If you are one of the thousands who dream of going back to school, but simply don’t have the time to attend classes, then distance learning is something you should consider.

Benefits of earning your college degree online

There are many benefits if you choose to earn your college degree online.  The one that most students rave about is the convenience and flexibility – assignments, readings, and tests are all done on your own time.  If you have computer and internet access, and you want to experience a learning environment that is comfortable and based around your schedule, then begin your journey by following a few steps.

How to Earn your College Degree Online

To get started, you need to do some internal searching.  Any good, accredited online program is going to cost money and time, so you need to make sure you’ll be committed the whole way through.  Think about your interests, skills and the career you want, and then find the degree that you need to get yourself there.

Next, do some searching online for accredited institutions that offer your program through distance learning.  Here’s a good place to start:  Earn your college degree online.

Comparing Online Colleges

Although there are many institutions out there that will claim to allow you to easily and cheaply earn your college degree online, you must make sure that it is an accredited school.  Accredited colleges and universities have successfully  met the rigorous requirements by the accrediting associations in all aspects of college life. From the quality of the degree programs to the faculty, to the educational facilities themselves. Accreditation means that the education you receive will be recognized by employers and will give you the skills you need to succeed.

The third step is to contact the school(s) you’re interested in and see how their application process works.  Many schools require specific criteria to be met, such as previous grades or skills, in order for you to be admitted.  Don’t be afraid to contact the school directly – they will be happy to send you a package with all of the information you need.

Tuition Costs

And lastly, consider the costs.  Tuition varies between schools, so compare them in order to save yourself money.  It depends on your criteria for choosing a school, but tuition fees are always a factor, so compare, compare compare!  To earn your college degree online, you’ll need to fork over some money, but rest assured that most online courses are much cheaper than their in-classroom counterparts.

Earn your college degree online – The bottom line

There are many degree types that you can get if you are trying to earn your college degree online.  All of the degree levels, Associate, Bachelor, Masters and PhD are online, and there are many topics within these types to choose from.

There are MBA programs, Marketing Degrees, Criminal Justice Degrees, Graphic Design, Web Design, Speicalized Educational Degrees, all types of Engineering Degrees, Healthcare and Nursing Degrees, Counseling Degrees, Law and Paralegal Degrees, Degrees in Psychology, Religious Studies and much more.

Wherever your interests lie, there is an online degree program just waiting for you. Ready to get started? Try our free Online School Search.

• Columbia College was established 1851 in Columbia, Missouri
• Private university focused on the liberal arts and sciences
• Offers accelerated online 8 week classes
• Consistently ranked in the top tier of “America’s Best Colleges” (U.S. News & World Report)
• Exceptional value:  Tuition is just $210 per credit hour
• Offers online associate, bachelor, and masters degrees in fields such as general studies, history, psychology, business, education, criminal justice, and more.
• Regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

About Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri

Columbia College Missouri has a rich, longstanding history carrying on a tradition of academic excellence. Columbia College was founded in 1851 and was formerly affiliated with the Christian Church, but it is now a nonsectarian institution and welcomes students of all religious faiths. In 1970, Columbia College Missouri moved from a two year college to a four year liberal arts and sciences institution. Today, Columbia College enrolls nearly 25,000 students every year with satellite locations in 13 states.

Columbia College Online

Since I graduated from Columbia College Online in 2008, I can tell you that perhaps one of the best aspects of attending Columbia College Online is the feeling of community.  Yes, I loved having 8 week terms. Yes, I loved the low tuition rates. Yes, I loved having the option of joining other Columbia students on study abroad trips… but attending Columbia College Online was so much more than that. The professors always went above and beyond to help with any questions I had (and I had quite a few). The administration staff and counseling staff were always available to help. I was even allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies on campus in Missouri.  And now, after graduation, I am a part of an active community of Columbia College alumni.  There aren’t too many 158 year old universities offering those kind of perks to their online students.

More about the Columbia Online Degree Programs

Columbia College Online launched in the year 2000, providing students with one of the most affordable, convenient, and flexible ways to earn a college degree online. Columbia College Online is a highly regarded distance learning program enrolling nearly 14, 000 students a year. Currently, the college provides over 500 online courses and nearly 20 online degree programs. Columbia College Online credits its success on blending traditional and nontraditional teaching methods with continued individualized programs to help students achieve their goals.

Columbia College Online offers regionally accredited associate, bachelor, or masters degree programs, all of which may be earned 100% online. The university also has a generous transfer credit policy which helps students maximize: previously earned college credit, military experience, civilian experience, and exam credit (CLEP, DSST, etc.), and so on.

Columbia College Online Accelerated Degrees

Columbia College Missouri Online offers accelerated courses with each semester lasting just 8 weeks. Online courses are offered five times a year so students can earn their degree quickly and efficiently. For example, a student who takes 2 classes during each of the five terms offered during a year will have the opportunity to earn 24 credits, a full-time courseload. Add to that the universities alternative means of earning credit (transfer credit, credit by exam, portfolio credit, etc.) and students can earn their degree in a very timely manner.

Columbia College Online offers numerous online degrees including:

Online General Studies Degrees

• Associate in General Studies
• Bachelor of General Studies

Online History Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts in American Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in History

Online Social Science Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Online Business Degrees

• Associate in Business Administration
• Bachelor in Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration

Online Criminal Justice

• Associate in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor in Criminal Justice
• Masters in Criminal Justice

Online Human Services Degrees

• Associate in Science in Human Services
• Bachelor of Arts in Human Services

Online Science Degrees

• Associate in Science in Environmental Studies

Online Fire Service Administration Degrees

• Associate in Fire Service Administration

Online Education Degrees

• Master of Arts in Teaching (Current teacher certification required)

Columbia College Online Tuition and Financial Aid

Columbia College Missouri offers one of the best values in the nation:  undergraduate tuition is only $210 per credit hour. Despite their low tuition rate, the university still offers a number of financial aid options including Federal Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, Federal work study, and the Parent’s PLUS loans. Students can also apply for scholarships.

Source: Columbia College – Missouri