When choosing an academic program, it is essential you make sure the school is accredited. Accreditation means an authority has reviewed the academic program offered by the school or educational institution in order to make sure that it offers quality courses and learning experiences.

There are a variety of accrediting agencies in the U.S. that are considered to be reliable authorities. The Secretary of Education and Department of Education publish both a list of accrediting agencies and a list of accredited educational programs in the U.S. This list is available on their website. To become accredited, schools must show that their courses are sufficiently informative and their testing and evaluation process sufficiently rigorous.

Choosing an academic institution that is accredited is necessary for several reasons. You cannot typically obtain financial aid to attend a school that is not accredited. Schools that are not accredited may not provide you with the learning experience that you are looking for. And employers will not typically recognize degrees from non-accredited institutions, nor will other schools if you decide you wish to further advance your education. The time and money spent going to the non-accredited school would thus likely be wasted as your degree would not help you to advance in any way.

College students don’t receive a coherent, challenging education by accident, of course. A great college education arises out of a holistic blend of interaction between students, interaction between students and material, and interaction between students and teachers. And much of this is determined by administrative decisions and funding issues.

Interaction Between Students and Faculty

While best practices in elementary and secondary school settings are required topics for all aspiring K–12 teachers, college educators often learn how to teach by practice and by following the lead of their own mentors. This approach makes sense in many respects, but it can take new teachers some time to figure out how to best reach students. These are some characteristics of college instruction that have been shown to lead to quality learning.

• Intensive Student–Faculty Interaction: While all students interact with faculty to some degree, the levels of interaction can vary drastically between colleges. Studies have shown that deep communication with faculty, on specific course issues and on general academic and life issues, can lead to higher student performance.
• Emphasis on Teaching: In undergraduate education settings, in many cases, colleges exist on only one end of the spectrum between teaching and research. A college may have renowned researchers; however, these superstars may be so focused on their work and acquiring funding that they do not have time to provide students with attention. All colleges should strike a healthy balance where undergraduate instructors understand that teaching is a priority.
• Spending on Instruction: The amount a college spends on instruction, versus other endeavors such as building expansion or research, has been shown to correlate with a higher-quality education. 

Interaction Between Students and Curriculum

While professors and instructors certainly hold a place of prime importance in the college experience, students also have another crucial relationship to navigate: the effort and time they spend with their course curriculum.

• Curriculum Focus: Studies of different degree and certificate curricula have revealed that more focused programs tend to provide a higher quality education, in vocational and occupational studies programs. A curriculum that focuses around certain principles, theories, or skill sets adds coherence and ensures that students graduate with a big-picture grasp of the field they are entering.
• Varying Problem Solving Approaches: Many students immediately become frustrated when their curriculum refuses to provide a concrete blueprint for solving problems. But education theory shows that introducing students to several methods of problem solving can be more beneficial to their critical thinking development. A well rounded liberal arts education shows students how to pare down a problem to its constituent parts to see what a problem is really asking; this leads to faster and more efficient problem solving. However, another important aspect of a college education is the ability of students to brainstorm alternative paths of solution and to apply creative thinking to come up with other possibilities.

Interaction Between Students

Facilitating interaction between students is a vital way in which colleges can prepare graduates to be well-rounded citizens. After all, students’ peers in college will be their business and academic peers later in life.

• Campus Diversity: Many students enter college when they are 17 or 18 years old, and the time they spend on campus can be crucial to their understanding of alternate viewpoints and people with different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Actively building a diverse campus ensures that students learn how to interact and discuss complex issues from many angles; it also prepares them for the multicultural workplace and world we live in.
• Use of Seminars: Seminars are a critical component in an education that strives to build good communicators. These workshop-type classes encourage students to share their own conclusions and to debate the conclusions of others. The seminar challenges students in the sense that they are forced to have rigorous academic discourse with peers.

Sources

ERIC (1997)

Michigan (2003)

Pew Research Center (2011)

More than 1 million students in the United States drop out of high school each year and the numbers continue to increase. There are many different reasons why students drop out, but many of the results are the same. Subpar education leads to lower paying jobs, public assistance and often, imprisonment. Here is the scary truth about dropping out of high school and the consequences that it carries.  

High School Dropout Rate Facts and Figures

According to a recent study, almost a third of high school students drop out of school before they can earn a high school diploma. The percentages tend to get higher as you get into at-risk population groups. Nearly half of Hispanic, African-American and Native American students end up dropping out of high school.

Data shows that students that come from lower income households are more than two times as likely to drop out of high school as students that come from middle income families and more than 10 times likely than those in higher income families. In addition, about a third of students who have disabilities also end up dropping out.

Other reasons why students drop out include those related to academics. Students who continually receive low marks or have to repeat grades have a higher chance of dropping out of high school. Also, students who have poor attendance due to health reasons typically fall behind, have trouble catching up to their classmates and end up not returning to school.

Actual students who have dropped out state the fact that they did not like school as one of the main reasons for dropping out. Other reasons include things like they were already failing and just gave up, they did not get along with the other students or teachers and they did not feel safe in school. Some stated that it was necessary to leave school because circumstances mandated that they get a job to support their family, or they got pregnant or married.

