The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that bachelor's degree-holders earn about $20,800 more annually than those with only high school diplomas. However, due to recent budget cuts in Nevada and around the country, higher education funding has been drastically reduced, which has resulted in increased tuition, teacher layoffs, reduced programs, and enrollment caps. In Nevada, one of the states hardest hit and a state which contains many rural areas underserved by traditional college campuses, Nevada online colleges might provide valuable educational opportunities.
What Are Online Colleges in Nevada All About?
In case you're concerned about the quality of online colleges in Nevada versus traditional ones, you should know that a May 2009 U.S. Department of Education study found that, by and large, students who took all or part of their classes online actually saw better outcomes than those students taking all of their classes through face-to-face instruction -- this is often due to students being able to spend more time with material. While online learning requires students to be highly disciplined in order to complete their studies, motivated students should find that online colleges in Nevada offer excellent flexibility, course selection, and academic quality.
Degrees Offered via Nevada Online Colleges
Nevada online colleges generally offer the same degree programs that you can find at traditional on-ground schools. Nevada college degree programs available online include:
- Associate's degrees: An associate's degree program usually takes two years to complete and typically provides students with specific career training, like becoming a paralegal or dental hygienist.
- Bachelor's degrees: A bachelor's degree usually takes four years to complete (when attending full-time), and involves a major area of specialization along with general education courses.
- Master's degrees: It usually takes two years of full-time study to earn a master's degree, which gives college graduates a level of expertise in their fields.
- Doctoral degrees: The doctor of philosophy (PhD) usually takes at least four years of study beyond the the bachelor's degree, along with a rigorous dissertation process.
Online colleges in Nevada can offer the degree program that suits your goals and interests, regardless of your chosen field.
Tangible Benefits of Attending Online Colleges in Nevada
Earning a college degree can not only lead you to the career of your choosing, but it can help you to increase your earnings, too. The BLS says that the higher your level of education, the higher median weekly earnings tend to be. In 2009, the BLS reported that degree-holders had the following median weekly earnings:
- High school diploma: $626 per week
- Associate's degree: $761
- Bachelor's degree: $1,025
- Master's degree: $1,257
- Doctoral degree: $1,532
Online classes can be completed at your own pace, so you can arrange to study at whatever times are best. Nevada online colleges can also help you to save money by enabling you to pursue your education while maintaining your existing work schedule.
Snapshot of the Job Market in Nevada
Nevada isn't all casinos and showgirls, although the tourism industry is the state's biggest source of revenue. The BLS reports an average annual salary for residents as $40,400 in 2009, and Nevada's top five industries are:
- Leisure/hospitality
- Trade, transportation, and utilities
- Government
- Professional/business services
- Education and health services
Whether you plan to work in hospitality management or health care, Nevada online colleges can help you succeed.
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