Graduating College in Four Years
Graduating college in four years has become less of a priority for college students. It's like leaving a great party early – you want to have as much fun possible before you enter the sobering real world. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, just 36 percent of students who entered college during the 2000-01 school year graduated from college in four years. If you're just starting your college career, be sure to keep your eyes on the prize and remember the real reason you're in college: to get your degree. The benefits of graduating in four years can outweigh the sacrifice.
Perhaps the most practical reason for graduating college "on time" is the money you and your parents will save by not paying for an extra year of school. The average cost of tuition for the 2009-10 school year was $7,020 at public colleges and $26,273 at private colleges, according to the College Board. And prices are always on the rise. Tuition rates at public colleges increased by 6.5 percent from the previous year. Plus you have to pay for room and board – which is expected to increase by $377 to $420 in 2011 – textbooks, and other costs of living. If you're using student loans to finance your education, you'll only go deeper into debt. It's simply more cost effective to graduate in four years. Many colleges charge the same for 12 hours of courses as they do for 15 or 18 hours. By the time you're starting your career and making a steady salary, many of your peers will still be in school. The quick start will enable you to get a better footing in the work world; thus allowing you to advance quicker. The money will give you the chance to experience the finer things in life – like beer that costs more than $3 for a six-pack.
In order to graduate on time, you must have a plan. Know the classes you need to take early on so there won't be any surprises along the way. Consult your degree program's four-year plan and an advisor regularly. They'll keep you up-to-date on the prerequisites and requirements you'll need to stay on track. Balance your schedule with a mix of easy and difficult classes, and take more than 12 hours per semester. Take the opportunity to get ahead by enrolling in summer school and intersession classes. Of course, it's important that you stay in good academic standing. Failed classes will have to be retaken and a low GPA could hinder your ability to enroll in certain classes. If you maintain the habits of a good student, you won't have trouble achieving your goal.
Top Online Nursing Programs
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University of Phoenix - RN to BSN. 27 Nursing Degrees. Students interested in reaching their career goals in the healthcare industry as a nurse will reach them at the University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix allows working adults the convenience of taking classes when they can.
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South University - A.S. in Allied Health Science. As an accredited online college, South University offers a respectable Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science for those seeking to pursue a career in healthcare. The program is offered completely online, allowing students to learn in their own time without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
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LA College - A.A. in Health Care Administration. With a handful of online health programs, LA College is a great choice for students seeking entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. Their Associate’s degree in Health Care Administration will provide students with the basis for a multitude of job opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and many others.
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Post University - BS in Mgmt. For Registered Nurses. Post University is dedicated in helping students achieve their personal and professional goals in a timely manner, allowing them to pursue their careers in healthcare more quickly. The Bachelor of Science in Management for Registered Nurses degree will prepare nurses to obtain administrative and management roles that require critical-thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
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Herzing University - BSN-Bridge Program. With nursing constituting as the largest healthcare occupation today, Herzing University has created quality nursing programs to fulfill the increasing demand in the industry. At Herzing, students receive hands-on training in order to help them enter the workforce with confidence.
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The College Network - 10 universities offering Nursing Degrees. The College Network is one of the nation's top providers in providing high quality nursing degrees online. Students have the opportunity to pursue a variety of HealthCare degrees that that will allow them to further their career in Nursing.
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Jones International University - B.A. in Health Care Mgmt. Jones International University offers a Bachelor’s program in Health Care Management that will help students become skilled and effective managers in the healthcare industry. Students could work in a variety of different settings upon completion of the program.
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Virginia College - BS in Health Services Management. Virginia College is dedicated in helping students achieve their goals and aspirations to advance in the health care industry. Their Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management will prepare students for a variety of career options in assistant management or administrative positions within a healthcare facility.
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Western Governors University - B.S. in Nursing. Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering a variety of nursing and healthcare programs for students of all ages. Their Nursing program will incorporate patient education, health promotion, nursing roles, technology, and many other health related subjects.
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Baker College - B.S. in Nursing. Baker College allows students to complete their Nursing degree completely online, at their own pace and time. Their program provides current registered nurses with the opportunity to advance and continue their growth.
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Keiser University - B.A. in Health Services Administration. With several degree options in the healthcare field, Keiser University prepares students for a variety of positions in any healthcare setting. Their mission is to help students develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for leadership positions upon graduation.
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Indiana State University - LPN to BSN. Students looking to jump start a career will find accredited an accredited RN to BSN nursing degree from the Indiana State University. Indiana State University was originally founded in 1865 and over this time has prepared thousands of students for new, exciting careers.
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