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After being initially unsure about online colleges in general, I must say that after completing my network/security program at ABTU, I can't envision doing it any other way. ABTU has a pleasantly unique set up that allows weekly live web communication and screen sharing between classmates and instructors, eliminating the feeling of learning all by yourself . The program really helped me get the knowledge I needed, that eventually led me into the network admin position at my work. The staff and after... Read More hours support are incredible, its great knowing my questions can get answered or issues resolved as quick as a phone call or web-chat. You'd imagine this level of interaction and service would come with a hefty tuition price, right? NOPE! i completed without using any student loans. The school is dedicated to helping students graduate debt-free by offering low tuition rates, and really helping students find alternative funding sources, set up comfortable payment plans, and apply for institutional scholarships and discounts. Your time is too valuable, and college is too costly to choose the wrong one, I recommend giving ABTU a shot.

I've beena attending Ashworth since 2006, I've graduated from Ashworth with four Career Diplomas in Forensic Science, Private Investigation, Computer Repair, all with Honors, and another in Locksmithing. The Associates degree I earned from them was in Criminal Justice w/Honors. I am currently taking there Undergraduate Certificate program in Computer Information Management just cause I got it for a cheap price. There student services in my opinion use to be better than today, before 2010-ish, you... Read More could call and get someone on the phone, now, they call back in "24 hrs" at THERE conveinvience. So if you work full time, like EVERYONE that goes to there school, you can't be in a place for them to reach you unless your boss doesn't mind you talking on your cell phone while working if possible with text books in hand. Who has a call back service for an online college for working people, that calls back at there convenience? It thought they were all about it? Anyway, my experiences as a majority have been good, I could have finished my programs sooner, but I was lazy. I would recommend them to anyone, not just people on a budget, I have had many positive experiences because of ashworth, Locksmithing: I actually transferred depts within the company I was working for after receiving this diploma and went from making $12.35 to $13.21. I worked alone and at my own pace, the diploma paved the way to building BEST master core systems for General Motors. Forensic Science: Helped me getting onto a local police department, where I could give back to the community, also helped me HATE the show Bones, lol. Computer Repair: I did this just for self improvement, I took some computer repair courses in high school, but never finished, this helped bring me closure for that. Private Investigation: I did this for future prospects in opening my business later on, and as a backup plan, since there is a large calling for PI's in my area, Why? I dont know. Associates in Criminal Justice: I really wanted this degree to help myself better understand the Police Science. And of course to get on full time with a dept, which it did help. Computer Information Management: I did this because I wanted to know about networking so I could not seem so nieve when talking to family who does this as a profession, & have some type of knowledge and background in Networking as a backup plan to the job i'm currently working, in case of layoff, etc. Also I got it at a ridiculous price. lol. $35 a credit hour! You probably don't believe me, but I did get it at that price.

I registered for a university when I graduated from college. Nobody checked my background to see if I had a degree or any certificates and so I was planted into Computer Engineering without the required prior IT education. I stayed for one semester, dropped out and spent the next 10 years trying to figure out how to get back in college. One day I learned that s cousin, supervisor, and two co-workers were all registered at Baker and that Baker accepts tuition assistance from my job. The Website made... Read More it easy to research the school and the 1-800 number answered all my remaining questions. The online registration system made it easy to get started and my First Year Advisor has been patient, allowing me to email her any relevant questions. The first class you get familiarizes you with how Baker's Online classes work. Most of my teachers so far (I'm in my 11th class) have required the "naming convention" and APA citations. Some let people post however the post. I notice the class size halves by the end, so maybe if you do crap work, you get crap grades? Three of my teachers have been really trying in that they blatantly did not answer questions and would tell you to contact the Helpdesk or sign up for tutoring if you didn't understand something. Most, however were helpful, upbeat, and really added to "discussion". Some encouraged me to check out other books outside of homework if I was curious (I always am). My current one asks questions but doesn't participate at all. Not. At. All. My classes have had books in the $10-$160 range. My technical classes and math classes required me to download software (you might want a 500 GB hard drive to play it safe). One class required that I get a membership with Adobe paying $30 a month to get the software I needed and all future updates. What else... I cannot maintain my social life, hobbies, and do a couple classes. I don't know if I'm doing it wrong or if this is normal for Baker Online, but all I can do is one class with hobbies, my job, and socializing. I do homework and studying from 6pm-11pm (with house chores thrown in there somewhere). I tend to take a class, maybe two back to back, and then a break otherwise I start getting really irritable and stressed out. You can expect to read through your entire textbook (maybe minus a chapter or two) for each class... Or at least be expected the teacher to ask you to. Some co-workers tell me they don't read and they pass the classes with Cs. What I like about Baker is that they do have an online library available; You can check your grades, balances, required books, progress, and assignments online; you can check what classes you need, available classes, and register online; and you can purchase books online. My experience doing "online" with two other schools didn't do any of this. What I dislike about Baker Online is that some teachers get away with not being helpful or responsive. The only actual facilitator - from what I understand - is supposed to be on your first class ("college success and something or other"). If you're getting paid for me to treat you like a teacher, I expect you to interact just as much and just as kindly as me. Anyway, if you register for Baker, mind your Ps and Qs! There's no undo or recall button, lol.

This school is by far the most fun and easy going school I’ve ever attended. Granted, it is my first program, but my experience in the last 2 terms have been very eventful. Professor go to the ends to help you understand the material. They all actually care about your well being and not only the academics. They are not boring and try to keep things spicy when there’s an ounce of anxiousness or awkwardness from a silent room. I’m looking forward to the next 6 terms. I am happy with my decision with... Read More picking Stanbridge university as my school for the PTA program.