Consequences of Quitting School without Graduating

In general, high school dropouts have a harder time finding a job. If they are even able to find a job, finding one that pays well is difficult. On average, high school dropouts will earn almost $10,000 less per year than a high school graduate, and $100,000 less than someone who went on to graduate college.

Beside career trouble, a high school dropout is two times more likely than a graduate to end up living in poverty and on some sort of assistance program within a year of leaving high school. Since they tend to not have full-time jobs that offer benefits, many of these high school dropouts have less than adequate medical insurance, if at all, which results in more health problems.

High school dropouts also have a higher chance of ending up in prison. According to research, more than 80 percent of inmates in the U.S. prison system dropped out of high school. The stress of low-income work and bad social status, unfortunately, drives many high school dropouts to crime.

Sources

DoSomething.org (2012)

Social Science Medley (2011)

Northeastern University: Center for Labor Market Studies Publications (2009)

State of Utah: Department of Workforce Services (2008)

For online students, the Internet is a natural research tool to use when doing school work. There are plenty of reputable scholarly, government and journalistic sources online which you can easily access for gathering information. But, with the simplicity of online publishing, how can you be sure the information you’re looking at is high-quality and factual? Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

Credibility

What is credibility? It’s the authority that a particular source has, based on what you know about them. We depend on others’ credibility all the time but, often, someone else has done the vetting of credibility for us. For example, when you watch your class lectures online, you trust that your professor is providing you with relevant, accurate, non-biased information. You assume this because her employment at the school, her education and her research experience vouch for her credibility.

When evaluating online information, there are a few things you should take into account. You should consider the author’s name, title, position, and institutional affiliation. Credible sources are more likely to have contact information. It’s also important to consider the version and date of the article. An anonymous source is not a credible source in an academic setting.

Accuracy

Accuracy refers to the quality and factuality of the information being presented. When doing research, it’s of course imperative to seek out only highly accurate information. To judge for accuracy, consider the date of the article and how detailed and comprehensive the information is. Consider the intended audience of the information

Reasonableness

In our current age of bipartisanship, one common strategy is to utilize true facts in ways that conveys a distorted view or opinion. When using online information, it’s also important to check for reasonableness or fair-mindedness. Being aware of any slant in the information you’re reading allows you to decide for yourself whether you agree with the interpretation of the facts or not.

Key things to consider when inspecting for reasonableness are any potential conflicts of interest the author has. This may be obvious, or you may need to do a little sleuthing to figure this out. Do a web search for the author’s name and see any affiliations or connections they have.

Besides the author’s connections, also pay attention to the tone of the article and the arguments used. Is the tone academic and seemingly neutral? Or is the author trying to elicit emotions from the reader? Watch out for arguments backed up by emotion rather than reason.

Documentable Sources

Also examine where the author of the information you’re looking at gets their information from. Is it original scholarship, a peer-reviewed study or do they cite particular books? Arguments should be well-supported by documentation. Take a look at some of the sources cited and consider the credibility of those sources (for example, is the source a well-known scientific journal or the research arm of an industry group?) Watch out for facts or claims that have no supporting documentation.

Sources

Washington State Community College E-Learning Center (2012)

Purdue University: Online Writing Lab (2012)

University of Illinois at Chicago: Health Sciences Center (2001)

Regardless of your feelings about research papers, any college student should know to quickly bury the hatchet, buckle down, organize, and get to work. Generally, the purpose of a research paper is to become an expert on a particular subject and furthermore, to posit a thesis statement which you will spend your paper exploring, defending, and critiquing. Here are a few tips to complete a college-level research paper as quickly and effectively as possible.

Ask a Question and then Answer It

Ultimately, the point of the research paper is for you to seriously interact with complex, detailed, and often dated material. In order to do so, the research paper requires the student to not only become a mini-expert in the field, but also somehow show that they are able to apply their own subjective analysis on the topic. The subjective analysis should appear to be objective, however, due to the time spent researching the field or issue. Teachers will know that you were able to engage the subject-matter when you are able to propose an idea and proceed to either prove or disprove it. 

In other words, the real purpose of the research paper is to explore a thesis. A thesis is a conclusive idea or opinion, i.e., a statement that needs proof or persuasive argument in order to be true. Only create your thesis idea after completing your research, and try to choose an idea that naturally interests you.

Look to Qualified Scholars for Help

Pretend that your assignment is to write a research paper on Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar." You read an abstract concerning the novel (which is relatively straight forward), and get to work agreeing with or critiquing the book. You make witty pronouncements about the merits of the work and how in your opinion the book is over-rated. Although the paper is a great read, it will hardly sound like a research paper.

"Research" means that you read what other people think about the subject, and use the conclusions they have made in the past to end up at a conclusion of your own. It is a great idea to read background reading on the subject you are discussing, and learn what other qualified people believe about the subject. Every research paper should have a substantial portion dedicated to laying out what experts have opined on the subject before you offer your own analysis.

Some writers prefer to lump their analysis of scholarly sources in one section before providing their own original analysis, but others prefer a more integrated approach, i.e., offering original analysis while presenting each scholarly source on the subject. Both can be effective means of presenting a research paper; however, treating all of the research in one section is by far the most straight forward approach. 

