A online university or community college?

[CorvusCamenarum]

Yes I have checked the online university is regionally accredited. I also checked with the community college. A LOT of students first go with a community college and then to a 4 year traditional university because it is cheaper.

I know quite a few people who went this route, but for the most part, it was an absolute disaster. Junior college (unless you're there to learn an actual trade) is generally little better than high school part 2. Sure, it's cheaper, but most people I know that did this, when suddenly confronted with the rigors of real university level work, found that a standard was expected of them that they weren't prepared to handle.

 

[184550]

Hello everyone.

I am torn right now. I am going back to school to get a better job and a better life for my myself, wife and future son. My wife is due at the end of November. My wife is currently a online university student. She is going to Walden University. If I decide to get my education online that is the same university I will be attending as well. Here is the link to the course information that I am interested in:

http://www.waldenu.edu/Degree-Programs/Bachelors/B.S.-in-Computer-Information-Systems.htm

I will be going for my Bachelor's if I attend online university. I know some people can't do school online and some can. I'm not sure what I fall into right now.

My plan for a community college is to graduate from there. Then I will be going to the University of Utah. The one thing I like about going to community college is the social aspect of it and also getting future job connections either from the community college or the university. The one thing I don't like is how long it will take to get my bachelor degree from the university. Six years total from today. Two from community college and four from the university.

With the online university I will be able to graduate from Walden University in four years with my Bachelor's. But no social aspect with the online university and I'm afraid it won't as look good on my resume as graduating from the University of Utah. Also I will have to explain to future employers what Walden University is.

I have done some research into Walden University by the way. They are regionally accredited and have some good solid reviews from the students themselves.

Not sure what route to take at this point. Please help and thank you for reading if you are still reading to the end.

It is a private, for-profit institution of higher education. I don't think anyone here can, in good faith, recommend you pursue this option.

Personally, I would opt for the community college followed by the University of Utah.

 

[B777Forevar]

I would go for community college. I don't trust any online uni

 

[jc0481]

Thank you all for the advice

I have decided to go with a online university. I chose this route because both my wife and I work full time. She will be a mom soon around Thanksgiving. I really don't want to be away from my wife and future son. If I did go to community college I will head straight there from work and then come home around 9:30 p.m. go to sleep and do it all over again. I will only see them on the weekends. Plus I would like to be there if my family runs into any emergencies. That would not be good if I am away at college.

I also like the flexibility online university offers me. After I graduate from the online university my goal is to never step foot into a warehouse job ever again.

Thanks again for the advice.

 

[yg17]

So despite 20+ posts telling you that an online university is a terrible idea, you're choosing an online university?

Don't be surprised in 4 years when you find out your diploma isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

 

[redwarrior]

<snip awesome post>

Just remember many people have no other choice but to go online because they have a full time career that they are juggling in addition to going to school. Thats a lot of work and it takes a lot of dedication to do something like that.

Great information. Thank you for not spreading rumors and misinformation like some of the others here have.

I have decided to go with a online university.

Thanks again for the advice.

I think this is a great choice, but I would because that is what I did. I am 100% online. It is certainly not for everyone, but it suits me and my lifestyle perfectly, and it sounds like it will yours as well. Just remember you have to be dedicated and manage your time well.

So despite 20+ posts telling you that an online university is a terrible idea, you're choosing an online university?

Don't be surprised in 4 years when you find out your diploma isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

I'm sorry, but this is a myth. The OP has researched accreditation and his school of choice apparently well. His diploma with be valid, legal, and representative of his studies, just like a diploma from any other accredited institution. What will determine his future is what HE puts into it and expects out of it.

 

[JNB]

As higher ed is my profession, I'm not surprised at the amount of preconceived perceptions about much of what comprises an "online" education.

As stated before, accreditation is an important factor in considering a particular school. Transferability of credits earned is as, if not more important, if that's a factor in your thoughts on attending more than one school as you progress. The MOST important thing to consider is whether or not the institution can provide you with the knowledge and/or skill you are looking for. Ignore the naysayers, it's a common view taken by many, especially those that have a vested interest in preserving the status quo.

