(ARA) –  In a competitive job market, earning a degree can be the biggest single step one can take to enhance career value and earning potential. As many bask in the glow of making plans to increase their career potential, the prospect of paying for college is a sobering reality.

Few of us have funds set aside for this endeavor. In addition, the College Board's annual "Trends in College Pricing" reports a rise in tuition costs at public and private institutions for the 2009-2010 school year. According to the report, annual tuition and fees at private four-year colleges rose 4.4 percent to $26,273, and public university costs rose 6.5 percent to $7,020.

Prospective students often don't know where to start. But take heart; Darlene Violet, director of Financial Aid at Brown Mackie College – Akron, Ohio,  offers advice on funding your education. "The U.S. Department of Education distributes $96 billion a year in grants, work-study assistance, and low-interest loans," Violet says. "Every student begins the process of seeking financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, known as the 'FAFSA.'" Information submitted on the FAFSA form determines the amount a student may receive through a federal Pell Grant, which is based on financial need. The recent economic stimulus program increased Pell Grant funds by $500 per student. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Beyond completing the FAFSA, many turn next to student loans. "An education is always a good investment," says Violet, "but many people don't realize the loans must be paid back starting six months after leaving school. I advise students to seek out and apply for scholarships." Wide varieties of organizations offer scholarships, from fraternities and sororities to community groups, foundations, and corporations. Winning candidates receive funds based on a vast spectrum of criteria, including ethnicity and cultural heritage. "Students just don't take the time to find them," Violet continued. "It can be a lot of work." Read this article »

Online degree programs present affordable, flexible educational alternatives for both first-time and returning students. No matter if your goal is to earn your first college degree, increase your earning potential in your current career, or work towards a degree as part of a career change, an online school may be your best choice that will allow you to achieve your educational goals without disrupting your current career or schedule.

The flexible schedule and self-paced aspect of online degree programs allows working parents, and busy professionals to complete a college degree while maintaining other work or life obligations. Because you are choose when and where you study, online accredited degrees allow you to spend more time with your family, earning a living, or even partaking in your favorite hobbies.

The self-paced aspect of online courses is ideal for students who want to work quickly to finish a degree program, as well as for individuals who appreciate the ability to schedule schoolwork around other responsibilities, or who could benefit from the opportunity to take more time to fully absorb course materials before moving to a new subject. Read this article »

Get an accredited online Associate degree, you can increase your earning potential and career opportunities.

How to get an Associate degree online is a question that many people have. An Associate Degrees defined as usually a 2-year degree. In the past, it was necessary to attend a community college or university in order to earn an accredited degree. Online and distance learning programs makes it possible to earn your Associate Degree allowing you to study anywhere and anytime you want, 24/7. Once you earn your associates degree online, you typically need another 2 years or 60 credit hours to earn a bachelor degree.

You can earn your Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree, and then, have the option of transferring to a university to pursue a bachelor degree online or physically attend the school.

Many students bypass the four-year degree to enter the workforce straight out of career schools or colleges with their Associates Degree. Job opportunities in some of the most vibrant and growing fields today, such as healthcare disciplines, criminal justice, graphic arts, and business are available to those possessing a two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Earn an online associates degree counseling and psychology to pursue a rewarding career helping others. Other in-demand jobs that Associate Degree graduates are targeting include paralegal, computer programming and information technology management and veterinary technician.

Continuing education is just a step away and to earn your Associates Degree online for the tools that will prepare you for a better future. You’ll drastically increase both your career and income potential.

Just choose the online associate degree program that you are interested in and then request information from each of the online schools that has the online associate degree program that are best for you. It’s as simple as that! eLearningYellowPages.com makes it easier than ever to research the schools that offer your chosen major, so that you can make the most educated decision.