Stephen Said:

How to choose the right university for an online degree program?

We Answered:

I think it is great that you are looking to improve your position in life by going back to school, and I definitely think that a degree in Computer Science will give you the most opportunities of any subject area.

To answer your first question: how valuable is a degree earned online? Well, unless the school you are going to does not offer classes in-person, there isn't really any way a future employer would even know you earned the degree online. I think that big name for-profit and online schools (like University of Phoenix and DeVry and Kaplan) do have a negative stigma associated with them. It isn't that employers will completely discount your degree from there, but a lot of employers will think a little worse of them. Also, the programs from those schools are often even more expensive than programs from other schools.

Now what I can really help you with is finding an affordable degree program. I am assuming you would want a Bachelor degree in Computer Programming or Computer Science. We have information on over 3,000 different accredited online degree programs and schools at GetEducated.com, and I can use the degree search to recommend you the three cheapest that are fully accredited and that I think will not have a negative stigma associated with them.

1. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Southern New Hampshire University, $27,000 http://www.geteducated.com/profiles/show…

2. Franklin University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is $30,256 http://www.geteducated.com/profiles/show…

3. Bachelor in Computer Information Technology from Western Kentucky University $41,880 http://www.geteducated.com/profiles/show…

BUT really your best bet is looking at what your own state schools offer you. They can have really good deals on tuition for in-state residents, and this often applies to programs done entirely online as well. Good luck!

Jeffrey Said:

thomas university-informatics online degree program?

We Answered:

I would not trust this. I'm sorry, doesn't seem legitimate. Do not do it unless you find people who have done the same.

Jo Said:

Does a free online college or university degree granting program exist anywhere at present?

We Answered:

Not very likely. Remember the old saying "you get what you pay for."

A university or college degree that is offered for free sounds too fishy. I am a university lecturer and I can't think of a reason why any lecturer would work for free, or any employer that would accept a degree from a free school. I can't imagine that it would be accredited if one existed.

It makes me think of the licenses to be an "ordained minister" from the back of magazines where you spend $10 and you can call yourself Reverend so-and-so of the Church of the Holy Toilet Bowl or some-such nonsense.

There are inexpensive alternatives. Try your community college or talk to the finance department about possible grants or scholarships. There is a lot of money out there for people who are serious about getting their degree.

Good luck!

Vivian Said:

Does anyone know much about Ashford University - online degree program?

We Answered:

Ashford is regionally accredited, which is the type of accreditation you want when you're looking at a university. It means that employers will accept this degree. It's genuine.

Ashford became a for-profit university a few years ago, but that doesn't mean it's not all right. It's a real degree. It's not elite. It's not a particularly competitive college. No employer will jump up and down when they see it on a resume. But it's fine.

Albert Said:

How good is the university of pheonix online degree program.?

We Answered:

As long as the college (online or campus based) is regionally accredited, any degree you earn should be accepted by any potential employers or other academic institutions.
My best recommendation would be to contact a number of colleges to find the best fit for you and your needs (tuition, schedule, career opportunities, etc.). Too often people enroll in the first school they find rather than taking the time to find the best school for them. Taking that time now could save you a lot of time, money and frustration if you choose the wrong school. It may turn out that phoenix is your best option but it is worth taking the time to make sure.
This site has some good info on regionally accredited online degrees and some colleges that offer them to help expand your search:
http://www.ecollegefinder.org
I think you can enter your info on there for any colleges you are interested in and they will send you more info for free. Good Luck!