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The StraighterLine Guide:
How to Go Back to College
By Beth Dumbauld
© 2013 StraighterLine. All Rights Reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Personal Inventory & Career Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 8
Chapter Two
Career Focus on Fast Growing Occupations and Academic Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 11
Chapter Three
Online Education: Program Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 17
Chapter Four
The College Mix: Cost and Options for Open Enrollment,
Associate Degrees, and Bachelors Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 - 23
Chapter Five
The College Credit Transfer Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 - 27
Chapter Six
Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 - 32
Chapter Seven
Planning a Successful First College Semester
as a Non-Traditional Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 - 35
About StraighterLine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 - 40
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 - 43
For more information, call 1-877-Str8erLine or 1-877-787-8375
StraighterLine.com
Chapter One
Personal Inventory & Career Assessment
You want to go to college, but you didn't go directly to college out of high school.
Now you are on your own. No longer part of a school system, you don't have the
resources just down the hallway, such as a guidance counselor, to walk you
through the system. Yet you are ready to take the first step and begin the college
journey. But it's a challenge; perhaps you don't even know what the first steps
are. That's okay if you feel overwhelmed. Going back to college is a big decision.
The choices you make when it comes to higher education will have a big
impact on your money, your time, and your future.
That's not to say you have to go it alone. As you learn more about what
you want and need for your future, you will be able to better decide what
you need out of a college. As you narrow down your personal and
career interests and aptitudes, you will be better able to zero in on the
educational requirements and schools to fit you best. Colleges will have
processes in place to help guide you through their system. You may want
to go back to school now, but give yourself the time you need to make the
best educational decisions for yourself; consider the journey to college a
stepwise process. Pay attention to each step, and you'll find yourself far
along the path to a college degree.
College: a Cost Benefit Analysis
Turn on your computer, grab a piece a paper, even a napkin. If you are
trying to figure out if the benefit of getting a college degree outweighs
the cost in terms of time and money, it will be an easy exercise.
3
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Benefits of College
The financial benefits in going back to school are considerable.
The median salary earned by college graduates in their first job
is $30,000, and during the recession year of 2009-2010, it was
$27,000.1 Furthermore, a bachelors degree recipient can expect
to earn about 66% more during a 40-year working life than the
typical high school graduate earns over the same period.2 Also, according to a report by the
College Board, the typical four-year college graduate who enrolled at age 18 when compared
to a high school graduate, has earned enough by age 33 to compensate for being out of the labor
force for four years, and for borrowing the full amount required to pay tuition and fees without any
grant assistance.3 It's important to be realistic moving forward and know you are worth the effort to
make choices that make sense personally and financially.
The Cost of College
College costs vary considerably between institutions and type of program. Types of post
secondary institutions include: private and public, online and on-campus, and two-year
and four-year. Types of degrees include: associate (two-year) or bachelors (four-year), as
well as non-degree professional certificates. The type of degree you are working towards
should ultimately match your personal and career goals. Some professions may be
accelerated by obtaining a professional certificate, others may require a two-year degree,
and others still require a four-year diploma.
As you review your college goals, here are some average college tuition costs to keep in mind:
1. Public four-year colleges charge, on average, $8,244 per year in tuition
and fees for in-state students. The average surcharge for full-time out-of-state
students at these institutions is $12,526.
2. Private nonprofit four-year colleges charge, on average, $28,500 per year
in tuition and fees.
3. Public two-year colleges charge, on average, $2,963 per year in tuition and fees.4
In addition to enrolling in a degree program from the get-go, there are also low cost online
programs at places such as Western Governors University, Albany State University, and University
of Phoenix which can help you get a leg up. Alternatively, at places like Straighterline.com, you can
take college courses, earning college credits, and then transfer these credits at accredited colleges,
which will then accept your transfer credits into a degree program.
Other hidden college costs to take into consideration: transportation, books, and miscellaneous
fees from parking to food.
4
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Step 1: Personal Inventory
A personal inventory involves taking a long hard look at yourself. Before you go back to school,
it's important to know the basic path you'd like to follow. Having a clear goal of where you want
to be when you graduate will help you make the appropriate decisions along the way. A personal
inventory will help better inform you what path you should take, including what types of schools,
major, and degree that fits you.5
Here are a few questions to ask yourself.
What skills do I have?
When answering this question, make a list of past work experiences you
may have or currently have. Make a list of tasks performed on each job.
Ask yourself what were you good at in that position? What did you like?
What did you dislike?
For example, you may have worked at a restaurant and discovered you are a whiz at remembering people's
orders. Perhaps you found out you loved talking with the customers, but maybe didn't like working in
the evenings or handling food. This may shine a light on the fact you enjoy working customer service,
but may want to use that skill to help the public in more of an office setting. Perhaps a degree in a
technical field where attention to detail is critical would make more sense than pursuing a nursing
degree where you may have to do late night shifts.
Another way to look at skills is to make a list of your achievements in past academic
environments as well as the community. What were you good at? What did you like
or dislike about those activities? Just because you are good at something, doesn't
necessarily mean you like doing it. It's important to invest your time in pursuing a degree that
will propel you to something you enjoy and have a natural affinity for.
Finally, make a list of things you enjoy doing or are good at doing unrelated to a
job. These could include hobbies and what you do in your down time. Examples
might include remembering directions, grooming animals, or even building with
your hands. What are the aspects of these activities that you enjoy? What aspects
don't you enjoy? Are you beginning to see a pattern? Pay attention to related likes
and dislikes; these will give you good insight into activities you'd like to perform
on a job and at school.
5
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What interests do I have?
As you assess your skills, consider the activities you enjoy and do not enjoy as you have performed
various tasks at school, on the job, or in your down time. Perhaps you know you are good at fixing things
but don't enjoy doing these activities outside. Or perhaps the opposite is true. Maybe you enjoy building
things, but being outside when doing these and other activities made you enjoy them even more. Which
classes did you eagerly anticipate in school? Ones with a lot of group project work, or did you more enjoy
solitary analysis?
When you list what you liked most in the various activities and jobs you have done, ask yourself if
there is a common theme or themes? Did you find that you enjoyed and gained the most satisfaction
with certain kinds of activities or experiences? For example, do most of the activities you enjoy involve
helping others or did you find more satisfaction spending a lot of time figuring things out and
accomplishing and completing a difficult project alone?
Also important when looking at common themes is a similar dislike for certain activities or qualities in
an activity. Perhaps you enjoy measuring and making spreadsheets but when asked to make up a story,
your mind goes blank.
What work values do I have?
A work value may sound like a simple thing, but it goes beyond making money and earning a paycheck.
Consider what kind of work environment and project situations you enjoy. Do you like working outside?
Do you prefer to do your work within a group or do you prefer to perform more independently? Do you
like the rush of quick decision-making or do you prefer to sit back and analyze a situation slowly to arrive
at an outcome? The answers to these questions will help put into context the type of career environment
that will best suit you and will help guide your educational pursuits.
6
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Step 2: Career Assessment
As you consider going to college, having a good idea of the type of career you'd like to pursue is
essential. After spending time learning about yourself and your needs, you may have a rough idea
of the types of work you may enjoy and the skills you are able to bring to that field. Make a list of
a few occupations or careers that seem to you, at least on the outside, to be a good fit.
Next, spend time learning more about these careers in depth. An excellent place to begin your
research is the US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook.6 http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Reading through the various professions on this website, you'll gain a good understanding of what
skills are required in that kind of work, wages, how many people hold jobs in that profession, what
the job growth outlook is, as well as typical educational requirements. It's important to gain a good
understanding of the nature of the work you'll be doing in a field and to match it up to your natural
aptitude and interest.
