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10 Highest Paying Online College Degrees

By Carla Johnson - Tuesday 17 Mar 12:00 pm

With the right kind of online college degree, you can easily land the highest paying job in the industry. From engineering to finance and accounting, it is now very easy to find a suitable online college degree that appeals to you. Read on to know the top ten highest paying college degrees that can do wonders to your career and set you apart from the crowd.

1. Chemical engineering

Those interested in this field can expect to earn a starting salary of about $59,000 by taking up an online college degree with reputed universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Minnesota, and the University of California at Berkeley. On completion of the program, you can apply for a job in one of the many industries pertaining to health care, manufacturing, and business. Apart from solving the usual engineering problems, you will also be part of equipment designing and development of new products.

2. Electrical Engineering

If you are eying a starting package of $55,000, then you must consider being an electrical engineering major. Some of the best universities such as the University of California at Berkeley, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University offer a wide range of programs to teach you the fine nuances of electrical engineering. Topics covered under the program primarily focus on design and development of electrical equipment that is used in aircrafts, vehicles, and different electrical gadgets.

3. Mechanical Engineering

With a good online college degree in mechanical engineering, you can easily earn about $54,000 if not more at the very beginning of your job. Courses in mechanical engineering include a vast range of topics to cover every aspect of designing and development of power-producing machines.

4. Computer Science

Take up an online degree course in computer science with one of the universities like Carnegie Mellon University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or the Stanford University and earn at least $53,000 as a starting salary. Each one of them offers carefully designed computer science programs that are geared towards making you a pro in all aspects of computer systems.

5. Civil Engineering

If you think civil engineering is your forte, then give it a shot with one of the top-ranked engineering programs offered by the University of California at Berkeley, Stanford University and the University of Illinois. On completion of the course, you can find a job pertaining to one of many civil engineering disciplines that pays you about $48,500 at the beginning of your career.

Other fields to consider and their respective average starting salaries are as follows:

6. Economics – $ 47,700
7. Management Information Systems – $47,400
8. Finance – $ 46,400
9. Accounting – $46,250
10. Business Administration and Management – $43,200

Almost all the schools mentioned above offer extensive programs in these fields. For an in depth online college degree course in business administration, do consider other colleges as well such as the University of Pennsylvania, Notre Dame, and the University of Virginia that are known for their top-notch business administration programs.

Posted in: College Degrees, Online Schools

Home or Away for a College Degree Education?

By Sydney Gold - Monday 16 Mar 12:51 pm

At some point teenagers need to determine if they are going to stay home or go away for their college degree education. It can be a difficult decision for some and there are a many pros and cons to consider when choosing where to go for your college degree education. Going away to get a college degree education can be an exciting experience and it allows you to connect with others your age. However, going away for a college degree education can also be a socially isolating experience since you won’t have individuals around that you’ve known or grown up around all your life. Depending on the individual this may be a big deciding fact in where to stay home or go away for a college degree education. Consider the following factors when determining which option is best for your college degree education.

The Cost Factor

One factor to consider is the cost of a college degree education. Often it can be cheaper to attend a college in your home state than to go away for your college degree education. Before determining which option is right for you it can be a good idea to look into the financial aid offers that a school has regarding your college degree education. Sometimes you might be able to find a grant or financial aid package that makes it easy to afford your college degree education. While the cost of a college degree education shouldn’t be the main focus when choosing a college it is an important one in today’s economy which is making it harder and harder for individuals to be able to afford a college degree education.

The Influence of Residence Status

If you are considering a college degree education away from home you will likely want to know how your residence status will affect your admission to the college. While a college in your home area will have more knowledge of your high school often a college admission is based solely on academic grades and the ability to have a diversity of students with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. So whether you are applying to a college home or away it shouldn’t influence your admission process for a college degree education. However, there are some steps to take to increase your chances of getting approved for a college degree education away from home.

Helpful Tips

When you are applying for an out of state college degree education the admissions office is not going to be familiar with your high school. Therefore, it is a good idea to attend college fairs and get to know the representatives from the college you are considering attending for your college degree education. Develop a relationship with this individual so they can get to know you better and have a face to go with the admission form for your college degree education.

