What You Should Know About This Degree
Open admissions doesn’t mean there aren’t any requirements at all. When you’re applying to such colleges, take note of admissions deadlines and any tasks you have to complete before you can start coursework. For example, you may need to take an entrance exam in lieu of providing ACT/SAT scores.
Look for regional or national accreditation to ensure the school you’re choosing provides a high-quality education. Regional accreditations tend to be a top-tier stamp of approval, but online programs accredited by national organizations are also acceptable.
Getting any type of college education can increase your earning potential and job outlook. The higher your degree, the more opportunities you will have for your career.
Remember that licensing or certification might be required in addition to your degree depending on what type of career you want. Examples of careers that might have these requirements are nursing, teaching, and accounting.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online colleges with open admissions programs:
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Synchronous courses require you to log in at certain times, so they can be less flexible, but they offer greater learning support for those who work best when interacting directly with instructors. Asynchronous courses let you work at your own pace, which can help students who have other career or family obligations.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Going full-time, an associate degree takes an average of two years to complete. Bachelor’s degrees take an average of four years and higher-level degrees can take two years or more on average. You may be able to get a degree more quickly with a fast-track program if you have the time to devote to it.
As you’re researching online colleges with open admissions, pay close attention to application deadlines. While you might not have to meet minimum GPA or SAT/ACT scores, you likely will need to complete paperwork in a timely manner.
Paying for your education is another matter to consider. Talk to financial aid officers to find out what scholarships, grants, and other aid might be available to you.