Category Archives: Education

Reasons NOT To Go To College

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Looking for an Excuse to Avoid College? We Might Have It For You….

Forbes Magazine recently printed an interesting article titled “Five Reasons To Skip College.”  The article pointed out what we all know, a college education is expensive.  “Four years at an elite university like Princeton or Harvard will set you back around $160,000.”  Of course the article also points out the benefits of such an education:  “The professors, the coursework, the people you’ll meet and the invaluable experiences you’ll have. And, of course, the bottom line: You’ll earn more money afterward. In fact, on average, the holder of a four-year college degree will earn 62% more over their lifetimes than a typical high-school graduate. And that’s just on average. The return on investment for attending one of the nation’s 25 or so most selective colleges is far more impressive. Money well spent, right?  Well, not necessarily.”

This article points out an idea many people have been touting for quite awhile – and that idea is beginning to gain louder voices and more momentum.  In today’s economy is the cost of a college education really worth it?  Or, like many are saying, are we in an inflated education bubble which will break the same way the housing bubble did?  With the changes in today’s world, economy, and job market is a “traditional” college education really all that valuable?  Or is it safer to hone individual skills and gain extra experience by getting into the workforce early?

Who Wins? Who Loses?

According to valid statistics there does certainly seem to be a correlation between lifetime earnings and level of education / degree earned.  But according to the Forbes article, correlation is not the same thing as cause.  Just because there appears to be a correlation does not mean that education is the cause of the higher earnings.  “Economists like Robert Reischauer ruffled feathers several years ago by pointing out that talented, driven kids are more likely to go to college in the first place–that they succeed, in other words, because of their innate abilities, not because of their formal education.”  The article then goes on to mention several known billionaires who never received a college degree.

Name Dropping

Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard and then started his Microsoft Corporation.  Larry Ellison, who founded the database company Oracle also dropped out of college.  While Mr. Ellison’s net worth is not as high as that of Bill Gates, no one could sneer at his 16 billion dollar worth.  And there are many others.  John Simplot did not graduate from high school, Alan Gerry didn’t either but that didn’t stop him from starting cable tv and then selling the idea for nearly three billion dollars.

Worth Of A College Education

The statistics seem clear, it doesn’t necessarily matter what level of education a person has as long as you have ambition and some intelligence.  It doesn’t matter where the intelligence was gained – either in the hallowed halls of some educational institution or through life experience.  Either direction seems to produce equally acceptable results.  Especially when we hear so often “I never used the things I learned in college when I was actually on the job.”  It seems that on the job experience is far more valuable than classroom experience.  History bears this out.  In the past most high level professions gained their new employees through an apprenticeship program, not through the university degree process.

This is not to say that any college education is worthless.  There are, most certainly, some professions for which a formal education is and should be required.  There aren’t very many patients who would want to see a doctor who did not attend medical school.  And most parents do not want their young children taught by teachers who never graduated themselves.  However, it seems, it today’s world, that a traditional education may not be the be-all-end-all it used to be.  It seems it is just as possible to make an excellent living by not attending college.

 

Top 10 Ways To Be Sure An Online School Is Legitimate

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 But How Do I Know If It’s a Good School?

We’ve all heard them, slogans such as “Make over a million dollars more in your lifetime with a higher education degree,” or, “Live up to 7 years longer just by earning a college degree,” or, find greater happiness and more satisfaction out of life with a university education.”  And statistics prove these maxims are true.  Today it is easier than ever to obtain a higher education.  Traditional universities offer a wide range of on-line courses and degrees, and many non-traditional schools offer degrees in an online-only format.

 

For many people these new online degrees are a wonderful alternative to traditional university educations.  Online schools offer a far more flexible schedule with, in many case, a lower cost per credit hour.  New technology is advancing daily which makes an online education every bit as marketable and viable as a traditional college experience.

 

However, as with any great new idea and opportunity, it is vitally important to beware of cons and scams.  In the field of online learning the fraudulent schools are known as Degree Mills or Diploma Mills.

What is a Diploma Mill?

According to Wikipedia, “A diploma mill (also known as a degree mill) is an organization that awards academic degrees and diplomas with substandard or no academic study and without recognition by official educational accrediting bodies.”  A diploma mill, or degree mill, is a fraudulent business operation disguised as a legitimate institute of higher education.  The “diplomas” and “degrees” awarded are false, the transcripts are usually falsified, and credentials are often phony.

 

There are many reasons to be extra careful when deciding if an on-line school is legitimate or not.  Today’s job market is tough and employers will only higher the best and most highly qualified candidate.  The screening process can be brutal – and this includes education screening.  Business are required to do a background screen on all new employees, and the required background process usually involves verifying a candidates education.  All verification companies keep very updated lists of known and suspected diploma mills.  Claiming a degree from one of these fraudulent institutions will harm the chances of obtaining a particular job.  And even if the fraudulent degree does not do damage, the sub-standard education can put prospective employees behind the pack when it comes to skills and abilities.

To avoid having a fraudulent degree cause problems in the job market there are a few simple steps prospective students can follow.

 10 Rules Of Thumb to Be Sure Your School is Legit

  1. Is the school accredited?  And if so, by which accrediting agency?  Always be sure the agency actually exists and is legitimate.  The US Department of Education website lists many genuine accrediting agencies.   The Council for Higher Education website also provides a catalog of recognized accrediting agencies.
  2. How are tuition, fees, and other costs figured?  If the cost of a degree is on a per-degree-basis this is a sign of a fraudulent school.  Most legitimate educational institutions offer a per-course or per-semester tuition plan.
  3. How are degrees actually received?  Is course work a requirement or does the “school” offer an overnight delivery option?  It is not possible to earn a legitimate degree in one night.  All legitimate schools will require a certain amount of actual coursework which will be graded by certified teachers and professors.  Beware of any “school” promising a “call now and ship by tomorrow” option.  Also watch out for any school which does not put a current date on the diploma.  Back-dated diplomas are not legitimate.
  4. If course work is require, how much is required?  What are the time parameters?  If the degree can be earned in less than one or two months the school may be a scam.  Most legitimate degrees require at least a year to earn, and many require up to between 4 and 9 years to earn.  Certificates may only take 2-3 months, but less than one month may be a sign of a diploma mill.
  5. Does the school allow individuals to state a specified grade point average and/or academic honors (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, etc.)?  Any school which allows students to choose a GPA is not legitimate.  Legitimate schools will only submit validly earned GPAs and honors.
  6. Does the school offer actual interaction with other students and with teachers and professors?  If so, how much?  If the institution does not have any means for communicating with instructors and with other students the school may be fraudulent.  Most valid school make access to faculty and staff readily available.  Professors will provide regular office hours, even if they are online hours.
  7. How specific and detailed are the educational requirements?  Class descriptions and required credit hours should be listed and regularly updated.  Advisors should also be provided to answer questions about curriculum requirements.
  8. What is the name of the educational facility?  Is it similar to a well known college or university?  If a schools name could easily be mistaken for a well known institution it may be a diploma mill.  One examples is:  Columbus University is a known diploma mill while Columbia University is a highly commended Ivy League University.
  9. Has the school retained the same address since its founding?  If not, and especially if the address has changed states frequently, beware. This is a common sign of diploma mills.
  10. Are past academic history and transcripts required or asked for?  If not the school may be a fraud.  Most genuine schools require an academic background for admissions criteria.

