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Look Into Alumni Services When Choosing an Online Degree Program

By U.S. News & World Report

As students determine which online degree program is the best fit for them, researching the available support services is essential.

With the growth of online learning, more programs invest in resources and staffing for enrolled students. But it’s also important for prospective online students to consider the support and guidance they will receive after graduation.

For online students, the merits of a school’s alumni association may not always factor into their selection process. However, having access to a quality post-graduate support system can make all the difference as students embark on a career and look to maximize their newly earned degree or certificate . These resources can be critical to developing their social and professional networks.

[Learn how to build a campus network as an online student.]

At Arizona State University‘s ASU Online, for example, we currently have active and engaged alumni chapters in more than 40 U.S. cities and 35 countries, allowing students to make meaningful connections with graduates around the world.

There are a few factors to weigh when looking at an online degree program’s alumni services. Specifically, many online programs offer career development services and mentorship opportunities for recent graduates.

Graduates and members of our alumni association are encouraged to share their professional experiences with current students by attending organized events across the country and connecting online and through social media. They lend their perspective on what challenges and opportunities may lie ahead in the job search process and workplace. This networking is particularly important for online students as many of them want to change or advance their careers.

A strong alumni network also often provides recent graduates with potential internship opportunities and information about industry-specific networking opportunities near their home base. In some cases, alumni recommend recent grads to employers recruiting new talent, which can be mutually beneficial. Some schools offer a formal portal or job board where alumni can share opportunities for recent online graduates in specific fields.

The importance of networking to a student’s overall professional network is not a new concept, but over the past several years the rise of social media has made it more interesting. While online students may not be able to attend on-campus career fairs, social media allows them to meet, connect and engage with peers, industry leaders and employers virtually.

[Discover how online students use social media.]

Often, online students can identify and connect with alumni through these platforms and take advantage of their expertise for post-graduate needs such as resume writing tips, details on job fairs and recruiting events, and other skill sets that may be helpful in the job search. This can make all the difference as an online graduate is trying to find a new job or move up at their current one.

The takeaway: Assess and take advantage of an alumni network and the services available to graduates. This resource can help online students as they progress in their careers. Consider your long-term objectives and how they can benefit from robust alumni programs.

More from U.S. News

4 Ways to Use Alumni Networks When Choosing a College

Build a Campus Network as an Online Student

Ask 5 Questions About Networking Opportunities in Online MBA Programs

Look Into Alumni Services When Choosing an Online Degree Program originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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