President Obama’s Recovery Act in 2009, wasn’t only focused on jobs. The Commander in Chief realized one of the best ways to improve a citizen’s income is to advance the person’s education. As such, a major part of the Act, $225 billion of it, is dedicated to contracts, grants and loans, including college loans, and $500 million of that will have a direct impact on online colleges.
One of the more inspiring things the President has said is his acknowledgement that: “All along that education pipeline, too many people”, he said in a speech last year, “are slipping through the cracks. It’s not only heartbreaking for those students; it’s a loss for our economy and our country”.
He is particularly concerned that only 29% of Americans have a college degree, where many other industrialized nations have more like 40%. Another statistic is only about 40% of Americans who start school actually complete their studies to become a college graduate. The rising costs of education, approximately eight percent per year, means many who start will not be able to finish as costs outpace their abilities to finance.
For example, in his first year of office alone, the President dedicated $500 million to have community colleges develop new online education programs. From there, he wants to have these courses available to all students who can get online, from their desktop to the new Amazon Kindle. Actually, what’s truly amazing is he wants to see 20-25 new government-approved courses available per year.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Board of Education estimates an online degree costs a little under 40% less than going to on-campus courses. USA Today reported last year that going on campus for a 4-year degree is $150,000, while the cost is $65,000 for a Bachelors degree at an online university.
Online classes from accredited colleges are the same as those who attend on campus schools. Taking a class this way absolutely does not mean one is taking anything easy or that passing grades are strewn about like confetti. These classes are as challenging as the top ivy league schools. In fact, some of them are offered by ivy league schools. Thanks to this and with the cost saving element, one easily sees why the President is for online education. Online school means more students for each government dollar spent, with each student getting the same competitive education.
Not surprisingly, there are many money-saving benefits to attending a school from home. The student can continue their work, a feature that is particularly attractive. Many companies, including some of the major players in convenience foods, offer scholarships to employees. If those working for the chain are there for a certain number of hours, they can get aid, study and work conveniently located. Those with children will appreciate not having to spend money for sitter fees, not to mention transportation costs.
If the program goes the way President Obama wants, it’s a situation that will benefit both the government and the people of this nation. The country gets a better education populace that will earn more, become more self-sufficient, and contribute by not needing assistance and paying taxes. The availability of college grants and scholarships are facilitating the dreams for so many. Wanting to attend school and then getting assistance, via online scholarships or through a grant for online school, means the dreams of many benefit themselves and the country. Everyone wins. There is a range of information available about receiving your Federal Pell Grant on the internet.