 

Following these 10 simple steps can help insure an education is legitimate and will be accepted in today’s work force.

 

Known Diploma Mills:

Employee Screen IQ and the Department of Education have provided a list of known diploma mills.  Keep in mind this list is subject to change since some institutions may gain accreditation and others may lose it.  Here is the list as given on the Employee Screen IQ website:

Abba Institute – Texas

Abacus Academy

Academie Europeene d’Informationsation – Belgium

Academy for Contemporary Research

Academy of Healing Arts

Academy of Health Sciences and Nutrition

Academy of Natural Therapies – Hawaii, California, Wyoming, Montana

Academy of Religious and Spiritual Studies

Accelerated Degree Programs

Adam Smith University – Hawaii, Liberia, Saipan

Adams and Washington University – England, South Carolina

Adams Institute of Technology

Addison State University – Ottawa Canada

Adjunct College – Texas

Advanced Education Trust

Advanced Learning Network – Vermont

Akamai University – Hawaii

Al Qasim University – Pakistan

Alabama Christian College – Montgomery, Alabama

Alberdeen University – New Mexico

Albert University – Delaware

Alexandria University – Nevada – US online, not Egyptian

Almeda College and University – Florida, Idaho

Al Qasim University

All Saints American University – Liberia

Almeda College (University) – Florida, Idaho

Alston University – Stockton, California

Ambai University – Massachusetts

Ambassador University Corporation

American Austin University

American Capital University – Wyoming, Liberia

American Central University – Wyoming

American City University – Wyoming

American Coastline University – Hawaii, Louisiana, New York, California, Russia

American College of Health Science – Texas

American College of Metaphysical Theology

American Columbus University – California

American Extension School of Law – Chicago, Illinois

American Global Universities – Wyoming, Iowa, California

American Independent International University

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American Institute of Management Studies – Hawaii, Indonesia

American Institute of Science – Indianapolis, Indiana

American International Academy – New York and Washington

American International University – Canoga Park, California

American International University of Management and Technology – Hawaii,

California

American Legion University

American Management Institute

American Medical College – Idaho

American National University – Phoenix, Arizona, Hawaii, California

American Open University

American Pacific University – Hawaii

American PacWest International University – Hawaii

American School of Metaphysics

American States University – Honolulu, Hawaii

American University – San Diego, California (the one in Washington, D.C. is

accredited)

American University for Humanities – Mississippi

American University of Asturias – Spain

American University of Hawaii – Hawaii, Mississippi, India, Republic of Georgia,

Armenia, Lebanon and others

American University of London – St. Kitts/Nevis, United Kingdom, Sri Lanka

American West University

American Western University – Arizona

American World University – California, Hawaii, Iowa, Mississippi

Americana University – Liberia

Americus University – Washington, D.C.

Ameritech University – Liberia

Ames Christian University – Florida

Amity University – India

Amstead University – New Mexico

Anacrusis Institute – Greece, United Kingdom

Anderson University – California

Anglo-American College of Medicine

Anglo-American Institute of Drugless Medicine

Anglo American University – Hawaii, California

Apache University

Apostolic/Prophetic Bible College & Theological Seminary – Rochester Hills,

Michigan

Aquinas University of Scholastic Philosophy – New York

Argus University – Fairplay, Colorado

Aristotle University – California

Arizona Midland University

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Ashbourne – Great Britain

Ashford University – Great Britain (not to be confused with Ashford University in

Iowa-formerly Franciscan University)

Ashington University – Louisiana, British Virgin Islands

Ashwood University

Athenaeum U – Panama, United Kingdom

Athens Clark University

Atlanta Southern University – Atlanta, Georgia

Atlantic International University – Florida, Hawaii

Atlantic National University – California

Atlantic Northeastern University

Atlantic Southern University – Georgia Washington

Atlantic University – New York (the one in Virginia is accredited)

Atworth University

Auberdeen University – Idaho

Azaliah – New Mexico (lost accreditation in 2002), South Africa, Asia

Baltimore State University (not to be confused with the University of Baltimore)

Bangalore Institute of Science, Technology, and Management – India

Bangladesh University

Barrington University – Alabama, New York (not to be confused with Barrington

College in Rhode Island)

Barron University

Beacon Learning Center – Grand Rapids, Michigan and St. Joseph, Michigan

Belford University – Texas, Nevada, Arizona

Beloved Community Seminary – Oregon, Hawaii

Ben Franklin Academy and Institute For Advanced Studies – Washington, D. C.

Benchley State University

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Global Education

Bennington University – United States (not to be confused with Bennington College

Vermont)

Benson University

Berean Community College

Berkeley International University of Southern California

Bernadean University – Van Nuys, California

Berne University – New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia, St. Kitts-Nevis

Bernelli University – Virginia

Bettis Christian University – Arkansas

Beulah College – Nigeria and Texas

Bienville University – Louisiana, Mississippi

Bircham International University – United Kingdom, Spain, Bahamas

Blackstone University

Bonavista University – Wyoming

Bosdon Academy of Music

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Boston City College (not to be confused with Boston College)

Bradford University (not be confused with Bradford College)

Brainwells University – United States, Canada

Brantridge Forest School

Brantridge University – Hawaii

Brentwick University

Bretton Woods University – New Hampshire

Breyer State University –Alabama, Idaho, Liberia

Bridgewater University – United Kingdom, Seychelles (not to be confused with

Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts or Bridgewater College in Virginia)

Brighton University – Hawaii, Missouri

Bright Way Technical University

Britain College of Management and Science – United Kingdom

British American Business Institute

Broadway Institute of Technology

Bronte International – Louisiana, Caribbean

Brownell University

Buckner University – Texas

Buktronix University

Burnell College – Great Britain

Business and Computer University College – Lebanon

Buxton University – United Kingdom

C & E American University Institute – Lebanon

Cal Southern University – Texas

Calamus International University – British West Indies

Calgary Providence University

California Christian College

California Institute of Behavior Sciences – California

California Institute of Higher Learning

California Miramar University – California

California Pacifica University – California

California Pacific University – California

California University of Management and Sciences – California

California Valley State University

Calvary University – Virginia, Oregon, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and others

Cambridge International University – South Africa

Cambridge State University – Shreveport, Louisiana and Honolulu, Hawaii

Campile University – United Kingdom, Belize

Canadian School of Management – Canada

Canbourne University – United Kingdom

Canterbury University – United Kingdom

Canyon College – Idaho

Capital American University – Liberia

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Capital City Religious Institute – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Capitol University (not to be confused with Capital University in Ohio)

Caribbean Medical University – Curacao

Carlton University (not to be confused with Carleton College in Minnesota)

Carnegie Institute of Engineering

Carolina Institute of Human Relations – South Carolina

Carolina University of Theology

Carrington University

Center College of Executive and Professional Development – India

Center of University Studies Graduate College

Center State University of Executive and Professional Development – Liberia

Central Pacific University – Hawaii, Delaware, Dubai

Central State University – California, Canada (CSU in Wilberforce, Ohio is

accredited)

