How to apply for an online college degree for free
Distance learning is the latest trend in the education system. Today, there are 1.5 million students in the U.S. that participates in online college degree programs.
Started in the early 1980’s, distance education has evolved into a comprehensive system that serves many functions. Basically, this web-based training is an education done at a computer which is connected to a network.
The basic purpose of finishing your degree online is that it provides the student with an opportunity to learn anytime and anywhere. It benefits college students that are working, professionals striving for a Masters or Doctoral degree, and people in need of vocational tutoring on hobbies and foreign languages.
Based on the study by the Alfred Sloan foundation which was answered by 1,150 universities and colleges all over the U.S., the fall of 2003 has an estimate of 2 million students studying online. This online learning enrollment has a growth expectancy of 20% yearly.
This study also indicates that majority of academic professionals believe that the quality of online learning has achieved to equal the characteristics of a face-to-face system of learning.
Since the growth of technology-based training as a way of finishing one’s college degree, many institutions have been offering financial aids for qualified students. These establishments also provide scholarships and grants that would provide a quality online education for free.
Almost all colleges and universities in the U.S. that provide free online education have passed accreditation from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or CHEA. The CHEA ensures to review the admissions, content of courses, faculty members and education quality.
To apply for an online college for free, accreditation from CHEA is important. In the U.S., students who require financial assistance from the government needs to be enrolled in a program that is accredited.
Applying for financial aid would require additional steps for your enrollment. This is applicable in both on-campus and online learning. There are three kinds of financial aids available: Loans, work and grants or scholarships.
Loans are financial help from the federal government that should be repaid. These loans have no interest until you are currently enrolled. The payment would begin only after you graduate. Work-study helps students to pay for their education by serving the campus administration and communities depending on the school’s terms.
Grants and scholarship does not need to be paid and is not earned by working for it. Grants are provided by the federal government or from the university itself. Unlike loans and work-study that is only offered for on-campus students, scholarships are provided for both distance learning and on-campus systems.
Here are some important things you should know to be able to apply for a free online education:
* Financial aid was developed to give equal opportunities to all students regardless of financial instability and location.
* The FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be filled up to obtain state and federal grants for your college tuition fees to become free of charge.
* The students’ families have a responsibility to contribute to the amount of the college tuition in which they could afford. But if the family cannot contribute to the entire amount, financial aid serves to help solve this problem.
* The EFC or Expected Family Contribution is the amount your family is able to provide for the education. The EFC is established by either the federal government or the university administration.
* The EFC is decided by using a formula intended to compute the income, assets, and number of dependents provided by your family. This would be compared to other families with similar or more unfortunate financial circumstances.
* The decision of you scholarship or grant would depend on the financial statements you have given and by the requirements of the universities. Some universities give scholarships to students with excellent merits.
* The first day of FAFSA application form passing is on the 1st of January each year. Since there are approximately 9 million families that apply for financial aid yearly, it is advisable to pass your application on the first week of January.
With today’s technology, it is possible for anyone to complete a degree through online learning. And with the federal, state and universities’ financial aids, almost anyone has the chance to obtain a free education.
Based from statistics, a person with a high school diploma has an average lifetime earning of 1 million. A person with a Bachelor’s degree could earn up to 2 million dollars. A person that has finished a Master’s degree earns up to 2.5 million. And a person who completed Doctorate has a lifetime earning of 4.5 million dollars.
Now, how much would you like to earn? You could either be contended on your present earnings or strive for higher achievements. The answer is up to you.