Now more than ever, having the right skills across your organization is crucial for driving growth. It’s more time and budget efficient for employees and companies alike to upskill from within by offering focused higher education to stay ahead of the competition with the latest know-how. Still, a recent study by Forbes shows that in the United States alone: “over 39 million adults have attended college but earned no degree or other credential.” Now is the time to fill the skills gap and maximize your team’s potential! 

Global education leader Pearson is bringing the concept of upskilling from within to the next level with new advances in the Accelerated Pathways program. The landscape of education is always evolving, and our latest 8-module course structure aligns with our commitment to innovation. Learners appreciate the organization, clarity, and flow of materials in this new format. The integration of video content and interactive learning objects (ILO) further enhanced the learning experience, providing a cohesive and engaging framework for learners to follow. 

Your team members can benefit from an even more enriching learning experience for career advancement and company growth. 

Highlights:  

• Self-paced learning with instructor support for questions, feedback, and grades

• Fewer quizzes and tests, more hands-on projects 

• Open enrollment to start anytime

Instructors are the pillars of learner success 

A significant highlight of the revamped courses is the enhanced role of instructors. Learners have expressed immense gratitude for the timely and constructive feedback from their instructors. The prompt responses to messages create a more immersive and "real" course experience, fostering a supportive learning environment. This feedback isn't just beneficial for academic purposes; it acts as a powerful confidence booster, encouraging learners to engage more deeply with the course content.

Projects bring learning to life 

The shift from traditional exams to project-based assessments marks a pivotal change in our approach to evaluating learner understanding. The remastered courses have replaced the conventional summative mid-term and final exams with projects, offering a more authentic means for learners to demonstrate their mastery of the material. Previously, some courses relied solely on multiple-choice quizzes and summative exams, while others combined written assignments with these traditional assessment methods.

Learners now have the opportunity to engage in projects that increase their interest in the content by being able to apply it directly to real-life situations. The clear instructions and detailed rubrics provided for these projects have been well-received, addressing past concerns about alignment between instructions and expectations. By giving more weight to projects than multiple choice quizzes, we emphasize the importance of real-life application over memorization. 

Further innovation for dynamic, engaging education

The positive feedback from learners highlights the success of these changes and underscores the importance of continuously evolving our educational methods. As we move forward, we remain committed to refining our courses to provide the best possible learning experience. The 8-module structure, supportive instructors, and project-based assessments are just the beginning. Together, we are building a future where education is dynamic, practical, and deeply rewarding. 

Join us on this journey as we continue to innovate and inspire. Your feedback and enthusiasm drive us to keep improving and ensuring that every learner can achieve their full potential. Here's to a new era of learning, where knowledge meets real-world application!

Questions? Connect with a representative at Accelerated Pathways for more details. 

At this year’s SHRM conference in Chicago, attendees had the opportunity to join the panel on “Strategic Upskilling: Fueling Retention in the Age of Innovation,” with speakers from Edcor, Amazon, the KFC Foundation, and Brinker International, parent company of Chili's and Maggiano's. The session highlighted the transformative power of upskilling through education benefits and the significant impact on employee retention in today’s rapidly changing business environment.

Moderator:

• Vicki Greene, President of GED Testing Service and SVP of Pearson Workforce Skills

Panelists:  

• Jeff Bulanda, Senior Manager, Amazon Career Choice 
  Adrienne Way, CEO & Owner, Edcor 
  Debbie Rollins, Program Director, KFC Foundation 
  Scott Roberson, Senior Project Lead, Brinker International

A holistic approach to employee education benefits

While discussing the importance of well-rounded employer-offered education benefits, Edcor’s CEO Andrienne Way stressed the necessity of paying attention to the entire employee base and understanding their diverse needs and aspirations. This approach is essential for creating meaningful programs that cater to employees at various stages of their careers.

Scott Roberson from Brinker International shared how their program, Best You EDU™, supports over 65,000 employees through initiatives like English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, GED credentialing via GEDWorks™, and degree options through Pearson Accelerated Pathways. These programs are tailored to meet employees where they are, helping them advance in their careers.

Debbie Rollins of the KFC Foundation discussed their significant expansion from one to over nine educational programs in the last 14 years. Many of KFC’s 100,000 emoloyees are frontline workers without a high school diploma. As a founding partner of GEDWorks, the KFC Foundation has enabled over 400 employees to earn their GED credentials through GEDWorks – it’s life-changing for them and their families!