There are really three divisions in this discussion. There are the traditional brick & mortal schools that you attend physically with no other option (fewer and fewer of these daily), traditional schools that also provide an online component (if not an entirely online offering), and pure-play online schools. Many of these in each category may be called "for-profit" in the generally accepted sense ("trade" schools are a good example, which includes law and medicine, by the way, and many business schools today), but here's the rub: every single institution of higher learning, whether it's Joe's School of Oil Changing or Harvard, is for profit. Period. The tax status is completely inconsequential here. Harvard—since I mentioned them—is sitting on $27 BILLION in endowments, nearly half of it unrestricted. Try finding out how they are really using that money (and it's definitely not just to "improve the academic environment"). They are ALL a business, they are all in competition with one another, they will use every tool at their disposal to eliminate the competition, and like politics and sausage making it's not pleasant to watch in progress. Again, this is what I do for a living, and I see it every single day at every single school.

It's simple. You are the customer, and you have many vendors to choose your product from. Who offers the most appropriate choice for the greatest value, in both dollars spent and long-term useability? As someone that is involved in hiring decisions, I am not impressed with a sheepskin from Wharton "just because", nor would I discount one from UoP or DeVry simply because they're not a "traditional" school. I need a person, not a ring-knocker, and one that has the requisite skills and training to do the job we're hiring for.

I'm in the early phases of identifying a pool of candidates for a possible position later this year. Because of my professional exposure and better appreciation of the larger picture in education today and how it's evolving, the one person that shot straight to the top of the list is coming from DeVry. If I had tossed that resume in the bin simply because of the name of the school, I would've overlooked the most qualified candidate because of an unreasonable and unjustified prejudice.

Don't second-guess your choice, it'll take time away from your studies, and that's the point of all this. It's not where you go, it's what you learn, and you're the only one that can learn it. You can be as successful at the school of your choice as anyone else can be unsuccessful at an Ivy League school. It's up to you, not the school.

 

[atticus27]

I took online classes in High School and would let work pile up for 2-3 weeks before I did any of it. I just transferred to Penn State from a local community college and I took a lot of Hybrid classes there which met once a week and you did most of the work at home. I think that's the best option. If you have a problem on an online class its harder to get the right answer through an email and much easy to talk to the teacher in person about it.

 

[Young Spade]

Don't second-guess your choice, it'll take time away from your studies, and that's the point of all this. It's not where you go, it's what you learn, and you're the only one that can learn it. You can be as successful at the school of your choice as anyone else can be unsuccessful at an Ivy League school. It's up to you, not the school.

I completely agree.

however... the rest of the world (e.g., the people who are hiring) don't think this way "all of the time". It is what you know, but, as the proverbial saying goes [one that I hate, mind you], "It's not what you know, it's who you know."

Last time I checked, the internet and all forms of it lacked in the individuality department. A strong wealth of knowledge along with amazing grades from an online school is awesome, and you should definitely strive from that, however, physical connections with the right people is JUST AS, if not more, important.

Half of those people (well not half, but you get my point) wouldn't be at any upper level school, let alone Ivy, if they didn't have the right connections.

There's a reason they ask about alumni in the application.

 

[dukebound85]

So despite 20+ posts telling you that an online university is a terrible idea, you're choosing an online university?

Don't be surprised in 4 years when you find out your diploma isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

I agree.

Online education simply is not the same. You do not have labs, you do not have faculty interaction, you do not have required programs such as engineering field trips or group classes daling with ethics, etc, nor is one able to do any type of group project work, and so much more

Online is simply inferior and I can not understand any argument saying it is equal....yet the tuition is comparable.

I do not know how any employer, knowing what an online education sacrifices, can put it on equal footing as a traditional degree.

 

[redwarrior]

I agree.

Online education simply is not the same. You do not have labs, you do not have faculty interaction, you do not have required programs such as engineering field trips or group classes daling with ethics, etc, nor is one able to do any type of group project work, and so much more

Online is simply inferior and I can not understand any argument saying it is equal....yet the tuition is comparable.

I do not know how any employer, knowing what an online education sacrifices, can put it on equal footing as a traditional degree.

I just saw this so I wanted to respond, being an online student right now.

Not sure where you're getting your information, but I respectfully disagree.

I DO have labs.
I DO have group projects.
I DO have faculty interaction (more than I need).
I DO have (too many) ethics classes.

And large corporations seek out graduates from my organization regularly.

 

[jc0481]

I have just started my online education. But I am still very concerned. I do like the social networking aspect of a traditional school. I can make new friends and also hopefully job offers. With online school I don't have that since people are from different parts of the country.