Also, spend time talking with people in these professions. Ask them what their typical day looks like -this will give you a more specific view into the rigors of a profession. Ask people in your fields of
interest what types of post secondary certificates and degrees they have earned or are required.
Is there a heavy concentration of one set of required college courses over another, for example
math and science labs versus writing papers? Ask yourself whether or not these match your current
interests and skills or whether they are gaps you need to fill.
The Job Case for A College Degree
Given this economy, it may seem doubtful, but it's true - not enough
students in the U.S. are completing college to fill the unfilled jobs
which require a college education.7 According to a recent study
by Georgetown University, the U.S. will be down 300,000 college
graduates every year between 2008 and 2018. Jobs of today and
tomorrow require the high levels of education and training that only
a college degree can provide.
Furthermore, by 2018, the U.S. will need 22 million new college degrees (post-secondary, associate or
better) to meet the job demands in the economy - but are slated to fall short of that number by at least
3 million. Higher education requirements to meet job demand don't just reside in the domain for college
graduates; the U.S. will need at least 4.7 million new workers who have taken college level courses and
received postsecondary certificates (non degree).8
Truly, the case to return to college is compelling, but unless you are prepared to go back, you may not
have the success you seek. There are steps you can take now, as you research your higher education
options, to help move you towards a goal that fits you.
7
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What Can I Do Now Before I Decide a Career and College Path?
As you learn more about different fields, look at your educational background. You may want to take
some developmental courses to help you prepare for your return to college. If you are weak on math,
but know advanced math skills are required for certain degrees and
careers you have interest in, you can sign up for a developmental math
class now. If your writing skills need polishing, you can take a developmental
writing course. Many college courses are available online. Taking classes now
can help prepare you to go back in full when the time is ready.
Furthermore, taking developmental classes can help place you back in student
mode and refresh that student brain muscle memory. Taking developmental
classes now, in your research phase, can also save you time and money by setting
you up to conserve your financial resources for the required college-level classes
when you are actually enrolled in a college.
It's important to know yourself and give yourself permission to set the stage
for future college success. The more you know about your ultimate end goal,
the better able you'll be to design a path to educational success without
spending unnecessary time, and money, and making ill-advised career choices.
8
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Chapter Two
Career Focus on Fast Growing Occupations
and Academic Inventory
Let's recap. You have determined you want to go back to college. You have determined the
benefits, like the fact that a typical bachelors degree graduate can expect to earn about 66%
more over a 40-year working9 lifetime, far outweighing the costs in terms of rising tuition rates
and time. You have gone through the steps to look at your skills, interests, and work values.
And let's face it, the personal inventory has exposed one critically important trait for a college
student, particularly if you've gotten this far: you are determined.
Determination is a good thing, even critical, for an individual committed to staying the course in
higher education. If you've come this far, you've already performed the tasks necessary to conduct
an effective personal inventory. This inventory gave you greater insight into possible careers in
fields that suit your particular set of interests, values and skills. Now, you're ready to look externally.
It's time to steer your path toward the overall job market and see how your areas of interest fit in
so you can fine-tune your academic path and plan your return to college in the most efficient and
cost-effective manner.
Career Focus
As you narrow in on possible careers after college, your possible college major and areas of interest
will also begin to take focus. At this stage, developing a career plan can be extremely helpful.
The more you know where you'd like your college path to take you, the
better equipped you will be to decide what gaps you may have in
your education and take steps to remediate them. As you move
forward to college, you will want a budget and schedule that
fits your situation. Additionally, the more informed you are
about your career goals, the better you'll be able to pursue
a right-for-you higher education program so you can
graduate with an appropriate college degree that
truly will help achieve your dreams.
Furthermore, if you know
what possible career paths10
you are considering, you'll be
better able to plan realistically
what your expected college costs
versus financial payoffs will be given
specific degrees and careers
upon graduation.
9
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Will There Be a Job Opening When I Graduate?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, here are the predicted areas of highest job growth
between 2008 and 2018. Rates of new job growth and opportunities for job openings rise
because new jobs are created and because workers retire or leave the field for other reasons.11
Occupations with The Most Job Openings:
Bachelors Degree
Occupation and Total Job Openings 2008-201812
• Elementary school teachers, except special education .............................597,000
• Accountants and auditors................................................................................498,000
• Secondary school teachers, except special vocation education ...............412,000
• Middle school teachers, except special vocation education .....................251,000
• Computer systems analysts ............................................................................223,000
• Computer software engineers .......................................................................218,000
• Network systems and data communications analysts................................208,000
• Computer software engineers, systems software ......................................153,000
• Construction managers ...................................................................................138,000
• Market research analysts ................................................................................137,000
Occupations with The Most Job Openings:
Associate’s Degree or Postsecondary Vocational Award
Occupation and Total Job Openings 2008-201813
• Registered nurse ...........................................................................................1,039,000
• Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants......................................................422,000
• Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses......................................391,000
• Computer support specialists.........................................................................235,000
• Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists ............................................220,000
• Automotive service technicians and mechanics ..........................................182,000
• Preschool teachers except special education..............................................178,000
• Insurance sales agents .....................................................................................153,000
• Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians ...........................136,000
• Real estate sales agents ..................................................................................128,000
10
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There is no doubt about it, a college education, along with determination, are key ingredients fueling
an employee's opportunity in these, and other, growing professional fields. For students looking to
earn a college degree, particularly those who have stepped away from the educational system for a
number of years, it's important to assess how your current educational background will match up with
a prospective specialty. The more you know what is expected academically, the better able you'll be to
fill any academic gaps.
Filling an Educational Gap
Where do you want your thoughts to be the day you enroll in college or take your first college test?
Perhaps the thought of taking a college class fills you with anxiety. Perhaps you feel like you are behind
the academic eight ball even prior to starting your college journey. For you, it may seem like a college
degree, and a desired career, is out of reach, particularly if you perceive yourself as having a gap in your
education. Don't let fear win out. College is not out of reach; all you need is a bridge. A bridge, like taking
developmental classes, will help you move beyond your high school classes of long ago and into your
college courses of tomorrow. It's okay. Success in developmental classes can help set the groundwork
for success in prerequisite classes for a major. Make mistakes now before you are enrolled full-time and
costly tuition is on the line.
How Costly is College?
College can be expensive. Tuition costs can run on average $28,500 per year at a 4-year
nonprofit private college or even $8,244 for in-state students at public colleges.14
Filling an educational gap, before enrolling, is doable and should be seen as an
opportunity to ease yourself back into higher education. For those sensitive to
costs, both in terms of time and money, taking a few classes at a time before
enrolling full-time often makes the most sense. Taking a couple of courses now,
at a low cost, highly-flexible online institution will allow you to save money and
ease your mind back into student mode. When you begin to fill educational gaps,
your confidence will grow. Whether you begin your journey in higher education
by completing a course like college algebra or developmental writing, it doesn't
matter. When you are ready to enroll in college, you'll be ready.
Determination has taken you to this point. Confidence will help you move beyond. Use your
knowledge of where you want to be in a career after graduation to help you take the best
possible steps now. Doing so can help replace fear with knowledge. If you have any educational
gaps, fill them. Even at this early stage, it's essential to set the groundwork to help you down
the road of educational success. You can earn a college degree and take charge of your career
path, a career with a future.
11
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Chapter Three
Online Education: Program Assessment
Knowing yourself, your skills and interests, and knowing what career path
you'd like to follow as you earn your degree is a big step towards college
success. Knowing the future employment prospects of your career plans
is an even bigger step - this knowledge helps you develop goals in the
job marketplace upon graduation that are realistic and attainable.