Moving onto higher education, companies and employees appreciate how Pearson Accelerated Pathways ensure that no credit is left behind – whether it’s for Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree studies. Academic advisors review existing credits and incorporate them into the degree path for seamless and cost-effective transition towards achieving academic and professional goals, saving time and money for learners and companies alike.

Financial considerations and managing learner expectations

Panelists explored the financial implications of offering education benefits, which ultimately save organizations money by reducing recruitment, hiring, and training expenses. Beyond financial savings, such benefits contribute to a more skilled and loyal workforce.

Scott pointed out that while degrees and certificates can open doors to new opportunities, they do not automatically lead to pay raises or promotions. However, they prepare employees for greater responsibilities and potential career advancement. Jeff Bulanda from Amazon Career Choice emphasized the importance of ensuring employees are adequately trained for advanced roles, such as data center technicians at AWS.

Expanding benefits to family members and student loan repayment

The conversation also touched on expanding educational benefits to family members and offering student loan repayment options. Edcor’s Adrienne Way addressed how some healthcare organizations use student loan repayment to attract physicians and nurses, highlighting the potential for similar strategies in other industries. Scott talked about plans to extend benefits to one family member and considering student loan forgiveness. Vicki noted that educational benefits go beyond empowering individuals to achieve their degrees – they have a generational effect that positively impacts their family.  

The evolution of education toward flexibility and focus on skills  

The pursuit of higher education has become increasingly flexible and accessible, compared to the traditional approaches that have been in place for centuries.  

For example, going from the GED or a traditional high school diploma to college-level learning is easier now thanks to Bridge-to-College courses by Pearson Accelerated Pathways. Flexible, online courses are available to learners who completed their high school credential but are not quite ready to dive into a college degree. The courses set them up for success with organizational skills as well as more advanced English and Math, all of which count as credits when enrolling in a higher education institution.  

One exciting opportunity for professionals is the ability to obtain a graduate certificate or stack credits towards a master’s degree through programs like Pearson Accelerated Pathways. This innovative approach allows individuals to use their existing credits, significantly reducing the cost and time required to earn an advanced degree. Degrees can be achieved without career interruption, enabling individuals and companies to plan for growth and keep up with skill demands.

Embracing AI and technological advancements

The discussion concluded with an exploration of the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements in education. AI is already being used by students to aid their learning. Pearson is actively developing tools to harness AI’s potential in education, ensuring that students and professionals alike can benefit from these innovations.

By leveraging past education, providing comprehensive support, and embracing technological advancements, organizations can empower their employees to achieve their academic and professional goals. This holistic approach benefits employees directly and contributes to overall organizational success and growth.

In the dynamic landscape of business, the evolution of skillsets plays a pivotal role in determining the success of companies. A key question arises: which types of roles are vital for your company's growth at this moment? Chances are, your team is encountering gaps in skills at multiple levels, and filling those skill gaps can give your company a competitive advantage. 

Embracing a Skills-Based Approach

One significant shift that has garnered attention is the shift towards hiring based on skills rather than traditional metrics like degrees or job titles. Relying solely on academic credentials or past job positions no longer provides a comprehensive understanding of an individual's potential contribution to a team. It's crucial to consider a diverse range of skills – including soft skills, technical expertise, decision-making abilities, life experiences, and motivation levels.

A skills-based approach to talent development encompasses various formal and informal learning initiatives. These can range from strategic educational benefits to mentorship programs and experiential learning opportunities. Research from the Working Learners Index indicates that a staggering 90% of employees express willingness to remain with their employer if educational opportunities are provided as a benefit. Just envision the cost savings and productivity enhancements achievable with such a high retention rate!

Education and Skills Development without Interruptions

Turning vision into reality is exciting for everyone involved. Partners like GEDWorks™ and Accelerated Pathways can facilitate seamless education and skills development for employees without disrupting their careers. GEDWorks empowers individuals to attain their GED® high school equivalency credentials while continuing to work, while Accelerated Pathways offers flexible online higher education options ranging from Associate to Bachelor’s to Master's degrees and graduate certificates.

