Last year I took the plunge and became a college student. It was scary and I wasn’t sure that I was doing the right thing. Now that the school semester is right around the corner again, I’m ready and looking forward to the challenges I’ll face.
I went with the local community college for my needs. It worked well for our family and we’re lucky enough to have this college in our hometown.
For many non traditional students, they need the flexibility to maintain their lifestyles whether it’s a full time employee or a stay at home mom. American Public University (APU) has the flexibility that many non traditional students want. They offer over 100 online degrees and certificates in different areas and programs ranging in Associate’s, Bachrlor’s and Master’s. Classes are all online, providing students with the opportunity to learn anywhere, any time. With monthly class starts, programs are offered in 8 and 16 weeks, rather than semesters.
So, how does the price match up? According to the information that I received, APU’s tuition is among the lowest in the country for accredited online universities, enabling it to offer quality, accredited degree programs at an affordable price.
The tuition and fee structure breaks down like this:
- Undergraduate – $250/credit hour = $750 per 3 credit course
- Graduate – $300/credit hour = $900 per 3 credit course
The overall cost for APU undergraduate tuition, fees and books is $21 per semester hour less than the average four year public university (College Board 2009-2010 data)
For undergraduates, course materials are provided at no cost through a Book Grant program. We all know how expensive college textbooks are, what a great way to save! With no admission or registration fees, costs are kept down. You’ll be pleased to know that APU has not increased undergraduate tuition fees in over 10 years.
More APU facts:
- APU is a member institution of regionally- and nationally-accredited American Public University System (APUS), recognized as a leading education provider by numerous military, federal, private and public sector employers
- According to the Military Times annual industry top-50 rankings for 2010, APU’s sister institution, American Military University (AMU), is the number- one education provider to the U.S. military
- Leading practitioners in a wide range of fields teach APU/AMU classes so students are learning from the best in the business
- In 2009, APUS received the Sloan Consortium’s Ralph E. Gomory award for quality online education and is also a two-time winner of Sloan’s Effective Practice Award
- In 2008, the National Survey of Student Engagement found that 97% of seniors enrolled at APUS had an extremely favorable view of the online learning system and would overwhelmingly attend again if they could start their college career over
- The greater APUS virtual community numbers more than 70,000 classmates, 12,000 alumni, and more than 1,500 faculty and staff collaborating across time zones and borders in more than 100 countries worldwide
It’s not easy…I know this first hand. However, by earning a college degree I’ll end up making more money. It’s a trade off that I can appreciate it.
Want to learn more? What about if you were able to chat with other parents about their experiences with going back to school? Don’t miss your opportunity!
Helenjene Curtis: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Tuesday, August 24 at 8 p.m. ET
Jenn Deater: Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management
Thursday, August 26 at 12:00 p.m. ET
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I’m going to keep this in mind. I would really love to finish up my degree one day too.
Good luck with yours!
I have often contemplated going back to school. The thought of being in school while working full time and taking care of my family is frightening. It was hard enough getting my bachelor’s degree when I had no responsibilities. I know people do it everyday. May be one day I will take that plunge.