Being able to articulate what, if any, academic gaps you may have
is also an important step. Once you fill those gaps, you are then
better able to move on with confidence and choose a degree
program that's the right fit for you.
Once you've decided you want to go to college, and have a
pretty good idea of what you want to study, you may think it's
a done deal. That all you have to do now is find the closest
college, sign up and go for it. True, geography is one way
to choose a college. But it's also a good way to get into
financial difficulty and possibly become stuck in academic
irrelevance. You want to go to a college that will help you
move towards your career goals. Not all colleges can do
that in a timely and cost-effective manner. In fact, a
quick-trigger-enroll mindset may be one of the reasons
that many students who start college don't graduate.
If you don't enroll in the program that's right for you,
it just isn't right.
In fact, just over 50% of students who
start a 4-year bachelors degree
program full-time finish in six years,
and
fewer than 3 out of 10 students who start
at a community college full-time graduate
with an associate's degree in three years.15
12
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And let's not forget about student loan debt. The latest statistics have shown that roughly
two-thirds of the class of 2010 borrowed for college, and those students, on average, owed $24,250
upon graduation.16 And what about those students who don't graduate? There are those who thought
they knew what to expect from college but instead, found out the hard way that their need for class
flexibility and course accessibility was higher then they expected. After completing a few semesters,
after investing a lot of time and money, they came to understand that their college courses weren't
as transferrable as they had expected. Now they have to change plans midstream. The end result:
frustration and debt. Reality has shown that those who don't plan their college path with a significant
amount of forethought or are ill prepared for the rigors of college find themselves thousands of
dollars in student loan debt with no degree to show for all their effort. Give yourself your best chance
at success. You do have options when it comes to college. Become informed and choose wisely.
Graduation Matters
If you start along the college path, you want to graduate. Plain and simple. There's no point in investing
time and money in college if you just sort of want to try it out and see what happens. When you enroll
in college, you want to be prepared. Obtaining that college degree matters, for example:
• In the current recession, unemployment rates are twice as high for
those with just a high school diploma (10.8%) compared to those
with a bachelors degree or higher (4.9%).17
• Increases in the proportion of a region's population with a bachelors
degree result in wage increases for all workers in the region, regardless
of education level.18
Your Due Diligence
When considering going back to college, take your time and do your due diligence. If flexibility is
essential for you to take classes, and ultimately graduate, you owe it to yourself to at least take a
serious look at the opportunities that online programs offer. The time you put in now will pay off
down the road with a degree program that is best suited to you, your goals, your finances and your
lifestyle - and as a result, you'll gain a better chance of graduating as planned.
College is not a one-size fits all medium. And students aren't widgets. Students, like you, have
lives, dreams, and goals. They have budgets and schedules and families. Given your unique set
of considerations, you need to find a program to fit who you are and your current lifestyle so
you become what you want: a college graduate with a fulfilling career.
13
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Where is Online Education Today?
Believe it or not, if you are like most students going to college, you took
some time off from school after high school, are working, and have a
family and other obligations on your time. In fact, these days students
who graduate from high school and immediately go to an on-campus,
full-time college without working are the ones in the minority.
If your current life requires flexibility and convenience and your budget requires a low cost,
then earning college credit online using the anytime, anywhere technology provided by an
online virtual campus may be your best college option.
Online colleges have come a long way. No longer perceived as a novelty, online college courses are
becoming more and more mainstream because they give students what they want and need. In fact,
• Over 6.1 million students were taking at least one online course during
the fall 2010 term, an increase of 560,000 students over the previous year.
• The 10% growth rate for online enrollments far exceeds the 2% growth
in the overall higher education student population.
• 31% of higher education students now take at least one course online.
• Reported year-to-year enrollment changes for fully online programs by
discipline show most are growing.
• Academic leaders believe that the level of student satisfaction is equivalent
for online and face-to-face courses.
• 65% of higher education institutions now say that online learning is a critical
part of their long-term strategy.19
Choosing The Right Online Program
Online programs come in many shapes and sizes. As with traditional college campuses, there are
distinct personalities and advantages to different kinds of virtual campuses. Knowing where you
are academically, how you learn best, and what kind of degree your career path requires can help
you decide which program is best for you.
14
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The main difference between an online program and its traditional counterpart is that the majority of
courses have all or most of their content delivered online. Typically, these courses have no face-to-face
interaction.20 This should not, however, be confused with no teacher-student interaction. In fact, online
institutions can sometimes offer a higher level of one-on-one teacher-student interaction because
technology provides a clear channel for students to reach out for assistance and obtain help unique
to their own situation. When there is no classroom, you don't have to be timid about asking for help.
Online, there is no side-by-side comparison and judgment. And many students who have taken online
courses have found them to be equally rigorous, more satisfying and of comparable or higher quality
to traditional college courses.
Prerequisite Online Programs
There is a growing movement towards preparing the groundwork for college prior to going to
college. This movement makes sense. Obtaining college credits before enrolling can save time
and money. It can save time by removing the 'filler' courses from your
course load, so that when you do enroll in college, you can focus your
time and money on courses at the heart of your major. Prerequisite
programs save money by allowing a student to pay significantly lower
costs for generalist courses and allowing them to keep the bulk of their
tuition money for the more specialized courses they will need to take at an accredited college.
Traditionally, many of these prerequisite college credits were earned by students completing
AP classes while still in high school. Truth is, not every high school offers AP courses, nor is every
student prepared to take college level classes at a young age. Just because you didn't have the
opportunity to take college level classes while in high school doesn't mean you've missed out
all together. You can earn college credits now through a prerequisite program even if you plan
on enrolling in college at a later date.
One such leader in prerequisite program offerings is StraighterLine.com
This online program also specializes in ensuring students that the
courses they take can be transferred to accredited partner colleges
as they move closer to enrolling and earning their college
degree. At a subscription rate of $99/month plus a $49 per
course one time fee, it's easy to see how such a program
can really help to give a leg up to the student looking to
get back into student mode and finance a college
education in a sustainable manner.
15
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Accredited Online Degree Programs
Accreditation does not ensure an online program's overall quality, but degrees from accredited schools
tend to be more highly regarded by other schools and employers. If you have any questions about the
reputation of the accreditation of the online colleges you are considering, you should check out the
college's accreditation status on the searchable database provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/
If you have any misgivings about online programs being just a fad, take a look at the following statistics:
From the fall of 2009 to the fall of 2010, the online student body increased by 10%. If you look at an even
broader time period, from 2002 to 2010, the growth rate is 18.3% compounded annually. Comparatively,
the student body at large traditional campuses increased only 2% over the same time period.21 Online
colleges are not only here to stay, they are growing. This can only happen if the service they provide is
giving their students what they need: flexibility, affordability, and a leg up in the job marketplace.
Here are a variety of accredited colleges with online
programs you might want to check out: Albany State
University, Western Governors University, Capella University,
Thomas Edison State College, La Salle University and
Kaplan University. Of note, the postsecondary institution
in the U.S. with the highest enrollment in the fall of 2009,
online or traditional, was the University of Phoenix Online
Campus with over 380,000 students enrolled.22 There's nothing faddish about that.
For many students, the affordability and flexibility of online programs is the most compelling reason
to enroll. However, some potential students may have concerns about course quality, online college
reputations with employers, and doubts about whether they can pursue the specialized degree they
need for the career they want. Fortunately for these students, mindsets about online education in the
academic and employment sectors are changing. In fact, over two-thirds of academic leaders believe that
online is "just as good as" or better, than traditional on-campus education.23 That's good news for you.