These programs revolutionize traditional education by meeting learners at their current life stage, thereby preparing them for future careers brimming with fulfillment and success.

Thriving in the Digital Economy

Innovation knows no bounds, especially when it comes to addressing the demands of the digital economy. Collaborating with pioneering entities like WithYouWithMe, we've introduced the GED Tech Apprenticeship™ Program. This initiative equips GED learners with globally accredited training in high-demand tech fields such as software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

For employers, this program presents an innovative and cost-effective solution to bridge skills gaps. By hiring pre-trained, diverse entry-level candidates at minimal expense, businesses can address their talent needs efficiently.

Championing Bright Futures

In today's landscape, complacency is no longer an option. Every individual deserves access to education and multiple pathways to achieve their career aspirations. We must challenge the status quo and embrace diverse avenues to foster promising careers for ourselves, our employees, and future generations.

In conclusion, the paradigm shift towards skills-based hiring and education heralds a new era of business excellence. By prioritizing skills development, embracing innovative programs, and championing inclusive career pathways, businesses can thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the modern economy.

Dive deeper on a quick call with an upskilling expert at Accelerated Pathways.

Many organizations agree that education leads to growth for employees and companies. Research shows that education is a wise investment for organizations: “68% of workers say they would stay with their employer throughout their career if the employer made an effort to upskill them” (Source: Annual Career Optimism Index)

However, it’s often difficult to understand just how much and which education benefit programs are the best investments. The tips below will help you measure results more effectively. 

Top challenges in measuring ROI in learning initiatives 

When it comes to measuring return on investment (ROI) from learning initiatives for employees, it can be challenging due to various factors.  

• Intangible benefits: The impact of learning initiatives on employee performance and productivity is often intangible and not easily quantifiable. Soft skills development, improved collaboration, and enhanced communication are examples of outcomes that may not have straightforward metrics – but are still valuable.
• Measurement tools and methods: Selecting appropriate measurement tools and methods is crucial. Traditional assessment tools may not adequately capture the effectiveness of certain types of learning, such as experiential or on-the-job learning. 
• Complexity of job roles: Measuring ROI becomes more challenging in complex job roles where performance is influenced by a combination of factors. It may be difficult to attribute changes solely to a learning initiative when other external factors play a significant role. 
• Lack of baseline data: Without adequate baseline data on employee performance before the learning initiative, it becomes challenging to measure improvements accurately. Establishing clear performance benchmarks is essential for meaningful ROI calculations. 
• Technology: In an increasingly digital learning environment, integrating and leveraging technology for tracking and measuring employee progress can pose challenges. Issues such as data privacy, security, and compatibility can impact the effectiveness of measurement systems. 

To overcome these challenges, you’ll need to choose education programs with measurable objectives, and continuously assess the effectiveness of their learning programs over time. Regular evaluations and adjustments can help improve the accuracy of ROI measurements for employee learning initiatives. 

Key metrics for measuring ROI for learning initiatives 

Education benefits can also help save tens of thousands of dollars – per person – in costs related to replacing employees in turnover situations. In many industries, replacing a robust frontline workforce is an enormous expense due to high levels of turnover, some averaging over 100% annually. “Among positions earning $30,000 a year or less, which includes more than half of all U.S. workers, the cost of replacing an employee is almost equal to those positions earning less than $75,000 annually.” (Source: Center for American Progress)  

Investing in the right education programs can increase retention, saving an organization on the cost of turnover. 

In order to take into account the tangible and intangible benefits of gaining knowledge and skills, it’s important to consider a mix of quantitative and qualitative metrics.  

Quantitative Metrics: 

• Cost of learning: Direct costs include expenses related to designing, developing, and delivering the learning program. Indirect costs are associated with employee time away from work during learning.
• Productivity metrics: Output measures assess changes in employee productivity, efficiency, or output after completing the learning. 
• Employee performance: Key performance indicators (KPIs) help link learning outcomes to elements that are relevant to each individual’s role.
• Retention rates: Track the retention of employees who have undergone learning compared to those who haven't.
• Time to competency: Measure the time it takes for employees to reach full productivity after completing the learning.
• Employee engagement: Gather number-driven feedback through surveys on the learning program and its impact on engagement. Participation rates demonstrate the level of employee engagement in voluntary learning programs.
• Employee development: Track the number of employees who create and follow through with personal development plans post-learning.
• Return on time invested: Calculate the time employees spend in learning versus the resulting performance improvement.
• Technology adoption: Track the adoption and proficiency in using new technologies or tools introduced during learning.
• Cost savings: Identify and quantify any cost savings resulting from improved efficiency or reduced errors. 

