Is an Online degree closer to home better than one that is not?

You should look elsewhere. While getting your degree from a school close to home is ideal, not having to pay so much for it is even better. Why would they make you take 5 courses if you already have taken an algebra course? I mean I could see requiring you to retake college algebra if you got a C in that class but why the rest? No way in heck id ever retake all those math classes, id look elsewhere to one who would either accept what I already have or at the very least require me to retake college algebra and move on.

 

I agree with you. I am dreading the rest of my program because its basically all math! I feel like I'm a pre-med student. I hate math and I don't mind take a few courses but 5 is a lot, especially at $1700 a pop. I like GGU but I'm begining to think they're becoming a Phoenix! I am highly considering Indiana Institute of Technology, its about $ 500 cheaper or maybe even Columbia College (Missouri) online program. I'm very confused right now but I do know if I stay at GGU I will be throwing out $ 90,000 on a BS degree and that gives me goosebumps.

 

I am trying to make sense of it as well. The MATH and ENGLISH are putting me behind unfortunately. I have to take their English course because according to my advisor there is no substitute and they are requiring to take 5 semesters of math although I already completed Algebra they said I have to start from the beginning, which is Intro. to Algebra. I would be done NOW if it wasn't for the Gen. Ed. courses. I hate the fact thats its putting me behind thats why I want to transfer to another institution.

 

You have to decide if you are ok with having a DL degree or not. If you are, then go cheap and respectable. If not, then stick with GGA. Your fed loans will stop at $57,500, and it sounds like you are rapidly approaching this number; keep an eye on that "debt ceiling" as you consider your options.

All other concerns aside, it sounds to me like you're getting too deep into this degree. $90k BBA = b.s. There is a wealth of information on these boards that will show you MUCH cheaper ways to finish it out.

Just my $.02. Good luck!

 

Wow! Now I'm really scared. What if I opted to take out personal loans if I reach my max? The only problem with that is I'm sure the interest rates will be sky high. I'm not willing to take on unnecessary debt for a Bachelors degree, especially becuase I want to purse my Masters thereafter. I guess I better start looking for cheaper but reputable options.

 

Why would you want to get a DL degree that is close to home? Isn't the entire point of DL to make education available to persons who are distant from the campus?

 

My only concern is some people, especially older managers and administrators are pretty biased. I am highly considering Indiana Tech because they have accelerated formats (5 weeks) and I was also looking into Chadron State College. I've been weighing my options and Golden Gate is too expensive and plus they want me to complete 5 semesters of math which puts me behind a year or so. I feel as if I am a nursing or a pre-med major by all the math they are requiring me to take. :frown:

 

No, I live near USF and University of Tampa but I work full time and travel 50-75% of the time. "Going" to class is just not an option.

 

But my point is that if you are studying via distance learning, why is it so seemingly necessary that the institution offering the degree be close to home?

 

In my experience, most employers don't really care, although you will probably run across a few that will actually check to see where your degree is from. In most cases and in most professions, one RA degree is just as good as any other RA degree. You will find some employers, not many, who will question you about your degree, but in most cases, it really only amounts to a checkmark in a box on their evaluation form. "Does this person have an accredited degree? Yes. Check the box and move on."

 

My point is simply this: Hypothetically (we know this never happens in real life) if two programs are identical in content, cost, utility, etc. then there might be some added utility by enrolling in the one down the street. Maybe it's local networking, maybe access to the library, maybe you could have coffee with that cute grad assistant. I don't think anyone is saying that "close to home" is necessary, but in some circumstances, for some people, it might be preferred. That's all.

 

Is this from personal experience? :love:

I agree about the extra perks involved in attending a school near you. When I did my master's online with National U, they had a campus only a few miles from my house and it was really nice to be able to run over there to take care of things. I actually did a few classes in-person too.

 

I do agree, it can also give you an advantage if you plan to look for a job in the local market because the person intervewing you may have attended that local school.