Lastly it is important to focus on the interview process when applying for an out of state college degree education. The face to face interview is an important process of the admission routine for a college degree education. By doing this you can get to know the staff more than just being a name in a file and you can also show them what you have to offer the school and your college degree education. During an interview you can often convey more about your feelings for a college degree education than you can on a simple admissions form.

Posted in: College Degrees

10 Highest Paying Majors for a College Degree Education

By Sydney Gold - Saturday 14 Mar 12:44 pm

With the high cost of a college degree education and the economy it is important to choose a major that will help you pay the bills. After a college degree education you don’t want to be stuck with no way to pay back your college degree while trying to pay the bills. Therefore, consider the following ten highest paying more for a college degree education.

Chemical Engineering: $78,860

1. A college degree education in chemical engineering. With this college degree education you can work in a variety of fields including manufacturing, health care and business. In addition to solving engineering problems, those in this field may also design and develop new equipment and products. Three top colleges for this college degree education include MIT, Berkeley and University of Minnesota.

Electrical Engineering: $75,930

2. An electrical engineering degree. With this college degree education you can focus on the design and development of a variety of electrical equipment. Electrical engineers will often work in a variety of industries. Some good school options for this college degree education include MIT, Berkeley and Stanford.

Mechanical Engineering: $69,850

3. A college degree education in mechanical engineering. With this college degree education you can do pretty much anything. Although most individuals with this college degree education will work with the design and development of power-producing machines. Industries hiring mechanical engineers include manufacturing, agriculture and business. Some top colleges for this college degree education include MIT, Berkeley and Stanford.

Computer Science: $93,950

4. A college degree education in computer science. With this college degree education you can work with a variety of computer systems. The top ranked schools for computer science classes include MI, Stanford and Carnegie Mellon.

Civil Engineering: $68,600

5. A civil engineering degree which is responsible for designing buildings, transportation systems, water systems and construction projects. Typically individuals going into this college degree education will specialize in one of six disciplines. Some good school options for this college degree education include Stanford, Berkeley and the University of Illinois.

Economics: $77,010

6. A degree in economics. With this college degree education you are responsible for collecting and analyzing data. Most economics jobs are employed through the government. Some good college choices for this degree include MIT, Harvard and the University of Chicago.

Management Information Systems: $101,580

7. A college degree education in management information systems. With this degree you will work in several business areas that help computerized organizations to work more efficiently. For this college degree education you should consider attending Carnegie Mellon, MIT or the University of Texas at Austin.

Finance: $90,970

8. A degree in finance. When you pursue this college degree education you learn to work with money, stocks, bonds and other market assets. You may be able to work in a bank, government position or other financial institution. Some good schools for this college degree education include the University of Pennsylvania, New York University and Berkeley.

Accounting: $54,630

9. A degree in accounting. With this degree you learn to help individuals and organizations with their financial tasks. After graduating you will typically work in one of four fields: government accounting, internal auditing, public accounting or management account. Consider the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Texas at Austin or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to get this college degree education.

Administration Management: $67,690

10. A degree in business administration/management. This has long been a popular college major. With this degree you can practically work in any industry. Three top schools for this college degree education include the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Virginia or Notre Dame.

Posted in: College Degrees

Which College Degree is Better? Associates or Bachelors?

By Sydney Gold - Tuesday 10 Mar 12:21 pm

After high school two common college degrees that you can obtain are an associate and a bachelor. So which is the better college degree to get? Each college degree has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Consider both areas to help you determine which college degree is right for you.

Associates Degree

When it comes to an associate’s college degree you only need two years to complete it at most traditional or online colleges. These college degrees also costs a lot less than bachelors and with college debt becoming a factor for many students most understandably choose an associates college degree in order to save money.

For those who want to get started working then an associate college degree can keep you out of the workplace for a shorter amount of time. Or for the student who is working full time then you can easily get an associate college degree online in the same amount of time that it would take at a traditional college. For adults this is the perfect way to get a college degree since it offers time flexibility.