Yes, there is a percentage that perceives online education as inferior, but that percentage is in the minority
and trending downwards.
Whether you are interested in engineering, business, nursing, or teaching, these online programs can
help you get there on your schedule and at your speed. You can become a college graduate even if you
don't get to cheer on your college football team on the weekend.
16
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StraighterLine.com
Hybrid Programs
A hybrid or "blended" program is one in which there is a blend of online and face-to-face delivery of class
material. Generally, a substantial proportion of the content is delivered online; it typically uses online
discussions; and has a reduced number of face-to-face meetings.24 Alternatively, some colleges may
promote a mix of online-only classes combined with some courses that must be completed on campus.
The advantage to a hybrid program is the higher degree of flexibility for a
student; however, many of these programs are tied to traditional institutions.
As such, the cost savings aren't as significant as those at an online-only
campus. Oftentimes, traditional tuition rates apply and, if there is a synchronous
portion to the class, a student still needs to accommodate their schedule to fit in to the course's timetable.
Most public universities offer some kind of hybrid program. You can check out what your state colleges and
universities offer by going to their websites and conducting a search under online courses.
+
Who Are You and What Do You Need from an Online College Program?
Choosing an online program doesn't have to be difficult. But it does take being honest with yourself
about your family and financial obligations, study preferences, and end goals. Though online programs
aren't the only place to go to college, they may offer students with a high need for flexibility the best
place to begin, and perhaps end, their pursuit of a higher education.
Keep in mind, as your academic needs shift and confidence as a student grows, you can also adapt your
college route. With the expansion of the community college system, and rich tradition of both public and
private four-year bachelor institutions, you are well equipped to find an online program that fits you now,
but allows you to transfer credits to a more traditional school in the future, if needed.
As long as you've chosen an online path that actively assists in adaptation, you'll be in great shape.
Indeed, choosing the right college today is perhaps the best way for you to achieve educational success
down the road.
17
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StraighterLine.com
Chapter Four
The College Mix:
Cost and Options for Open Enrollment,
Associate Degrees, and Bachelors Degrees
We learn from our mistakes. One of the best ways to learn how to do something is to first learn how not to
do something. It's true of a lot of things, from falling off a bike and then getting back on to over-cooking
a cake but baking it just right the next go around. Unfortunately, this just-winging-it mentality does not
hold true when choosing a college. With financial and educational stakes so high, making a mistake can
be costly if you choose the wrong college for your situation.
So how do you choose the right college? Where do you begin? First, look at the cost of going to college
among your various college options. Then, dig a little deeper. It's important to understand the difference
in the admission polices of various college programs from open enrollment institutions at online universities
or community colleges, to the more rigorous admission policies at some state colleges and private 4-year
on-campus schools. Be honest with yourself about where you fit in along the college spectrum. College
costs real money. Studying expends real energy and time. You want to be successful the first time around.
The Cost of Going Back to College
Unless you have a full-ride scholarship for some unique talent or skill, have received some sort of
grant to cover the cost of your tuition and housing, or have a tuition assistance program at work
that offers full tuition reimbursement, you'll be paying to go to college. How much you will pay,
however, depends on the type of institution you choose. Likewise, how much debt you will
owe upon graduation, assuming you do graduate, depends on the overall cost of the
school, your college savings, family help, non-loan financial aid for college, and the
number of loans you take out to cover the difference that remains. Adult students
may also qualify for Adult Education Grants and adult scholarships.
For those who attend college and drop out, you will still be
held esponsible for any loans you may have taken out, but
you won't have the benefit of the career trajectory a
college degree can provide. In other
words, if you start college, you had
better plan on graduating.
18
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An Overview of Tuition Costs
Here's an overview of the average college tuition costs for 2011-2012.25 Keep in mind, for most
college options, even online college tuition, rates have risen over the past year, and the trend
is for rates to keep rising.
4-year Public Institution
• Average (in-state) tuition and fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8,244
• Average (in-state) total charges, including tuition, fees, room, and board . . . . . . . . . .$17,131
• Average (out-of-state) tuition and fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20,770
• Average (out-of-state) total charges, including tuition, fees, room, and board . . . . . .$29,657
2-year Public Institution
• Average tuition and fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,963
4-year Private Nonprofit College or University
• Average tuition and fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$28,500
• Average total charges, including tuition, fees, room, and board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$38,589
4-year Private For-profit College or University
• Average tuition and fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14,487
Prerequisite Programs
In the "Trends in College Pricing" series by The College Board26, they don't
offer an average cost for tuition for 2011-12 for those institutions providing
development college courses only including AP courses. These prerequisite
programs allow students to take college courses and then transfer them for
credit at a degree-granting institution. These types of programs can also be
the best way for many students to get back into higher education with the
most flexibility and least financial risk. One leading example is the first year
of college program by StraighterLine.com. The cost of this program is $1299
for 12 months access to 10 college-level courses, the equivalent of a
freshman year.
19
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StraighterLine.com
The Cost of Not Going Back to College
Think not obtaining your college degree won't make a difference? Think again. For the average family,
there is a huge income gap between those with and those without a college degree. In fact, as recently
as 2010, families headed by a 4-year college graduate earned a median family income of $99,716 - more
than twice the median income for families headed by a high school graduate.27 Clearly, it pays to get a
college degree.
The data supporting your desire to go back and obtain your college degree is compelling. However,
if you aren't sure about your academic readiness, or are unsure how well you will be able to fit college
in around your schedule, you should take appropriate steps today to reduce those risks. Some ways to
reduce those risks could include taking developmental courses, understanding the true nature of your
financial situation and how important flexibility is in your daily life.
Keep in mind your route to a college degree doesn't have to look one way. You can start your higher
education journey along one path and switch to another as your academic preparedness grows. As you
grow in academic confidence and college experience, you may become better able to absorb the time
commitment required to complete college courses successfully.
As you look at the different routes to a college degree, consider your risk tolerance. What if you have
to withdraw before completing your degree ẃ will you be able to afford to pay back a student loan?
What's your track record with high-level academics and taking college courses? Academic preparation
makes a significant difference. At the most selective 4-year institutions, where students have strong
academic preparation, 83% of students who began their studies in 2002 had completed degrees at their
first institution by fall 2008. Only 27% of students who began at open enrollment institutions and 53%
of those who began at institutions accepting at least 75% of their applicants earned degrees at their
first institution within six years.28
Those students who do succeed, whether traditional or non-traditional students, teens, twenty-somethings
or adult students, no matter the type of institution they attend, are the ones who knew what they wanted
out of a college, what to expect when they started, were adaptable along the way, and prepared accordingly.
20
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StraighterLine.com
Your Higher Education Options
We've talked about knowing your higher education options, but what are they? Looking at admissions
and scheduling, as well as what kind of degree or technical certificate is available, each type of higher
education program has its own unique focus. Where you start may not be where you end up, particularly
if you are looking to transfer credits from one kind of institution to another. Know the steps you need
to take along the way. The educational success you achieve is up to you knowing yourself and
choosing wisely.
Open Enrollment Institutions
Open enrollment institutions are what they sound like - open. This means you can register to take classes,
and as long as you pay the tuition and fees, you can take them as needed.
