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How to Navigate the Online Degree Program Admission Process

By U.S. News & World Report

Many incoming students view the online admissions process as daunting . But w hile there are several factors to consider when applying to a online degree program, the process itself is very straightforward.

First, prospective students should be aware of their degree program options, spend time researching programs and decide which program will best suit their needs and benefit their careers. Many prospective online students know they want to finish their degree to either fulfill personal goals or earn a promotion at work; however, they may not be sure exactly which degree program is right for them.

[Understand how online degrees can help adults switch careers.]

At ASU Online, for example, enrollment counselors work with students who have submitted a request for information to try to match them with the best program for their careers and interests. C ounselors stay involved with students through their first day of classes , answ ering any questions and ensur ing they are on track throughout the admissions process.

Aside from knowing which degree program they want to pursue, students should keep a number of other factors in mind during the admission process. First, students should have their academic records and transcripts ready to go. Many institutions require a student’s former academic institution to mail transcripts directly to their admissions office. Having their academic records at hand also easily allows students to work with enrollment counselors to see how many of their credits will transfer and how many credits they need to complete to graduate.

[Discover tips for adults applying to top online bachelor’s degree programs.]

Knowing how many credits they need to complete will also give students an idea of the financial commitment they are looking at . When applying to a degree program, it’s important for students to not only be aware of the financial commitment they are making but also note that there are several ways they can get financial help.

In addition to financial aid, students can look at available scholarships or see if they are eligible for employer tuition assistance through their job. For example, ASU and Starbucks have a partnership in which Starbucks provides eligible full- and part-time employees with full tuition reimbursement for any of ASU’s online degree programs.

It’s also essential that students are aware of any out-of-pocket costs associated with the admissions process. Depending on the program, students may need to cover application fees and program fees.

The takeaway: If students do their research ahead of time, come prepared with which degree program they are interested in pursuing, have their academic records in order and have a plan for managing their finances, then the online admissions process itself should be simple to navigate. And remember, admissions or enrollment staff at any academic institution are always available to help you.

More from U.S. News

Consider This Before You Pay for an Online Degree

What Employers Really Think About Your Online Bachelor’s Degree

4 Tips for Adults Applying to Top Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs

How to Navigate the Online Degree Program Admission Process 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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