Central State Consortium of Colleges and Schools

Central States Research Center – Ontario, Canada

Central University

Century University – Albuquerque, New Mexico (not to be confused with Century

College)

CETEC University – Santo Domingo

Chadwick University – Alabama

Chancery International University

Charis School of Divinity – Florida

Charitable University of Delaware

Chase University

Chelsea University – United Kingdom

Chicago Medical College – Florida

Chillicothe Business College – Ohio

Chirological College of California

Christian College

Christian Leadership University – New York

CIFAS University – Santo Domingo

City University Los Angeles – California

Clayton College of Natural Health – Alabama

Clayton Theological Institute – California

Clayton University – Hong Kong (not to be confused with Clayton College and

State University in Georgia)

Clemson College (not to be confused with Clemson University in South Carolina)

Clermont College (not to be confused with University of Cincinnati – Clermont

College)

Clermont College of Business – Montana

Cleveland University (not to be confused with Cleveland State University)

Clinton University – Livonia, Michigan

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Coast University

Colgate College (not to be confused with Colgate University)

College of Franklin and Marshall (not to be confused with Franklin and Marshall

College of Lancaster, PA)

College of Hilton Head

College of Homeopathy – Missouri

College of Journalism – West Virginia

College of Life – Florida

College of Life Science – Texas

College of Medical and Health Science – St. Lucia

College of Natural Therapeutics

College of Naturatrics – Missouri

College of Nonsense – Nevada

College of Universal Truth – Chicago, Illinois

Colony University – Liberia

Colorado University of Naturopathic Medicine – Spain, British Virgin Islands

Columbia Commonwealth University – Montana, Wyoming, Malawi, Africa

Columbia Pacific University – California

Columbia School

Columbia State University – Louisiana (not to be confused with Columbia

University in New York or Columbus State University in Georgia)

Columbus University – Louisiana, Mississippi (not to be confused with Columbus

State University in Georgia)

Commonwealth Open University – Virgin Islands

Commonwealth School of Law – Washington

Commonwealth University – California

Communion of Saints Seminary – Oregon

Concordia College and University – Spain, St. Johns, Virgin Islands, Dominican

Republic, Indonesia (“registered by the government” of Liberia)

Concordia Ivy College – Hawaii, Taiwan

Continental University – Liberia, Phillipines

Continuing Career Institute – Texas

Cook’s Institute of Electronics Engineering – Jackson, Mississippi

Cornerstone University – Louisiana (not to be confused with Cornerstone

University in Michigan which is accredited)

Cosmopolitan University – Missouri?

Cranston University – Nevada, Singapore

Cromwell College of IT and Management – Great Britain

Cromwell University

Crossworld Institute of Professional Studies – Kenya

Crown Church College and University

Crown College of the Bible – Tennessee

Culture University –Hawaii

9

Dallas State College – Dallas, Texas

Darthmouth College (not to be confused with Dartmouth College in NH)

Dartmouth University (not to be confused with Dartmouth College in NH)

Darton University

Degree.com – Texas, Florida, Mexico

Delaware Law School

Del Sur Christian College – Texas

Denmark College of Management and IT – Denmark

Denver State University

Devonshire University

Diamond Head University

Diplomatic State University

Diplomatic University

DiUlus Institute and University – New Mexico, Italy

Donsbach University – California

Dorcas University

Drake College (not to be confused with Drake University in Iowa or Drake College

of Business in New Jersey)

Dream Institute, The

Dublin Metropolitan University – Ireland

Earlscroft University – Great Britain, Seychelles

Earthnet Institute – Hawaii

Eastern Caribbean University – Texas, St. Kitts

Eastern Missouri Business College – St. Louis, Missouri

Eastern State University

Eastern University – Albuquerque, New Mexico

East Point University

Ecole Superieure Internationale de Bruxelles – Belgium

Eden University – Hawaii

Edenvale University – Texas, New York, Great Britain

Edison University –Hawaii (not to be confused with Thomas Edison University in

New Jersey)

Ellington University

Elysion College – California

Emerson University – California (not to be confused with Emerson College in

Massachusetts)

Esoteric Theological Seminary – Texas

Euclid University – Belgium, Chad, Central African Republic, Pakistan

Eula Wesley University – Ruston, Louisiana

European Carolus Magnus University – Belgium

European College of Medicine – United Kingdom

European Graduate School – New York, Switzerland

European University of Ireland – Ireland

10

Eurotechnical Research University – Hilo, Hawaii

Expressive Psychology Association

Evergreen University – Reston, Virginia

Excelsior University (not to be confused with Excelsior College in Albany, NY)

Fairfax University – Louisiana, Montana, South Dakota, United Kingdom

Fairmont International University (formerly Preston University)

Farington University

Felix Adler Memorial University – North Carolina

Felton University

Firelake University – Finland

Florida Atlantic Southeastern University – (not to be confused with Florida Atlantic

University in Boca Raton, Florida)

Florida State Christian College – Florida

Forest Park University – Chicago, Illinois

Fort Young University – Liberia

Foundation for Economic Education – Irvington-on-Hudson, New York

Foundation University – Netherlands

Four States Cooperative University – Texas

Frederick Taylor International University – Hawaii, California

Frederick Taylor University – Moraga, California

Friends International Christian University – Hawaii, California

Full Gospel Christian College – Pontiac, Michigan

Garfield Technical College

Geo-Metaphysical Institute – New York

George Washington State College

George Washington University – California (GWU in Washington, D.C. is

accredited)

Georgia Christian University – Georgia

Georgia South Technical Institute

German-American Dental College – Chicago, Illinois

Gestalt Institute of New Orleans – New Orleans, Louisiana

Glencullen University – United Kingdom

Glendale University – United Kingdom

Glenford University – Louisiana

Glenndale University – United Kingdom

Global Church Theological Seminary

Global Church University

Global Virtual University (not to be confused with Global University in Springfield,

MO)

Goa University

Gold Coast University – Hawaii

Golden Pacific University – Hawaii, California

Golden State University – Hawaii (not to be confused with Golden State College in

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California)

Graduate College

Graduate University

Grandview International University – Missouri

Great Lakes University – Michigan (not to be confused with Great Lakes Christian

College)

Greenleaf University – Missouri

Greenwich University – California, Hawaii, Norfolk Island

Gulf Southern University – Louisiana

Halifax University – Wyoming

Hamilton State University – Arizona

Hamilton University – Wyoming, Hawaii, Bahamas (not to be confused with

Hamilton College in Clinton, NY)

Hamline State University (not to be confused with Hamline University in Minnesota)

Hampton Bay University – Liberia

Hampton College – Nevada (not to be confused with Hampton University in

Virginia)

Hancock University – Tennessee

Harmony College of Applied Science – Los Altos, California

Harrington University – United Kingdom

Hartford Technical Institute

Hartford University – Vanatu (Claims of Minnesota location are false)

