With tuition hikes abound at numerous schools throughout the country, many parents and students are finding the cost to attend school a little hard to swallow. Florida college students are looking at possible 15% annual increases to attend school. On the other coast, California college students are already looking at a 30% increase for tuition rates.

According to this Associated Press article, students are dropping out of school to pay off student loans just a few semesters away from graduation. Those that do graduate are facing an enormous debt burden.  It’s a hard hitting reality; and because of this economic climate, many students are seriously rethinking their education options.

However, there are other ways to attend school without sacrificing your bank account or credit rating. Online learning is one great alternative option for those who want a quality education that’s still affordable. Some degrees offered through online schooling, at American Public University (APU) for example, are:

• Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Development
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health
• Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies

There are over 100 certificate and degree programs offered at APU, which has an affordable undergraduate and graduate-level tuition that compares favorably to most state schools. If a degree online wasn’t something you first considered, take a second look at what these schools have to offer. With the rate of tuition steadily increasing, the online environment may be a better option.

For more information on going to school online, or to learn more about programs at APU, e-mail info@apus.edu.

Like many of us, you have considered returning to school many times – and then life got in the way. You have weighed the sacrifices of time and money and couldn’t think of a way to make it all work. And you have new reason to worry about cost, in particular, given the down economy. Heck, with your household budget shrinking before your eyes, how can you consider shelling out the money that it will take to earn a degree, despite the wisdom that future opportunities will make that investment worthwhile? So, you’ve set that goal aside yet again. It may sound ridiculous, but current economic conditions actually indicate that this is an ideal time to go back to school. Consider the following:

A tight economy means you must find a competitive edge.

Yet tuition is just one component of the overall cost of a degree. For one, costs can vary widely based on whether or not you can transfer previously earned credits or experience into a school – meaning you need fewer classes to earn your degree. Be sure to ask if the school you’re considering has a policy that limits the amount or types of credit you can transfer. Also, consider talking to other students about their experience with transferring credit.

With gas prices at the current levels, you also have to consider how much money it will take to commute to and from school. If you choose to go to school online, you won’t have to factor the cost into the equation!

When it comes to cost, also be sure to look into the tuition dollars and reimbursement programs available through your employer. Programs will vary, and you will want an understanding of what is covered in terms of curriculum as it relates to your job responsibilities as well as caps on costs, the payout timeline and any payback responsibilities you may have upon termination of the employment relationship.

Ultimately, you want to make a smart – not a cheap – decision. It won’t make sense for you to pay less for your degree if the quality of the education is not good. At the end of the day, you are investing time and money to gain knowledge that will help you advance in your career. When it comes to assessing quality, you have help. Regional accrediting bodies assess and monitor the quality of education provided at higher education institutions, so make sure your chosen school meets their criterion and is accredited. You will also want to ask students and alumni about their experiences with the reputation of the degree among employers. (If you don’t know any personally, visit online forums on school groups within social networking communities and/or ask the school’s admissions counselors to speak with someone directly.)

The bottom line is that, in this economy, you need to keep your skills and knowledge current to advance – much less maintain – your career opportunities. Perhaps the greatest cost that you can’t afford is to be left behind while your peers enhance their skills. With today’s affordable and convenient online education options, you can make it work! So, what are you waiting for? Get on the couch, power up your laptop, and take the first step.

By Online Learning Tips Staff