Online and community colleges commonly offer open enrollment, including providing a variety of
developmental classes for those students who need to brush up on their academics before taking
prerequisite classes for their major. In fact, in 2009, there were 539,000 undergraduates enrolled in
non- degree-granting institutions.29
One of the advantages to some online institutions is that in addition to open enrollment, they also
offer rolling enrollment. What this means is that you can start and finish your courses at your own
pace rather than according to a calendar schedule. For some, this may mean taking a class quickly;
for others, more slowly. Your time and money are valuable, so use them wisely by enrolling in a
college program that meets your needs.
It may come as a surprise that almost half of all 4-year degree-granting institutions offer open
admission or accept at least 75% of their applicants.30 But considering the growth of online
degree granting programs, there is a growing trend in this
direction. In fact at least 31% of higher education students
now take at least one college course online.31 If you
plan well and enroll in the right institution for you,
you don't have to allow your academic past
determine your academic future.
21
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Associate Programs
You can receive your associate degree through a variety of programs. Typically, online colleges or
community and technical colleges fill this niche. For many, an associate degree can lead to a bachelors
degree through credit transfer to a 4-year public college, particularly for those who start out at a public
community college with transfer agreements with their state universities. Typically, students attending
associate programs are commuters and don't live on campus.
Some interesting statistics32:
• 26% of all full-time undergraduate students attend a public 2-year college*
• 40% of all undergraduate students (including part-time and full-time)
attend a public 2-year college*
• The percentage of all associate degrees awarded by for-profit institutions
increased from 11% to 18% over the decade from 1999 to 2009
Bachelors Programs
It may come as a surprise, but traditional campuses no longer hold forth as the largest system for
students pursuing a higher education. In fact, the largest in terms of enrollment is the University
of Phoenix, a hybrid program, offering both online and traditional course offerings and degrees.
In fact, the University of Phoenix Online Campus' total enrollment for Fall of 2009 was 380,232
students33 - over 5 times the number of the next largest enrollment. And those students include
both traditional and non-traditional students.
Some colleges are more selective in admitting students than others. Many more, however, are not
overly selective and admit at least 75% of students who apply. Students earning a bachelors degree,
depending on the type and location of institution they attend (online, regional, etc.) vary in terms of
on-campus or off-campus living choices. The growth away from attending traditional campuses has
less to do with the amenities these colleges provide, and more to do with the flexibility and low-cost
that online programs offer. For some students, the ability to take classes anywhere and at anytime
is a scheduling must. For others with fewer obligations, a traditional campus can work.
Here are some interesting statistics about 4-year programs:
• 44% of full-time undergraduate students attend a public 4-year college*
• 36% of all undergraduate students (including part-time and full-time)
attend a public 4-year institution*34
• 40% of full-time dependent students at public colleges live on campus35
• 40% of full-time dependent students at public colleges live in off-campus housing
• 20% of full-time dependent students at public 4-year colleges live with their parents
22
*These statistics apply to Fall 2009 for students
enrolled at degree-granting institutions
For more information, call 1-877-Str8erLine or 1-877-787-8375
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• 70% of full-time dependent students at private nonprofit colleges live on campus
• 17% of full-time dependent students at private nonprofit colleges live off-campus
• 12% of full-time dependent students at private nonprofit colleges live with their parents
• In the past decade (1999-2009) the percentage of all bachelors degrees awarded by for-profit
institutions increased from 2% to 5% - many of which are online programs36
Choose the Right Program for You
Some students may think college is college. That going back to get your degree is a matter of picking
any college, signing up, and starting. In some cases, and at some institutions, it may be that easy to
enroll - and just as easy to fail. But at what cost? College should be seen as an investment. The end
goal of a college education is to obtain your college degree. The path you take to reach that goal
successfully depends greatly on your past academic record, your current lifestyle, including any
family and job obligations, and your end goals. Be honest with yourself and invest wisely.
23
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StraighterLine.com
Chapter Five
The College Credit Transfer Process
Returning to college? Starting college for the first time? You may be surprised, but you might not
have to start from scratch -- as long as you understand how to transfer college credits. A transfer
credit, simply put, is a credit accepted by a college which allows you to bypass prerequisite courses
and go directly into more advanced courses. In other words, by transferring credits you can save both
time and money by re-entering college at a stage beyond what would normally be considered your
first semester. This will allow you to graduate earlier than you would otherwise.
The American Council on Education (ACE) uses the following to describe the transfer of credits:
"Transfer refers to the movement of students from one college, university or
other educational provider to another, and the process by which credits
representing educational experiences, courses, degrees, or credentials
are accepted or not accepted by a receiving institution." 37
No matter the definition, transfer credits are
a good thing. Transfer credits can save you
time and money. The more you know,
and use, them, the better.
24
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StraighterLine.com
Here are the leading ways to earn and use transfer credits:
Previous college experience
It is not uncommon for non-traditional students to have acquired previous
college credits at past educational institutions. Be sure to contact and obtain
transcripts from past colleges and have that information sent, per their transfer
process, to the institution you are considering, in order to see if and how your
college credits will transfer. If you intend on going to the same school you
attended previously, stepping back where you left off should be fairly simple.
However, not all schools accept all credits earned at other institutions. Before
you begin a new program, see where your credits put you.
2-year degree transfer to a 4-year program
Many community colleges have special agreements, called articulation agreements,38
with select 4-year colleges regarding how to transfer college credits, courses, and
even majors. This can be a huge money saver for those looking to move on from a
2-year institution to earn a bachelors degree. Before you start taking classes at a
community college, be sure to find out if the 4-year college you'd like to transfer
into accepts the credits from that community college. Not all do. Talk with a community
college advisor before you enroll so you can fully understand the process before
you start and not be caught unaware by non-transferable credit. You can also talk
to other students to find out about their college credit transfer experiences.
Take prerequisite courses online
For those looking to obtain low cost college credits with a high degree of flexibility,
taking college courses online can offer an ideal mix of price and schedule freedom.
Online programs, like the ones offered by StraighterLine.com, can be particularly
cost-effective. StraighterLine.com offers college-level classes you can take for
$99 per month with a one-time fee of $49 per course and has a network of partner
colleges which have been pre-approved to accept transfer credits earned from
taking their courses. And if the courses you take are reviewed and recommended
by the American Council on Education College Credit Recommendation Service
(ACE CREDIT) - as StraighterLine's are - then your credits may also be accepted
at over 1800 colleges and universities that are members of the ACE CREDIT network.
25
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StraighterLine.com
Here are the leading ways to earn and use transfer credits:
Past work experience and continuing education
You can earn college credit equivalencies by passing tests through the College-Level
Examination Program (CLEP).39 These 90-minute exams, which can help you earn a
qualifying score on 33 introductory-level college subject exams, are administered
at a variety of test centers and at various colleges. You can also earn college credit
through other credit-by-exams like the Excelsior College Exams or a Prior Learning
Assessment (PLA). A PLA can evaluate your level of learning from activities like
military service, community service, work experience, and independent studies
and make appropriate credit recommendations.
Military training
The American Council on Education (ACE) also provides a reference guide entitled,
"A Transfer Guide: Understanding Your Military Transcript and ACE Credit
Recommendations"40 which helps military personnel and veterans understand
the credit transfer process step-by-step. The ability for military training to earn
college credits will vary with the college's transfer policy as well as the type of
program and major a student is looking to pursue.
There is No Credit Transfer Guarantee
Unless you have earned credits at a school with an already agreed upon partnership arrangement at
another institution, there is no guarantee previously earned credits will be accepted at the school you
are looking to transfer into. It's up the receiving school, the school you are looking to attend or transfer
into, to decide whether or not they will accept your college credits into the program you⁹re considering.