Hartland University – Liberia

Hartley University – United Kingdom

Hawaii American University – Hawaii

Hawthorne University – Utah

Heed University – Florida, Wisconsin, Caribbean

His Majesty’s University of Polytechnics – Sacramento, California

Hollywood College – California

Hollywood Southern University

Holos University – Missouri, South Dakota, and Norfolk Island

Honolulu University – Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu University of the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities – Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu USA – Thailand, Pakistan

Horizons University

Humberman University College

Huntington Pacific University

Hyles Anderson College – Crown Point, Indiana

Idaho College of Commerce

Illawarra College – New Hampshire, Virginia, Australia

Illinois College of Physicians and Surgeons

Independence University – Missouri

Information University of America – Hawaii

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Institute for Creative Process

Institute for Human Dynamics

Institute for Science in Mind

Institute for the Management of Information Systems – Great Britain

Institute of Executive and Professional Development – Liberia

Institute of Excellence – Florida

Institute of Global Education – Oregon

Institute of New Media and Technology

Instituto Biblico Ebenezer – Michigan

InTech University – Liberia

InterAmerican University – California, New York (not to be confused with the

InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico)

Intermountain Institute of Natural Health – Idaho

International Academy for Planetary Planning

International Academy of Education University – New York, Japan

International Bible University

International Career Academy

International College of Associates in Medicine – Texas

International Earth Environment University – Delaware, Japan

International East-West University –Hawaii

International Further Studies Institute

International Graduate Center –Vermont, St. Croix

International MBS – Liberia

International Medical School of America –Texas

International Mid Pac College – Hawaii

International Open University – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

International Organization for Nontraditional Distance Education – Hawaii, Japan,

Phillipines

International Seminary – Plymouth, Florida

International Theological University – California

International University – Austria,

International University – Missouri, Louisiana

International University for Graduate Studies – St. Kitts and Nevis

International University of Fundamental Studies

International University of Nursing – St. Kitts

International Universities Consortium – Missouri

IOND University – Hawaii, Japan, Phillipines

Irish International University – Ireland, United Kingdom, Cambodia, Malaysia,

Kenya, Switzerland, Seborga

Irish University Business School – Ireland

ITECOPAM – Haiti

Ivory Carlson University – Minnesota

Jackson State University –Los Angeles, Nashville, Reno, Chicago (JSU in

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Mississippi is accredited)

James Cook Medical School – Texas, Cook Islands

James Monroe University – Liberia, Arizona, Idaho, Washington

Jenzabar University

Johann Keppler School of Medicine

John Hancock University

John Quincy Adams College – Portland, Oregon

John Thomas – Missouri

Johnson Daves University – Liberia

Johnson Davids University – Liberia

Kalinga University – India (not to be considered with Kalinga University in

Phillipines)

Kennedy-Western University – California, Wyoming, Idaho

Kensington University – Hawaii, California (not to be confused with Kensington

College in California)

Kent College – Louisiana

Kentucky Christian University – Ashland, Kentucky (Kentucky Christian College in

Grayson, Kentucky is accredited)

Keystone University – Florida

Kincaid Academy of the Arts

Kingdom College of Natural Health – Louisiana, Wyoming, Guam, Russia

Kingsfield University – Great Britain

Kingsley University

Knightsbridge University – Denmark

Knoxville College – Knoxville, Tennessee (only degrees obtained prior to

December 1996 are accepted)

LA International University – New Orleans, Louisiana

Lacrosse University – Louisiana, Mississippi

Lamberhurst University – United Kingdom

Lambert University – Hawaii

LaJolla University

Lamp Beacon University

Landegg International University – Switzerland

Landford University

Landsfield University – Seychelles

Langley University

Lansbridge University – British Columbia, Canada

LaSalle University – Louisiana (not to be confused with LaSalle University in

Pennsylvania)

Laureate University – Canada, United Kingdom

Laurence University – Hawaii

Lawford State University – Maryland

Leal University – Hazelwood, Missouri

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Lee Community College – Singapore

Leibniz – New Mexico, Italy

Leiland College of Arts and Sciences – Hawaii

Leland Stanford University – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Leugenia University – South Carolina

Lexington University – Online, Nevada (not to be confused with Lexington College

in Illinois)

Life Science College – California and Oklahoma

Lincoln International University, Inc. – Hawaii

Lincoln University – New Mexico, Italy (not to be confused with Lincoln College in

Illinois)

Lincoln-Jefferson University – Iowa (?)

Lion Investigative Academy – Pennsylvania

Logos Bible College – Texas, Florida

London College of Technology – United Kingdom

London University Colleges

Los Angeles State University

Los Angeles University – North Hollywood, California

Louisiana Capital University – Kenner, Louisiana

Louisiana Christian University – Lake Charles, Louisiana

Loyola State University – Illinois and Louisiana (not to be confused with Loyola

University)

Madison State University – New York

Madison University – Mississippi

Management Institute of Canada – Ontario, Quebec

Manhattan University – Hawaii, British Columbia

Manitoba University of Science and Arts

Marcus Tullius Cicero University San Francisco – California

Marlborough University – Hawaii

Marlowe University – New Jersey and Florida

Marmaduke University – California

Martin College – Florida

McPherson Institute of Technology

Medical College of London – St. Lucia, West Indies; United Kingdom, Montserrat

Medical University of the Americas – St.Kitts/Nevis, Belize

Mellen University – Lewiston, New York

Meridan University

Meta Collegiate Extension – Nevada

Metropolitan Collegiate Institute – Great Britain

Metropolitan University of Florida

Miami Christian University – Miami, Florida

Miami State University – (not to be confused with Miami University, Oxford, OH)

Middle Tennessee University (not to be confused with Middle Tennessee State

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University in Murfreesboro, TN)

Midwest Missouri University – Missouri

Midwestern University –Missouri (not to be confused with Midwestern University in

Arizona or Illinois or Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Missouri)

Miller University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Milton University – Maryland and New York

Miranda Internal University – Tennessee, Washington, Italy

Mole Ltd. University – River Ridge, Louisiana

Monterrey Institute for Graduate Studies – Texas, Florida

Monticello University – Hawaii, Kansas, South Dakota, West Indies

Montserrat University – California

More University – Lafayette, California

Morris Brown College – Atlanta, Georgia (only degrees obtained prior to December

2002 are accepted)

Myers College Online (not to be confused with Myers University, Cleveland, Ohio)

Nassau State Teachers College

Nasson University

Nation State University

Nation University – Hawaii

National Christian University – Texas

National College – Kansas, Oklahoma

National College of Arts and Sciences

National Consortium Staff College – Missouri

National Graduate University

National Stevens University – California

National University of Colorado – Denver, Colorado

National University of Dakota – South Dakota

National University of Hawaii – Hawaii

Nebraska College of Physical Medicine

New Horizons University

New Manhattan University

New Tribes Bible Institute – Jackson, Michigan

New World College – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

New York City University (not to be confused with the City University of New York

CUNY)

New York State College

Newport Asia Pacific University – Hawaii

Newport University – California, Hawaii, Lebanon

Newton University – Hawaii; British Columbia, Canada

Nightingale University – Panama

Nobel University – South Korea

Nonprofit Management University

North American College of the Artsy

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North American University – Scottsdale, Arizona

