if it is online or onground.
May 18th, 2010 @3:03 am
Many schools have online programs, including yale, harvard cornell, UCLA< USC, Many. So you can choose any one. They r great, and a lot easier and convient, Go for it
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From my experience, I have found that an “on line” degree is worth no more than the paper it’s printed on.
Good luck