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Explore the 9 Best Technology Jobs of 2016

By U.S. News & World Report

The best jobs for programmers, tech whizzes and computer geeks.

Tech jobs require attention to detail, creativity and a knack for picking up new skills quickly. For workers interested in exploring the field, these nine technology jobs ranked highest in the U.S. News 2016 Best Jobs rankings. They offer generous salaries, great work-life balance and solid future job prospects, among other benefits.

9. Computer Programmer

Median Salary: $77,550

Unemployment Rate: 2.5 percent

Expected Job Openings: -26,500

Computer programmers write the code that allows software programs to run.

Learn more about computer programmers.

8. Computer Systems Administrator

Median Salary: $75,790

Unemployment Rate: 2 percent

Expected Job Openings: 30,200

These tech workers identify and fix network issues and make updates to equipment and software.

Learn more about computer systems administrators.

7. Computer Support Specialist

Median Salary: $61,830

Unemployment Rate: 3.3 percent

Expected Job Openings: 88,800

These specialists come to the rescue to diagnose and troubleshoot computer problems.

Learn more about computer support specialists.

6. Database Administrator

Median Salary: $80,280

Unemployment Rate: 2 percent

Expected Job Openings: 13,400

DBAs set up databases according to a company’s needs and ensure that they operate efficiently and securely.

Learn more about database administrators.

5. Information Security Analyst

Median Salary: $88,890

Unemployment Rate: 1.4 percent

Expected Job Openings: 14,800

These technology professionals safeguard a company’s computer systems and networks, shielding them from data breaches and cyberattacks.

Learn more about information security analysts.

4. IT Manager

Median Salary: $127,640

Unemployment Rate: 1.8 percent

Expected Job Openings: 53,700

These professionals help organizations manage their technology systems, including installing system updates and negotiating with vendors.

Learn more about IT managers.

3. Web Developer

Median Salary: $63,490

Unemployment Rate: 3.4 percent

Expected Job Openings: 39,500

Web developers build websites, working with software applications or writing code to finish the job.

Learn more about Web developers.

2. Software Developer

Median Salary: $95,510

Unemployment Rate: 2.5 percent

Expected Job Openings: 135,300

Software developers design computer programs, often flexing their creative muscles and technical know-how.

Learn more about software developers.

1. Computer Systems Analyst

Median Salary: $82,710

Unemployment Rate: 2.6 percent

Expected Job Openings: 118,600

These experts help companies evaluate and improve their computer systems.

Learn more about computer systems analysts.

More from U.S. News

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Explore the 9 Best Technology Jobs of 2016 originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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