Online Schools in Pennsylvania (PA)

A college degree is a smart first step toward a thriving career. For students considering higher education and career opportunities in Pennsylvania, there are numerous options available. One of the most versatile is earning a Pennsylvania online degree.

A college degree is a smart first step toward a thriving career. For students considering higher education and career opportunities in Pennsylvania, there are numerous options available. One of the most versatile is earning a Pennsylvania online degree.

Living and working in Pennsylvania

The largest cities in Pennsylvania are Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where the majority of jobs and educational opportunities are found. The state capital of Harrisburg also offers employment opportunities in government and civil service.

Philadelphia, which has strong employment in higher education and health services, benefits from its location in the Northeast corridor, which offers infrastructure and skilled employees for a wide range of businesses looking to expand in the region. On the other side of the state, Pittsburgh has moved from a steel- and coal-based economy to a science and technology center, led by the University of Pittsburgh.

Training at Pennsylvania online schools

Pennsylvania possesses a strong and well-established public university system, which includes the 14 state-owned schools that make up the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PSSHE). The Quaker State also has 15 publicly funded technical and community colleges, as well as dozens of private colleges and universities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education reports that Pennsylvania has the fourth highest enrollment of college and university students by state, and provides $452 million in grant money to support the education and career objectives of these students. Despite this fact, the cost of higher education is a growing concern.

A recent report by PASSHE shows that students from low-income families--those earning less than $50,000 annually--have an average gap of $7,247 between their college fees and what they are able to pay through grants and family support.

To help make ends meet, some students may consider one of the online schools in Pennsylvania. An online education enables students to work even as they study, paying for their education and supporting themselves and their families. Online programs provide the flexibility of not having to relocate to pursue a degree in health care, administration, a legal specialization or virtually any career path.

Growing careers in Pennsylvania

With a strong economy, Pennsylvania can expect growth in a number of sectors, including health care, the financial industry, education and other dominant sectors of the state's economy.

According to employment and 2010 income data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following three careers are projected to experience growth by 2018:

1. Personal and home care aides: There were 37,200 home care aides employed in Pennsylvania in 2008, with a projected 22 percent growth in this health care field. Mean annual income: $22,130. Education required: Associate degree or career college program.
2. Veterinary technologists and technicians: 21 percent growth anticipated in this field. Mean salary: $31,980. Education required: Associate or bachelor's degree.
3. Computer software engineers: Those working on applications can expect 24 percent growth, while 15 percent growth is expected among computer engineers who create systems software. Mean salary: $82,510 for applications engineers, $94,800 for software engineers. Education required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent training and experience.

Additionally, the two largest employers in the state are Wal-Mart and the University of Pennsylvania. The BLS reports that the mean annual income across all employment sectors was $43,050 in Pennsylvania in 2010. Pennsylvania online schools can help you take advantage of the many employment opportunities this state has to offer.