Online Degrees

It is becoming easier to earn a college degree, due to the growing number of online degrees provided by regionally accredited and respected colleges and universities. Although there has been some talk in the media about online degrees not be accepted by some employers, most employers do accept online degrees - as long as they are from an accredited college or university. (eLearningYellowPages.com offers a directory of only accredited degree and technical online programs)

A student may complete an online degree at home and/or the work place, still meeting family and work obligations. Online degrees are available for at all degree levels, from associate to doctorate.

According to Sloan Consortium's 2005 annual review, enrollment in online education programs is increasing at a rapid pace. In 2004, 2.35 million students sought degrees or training via the Internet, compared to only 1.98 million students in 2003. That's a growth rate of 18.7%, and schools are enthusiastic about continued future growth. Nearly 75% of online education providers are expecting their online enrollments to continue to increase, and more than 56% of the schools offering online education consider it a "critical long-term strategy."

Today top tier universities and colleges offer the same degree programs online; Associate, Bachelor, Master and Doctorate, as they are offering to on-campus students. Usually, online schools offer the same curricula, student services and benefits to degree seekers.

It's easier than ever to take advantage of furthering your education by enrolling in an online degree or diploma program. When compared to traditional delivery of education, online schools are becoming more and more competitive. The Sloan report indicated a slightly higher percentage of core faculty teaching in online programs than in the face-to-face classes in more traditional delivery. With these high quality educational opportunities available online, more people are taking the opportunity to advance their career options by furthering their education.

A recent U.S. Census Bureau report indicates that those persons holding bachelor’s degree earn $22,909 more annually thatn those with only a high school diploma. The average annual salary for a four-year college graduate is $51,554 compared with $28,645 for those with high school diplomas, while high school dropouts earn an average of $19,169. The average annual salary for persons with master’s degrees and above is $78,093. Individuals in some professional and technical fields may earn much higher average annual salaries.

The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics announced what are expected to be the 10 fastest-growing jobs for the next 10 years, as well as their projected average annual salaries:

Medical Assistants ($23,940)

Network Systems and Data Communication Analysts ($58,420)

Physician Assistants (64,670)

Social and Human Service Assistants ($23,370)

Home and Health Aides ($20,670)

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians ($23,890)

Physical Therapist Aides ($20,670)

Computer Software Engineers, Applications ($70,000)

Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software ($74,040)

Physical Therapists Assistants ($36,080)

eLearningYellowPages.com offers an extensive directory of online degree programs, and vocational and technical programs that are regionally accredited, and highly respected, and accepted by most employers.

Sources:
Sloan Consortium

U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007

U.S. Census Bureau