Many excellent brick-and-mortar colleges exist in the New York City metro area, but not all residents can take advantage of them. These schools have not only become more expensive, but harder to get into. In response to the recent economic downturn, the state of New York has cut higher education services and raised undergraduate tuition at public colleges by 14 percent for New York residents (Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities). According to the New York Times, policies in the 1960s allowed New York public high school guidance counselors to tell students to apply to only three colleges. Students now apply to as many as twenty schools, and this glut of applicants means many are turned away.
The good news is that online schools in New York, Northern New Jersey, and Long Island are an excellent alternative, offering high-quality, flexible degree programs in a wide variety of subjects.
In-Depth Information About New York Online Degrees
Completing an accredited online program in New York means you can arm yourself with an education and you can emerge with a degree that showcases your achievements. Whether you want to be a business executive or a video game designer, there is probably an online school in New York offering the degree program you need to start your career. All of the following majors, identified by the U.S. Department of Education as the most popular among undergraduates, are offered by New York online schools:
- Business
- Social sciences
- Health sciences
- Education
Online Degree Programs in New York: Which Degree Levels Do They Offer?
Going to online schools in New York, you can earn an associate degree or become certified in particular trades or skills. Bachelor's degree programs abound, and it's even possible to get an advanced degree, such as a master's or PhD. Your earning potential may increase with each degree level you attain. 2009 numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that on average, someone with an associate degree out-earns someone with a high school diploma by $6,950 annually.
New York Degree Programs: What Are the Benefits?
Kiplinger reports that New York City is the most expensive place to live in the U.S., forcing many students to work while attending school. The flexibility of online schools in New York supports these dual activities. Because you can access the virtual classroom anywhere there is an Internet connection, you can pursue your education when your work schedule allows. You can also spare yourself a commute, as well as the time and money that travel requires. That said, some of the campus-based programs in the New York area offer classes that mix online with on-site instruction, giving you the best of both worlds.
Which Jobs in New York Can You Get After Earning Your Degree?
By completing a degree program in a New York online school, you can qualify for rewarding jobs in the metro area. Four popular jobs within the state and their respective median annual wages were gathered by the BLS in May 2014:
- Financial Manager: $187,490
- Computer Systems Analyst: $100,750
- Accountants and auditors: $96,740
- Health Educator: $52,990
These jobs are only a few of the many opportunities available to college graduates in New York. Market research analysts, health services managers, graphic designers, computer support specialists--the list of high-growth careers is extensive. Online schools in New York can help prepare you for this diverse and competitive labor market.