Pay Attention to the Small Stuff

It is important to adhere to all writing conventions in order to make your paper sound like a trustworthy and knowledgeable source. Avoid careless errors and proofreading before submitting your paper to your professor will go a long ways towards making your paper seem well-thought. Regarding writing conventions, there are a few general rules: (1) do not use contractions; (2) proper grammar and punctuation is next to godliness; (3) do not forget to ask your professor about all formatting guidelines, restrictions, and requirements.

Writing style is an important aspect of a quality research paper as well. Engaging scholarly writing requires the perfect balance between a dry, objective and rational presentation, with that of a sense of intellect and creativity. The best way to master the proper writing style for a research paper is to research the subject as thoroughly as possible, and pick (as close to as possible) a thesis or subject that you actually find interesting. Your natural interest in the topic combined with your thorough knowledge of that topic will produce a fine style and voice for undergraduate research paper writing.

Be Organized

Whether you understand it or not, research papers have some very particular formatting requirements. Citations are a major aspect of formatting in a research paper. Most colleges allow MLA or APA format. Be sure to ask your Professor which format is appropriate. Many professors will let you choose whatever format suits your paper or writing style best, e.g., footnotes versus end notes or in-text citations.

A general rule of thumb for citations is to provide a citation for any fact or opinion that is not normally attributed to separate and multiple sources. In other words, if everyone knows it (George Washington - first president), you will not need to provide a citation. That being said, run that idea past your professor before taking it to the bank - he or she is after all, your audience. Your writing and style should be focused on what that professor expects and based on what you know that professor will enjoy.  

Once you know which format is appropriate for citations to your sources, you will want to create a key-card or heading in your word document that provides the full and proper citation of the source. When reading the source, pull quotes that are interesting, sum up the writer's main idea, or seem relevant to the purpose of your paper. If it is your first source, key-code that source "1," and write a "1" with the page number from which you found the particular quote. After researching in this manner, you will then want to organize your quotes - all of which are already prepared to be cited - into an outline. The outline of quotes and ideas will provide a skeleton upon which to hang up the flesh of your research paper.

Regarding quotes, it is not necessary to write word-for-word what the source posits; rather, it is best to paraphrase and synthesize concepts. Doing so will streamline your paper to read like a well-crafted and organized presentation of facts, all of which are cited to an authoritative source. It is also a good idea to write down your own thoughts regarding the quotes while you are reading them. If turning the quotes into an outline, insert your own thoughts and analysis in an italic font so that you know it is your analysis. Later, when you are turning the outline into paragraphs and full sentences, your analysis will drive you to your conclusion. 

Conclusion

There is no one way to write an "A" grade research paper, at least not one that accounts for everyone's different writing styles (and professor's different likes and dislikes). That being said, here are a few more resources that you may find helpful when writing a research paper. 

• EasyBib.com - the perfect tool for creating citations, whether its APA or MLA. 
• Georgetown University - a brief guideline on how to write a research paper.
• Writing a Research Paper - a fantastic primary source for researching and writing. 
• Marland.edu - a comprehensive guide to crafting an elite research paper. 
• Advice for Students - a guide to writing "research papers that rock!"
• ipl2 - a website devoted to helping college writers excel.

With the costs of higher education rising, it's as important as ever that students apply for as many scholarships as they can. Scholarships are one kind of tuition funding that does not need to be paid back and should be looked at before resorting to loans. Here are some scholarships of interest:

Regional Scholarships

Hartford Foundation College Scholarship: Each year, 50 students are awarded $3,000 scholarships, which are renewable for up to four years, by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, to help pay for tuition, fees and books. The scholarship is open to those who live or attend school in the Greater Hartford, CT area, are full-time students at four-year universities or colleges, have financial need, have good academic records, and involved in extracurricular activities (Hartford Foundation College Scholarships).

Mahatma Rice Scholarship Program: This scholarship is available to high school seniors in the San Francisco/San Jose, Los Angeles and Orange County, New York/ New Jersey, or Miami Dade and Broward Counties. A collaboration of Mahatma, Carolina Rice, and Univision Radio, the scholarship provides $2,000 to the student who writes an essay answer to the question, “How do I believe my studies in college will change my life? (Mahatma Rice Scholarship Program).

Great Expectations Awards: East Bay College Fund provides $16,000 four-year scholarships ($4,000 per year) to seniors attending public high school in Oakland, CA who have financial need, have at least a GPA of 3.0, and have applied to four-year colleges and universities (East Bay College Fund Great Expectations Awards).

Need Based Scholarships

Community College Scholarship: Provided by the SR Education Group, this scholarship provides $2,000 to community college students in financial need. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, a legal resident of the United States, and enrolled at a community college full-time. The scholarship is awarded based on the applicant's answers, of 300 to 500 words, to three open-ended essay questions and his or her financial need as shown on his or her FAFSA (Community College Scholarship).