Qualitative Metrics: 

• Employee feedback: Collect qualitative data on how employees perceive the learning, its relevance, and its impact on their work. This can be done through focus groups and surveys with open-ended answer fields.  
• Skill acquisition: Self-assessment: Ask employees to assess their own skills before and after learning. Manager assessments: Gather feedback from supervisors on observed improvements in skills.
• Knowledge transfer: Assess how well employees can apply the knowledge gained from learning to their daily tasks.
• Leadership development: Discover potential leaders within your organization as a result of leadership learning programs.
• Team collaboration: Evaluate improvements in team collaboration and communication.
• Innovation and problem-solving: Get a sense of upticks in innovative ideas and creative problem-solving after learning.
• Employee satisfaction: Observe changes in attitudes and motivation before and after participating in learning programs. 

The selection of metrics needs to align with the specific goals and objectives of the learning program and your organization's overall strategy. Combining both quantitative and qualitative measures provides a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of learning initiatives on employee development and organizational success. 

Turnkey solutions like Pearson Accelerated Pathways help achieve goals without the stress 

By offering employees a means to get the development they need to support the career they desire, the potential benefits are many and measurable. Plus, you don’t have to worry about time and resources needed to manage the learning experience – it’s all part of Accelerated Pathways. 

Options include Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master's degrees as well as graduate certificates. Remedial courses are also available for learners who have completed high school education but may not be fully ready for college-level work. You can learn more and schedule a time to speak with an education benefits expert here.  

Your organization will benefit from the following advantages:   

• Improve employee skill sets with future-focused, career-applicable education
• Reduce turnover and absenteeism
• Deliver new skills to roles impacted by technology and automation
• Minimize speed-to-competency for roles affected by worker retirement
• Boost productivity, morale and brand loyalty
• Encourage efficiency and profit gains
• Increase employee engagement
• Increase talent pipeline
• Improve Net Promoter Score
• Increase employer brand value 

Don’t hesitate – connect with a representative at Accelerated Pathways soon! 

Do you often dream of taking your knowledge to the next level? Whether it’s to advance in your career or accomplish personal learning goals, certificates are quickly becoming the most in-demand form of post-secondary education. In a nutshell, they’re time-efficient, cost-effective, flexible, and focused. Certificates are all about skills-based learning. Online college courses for skills-based learning span many disciplines. You can zero in on the knowledge you need without spending time or money on concepts that may not be directly relevant to your career path and aspirations. 

Skills-based learning is popular among working professionals because it’s an educational approach that focuses on developing specific skills and competencies relevant to a particular profession or industry. It is designed to enhance the practical knowledge and abilities for your respective fields, allowing you to stay sharp in your current role, adapt to changing job requirements, or go for that promotion you’ve been dreaming of!

"Certificates provide post-secondary level education without worrying about large student loan debt; they can be achieved in a matter of weeks or months, not years. They are flexible, allowing learners to build knowledge and skills at their own pace." — Vicki Greene, President of GED Testing Service and SVP Workforce Skills

The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce conducted a research study called “Certificates: Gateway to Gainful Employment and College Degrees”. Just a few findings from the report include: 

• 1,000,000+ certificates were awarded in 2010, which has risen more than 3x from 300,000 in 1994

• 44% of certificate holders work in a field related to their certificate training.

• The most common occupations of certificate holders are in fields such as business, transportation, healthcare and metalworking.

Why consider skills-based learning?

• Targeted Skills Development: Skills-based learning identifies the specific skills required for success in a particular profession or industry. These skills could include technical expertise, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, leadership, project management, or any other relevant skill set.

• Practical Application: The emphasis of skills-based learning is on practical application rather than theoretical knowledge alone. Professionals are encouraged to apply the acquired skills in real-world scenarios through hands-on projects, case studies, simulations, or workplace-based assignments.

