Career and College Planning Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're a new student enrolling in college for the first time or someone who's returning to complete your degree program, there's a lot to know about how the college process works. From financial aid to online courses, find the answers to what you want to know with these frequently asked questions.

How do I find a degree program that's right for me?

Deciding on a major requires taking an honest look at your goals, personality, strengths and weaknesses, and what you truly want out of life and your career. When deciding on a degree program, research what jobs or careers are associated with specific degrees and use that information as a guide in your decision. For instance, just because you love history doesn't mean you should get a degree in history, unless you've determined that a job you want required that you have a history degree. Research real job opening to help determine what degree would set you up for the types of jobs you're interested in.

Can I start online classes at any time?

When you can start an online class depends on the type of school or educational program you plan to attend. Traditional colleges and universities offer online courses that coincide with the standard academic year, which can be broken up into semesters, quarters and/or summer sessions. Distance learning programs give you the flexibility to start anytime, regardless of the time of year.

When do on-campus classes start?

Most colleges and universities are on the semester system, which divides the academic year into two roughly equal parts: fall and spring. On-campus classes at these schools typically run from mid-August to late December and then again from mid-January to early May. Many colleges are on the quarter system, with four 10-week semesters running throughout the year. Contact your school of choice to find out their academic calendar and exact dates classes begin.

How much will my classes cost?

According to the College Board, the national average tuition for public universities is nearly $4,700 per year for in-state, full-time students. The average tuition for private colleges and universities is around $20,000 per year. However, with so much talk about rising college expenses, it's easy to become confused about how much it really costs to attend. The real answer is that it varies. Colleges and universities offer a range of costs, depending on whether it's public or private, the student's residency status, degree programs and much more. The good news is that more and more students are benefitting from financial aid programs such as scholarships, grants and loans. With the help of these programs, many students are able to afford college and further their education.

What prior education do I need to qualify for enrollment?

Generally, most colleges require a high school diploma and satisfactory standardized testing scores for a student to enroll in an undergraduate program. For those without these requirements, there are still several options. Some colleges will allow students to enroll with a GED, while others have programs designed specifically for students without a high school diploma. Other options include qualifying for "non-traditional" student status or enrolling in high school and college at the same time. Check with your school on these programs.

Do I have to physically attend classes?

If you're enrolled in on-campus college courses, it would be wise to attend your classes as often as possible. However, if you work full time or are in a situation that affects your ability to be in class on a set schedule, taking classes online may be for you. There are a number of advantages to this way of learning. It allows people to live anywhere while attending the college of their choice. It also saves time and money on transportation, room and board. Distance learning students can spend necessary time at work or home, and they can learn at their own pace. Online courses are quickly becoming a preferred way of earning a college degree and many academic experts agree that the outcome is equal to, if not better, than learning in a traditional school environment.

Will I have a dedicated academic advisor?

Whether you're a first-time freshman or an experienced graduate student, getting academic advising is one of the smartest things you can do during your higher learning career. An academic advisor can help provide tactical advice on creating a balanced class schedule filled with courses that will keep you moving towards your goal. They're also a great resource for valuable campus information and opportunities, and provide the support and encouragement you need when things get challenging. Academic advisors are available through the your school's student services department or through each individual college. It's a good idea to meet with your academic advisor at least once a semester just to make sure everything's on track.

Will I receive job placement assistance after I graduate?

Many colleges offer job placement assistance for graduating students and alumni. Offered through your school's career center, this service connects students with opportunities ranging from career fairs and events, interview preparation, resume and cover letter writing workshops, internship and job searches, mock interviews and networking opportunities. Career colleges or technical schools also have dedicated career services that help graduates find jobs.

How long will it take me to earn my degree or certification?

Most undergraduate degrees are completed in four years, but the four-year college experience is continuously changing due to the resources available to students today. On one hand, students have the ability to earn their degrees faster thanks to accelerated semesters and online courses. On the other hand, less traditional students such as working adults are heading back to school part-time, which will extend their years to five or six years. How long it will take really relies on the type of college you attend, the specific program requirements and how hard you work. Think of a bachelor's degree as approximately 127 to 132 hours of approved college credit. Starting from scratch, it can take three to five years of full-time study.

How does an online class work?

