Needing a little advice, New at all this..

Hey guys,

I am basically going to be attending college for my 1st time. I think I got 1 credit, like over 10 years ago.
I am wanting to get me Associates in Health Care Administration 1st, then work on my Bachelor. I guess that's the way to go.
Anyway, I filed for my FASFA and also for 2 Stafford loans. I will get the max, as my EFC is 0 I also filled out the application for Axia College, University of Phoenix. I have not finalized anything with them yet. I just want to know if I'm making the right move for my education.
Thanks for any advice.

 

A degree is ALWAYS a good move, but Phoenix costs WAY more than MANY other possibilities.

Pug

 

How many options have you explorer? There are cheaper and more respected one. Axia would not be my first choice.

 

I have looked into Berkly and a few others, but they only do online study when they are doing the regular semesters. I was wanting something that I could start soon, and work at all year round. I also want to make sure they are accredited and have a good learning environment an great learning tools. I also want great instructors and a school that other colleges will accept their credits.

 

Billy, I don't know what you want to major in - but I would do the following:

1. Look for online community college courses in your state
2. Investigate some low cost out of area community colleges. Clovis Community College is VERY inexpensive:

http://www.clovis.edu/AdministrationandFinance/TuitionandFees/index.asp?Term=Summer

http://www.clovis.edu/AdministrationandFinance/Fees/index.asp?Term=Summer

http://www.clovis.edu/StudentServices/ClassSchedules/index.asp

My two oldest children have completed courses through Clovis - Great student services, good online course offerings. IMHO, Clovis is one of the best values in higher education.

Best of luck in your decision.

Shawn

 

>>

You should add to your criteria "regionally accredited." My suggestion is based on what you said here "I also want...a school that other colleges will accept their credits" While it's true that nationally accredited credits will be accepted by some regionally accredited schools, all regionally accredited credits will be accepted by both regional and nationally accredited schools.

When I went to the department of education website last year (which is where you should check the accreditation status of any school you are considering), the stat they posted was that 98% of Regionally Accredited Public Universities were offering online courses. Many also offer full online degrees at both the associate, bachelor, and master's levels! If you go private or not is up to you- but you probably have about 600 colleges/universities to choose from. I won't suggest a school, but I will suggest you slow down and consider the pros and cons of your options. Even consider the pros and cons of getting an associate degree first- you don't have to. You can also test out of classes using CLEP to save huge $$ and time. If you still don't know what your options are- it's not yet time to pay tuition WELCOME!!!

 

This is a great point. If you feel you have a good understanding of certain subjects (English, math, science, humanities, ciminal justice, and about 50 more) you can take an equivlency test. You pay about $65 dollars, take a test that could be as short as 30 minutes or as long as 90 minutes, depending on how well you know the subject, and you earn 3-5 credit. It is possible to earn 6 credits a week and get a whole associates degree by testing out - time 10 weeks and cost about 4K with testing and admin fees.

Three schools offer a degree by completely testing out and they are refered to as the Big Three on this board and they are Charter Oak State College, Thomas Edison State College, and Excelsior College. Most schools will accept 15-45 transfer credits. I recommend you continue to look around at your options.

If you want to take classes, in addition to Clovis this is another place to take cheap classes - LSU

 

Thanks for all the great responses. I never knew about CLEP. I will look into that option as well. I would like to take classes also, as I am working from home at the moment. I will keep you guys updated.

 

All the above responses provide valid advice.
I especially agree with earning at least 60 semester units through a community college (or via exams such as CLEP or DANTES/DSST).

What is your residence state (or country)? This can have an impact on your education costs.

 

Axia College- I recommend

Hi!
Congrats on going back to school!

I received my associates degree from Axia College/University of Phoenix. Yes, they may be more costly than other programs but I have found them to be very easy to work with. The format for the Associates program did not require learning teams (which suck!) and I found the academic advisors to be really terrific. They walk you through every step of the way.

I am currently working on my bachelor's at U of P. It's not cheap but it's worth it to not have to commute to a class and to have the freedom to log in and work anytime you want. I work full time and manage to work on school work whenever I have a few free minutes during the day. This takes less time from my family and gives me some great flexibility.

Best wishes to you!

 

I also took three classes at UoP and they were okay. Most schools with online classes allow you the freedom to log in when ever you want - that is not unique to UoP.

 

I have weighed out all my options. I have to work, & studying at home in my spare time, is the best. I went with UoP, because they have the courses I want. I needed to study and do my work, when I can. I know that it is costly, but they have what I want. I appreciate all the advice, that was given. They took me with just a GED and with no money! My Grants are paying the bill. I hope that I am still welcome here.
Billy

 

Everyone travels their own path towards higher education. You want to earn an associate degree and have chosen University of Phoenix to get you to that goal. My advice is try to pay out of pocket or through workplace tuition reimbursement and save any student loans, if necessary, for the bachelor degree.

I took a 1-credit hour History of Mathematics course through University of Phoenix and despite the price tag and group assignments I learned what I expected from the course and earned the missing credit hour needed for my degree at another school.

The only thing criticized and unwelcome on this forum are diploma mill advocates. Welcome aboard and let us know how you progress towards the Associates in Health Care Administration degree.

 

Billy,

I echo Sentinel's comments - welcome to the board.

Shawn

 

I really appreciate the fact that I am doing good, as I am only on grants. I will save loans for graduate studies. Hopefully by then I will have an employer that will reimburse my tuition. I started my orientation today. Monday, I will be taking COM 140 ( CONTEMPORARY BUSINESS COMMUNICATION) & GEN105 (SKILLS FOR LEARNING IN AN INFO AGE) I hope all goes good.
Billy

 

Again, Thank you ALL!!!

 

Have you looked at: http://bain4weeks.com/

The information on the left side below the image, ignore the ads on the right side.

Basically using CLEP, DANTES, and other testing.