• Customized Learning Pathways: Learning programs are often tailored to the needs and goals of individual professionals or groups within a specific organization. This customization allows participants to focus on the skills they need to improve or acquire based on their job roles, career aspirations, or current industry demands.

• Flexible Learning Formats: Skills-based learning recognizes the time constraints and commitments of working professionals. As a result, it often offers flexible learning formats such as online courses, part-time programs, evening classes, self-paced modules, or blended learning approaches that combine in-person and virtual components.

• Continuous Learning and Upgrading: Skills-based learning is an ongoing process that encourages professionals to engage in lifelong learning. It recognizes the importance of staying updated with emerging trends, technologies, and industry practices, enabling individuals to remain competitive in their fields.

• Recognition and Certification: Successful completion of skills-based learning programs may be accompanied by certifications, badges, or credentials that validate the acquired skills. These credentials can serve as proof of competency and enhance professional credibility when seeking new job opportunities or career advancement.

What are the benefits of skills-based learning?

• Enhanced employability: By acquiring in-demand skills, professionals become more attractive to employers and are better positioned for career advancement or job transitions.

• Adaptability to industry changes: Skills-based learning equips professionals with the ability to adapt to evolving industry demands, technological advancements, and changing job requirements.

• Improved job performance: The practical nature of skills-based learning allows professionals to apply their newly acquired skills directly in their work, leading to improved performance and productivity.

• Confidence and self-efficacy: Developing and mastering specific skills through targeted learning can boost professionals' confidence, motivation, and belief in their abilities.

• Networking opportunities: Skills-based learning often provides opportunities for professionals to connect with peers, mentors, and industry experts, fostering valuable networks and collaborations.

Overall, skills-based learning can serve as a catalyst for professional growth so you can remain competitive, adaptable, and successful in your career. Explore dozens of courses available through Pearson Accelerated Pathways.  

Recruitment and retention have always been difficult, but they are far more challenging in the era known as “The Great Resignation,” or “The Great Reshuffle.” Tuition reimbursement programs (TRP) are key to a future-ready recruitment and retention strategy. However, they are greatly underutilized.

Our data-driven study explores why only 2% of eligible workers take advantage of TRP

Download the white paper to read more

Pearson Accelerated Pathways and Edcor Reinforce Partnership and Now Offer Graduate Certificates
Graduate-level certificates allow busy professionals the opportunity for career advancement

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Pearson Accelerated Pathways and Edcor are expanding their partnership to provide a Master's Advising pathway, including graduate certificates, to their portfolio of clients. Academic advising and career coaching are also part of the program. This new pathway offers Edcor clients more opportunities to meet learners where they are in their careers and educational journeys. Graduate certificates will empower learners to earn stackable credentials that will prepare them for advanced degrees and give them specialized training that can lead to career advancement.

According to a recent study by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, certificates are the fastest-growing form of post-secondary credentials in the United States. This is one of the main reasons propelling Pearson and Edcor to focus on meeting this increasing need in the market.

“At Edcor, we continuously work with our partners to develop resources and technology to solve complex business problems through innovation in order to help clients face the challenges of a dynamic and emergent workplace. We are thrilled to introduce graduate certificates with Pearson Accelerated Pathways to fill the knowledge gaps for in-demand skills.” — Adrienne Way, CEO and Owner, Edcor Data Services LLC

Edcor, a leading provider of education benefit administration, has been offering debt-free college degrees for client employees through tuition benefits. Micro-credentials and certificates provide post-secondary level education without worrying about hefty student loans; they can be achieved in a matter of weeks or months, not years. For organizations and individuals, these benefits help fill knowledge gaps and upskill employees for more advanced roles.

“Leveraging the established relationships between Edcor, Pearson Accelerated Pathways and university partners, learners can take advantage of graduate-level courses at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional graduate programs. Learners can benefit from $0 out-of-pocket costs in most cases through their employers’ tuition assistance program. This leads to win-win results — significant savings for organizations and employees.” — Vicki Greene, President of GED Testing Service and SVP Workforce Skills.

Career-focused graduate certificates will be available for clients across industries to enable their employees to achieve higher education through a flexible online program that fits even the busiest schedules. Graduate certificates transfer into graduate degrees for a seamless learning experience. Along with Pearson’s proprietary Global Digital Classroom platform for Bachelor-level, this new addition creates a truly holistic offering.