North Norway University – Norway, Panama, United Kingdom

North United University

Northern American College

Northern New England University

Northern Michigan State University (not to be confused with Northern Michigan

University in Marquette, MI)

Northern Utah University/Northern Utah Management Institute

Northern Washington University

Northfield University

Northland Open University – Yukon, Canada

Northridge State University

Northwest Florida University

Northwestern Californian University

Northwestern California University of Law

Northwestern College of Allied Sciences – Oklahoma

Northwestern Graduate School – Montana

Northwestern International University, Ltd. – Cyprus, Denmark

Norway University – Norway, Panama, United Kingdom

Notre Dame de Lafayette University – Long Prairie, Minnesota

Notre Dame University (not to be confused with the University of Notre Dame in

South Bend, Indiana)

Nova College – Calgary, Canada

Novus University – Mississippi

Oaklands University – United Kingdom (not to be confused with Oakland

University in Rochester, MI)

Oceania University of Medicine – Samoa

Ohio Central College

Ohio Christian College

Ohio Saint Mathew University – Ohio

Oklahoma A&M University

Open University of America – Maryland, Puerto Rico (not to be confused with the

United States Open University in Wilmington, Delaware)

Open University of Lincoln – Nebraska

Orienta University

Oriental University – Washington, D. C.

Orion University

Oxford International University – Great Britain (not to be confused with Oxford

University in Great Britain)

Oxford Trent University – Texas

Pacific Basin University – Texas, Mexico, Micronesia

Pacific Buddhist University – Hawaii, Japan

Pacific Coast University – California

17

Pacific International University – Springfield, Missouri

Pacific National University and Theological Institute – Los Angeles, California

Pacific Southern University – Hawaii

Pacific Western University – California, Hawaii, China, Hong Kong

Pacific Yale University – Hawaii, California, South Korea

Panama Canal University

PanAmerican University – Liberia

Paramount University of Technology – Wyoming

Parkhurst University

Parkwood University – U.S., Great Britain

Patriot University – Colorado

Pebble Hills University – Italy, Australia

Pensacola Christian College – Pensacola, Florida

Personal Therapy Institute

Pickering University – Hawaii

Port Rhode University

Prescott College of Business and Leadership Studies – Hawaii

Prescott University (not to be confused with Prescott College in Arizona)

Preston University – Alabama, Wyoming, Pakistan, Dubai, Netherlands

Prixio Southern University

Promis University of London – United Kingdom, Belize

Pylon University – Hawaii, California, South Korea

Queens University – California

Queens University of Brighton – Missouri

Queenston University – Utah, Australia, Vanuatu

Randford Uninversity – District of Columbia, Florida, Virginia

Ravenhurst University

Redding University – United States

Regent International University – Australia

Regency College

Rhode Island School of Law

Rhode Island State University

Richardson University – Wyoming, Caribbean

Robert de Sorbon – Maine, Florida, France, Switzerland, Comoro Islands

Robert Kennedy College – Switzerland

Robert Kennedy University – Switzerland

Robertstown University – Liberia, Arizona, Idaho, Washington

Rochelle Univeristy

Rochfort College

Rochville University

Rockford Community College

Rocklands University – United Kingdom

Romano Byzantine – Minnesota, Virginia

18

Rosebud University

Royal Canadian Institute of Technology – British Columbia, Canada

Royal College of Science

Royal Open University

Rushmore University – South Dakota, Wyoming, Georgia, Cayman Islands, British

Virgin Islands

Rutherford University – Wyoming, British Columbia, Swaziland

Sacramento International University

Sacramento Regent University – California

Saint Andrews Correspondence College

Saint Augustin University – Florida

Saint John’s University – Springfield, Louisiana

Saint Joseph University – New York (not to be confused with St. Joseph’s College

in Brooklyn, NY)

Saint Martin’s College and Seminary – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Saint Marys Universities (not to be confused with Saint Mary’s College in Michigan,

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, or St. Mary’s University in Texas)

Saint Renoir University

Saint Stephen’s Educational Bible College – Los Angeles, California

Saint Thomas University (not to be confused with St. Thomas University in Florida)

San Diego Pacific University

San Francisco College of Music and Theater Arts

San Francisco International University – California

Sands University – Yuma, Arizona

Scarsdale University – California, United Kingdom

Senior University – British Columbia, Canada

Shaftsbury University – Great Britain

Shelbourne University – Pennsylvania

Shepperton University

Sierra University – Costa Mesa, California (not to be confused with Sierra College

in Rocklin, California)

Solsbury University – Ontario, Canada

South Atlantic University

South Pacific University – Hawaii, California

South Pacific School of Medicine – Texas

Southern California University – California

Southern California University for Professional Studies – Santa Ana, California

Southern Graduate Institute – Kentucky

Southern Indiana Baptist College – Dupont, Indiana

Southern Institute of Technology

Southern International University – New Orleans, Louisiana

Southern Pacific University – Hawaii, Malaysia

Southland University – California

19

Southwest International University – Bayside, New York, Hawaii, Nevada

Southwestern State University (not to be confused with Southwestern University in

Georgetown, Texas)

Southwestern University – Tucson, Arizona and St. George, Utah

Spartan Health Sciences University – Texas, New Mexico, Mexico, St. Lucia

Spartan University of Health Sciences – Texas, New Mexico, Mexico, St. Lucia

St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants – Georgia

St. Augustine University

St. Christopher’s College of Medicine – Senegal, United Kingdom, Belize

St. Clements University – Australia, Turks and Caicos, Niue, Botswana, Ghana,

Namibia, Uganda, Zambia

St. George University International – St. Kitts, Grenada

St. James University West

St. John’s University College of Medicine – Montserrat

St. Lourdes University

St. Lucia College of Medicine – St. Lucia

St. Luke School of Medicine – California, Kentucky, Ghana, Liberia

St. Mary’s College of Medicine – Hawaii

St. Mary’s School of Medicine – Hawaii, Texas, Cook Islands

St. Matthew’s University – Florida, Maine, New York, Grand Cayman

St. Michael University – California, New York, Florida, District of Columbia, British

Columbia

St. Paul’s College & Seminary

St. Regis University – Dominica; Liberia; Washington, D.C., Washington

St. Renoir University

St. Theresa Medical School – St. Kitts

St. Theresa’s Medical School – St. Kitts

St. Thomas Institute – India

Stafford University

Standford University – Florida, Texas (not to be confused with Stanford University

in California)

Stanley State University

Stanton University – Texas, Hawaii, Louisiana, Missouri, South Dakota

Stefan International University, Inc. – Hawaii, California

Stensan International University, Inc. – California

Stetson College (not to be confused with Stetson University in DeLand, Florida)

Strassford University – Great Britain

Success Seminary – Oregon

Suffield College and University – Connecticut

Summerset University – United Kingdom

Summit University – Louisiana, Japan

Summit University of Louisiana – Louisiana, Texas

Sunshine Community College

20

Sussex College of Technology aka Copen Labs

Sutherland University

Synergystics – Rochester, New York

Taiken Wilmington University – United States, Japan

Taurus International University – California

Taylor University of Bio-Psycho-Dynamic Sciences – Chattanooga, Tennessee

Tecana International Universita – South America

Technopole University

Temple Bar College

Templeton University – Nevada, Singapore

Texas Christian Bible University – Texas (not to be confused with Texas Christian

University)

Tennessee Christian University – Tennessee

Texas Theological University – Texas

Texas University (not to be confused with the University of Texas, Texas State

University, or Texas Tech University)

The Dream Institute

The Gemini College – Great Britain

The Thornwood University – Netherlands, U.K.