However, when it comes to looking for a job those with an associate college degree have to compete with those who have a bachelor college degree. Those with an associate college degree are likely to apply for jobs in science, technology, business, government or office work which are also the same jobs that those with a bachelor college degree are likely to apply for.

Bachelors Degree

When it comes to a bachelor college degree you will be able to increase your professional options after college. If you want to experience a level playing field when it comes to other individuals in your field who have experience than a bachelors college degree is practically a must. Also, without a bachelor’s college degree you don’t have access to any higher-earning positions in many fields.

If you put off getting a bachelor college degree then you will find it harder to continue your education later in life. After you have a full time job or a family it can be difficult to set aside the time in order to go back to school and get your bachelor college degree. If this is the case then an online college degree will be easier, but it is still a good idea to get your bachelor college degree early in your life.

The biggest drawback to a bachelor college degree is the cost. The average cost of a college degree is rising a lot faster than the cost of living expenses. In order to get a bachelor college degree many have to rely on private student loans which can leave them with a lot of debt later on in life. As a result many students have to balance full time work with their college courses which can be difficult.

There are a lot of pros and cons to consider with both associate and bachelor college degrees. It is up to you to determine which option seems to fit your education and work experience needs.

Posted in: College Degrees

5 Best Industries and Salaries for Accounting Degree Graduates

By Susan - Tuesday 13 Jan 11:00 am

Accounting degrees offer a lucrative future in terms of appealing salaries and the promise of future growth in your field. Accountants will always be in employment, no matter what the situation of our economy. Books will always need to be done, in fact companies depend on accountants to keep their financial status in check. Accounting degrees are therefore one step in the right direction towards being employed within a reliable and economically viable field.

There are certain industries within the accounting field that are more competitive in terms of the salaries they offer. Having your accounting degree can assist you in breaking into one of these niche industries and making your way towards a leading accounting position and impressive salary.

The 5 best industries and salaries for those with accounting degrees are as follows:

  1. Accounting Firms – Obviously accounting degree graduates will benefit hugely from accounting firms who’s sole focus is on supplying accounting services to various companies and business establishments. Depending on where you work, you could receive a starting salary of $30000 – $55000 per annum, $40000 to $85000 after 3 – 5 years and between $50000 and $110000 after 5 – 7 years of service. 
  2. Law Firms and Legal Enterprises – Law firms deal with a of of money coming in and going out. The accounting department needs to be on it’s toes in order to keep everything in balance and to ensure that accounts are paid. An accounting degree more than qualifies you for this job, but the pressure may be high. Annual salaries will be similar to that of the accounting firm listed above. 
  3. Contract work in all Industries – Although you may not be guaranteed that you will have work for the next two years, you will be able to demand a higher salary for your contract period. Accounting degree graduates would be able to take advantage of this, although it is advisable to have some working experience first before promoting yourself as a solo flyer. Salary can start at $50000 on an annual basis. 
  4. Government – Although Government have strict budgets to adhere to, they reward thir employees hugely with impressive salaries as well as incredible benefits. Accounting degree graduates would find it to be extremely beneficial working within government accounting offices. Average annual salary starting at $50000. 
  5. Private Healthcare – Private healthcare operations offer attractive packages for anyone that is employed within their workforce. Accounting degree holders will find themselves to be decently remunerated for accounting services rendered in this domain. Average annual salary starting at $43000. 

All salary information was obtained on Payscale.com and further information regarding this subject can be found by clicking here. By referring to their guide of expected salaries, accounting degree graduates can decide for themselves which industries would be the most profitable to enter into.

Posted in: College Degrees

Should I get a 2 year College Degree, or go straight for a 4 year College Degree Program

By Susan - Monday 29 Dec 2:00 pm

You have graduated from high school and are looking towards your future college degree, but what are your options and where do you head from here? You are presented with two main options right off the bat: electing to enrol in a two year college degree or a 4 year college degree. Although 4 year college degrees receive a lot of hype and attention, they are not always the most suited for your personal requirements. There are pros and cons to each college degree and you will need to equip yourself with the background information on each one to decide for yourself which college degree is made for you.