The College Bound Scholarship: The College Bound Scholarship, offered by the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board, provides winning applicants with an amount based on the tuition rates at Washington State's public universities and colleges. The scholarship covers the amount of tuition and fees that are not provided for by other state financial aid awards and also provides $500 toward books. It is available to students from low-income, as defined by government income standards, or welfare families and foster youth. Students must sign a pledge by their eighth grade that they will graduate from high school and apply to college (College Bound Scholarship).

Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship: Available to high school seniors living in areas with a local RMHC chapter, a Ronald McDonald House Charities scholarship provides $1,000 to those in financial need. General eligibility requirements also include being a U.S. legal resident, enrollment in an accredited post-secondary institution, and younger than 21 years old (Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship).

KFC Colonel's Scholars program: Provides up $20,000 for high school seniors with demonstrated financial need and are planning to attend an accredited public college or university in their home state (KFC Colonel's Scholars program).

Demographic Based Scholarships

Women's Scholarship: Provided by the SR Education Group, this scholarship provides $2,000 to female college students in financial need. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, a legal resident of the United States, and enrolled at an accredited post-secondary institution full-time. The scholarship is awarded based on applicant's answers, of 300 to 500 words, to three open-ended essay questions and her financial need as shown on her FAFSA (Women's Scholarship).

American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship: American Indian students attending non-tribal colleges and universities, for both undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, can apply for an American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship. The scholarship, administered by the American Indian College Fund, is based on merit and financial need. Students must be a U.S. citizen, have a minimum grade point average of 2.0, and be registered as a member of a tribe or have at least one parent or grandparent who is registered (American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship).

Study or Major Based Scholarships

American Dental Association Scholarships: The American Dental Association has several scholarships for students pursuing a career in dentistry, including the American Dental Scholarship, Dental Hygiene Scholarship, and Dental Assisting Scholarship. The number and amount of funds provided varies each year depending on available funds (ADA Foundation Scholarships).

American Library Association Christopher Hoy/ERT Scholarship: The Christopher Hoy/ERT Scholarships provides $5,000 to students pursuing a master's degree in library studies. Applicants must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen, be enrolled in a master's program accredited by the American Library Association, and have completed less than 12 semester hours by June 1 of the award year (ALA General Scholarships).

AICPA / Accountemps Scholarship: Accountemps and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) have joined forces to offer 10 students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in an accounting-related major $2,500 scholarships. Students must be a member of AICPA, have a GPA of at least 3.0, enrolled full-time, have completed at least 30 semester hours of study (6 of which need to be in accounting), and plan to pursue licensing as a Certified Public Accountant.

Other Interesting Scholarships

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest: Every year, one high school student is awarded $10,000 and the chance to meet with Caroline Kennedy by the Kennedy Library Foundation. Applicants must write a "Profile in Courage" essay, of 1,000 words or less, about a politician who chose to do what was right rather than what was easiest, expected, or more personally beneficial (John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest).

National Sculpture Society Scholarship: Offered by the National Sculpture Society, this scholarship offers $2,000 to students studying figurative or representational sculpture at an accredited institution (National Sculpture Society Scholarship).

Elks National Foundation's Most Valuable Student: The Elks National Foundation provides scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 per year to students enrolled in a four-year degree on a full-time basis. Students, who must be high seniors and U.S. citizens, are judged on their academic records, financial need, and leadership (Elks National Foundation's Most Valuable Student).

Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship: The Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship provides undergraduate students planning an automotive career of varying amounts based on financial need. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and provide letters of recommendation (Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship).

The LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarship: The LAGRANT foundation offers a $10,000 scholarship to a full-time graduate student studying public relations, marketing or advertising, with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and is Native American/Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latino, African American/Black, or Asian/Pacific Islander American (LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarship).

Higher education can be expensive. Thankfully, there is a variety of financial aid and tax benefits that students and parents can take advantage of to help pay for school. Here are some of the major ones:

Direct Stafford Loans: Low-interest loans available to students attending trade, career, or technical school, community college, or a four-year college or university. There are two types of Direct Stafford Loans: Direct Subsidized Loan and Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

• Direct Subsidized Loan: Provided to students with demonstrated financial need. Interest does not accrue on the loan amount as long as the student is enrolled in school at least half-time. Interest also does not accrue during deferment and grace periods.

• Direct Unsubsidized Loan: The Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not based on financial need. It is less preferable to the Direct Subsidized Loan because interest on the loan amount accrues from the first date of disbursement. Students can either pay the accrued interest as they go along. For those who do not want to, or can, pay the interest during school, the interest not only accrues but is also added on to the principal loan amount. The interest combined with the increased principal means that the total end amount owed on the loan will be more than the initial borrowed amount.

For both the Direct Subsidized Loan and Direct Unsubsidized Loan, the loan amounts are determined by the student's school after they receive the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The maximum amount that students can receive for either type of loan varies depending on his or her school year, whether or not they are listed as a dependent on someone else's tax return (ex. parent's tax return), and other factors. For example, a first-year student who is a dependent and whose parents have not taken a PLUS Loan can receive a maximum of $5,500 each year. Out of that $5,500, a maximum of $3,500 can be in the form of a Direct Subsidized Loan. Students can complete the FAFSA online or mail in an application (Direct Stafford Loans).