Thomas A. Edison College – Florida and Arkansas (not be confused with Thomas

Edison State College in New Jersey)

Thomas Jefferson University – Missouri (Thomas Jefferson University in

Philadelphia, PA is accredited)

Thomas University – Pennsylvania

Thornewood University – Great Britain

Thornhill University – London, UK and Brooklyn, NY

Toronto Metropolitan University (not to be confused with the University of Toronto)

Trident University of Technology – New Jersey, Wisconsin, Singapore

Trinity College and University – South Dakota, Pakistan, Venezuela, Netherlands,

Canada?, Caribbean?

Trinity College of Natural Health – Indiana

Trinity College of Science and Management of Southwest International University

Trinity International University College – Wyoming, Delaware, France (not to be

confused with Trinity International University in Illinois)

Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary – Indiana

Trinity Southern University – Texas, Florida

Tuit University – Georgia

Tulsa College

Two Dragon University

Union University – Los Angeles, California (Union University of Tennessee is

accredited)

United American Medical College

United Nations University

21

United Pacific University – Hawaii

United States Open University – Hawaii, California, South Dakota

United States University of America – Washington, Florida

Universal Bible Institute – Birmingham, Alabama

Universal Ecclesiastical University

Universal Life – California

Universidad Eugenio Maria de Hostos (UNIREMHOS) – Dominican Republic

Universidad Federico Henriquez y Carvajal – Dominican Republic

Universidad Hispanica de America

Universitas Sancti Martin – Oklahoma

Universitas 21 – Channel Islands, United Kingdom

Universite de Wallis – Wallis and Fortuna Islands, South Pacific

Universite Libre Internationale – Belgium

Universiteit Russell Hobbes – Netherlands

University College for Advanced Studies – India

University de la Romande – United Kingdom

University Degree Program (1) – United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Israel,

Cyprus, Romania

University Degree Program (2) – Washington

University for Integrative Learning – California

University for Professional Studies

University of Advanced Research – California, Hawaii, Pakistan, Thailand

University of America – New Orleans, Louisiana

University of Beford

University of Berkeley – Pennsylvania (not to be confused with the

University of California, Berkeley)

University of Berkley – Michigan

University of Boston (not to be confused with Boston University, Boston College, or

University of Massachusetts – Boston)

University of Cape Cod

University of Central Europe – Mississippi

University of Central Kentucky

University of Corpus Christi – Reno, Nevada

University of Devonshire – United Kingdom

University of Doncaster – England

University of Dorchester

University of Dublin – California

University of Dunham

University of East Carolina

University of East Georgia – Georgia

University of East-West Alternative Medicine – Hawaii, South Korea

University of Eastern Florida – Chicago, Illinois

University of Ecoforum for Peace – Hawaii, Belgium, Switzerland

22

University of England at Oxford

University of Esoterica – Maryland and other locations

University of Esoterica and the Esoteric Theological Seminary –Texas

University of Health Science – Hawaii

University of Health Science Antigua – Antigua

University of Honiara – Solomon Islands, New Zealand

University of Honolulu – Hawaii, China

University of Honolulu USA – Utah, Thailand, Pakistan

University of Independence

University of Metaphysical Studies – New Mexico

University of Metaphysics – California, Nevada

University of Middle Tennessee

University of Natural Medicine – New Mexico

University of New Castle – Oregon, Washington, D.C., Ireland, United Kingdom,

South Pacific Islands

University of Newcastle – Oregon

University of Newlands

University of North America

University of Northern Washington – Hawaii; Washington, Vancouver, British

Columbia

University of Northwest – Louisiana, New Jersey, Wyoming, India, Pakistan

University of Palmers Green – United Kingdom

University of Pittsburg (University of Pittsburgh is accredited)

University of Ravenhurst – Great Britain

University of San Gabriel Valley – California

University of San Moritz – United Kingdom, Cyprus

University of San Rafael

University of Santa Barbara – California (not to be confused with the University of

California, Santa Barbara)

University of Santa Monica – California

University of Science at Berkeley – Japan

University of Science, Arts, and Technology (USAT) – Montserrat

University of Sciences in America – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

University of Sealand

University of Sint Eustatius – Caribbean

University of Southern Minnesota

University of Sussex at Brantridge

University of Switzerland

University of Teesside

University of the Bahama Islands

University of the Eastern United States

University of the Holy Land – Oregon, Israel

University of the New World – Arizona

23

University of the President – Utah

University of the Rockies – Denver, Colorado

University of the United States

University of Walla Walla – California (Walla Walla College in Washington is

accredited)

University of Wexford – United Kingdom

University of Wyoming – London England

USA International University – Hawaii

UTESA University – Santo Domingo

Valde University – Illinois

Vancouver University Worldwide – British Columbia, Singapore

Van Ives University

Vernell University

Verity Education – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan

Vernell University – Nevada

Virginia International University – Virginia

Wakefield International University – St. Kitts/Nevis

Warnborough College – Texas, Washington, Washington, D.C., United Kingdom,

Ireland

Warnborough University – Ireland, Great Britain

Warren National University (formerly Kennedy-Western University) – Wyoming

Washington American Open University – Hawaii

Washington Institute for Graduate Studies – Utah

Washington International Academy – New York

Washington International University – King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, Hawaii,

British Virgin Islands

Washington School of Law – Salt Lake, Utah

Washington School of Theology – Oregon

Weimar College – Weimar, California

Wellington University – New Jersey

Wesleyan International University

West American University

West Clayton University

West Coast University – Australia, Panama, United Kingdom

Westbourne University – Great Britain

Westbrook University – California, New Mexico, New York (not to be confused with

Westbrook College in Maine)

Western Cascade University – California

Western College

Western Michigan Bible Institute – Muskegon, Michigan

Western States University – Doniphan, Missouri, Texas

Western States University for Professional Studies – Missouri

Western University – California

24

Western Washington International University – Hawaii

Western Washington State University

Westgate University – Delaware

Westhampton University – Great Britain

Westmore College – Singapore

Westmore University – Singapore

Weston Reserve University – Canada, Kuwait, Seychelles

Wexford University

William Bradford University

William Tucker University – District of Columbia, Italy

Williams College – Idaho (Williams College in Massachusetts is accredited

Williamsburg University – New York, Saudi Arabia

Wilson State University, Inc. – New Jersey, Hawaii

Wisconsin International University – Ghana, Ukraine, and other locations

Wittfield University – Hawaii

Worcester University – Panama

World Information Distributed University – Belgium, Switzerland, Russia

World Pacific University – Guam, Ascension Island

World University – Santo Domingo

Yorker International University – New York, South Dakota

Youngstown College (not to be confused with Youngstown State University in Ohio)

YUIN/American University – Hawaii, California

Zenith University – Hawaii

Source:

EmployeeScreenIQ Internal Research and the following Websites

Is the Cost of College Worth It?

