Frequently Asked Questions about Delaware Online Education
Online education is a relatively new technology to the world, and so there are many questions people have about it. Find some of the answers to the most frequently asked questions here.
How Can I pay for my Online Education?
There are several ways of paying for an online education - in much the same way you would pay for a traditional education from a brick and mortar school. You can either pay for it yourself, see if your employer offers an education reimbursement program, or seek scholarships and loans.
- Pay for it yourself Whether it be through savings or simply hard work at a regular job, this option affords the peace of mind of knowing you won't have loans to pay back after you graduate as well as the satisfaction of personal accomplishment of paying as you go.
- Employer Reimbursement Many employers offer some type of tuition reimbursement program for their employees. There may be restrictions as to what classes you can attend, and you will have to attend an accredited university, but be sure to check with your boss to see if they are willing to fund some or all of your educational expenses.
- Scholarships Scholarships are "free money" that is given out by various institutions and even private individuals for various reasons. Some are given out for academic merit, others are given out based on race or gender or the degree you are planning to pursue. Check with your school's financial aid office for information on scholarships and how to apply.
- Educational Loans Educational loans can come from either private sources such as banks or educational lenders, or from the government. In either case, these loans differ from conventional loans in that they do not have to be paid back until you graduate from school or drop below part-time attendance. In addition, these loans can be either subsidized - where they do not accrue interest until after you graduate, or unsubsidized - where they begin accruing interest immediately when you take out the loan. Check with your bank or private lending institution to see if they offer educational loans, or speak with your school's financial aid office about the possibility of federal student assistance.
Do Employers Respect Degrees from Online Education?
Yes. Most employers report in surveys that they respect and hire employees who obtained their degree(s) online. In fact, some are exceptionally impressed with people who show the type of self-drive and determination to achieve an online degree.How Many People Engage in Distance Learning?
According to U.S. Department of Education Statistics, there are more than 3 million people pursuing a degree either partially or completely using distance education methods.How Much Does an Online Education Cost?
An online education can cost as much as a traditional brick and mortar education, or it can be substantially less, depending on which school you go to and the types of classes you take.How Long Does an Online Education Take?
Just as with a conventional, face-to-face education, this depends largely upon you and how driven you are. If you are seeking a 4-year degree, for example and only take two courses per semester, you can expect to graduate in about 8 to 9 years…same as if you were attending a regular college. However, the option is there for you to take as many as 6 classes or more per semester, which would drastically speed up the process. Be careful you don't sign up for too many, however, that your grades begin to suffer. It is best to start small with only a few classes and then gradually add more each semester until you begin to feel the pressure.How Do I Get the Textbooks I Need for Class?
You can buy them through the school's bookstore and have them shipped to you. Also, most books are available through traditional bookstores as well.Are the Online School Programs Accredited?
Most are, some are not. You can ask about accreditation when you are signing up for your school, but you will also want to check that accreditation out as well to make sure it is not a front organization created by the school just to give them the appearance of being legitimate.View the most common myths about online education and visit Common Myths.