Direct PLUS: Loans, fixed with an interest rate of 7.9%, provided to parents of dependent children who need assistance paying for their children's education. The student must be enrolled at least half-time in school. To be eligible, the parent generally must not have a negative credit history and both the parent and student must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (ex. permanent resident) and not be in default for a federal education loan. The maximum loan amount is the student's cost of attendance less other financial aid received.  To apply, the parent completes the Direct PLUS Loan Application each school year (Direct PLUS Loans for Parents).

Perkins: A low-interest loan, 5%, which is available for both undergraduate and graduate students with demonstrated financial need. Undergraduate students can borrow a maximum of $5,500 each year, with a total undergraduate maximum of $27,500. Graduate students can borrow a maximum of $8,000 each year, with a total maximum of $60,000, which includes amounts borrowed as an undergraduate. Students apply for the loan with the FAFSA (Campus-Based Aid).

Federal Pell Grant: Available to undergraduate students or those enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teaching certificate program with demonstrated financial need. The maximum amount awarded each year is $5,500. Students apply for the grant with the FAFSA (Grants).

Lifetime Learning Credit: A benefit that provides those who pay for higher education tuition and fees for themselves, a spouse or a dependent a tax credit. It is also available for courses taken to improve and get job skills. In cases where a student is listed as a dependent on the parent's tax return, only the parent can claim the tax credit. The tax credit is a maximum of $2,000 per student, with the actual amount credited limited to the amount of taxes owed. The full credit amount is generally limited to those who make less than $60,000, or $120,000 for a married couple filing jointly. Eligible tax payers claim the credit on their annual tax return (Two Tax Credits to Help Pay Higher Education Costs).

The American Opportunity Credit: The other federal tax credit that helps tax payers offset the cost of higher education. While the maximum credit amount, $2,500, is a bit higher than that of the Lifetime Learning Credit, it is only available for four years of a degree or credential-granting program. Another difference is that taxpayers can be refunded a maximum of $1,000 even if they owe no taxes. The full credit amount is generally limited to those who make less than $80,000, or $160,000 for a married couple filing jointly. Tax payers cannot claim both the Lifetime Learning Credit and the American Opportunity Credit for the same student in the same year. Eligible tax payers claim the credit on their annual tax return (Two Tax Credits to Help Pay Higher Education Costs).

Getting an Education in Order to Further Your Career

One of the most compelling dilemmas of our time is whether to enter the workforce directly out of high school or to invest the extra money and time into getting some sort of advanced degree. There are many different possible answers: first, no one wants to be stuck in a job that allows little room for challenges or advancements, and second, no one wants to spend years of their life going into debt only to get a piece of paper (i.e., a college diploma) and get the same exact job they could have had right out of high school.

Both scenarios as presented allow little room for optimism. Nonetheless, there are concrete reasons as to why getting a college level education is one of the best ways to further your career. Rather than expecting your B.A. in Chilean Pottery to help you land an executive job at a bank, choose a degree that is an investment. The trick is to obtain an advanced degree that makes sense.

A college-level education increases potential job offers.

Do not let the horror stories involving college debt and pointless degrees dissuade you from seeking an advanced degree of your own. In the long run, advanced degrees will help you land a better job. It may not make sense, but a college degree on a resume could be the difference between being just another overlooked applicant and an interviewee in the lobby.

Even if you do not have a college degree immediately applicable to the job itself, highlighting the skills it took to obtain the degree will give you an edge over other applicants. When earning a college degree, you are likely displaying a variety of sought-after skills, such as research, writing, oral presentment, multitasking, and/or managing large-scale, group-oriented projects over the course of a semester.

Higher education degrees equal more earnings overall.

According to a recent U.S. census, the median salary for a worker with only a high-school education is around $35,000, as opposed to those with an associate's degree ($43,000). Those with a bachelor's degree have a median salary of around $56,000, and around 17% higher for those with master's level degrees ($68,000). Employees with a professional degree, such as a juris doctor or medical degree make a median salary of $100,000! The facts here speak for themselves: more education equals more income. 

Do not sacrifice work experience for an education.

One of the biggest misconceptions about taking the time to earn an advanced degree is that you will sacrifice getting actual work experience (which is more important to many employers). However, by earning an advanced degree, a whole new world of opportunities will be open to you. Would you rather earn an advanced degree and intern with the federal government researching water levels in a local estuary, or perhaps work at a local bakery in a career with little chance for advancement? 

While it is difficult to devote oneself to obtaining an advanced degree, the benefits to your career are well worth the extra work. If moving or changing your work schedule is not an option, many schools offer online programs and degrees which you can earn from home on your own time.

While institutional accreditation through regional and national accrediting bodies is important, it’s not the only type of accreditation out there. Many special accrediting agencies provide additional programmatic accreditations, which can be useful or even vital for a variety of careers.

Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET): This accreditation board provides programmatic accreditation for undergraduate engineering, tech, and science degree programs. ABET accreditation is so key, in fact, that engineers must graduate from an ABET recognized program in order to earn the state-issued Professional Engineer license. The world-renowned engineering programs at MIT and Stanford have ABET recognition.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): This accrediting agency, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, offers its seal of approval to quality undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Notable programs include those at the University of California San Francisco and Johns Hopkins.