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Deciding If You Should Get That Degree…Or Not

The economic news of the day is decidedly poor.  Unemployment has risen above 9%, wage gaps continue to increase, median income has dropped by over 10%, and average costs of living continue to soar.  In the past the answer to these problems always seemed to lie within the “hallowed halls” of a higher education.  Those with college degrees, we were told, will earn hundreds of thousands more in their lifetimes.  But with tuition costs rising steeply, employment rates falling sharply, and consumer debt on the rise many are now asking if the age old adage still rings true.  Is college really worth the expense?  According to new research by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, just released this month, the answer is yes – and perhaps more now than ever.

Graduation in the Spotlight

According to the study, led by Anthony Carnevale, Stephen Rose, and Ban Cheah, there is a direct correlation between years of completed education and lifetime earnings.  “On average, there are significant differences in how much is earned based on how much education is completed, ranging from high school dropout to doctoral graduates.”

Data available in 1999 showed that employees holding a bachelor’s degree earned 75% more over a lifetime than employees with only a high school diploma.  Carnevale, Rose, and Cheah were able to extrapolate this data and combine it with new research and statistical analysis to show that now the earnings difference between those holding a bachelor’s degree and those with only a high school diploma has risen to 84%.  In some fields this translates to over one million dollars more over a 35 year work-span.

A Degree Is More Important Now Than Ever

This data shows that not only is a college degree worth the expense, but it is becoming more valuable over time.  Speaking to news reporters at a press release Carnavale stated, “lifetime returns for a post-secondary education are, in fact, increasing and differences in attainment count for very substantial differences in lifetime earnings. For example, a worker with a master’s degree can expect to earn about $400,000 more than a worker with a bachelor’s degree. And a person with a doctoral degree can expect to earn nearly $600,000 more than a master’s degree holder, over a lifetime.” And in some highly technical fields these differences top the seven digit category.

However, even with these statistics, many still wonder.  True, they say someone with a college degree will earn more money, but only if she can actually find a job.  And if she does find a job she has to stay there long enough to move up through the pay scale rankings.  Even then, will the lower salaries offered today exceed the debt one must acquire in order to graduate with an advanced degree?  These are valid questions.  Education debt is at its highest levels ever, and so are overall costs of living.

College Definitely Makes A Difference

The study by Georgetown University also addressed these issues.  “Carnevale emphasized that the ‘substantial’ difference in earnings between a worker with a high school diploma and one with a bachelor’s degree would more than cover the cost of attending college.”  While it is true that education costs have risen steeply, so have opportunities for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.  Many companies will now offer to offset all or part of the cost of obtaining a higher degree if the student agrees to remain an employee for a certain number of years.  This way both parties benefit.  An employee is guaranteed a job, a higher education, and a higher pay rate, while the employer is guaranteed a high quality employee with a high level education.

In fact, the study showed that not only can the costs of a higher education be more than covered by future wages, but educational costs can actually be lower now than ever before if students take advantage of the many opportunities for financial aid available through both government and private organizations.

The Future Calls For A More Educated Work Force

Researcher’s affiliated with the study made the statement that “America’s future depends . . . on having college-education workers.”  For this reason it is more important now than ever to increase the number of students attending and graduating from institutions of higher learning.

The Georgetown University researchers paired their research with additional studies underwritten by the Lumina and Gates foundations.  These two foundations have been at the forefront of the fight to improve statistics showing how many students graduate compared to how many students enroll. Right now the U.S. falls well behind the rest of the world when it comes to college completion rates.  The goal of the Lumina and Gates foundations is to have “60 percent of Americans holding a high-quality college degree or credential by 2025.  That would be an almost 50 percent jump from the current percentage, which places the U.S. tied for 10th in the world in post secondary education.”

Colleges Need to Adapt

If this goal is to be achieved then colleges will have to “move with the times”.  Colleges,” according to Merisotis, “cannot continue to conduct business as usual, with [an] emphasis on seat time (the amount of time spent in a classroom to reach a credit).  Colleges must be more flexible, more student-centered, accountable and accessible,” he said.

Colleges seem to be listening.  More and more universities offer a range of scheduling options, varying from traditional classroom experiences to self-taught online courses, to webinar seminars.  Colleges and universities throughout the United States are becoming more and more accessible to more and more students with non-traditional learning needs.

It seems clear that this and other studies – along with daily examples – prove that a college education is most certainly worth the cost.

 
Ready to give college a chance? Talk to an adviser about adult education and get started today!

The Results Are In: Online Learning Works

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Recent Study Looks at Impact of Online Learningdistance education

Do you want to go to school online? Adult Education will let you get your degree online!

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) was involved in a recent study of online learning, called “Report on Outcomes from the Study of a SciPack Deployment in the Houston Independent School District during School Year 2009-2010.”  The results are finally in: online learning works.

The study was performed by Edvantia, a not-for-profit education research firm based in West Virginia.  Their hope was to better understand how online learning affected teachers’ content knowledge, or how well teachers understood what they were teaching, as well as student performance.

There were about 60 teachers involved in the study, all of whom taught 5th, 6th, or 8th grades in Texas’s Houston Independent School District (HISD).   The teachers used SciPacks, a web-based program developed by NSTA.  As part of the program, teachers:

  • Participated in teaching simulations
  • Read narratives from other educators
  • Completed hands-on experiences
  • Connected with mentors and advisors through email

Study Results

According to the article, “Study of NSTA Online Learning Program Shows Significant Gains in Science Learning for Teacher and Student Participants from Houston Independent School District,” the results are positive.

“Assessments given both before and after use of the program show that teacher knowledge…increased by approximately 17 percentile points, compared to 8 percentile points for the control group…The impact of the professional development program also gave teachers greater confidence in their ability to teach science.” 

Of course, when teachers understand what they’re teaching, students are more likely to succeed.  “Students had gain scores of 17 percentile points, compared to nearly 12 points for students of control group teachers. “

The Future of Teaching

A lot of stories that discuss the relationship between online learning and teaching, focus on the demise of the teaching profession.  But this study shows that online learning doesn’t have to be teaching’s nemesis; in fact, it can be used to enhance teaching.

Teach for America, a national corps of teachers who work in under resourced schools, uses a program similar to SciPacks as a way to connect teachers with more experienced educators.  As one TFA Alum shares, “Their online network was really useful.  There was a catalog of lesson plans to use as well as videos of teachers in their classroom.  All of that really helped me strengthen my own teaching.”

Instead of participating in traditional Professional Development days, the teachers in the NSTA study were able to participate in activities that directly related to what they were teaching.  And although I don’t know for sure, I imagine that the program’s online availability meant that teachers could access these resources at any point during the day.

Imagine teachers being able to teach during the day, and then using the hour or so after the students have been dismissed to connect with master educators from across the nation.  Their content knowledge would increase and, as the study suggested, they would probably feel more excited and ready to teach the next day.

Start your path toward a bright future. Distance learning can help you achieve your dreams!