Some colleges only accept prerequisite, or basic, college courses for transfer, even if you've taken
more advanced courses previously. Others impose grade restrictions. Others still have a maximum
college credit transfer policy and impose a limit on the number of credits they are willing to accept.
26
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Take Time to Understand the Credit Transfer Process
The transfer process can seem ambiguous. It doesn't have to be. Some institutions will help guide you
through the transfer process, particularly if they have partnership relationships, or prior transfer credit
policies, with another institution. Others may require you to do more digging. Be sure to contact the
transfer office of the college to which you plan on transferring
to understand their policy and what they will consider as course
equivalencies. A course equivalency will map out which classes
taken elsewhere are equal to specific courses offered by the
receiving institution and therefore determined to be acceptable
as credits already earned. Make sure you have access to previous
transcripts earned at other institutions and are able to provide the
necessary information to the school you are looking to switch into. Check out StraighterLine's Credit
Transfer Center to learn more about how credit transfer works, what accreditation is, which schools
belong to the ACE Credit Network, and more.
Learning how to transfer college credits is worth your effort. With the rising cost of education,
there's no need to spend money and time relearning something you've already mastered. Leave
your efforts to concentrate on earning your degree -- and achieve your educational goals that
much sooner.
27
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Chapter Six
Financial Aid
Choosing to go to college as an adult student is a big step. Enrolling and paying that first tuition
payment is where intention meets commitment both in terms of time and money. Make sure,
however, that the tuition you are paying is part of an overall college financial plan and that your
financial obligations make sense in terms of your lifestyle and career goals. The day you start your
adult college education, you should be able to focus your attention on your academic pursuits not financial concerns.
Once enrolled and attending classes, you want graduation to be not only academically achievable,
but also financially possible. You don't want to be second-guessing your decision to return to college
because of financial insecurities or fears that oncoming debt will be unmanageable. This is why
understanding financial aid for college before you start is essential. Take the time to learn how to
obtain the tuition assistance you may need to attend college, what financial aid options are available
to you as an adult student, and what to expect in terms of loan repayment, if you do require loan
assistance, after you graduate.
Costs of College
Tuition and Fees: There is a huge variation in tuition rates for college. This variation depends
on whether the college is private or public, online or traditional, 2-year or 4-year. In 2011-12,
44 percent of all full-time undergraduate college students attended a four-year college
with published tuition and fee charges of less than $9,000 per year. At the other
end of the spectrum, approximately 28 percent of full-time private nonprofit
four-year college students are enrolled in institutions charging
$36,000 or more yearly in tuition and fees.41 Comparatively,
an online college course program offered by
StraighterLine.com allows you to pay for your
first year of college for just $1299.
Books and Supplies: College costs
include those beyond tuition - and
can add up substantially. The national
average for books and supplies alone
at 4-year public colleges in 2011-2012
is $1,168.42
28
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Room and Board: The cost of room and board varies with the location and established rates by the
college you are considering attending. You will need to research each school individually. Alternatively,
you could consider an online school or community college. One of the advantages of attending an
online college or commuting to a local institution is that you will be able to maintain flexibility in terms
of where and how you live. Those students living at home have the opportunity to reduce the overall
cost of college and/or have some degree of control over their living expenses.
Transportation: The average transportation costs for 4-year public
college students who live on campus totaled $1,082 for 2011-2102.43
One of the advantages of an anytime, anywhere online college
programs is not being forced to deal with the costs, or hassles,
associated with transportation.
Personal Expenses: These miscellaneous, "hidden costs of college", from cell phone use to pizza to
laundry, can add up. In 2011-2012, for 4-year public college students living on campus, the national
average was $2,066.44
Here are some ways to reduce the overall cost of college as well as
some of the most common sources of financial aid for college used
by non-traditional students:
Attend a Lower Cost School
It may seem obvious, but some schools are just less expensive than others.
Look seriously at all schools that meet your academic and financial needs. And
don't assume that one type of education is automatically cheaper than another:
there are some online college tuitions that are higher than their traditional
counterparts - at the same school!
Transfer Credits
Consider starting out your college experience at a 2-year community college or
at an online program. Later on, you can transfer those college credits to a 4-year
program per applicable transfer processes. Be sure to understand how the credit
transfer process works at your current school and the school you plan on transferring
to before you enroll. Already have existing credits? Whether these were earned
through previous college experience, training through work, or through a prior
learning assessment, use them to help accelerate your advancement through a
degree completion program.
29
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Take Fewer Credits
Students who are able to receive college credit prior to attending college, and
are then able to apply those credits to their college of choice, can potentially
have a much lower overall cost of college. They can reduce college costs by
either decreasing the number of semesters it takes them to graduate or by
reducing the number of credit hours they need to take per semester. There
are several ways to earn college credits before going to college: Advanced
Place Programs (AP), passing CLEP and other credit-by-exams, or through a
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
Use Current Income
78% of college students work while in school. On average, employed students
spend almost 30 hours per week working while enrolled.45 You should expect
to pay some of your college costs out of current year income. How much? That
depends on your financial situation. Colleges assess financial need based on the
information provided by you on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)46 form. Once processed, your relevant financial information will be
sent to the up to 10 colleges you indicated on the form that you are interested
in attending. When it comes to financial aid forms, pay attention to deadlines.
From federal to state to colleges you are applying to, they may all have their
own unique deadlines for forms and information. Keep in mind, financial aid
decisions will be made independently by each college according to their
individual process and timeline. You want to get your information in on time
so you can be in consideration when it comes to being eligible for financial
aid funds.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many companies offer tuition reimbursement benefits to their employees.
In general, these tuition reimbursement programs allow an employee to work
towards a degree or take classes relevant to their position and have some
or all of that money spent on tuition and fees reimbursed. Check with your
employer -- don't leave money on the table.
30
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Grants and Scholarships
Some students, after filling out the FAFSA, may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant,
which awards up to $5,50047 (maximum amount for year 2011-2012). The amount,
if any, awarded depends on your financial situation, your costs to attend college,
and whether you are going full or part-time. Other grants and scholarships may
be issued by the school to which you are applying and will be summarized in your
overall financial aid package. Another resource for adult scholarships is to look
into organizations in your community as well as any professional organizations
to which you may belong and see if they offer financial assistance for adults
returning to college. Financial aid awarded as a grant or scholarship is particularly
attractive since aid of this type does not have to be paid back. Essentially, grant
money is "free" money to help reduce your overall college costs, so it is worth
the time to seek out any adult education grants you may be eligible for.
Federal Loans
Federal loans are divided into two major types: subsidized and unsubsidized.
Eligible students borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education through
participating schools.
• Direct Subsidized Loans: Direct subsidized loans are based on financial
need determined from the results of your FAFSA. A subsidized loan
does not charge you interest while you are in school at least half-time
and during grace and deferment periods, saving you serious money. If
available in your situation, you should use funds from this type of loan
before using those from an unsubsidized loan.48
• Direct Unsubsidized Loan: You are not required to demonstrate financial
need to receive unsubsidized loans. Interest, however, will accrue from the
moment the money is paid out. One strategy to save on the cost of interest
over the life of the loan is to pay the interest while it accrues even when you
are still in school. If you don't pay the interest while you are in school, you
will pay a higher monthly rate when you graduate. The interest accumulated
during school is added to the initial principal. As such, upon leaving school,
the overall principal will be higher than the initial loan amount.49
(For more tips and details on saving the most on your loans, see our StraighterLine Report:
"It Pays to Develop an Interest in Interest.")
Private Loans
Some students may also consider taking out a private loan through a bank or
other financial institution. Typically, these loans are more expensive and carry
higher interest rates. You will need to explore these loans independently of
the school you plan to attend.
