Earn Online Distance Degrees. Accelerate Your Career.

Online education has grown in leaps and bounds across the globe, and the situation in Canada is no different. However, there are distinct differences between online and distance education options offered in the USA and Canada. So if you’re thinking of taking up a college course in the latter, there are a few things you need to know:

• The terms college and university are very different and do not mean the same thing.

• Colleges offer full and part time diploma and certificate programs in applied arts and technology.

• Some colleges offer Bachelor’s degrees in certain areas of study.

• In general, colleges are more career-oriented and focus on practical and hands-on training designed to improve your on-the-job skills.

• You can go to college to learn a new trade or upgrade existing skills.

• Certificate programs span a year while diplomas take two to three years to complete.

• The range of courses offered is varied - some colleges even offer military programs and in courses in agriculture.

• Universities offer undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees and doctoral programs.

• Undergraduate programs take three years to complete.

• However, if you want to go on to earn a postgraduate degree, you must spend an additional year at your undergraduate degree – the fourth year earns you an honors degree.

• Private career colleges provide training for specific jobs and occupations.

• As in other countries over the world, online education is more cost effective than traditional education in Canada.

• Before you sign up for any online degree, diploma or certificate course, ensure that it is accredited by the concerned provincial or territorial government. In Canada, programs and courses are accredited rather than entire universities and colleges.

• Most Canadian universities are run by provincial governments, and those that are authorized to grant degrees are identified as “recognized” institutions.

• The Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada is a national organization of professional associations that accredit programs to certify their quality.

• Some private institutions may be granted partial degree granting status. They are mostly denominational and have some religious affiliation.

• Check this website for a list of addresses and phone numbers in all provinces in Canada which you can contact with your queries about online education, accreditation and programs offered. 

About the author: This guest post is contributed by Mark Davies, he writes on the topic of Online Masters Degree . He welcomes your comments at his email id: markdavies247<@>gmail<.>com.

If you or your family is already struggling to make ends meet in this economy, trying to find a way to pay for college may be a daunting task. But even if you don’t have a lot of money, there are ways to pay for college if you aren’t afraid of a little extra work and a spending a few extra hours filling out applications or writing a few essays.

One of the first places you’ll want to look for money for college is with the federal government. The federal government has a huge student financial aid program, offering both low-interest loans and grants to those who qualify. Just about every student in the US is eligible for a federal student loan, but keep in mind that loans have got to be paid back at some point, so you might be looking at a bigger cost in the future. On the other hand, federal financial aid also comes in the form of grants (they don’t need to be paid back). These grants are based solely on financial need and are given on a first-come-first-served basis.  Always keep in mind that you might not qualify based on several application processing factors.  So fill out your FAFSA early in the year to qualify for the most amount of financial aid possible.

Besides the federal government, individual states also offer tuition assistance in the form of loans or grants. These assistance programs are usually based on a combination of a number of factors, like financial need and GPA or interest in a certain field. Some states may also give you college grant money in return for a contract to work for the state after graduation for a specified period of time. Check your state’s education website for more information on loans and grants available to you.

Lastly, non-profit and for-profit companies as well as foundations and other organizations offer millions of dollars each year in grants to students who qualify. Some companies offer grants to children of employees—so check with your parents. Other companies will offer grants to students who will join the company after graduation. And yet more organizations may award grants based on ethnic origin, religious affiliation, academic performance, and a number of other factors. If you are a member of a minority ethnic group or are active in your religious community, check with local and national organizations about grant programs.

Finding money to pay for college can be a difficult process that involves a lot of research, phone calls, or writing essays, but if you can get the money together to pay for school, the return on your investment can be invaluable.

About the author: Diane Johnson primarily writes about online education, pell grants, and anything else that interests her. She enjoys traveling, reading, sledding, and sports.