As part of the recently enacted federal Stimulus Package, President Obama and Congress significantly increased education funding to make it easier than ever for individuals like you to go back to school and get your degree online.
If you think paying for school is out of reach, think again! Here are just a few of the financial aid programs available to you if you attend Saint Leo University’s Center for Online Learning:
Values Grant - Saint Leo offers new online students who qualify a scholarship up to $1,584
Federal Pell Grants - Federal grants of up to $ 5,300 are available to students who qualify.
Federal Student Loan Programs - Independent students can qualify for low interest loans of between $ 9,500 and $ 12,500 per year.
Military Assistance - If you or your spouse is an active duty military member with available education benefits, you may qualify for zero tuition!
Financial aid may be used to cover your tuition and other expenses while you are attending school. You can qualify for financial aid whether you are employed or not.
Funds associated with many of these programs are limited so we urge you to act now to confirm your eligibility.
With all this financial assistance, there has truly never been a better time to go back to school to earn your college degree online. This is especially true since a college degree can significantly improve your employment prospects and what you can earn even during challenging economic times!
The first step to taking advantage of these programs is to contact an Enrollment Counselor by dialing 877-800-4802 to find out if you are eligible for the above programs or you can complete the contact form and an Enrollment Counselor will call you.
Studying Online Can Protect You From Economic Uncertainty Now … And In The Future
It’s official: The U.S. economy is in a full-blown recession. Massive corporate layoffs are announced nearly every day; each week seemingly brings another major U.S. business to the brink of failure; and unemployment numbers are rising every month. Times are hard, and nearly everyone’s feeling insecure about the future. During difficult economic periods, education becomes more important than ever.
While a college degree can’t promise you a life of ease and comfort, a college education can most certainly make you more “recession-proof,” both in this recession and any difficult times still to come.
Saint Leo University has offered this free guide to help people plan on how to recession-proof their own career. Read on for facts, tips, suggestions, and lots of helpful information about weathering this recession (or the next one!) by earning your college degree online. Download the guide or send along to a friend!
Get Free Personalized Career and Education Advice: Our highly trained counselors will speak with you personally about your career and education goals, with no obligation. At Saint Leo University, our faculty, staff, and counselors are 100% accessible and committed to our online students!
You can sign up for a free consultation at our website: online.saintleo.edu
Or you can call our toll free number: 1-877-800-4802
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January 7th, 2009 in
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How Can I Afford To Go Back To School?
With the worry over the economy, many believe that going back to school to earn their college degree is an impossible dream. Many adults and high school graduates are planning to delay or even forfeit earning their degree because of the tough financial situation the US now faces. Help is here! Saint Leo University is coming to the rescue of those who dream of a college education.
In an effort to help new students who are interested in earning or completing their college degree, Saint Leo University (SLU) has launched a revolutionary, new scholarship program. The Center for Online Learning (COL) Values Grant is now available to eligible new Saint Leo University’s Center for Online Learning degree-seeking students, provided that the student starts their online classes during the upcoming Spring term which starts on March 2, 2009. It’s important to note that the COL Values Grant differs from a loan in that it does not need to be repaid.
Why Go Online?
Online learning has grown in popularity, especially among students who are juggling a career, family life or other obligations. With a 100% online experience you can learn at your own pace, some people earn their four year degree in three years or less, while others slow down their experience to fit their personal needs. Online students also have a wealth of classes at their fingertips without being limited by geography or time restrictions.
Students who study online also can get started almost immediately, since online classes aren’t tied to the traditional school semesters and schedules. Online learning is also more accessible than a traditional college. All you really need to start is a high school diploma or a GED. If you have completed prior college coursework, chances are you can transfer the credit to your new online program. Prior to the rise of the Internet, this wasn’t case, as most higher education institutions were locked into rigid course schedules and antiquated admissions requirements.
Now What?
Making college affordable for incoming students is at the heart of this new grant. In addition to this grant, incoming students may also be eligible for additional financial aid including state and federal grants as well as federal student loans. Financial aid can be used to cover tuition, books, and other expenses while you are earning your degree.
To take advantage of this beneficial scholarship, follow these important steps:
- If you haven’t already applied for admission to Saint Leo University do so by filling out the online application.
- Contact our Admissions Office at 1-877-800-4802 to finalize your eligibility and accept your COL Values Grant.
Funds associated with the program are limited so take action now and finalize your eligibility with Saint. Leo University.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Admissions Office at Saint Leo University at 1-877-800-4802.
In this turbulent economic time, many are asking themselves how to recession-proof or grow their career. A great resource that you may not be aware of is college career counselors.