Online classes, also known as distance learning, are a great option for busy college students. There are several ways online courses can be taken. In a live media format, students log in to a chat room-type environment that allows them to not only listen to lectures, but also participate in them through live text or audio chat. The lecture can also be recorded and posted to a website, where students can listen and review class material when it's convenient in their schedule. Another format of the online classroom is a dedicated e-mail, text and message board area, where the instructor can post lectures and assignments, and provide discussion questions. The students can then post messages or questions to the instructor and other students. Take advantage of University Decision's College Explorer and enroll in a two-week sample course. It's easy and it's free!

How experienced are the course instructors?

The level of education required for a college instructor varies on the type of college. Most major universities and four-year institutions require one post-graduate degree for their full-time faculty. They may also hire experts and professionals who hold a master's degree as adjunct professors. However, most community colleges and for-profit colleges and universities are willing to hire masters-level professors for full-time positions. To guarantee the competency of their college instructors—and to meet accreditation requirements--schools are now certifying their professors to teach courses.

What degrees or certifications are available?

If you're in pursuit of higher learning, there are a number of accreditations and degrees you can earn in specific areas of specialty. Traditional college degrees include an associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctorate. An associate's degree is usually earned at a two-year college, while a bachelor's is earned through a four-year undergraduate program. Master's and doctorates are advanced study degrees, earned at the post-graduate level. A certificate is earned through an intensive study program in a specified field. Students can pursue certification in conjunction with a degree program.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is available to any student enrolling in post-secondary educational institutions, such as colleges, universities, trade or technical schools, and online courses. What type of aid you qualify for and how much you'll be awarded is determined after you apply for the FAFSA or the Free Application for Federal Aid. This application determines whether you're eligible for loans, grants or scholarships. Information on the FAFSA can be obtained at your high school counselor's office or the financial aid office of your nearest community college or university.

Will I be able to transfer credits from another institution?

Transferring schools is a common occurrence among college students. Whether it's because of marriage, job opportunities, military obligations or simply a change of environment, students change schools for a number of reasons. If you're planning on transferring to another college or university, the most important thing you'll need to consider is whether the credits you've already earned will transfer and apply to the curriculum at your new school. Before transferring, bring a copy of the college catalog that you fall under. Keep textbooks and/or syllabi for courses you think may come into question. Request that an official copy of your transcript be sent to your new school and keep an unofficial copy for yourself. These materials will help the new school evaluate your coursework and how it applies to their requirements for earning a degree. Without proper evaluation, you may not only lose valuable credits, but you may have to take additional classes to meet the new school's criteria.

Are degree programs accredited?

Accreditation is an independent review of an educational program that determines whether the education being provided is of uniform and sound quality. Accredited degree programs are programs that have been carefully reviewed by granting organizations and associations that have determined the programs meet the current education standards. To ensure the degree program you enrolled in is accredited, check with your school's student services office or registrar's office about the current status of its accreditation.

What are the software or technology requirements for online classes?

Although there are state-of-the-art tools and technology that can be used in distance learning, most schools use familiar and basic technology to make it easy for students of all computer skill levels. From a know-how perspective, students should be able to e-mail, upload attachments, post to a message board and chat online. As for equipment, a newer model computer, high-speed Internet connection, printer and microphone are the basic things you'll need to get started. If instructors upload audio or video, or use PDFs for assignments, instructions and notes, you should have the appropriate software installed on your system in order to use them.

Will I be able to "drop" classes?

Most colleges and universities will allow students to drop a class for whatever reason. However, it's important to know the requirements and timeframe to drop a class either before registering for that class or at the beginning of the session. You may also get a refund for the class. Typically, refunds decrease by percentages the longer you wait to drop.

Will I need to take the SAT or ACT prior to enrolling in online college?

Most online colleges do not require enrolling students to have taken the SAT and/or ACT prior to enrolling. However, it's best to check with each individual school's admission requirements.

Are degrees from online colleges accepted in the workplace?

Online college degrees have revolutionized the world of education and today's employers are standing up and taking notice. In fact, many employers—through such programs as tuition reimbursement—encourage their employees to advance their education in order to improve the productivity of their workforce. As a result, many employers have a positive view of the online college degree.

What do the different college accrediting boards mean?

In general, colleges and universities are accredited by one of six regional agencies: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Northwest Commission of Schools and Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. These agencies evaluate and certify that a college is providing a quality education and meeting all the guidelines set forth in their accreditation standards. To make sure the college or university you're interested in attending is accredited by a legitimate authority, check with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. More than 70 accrediting associations in the United States are recognized by these agencies.