I just hope what I put into school does not get thrown away so easily when I do graduate. I just wish there was a better resource I can go to instead of forums. No offense.

I wish I knew the statistics

 

[dukebound85]

I just saw this so I wanted to respond, being an online student right now.

Not sure where you're getting your information, but I respectfully disagree.

I DO have labs.
I DO have group projects.
I DO have faculty interaction (more than I need).
I DO have (too many) ethics classes.

And large corporations seek out graduates from my organization regularly.

What kind of labs? Do you have access to equipement to perform experiments (ie wind tunnels, milling machines, or anything that requires equipment?) or is it just a "write a paper" lab? My point is that online schools just don't have the same resources to provide. Or am I mistaken?

As far as faculty interaction, is it face to face? or merely email exchange?
Same with group projects...face to face or is it all conducted through email and skype?

Any field trips to learn about the industry?

In short, is there any requirement to your curriculum other than doing it via a computer terminal? in both what you turn in and how you interact with others?

I don't mean to put down your efforts but I can't fathom how it can be seen as equal to conventional schooling

 

[Big D 51]

Community college if schedule permits.

 

[redwarrior]

What kind of labs? Do you have access to equipement to perform experiments (ie wind tunnels, milling machines, or anything that requires equipment?) or is it just a "write a paper" lab? My point is that online schools just don't have the same resources to provide. Or am I mistaken?

As far as faculty interaction, is it face to face? or merely email exchange?
Same with group projects...face to face or is it all conducted through email and skype?

Any field trips to learn about the industry?

In short, is there any requirement to your curriculum other than doing it via a computer terminal? in both what you turn in and how you interact with others?

I don't mean to put down your efforts but I can't fathom how it can be seen as equal to conventional schooling

Well, I'm studying database management, so I prefer to do my labs on my own computer and not on the (imo crappy) windows machines at the school's labs!

I just finished visiting several of the campuses and centers in my area (My school offers online options; it is not just an online university). I have interacted with the instructors and students on campus, but I am not required to go there at all.

I do a lot of interaction via skype and see no reason to have to smell someone's perfume to have a quality conversation. What is the advantage of physical one-on-one?

This is an individual decision. I home-schooled my children up until this year, so my feelings on this will be very different than some. My daughter is in her first year at a conventional college (albeit a technical school) in her area and is extremely bored. She said to me yesterday that all she has to do is talk above her instructors comprehension level and she is guaranteed an A. She is going to be pursuing other options soon. My son is in 4th grade and recently tested at 1st year college level (whatever that means). So I am very much a proponent for self-teaching. I think that the quality of our education is up to us.

Edit: I would also like to make the point that online classes offer experience in a type of communication that is being used more and more in today's jobs. We have to face that we are in a global community now, and being able to communicate effectively in it will only support success, not hinder it. I think that a combination of traditional and online classroom experiences would be an ideal way of getting an education. I wrote about my experience here if anyone is interested - Being an Online Student (I am an employee of DeVry University; have been since July of last year.)

 

[Zombie Acorn]

I've taken physical courses which were a Cakewalk and online courses that were some of the most challenging in my days. It all depends on the time the professor is willing to put in. Go to a state school or community college online though. I would never suggest the for.profit schools.

 

[redwarrior]

I have found The Chronicle for Higher Education to be very informative and unbiased in their research and reporting about all facets of education. Here is an article about online and for-profit myths. If one is seriously considering his/her options and is on the fence about what to do, I think looking though this site will be very helpful.

 

[jc0481]

Thank you everyone for the feedback. I have some great news! I just checked the website of my local community college and they do offer online Associate degrees. The only time I will have to step in to campus is for paying fees, taking a placement test and doing orientation.

 

[63dot]

Out here in California, nobody cares about Walden or Utah so they would be equal. I am sure the closer you are to Utah, the more that local degree means. But wherever you are if you move around, the only accreditation which matters is the regional accreditation and both schools are regionally accredited.

Where I am, I would prefer a degree from a brick and mortar school (nearby) or at least one known nationally if not in state than an online degree. Plus if you get the brick and mortar bachelor's degree, which is worth a little more than an online bachelor's degree since they are both regionally accredited, you will have gone the community college route (also brick and mortar) and have that accredited degree, AA or AS, too.

In your situation, if you stay in or near Utah, the best choice hands down are the two brick and mortar degrees. Taking six years may not be fun, but years after you have finished (I did both the AA and BA over many years while working in California), it won't matter if you took four years or six.