College career counselors can help you make informed decisions about your career goals. They provide expert, objective advice about how to achieve your professional aspirations. If you’re looking to change your career, counselors can help you take a hard and realistic look at the best way to move towards your goal. If you’re looking to advance your career in your current field, counselors will help you determine which educational or training institutions best fit your needs. If you need advice on how to make your work schedule and financial circumstances mesh with your educational pursuits, career counselors can provide this sort of coaching as well. Many college career centers also offer a host of other services such as interview coaching, résumé building, and help with various forms and applications.
Get Free Personalized Career and Education Advice: Our highly trained counselors will speak with you personally about your career and education goals, with no obligation. At Saint Leo University, our faculty, staff, and counselors are 100% accessible and committed to our online students!
You can sign up for a free consultation at our website: online.saintleo.edu
Or you can call our toll free number: 1-877-800-4802
December 16th, 2008 in
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Whether you’re looking to increase your salary, advance your career, or just pursue your love of learning, Saint Leo’s Center for Online Learning can help you design an online degree program that matches your educational goals and aspirations. Each of these strategies is worth exploring on a little more detail:
EMPLOYERS: Career counselors can show you where employers post lists of job openings and application requirements, including the exact training and experience required, starting wages and benefits, and advancement opportunities and career paths.
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS: You’ll find that people already working in a particular field often are willing to speak with those interested in joining their field. An informational interview helps you obtain reliable information from experts in a specific career without the stress of an actual job interview. These sorts of exchanges will allow you to ascertain how a certain career may appeal to you while at the same time assisting in the construction of your network of personal contacts. Talk to you career counselor about this option – they’ll be glad to help.
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES, TRADE GROUPS, AND LABOR UNIONS: These sorts of organizations provide a wealth of information about training requirements, earnings, and local employers. These groups may train members or potential members themselves, or may be able to put you in contact with organizations or individuals who provide specialized training. A very useful source for finding organizations associated with occupations is The Encyclopedia of Associations, an annual publication that compiles information on trade associations, professional societies, labor unions, and other organizations.
Additional Resources Online:
www.careervoyages.gov – Explore fast-growing industries and occupations
www.careeronestop.org – Research alternative career paths and compare salary data
www.salaryexpert.com – Data on 90,000+ job descriptions
www.careerplanner.com – Comprehensive career counseling web resource
www.payscale.com – New site with slick tools and interface
www.collegeispossible.org – Advice on earning a degree while managing a family and career
December 4th, 2008 in
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How do I get started?
- Sketch out a plan and get organized. Do some research into online schools with course offerings that interest you.
- Make yourself a calendar — online if possible — of important dates, deadlines and goals.
- Keep all of your educational paperwork in one convenient place, such as a three-ring binder.
How do I find an online school?
You’ll want to find a Service Members Opportunity College (SOC). Hundreds of colleges around the country — including Saint Leo University — are SOC members. You can start researching schools by visiting the SOC website. http://www.soc.aascu.org/
Who should I talk to get the ball rolling?
You’ll want to locate your base’s Army Education Center. For assistance in identifying your Army Education Center, you can do a search at www.goarmy.ed or call the GoArmyEd Helpdesk at 1-800-817-9990. Personnel at your Education Center can help you research colleges and steer you in the right direction for taking the steps you need to begin your education.
What documents do I need to gather?
Definitely request copies of your military educational transcripts — it’s possible any courses you’ve taken in the service could earn you college credit. Also: you’ll want to obtain copies of your high school transcript, in addition to transcripts for any college courses you may have already taken.
How do I receive credit for military classes and training?
How much college credit you receive — if any — depends on the individual school you’ll be studying at. Consult with the enrollment counselors at the college you want to attend to determine their credit-granting policies. For an introduction about claiming college credit for military experience, see this discussion at Military.com: http://education.military.com/timesaving-programs/college-credit-for-military-experience
What computer skills do I need to study online?
- If you’re comfortable using email and browsing the web, then you have everything you’re ready to get started studying online.
- Brush up on your word processing skills
- Consider taking a course in spreadsheets and online presentations
How will I pay for my degree?
As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, you’re eligible for tuition assistance through the G.I. Bill and other sources. Read on for more information about financial aid for active duty military personnel.
If you or someone you love is a member of the Armed Forces interested in pursuing an online education, be sure to download our Online Education Guide for Military Personnel.
November 18th, 2008 in
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Today, we’d like to wish our country’s present and former members of the Armed Services a very happy Veterans Day.
In researching the history and significance of Veterans Day — celebrated every November 11 — we found that many Americans often confuse this holiday with Memorial Day. The key difference that many people miss? Memorial Day honors armed forces members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries sustained in the course of battle. Veterans Day, on the other hand, is intended to honor living veterans who’ve served their country — in wartime or peacetime.
We think that’s an important distinction.
