FAQ’s | Degree Search Online

What is Degree Search Online?

We offer the free service of connecting you with schools and degrees that will propel you to where you want to be in the future. We partner with over 150 top accredited universities and colleges and simply help you get the right information in your hands to make an informed decision. We feel passionate about making it as easy as possible to further your education. We’ve helped match thousands of people to the right degree program. Let us help you.

How do I pay for school?

Most schools accept financial aid and have other private and public scholarships available. You can set up an appointment with an advisor at each school to discuss the best options.

What is Financial Aid vs. Scholarships?

Financial aid is money set aside by the government and other public entities to reward people in certain financial or life situations with access to college. You usually qualify if you make under a certain yearly salary, are supporting children, or have other challenges that make it difficult to pay full price for college. Scholarships can be funded by private foundations and individuals, or by the schools themselves and are usually awarded based on merit: things like grades, work experience, and application essays decide who receives these awards.

What is the difference between an Associate’s and a Bachelor’s?

Having a college degree can certainly improve your job prospects and increase your earning potential compared to individuals without a degree. Here are several reasons why having a college degree can lead to better job opportunities:

Qualification Requirements: Many employers require candidates to have a college degree for certain positions, particularly those that involve specialized knowledge or skills. Without a degree, you may be automatically excluded from consideration for these roles.
Specialized Knowledge and Skills: A college education provides you with specialized knowledge and skills that are relevant to your field of study. This can make you a more attractive candidate for jobs that require specific expertise or training.
Career Advancement: In many industries, a college degree is a prerequisite for career advancement. Higher-level positions often require more education and experience, and having a degree can open doors to promotions and leadership roles.
Earning Potential: On average, individuals with a college degree tend to earn higher salaries than those without one. While this can vary depending on factors such as field of study, industry, and location, statistics consistently show that individuals with higher levels of education tend to earn more over their lifetimes.
Networking Opportunities: College provides opportunities to network with peers, professors, and professionals in your field. These connections can be valuable for finding job opportunities, gaining insights into your industry, and advancing your career.
Demonstrated Commitment and Discipline: Earning a college degree requires dedication, time management, and discipline. Employers often view this as evidence of your ability to set goals, work independently, and follow through on commitments, which are valuable qualities in the workplace.

While having a college degree can improve your job prospects, it’s important to note that it’s not the only factor that employers consider. Other factors such as relevant experience, skills, certifications, and personal qualities also play a role in determining your suitability for a job. Additionally, the value of a degree can vary depending on the field and the specific requirements of the job market. However, in general, a college degree can enhance your competitiveness in the job market and increase your chances of securing better job opportunities.

What is the difference between a Master’s degree and a PhD?

Focus:
- Master’s Degree: Typically focuses on providing advanced knowledge and skills in a specific field or discipline. It often involves coursework, projects, and sometimes a thesis or comprehensive exam.
- PhD: Focuses on original research contributing new knowledge to a specific area of study. It requires a significant independent research project (dissertation or thesis) and often involves coursework and comprehensive exams as well.
Duration:
- Master’s Degree: Generally takes 1-3 years to complete, depending on the program and whether it’s pursued full-time or part-time.
- PhD: Usually takes 3-7 years to complete, depending on the field of study, the research project, and the student’s progress.
Depth of Study:
- Master’s Degree: Provides a deeper understanding of the subject matter and may include specialized coursework. However, the level of depth and rigor is typically less than that of a PhD.
- PhD: Involves an extensive and in-depth exploration of a specific research question or area, requiring mastery of the existing literature and methodologies, as well as the ability to make an original contribution to the field.
Degree Requirements:
- Master’s Degree: Typically requires completion of a set number of credit hours of coursework, a project, and/or a thesis.
- PhD: Requires completion of advanced coursework, passing comprehensive exams, conducting original research, and writing and defending a dissertation.

In summary, while both degrees represent significant accomplishments, a master’s degree is generally more focused on coursework and may include a research component, while a PhD emphasizes original research and is often a prerequisite for careers in academia and advanced research positions.

How long will it take to earn my degree?

This varies from program to program. Trade schools offering certificates and diplomas for hands-on careers often have programs that last 9 months to a year. Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees are generally 2-4 years, but some schools offer accelerated programs for those who want to complete them faster, or slower paced programs for those who still work full-time and can’t commit to full time class schedules. Associate’s degrees can take 2 to years, and PhDs can take between 3-5 years to complete.

Do I need a laptop and/or internet?

If you plan to take online classes, you will need a computer or laptop and internet access. A few of the schools we partner with offer laptops for free with enrollment because they know it can be much easier to do your work with an easily accessible computer. Even at a ground campus college or university, most campuses use online systems for grading and turning in assignments. You’ll at least want a computer in your home / apartment or easy access to a library nearby to work from.

Will I get a better job with a degree?

Qualification Requirements: Many employers require candidates to have a college degree for certain positions, particularly those that involve specialized knowledge or skills. Without a degree, you may be automatically excluded from consideration for these roles.
Specialized Knowledge and Skills: A college education provides you with specialized knowledge and skills that are relevant to your field of study. This can make you a more attractive candidate for jobs that require specific expertise or training.
Career Advancement: In many industries, a college degree is a prerequisite for career advancement. Higher-level positions often require more education and experience, and having a degree can open doors to promotions and leadership roles.
Earning Potential: On average, individuals with a college degree tend to earn higher salaries than those without one. While this can vary depending on factors such as field of study, industry, and location, statistics consistently show that individuals with higher levels of education tend to earn more over their lifetimes.
Networking Opportunities: College provides opportunities to network with peers, professors, and professionals in your field. These connections can be valuable for finding job opportunities, gaining insights into your industry, and advancing your career.
Demonstrated Commitment and Discipline: Earning a college degree requires dedication, time management, and discipline. Employers often view this as evidence of your ability to set goals, work independently, and follow through on commitments, which are valuable qualities in the workplace.

Does a school need to be accredited?

Yes, accreditation is important for schools and universities for several reasons:

Quality Assurance: Accreditation ensures that schools meet certain standards of quality in terms of faculty qualifications, curriculum, student services, facilities, and more. It provides assurance to students, parents, and employers that the education provided by the institution meets established benchmarks for excellence.
Transferability of Credits: Accreditation is often a requirement for the transfer of credits between institutions. Students who attend accredited schools can more easily transfer credits to other accredited institutions, which can be important if they wish to continue their education elsewhere or if they need to change schools for any reason.
Eligibility for Financial Aid: Accreditation is required for schools to participate in federal financial aid programs in many countries. Students attending accredited schools may be eligible for various forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans, which can help make education more affordable.
Employer Recognition: Employers often prefer candidates who have graduated from accredited institutions because accreditation is seen as a marker of quality and rigor. Graduates of accredited schools may have a competitive advantage in the job market compared to those from non-accredited institutions.
Licensing and Certification: Some professions require individuals to have completed their education at accredited institutions in order to obtain licensure or certification. This is particularly common in fields such as healthcare, engineering, education, and law.
International Recognition: Accreditation can enhance the international reputation and recognition of an institution, making it more attractive to students, faculty, and researchers from around the world.

Overall, accreditation serves as an important mechanism for ensuring educational quality, protecting students’ interests, and promoting accountability within the higher education sector. It provides a framework for continuous improvement and helps to maintain public trust in educational institutions.

How soon can I apply?

As soon as possible! Many online programs don’t have the usual semester timelines and classes start on a 30 day rolling basis. Traditional campuses have anywhere from 1-4 enrollment periods per year, and that information can be found with each school.

F.A.Q.