For more information, please contact:

Kate Slivinski, Director of Marketing, Pearson Accelerated Pathways 866-989-5432 | kate.slivinski@pearson.com

About Pearson Accelerated Pathways

Pearson Accelerated Pathways provides higher education, upskilling and reskilling through a flexible online college experience. Professionals get the opportunity to earn degrees without interrupting their careers. Options include Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master's degrees as well as graduate certificates. Learners earn credits that are transferrable to over 2,000 colleges and universities across the United States. More information is available at pearsonaccelerated.com

About Edcor

Edcor, a certified woman-owned business, is the benchmark in education benefits administration. For over 40 years, our customized service and software solutions have allowed clients to use education benefits programs, including tuition assistance and student loan assistance, for employee recruiting, retention and development. Additional information can be found at edcor.com

When life moves at a hundred miles an hour, it can be tough to even think about stopping to pursue a graduate degree. But what if you didn’t have to stop, or even pause? What if you could benefit from graduate-level learning while working and juggling everything in life? It’s possible, surprisingly affordable — and can fit into even the busiest schedule. Here’s how and why you should totally go for it!

Why it’s a solid decision to pursue a graduate certificate online

Flexibility: Online graduate certificate programs like Accelerated Pathways offer the flexibility to balance work, family, and other responsibilities while pursuing advanced education. Online learning enables you to access courses, classwork, and assignments anytime, anywhere. You’ll find there’s even space for “me” time to relax and recharge.

Career advancement: To stay competitive at work — whether you’re aiming for a promotion or searching for a new role — enhancing your skills and knowledge help make your profile stand out.

Professional development: Online graduate certificate programs can help introduce competencies in new areas and/or expand on existing knowledge. Say hello to a broader range of professional opportunities!

[Much!] Lower cost: Online graduate certificate programs are less expensive than traditional on-campus programs, which means less debt. Some employers even offer tuition assistance — be sure to ask your HR department.

For example, according to a study by the Education Data Initiative: “the cost of a Master's degree typically ranges between $30,000 and $120,000 depending on the school, the major, and the length of the program. The average cost of a Master's degree is $62,650.”

At Accelerated Pathways, our high-quality college courses are 36% less expensive than the national average. And with the freedom to pay as you go, there’s no need for student loans.
There are also obvious cost savings associated with not having to live on campus or commute to class.

Interactive learning: Online courses often incorporate interactive elements like discussion boards, multimedia presentations, and online simulations, which can make learning easier, more engaging, and more collaborative. As a plus, students who participate in online courses often develop stronger digital skills, which can be beneficial in many areas of work and life.

Personal enrichment: You may want to pursue an online graduate certificate without going for the full Master’s degree. Learning is rewarding and healthy; it doesn’t always have to be tied to a career plan.

Check out some of our most popular online graduate certificates at Accelerated Pathways: Leadership, Marketing, Human Resources Management, Criminal Justice Leadership, Social-Emotional Learning, Public Administration Leadership, Healthcare Management, Instructional Design and Technology, Sport Management, Emergency Management Leadership, Fire/Rescue Executive Leadership, Project Management...So many great learning opportunities to choose from!

How to obtain your online graduate certificate through Pearson Accelerated Pathways

You’ve read this far down, so you must be feeling pretty convinced by now. Below are the steps to keep in mind for a graduate certificate through Accelerated Pathways. You can read on for more details about how the program works.

1.  Choose a program: Select an area of study that fits your interests and career goals. All courses are 100% online and have monthly start dates for ultimate flexibility.
2.  Apply: Once you have chosen a program, you will need to submit an online application. The application usually requires personal and academic information, including a transcript from your undergraduate studies.
3. Complete the program requirements: Upon acceptance, you will need to complete the program requirements, which typically include completing a set of courses and maintaining a minimum GPA.
4. Obtain your graduate certificate: After completing the program requirements, you will receive a graduate certificate from Pearson Accelerated Pathways. Certificates count for credits at partner universities where you can continue your studies if you wish to pursue a full Master’s degree.

You can find the answers to questions that are floating excitedly around your brain. You can even sign up to connect with an advisor for a commitment-free conversation.

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of choosing a college? We understand how intimidating it can seem. Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions you can make in life—with tons of factors involved like affordability, accreditation, location vs. online.

