Associate degrees are a quick and easy way to make more money.Individuals with an associate degree make more money than high school graduates.An associate degree can lead to a bachelor's degree in a number of ways.Many online programs charge too much and don't give a good education.Many students have more debt than they can afford.A consumer can get a useful education from the comfort of their home.
Step 1: There will be a shorter and less expensive education.
60 semester credits is the average for an associate degree.A bachelor's degree requires half as much as this.If your institution is charging too much tuition, an associate degree should take half as long and cost less than a bachelor's degree.
Step 2: If you want to go to a bachelor's or a professional career, you need to decide.
There are three types of Associate degrees.An Associate of Applied Science and an associate of science teach a particular trade.An Associate of Arts will provide a general education to fulfill requirements for a bachelor's degree.An AA can be a good way to improve your chances of being accepted to a major university if you believe that you have the time and interest to pursue a bachelor's degree.An AA and AS can be fast track to a lucrative career.
Step 3: An associate degree is appropriate to research careers.
An associate degree is required for many lucrative careers.Technical jobs tend to be these.Air traffic controllers, radiation therapists, dental hygienists, nuclear medicine technologists, funeral service directors, diagnostic medical sonographers, registered nurses, and web developers are the ten highest paying occupations that only require an associate degree.If you're considering a career in that field, look at classified ads to see if employers are looking for a bachelor's degree.Contact the employer if the ads don't specify.
Step 4: What do you want your career to be?
Determine if an associate degree is what you want to do.It's not easy to figure out what to do with your life.You should think about what you enjoy doing.To find out what options are available, talk to people who work in the industry.You can't make a living in those sectors if you're not a doctor or a musician.A career as a nurse, medical assistant, or band manager is possible with a bit of research.To see what careers are possible, it is important to talk to people in the industry.
Step 5: You know when to get an associate degree.
If you already have college credits that you want to quickly convert into a formal degree, an associate degree is a great idea.If you know that you don't need a bachelor's degree for your career, an associate degree is a great idea.
Step 6: There are brick and mortar campuses with online programs.
Professional courses are offered online at many traditional universities.These are cheaper with better financial aid options than for-profit universities and have a better reputation.You can attend most of them from a distance, but some allow you access to campus resources.The University of Illinois at Springfield is one of the well-reputed online programs.
Step 7: There are databases for online colleges.
There are many search engines that can be used to find students for an online college.Not all of the colleges on these lists will be trustworthy.Some online colleges have high fees and little academic credibility.You can find online programs appropriate for your interests by using one of the databases.Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are free and are often offered by very good institutions.Most offer individual classes, not degrees.If a few classes improve your professional position, they can be useful.
Step 8: College Navigator can be used to check credentials.
You can use this tool to determine if a college is credible.They include whether or not a college is accredited, if students receive financial aid, and how frequently students default on their loans.Don't take a college's word for it when it says it is accredited.Many colleges are accredited by fake organizations.The College Navigator can be used to verify the claim that the college is accredited.Be aware of what type of accreditation the college has."Regional" accrediting organizations are more trustworthy than national organizations.If your school's accreditation organization is on the list of regional organizations, you should visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.If you want to know how frequently students from the college default on their student loans, compare it to other institutions.If students default frequently, this means that they either need to take out too much debt to get their degree, do not get jobs after graduating, or experience some combination of these two problems.Check to see how frequently students graduate.The college does not support its students.
Step 9: Red flags can be seen.
It's a good idea to be suspicious of any college that is labeled for-profit.Speak to counselors before applying.It's likely that they won't support you after you start your program if you're not allowed to.
Step 10: Pick a few colleges.
Determine which college would be best for you once you have found one.The College Navigator can be used to find the most affordable colleges.If the college specializes in what you want to study, you should research it.Some colleges provide more financial aid than others, so don't base your decisions solely on tuition.The College Navigator can show you the average net cost of tuition at universities.The financial aid department can discuss the subject directly with you.There are resources available at each school.If you need assistance with anything, you can visit the campus if the school is nearby.Does the school have job placement services after graduation?Typically associate's degrees give students a hands on experience with their occupation, which can be hard to do online.Ask if the program provides internship opportunities.See what former and current students have to say.Student reviews can be found at websites such as Student Review and College Prowler.You should review the website for the department you are applying to join.Did the professors publish their academic works?Do they have good experience?You should compare the faculty at the universities you are interested in to see how good their programs are.
Step 11: You can apply to your preferred school.
You can find online applications on the school's website.Print a hard copy of the online application.If applicable, submit your application fee after completing the application.You can apply to multiple universities and compare their financial aid packages.
Step 12: The Federal Student Aid application is free.
The first thing you need to do is fill out your FASFA every year.You can either complete the form online or download it.You will receive a report detailing what types of federal financial aid are available to you.You can accept or reject the loan or grant offer.
Step 13: Wait for the acceptance letter.
Once you are accepted at a school, you will receive an acceptance letter in the mail.Follow the instructions in the letter.
Step 14: Pick your classes.
When choosing classes, make sure to consult with your guidance counselor and check your degree programs listing of required classes.The most experienced professors can be found on the department website.Ratemyprofessor.com can be used to see what past students think of your professor.
Step 15: Begin classes
Make sure you have enough time in your schedule to do schoolwork and class.Getting an associate degree should be done quickly.
Step 16: Stay disciplined, stay disciplined.
You can progress at your own pace with online programs.It could be easy to get distracted.You should treat your online education like a traditional one.You should try to fit in some time for your education.Draw up a schedule that will allow you to finish your courses on time.According to popular opinion, a disproportionate number of online students don't complete their programs, but that's not true.Community college students graduate at a higher rate than online students.Online students take longer to graduate.
Step 17: Do not take time off.
If you are less than a half-time student for more than six months, your federal student loans could go into repayment.You will have less time to complete your education because you will need to work more to support yourself.This type of spiral can prevent you from graduating.If your loan goes into repayment, contact your lender.You may be able to claim a deferment if you are unemployed.You can get temporary forbearance, during which time you won't be required to pay, but the loan will accumulate interest.
Step 18: You have to finish.
It's possible that you need to take some time off work to finish your associate degree.Once you are done, you will be able to earn more.You will be able to claim a larger paycheck if you graduate quickly.