Cost of an Education: Priceless

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Tuition-Free Institutions Offer Cheaper Alternative for Students

Tuition costs continue to rise and funding is at an all-time low, but students continue to look for ways to get their education.

But what if there was a tuition-free alternative? A place a student could receive a degree without the high expenses? Impossible right? Wrong.

According to the USA Today article written by Jack Gillum on April 6, 2010 titled “Tuition-Free Colleges Stand Their Ground Against Costs,” most colleges that offer the free tuition are schools such as military academies, engineering schools, and fields where there is a short supply of graduates and a growing demand.

For the most part, these colleges have seemed to stay under the radar, even when tuition costs at other institutions seem to increase steadily.

Under the Radar

Amy Barton, a mother and student working on her associates degree, said she would be surprised by the option, but she would need answers to several questions before applying.

“I’d be like: Where do I sign up? How much time does it take to get a degree? Does it transfer in case my degree is more extensive than what they offer? And does it work with my schedule,” she asked.

Depending on different aspects of an individual institution, including its accreditation, she said she would strongly consider it.

“It would have to be online so I could attend in the middle of the night when my family is sleeping, or when they are not home with me,” Barton said. “As of right now, if it didn’t work into my schedule, then I wouldn’t be able to attend. I have a strict schedule with my family, and they are my top priority; I’m living life around them, not a college!”

Tuition-Free Institutions

Some may wonder if this is a new trend, but the schools have been around for years. According to FinAid!, there are more than a dozen colleges across the nation that do not charge tuition. Some of these colleges include Berea College, College of the Ozarks, the Webb Institute, William E. Macaulay Honors College at CUNY, and the University of the People.

In an article written by Scott Allen for the Wall Street Journal on May 12, 2009 titled “8 Tuition-Free Colleges,” a large endowment allows students at the Berea College to receive full-tuition scholarships. In return, students work at least 10 hours a week in one of many departments across campus.

In September 2009, 180 students from almost 50 countries attended their first day of classes at the University of the People, according to a Bloomberg Businessweek article written on Jan. 21, 2010 by Alison Damast titled “Tuition-Free University Gains a Following.”

Shai Reshef, the founder of the UotP told Damast that many students could no longer afford to get an education.

Reshef said: “In some parts of the world it just doesn’t exist or there isn’t a big enough supply…I thought: What can be done better with the Internet than helping people get an online education for free?”

What Do Students Pay For?

Even though students get a free ride on tuition, they are still responsible for things such as application fees, room and board, as well as some books, possible exam fees, and regular costs of living. However, it is still possible to receive additional funding, whether it is federal or from the institution, to help offset these costs.

The UotP, for example, charges students an exam processing fees that range from $10 to $100 depending on the country the student is residing in. Berea College charges $750 per year for books and supplies, $1,276 for personal expenses, and $426 for transportation. The Webb Institute has a total of $20,670 in expenses with the free tuition.

Each institute will vary in expenses, but most of the tuition-free colleges and universities will still require students to pay something toward their education.

Is It Accredited?

According to the UotP, they offer both an associates and bachelor’s degree in computer science and business administration. At this time this institute is not accredited, but it is in the process of applying for accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education. The Webb Institute finished its re-accreditation process in 2010 through its regional accreditor and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and it is not up for review for another four years, according to the President’s message.

If students want to see if the institute is accredited, they can easily search accreditation on the institute’s website, call the institution, or search the list of national accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education.

 

Scare Tactics: Are School Recruiters Misleading You?

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For-Profit Colleges Target Students, Leave Many In Debt

Government agencies and representatives recently uncovered deceptive tactics and ill-advised practices used at many for-profit colleges across the nation to draw in and target low-income students.

On The Radar

For-profit colleges appeal to students within the under-privileged and minority brackets for years. Many of these college students are seeing federal funding dollars flash before them as each student enrolls.
Huffington Post in an article by Chris Kirkham published Feb. 8, 2011 titled “For-Profit College Recruiters Taught To Use ‘Pain,’ ‘Fear,’ Internal Documents Show,” students of for-profit schools make up less than 15 percent of the college enrollment nationwide, but they account for ¼ of student aid recipients.
 

 
The U.S. Government Accountability Office sent undercover investigators to 15 different for-profit colleges to see how recruiters were appealing and enrolling students. What they found was shocking to some. Four for-profit colleges encouraged fraudulent practices by encouraging students to falsify financial aid forms to qualify for federal aid, and all 15 institutions made deceptive and questionable statements to the investigators.

A document by the Vatterott Educational Centers Inc. shows tactics used by its recruiters: “We serve the UN-der world: un-employed , underpaid, unsatisfied, unskilled, unprepared, unsupported, unmotivated, unhappy, underserved!”

These institutions have been under the microscope for quite some time. Government officials began questioning the recruiting methods and promises of degrees that theses institutions have boasted.

According to the National Public Radio in an article published May 12, 2011 titled “For-Profit Colleges: Targeting People Who Can’t Pay,” many students drop out before graduating, and others can’t find jobs that will allow them to pay off the federal loans after they have graduated.

Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-ILL) expressed his concerns for students drawn into for-profit institutions in an article published by the L.A. Times on Feb. 6, 2011 by Walter Hamilton titled “For-Profit Colleges Face Federal Crackdown.”

“We’re seeing too many examples where students go deeply into debt and either end up with no diploma or a worthless diploma,” Durbin said.

Fear, Pain and Hope

People may question how students get trapped in these salesman-like tactics. It is simple. In addition to knowing their target student audience is low-income, recruiters also appeal to emotional needs and distresses of potential students.

Until just recently, schools were paying its recruiters for each individual who signed up as an incentive compensation. This practice was banned in 1992, but the Bush administration made changes in 2002 that left loopholes for these institutions. Now companies are getting around the ban and paying its recruiters per individual. Currently the Obama administration is trying to get rid of the loopholes.

Kirkham explains that for-profit institutions are using these high-pressure techniques to increase the enrollment numbers, ultimately leading to an increase in federal student aid dollars as well.

One document obtained by the Senate Committee shows what ITT Technical Institute was promoting to its recruiters: Remind them of what things will be like if they don’t continue forward and earn their degree…Poke the pain a bit, and remind them who else is depending on them.”

Kaplan University gave its recruiters a document that stated: “Keep digging until you uncover their pain, fears and dreams…Get their emotions and you will create the urgency!”

Continuing Problems

In the last decade the enrollment has tripled to over 1.8 million students according to Hamilton. So what is being done about this increasing problem of questionable promises and tactics?

The U.S. Department of Education has been working on regulations and rules to try and focus the attention to student success instead of how much federal money the student brings in.

According to Melissa Korn in her article titled “Some Relief, But For-Profit Colleges Still Face Challenges” published by the Wall Street Journal on June 9, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education is requiring for-profit institutions to improve its admissions standards and loan repayment rates or the program could lose its eligibility for financial aid.

As a result, for-profit colleges have seen falling enrollment rates as it tightens its standards to comply with federal regulations.

“The industry is going to have to shift focus,” Jeff Silber, an analyst at BMO Capital Markets said to Hamilton. “That means slower growth and less profitability [to ensure student success].”