How to search for schools efficiently and effectively
July 24, 2012
With so many campus and online schools in the nation, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Thankfully, a number of search engines are popping up that can help narrow your search. One new resource is College Navigator, a search tool created by the U.S. Department of Education that aggregates school information and helps you fine-tune your search. For adults returning to school, there are some specific college amenities to keep in mind when searching for the perfect fit.
Tuition and scholarship offerings
Money is the most common detail holding those eager to learn back from going to school. On most college search sites, you can set a maximum tuition rate dependent on the state you live in and state of the school for which you are applying. However, most information aggregators do not have information about scholarship offerings from various schools, so visit a scholarship-specific search engine for this information. Receiving a scholarship for adults or single parents can help cut the tuition cost and make school much more affordable.
Credit for life experience
Many schools now offer credit for experiences and knowledge gained outside of the classroom and even prior to enrollment. On the College Navigator site, you can check a box that searches exclusively for schools offering various extended learning opportunities, such as credit for life experience. For adults on a fast track to a degree, credit for previous knowledge can save crucial class hours and maybe even semesters or years of schooling.
Distance learning
Choosing a college or university that offers distance learning programs can be very useful, and there are even distance-learning colleges. These are exclusively online accredited schools, which provide print-, audio, and video-based courses. You can easily communicate with your professor and classmates online, set up virtual meetings and watch full lectures.
Make sure the distance learning schools you consider are accredited, as many employers won't recognize a degree from a school with no official educational standing. Some on-campus schools have these courses available in addition to their physical class setting.