Before we get too carried away with eloquent admiration, it’s important to recognize that veterans and active duty service members are real people with real families and real economic challenges to face — just like the rest of the country. As we honor the troops’ tremendous sacrifice and hard work on this day, we should also remember they need our support and guidance in these uncertain times.
Soldiers Need a Transition Plan Too
With a departure of one President and the swearing in of the next, 2009 is sure to be a year full of major challenges for our country. Almost certainly, the new year will bring changes in the deployment and redeployment of forces to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Quite possibly, thousands of new veterans could find themselves faced with entering the civilian job market in a down economy.
It’s imperative that our armed forces personnel come back with a transition plan that will assist with their entry into the civilian workforce. With over 5,000 active duty and veteran students studying both online and on-base, Saint Leo University is well-positioned to assist our troops and veterans in a variety of high-growth career fields and disciplines.
At the Saint Leo University Center for Online learning, active duty troops can get a head start on their transition to the job market — studying online in their free time to acquire both marketable skills and the essential employment tool of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
If you or someone you love is a member of the Armed Forces interested in pursuing an online education, be sure to download our Online Education Guide for Military Personnel.
November 11th, 2008 in
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10. Take Advantage of Schedule Flexibility
Sure, you could be sleeping in a dorm room and sipping coffee in the quadrangle right now, but instead you’ve chosen to serve your country. This doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your education — it just means you need more flexibility in your college schedule. As an online student, you can attend classes and take tests whenever you choose — regardless of the time zone. If you need to attend class and take tests during the morning one week but in the early evening the next week, you have that advantage. All of your course materials live online and will be available to you any time you require them.
9. Keep Pace With Your Peers
Studying online allows you pursue your military career while at the same time obtaining a college education that can be the jumping off point for more schooling or an easier transition into the job market. When your service ends, you’ll have less of a need to play catch up.
8. Learn at Your Own Pace
Although you can complete a four year degree in as little as three years online, you can also take as long as you need to earn your diploma. Whether you’re in a big hurry or simply want to take your time and steadily accumulate knowledge and skills, an online degree program can accommodate your needs. Also, you can take advantage of other long-distance options if you’re deployed away from a computer.
7. Expand Your Study Options
As an online student, you can choose a school that offers courses in the subjects that interest you most. You won’t be limited to the courses offered by the school(s) operating at or near your base or place of deployment. Want to study graphic animation, business administration, English literature? There’s an online program out there perfectly suited to your needs.
6. Make Geography Irrelevant
When you’re redeployed, there’s no need to find a new college near your new location. Your online education follows wherever Uncle Sam sends you.
5. Get a Quick Start
Most online degree programs aren’t constrained by a traditional semester schedule and allow new students the opportunity to begin coursework in rapid fashion. Some online schools allow new students on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, while other schools allow students to get started almost immediately.
4. Keep Your Options Open
Thinking of becoming an officer? You’ll need a college degree, and it can’t hurt to start working towards that goal. Skills and knowledge gained in college courses can also be helpful in securing promotions.
3. Stay Connected With the U.S.
Even if you’re deployed abroad, by studying online you’ll be able to stay connected with students back home. Chances are, you’ll make friends and build relationships studying online that will be valuable to you in your post-military life and career.
2. Put The G.I. Bill Into Action Online
The G.I. Bill is not just a recruiting tool. It’s a guaranteed source of financial aid to help you meet your college expenses — whether online or off. Later in the guide, you’ll find a checklist for taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, as well as a look at new benefits becoming available in August 2009.
1. Challenge Yourself
Earning your college degree means you’re dedicated to improving your skills, knowledge, and life in general. Every hour of hard work you’ll be devoting to your degree will help make you a better soldier, family member, and future employee.
To learn more Click here to download your FREE guide to an online education!
November 7th, 2008 in
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Whether you’re an active duty member of the armed forces or a soon-to-be veteran, it’s a great time to be seeking a higher education online as a member of the United States Armed Forces.
Thanks to ever-improving internet technology, a rapid expansion of online education options, and financial assistance programs like the G.I. Bill, military personnel find themselves in an excellent position to earn their college degrees online.
If you’re wondering how to get started pursuing your college degree online as a member of the military, read on for some great information, useful tips, and step-by step checklists for making your educational dreams a reality.
Inside this guide:
- ~ Top 10 Reasons For Armed Service Members to Pursue a College Degree Online
- ~ Checklist for Getting Ready to Study Online
- ~ G.I. Bill and Financial Aid Facts
- ~ Important Web Resources for Military Students
- ~ Information About Saint Leo University’s Tradition of Working With Military Students Both Online
We hope this guide will be helpful to you or your military family member in starting down the rewarding path towards a college education and a brighter future.
Click here to download your FREE guide.
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November 5th, 2008 in
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