That being said, online education is not bad, and certainly better than no education. For instance, when you get that Utah bachelor's degree if you take that route and you find yourself wanting to get another degree (either for work or fun) but you are too busy working and raising a family, then it makes most sense to get an online degree. Top schools also use online options, both for first time students and for working adults. Some east coast, old crusty school named Harvard has graduate online degrees so that really puts a damper on anyone who wants to make a blanket attack statement about all online degrees, or the online concept of learning, to rest.

In the end, either choice, which will make you a holder of a 4 year regionally accredited degree, is a good way to spend the next few years so you are in a win-win situation.

 

[wvuwhat]

I'll echo the majority. Go to Community college and transfer. I went the straight University 4 year route, but could have really saved some money by doing the community college 2 year plan and transfer route.

 

[63dot]

No offense but thats a terrible way to hire. You probably tossed a lot of great talent away because you judged someone based on where they went to school. I know many people who have degrees from so-called "great schools" but are just terrible work ethic and knowledge wise, and I also know some brilliant people who are great in the IT field who make 6 figures a year and have only a high school diploma (one only has a GED).

Just remember many people have no other choice but to go online because they have a full time career that they are juggling in addition to going to school. Thats a lot of work and it takes a lot of dedication to do something like that.

I thought the same thing. Anyway, very well said!

It's very, very scary that there are such beliefs among hiring managers.

 

[Liquorpuki]

The school matters more than online vs offline. USC offers online graduate classes. So do Cal States.

Knowing that, I never heard of Walden University before so I looked it up. It's another for-profit that gives you a relatively useless diploma.

Expect more out of yourself and do college the right way. Go to community college and transfer to a reputable school. Plenty of adults with families do this already.

 

[alexlovesmacs]

Community college then transfer. You will be more motivated and network as well.

 

[63dot]

Expect more out of yourself and do college the right way. Go to community college and transfer to a reputable school. Plenty of adults with families do this already.

While I totally agree with brick and mortar way here, community college degree then four year school degree, what exactly is the "right way". We have already seen that in some circumstances, one can do classes or a degree online and have it be perfectly (regionally) accredited.

That being said, it seems to make more sense with brick and mortar for the networking possibilities and possibly college experience. I don't know if online would be lesser networking or experience, but it seems fair from previous comments of those who did online work and attended classes on campus that the brick and mortar is better on the personal level.

If the cost of online was proportionally less expensive, since classes can be very large and much teaching automated, I don't think people would consider the online degree useless. It does seem hard to justify the online school being over 30 grand a year though. Also, what is with any state college charging for anything outside of books? Back in my day, and that was not that long ago, state universities were free (outside of cafeteria, books, pencils/pens/paper, and semester parking permit).

 

[Liquorpuki]

While I totally agree with brick and mortar way here, community college degree then four year school degree, what exactly is the "right way". We have already seen that in some circumstances, one can do classes or a degree online and have it be perfectly (regionally) accredited.

The right way to me is to get into a traditional 4 year college, not a gimmick school that will make the hiring manager roll his eyes when he sees your resume. If you have to go to community college to do this, its worth it (and cheaper). Save yourself the headache and stay away from for-profits. Stay away from gimmicks. They just make job hunting afterwards an uphill battle.

Far as regional accreditation being a litmus test, Devry is regionally accredited through ABET. Its degrees are still useless in the job market, especially compared to traditional 4 year schools.

That being said, it seems to make more sense with brick and mortar for the networking possibilities and possibly college experience. I don't know if online would be lesser networking or experience, but it seems fair from previous comments of those who did online work and attended classes on campus that the brick and mortar is better on the personal level.

I'd add name recognition to it too. Especially when you're straight out of school going for your first job, or trying to switch industries, it makes things a lot easier.

If the cost of online was proportionally less expensive, since classes can be very large and much teaching automated, I don't think people would consider the online degree useless. It does seem hard to justify the online school being over 30 grand a year though. Also, what is with any state college charging for anything outside of books? Back in my day, and that was not that long ago, state universities were free (outside of cafeteria, books, pencils/pens/paper, and semester parking permit).

The public colleges here in CA have been charging tuition for as long as I know. Maybe it depends on the state you live in.

I know you did HR before. Can I ask what type of industry you screened for and how big your company was?