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The 21st Century Education Experience: Top Ten Questions and Tips

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Going to college means different things to different people. For some, it's a post-high school ritual that is the start of adulthood. For others, it's a way to advance their current career while balancing work and life commitments. Many people with full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and young children, or who are trying to start over, don't have the time or money to invest in a traditional college program when they pursue their associate's, bachelor's or master's degree.

Due to the demand for a higher education system that is flexible for all types of students, postsecondary education in the 21st century offers more options than ever before.

What kind of education program is right for you?

For some students, attending classes on campus is still the foundation of the college experience—and some types of degree programs are offered only in a campus setting. But growing numbers of people, especially nontraditional students, are finding that online learning is more flexible and more affordable. With millions of adults currently pursuing degrees online, school administrators are realizing that the online learning trend is only going to increase.

If you have been thinking of going to college, it's important to find what works best for your personal situation. Here are the top 10 questions and the top 10 tips to consider:

Top 10 Education Program Questions

  1. Will this advance my career?
  2. Will other schools and employers recognize my degree?
  3. What are the differences between online programs and campus-based programs?
  4. How flexible are online programs?
  5. Are online courses faster or easier?
  6. Do I have to finish my degree in a certain amount of time?
  7. What kind of technology do I need to do an online course?
  8. How do I pick which program is best for me?
  9. Can I still get financial aid/scholarships for online programs?
  10. How do I ask my employer to sponsor my degree?

Top 10 Education Program Tips

  1. Be confident that you're taking a step toward your future!
  2. Be clear about your education goal—is this for your passion or for your career advancement?
  3. Seek out guidance—online resources, family, friends and teachers—if you're not sure which is the best type of education program for you.
  4. Don't settle—use online directories that include a variety of courses and schools.
  5. Take advantage of flexibility—make sure your education program fits your personal needs and limits.
  6. If you want both the convenience of online learning and an on-campus experience, look into blended education programs, which typically combine some online classwork with some campus attendance.
  7. Make sure the program you choose is an accredited program from an accredited school. Don't sign up for a program if you can't find any accreditation statement.
  8. Think about how much you can take on—don't overload your course schedule.
  9. Look into what prerequisites (if any) you would need before applying.
  10. Don't wait—apply for grants and financial aid early.

"An online degree can be just as valuable as one from a campus program—it depends on the quality of the offering, the institution, and the program, and over time we'll see more and more acceptance of these 'non-traditional' type degrees. The most important thing is for students to choose the method of education that is right for them. With all the educational options of the 21st century, there's a program that can fit any lifestyle." —Carlos Cashman, CourseAdvisor President