Guest Author - Andrea Andrews

Ashford University, located in Iowa, is one of many universities that have online courses and degree programs.
There are three key points that the University points out, and I agree with as being the draws to the university:

1. Affordable – at about $350 per unit for Undergraduates and between $460-515 for Graduates, I would agree that this is an affordable option to earn your degree.
2. Accelerated-classes are 5-6 weeks long.
3. Convenient – access to the class is open 24 hours. There is no software you need to download to access the site, so it can be accessed from any computer with online capability.

Associates Degrees

Business

Bachelor’s Degrees

Accounting
Business Administration
Business Economics
Business Information Systems
Communication Studies
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education Administration
Health Care Administration
Health Care Studies
History
Organizational Management
Political Science and Government
Psychology
Public Administration
Public Relations and Marketing
Social and Criminal Justice
Social Science
Social Science w/Education Concentration
Sociology

Master’s Degrees

Education
Health Care Administration
Organizational Management
Teaching and Learning with Technology
Business Administration
Public Administration

What about the financial aspect? As I mentioned before, it is affordable. Even though it is comparably affordable, any student needs to know how they will finance their education. Ashford University, like many universities, has multiple options to finance your education. There is what people normally think about when you think financial aid-grants, scholarships, loans, etc.). Also, if you are currently working, there is a tuition reimbursement option. The university will defer your tuition for a maximum of 90 days from the start of the course. This is definitely an option worth researching if your employer is going to help fund your education. If you are in the military there are a couple of options that may work very well. They have an option for Veterans that defers your tuition for up to 60 days. If you are in active military, there are tuition assistance vouchers that you can apply toward tuition cost. If you don’t have loans, don’t have a generous company – or the reimbursement plan isn’t going to cover your cost in time, and you aren’t in the military, you also have the option of putting the cost directly on your credit card. One thing to note is that the school does not accept debit cards, only credit cards. I recommend that you put school costs on a separate credit card, if possible, to help track your spending-so this might be the best option for you.

As in any big investment, education included, doing your research is fundamental in making a good decision. Your personal situation will be important in deciding what distance learning program will be best suited to you. Although many can seem pushy, talk to an enrollment or admissions counselor at the school. They are a good resource in answering many questions you have and are trained in assisting with the online education programs.