While these considerations may seem complicated and overwhelming, don’t get discouraged! We’re experts at helping students research colleges and choose the right degree path.

Check out these tips to get started!

1.       Clarify your career goals

Figuring out your professional goals may seem like a tough place to start. Perhaps you’d prefer to delay choosing a college major until after you’ve started college. However, we encourage you to start with the end in mind.

Having a general idea of what you’d like to do after college will help you determine what type of education you’ll need. In turn, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices based on colleges that specialize in your preferred subjects of interest.

To figure out your career goals and preferred degree majors, start by answering these five questions.

2.       In-person or online college?

Now that you have an idea of what you’d like to study, it’ll be easier to look for colleges that specialize in your major. But wait… there’s another decision to make first! Do you want to go to college online or in-person?

Here are a few of the top reasons you might choose one over the other:

Online:

• Flexible schedule
• Lower cost
• Greater accessibility

In-person:

• Hands-on learning
• Social/extracurricular activities
• Campus living

If you choose online college…

You’ll have an array of options readily available at your fingertips. Even many previously in-person campuses now offer online degree programs – or a mix of online and in-person. You’ll also have opportunities to knock out your general education courses through a flexible program (like ours)—at a lower cost—and then transfer that credit into your graduating institution to finish out your degree.

Since the pandemic, online degrees have become more mainstream and legitimized. Still, it’s important to find quality online learning. You can do that by making sure your online institution has regional accreditation. This is the standard accepted across a broad spectrum of institutions. It ensures that your hard-earned college credit is valid and can transfer to almost any college or university of your choice. (All of our Accelerated Pathways courses are regionally accredited and guaranteed to transfer!)

If you choose in-person college…

There will be several factors to consider, including whether you want to live on-campus (in a dorm) or off-campus. In addition to researching housing options, you’ll need to consider location, transportation, campus atmosphere, facilities, accessibility, course schedules, extracurricular activities and additional costs like meals, utilities, facility fees, etc.

Once you have a few colleges in mind, it’s a great idea to visit them or do a campus tour. This will allow you to get a better understanding of the logistics and other details you may not have previously considered. You’ll have a better opportunity to compare campuses and figure out the best fit based on your unique needs. On your visits, be sure to ask any questions that you’re still unsure about—clarify your perception vs. the reality of attendance.

3.       Talk with an academic advisor

Here’s the best news about choosing a college… help is available! There are experts who know all the ins-and-outs of college admissions, degree programs, costs and more. They can help you navigate your way to the right school.

In fact, our academic advisors do your college research for you... for free! We factor in:

• Which majors interest you?
• How many hours per week can you study?
• What do you want out of your college experience?
• Have you’ve already earned any college credit?

Our academic advisor will conduct intensive research of thousands of colleges based specifically on your circumstance and preferences. They’ll even find out which colleges accept any prior credit you may have. Finally, they'll give you a custom College Options Report with a side-by-side comparison of the degree programs that best fit your preferences.

While each educational institution has its own academic advisors who can tell you about their specific college programs, the academic advisors at Accelerated Pathways help you shop around and compare colleges. Why? Because we provide a different type of degree program—one that empowers you to earn your general education credit—fast and cheap—and then transfer it seamlessly to the college of your choice.

4.       Compare your final options

Once you narrow down your options, you’ll want to make final comparisons.

Consider key factors like:

• Which of the degrees can I obtain the fastest?   
• Which of the schools costs the least?
• Which of the options accepts most of my prior credit?
• Which degree can I finish completely online?

If you chat with one of our academic advisors, we'll carefully walk you through the College Options Report and explain the breakdown of colleges by degree, transferable credit, time to completion, cost and other important factors. In addition, you should go over these comparisons with parents, mentors or significant others. This is a big decision that may affect them too.

5.       Commit and work hard

Once you have enough information to make a college choice, commit to it and work hard! College will be difficult. It’ll require a lot of your time, focus and energy, and there will be moments when you just want to give up. Try to remember your intrinsic motivation, and think about why you wanted to be a better version of yourself—personally and professionally. Just know, you’re building a better future each time you sit down to study!

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Ready for a free college consultation from one of our world-class academic advisors? Why not find out your college options and get expert help making the right choice. Get started here!