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• Degree completion programs are designed to meet the needs of students who have already completed some college credits.
• It is important to make sure programs are accredited through a respected organizations.
• Degree completion programs can vary in length, depending on how many college credits are transferred

What does it mean to go through a degree completion program?

Degree completion programs are specifically designed to help students who have already earned some college credits, but who never officially finished a degree. In some instances, a degree completion program allows students to complete the exact degree they began, while others allow students to finish a completely different degree from their first, intended, degree. Degree completion programs vary by type and flexibility.

What are the advantages of degree completion online?

Degree completion online lets a student have the freedom to take classes from home. Online classes allow students to hold a job, or pursue other interests, while earning a degree. Completion requirements differ by program. Some offer their classes exclusively over the Internet, while others split class time between Internet-collaboration and in-person-collaboration. The best way to learn which programs will work best is to check with program counselors in various schools of interest.

What are the disadvantages of degree completion online?

While online learning does allow more freedom and flexibility than a traditional, on-campus, program, these programs also require much more self discipline to succeed. Most online classes have a pre-scheduled list of assignments and due dates, which students are expected to complete in a timely manner. There is also, usually, less teacher-student interaction in online learning, so a student must possess the self-motivation to succeed and complete the course independently.

How does someone go about choosing an online school for degree completion?

It is always recommended to choose a school that is accredited. This means that an outside agency, such as a state government or educational association, has reviewed and approved of a school’s program(s). Accreditation is meant to protect students, schools, and employers from fraudulent programs. If a school is accredited, there is a guarantee that a degree from that school will be honored by other schools or by employers. A cautionary word of advice: not all accreditation agencies are credible. Look for accreditation by the National Education Association (NEA) or agencies approved by the NEA.

Meeting with a program or school guidance counselor is the best way to find out which specific programs are the best, but some other important aspects to check into are:

1. Make sure the school you're looking into offers a program that will help you achieve your goals.
2. Look to see if the program has a high success rate.
3. Check to see if they offer complete career services.
4. See if the program offers prices that are comparable to prices offered through other schools.

What are the payment options for an online degree completion program?

School can be an expensive adventure, but one that is worth every penny if it is planned diligently. Of course, students can choose to pay for school with cash. But the majority of students can’t afford school up front. Luckily, there are the other options. Students can find financial assistance through government financial aid loans, private bank loans, and scholarships. Finding an organization that will sponsor schooling through a scholarship is the best option because these don't have to be paid back after graduation. Landing a scholarship often involves a lengthy application process, which can sometimes be very competitive.

If a scholarship is not available, the next option is to apply for a loan. A government loan is usually preferable over a private loan because they are known for giving the lowest interest rates available. A word of warning: be cautious when it comes to taking out school loans because the interest rates vary greatly and they DO have to be paid back. The one graceful thing about school loans is they allow students three to nine months after graduation to begin paying them back. This 'grace period' provides an opportunity for students to find a job and get your finances in order before making loan payments.

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