College degree completion programs

College degree completion programs

I'm 50+ and did not complete my college degree (I left in Junior standing). I've reached out to 2 colleges, and one is the college where I finished. I'm weighing the pros and cons of both. The other is University of Phoenix which obviously has been popular, but I'm not 100 percent sure if I want to go this route. It will take me probably 2 years to complete (I have to go back on campus for the first, but after I complete a few classes, all can be online). The other is out of state and I'm not sure how an employer would perceive receiving my degree, although it's accredited.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom? I'm inclined to return to the college I finished but the thought of driving there, finding classes around my work schedule, etc. is daunting. 100 percent online is preferred, but I'd like to know if anyone has any experience here as an nontraditional student (my major is English/Communications).

TIA!

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17 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    There are so many online options these days that I don't think it's such as negative as what it was once viewed as.

    I was a nontraditional student from start to finish. When I graduated high school, I declared I was never setting foot in a classroom...then about 6-7 years later, I was working for a company that offered tuition reimbursement so decided to give it a try. Because I was nontraditional and changed my major about 5-7 times between my associate and bachelor degrees, it took me about 10 years all told. I worked full time the entire time I was in school and at that time, not many options for online courses. While I did find some, my preference was always for in person. Me and my (then undiagnosed) ADHD needed the structure of actually being in a classroom and having a set schedule.

  2. Anonymous

    I went back to college at 52! Today, all modes of education are accepted, even self-education. You just need to find the right company. I went to SNHU online(Southern New Hampshire University) and loved it. Much less expensive and more forward moving in their teachings than Phoenix U was. They base a lot of their teachings from Harvard which as you know is close to them. Some companies don't even require degrees any longer if you can prove you're self-taught and capable of doing the work. Spend some time investigating target companies. BTW I graduated with honors at 54!!! Yay me.

  3. Anonymous

    Congratulations on your major accomplishment! Also, thank you for sharing this right when I needed it!

  4. Anonymous

    Of course! Thanks so much, and Good luck to you.

  5. Sarah R

    University of Phoenix is super expensive. If you're looking at cost, look up Western Governor's University for 100% online. Otherwise I would look at in-state colleges and see their online options.

  6. Patricia Crook

    Depending on the degree, U of Phoenix can be seen as a "lesser" degree (for profit) versus a rigorous degree from a heavy academic school.
    If your company is paying for it for your promotion, then do the U of P. That being said, many universities are now catering to the non-traditional student (I'm a college advisor) with many programs that are online, hybrid, or in-person. Just be careful not to fall into the trap of online convenience and later pay steep monthly student loans that your new career paycheck can barely handle. Choose a future career that is worth (i.e. good salary) the investment.

  7. Kat

    It's great that you're going to finish your degree. However, you need to consider a program that works best for you. Almost all colleges and universities offer fully online programs. Find one that fits your needs and budget. University of Phoenix is expensive and doesn't have the best reputation on the job market. Look into state and non-profit schools which should offer better prices. See how many credits will transfer to another school and how many more credits you'd need at each school. While you may have started out as an English/Comm major, you can pursue other degrees if your needs/interests have changed, or if you're looking to switch fields.

  8. J V

    Hello, I work in higher education.
    I work with transfer students and non-traditional students. I also work for a university that has two locations (43 miles away).

    I recognize the decision is not going to be easy. The more information you can get from the universities, the better informed you will be. It may be difficult to get the same level of detailed information from a new university since they often do not offer academic advising and transfer credit evaluations until after you apply and are admitted.

    I often ask students what is most important to them. I.e., Time/Length to Graduation? Cost? Location? Availability of Online courses? Ability to enroll full-time/part-time? Rank them and examine the pros and cons of each option they are considering.

    Sometimes, students would start off prioritizing one thing until we dive into the details of that choice/option. If the impact is too great on other areas they are considering, they realize it really isn't their number one priority. For example i.e., the availability of fully online courses might mean you have to switch institutions or academic programs. This can result in expanding the time it takes you to graduate. The new university or program may not accept the previous coursework or may have prerequisites that the former program did not require. Sometimes, the impact is only minimal, like 2-3 extra courses, and sometimes the impact is significant to adding 2-3 extra years. Adding extra semesters or years is also an added cost. Many of the students I work with are also parents, so even with extra time to graduation, it may be more important for them to have flexibility in their schedule because they have small children. They have a spouse/partner who can help shoulder the cost. While, a single parent without financial support doesn't have that luxury, so they might switch their decision after discussing with a relative regarding childcare support for 15 weeks until they can get fully online courses.

    My point is you know your life and the details better than anyone. However, you must really examine the pros and cons of your decision and understand that any choice you make is not going to be perfect and will require compromise. But, you can find the best option for you and what will have the least amount of impact on your life and overall goal.

    Best of wishes.

  9. Barbara

    Definitely do what you can to finish your degree. So many excellent universities offer fully on line classes. I did a certification course at Villa Nova fully online and I love 3000 miles away. If you can avoid university of Phoenix do so. They are expensive and not highly regarded. So many options for you these days ! Go for it!

  10. Mary Meffe

    I used Capella University 100% online and highly regarded

  11. Alicia

    Western Governors University. 100% online.

  12. Anonymous

    First off - this is a great investment in yourself!!

    Look at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign they have a number of degree paths that are for remote learners and do credit transfers they are also affordable. I find UIUC one of the most robust and flexible adult student programs. I like the students I have met in the degree i am working on. I really like the pace and approach.

    Western Governors, Empire State and SUNY Syracuse all have remote programs.

  13. Anonymous

    Check out other options too, I did my full bachelor degree from age 46-52; all online. Not sure where you are located but I used Concordia University and there were people from all over the US in my cohort. Good luck!

  14. Patricia Crook

    I went to Concordia as an undergrad and on campus! I loved the one-on-one attention! Then signed up for my MA, and it was online. Absolutely great experience!

  15. Anonymous

    I checked out several online courses for my MBA. I found one that did not have set classroom times but the homework or papers were due by midnight PST. I was able to still work and complete my degree in the normal time.

    As someone else said, it truly about what is important to you.

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