Commission on the Advancement of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP): This is the largest specialized accrediting agency for allied healthcare careers. It accredits programs in diagnostic medical sonography, emergency medical response, medical assisting, and surgical technology, to name a few. The University of California San Diego and the Kaiser Permanente School have notable accredited programs.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB): This is the most well-known programmatic accreditation agency for business programs in the U.S. AACSB accreditation ensures that member programs cover particular management standards and that particular learning goals are met. Harvard’s Wharton school of business and Northwestern’s business school both have AACSB accreditation.

National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD): This special accrediting agency has certified just over 300 art and design programs in the U.S. The organization has standards for a variety of creative programs, from two-year degree programs to graduate programs in visual art and design. The Academy of Art University, San Francisco Art Institute, and a number of California State University members have NASAD institutional accreditation.

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE): All aspiring occupational therapists are required to graduate form an ACOTE accredited program in order to take the national licensing exam. The group evaluates master’s, combined bachelor’s-master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Alabama State University and San Jose State University have larger accredited programs.

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE): Aspiring kindergarten, elementary, and secondary teachers can look for programs accredited through NCATE. The program recognizes a variety of specializations, such as early childhood ed, gifted education, and media specialists. Dominican University and Syracuse University have nationally recognized programs.

Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA): This group offers recognition to massage schools and to individual programs. It has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education since 2002. Notable COMTA-recognized programs and schools include the American Institute of Massage, Florida College of Natural Health, and the Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado.

The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE): This specialized accrediting agency evaluates schools offering the doctor of chiropractic degree. The group is recognized by the Department of Education, as well as a number of non-governmental evaluation agencies. Palmer College of Chiropractic and Texas Chiropractic College are member institutions.

American Psychological Association (APA): Those looking into PhD programs in psychology in clinical or counseling areas should seek out accreditation through this group. The organization also lists post-doctoral opportunities and internships for students. American University and Loyola University of Chicago have notable accredited clinical programs.

Additional Resources

• College Accreditation: Here you’ll find the U.S. DoE’s overview of accreditation in the U.S.
• Accrediting Agencies: Learn the difference between institutional and programmatic accreditation.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: This organization lists important accrediting agencies for different careers.

Religious colleges and universities have a long history in the United States. Some of the oldest institutions in the country are those founded by religious orders. Below are some the Christian, Catholic and other religious schools across the country.

Christian

Point University: Point University is a four-year university located in West Point, GA. It was founded as Atlanta Christian College in 1937. As of September 2011, it had a student body of 1,288. Its acceptance rate for fall 2010 was 46 percent. Point University does not have an online degree program but does offer some courses online. The school makes a concentrated effort of making education accessible to all; about 96 percent of its students received some form of financial aid. 

Grace College and Seminary: Located in Winona Lake, Indiana, Grace College and Seminary is an evangelical Christian four-year college. As of 2011, Grace College and Seminary had a student body of 1,534 and an acceptance rate of 91.5 percent. The school has a 3-year accelerated degree option for students who are able to study intensely in a shorter amount of amount. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Management degree as well as several master's degrees online.

Trinity Lutheran College: Trinity Lutheran College, with a small student population of 159 students, is located in Everett, WA. Out of those who applied for a seat as part of the fall 2010 class, 53 percent were accepted. The school was recently ranked third in overall quality in Washington state. Some of the courses for their Certificate in Early Learning program are offered online.

Catholic

University of San Francisco: Located in San Francisco, CA, the University of San Francisco (USF) was founded in 1855 by Jesuit fathers. In 2010, the school had an undergraduate student body of 5,838 and a graduate student body of 9,585. The 2010 fall acceptance rate was 68 percent. Reflecting the Bay Area's diversity, USF's student body contains a significant number of Asian-American and Latino/Hispanic students. In conjunction with the University Alliance, USF offers certain professional certificate and degrees online.

College of the Holy Cross: College of the Holy Cross is a four-year school founded in 1843 by Jesuits and located in Worcester, Massachusetts. With a student body of only 2,800, College of the Holy Cross offers its students an intimate learning experience within an expansive 174-acre campus with beautiful views. Currently, the school does not offer any online programs. For the class of 2015, 33 percent of applicants were accepted. The school's quality education is reflected in its four-year graduation rate of 89 percent.

Madonna University: Founded in 1947 by the Felician Sisters of Livonia, Madonna University is a Catholic university in Livonia, Michigan. It offers associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. It had an undergraduate student body of 3,252 and 40.7 percent acceptance rate. The school offers several courses online. Madonna University is environmentally conscious; it received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Award in 2010.

Other

Naropa University: Naropa University is a four-year college in Boulder, CO that seeks to educate students using Buddhist values. It had a student body of 445 in 2011. Its acceptance rate for the fall 2011 class was 89.9 percent. The school offers several courses online each semester. According to a 2008 survey, Naropa University students engaged in politics, religion and music significantly more than students at nonsectarian four-year colleges.

