Cheap Masters Degrees
Furthering a career without a master's degree is nearly impossible today. More employers now than in the past require employees to have a master's degree or other advanced degrees and certifications. Individuals who desire to earn a master's degree but do not have the appropriate funding must explore alternatives to the traditional on-campus route of study. Options such as online schools, low-residency programs and funding from employers provide ways for individuals from many career paths and career stages to complete a master's degree without going into debt.
Other People Are Reading
-
Online Schools
-
Online programs provide the same education as traditional programs. One way to cut back on the cost for a master's degree is to enroll in an online program. These programs run on non-traditional schedules, such as eight- to 10-week courses so that the degree can be earned in a shorter time period than when attending an in-person program. Tuition is typically less expensive for online colleges, but the schools offer the same accreditation. By taking classes online, you eliminate the cost of commuting to and from a college campus and eliminate miscellaneous fees such as for parking passes and photocopying.
In-State Schools
-
Deciding to attend an in-state school for a master's degree program can save you thousands of dollars. The difference between in-state and out-of-state graduate tuition can range from $300 to $500 per credit, and a master's program may require 30 credits. Additionally, many in-state schools have partnership programs with area employers, potentially opening doors for future career placement.
-
Low-Residency Programs
-
An alternative to entirely online master's degree programs, low-residency programs blend courses taken in-person, professor-student mentoring and online discussion boards. Low-residency programs are usually reserved for master of fine arts (MFA) degrees in writing. Colleges that offer traditional MFA programs also usually offer low-residency programs. These programs typically consist of 10- to 14-day retreats per semester as well as close feedback and mentoring through electronic correspondence between the retreats.
Employer Reimbursement
-
Companies are often willing to invest in their employees' education. Your employer may offer full or partial tuition reimbursement for master's degree courses. If an employee proves his loyalty, the company may pay to further his training in his current field or a related field. Speaking to your company's human resources department staff will help to determine the guidelines for tuition reimbursement eligibility. The company may require you to commit to the company for three to five more years in order to be eligible for full tuition reimbursement. Some companies have a predetermined tuition reimbursement entitlement matrix available for employee review.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit college campus image by Nick Alexander from Fotolia.com computer image by laurent davaine from Fotolia.com 100 s bills image by charles taylor from Fotolia.com
