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Thread: University

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
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    Lightbulb University

    Does anyone here have any experience with universities such as University of Phoenix (www.phoenix.edu)? Good/Bad/Waste of money?

    A little background... I have a high school diploma, also a computer-related A.S. degree from a community college. Also took several general ed courses. I never got to pursue a B.S. degree due to financial and personal reasons. Basically I had to work.

    I am interested in pursing a B.S. degree now, especially a business-related degree since I am much more interested in business now and want to learn as much as possible.

    Anyway, I think it's probably too late to attend a normal state university for a B.S. as I am almost hitting 30, that and the cost is most likely very high... I'm coming across places like Phoenix that may be an alternative.

    Any thoughts?
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  2. #2
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    Oct 2007
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    I don't have any personal experience from online colleges such as University of Phoenix, so I can't say if they are good/bad.

    You should be asking yourself what your purpose is for going back to school. Better Job? Raise from current job? Further your education?

    If your just trying to learn more, then gather a collection of useful books and do more hands on stuff to experiment around with, it would probably be just as useful as University of Phoenix and other colleges similar to it, for a lot less money.
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  3. #3
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    Find a local university, and enroll there. Take maybe 1 or 2 physical classes, and 3 or so online/web classes. Most universities offer web classes today anyways.
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  4. #4
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    U. of Phoenix has been around for a while, and my impression is that they're decent. But do check your state university system. Being an older student is not such a big deal anymore, and it may well be a lot cheaper than going private, like Phoenix.
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  5. #5
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    Yea it's nearly impossible to have a class these days without any older people enrolled in it. You're only 30, there are people in their 50s going to class, no joke.
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  6. #6
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    I had a lady who was in her 60's in my Organizational management and behavior class.
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  7. #7
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    Random question... but do you need to pay to go to University in the US?? I mean like people coming from High school or College straight into University.
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  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by RH-Scott View Post
    Random question... but do you need to pay to go to University in the US?? I mean like people coming from High school or College straight into University.
    Yes, you normally have to pay something.

    Students may get some sort of tuition reimbursement depending on their GPA in High School; if you carry a 4.0 throughout High School, you MIGHT get a full ride, in that your college will be totally free.
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  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
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    New York Times article:
    http://uopsucks.com/nytimes.html

    The University of Phoenix became the nation’s largest private university by delivering high profits to investors and a solid, albeit low-overhead, education to midcareer workers seeking college degrees.

    But its reputation is fraying as prominent educators, students and some of its own former administrators say the relentless pressure for higher profits, at a university that gets more federal student financial aid than any other, has eroded academic quality.

    According to federal statistics and government audits, the university relies more on part-time instructors than all but a few other postsecondary institutions, and its accelerated academic schedule races students through course work in about half the time of traditional universities.

    Students....complained of instructional shortcuts, unqualified professors and recruiting abuses.
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  10. #10
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    I wrote my senior thesis on online colleges. You may private message me for more information, but essentially:

    Pros of U of P: Easy admission, online / flexible classes, quick degrees
    Cons: Significant accreditation issues, lack of employer recognition, cost [they happily finance, but the cost is high]

    I view University of Phoenix as akin to ITT Tech: it provides a degree of sorts, but its real value in the marketplace is difficult to determine.

    -Mike
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  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
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    Unfortunately, in the US you need to pay for your college education.

    There are programs like FAFSA which will help you pay for your education and expenses, but it is limited to those with low income and for a certain period of time.

    Again, countries like France give free education and us being the "richest" country in the world can't.

    Peace,
    Testing 1.. Testing 1..2.. Testing 1..2..3...
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