ONLINE SCHOOLS

Four-year college and university students, who in past years enjoyed the luxury of focusing upon the social perks offered by traditional schools, now reflect the harsh realities of a tough economy.

During the past couple of years, many students watched parents, relatives, friends, and neighbors lose jobs, houses and businesses. As a result, students’ perspectives about going off to college have changed — perhaps forever.

Now, more than ever, online schools are looking good as students focus on maximizing educational credentials while minimizing debt.

According to a study conducted by Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, the top goal of incoming college freshmen in fall 2009 was to be well-off financially, garnering 78.1% of the vote from those answering the survey. A majority of students, 53.3%, are also concerned about how they will pay for college.

In choosing a college to attend, more students said the cost of the college was very important (41.6%), the amount of financial aid offered through the college (44.7%), and the college’s ability to provide job opportunities after graduation (56.5%).

At one time, parties, fraternities or sororities, and the freedom to hang out away from the scrutiny of parents, topped the list of reasons that students headed off to out-of-town colleges and universities.

But those on the wise side are not thinking that way anymore. With Bureau of Labor Statistics unemployment figures topping 10% at the end of 2009, students are aware that they, too, could end up jobless — if they do not plan well.

Online schools and online degree programs may offer advantages to students who work a job or internship during the school year while earning their diploma. Upon graduation, these students possess a wealth of job experience that sweetens the resume and aids in securing a suitable career position. They may also have less tuition debt; since they have been able to work during their college years.

Tough times call for tough choices; and college-bound students know that all too well.

Yet by making wise college-related choices today, students seek to insure career and financial success tomorrow.

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