American Jewish University: Located in Los Angeles, CA, American Jewish University had a student body of 131 with an acceptance rate of 97.8 percent for 2011. The school offers several courses online that its students can assess through its Online Learning Page. The school actually has two campuses, one on Mulholland Drive with views of the city and the ocean, and the other on a working ranch about 45 minutes from Los Angeles. 

One of the main priorities of high school students and existing employees who want to pursue higher education is finding out what profession best suits their needs and interests. Many are discovering ways to break into the most popular, and often recession-proof, careers to lead fulfilling, lucrative lives. Take a look at ten professions that are favorable in the United States. 

Registered Nurse 

With the rise of the elderly population and a continued need for direct care among individuals, the healthcare industry continues to recruit more qualified Registered Nurses (RNs). These professionals have broader scopes of practice than Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and therefore must attain more educational accomplishments, such as a bachelor's degree and passage of a licensing exam. Afterward, individuals may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, medical clinics, residential centers, outpatient facilities and schools. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), the average salary for RNs in 2010 was $67,720.  

Advertising and Promotions 

This is a highly recognizable career option as well. Upon graduating from a post-secondary institutions with backgrounds in primarily marketing and communications, many individuals expect to find work at advertising firms, public relations organizations, or Internet startup companies. However, it's important to keep in mind the overall fate of this industry. While Mail Moves America states that advertising mail is expected to create more jobs and help restore the economy, current financial setbacks have made it difficult for leaders in the industry, such as managers and directors, to maintain employment. Individuals are strongly encouraged to come up with lasting, innovative techniques that'll help weakened parts of the field thrive as a whole. 

Multimedia Artist 

Advertising, film, and design industries are all constantly seeking creative individuals to join their teams as multimedia artists. Under this role, professionals utilize a wide range of contemporary media outlets to achieve business goals. Common tools of use may include multiples types of visual art, animation, sound art and more. Artists generally draw fromthe  elements of dance, film, theatre, music and literature. Most employers prefer to hire someone with a background in visual art, although it's not always required. 

Court Reporter 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that court reporters held over 21,000 jobs in 2008, and employment in this field is expected to increase by 18 percent within the next decade. Also called stenotype operators, court reporters are responsible for transcribing legal proceedings, meetings, events and other correspondence for a living. An eye for detail, proofreading skills, and data management is essential to succeed in the position. Typical work settings for these individuals include attorney's offices, courtrooms, and home-based offices. 

Environmental Health and Safety Specialist 

Increased concern over environmental issues impacting the country and the planet overall has enabled the job market to be especially welcoming to environmental health and safety specialists. Individuals in this field are concerned with ensuring people are safe from potentially harmful chemicals on a smaller scale, such as in the workplace. They carefully assess machine operations, air and water quality, food safety, and other hazardous conditions in public settings. Aspiring professionals with a certificate or associate's degree maximize their chances of securing employment, particularly with the government. 

Speech Language Pathologist 

Another well-known career choice is becoming a speech language pathologist. Individuals who pursue this option are interested in helping children and/or adults with communication disorders, such as speech issues, swallowing dysfunctions, and language discrepancies. Throughout their careers, professional organizations like the  American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) provide substantial support through career development opportunities, continued education, and networking events. They screen, counsel and treat affected persons, as well as offer support services for immediate family and friends to show them how to handle clients outside of the specialized therapy sessions. 

Web Developer 

The influx of technological advancements has also provided job security for web developers. Those who prepare to enter this career are required to know how to design websites and manage a large host of contributing applications, such as CSS and HTML. As many individuals opt to begin their own small businesses, these workers discover more ways to market their skills. Some work for large companies or mid-sized businesses while others are freelancers that contract themselves out at an hourly rate. Overall, Payscale states the average income for web developers tends to range between $29,860 and $76,451 yearly. 

Urban Planner 

Lastly, urban planners are highly sought after by various employers. These workers delve into the technical process of designing highly populated areas. They're in charge of understanding the social and political benefits that their planning has on communities. Obtaining a quality education in this field and the affiliation with reputable industry groups, such as the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP), is crucial to the development of a career in this sector.

Sources 

American Nurses Association (ANA). (2012). 

Mail Moves America. (2010). 

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2012). 

American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). (2012). 

Payscale. (2012). 

Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP). (2012). 

Five Historically Black Universities

Historically black colleges and universities ("HBCUs") are not only an important part of American history, but represent a continued desire to promote and serve the education needs of African-Americans. HBCUs are culturally and historically significant academic institutions, but they also provide a world-class education, producing myriads of political figures, scientists, and artists. One drawback of attending an HBCU is the cost: they are typically not cheap. However, many receive  public endowments, and grants and other funds are made available to those who qualify. While HBCUs do not decline the application of other ethnicities, if you are not an African-American applicant, you may miss out on some of the cultural and historical aspects of what an HBCU has to offer.

The following is by no means an exhaustive list of HBCUs; however, the schools below are amongst the finest colleges and universities in the country. 

Morehouse College

• Location: Atlanta, GA.
• Student body: 3,000.
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Spike Lee, Herman Cain. 
• Special distinctions: Morehouse College is a male-only institution. A female-only college is located in Atlanta as well, called Spelman College. 