Four year college degrees usually entail that students complete very general background subjects for the first two years, and then concentrate on their majoring subjects for the final two years. Those opting for two year college degrees go straight into their majoring subjects and complete their degrees in less time, although with a slightly lower level of recognition.

Pros of Two Year College Degrees:

  • They are the cheaper alternative, resulting in you having less debt to pay on your college loan or perhaps no debt at all due to the overall reduction in fees 
  • They are quicker than 4 year college degrees allowing you to start working much sooner upon completion 

Pros of Four Year College Degrees:

  • These college degrees are highly recognized and rewarded worldwide in terms of employment opportunities 
  • Highly commendable on and off campus learning opportunities in the form of lectures, cultural events, honor societies etc on campus, and study internships, field trips and education programs off campus 

Cons of Two Year College Degrees:

  •  Not as highly revered as four year college degrees 
  • Not as well rounded as four year college degrees resulting in a smaller scale of availability on the job front 

Cons of Four Year College Degrees: 

  • The four year college degree option is extremely expensive, and will more often than not require that students take out a large college loan to pay for it. This could result in a substantial amount of debt needing to be covered after graduation 
  • You can only start working two years after your counterparts who opted for the two year program 

Some students might not have the option of being able to study a four year college degree due to financial reasons, but they shouldn’t worry about it or feel that they have started out with a disadvantage. There are many jobs available to two year college degree holders, and many equal opportunities too. On the flip side of that coin are the advantages of studying a four year college degree if it is a viable choice for you. Some may choose to upgrade from a two year to a four year along the way once more funds have become available. Just because you have committed to one, it does not mean that you are stuck with your decision until completion. There is a lot of flexibility within both choices to change your college degree to suit your personal growth.

Posted in: College Degrees

10 Steps to Being Approved for My College Loan

By Susan - Thursday 4 Dec 2:17 pm

Selecting to apply for a college loan is a responsible direction to choose and one that requires a certain degree of personal initiative. Once you have crossed that bridge and are opting to apply for your college loan, then the steps to having it approved are fairly simple. Not much effort will be required on your part, but it is important to carry out all the steps and to understand the process of college loan approval. Provided you have no drug convictions against your name, and do not presently owe any money on a college loan, then you can proceed further with your application.

These 10 steps to being approved for your college loan will help you to identify with the procedure taking place that could unite you with the future that you always dreamed of.

1. You will need to be applied to your college before you can apply for your college loan. You don’t, however need to have been admitted to the college, but will need to have admission to receive approval for your college loan.

2. Determine your dependency status by completing the Dependency Status Worksheet on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website on www.fafsa.ed.gov.

3. Confirm or investigate the school code that is applicable to your college so that you are positive you have the correct information before applying for your college loan. Some codes change from year to year.

4. For federal loans you will need to apply for a pin on the www.pin.ed.gov website that will give you access to your college loan specifics and allow you to make binding legal obligations.

5. For federal loans you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) eligibility form to verify whether or not you may apply for a college loan through federal means. This can be located at www.fafsa.ed.gov

6. You will need to have your social security number, high school diploma or equivalent and your parent’s tax information in your possession to submit for application. For private college loans you will need to submit all the requirements for a credit check. These may vary from one institution to the next.

7. When submitting your FAFSA form for application to your college loan ensure that you print out your confirmation report as it includes a confirmation number and the date and time that your application was received.

8. Submit your application for a college loan, no earlier than the 1st of January and no later than the 30th of June of the year you are applying for entrance, although some colleges may have different dates for applications so you should check this with the relevant college.

9. Try and apply early enough so that there are still funds available to supply you with a college loan.

10. Follow up by logging into the FAFSA website using your pin for federal loans to check the status of your college loan application. For private loans, each institution will have their own methods of communicating for you to be able to gauge progress on your college loan application.

Posted in: College Degrees, College Loans