I'm a 30 year old father of two working a full time night job.  I'm interested in expanding my education through an online school to further my goals of taking care of my family.  I haven't done anything remotely school related in over 10 years.  Looking at some remedial algebra math problems i shook my head and said "I can't remember this" and have put the whole online education thing on the back burner.  This was a few months ago and i think i'm ready to really start doing something like this.  I've been researching online programs and my area of interest is information security.  I have no idea where to start but i did register at the DoE's FAFSA website and received a pin.  I'm just feeling a bit daunted by what would need to be done to begin something like this and was curious as to where to actually start off getting my education furthered.

Well, you're off to a good start.  So answer these questions and let's see where we get:

1.) What degree level are you currently at?

2.) What degree level do you want to be at?

3.) What major are you interested in?

4.) What do you want to do with this degree once earned?

Ok the degree level i'm currently at is high school graduate.

I want to be at Bachelors.  I am interested in Information Technology and once this degree is earned i'd like to use it to make a better life for myself and my family.  I'm at the point in my life where while my job is sufficient to pay the bills we are living paycheck to paycheck and i'm getting frustrated with it.  My reasoning is by the time i am finished with school the economy ( hopefully) will be recovered enough where a bachelors degree would put me in a position to be able to provide things that not having one just won't do. 

Hello, I think that you should first start reviewing the basics courses( like taking some time reading books) then after you could proceed at any plan you wish to take so you will not find it hard to move on during the learning process.

 

Most adult students (including me) were in the exact same situation.  For the most part, colleges realize their adult students have not been in school for a long time and they tailor their courses accordingly.  I never did learn algebra in high school, but I learned it while studying my Business Math course at Penn Foster College and got an A for the course.  I never earned an A in math in high school, ever.  If you feel you need to brush up on your skills, there are plenty of CLEP study guides out there which cover the basic subjects, and if you become proficient at the study guides you may even be able to take the CLEP exams and test out of the basic education requirements of your degree.

 

Good luck!

After some research i've narrowed down my choices to either Virgina College or Baker College.  I like the fact that Virginia college rolls the book costs and fees into the tuition cost but i like the price of baker college as it is over half of what Virginia college costs.  Both seem reputable from what i've read and to be honest i'm not sure if i can use student loans to pay for books and fees. Any insights on that stuff?

Yes, you can use student loans for books and fees.  I'd choose Baker College over Virginia College, especially if Baker is cheaper.  Baker is more prestigious, and has earned a good reputation for doing online programs well.

-=Steve=-

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B.S., Info Sys, Charter Oak State College
M.A., Educational Tech Leadership, George Washington University
Doctor of Health Education, A.T. Still University, in progress