Florida A&M University

• Location: Tallahassee, FL
• Student body: 13,089.
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni: Marquis Grissom, Bob Hayes. 
• Special distinctions: Florida A & M University is America's largest historically black university. 

Lincoln University of Missouri

• Location: Jefferson City, MO.
• Student body: 2,952.
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni: Thurgood Marshall, Jesse Jackson, Langston Hughes.
• Special distinctions: The first historically black college ever established.  Lincoln University was ranked #3 for economic diversity, #5 for campus ethnic diversity, and #9 for most international students among master's level universities in the Midwest overall.

Howard University

• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Student body: 10,491.
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni: Thurgood Marshall, Gus Johnson, Toni Morrison.
• Special distinctions: Howard University receives an annual federal grant of over 200 million dollars and, despite its status as a "historically black university," encourages applicants from all races and genders. 

Xavier University

• Location: Cincinnati, OH. 
• Student body: 4,368.
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni: John Boehner, Brian Grant, Francis Wade. 
• Special distinctions: In addition to being an historically black university, Xavier is the nation's sixth oldest Catholic university. 

For more detailed information, check out the following resources:

• U.S. Department of Education - information provided as part of the Whitehouse's initiative regarding historically black universities. 
• HBCU Mentor - your online portal to the historically black colleges and universities of America. 
• HR Office of Educational Partnerships - a data- heavy resource for anyone with an interest in historically black colleges and universities. 
• The National Science Foundation - provides funding information for science-minded individuals seeking to go to historically black universities. 

10 Great State Universities

Everyone knows that getting a college education is a great step in the direction of future success. However, some institutions are better than others or will provide a better fit for your particular needs. Provided below are 10 state schools from all over the country. Each college was chosen based on affordability and academic excellence. 

New Mexico Highlands University

• Location: Las Vegas, NM.
• Student body size: 2,201.
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni/professors: Eddie Guerrero, professional wrestler in the WWE; Charlie Cowan, all-pro NFL tackle. 
• Tuiton costs: $3,264 (in-state), $5,328 (out-of-state). 

Indiana University Bloomington

• Location: Bloomington, IN
• Student body size: 32,367. 
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni/professors: Brian Stack, actor on Late Night With Conan O'Brien; John Chambers, president and CEO of Cisco Systems.
• Tuiton costs: $9,524 (in-state), $29,540 (out-of-state). 

University of California Berkeley

• Location: Berkeley, CA.
• Student body size: 25,530.
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni/professors: Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, Inc.; Gregory Peck, academy award winning actor.
• Tuiton costs: $12,835 (in-state), $35,713 (out-of-state). 

The City University of New York

• Location: New York City, NY. 
• Student body size: 480,000.
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni/professors: Barbara Boxer, state senator; Jerry Seinfeld, comedian.
• Tuiton costs: $5,130 (in-state), $13,800 (out-of-state). 

Bemidji State University

• Location: Bemidji, MN.
• Student body size: 5,045
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni/professors: Trent Baalke, general manager of the San Francisco 49ers. 
• Tuiton costs: $7,496.

Fayetteville State University

• Location: Fayetteville, NC.
• Student body size: 5,103.
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni/professors: Jerry C. Johnson, second most winningest basketball coach in NCAA Div. II history; Richard Medlin, NFL player for the New England Patriots. 
• Tuiton costs: $3,637 (in-state), $14,101 (out-of-state). 

California State University - Northridge

• Location: Northridge, CA.
• Student body size: 29,880.
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni/professors: Paula Abdul, music artist, actor; Linda Lingle, governor of Hawaii. 
• Tuiton costs: $5,076 (in-state), $21,312 (out-of-state). 

Western Washington University

• Location: Bellingham, WA.
• Student body size: 14,620.
• Online programs: Yes. 
• Notable alumni/professors: William Dietrich (1973), author, journalist and 1990 Pulitzer Prize winner for National Reporting; Alec Stone Sweet, professor at Yale Law School and guitar recording artist.
• Tuiton costs: $6,468 (in-state); $16,815 (out-of-state).

Florida International University

• Location: Miami, FL.
• Student body size: 38,759.
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni/professors: Stephanie Burns, President and CEO of Dow Corning; Andy Garcia, academy award nominated actor.
• Tuiton costs: $4,589 (in-state), $16,980 (out-of-state).

University of South Dakota

• Location: Vermillion, SD.
• Student body size: 10,151.
• Online programs: Yes.
• Notable alumni/professors: Joe Foss, fighter ace, 20th Governor of South Dakota, first commissioner of the American Football League. John H. Lawrence, physicist and physician recognized for pioneering work in nuclear medicine and often referred to as the father of modern nuclear medicine. Tom Brokaw also graduated from the University of South Dakota.
• Tuiton costs: $6,762 (in-state), $8,259 (out-of-state), 

For more information on great state colleges, check out the following resources:

• U.S. Universities - a database of state colleges organized by state.
• College Rankings - provides ranks for U.S. public universities. 
• CollegeView - a service that provides colleges ordered by state. 
• Kiplinger's Best Value List - this authoritative list orders colleges according to best value.