31
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You Can Afford College
Paying for college effectively means having a plan. An effective college plan allows you to anticipate
how much you will be required to pay out-of-pocket and how much you will need to borrow. For many,
taking out a college loan is a necessity; the debt, an investment in your future. Knowing just how much
debt you will owe and what your payment obligations upon graduation will be will allow you to pursue
education in your life without any financial surprises. Knowing that you do have options when it comes
to college choice and cost can open the door to educational opportunity. Be sure to fill out the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid according to applicable deadlines and take the time to evaluate
the full spectrum of financial aid packages available to you. It is possible to achieve your educational
goals and be mindful of your financial future at the same time.
Note: The information contained in this report is for educational purposes only. StraighterLine is in no way liable for any factual errors
that may be contained herein, nor are we providing any specific legal or financial advice. As with any financial aid issue, please
consult your professional financial aid advisor.
32
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Chapter Seven
Planning a Successful First College Semester
as a Non-Traditional Student
Stepping into the role of a student can be challenging as an adult. Going back to school as
a non-traditional student doesn't come with the same built-in support system as it does for
a student just out of high school. A non-traditional student typically doesn't live on campus,
works (often full-time), and more than likely already has a family and many commitments outside
of school. Non-traditional students are generally trying to incorporate a college education into
their already over-scheduled life. This is not an easy task. As such, having a plan steeped in
flexibility and a commitment to educational end goals are essential for educational success.
Non-traditional students need to develop a strategy when it comes to a workable schedule.
Here are a few reasons why:
• 78% of undergraduates work while enrolled.50
• On average, employed students spend almost 30 hours per week working.51
• About 25% of full-time students work full time.
• One-third of working students describe themselves as employees who study.
These individuals - most of whom are older and attend college part time continue to hold the jobs they had prior to enrolling in college.52
• Two-thirds of working students state that their primary reason for working
is to pay tuition, fees, and living expenses.53
Finding the time to obtain a college education, no matter how
busy you are, can help you attain personal and career goals.
Yes, it can be difficult to anticipate how much time you'll
need to take college classes successfully as an adult.
It can be easy to underestimate what a college
program will expect from you and to
over-schedule your life. Anticipating
what kind of schedule flexibility
you require before registration
may mean the difference between
good intentions gone bad and success.
33
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Here are some tips to help you succeed in your first semester as a non-traditional
student. Consider them a heads-up of what you are about to get into so you can
set yourself up for success, and ultimately graduate.
Assess Course Catalog
Many students returning to college at a later stage in life are doing so for
professional reasons. After assessing your own personal and academic goals,
you probably have a good idea of what you would like to major in. Be sure to
review your college's course catalog. Generally available online, this catalog
will provide a listing of courses available in given areas of study and what
prerequisite classes are required before you advance. From this, you can
build an academic road map. The beginning of your college experience
is the time to enroll in a writing class or introductory math classes, like
introductory algebra. Consider this the time to invest in the building blocks
on which the rest of your academics will follow.
If you plan on earning credits for your prerequisite courses at one school and
then transferring credits to a different college, be sure you understand both
schools' transfer policies. It's important that you take the appropriate classes
initially so you can stay with your college plan and earn equivalency credits
at the school you'd like to transfer into. Paying attention to, and signing up for,
classes in your current course catalog that are considered equivalent to other
courses at your transferring institution can save you money and time, by not
having to repeat (and pay for) classes consisting of material you've
already mastered.
Use an Advisor
Many colleges offer an academic advisor to help position you for success in
your educational pursuits. They can help you navigate what progression of
classes makes most sense given your academic background and degree
aspirations. Speak with an advisor before you register for classes. The earlier
you know what classes are required and recommended, the easier it may be
for you to get into that class. In some cases, particularly at traditional colleges,
many of the most popular classes and class times can become oversubscribed.
This means you will have to wait for an opening in a different semester, as
opposed to the semester which fits you and your scheduling needs. Online
schools, however, typically don't have this issue. The technology of online
programs offers many non-traditional students course access anywhere,
anytime to fit their lives.
34
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Schedule as Strategy
Choosing a class schedule is a bit like chess. The first moves you make are
the most critical. Picking the right classes at the right times for where you
are academically can make a huge difference as you move through school.
For every one credit hour enrolled in school, you should expect to spend
approximately two to three hours outside of class studying. For example,
a 3-credit hour class (one college course) will equal 3 hours of class time
per week plus 6-9 hours of study time per week.54
Be realistic about the existing obligations on your time. If you overextend,
there's a good chance few areas of your life will be getting the attention they
need, including school. For example, if you are aware certain times of year are
busy at work or home, that semester may not be the time to sign up for your
most time-intensive and challenging classes. Choosing the right classes at the
right time can make the difference between successful academic progress or
not. In terms of scheduling, online college courses stand out by offering a high
degree of flexibility to the non-traditional student. With online classes,
whenever you go online is the right time.
Finally, when scheduling your semester course load, consider a variety of class
types. Some college courses, like literature and other English classes, will require
lots of reading and writing papers. You may want to vary those kinds of classes
with math and science courses that require problem sets or lab work. A mix of
class types can help prevent you from having to read an unmanageable number of
books or write an untenable overload of research papers in one week.
Register in a Timely Manner
When it comes to a traditional college environment, class availability can be
limited. If you are late registering, there's a good chance the most popular
classes and/or the best class times are no longer available. Be sure to give
yourself the best opportunity to take the classes you need when you need to
take them - and that means registering on time or early. For some, this often
means taking classes online where scheduling and availability are rarely an
issue. In fact, at least 31% of higher education students now take at least
one college course online.55
You, the College Student
When it comes to your first semester of college, it will take time to adjust to your
new role as a student. At this point in your college career, time management,
while always important, will take on a critical role. Be realistic and realize there
are only 24 hours in a day. Take the time to build the academic foundation
you need for more advanced courses to come. The more flexibility you have,
the better. Schedule your classes and your life wisely.
35
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StraighterLine.com
Going Back to College?
Consider Taking Your Required Courses
from StraighterLine
When you enroll at StraighterLine, you take our online, self-paced college courses in the comfort of your
own home. If you pass those courses, they automatically transfer for full credit when you enroll in one of
our accredited partner colleges.
Your Degree Comes From Them. The Savings Comes From Us.
Why pay more for the same degree? For just $99 a month plus as little as $49 per course registration fee,
you can take as many 3- and 4-credit college courses as you want.
Courses include:
Business
Accounting I
Accounting II
Business Communications
Business Ethics
Business Law
Economics I: Macroeconomics
Economics II: Microeconomics
Financial Accounting
Introduction to Business
Managerial Accounting
Organizational Behavior
Principles of Management
Humanities
American Government
Cultural Anthropology
Introduction to Communications
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Introduction to Philosophy
Introduction to Religion
Introduction to Sociology
Personal Finance
United States History I
United States History II
Western Civilization I
Western Civilization II
College Prep
Developmental Writing
Introductory Algebra
Prior Learning Assessment
Student Success
Languages
Spanish I
Spanish II
English
English Composition I
English Composition II
Sciences
Anatomy & Physiology I
Anatomy & Physiology II
First Aid/CPR
General Chemistry I
General Physics I
General Physics II
Introduction to Biology
Introduction to Environmental Science
Introduction to Nutrition
Introduction to Psychology
Medical Terminology
Microbiology
Personal Fitness & Wellness
Pharmacology I
Pharmacology II
Mathematics
Business Statistics
Calculus I
Calculus II
College Algebra
Precalculus
36
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StraighterLine.com
Why StraighterLine? We’re New. We’re Different. Why Should You Trust Us?
