Hi!
I am considering going back to school. Online would probably be the easiest way, although I'll need to "upgrade" some of my computer skills.
How do I tell which schools are good, and which ones are scams? (In case it matters, I'm looking for a bachelor's in Finance (specializing in financial planning NOT banking)
What about Financial Aid? I feel most certain that I will qualify for low-income grants, but are there also scholarships for online schools? One school I've looked at that has both Distance Learning and a physical campus has told me that although Distance Learning is much cheaper overall, there are also fewer opportunities for scholarships. What have you found?
Thanks in advance

I have heard of Distance Learning.....

I'm thinking if you go through a physical insutitution that offers online courses you should be able to work the scholarships and know the reputation as it would follow the reputation of the school itself. Check into your local area schools first.

Thanks for the info.

You live in Virginia? Well ODU has several distance learning programs throughout VA, also Bluefiled offers distnace learning as well. Check both colleges out.Hope this helps

What many people do not understand about online/distance learning and adult oriented education is most of them are credible. They are colleges that have designed their curriculum toward the wave of adults that are having to update their education and skills. Most are traditional colleges .. somewhere.. but, the satellite campuses and online education are outreach for people that can't attend a traditional school with a traditional calendar.

I attend such school. I chose University of Phoenix because it suited my needs. I do attend on ground classes because personally I learn better in that enviroment. As for online/ distance learning and student aid: I would talk to a financial counselor at the school you choose to attend.

One more note: Update you computer skills for college credit. You will need X # of credits above your course schedule. Computer classes are a great way to do this. Another is a college writing course. See what format the college you choose requires their papers to follow and make sure you get a class that follows that format (APA or MLA).

I am about to double up on classes and keyboarding, intro to the internet, spread sheet development, and web design are the online courses I have chosen.

I went to www.aiuonline ... and it is accredited, and was accepted by my employer. I can tell you, there are some out there that are NOT reputable - but as Carla said - a lot more of them are. Online education is growing in leaps and bounds - due to the convenience factor. As a single mom, working full time - it was the best choice for me.

I have also attended the University of Phoenix online. They have programs all over.

You can check out a schools accreditation online as well.

Do some research, and see which one is best for you. I can tell you from experience, however, most online programs are significantly more expensive than the average community or state college.

Good luck!!!

Make sure the school is accredited by the regional accrediation association. For California it would be the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

If they accredited, they must meet certain minimum standards.

Also, be sure that you are disciplined if you do it online. There is nobody there to make you do the work. You have to discipline yourself!

Think about whether the reputation of the university is important for the type of work you will be doing.

Good luck!

Ronn