To Enroll or Not to Enroll…That is the Question

To Enroll or Not to Enroll...That is the Question
Most of my peers shared a similar experience after graduating from college. They found what they thought was the perfect job and had big expectations. Then, after a few weeks (or days) at the office, they all came to the same realization: "This isn't quite what I had expected."

The same thing often happens when adult learners decide to enroll in an online college. They have grand expectations for completing a degree between jobs and children, a few minutes here and there. They become frustrated when an online degree program takes up too much of their time. Then, they get even more frustrated when they find they can't use their new degree in the way they had planned.

If you know what to expect and make the right choices, earning an online degree can have big benefits. But, make sure you know what you're getting into.

One of my About.com articles shares a few suggestions for making sure a virtual degree program is right for you:

"Before enrolling in an online graduate program, ask yourself two questions: "Why do I want to earn this degree?" and "Will earning the degree actually help be achieve that goal?" Do you want to earn the degree to make more money, qualify for a new job, or simply have the opportunity to learn? While undergraduate degrees are helpful in a majority of workplaces, not everyone's career can benefit from a graduate degree. Some positions require a specific master's degree or offer substantial monetary incentives for graduate degrees. Other positions do not consider graduate work a factor for granting promotions or increasing salaries. Earning an online master's degree requires a considerable investment of time and money – make sure that the payoff is worth it."

Don't be discouraged – just remember to have realistic expectations.

Top Online Colleges

	Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University is a dynamic institution that offers accredited, online degrees to students seeking to jump start a new career. Kaplan University makes it easy for students to get the college degree that they want.
	University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctoral Degrees. University of Phoenix shows each student how easy and convenient it is to earn your college degree through their distance learning program. Students can choose to learn at home or from a campus location near you.
	Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University has a rich tradition of online educational excellence. This excellence is shown in the quality of each class that every student receives.
	American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At American InterContinental University, every individual has an opporunity to receive an excellent college degree and the ability to maximize their human potential. American InterContinental University allows you to pick a time and place that fits your schedule.
	Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At Liberty University, students educational goals and needs are met by an outstanding faculty and support staff. Any adult learner looking to go back to school will be pleased with the course offerings available at Liberty University.
	Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University is committed to the on-going commitment of providing each student with a high-quality, low-cost online education. Everest University has a well rounded faculty with real world experience.
	Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Reaching students all over the world, Saint Leo University has a truly diverse student body, including first time undergrads and working professionals. The university is dedicated in providing their students with the skills, tools, and knowledge needed to succeed in their desired professional careers.
	Westwood College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Westwood College offers a wide array of programs ranging from Business Administration to Web Design. Students are sure to find the quality education and skills needed in order to succeed and achieve meaningful careers by attending Westwood.
	Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees. As a well-known, accredited online university, Colorado Technical University is committed to developing great leaders. They teach students the latest techniques, methods, skills and experience needed to succeed in the fast-paced economy.
	Grand Canyon University - Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Offering graduate and undergraduate degrees, Grand Canyon University is ideal for any individual, first-time students or working professionals, to pursue a degree toward their career of interest. Their excellence in online education has brought many students to attend the university.
	Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Virginia College offers a myriad of online programs for students seeking degrees anywhere from business administration to criminal justice. Their career-focused curriculum provides students with an edge upon graduation.
	DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Students who attend DeVry University are welcomed with an outstanding faculty who put each students needs and dreams first. DeVry University is an accredited university that offers affordable degrees.
	Strayer University - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Strayer University uses a student-centric approach to its educational curriculum and each student benefits from this ideal. Strayer University is an accredited university with degrees in high-growth industries.
	Penn Foster Career School - Certificates. With career-focused programs, Penn Foster Career School is an ideal choice for students who want to pursue their desired careers. The college is staffed with industry and academic professionals who have superior knowledge within their fields.