In the short time we've been around, we've been recognized as a revolutionizing force in education by
major news organizations and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and have forged partnerships with the
leading accredited online colleges and universities.
Our Partner Schools include:
Our courses are evaluated and recommended by the American
Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service
(ACE CREDIT), which includes over 1,800 participating colleges and
universities. In addition to the institutions with which StraighterLine
has a direct relationship, more than 200 other schools are reported
to have accepted StraighterLine coursework for transfer credit.
37
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StraighterLine.com
Don’t Take Our Word for It. Listen to Our Students…
"Because of your company I am able to finish my BA this year!!! I use the post
9/11 GI bill and doing these classes are saving me valuable time so I can move
on to my MA next year! ...I didn't think I would be able to have enough time for
a BA and MA but straighterline is making it possible! Love the program!!!"
- Tawny Miller, 5/31/12
"Love your program it is easily one of the most challenging and rewarding
programs offered online."
- Michelle Dyer, 3/7/12
"Working full-time and caring for a family makes it impossible for me to
attend brick and mortar classes during the week. ...There is no other product
out there that can compare to StraighterLine's $99 monthly enrollment. It's
cost effective, convenient, and makes earning your degree possible. I highly
recommend StraighterLine!"
- Cory Hutchinson, 1/16/12
"I've had 10 courses transferred so far…without any issue, and it's usually
been very prompt in comparison to most schools I've dealt with."
- Adam Ditillo, 12/12/11
"...I also appreciate the unconditional support I have received from the school it's so reassuring to know that there is a constant team of support while I am
completing my courses - especially since I have been out of school for a long
time! Thanks again for everything!"
- Laura Chimuk, 3/26/12
38
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StraighterLine.com
Our Students Grade Us!
To better understand how our courses are meeting students' needs, we commissioned
a well-regarded higher education research firm to conduct a survey of our alumni.
StraighterLine Students Earn Real College Credit
95% of the students who sought credit for completed StraighterLine coursework
were successful. This includes nearly 82% of those who sought credit at colleges
and universities outside the StraighterLine partner college network (ie, institutions
with which StraighterLine does not have a formal articulation-like arrangement).
StraighterLine’s Programs Are Effective
Over 70% who completed a StraighterLine course felt it made them more likely
to complete a college degree. Over half felt better prepared for traditional
college courses as a result of having taken a StraighterLine course.
Students Are Overwhelmingly Satisfied
with StraighterLine’s Courses
Among those who completed a StraighterLine course,over 90% would recommend
the program to a friend. Satisfaction was remarkably high even among those who
did not successfully complete,where 76% would still recommend StraighterLine
to a friend.
StraighterLine vs. Online Courses Offered
by Traditional Colleges and Universities
Respondents who had also earned college credit through an online course
offered by a college or university were asked to compare that experience with
StraighterLine on a number of measures. StraighterLine courses were found to be:
Equally or more rigorous
91% indicated StraighterLine
equally or more academically
rigorous than Online University/
College Courses
Continues…
39
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StraighterLine.com
More convenient
70% indicated StraighterLine
more convenient than Online
University/College Courses
More affordable
61% indicated StraighterLine
lower cost than Online
University/College Courses
Greater overall satisfaction
94% indicated more or equally
satisfied with Straighterline
compared with Online University/
College Courses
About the study:
Hezel Associates invited to participate in the survey all students who had either successfully
or unsuccessfully completed a StraighterLine course during the period from the company's
inception to June 6, 2012. There was an 11.8% response rate during the data collection period.
You can download a PDF of the final results at:
http://www.straighterline.com/media/pdf/hezelreport-sl2012studentsurvey-publicfinal20120821.pdf
40
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StraighterLine.com
Notes
Planning a Successful First College Semester
1
Godofsky, Zukin & Van Horn, Work Trends, Unfulfilled Expectations:
Recent College Graduates Struggle in a Troubled Economy, May 2011, p.3
2
College Board, Education Pays 2010, Earnings
3
College Board, Education Pays 2010, Earning Premium Relative to Price of Education
4
College Board, What it Costs to Go to College, 2011
5
ASVAB Career Exploration Program
6
United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2010-2011 Edition
7
Carnevale, A, Smith, N., Strohl, J, Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce,
Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018, June 2010, p.1
8
IBID
9
College Board, Education Pays 2010, Lifetime Earnings
10
US Bureau of Labor Statistics, What do you Like?, 2010
11
College Board, Hottest Careers for College Graduates: Experts Predict Where the Jobs Will Be in 2018,
12
IBID
13
IBID
14
College Board, What it Costs to Go to College, 2011-12
15
Complete College America, The Completion Shortfall
16
The Huffington Post, Average Student Loan Debt: $25,250, 11/3/11
17
Complete College America, The Completion Shortfall
18
IBID
41
For more information, call 1-877-Str8erLine or 1-877-787-8375
StraighterLine.com
Notes
Planning a Successful First College Semester
19
The Sloan Consortium, Going the Distance: Online Education in the United States, 2011, Summary
20
The Sloan Consortium, Going the Distance: Online Education in the United States, 2011, p. 7
21
The Sloan Consortium, Going the Distance: Online Education in the United States, 2011, p. 11
22
U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2011).
Digest of Education Statistics (NCES 2011-015), Chapter 3
23
The Sloan Consortium, Going the Distance: Online Education in the United States, 2011, p. 13
24
The Sloan Consortium, Going the Distance: Online Education in the United States, 2011, p. 7
25
College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, Trends in College Pricing, 2011, p.2
26
College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, Trends in College Pricing, 2011
27
College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, Trends in College Pricing, 2011, p.4
28
IBID
29
College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, Trends in College Pricing, 2011, p.26
30
College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, Trends in College Pricing, 2011, p.4
31
The Sloan Consortium, Going the Distance: Online Education in the United States, 2011, p.1
32
College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, Trends in College Pricing, 2011, p.26
33
National Cent for Education Statistics, Fast Facts: Which colleges have the highest enrollment?, 2011
34
College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, Trends in College Pricing, 2011, p.26
35
College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, Trends in College Pricing, 2011, p.13
36
College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, Trends in College Pricing, 2011, p.26
42
For more information, call 1-877-Str8erLine or 1-877-787-8375
StraighterLine.com
Notes
Planning a Successful First College Semester
37
American Council on Education, Military Programs, A Transfer Guide:
Understanding Your Military Transcript and ACE Credit Recommendations, 2009, P. 5
38
The College Board, Transferring from a Community College to a Four-year College, p.1
39
http://clep.collegeboard.org/started
40
American Council on Education, Military Programs, A Transfer Guide:
Understanding Your Military Transcript and ACE Credit Recommendations, 2009, P. 7
41
The College Board, What it Costs to Go to College, 2011.
42
The College Board, Break Down the Bill: College Expenses to Consider, 2011.
43
IBID
44
IBID
45
ACE, Working Their Way Through College, May 2006.
46
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
47
Federal Student Aid, Federal Pell Grant, June 20, 2011.
48
Federal Student Aid, Direct Stafford Loans, 2011.
49
IBID
50
Acenet Issue Brief, Working Their Way Through College, May 2006, p.1 (PDF DOWNLOAD:)
51
IBID
52
IBID
53
IBID
54
University of Michigan-Flint, Surviving College, 2011
55
The Sloan Consortium, Going the Distance: Online Education in the United States, 2011, p.1
43
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StraighterLine.com